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The Elegant ... Rare Solid White
... 
Odd-eyed Mariama ® Photo ©    

In the general cat population, 95% of cats are non-white cats, while only 5% are white cats (i.e. pure white). Of these pure white cats, 15-40% have one or two blue eyes.

Maine Coon Cats Exclusively Since 2006
 

Is Mariama a "Closed" Breeder?
What are Zoonotic Diseases?
Can you tell me more about Mariama's Breeding Program and Goals?
Can we visit Mariama?
What are the Costs and Sales Policies associated with Adopting a Kitten from Mariama?
What do your Kittens Come With?
What are the Costs of Shipping a kitten and is it Stressful on them?
Would you recommend Adopting Two Kittens (littermates) at the Same Time?
I have Other Pets already living in our household. Would you recommend adopting a kitten?
What type of Cat Food and Litter do you use?
How do you feel about feeding a Raw Meat diet?
Does Mariama participate in Early Age Altering?
What are the benefits of Spaying or Neutering my kitten?
What is a Maine Coon cat's temperament like? (Do male or female cats make better pets? Should I adopt a kitten or an adult cat?)
Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic?
What Colours do Maine Coon cats come in?
What Colour are Maine Coon Eyes?
How Big do Maine Coons get?
What are the Grooming requirements for a Maine Coon?
Is the Lifespan of purebred cats like Maine Coons shorter than that of mixed-breed cats?
Can my dog, other pets, and children catch a Disease from my Cat and vice versa? 
Do you have any More Information about Mariama etc?

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to the  "Baby Sylvester & Tweety Bird In Tree" icon for other web site pages  & PDF Files to print out that are only accessible from this page.

Is Mariama a "Closed" Breeder?

We are biosecure, meaning that precautions are taken to protect against lethal or harmful organisms and diseases entering our home.  Our cats and kittens are very important and special to us so we take our responsibility to protect them very seriously.

So yes, we are a truly "CLOSED" small private home breeder which is essential for Illness and Disease Prevention.  A "Closed" breeder does not take their cats out or bring other cats in ( i.e.: stud service, cat boarding, handling of breeding stock by visitors, etc). Naturally, an exception to this would be the introduction of new breeding stock which becomes necessary at times. When this becomes necessary, an effective quarantine period must be in place.

This eliminates any chance of contamination by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites. Since domestic cats are susceptible to a variety of viral and bacterial diseases (some of which are zoonoses or zoonotic diseases, see below), this helps us to avoid the obvious risk of transmission and spread of infectious diseases.  On occasion we find it necessary to introduce a new breeder from another cattery into our breeding program.  However, to maintain the highest health standards of our cats, we select stock from catteries that share our health standards.  Also, as a secondary precaution, we quarantine the cat for several weeks before incorporating with our existing cats. This eliminates any chance of contamination by bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.

Cats are an extremely sensitive animal and if their environment is a stressful one they can suffer from anxiety and stress. Our controlled, safe, and sanitary home environment (with excellent air quality) is kept as Stress Free as possible which prevents stress related illness and disease. An article printed in the BBC News entitled Cats Suffer Stress discusses how a study done by animal experts suggests that cats can suffer from stress-related illness like humans.

Causes of Stress for Cats: transport or traveling , a new home or new owner, a new family member or visitor, boarding,  a new pet, including a kitten, environmental changes, new food, boredom, owner's absence

Whenever one of these situations arises, be prepared to give your cat lots of extra time and affection to assure her that she is still an important member of the household. Temporarily restricting her to one quiet room might keep her from being overwhelmed by new sensations. Place her favourite blankets and toys (along with her litter box and feeding dishes) in the room with her.

If the cause of your cat's stress is a new pet, introduce the newcomer to her gradually, first allowing her just to learn his scent (keep them in separate areas), then moving on to visual contact and lastly nose-to-nose. Keep their food dishes far apart, and if the new pet is a cat, provide separate litter boxes and keep them clean.

 We are FeLV,  FIV Negative, FIP Free, Ringworm and Parasite Free.

