We are the proud winners of the 2006 - 2009 winner of the Muse Medallion for Online Magazine by The Cat Writers? Association in their annual Communications Contest! (Photo courtesy of Weems Hutto). On November 17, 2007 Felinexpress.com was honored to receive The President's Award by the Cat Writers' Association. We are very proud to have earned this distinction and will continue to provide quality information for all cat lovers. |
Maine Coon Cat
Appearance History Personality Maine Coon cats love routine and even moving furniture in your home can be met with noisy feline disapproval. Some owners describe Maine Coons as “almost doglike.” Goofy and clumsy in a comical way, curious, and wanting to be in everyone’s business at all times. But anyone who owns a Maine Coon will attest that these are “awesome cats!” Health-Genetic traits The symptoms of HCM can sneak up gradually or hit suddenly depending on how much damage has been done internally. Clots can form and break loose causing paralysis of the rear limbs or saddle thrombus. Commonly found in cats under five years old, there is currently no cure for HCM. Spinal Muscular Atrophy- SMA is a disorder that affects the spinal neurons causing them to die off. Muscle weakness occurs; the kitten develops a funny sideways gait to its walk. They can appear clumsy, but in reality they are balancing on their toes to jump up on objects and losing their balance easily. Atrophy of the muscles soon follows. There is a genetic test that will let the owner know if the litter is fighting this genetic disorder. The kittens do not appear to be in pain, but they will be carriers of this disorder their entire life. Hip Dysplasia- A hereditary disease that affects the hip joint causing the hip socket to slip during movement. The movement causes great pain for the cat, causing her to limit movement, appear fatigued and stiff when she does move. There is a test that reputable breeders can ask for from the vet, to find out if their lines are susceptible to this painful disease. Finding a Kitten You will pay more for a show kitten, versus a pet quality kitten or a retired breeder. Prices vary, Pet kittens sell starting at $300.00 and go up. Show kittens start at $1,500.00. Steer clear of kitty mills and find reputable breeders that have solid contracts, good health contracts and do not release the kitten at 5-6 weeks of age. Entertainment Factor They love attention, and will try and stop people from leaving for work, will scratch at the bathroom door until let into the room. Carol, a Maine Coon breeder finally ended up installing a cat door in her bathroom door so her cats could come and go at will. Maine Coon cats love to climb and jump. Sandie, who owns three Maine Coon Cats says every time she starts fixing dinner, her Maine Coons jump on the counter to lend a hand! When she shoos them off, they end up intertwining between her legs and she has to watch her step or she will end up with dinner on the floor (this being her cats’ plan not hers). When they sleep, they like to wrap their tail all the way around their body. Mary Anne Miller is a free lance writer, website content provider and member of The Cat Writers’ Association. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
? Copyright 2006-2010 Felinexpress.com, All Rights Reserved |