There are several ways to identify a maine coon (American long-haired cat). One way is to pay attention to body features such as coarse hair, pointed tail and ears, and a pair of large eyes. Since the maine coon is a friendly and playful cat breed, you can identify it by paying attention to the cat's behavior and personality. In addition, maine coons can be identified by performing a DNA test at the nearest veterinary clinic.
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Method 1 of 3: Identifying a Cat by Noting Its Body Features
Step 1. Pay attention to the length of the cat's hair
Maine coons have long, coarse hair. Although not thick, the Maine Coon's hair is still thicker than normal cats. The maine coon's legs, tail, and ears are covered with fluffy hair. Maine coons have hair that is shorter in the front and longer in the back. In addition, maine coons have hair that is short on the front and long on the back.
Maine coons generally have hair with a brown tabi pattern. However, the maine coon has 75 different patterns and colors
Step 2. Watch the big cat
Maine coon is a type of cat with the largest body size. Maine coons have a body that looks sturdy and rugged. Some people think the maine coon is a small bobcat. If your cat is larger than the average cat, it may be a maine coon.
- Male Maine Coons generally have a body weight of 7-11 kg. Maine coon females generally weigh 5-7 kg. If your cat is a similar weight, it is probably a maine coon.
- Male Maine Coons generally have a body height of 25-40 cm and 100 cm long. The female Maine Coon is generally 20-35 cm tall and 100 cm long. Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the length and height of the cat.
Step 3. Touch the cat
Maine coons have thick, greasy hair that protects their bodies in winter. Maine coons have large, fluffy tails. The maine coon's tail serves to warm its body when resting and sleeping. Maine Coon's hair is quite thin. His body is muscular and quite solid.
Step 4. Pay attention to other maine coon body characteristics
Maine coons have muscular legs and are of medium length. The maine coon's feet are generally quite proportional to its body. The maine coon's body is elongated and not shortened. The maine coon's tail is quite wide at the base, and tapers off gradually. Try touching the maine coon's shoulder with its tail. If the tail touches or almost hits the shoulder, the cat is probably a maine coon. Maine Coon tails have long, wavy hair. In addition, also pay attention to the pointy ears. Maine Coon ears are quite wide at the base, then tapered. Maine Coon ears are also quite close to each other, the distance between the two ears does not exceed the width of the ear.
- Generally, there is hair growing inside the ear. Most European breed cats have ear hair that resembles a Lynx.
- Maine coons will place their tails around their bodies to keep them warm in cold weather. The maine coon's tail is fluffy and quite long.
Step 5. Notice the big eyes
The maine coon's eyes are slightly slanted, not completely round. His eye color is generally green or golden yellow. Some maine coons have blue eyes.
Step 6. Watch for its long growth
Most cats reach their peak of growth when they are 12 months old. However, a maine coon can take up to two years. Some maine coons even take four years to grow. If your cat continues to grow, it may be a maine coon.
Method 2 of 3: Identifying a Maine Coon by Noting Other Characteristics
Step 1. Notice his friendly demeanor
Maine coons are known as friendly and calm natured animals. They get along quite well with other pets and children. If your cat has these characteristics, it is probably a maine coon.
Step 2. Watch for a cat who loves water
Maine coons love to swim and spill water. Maine coons are also known to like to play in the toilet. If your cat seems to like water a lot, and has other characteristics of a maine coon, it is probably a maine coon.
Step 3. Watch the cat's dog-like behavior
Most people think of dogs as open and loyal animals. Like dogs, maine coons are known to be trustworthy and playful pets. If your cat often greets you in the morning or when you come home, it may be a maine coon.
Step 4. Perform genetic testing
One way to identify a maine coon is by genetic testing. This process requires your veterinarian or other medical professional to take a sample of your cat's DNA. Generally, genetic testing can be done by taking skin cells from the inside of the cheek, taking blood, or cutting the cat's hair. The vet will use the DNA sample to compare the cat's genome with the maine coon's DNA, and then find the similarities.
Genetic testing is 90% accurate
Step 5. Pay attention to the cat's health
Maine coons generally have a healthy body. However, the maine coon usually catches two diseases. One, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the walls of the heart thicken. Two, hip dysplasia, a disease caused by the maine coon's hips being not fully formed, causing pain and inflammation in the joints.
- Before buying a maine coon, the breeder should check the maine coon to make sure the cat doesn't have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Because the maine coon has a large body, it is quite difficult to prevent hip dysplasia. Veterinarians can help treat and treat your cat if he has this disease.
Method 3 of 3: Adopt a Maine Coon
Step 1. Make sure maine coon is the right choice for you
Like most cats, the maine coon takes time and materials. You have to spend Rp. 5,500,000 to Rp. 14,000,000 to buy this cat. You should also set aside money for other necessities such as cat food, litter boxes, and routine health checks. In addition, the maine coon is a playful animal, he needs affection and attention every day. If you have a lot of work to do, choose a pet that doesn't require extra energy.
If you want to keep a less active maine coon, consider adopting an adult cat
Step 2. Choose a trusted maine coon breeder
A trusted breeder may not sell a maine coon (or any other cat breed) for an entire year. You also can't buy maine coons online or adopt more than one maine coon. The breeder will provide a contract that stipulates what will happen if the maine coon is not properly cared for. The breeder will also provide a variety of information about the cat's pedigree and health.
Contact Maine Coon Cattery Indonesia or the Cat Fanciers Association for a list of trusted breeders near you
Step 3. Consider other alternatives
One way to buy a maine coon is through a maine coon breeder. However, you can also adopt a maine coon through animal protection organizations such as Maine Coon Adoptions or Maine Coon Rescue. Contact the organization to adopt a maine coon.
Step 4. Visit maine coon before buying it
A trusted cat breeder or dealer will allow you to meet the maine coon where he was raised. Maine coons must be raised indoors. Be wary of breeders who allow you to find maine coons in locations that are not where the maine coons were raised (usually in the breeder's home).
- If the maine coon was raised in a cage that was small, dirty, or overcrowded, find another breeder. The Maine Coon may be diseased or infested with fleas.
- Don't adopt an isolated maine coon. Maine coons will find it difficult to socialize with humans or other pets in your household.
Step 5. Be patient, Maine coons may not always be available
A well-bred cat takes about 12-16 weeks to separate from its mother. In addition, most breeders have a waiting list. Therefore, the maine coon buying process is quite long and difficult.
