Maine Coon Cats - Pictures

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Maine Coon Cats - Polydactyly

Some original Maine Coon cats were polydactyls (had extra toes), or even hyperdactyls, having 8 or even 10 digits on each paw. During Medieval times any unusual animal was put to death due to superstitions. The only polydactyls that exist today are Maine Coons. They are automatically disqualified from some shows while for others it's not important.

The polydactyl gene is dominant and such cases are not rare. These cats require extra trimming. If nails are not trimmed, there may be interdigital infections or traumatic injury. Veterinarians do not consider polydactylism to be a deformity or a handicapping condition; it's just a deviation from the normal form. There are a limited number of breeders who breed Maine Coon Cats polydactyls.

Maine Coon Cats - Personality

Maine Coon Cats are highly people-oriented and not overly dependent. They are not lap cats and like to investigate everything and accompany people. The males are easy-going and amusing, the females retain more dignity, but both remain playful throughout their lives. They like to chase and fetch objects on the ground. The Maine Coon cat makes an ideal domestic pet and an able mouser and ratter. Maine Coon Cats get along well with children, other cats and dogs, but may be reserved towards unknown people and new situations.

Maine Coon Cats - Health

Maine Coon Cats develop slowly and don't achieve their full size until they are 3-5 years old. Middle-aged Maine Coon Cats are likely to have weight problems, so at the age of 5-10 years feed them only low-calorie food. The most common inherited problems in Maine Coon Cats is hip dysplasia, which can lead to lameness, and cardiomyopathy, causing minor to severe heart trouble.

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