** Ringworm is of particular concern as it can transmit easily from cats to people! Ringworm seems to be more common in young cats less than one year old and longhaired cats. M.canis causes 70% of ringworm infections in dogs and 99% of infections in cats. 5% of dogs are considered carriers, and various studies from cats have set the carrier rate at anywhere between 4 - 20% of healthy stray cats culturing positive for M.canis. To learn more about ringworm read The Feline Advisory Bureau's article Tackling Ringworm in Cats and The Exotic Cat Club's article Feline Health - Ringworm.

"Breeding each domestic species is different with different special challenges. Cats evolved to live by themselves ("loners") most of the time. So why do breeders bother to breed multiple cats and litters? Because they want to keep the breed going and also hopefully improve its health and appearance. You can't accomplish much for a breed when breeding only one cat. Consequently, they are very susceptible to epidemic diseases, much more so than dogs ("pack animals"). With cats, the biggest challenge is preventing and managing infectious disease because cats evolved as loners, almost never in contact with other cats after reaching adulthood." ~ Cris Bird DVM

Adequate Space & Hygiene are key elements required to maintaining a healthy, disease-free  environment for our cats. Our home is bright, sundrenched and spacious with nonporous floors. We also have an outdoor covered and screened in pergola enclosure that we share with our cats for their optimal health, and their emotional and psychogical well being. Here, along with us, they get to experience the warm sun on their face and the fresh air, thus absorbing plenty of vitamin D which is essential to their health. They also get to safely enjoy watching the wildlife all around - birds, squirrels, chipmunks, frogs, geese, ducks, insects and our family activities.  Our home is fully heated in winter and air conditioned in the summer to ensure the comfort of our family as well as the cats. We use a reliable veterinary/hospital grade disinfectant throughout our home.

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  What are Zoonotic Diseases?

Zoonoses or zoonotic diseases can be transmitted directly or indirectly (via the environment) from animals to humans (eg: Ringworm). Children and immune compromised people are at greater risk of contracting a zoonotic disease. Young children often lack proper personal hygiene and tend to place their hands in their mouths. This permits the easy transmission of parasites and bacteria into their bodies.

Further Reading: "Zoonotic Diseases In Cats and Dogs" © Virginia Clemens DVM

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Can you tell me more about Mariama's Breeding Program and Goals?

We offer healthy, well bred kittens in a variety of colours. We strive to produce top quality, "typey" (with emphasis on feral look) kittens with excellent health, wonderful temperaments, and longevity.  To accomplish this goal we carefully select quality breeding stock with exceptional type, beautiful expression, soundness in structure and temperament.   We incorporate healthy breeding stock from various bloodlines and pedigrees with Champion to Supreme Grand Champions, Regional Winner, Imported, and  Outcrossed Show Lines as well as New Foundation Bloodlines. This allows us to maintain an excellent quality, genetically diverse gene pool which is essential for health and longevity. To guide us in this endeavour, we follow the Maine Coon Breed Standards set out by the major cat registering bodies. Mariama cattery is CCA, CFA, and TICA registered.

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Can we visit Mariama?

Since we are a private in-home "closed" hobby breeder, we are not open for casual daily visitors. We regret that we cannot allow daily visitors. We don't allow people to roam around our cats/kittens and our private home.  The health and well-being of our cats/kittens and the safety of our family are of prime importance to us. This would jeopardize the health and safety of our home as well as the integrity of our reputable breeding program. Remember that we are essentially caring for someone else’s future companion. We take the responsibility of raising healthy kittens seriously. We appreciate your understanding.

You must remember that if you already own cats, you are bringing your cat's germs into our home. If your cat has a cold, you may pass that cold onto our pregnant queens or young kittens. Also, many cats carry feline distemper or FIP. If you have visited other catteries or shelters, you can pass it on to our cats. You must realize we have invested thousands and thousands of dollars into our cats, and their health (and have worked very very hard), to take unnecessary chances like this. New germs being introduced into our home can cause a real health concern.

We must respect the privacy of both our  momma cats and their babies, as they find intrusion into their safe areas quite upsetting. Mothers with newborn babies feel very threatened having strangers come in, and in some cases can be so upset they will hurt or even abandon their babies.

