Talk

Flip

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

The litter tray

Tell me about your Maine Coons!

25 replies

MoltenLight · 06/06/2018 22:05

We are finally moving into a rental that allows pets and in a months time, we are picking up a 15mo Maine Coon girlie The breeder changed her breeding programme so she’s spaying and rehoming her. She’ll be indoor only and have the run of our 3 storey house with lots of hidey holes and perches.

I’ve been doing tons of research and have an Amazon wish list as long as my arm of bits and bobs for her and I know about the breeds temperament, but I’d love to hear stories and see some pics of your actual fur babies

Any tips are very welcome, I grew up having moggies so I know cats, but I hear MCs are a different ballgame!

OP posts:

Report

LetItGoToRuin · 07/06/2018 09:57

Ooh, lucky you! We have two Maine Coons, brother and sister, which we’ve had since they were 13 weeks. They’re 11 years old now, and are indoor cats. They are quite timid with strangers, and will hide for a bit and then gradually make themselves known, but once they know someone they’re very friendly. They make a big thud when they jump off the bed or windowsill which can be alarming in the night! Very chatty (pathetic miaows though!) and they always want to hang out near to people.

They certainly have us well trained. Our boy will sit on a lap if there’s a cushion on it (posh cat!), but the girl will call from the other side of the room, demanding attention. She will sit on a chair which I’ll drag into position next to me so I can stroke her. She also flops on the floor in the middle of the room, just where you’re about to head, to make sure she gets some attention on the way. Our boy has a real sense of humour – he’ll tuck himself under a rug or wrap himself in a visitor’s handbag strap, just to look silly and get attention. He’ll also play pouncing games and peekaboo behind the sofa. I always play with them before bedtime – it only takes 5 mins as they’re very lazy these days – but I get told off (scratching at bedroom door) if I try to skip it!

They’re pretty laid back generally, and intelligent enough to know when you’re trying to help them. For example, occasionally one of them will have a bit of a toileting accident and will need their bottom trimming/washing, and DH and I have never had a scratch from them while this is going on. Similarly worming or medicating, and claw clipping. Not a problem at all (maybe we’re just lucky).

The long hair is a bit of a pain – sticks to your clothes and everything in the house. Regular grooming is the obvious answer, but there will still be hairballs at times! I sometimes give them some malt paste which is supposed to help the hairballs pass through their system more easily – not sure how much difference it really makes though, to be honest!

Maine Coons can be prone to sensitive stomachs. Our boy can’t tolerate normal dry food so we give them Royal Canin Sensitive dry food, which they’ve been fine with. Wet food is no problem. Our boy just eats what he needs, but the girl is a bit greedy so did get slightly overweight so we had to be careful. She’s lost a bit as she’s got older which is a good thing.

They’ve been very healthy. They have an annual check-up, and have once had their teeth cleaned under GA. The boy is just starting to seem a little cautious in his movement, so we’re trying him on Metacam to see if it makes any difference, but that’s the first concern we’ve had.

I’ll try to find a picture of them. Good luck with your new arrival!