How to Select a Maine Coon

The Maine coon is a solid, rugged working cat that can withstand a harsh climate. Maine coons are known for their shaggy tails, tufts on the paws and ears, and longer fur on the belly for protection in cold environments.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cat Beds
• Cat Carriers
• Cat Collars
• Cat Combs/brushes
• Cat Dishes
• Cat Foods
• Cat Litters
• Cat Scratchers
• Cat Shampoos
• Cat Toys
• Cat Treats

1. Find a responsible breeder who will guarantee that your Maine coon is in good health and doesn't have feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

2. Expect to pay between $200 and $400 for your Maine coon.

3. Pick up and hold the cat or kitten to check for good muscle tone.

4. Make sure that the cat isn't sneezing or sniffling, that the eyes have no discharge and that the ears are clean and pink inside.

5. Examine the cat's fur, which should be smooth but a little shaggy and have no bald patches or signs of dry or flaky skin.

6. Check for fleas behind the ears and at the base of the tail - flea dirt, which looks like black sand, is a sure sign.

7. Get a written sales agreement from the breeder that provides the breeder's health guarantee.

8. Take your Maine coon to your veterinarian as soon as possible to confirm that the cat is healthy.

9. Take home a kitten no younger than 12 weeks of age.

10. Plan to keep your Maine coon inside and to have the cat neutered or spayed. Vets say it's the best way to keep cats happy and disease-free and to prolong their lives.

Tips & Warnings

• Most Maine coons can be trained to use a leash.

• The Maine coon loves people but takes a laid-back approach when it comes to affection. This cat would rather hang out in a chair or on the floor next to you, but always wants to be in the same room.

• Maine coons generally get along well with other cats and even dogs, and prefer to play with toys close to the ground rather than climbing in high places.

• Although the Maine coon's hair is quite long, it needs to be brushed just once a week.

• Originally, many had extra toes (the condition is called polydactyly), but this trait has been bred out of the Maine coon.

• Maine coons tend to inherit hip dysplasia, which can cause lameness in extreme cases, and cardiomyopathy, which can cause a minor heart murmur or severe heart trouble in the worst cases. Ask your breeder if these problems have shown up in the cat's lineage.