We are responsible for the health and well-being of these precious little lives. By allowing visitors to come into our nursery area, we are potentially exposing our young babies to disease or bacteria that may be carried on the hands or clothing of well-meaning visitors. Once you've selected a kitten and it is past the risky stage, (their immune system is no longer in jeopardy and the first immunizations have been given), you will then be able to make an appointment to come visit your kitten.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause you. We understand that this may disappoint you if you were hoping for a "kitten to choose you".  All of our kittens are pre-spoiled and well socialized. Their temperaments are generally gentle and easy-going. They are playful, loving, purring mush babies. Also keep in mind that this breed is homozygous and therefore temperament is fairly consistent and predictable in the adult cat. With mixed breeds and many other purebreds a kitten's adult temperament can be harder to predict.

IPlease understand that we feel this policy is necessary in order to protect our very young and vulnerable babies.  We will not risk their health and safety just to make a "sale". In fact, if any breeder has an "open door" policy, we recommend staying clear away! Any reputable, well educated, caring breeder will not offer you this opportunity at the expense of their precious cats, family and home, guaranteed! Pre-screened, pre-approved adopters are welcome to make an appointment with us to pick up their kitten. 

The following tragic news releases speak for themselves.

... The Murder of 23 Year Old Pregnant Bobbie Jo Stinnett - Her Baby Was Stolen From Her Womb December 16, 2004 (Rat Terrier Breeder, Skidmore, Missouri)

...  The Murder of Young Father Tim Bosma May 4, 2013 (Young Father and Husband Ancaster, Ontario Selling His Truck through Kijiji).

... Kijiji Deal in Sudbury, Ontario Goes Sour; Two Arrested, One Hurt, November 8/2018. The victim, was robbed and assaulted at her home.

 

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What are the Costs and Sales Policies associated with Adopting a Kitten from Mariama Cattery?

PRICING/PAYMENT:

Registered Kittens (On Spay/Neuter Contract Only, No Exceptions):  Please Contact Us.

Retired Adult Cats Available Occasionally and Priced Individually, Please Contact Us.

Recessive Colours (not as common as requires two recessive dilution genes, one from each parent): Blue/Silver Tabbies, Cream Tabbies, Blue/Silver Torties (Torbies)

Exotic Colours (less plentiful and common): Solid Colors of Black, Blue, & Red; Bi-Colors; Smokes (undercoat is white with colored tips on the fur) in black & blue

Rare Colours (unusual): Solid White: Green/Gold Eyed, Odd-Eyed (one eye blue), Double Blue-Eyed

Polydactyls: We do not breed Polydactyl cats at this time.

Note: Although Polydactylism is considered a disqualifying fault by the major cat associations it doesn't appear to pose a problem for the cat in its primary manifestation. However, the Gene responsible for Polydactylism, appears to have a second manifestation (triphalangeal pollex-radial hypoplasia form of polydactyly) that affects limb development more adversely. Most Polydactyl cats have the form of pre-axial polydactyly with the extra digits being on the thumb side of the foot. The post-axial form causes extra digits on the little finger side of the front foot. This form is associated with radial hypoplasia, a condition which causes the radius (one of the two bones that make up the forearm) in the front leg to be missing or underdeveloped. A cat with triphalangeal pollices can produce kittens with radial hypoplasia. This severe deformity adversely affects a cats' movement and function.

Further Reading: Polydactyly and Related Traits © Solveig Pfleuger, MD, PhD, FACMG  

To firmly reserve an available kitten, we require a non-refundable deposit of $250.  All kittens going to pet homes are sold on strictly  Non-Breeding, Spay/Neuter Contracts only. The registration paperwork will be forwarded to the new owner once we receive an original dated veterinary spay/neuter certificate for your kitten. Please Note: If a buyer cancels the sale or purchase of a kitten their deposit is non-refundable or transferable. The buyer cannot come back at a later time or date and expect to apply the "Canceled Kitten Deposit" to a another kitten. If a buyer "has selected a kitten" and then decides that they do not want that particular kitten their deposit is non-refundable or transferable to another kitten and they will forfeit their deposit.

For deposit payment we accept Interac e-Transfer (previously E-mail Money Transfer) (recommended) and Canadian Postal Money Orders issued from Canada Post. Personal cheques, cashiers cheques, bank drafts are not accepted. Please mail Canadian Postal Money Order payments via Priority Mail or Express Mail with "signature requested".  This is for traceability reasons. A Tracking Number will be provided and you will be required to e-mail this number to us.
 
