Breed: Maine Coon
Temperament: gentle
Cost: starting from$800 for pets more for show
Lifespan: 13 years plus
Recommended for: any cat lover

GROOMING: Semi long coat requires 10 minutes per week. Moults yearly.

CHILD COMPATIBILITY: Good with kids. Able to take some rough handling. Not aggressive.

TEMPERAMENT: Playful and energetic.

ACTIVITY LEVEL: An active cat, likes to play. Toys are suggested for appropriate stimulation.

AVAILABILITY: Only about 5 breeders in Australia. Expect waiting lists.

TRAINABILITY: Breeders sat they are intelligent and easy to house train.

SATISFACTION RATING: Breeders report no problems with new owners.

AGGRESSION: Not a distant or aggressive cat, although it is an accomplished hunter.

HEALTH & LIFESPAN: 13 years. Heart and hip problems can be inherited but should be screed for.

NOISE: Not a noisy, demanding cat. "Trills" rather than purrs.

INDOORS POTENTIAL Good indoors. Needs toys and a scratching pole to keep it away from the curtains. Likes time outdoors. Enjoys hunting.

IDEAL FOR: All cat lovers. Preferably those with time to groom.

POPULARITY: Not a very well known cat beyond the local cat community.

TURN-ONS: Very friendly towards all people.

TURN-OFFS: Bigger eater than most cats. Requires grooming.

INTERESTING FACTS: Known as the "American Barn Cat"

History

The state cat of Maine, America. Commonly known in the States as the American barn cat. There are many unsubstantiated rumours as to its history. The name is derived from the state whilst the "Coon" probably originated from similarities with the racoon. The breed is similar in size to the Norwegian Forest Cat and has only been in Australia since the late eighties. There are only a handful of breeders in the country.

Appearance

A strong, large-boned animal with a semi-long, silky coat. Main Coon’s have large, lynx-like ears, a square muzzle, almond shaped eyes and a very large bushy tail. Maine is a cold state, often reaching below zero degrees in winter. The cat’s coat is particularly suited to these conditions. Even the feet have tufts of hair and a ruff will eventually grow around the neck, much the same as a lion. This is a large breed, one of the largest domestic breeds around (Norwegian Forest cats are also quite heavy). Males can weigh around 10kg, females around 8kg. Perhaps because of their large size, these cats take longer to physically mature, around three years. In Australia they come in browns, tabbies, tortoise shell, creams, reds, silvers, blues and soon a black will be imported. Any of these colours may appear with or without white.

Temperament

Breeders say the Maine Coon is an extremely affectionate cat without being over demanding. They will constantly want to play and have a gentle nature – often called by breeders the ‘gentle giant.’ They don’t ‘meow’ like other cats but rather ‘chirp’ with a trill. Breeders say the animal is great with kids as it won’t feel threatened due to its large size. It is a gentle breed that can handle a little rough play. They get on well with children, dogs and other pets. Maine Coons are accomplished hunters and if allowed to roam outside are likely to catch and kill natives. Breeders recommend keeping the felines inside or erecting a cat enclosure.

Grooming

Although the coat is semi- long and thick, it doesn’t matt quickly. However the long, shaggy coat does require regular grooming. Once per week for about 10 minutes with a fine tooth-comb will usually suffice although the cat is often happy to be brushed longer. They do moult.

Activity level

Although an active cat, small things amuse them and toys, scratching poles and discipline will help avoid them getting into too much mischief.

Health and lifespan

A hardy cat. With proper breeding practices, there shouldn’t be any major day-to-day health issues. Cardiomyopathy (a heart disease which causes thickening of the heart walls) and Hip Dysplasia (a problem found more commonly in dog breeds and attributed to the cat’s size and weight) are found in the breed, although these conditions can be tested for. Feeding a vet recommended dry food will control the cat’s growth and development and help to reduce the hip condition. Some breeders will actually provide a copy of the tests to any new owners. These cats live for around 13 years.

Breeding and costs

There are currently only a handful of people in Australia breeding the Maine Coon cat. Around four kittens per litter would be the norm. Desexed pets cost around $800, this includes the cost of desexing, vaccinations, and microchipping. Prices go up for show quality cats. Food will cost around $7.00 per week.

Ideal owner

Breeders say Maine Coons are quite good as housecats as they are neat and easily house trained. Maine Coons are efficient hunters – bear this in mind if letting your cat outside to play. Good with kids and elderly alike, the breed is suitable for all cat lovers.

Further information

We filmed this segment in Sydney with Lisa Pickup. Breeders are limited and waiting lists may apply.
 

Fiona Cooper
Glossodia
Phone: (02) 4576 5404

Cathy Walker
Leura
Phone:(02) 47829812

Lisa Pickup
Wedderburn
Phone: (02) 4634 1082

Rhonda Zimmer
Muswellbrook
PHone (02) 6541 2818
Web: exquisitecats.com

Anne Harvey
Phone: (07) 412 86505

Sue and Dick Wye
Townsville
Phone: (07) 47887337

Copyright CTC Productions 2004