We, breeders, have to listen to a lot of myths related to Maine coons very often.
Let's talk about the most common ones and dispel them.
1. Maine Coons weigh 20-30 kg.
Of course, this is not true. The average weight of the male cats in the breed is 6-8 kg, individuals weighing 10-12 kg are considered very large. In the Maine Coon breed, sexual demorphism is pronounced, this is when male cats are significantly larger than female cats. The average weight for Maine Coon female cats can be considered a weight of 4-6 kg. But it is unlikely to strive for too much weight because this will cause an additional load on the heart and joints. During exhibitions I suggest guessing the weight of our cat by eye. And very often I get the answer: your cat weighs 15 or 20 kg., which is almost twice more than its real weight. Seeing a large and massive cat, a person is inclined to exaggerate its weight - that's the whole point.
2. Maine Coons are very aggressive.
From the very beginning of the breed's development, sociability and friendliness towards humans were cultivated in Maine Coons. Of course - if such a large domestic cat is aggressive, life in the house can turn into a real nightmare. Therefore, any aggression of the Maine Coon towards a person is a reason to exclude such an animal from breeding. After all, the character and temperament are inherited from generation to generation. The origin of this myth is the appearance of Maine Coon cats. Seeing the harsh and wild look of the Maine Coon, it really may seem that the cat is planning something unkind. But we are talking about Maine Coons - "terrible on the outside, kind inside". Despite their fearsome appearance, the character of Maine Coons is truly "creamy". I must say that Maine Coons get along well not only with a human. Cats of other breeds, dogs, and even birds and rodents can become real friends and companions for the Maine Coon.
3. Maine Coons have health problems.
Serious breeders pay the closest attention to the health of their producers. Testing for the carrier of genetic diseases is a guarantee of healthy and strong offspring. Read which diseases we are testing our Maine Coons for. And a general advice for all cat owners. Cats are living creatures. Unfortunately, they can get sick. Take care of the health of your pets, feed them with high-quality food and visit veterinarians in a timely manner and do not let the disease take its course!
4. Maine Coons eat a lot.
Seeing such a huge cat, it's very likely to think this way. But in fact, Maine Coons do not eat more than cats of other breeds, because their size is the result of breed selection, not the enhanced nutrition. But still, there is some truth in this statement. Maine Coons eat a lot when they are kittens:). During the period of rapid growth of a Maine Coon kitten, which is from 2 to 10-11 months, it really eats much more than an adult cat. After all, they need to run and play a lot, so the need for nutrition is higher. But as they grow older, the amount of nutrition needed comes back to normal.
5. Maine coons need a lot of space, so they should be kept in the house, not in the apartment.
Even a studio apartment can become a comfortable place to live for a Maine Coon. Of course, if we are talking about just one cat, and not about ten cats. The main thing is to organize space for your Maine Coon very carefully. Like other cats, Maine Coons love vertical space, so create several multi-level shelves for it on the wall, where it can calmly take a rest, watching you. If it is not possible, the Maine Coon will always find a place for itself, so that neither you nor your guests will find it the first time. Therefore, even the limited space of your apartment should not become an obstacle on the way to the dream of owning a Maine Coon.