Click on the "Interac e-Transfer" icon below right to be directed to an online demo.  All that is required is access to online banking.  It is safe and secure and very simple to do.
         


                          

 

The cost of being a successful breeder takes thousands of dollars a year in expenses, which include highest quality premium cat food; dry and wet, as well as canned wild caught salmon, tuna, vitamins/supplements, goats milk formula, which includes eggs, plain yogurt, along with many hundreds of pounds of litter a year, laundry and cleaning appliances, cleaning products, bedding for the cats, carriers, toys, kitty condo’s scratch posts, advertising, photography, veterinary care, registration paperwork to maintain records of our cats and kittens, gas, increase in our utility bills, hours and hours of our time socializing our kittens, cleaning and repairing damage to our home and not to mention the time and energy it takes to maintain a healthy clean environment. Please understand our prices are based on the quality care and expense it takes to raise happy healthy beautiful kittens. You get what you pay for when you buy a Mariama Registered Purebred Maine Coon Kitten.
 

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What do your Kittens Come With?


Kitten Food (for kittens that require shipping)

 Health Record (First Vaccine FVRCP & 2 Dewormings)
 Kitten Care Instructions
Plush Toy/Blanket (with scent of mother and littermates)

 Written Health Warranty

**Registration Paperwork
Lifetime Support


**proof of altering will be required for all kittens

____________________________________________________________________________

* Option: Pet Insurance Trial: 4 weeks of FREE coverage for your Kitten  ... available through Secure Start (please not that this is only provided as a courtesy as we are not affiliated with this company) or ask your vet to be enrolled in their pet insurance program.

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What are the Costs of Shipping a kitten and is it Stressful on them?t required for payment with a credit card. If us

SHIPPING:

Reputable Door to Door Ground Delivery (experienced with cats *5 star)/Air Shipping is available. There will be an extra cost averaging around $250 - $350 for shipping if applicable.  Two kittens can be shipped together for very little more than it costs to ship one kitten (approximately $50)

Before you ask, no, travel is not terribly stressful for kittens. In our experience, it is adult cats that may get upset about flying and travelling. Kittens are at a trusting, happy-go-lucky age and they expect everything to turn out well. The biggest stress for them is getting used to a new home and new human friends. That's an adjustment they must make whether they are shipped or not. To date, we have had great success with the delivery of all of our kittens.

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Would you recommend Adopting Two Kittens (littermates) at the Same Time?

Adopting two kittens (littermates) at the same time is a good idea, particularly for  working families where a single kitten would otherwise be home alone for most of the day. Kittens raised together are already bonded and make wonderful playmates and companions.  Also, if you do a lot of travelling (and do not normally take your pets with you) and/or spend a lot of time away from home, then two kittens can keep each other company when you are not around. Having the company of another kitten prevents your kitten from feeling bored,  lonely, and insecure when you are away.

If you are planning to get a second cat in the future anyway, it is much easier to do it all at once, as kittens raised together are already good friends. With this being the case, you will not have to deal with the "introduction" period which can be stressful for some people including the cats. Constant supervision will be necessary during the adjustment period. Initially, the older cat may be resentful to the newcomer and there may be displays of aggression. When you adopt two kittens at the same time you avoid this situation altogether.

However, keep in mind that the costs for food, litter, supplies, daily upkeep, and veterinary care will be double. Two kittens growing up together are highly interactive and will definately keep you entertained with their cute little antics and games. It is definately worth the extra effort!

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I have Other Pets already living in our household. Would you recommend adopting a kitten?

Maine Coons are known for their easy-going temperaments and their fondness of other animals, particularly dogs (when they are raised with them). It is so entertaining to watch our Maine Coons interactively playing with our dogs and many of our friends are amazed when they see this!! Our kittens are use to other pets as they are raised in a multi-pet household. They are use to dogs and older cats, so should have no problem adjusting to a new home with existing dogs and cats. Keep in mind that there will be an adjustment period and that regular supervision will be necessary in the beginning.

Some breeds of dogs may not be tolerant of cats and this will make for a very stressful environment for a cat. In this case we do not recommend adopting a kitten/cat. Perhaps adopting a puppy of the same breed you already own or another compatible breed would be a better choice than a kitten.

Most adult cats that are altered will eventually accept a new kitten. Some older cats welcome a kitten almost instantly, while others will need more time which is very natural. During the introductory period, you can expect a fair bit of hissing, spitting, growling, and pawing to go on. In time this behaviour will normally subside and disappear. It is most important that each pet is provided with their own bed, food and water dishes, and litterbox. As time goes on and they get to know each other, some of these items may be shared between them provided they are getting along. They should also be kept in separate areas of the home for a period of time to ensure the safety and well being of the kitten. There is no certainty as to how long this adjustment period will last and a lot will depend on how accepting and tollerant  the existing cat is to the newcomer .  Gender really doesn't make any difference in our experience as both same gender and opposite gender pairings have been equally successful. Normally they will eventually become great friends, however, they may only just tollerate each other as it really on depends on how their personalities mesh (just like people).

Click Here to read this article: Two Cats Can Live as "PURRR...FECTLY" as One

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What type of Cat Food and Litter do you use?

You’ll see the difference that a healthy diet can make: Fewer vet billsImproved health, Increased energy, Shiny & healthy coat,  A happy, healthy pet Greater likelihood of a longer lifespan

"There is ample proof that today's pet dogs and cats do not thrive on cheap, corn-based pet foods.  Dogs and cats are primarily meat eaters; to fill them up with grain-based processed dry foods that barely meet minimum daily nutrient requirements has proven to be a mistake. Soy is one of the top allergens - substances that cause allergic reactions. In the 1980s, Stuart Berger, M.D, labelled soy one of the seven top allergens - one of the "sinister seven."  Reactions may include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, hives, diarrhoea, facial swelling, shortness of breath, a swollen tongue, difficulty swallowing, fainting, anaphylactic shock etc. (pets are allergic to soy too) ~ Dr. T.J. Dunn D.V.M

"Many first-time cat owners, in an attempt to hold down expenses, buy the cheapest foods they can find for their cats. This is false economy for a couple of reasons. First, studies have shown that cats eat as much as they need to get the nutrients they require. Therefore, they might eat twice as much of that generously-carbohydrate-filled store brand to get the nutrients they need in a normal feeding of premium food. Second, the continued feeding of substandard foods over a period of years will heavily contribute to, or even cause, serious medical conditions that will require expensive veterinary care. For these reasons, the old maxim, “You get what you pay for,” is particularly true where it comes to cat food."(Source: Tips for choosing cat food - learning the basics about cat food labels)

We feed our cats all natural, premium, high protein cat food in which meat (chicken) is the first ingredient. We use an all natural pine pelleted cat litter.

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How do you feel about feeding a Raw Meat diet?

We do not feed a raw meat diet to our cats at this time as we feel the risks outweigh the benefits for families with children, seniors, or immune compromised members. Some research has shown that there may be benefits from feeding raw meat. However, like everything else, you have to weigh the risks against the benefits.

The practice of feeding raw meat-based diets to domestic cats may result in clinical toxoplasmosis, salmonellosis, and E. coli infections.These can present zoonotic disease risks. Zoonoses or zoonotic diseases can be transmitted directly or indirectly (via the environment) from animals to humans.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasite whose cysts live in the muscle of cattle, pigs and other creatures. If meat is not cooked enough the cysts live and can infect cats or humans exposed to them.

Salmonella and E. coli are bacterial infections. In most cases they are the result of food contamination by infected workers who handle the meat during processing.

Immune compromised individuals are at greater risk of developing serious illness  than those with normal immune systems.

"Dogs and especially cats can shed Salmonella organisms (from raw meat diet) in both their feces and saliva, meaning that transmission can occur via licking. A pet dog or cat licking your hand is a very common occurrence. Sometimes a pet may lick the face of a child, helping germs spread more easily. ~ William Pollak D.V.M

Healthy alternatives to feeding pets raw food are all natural cat foods that are  free from corn, wheat, dairy, by-products, artificial colors or flavors

We recommend feeding a minimum of 50% moist food and preferably 100% moist food, especially for male cats and cats that do not like to drink much water.

With this being said, we do however, support and recommend feeding commercial raw food diets (biologically appropriate) as they are prepared under strict regulations (eg:Global Pet Foods, raw and frozen pet food - Freeze Dried).

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Does Mariama participate in Early Age Altering?

There are those who object strongly to EAA, or Early Age Altering. These veterinarians and associations believe that EAA leads to an increased risk of fracture to long bones, obesity, a negative effect on overall growth, changes in behavior, and an increase in disease risk. They also feel that using anesthesia on very young kittens is too risky.

After giving this subject much thought, research and veterinary advice we decided not to participate in the early (pediatric) spay/ neutering of our kittens. There is significant evidence that suggests that pediatric spay/neuter can contribute to orthopaedic, health and behavioural problems in animals. We along with many veterinarians and breeders feel that spaying/neutering at around 6 months of age (or a few months later at the discretion of your vet) is best.

"The sex hormones, by communicating with a number of other growth-related hormones, promote the closure of the growth plates at puberty, so the bones of dogs or bitches neutered or spayed before puberty continue to grow. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered well before puberty can frequently be identified by their longer limbs, lighter bone structure, narrow chests and narrow skulls. This abnormal growth frequently results in significant alterations in body proportions and particularly the lengths (and therefore weights) of certain bones relative to others."

Excerpt From "Early Spay Neuter Considerations For The Canine Athlete" © 2005 Chris Zink DVM, PhD, DACVP

"Much of the spay/neuter information that is available to the public is unbalanced and contains claims that are exaggerated or unsupported by evidence. Rather than helping to educate pet owners, much of it has contributed to common misunderstandings about the health risks and benefits associated of spay/neuter in dogs.The evidence shows that spay/neuter correlates with both positive AND adverse health effects in dogs. It also suggests how much we really do not yet understand about this subject."

Excerpt From “Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay/Neuter in Dogs © 2007 Laura J. Sanborn, M.S.

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What are the benefits of Spaying or Neutering my kitten?

Maine Coons that are spayed/neutered are much happier, more affectionate and responsive to their owners.  As such they have no reason to misbehave as far as urinating, howling, and displaying aggression. Cats suffering from hormones are not happy cats.
 
Unspayed female cats may spray urine and are also very prone to pyometra (a disease of the uterus which can be deadly if left untreated). The best prevention is to have them spayed at 6 months of age or a few months later at the discretion of your vet .
 
Unneutered male cats are more active and need to find the companionship of female cats. If they are unable to meet this need, they tend to exhibit behavioural problems such as displays of aggression and territory spraying. Un-neutered cats have very foul smelling urine which can linger through your house. These cats also like to spray in the house (mark urine on vertical surfaces), and this can be one of the most frustrating behaviour problems to treat. The best prevention is to have them neutered at six months of age or a few months later at the discretion of your vet .  
 
Altered cats have almost no shedding year round also, which is an added bonus.
 
All kittens going to pet homes are sold on strictly  Non-Breeding, Spay/Neuter Contracts only (by 6 months of age or a few months later at the discretion of your vet). The registration paperwork will be forwarded to the new owner once we receive an original dated veterinary spay/neuter certificate for your kitten. No Exceptions.
 

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What is a Maine Coon cat's temperament like?  (Do male or female cats make better pets? Should I adopt a kitten or an adult cat?)

Maine Coon cats are known for their gentle and easy going temperament. They are generally very affectionate, intelligent and social creatures They are known for being loyal to their family and cautious—albeit not mean—around strangers, but are independent and not clingy. The Maine Coon is generally not known for being a "lap cat" but their gentle disposition makes the breed relaxed around dogs, other cats, and children. Despite the information in some of the literature we find many of our Maine Coons to be "lap cats."  It should be no problem keeping two cats of the same or different gender together, once they are spayed/neutered.

Gender has little to do with temperament. Males and females can be equally loving. Once a cat is spayed/neutered, both sexes of this wonderful breed are equally loving and intelligent in their temperament. Keep in mind that each kitten will have its own unique personality. Thus his/her own individual personality will be reflected in their behaviour and that will determine the kind of pet it will make.

Sometimes males appear more "goofy" or "clownlike" as they tend to be very active, and females are generally more calm and "dignified."  Females also generally  tend to be more inquisitive and therefore can be more adventurous and are often better hunters or "mousers". Female cats have an innate maternal instinct. A mother cat is able to suppress her desire to hunt and focus on rearing her babies. If her maternal instinct is unfulfilled she may begin looking for another pet in the home to nurture to fulfill her instinct. Being spayed does not affect the female cat’s desire to nurture. Female kittens are better able to entertain themselves and their nurturing qualities make them naturally more layed back.

During the "teenage" period, male kittens tend to be more hormonal in that the dominance and assertiveness  traits they possess (traits that they would need as stud cats) may lead to aggression and destructive issues if they are not provided with enough stimulation and activity to expend their high energy levels.  Boredom from inactivity, lack of company, and an unstimulating environment will potentially lead to frustration. Some males will be "super toms" and can be quite challenging to raise without the proper environment as they will constantly be looking for opportunities to "challenge" you if they are unhappy and bored. Sexual behavior shown by males (ie: mounting") can occur regardless of whether or not the animal has been neutered, which can be confusing to some owners.

From a health perspective, male cats in general are unfortunately more predisposed to more serious urinary tract issues. Although both female and male cats get bladder infections and other urinary tract diseases (FUS -Feline Urological Syndrome & FLUTD-Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease). It's more common for a male to become "blocked" or unable to urinate freely because of a plug made up of pus, mucus, and mineral deposits. These plugs tend to get stuck in the penis, which of course is not present in females.  Females do not loose their ability to urinate as their much larger urinary tract enables them to still "dribble" urine thus preventing a complete blockage. Since male cats have this additional problem, it is considered a veterinary emergency in males. Veterinarians usually perform catheterization in males to remove the blockage which is a costly procedure. Male cats in general are also more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases like HCM just as human males are. The literature suggests that female cats are less allergenic than male cats.

If owning a uniquely marked tricolor cat is something you desire, then you will want to choose a female, as it is only females that come in the tricolors as genes for color are sex linked (torties & torbies & calicos.) Scroll down below to learn more about Maine Coon Colors.

Kittens are adorable and very endearing. However, they are extremely active and energetic. If one is looking to adopt a very affectionate or laid-back cat, adopting an adult cat might make a better choice. The personality of an adult is more well developed and set than it is in a kitten. Therefore you'll have a better idea of how affectionate and easy going the cat will be prior to adopting it. Kittens generally don't like to stop long enough for a good cuddle until they're exhausted and ready to drop. Adult cats tend to be more laid back and are not quite as energetic. Therefore they are  more willing to curl up on your lap for some quality petting time. People that do not have the time nor the energy  to devote to raising a kitten are good candidates for adult cat adoptions.

For more information on the Maine Coon Breed click here.

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Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic?

If you are severely allergic to cats we would not recommend adopting a Maine Coon kitten. This breed does not shed excessively. A family member that visits our home regularly is allergic to cats and we find that the Maine Coon breed bothers them less than short haired cats. Spayed/Neutered Maine Coon cats tend to have almost no shedding year round. Keep in mind  that while allergy sufferers tend to do well with this breed, it varies from individual to individual and household to household. Tolerance of varying degrees and serious commitment to regular grooming, good housekeeping etc will be required. There is no such thing as a nonallergenic cat of any breed. The literature suggests that female cats are less allergenic than male cats.

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What Colours do Maine Coon cats come in?

Maine Coon cats come in many colours and patterns.

The most "Common Maine Coon Colors" and patterns are brown classic tabby, brown mackerel tabby, and brown patch tabby (females only). 

Here are some of the most common patterns:

Tabby: A darker stripy pattern on a lighter background colour; most often black/brown, red/orange, blue/silver, or cream. Nose and paw pad colours usually correspond to predominant coat colour, varying from pink to black.

Tortoiseshell or Calico: A patchy pattern made up of three or more distinct colours (usually black, red/orange, and cream/white). Tortie is short for tortoiseshell. Yes, the name comes from the tortoiseshell turtle. The primary color on most torties is black. The amount of red can vary from just a few toes to lots of obvious red. It is rare but some torties have more red than black. They used to be called "reverse torties".

"Torbie" is short for tortoiseshell-tabby. When you add tabby stripes a tortie becomes a torbie. They are also called patched tabbies since they are a tabby with patches of red or cream. Adding stripes also tends to make the red harder to see. Most torbies will have some red on their feet, even if you don't see it anywhere else.

Many people find the difference between torties and torbies rather confusing. Even on a solid color cat, you can often see stripes on reds and creams. The only way to be sure if you have a tortie or torbie is to ignore any stripes showing in the red or cream areas - just look to see if the black color is solid or has stripes!

Torties and torbies are very interesting! They tend to have what the cat fancy calls "Tortie-tude". More than any other color, these girls have an "opinion" on everything. They will tell you exactly what that opinion is! At the same time, they can be one of the sweetest cats you will ever own.

Every tortie has its own unique color pattern. Torties have been called Mother Nature's idea of abstract art.

Note: Basically, a tortoiseshell or calico cat is a tri-colored cat of black, red (orange), and white. It can also be of a diluted version in blue (silver/grey), cream, and white. Cats with these same colors, but without the white spotting gene, are called tortoiseshells, or torties, and blue-creams, respectively. The white can be in varying degrees. Cats with mostly color, and low amounts of white are sometimes referred to as "tortie and white" instead of calico. Calico cats with mostly a white background and patches of red and black are called "high white" calico cats. If the cat is all white, with only color patches on the head and tail, and no more than one patch on the body, it is a "van" calico cat.

The majority of tortoiseshell and calico cats are female. For very complicated genetic reasons, it takes two X chromosomes for a cat to be a tortoiseshell or calico cat. A male would have to possess two X and one Y chromosomes to be a calico cat. This can happen, but very rarely. According to a study at the College of Veterinary Medicine in Missouri, one out of 3,000 calico colored cats is male. This oddity occurs in humans, too. The males, in both cases, are usually sterile.

The majority of  red/orange cats are more likely to be a male. For a female cat to be orange, she must inherit two orange genes — one from her mother (orange, calico, or tortoiseshell) and one from her father (who must be orange). A male cat needs only one orange gene, which he gets from his mother (orange, calico, or tortoiseshell). This is because the gene that codes for orange fur is on the X chromosome, and like humans, females have two Xs and males are XY. Genes on the X chromosome are said to be sex-linked.

"Exotic Maine Coon Colors" are less plentiful and common, in solid colors of black, blue, & red; bi-colors; smokes (undercoat is white with colored tips on the fur) in black & blue; patch tabby girls (multicolored plus red & creamy patches of color); and/or with patterns of classic tabby (large marble swirls through fur with stripped legs/tail) or mackerel tabby (thin tiger stripes through fur with stripped legs/tail). 

Rare Maine Coon Colours: Less plentiful and common, the solid white.

Solid colours: Include black, white, orange, blue or cream.

Bi-colour: Predominantly white with patches of one other colour.

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  What Colour are Maine Coon Eyes?

Kittens are all born with blue eyes. During their first year, their eyes gradually change to their adult color . Their eyes usually become Green, Copper, Gold, or any combination of two of those colors. The outer half of the iris can be one color, and the inner half can be another. Although not very common, a few adult coloured cats will have Blue eyes. Solid white cats can also have Blue eyes as adults, or Odd eyes (each eye is a different colour).

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How Big do Maine Coons get?

SIZE is greatly exaggerated, as to the average Maine Coon size and should NOT be one of the main reasons for getting one! Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic breeds, sometimes weighing 25 pounds (exceptionally large). Maine Coons that weigh over 30 pounds are simply a myth, unless the cat is heavily overweight. Weight should be fit and muscular, not fat. Maine Coon females are typically large, compared to other breeds, but usually smaller and lighter than Maine Coon males. On the average, male Maine Coon males weigh in at 13 to 18 pounds.  The females range from 8 to 12 pounds, with 13 lbs or more being a very large female. Add to that two or three inches of winter coat, and people will swear that they're looking at one big cat. The height of adults can vary between 10 and 16 in (25 and 41 cm) and they can reach a length of up to 40 in (100 cm), including the tail, which can reach lengths of up to 14 in (36 cm) and is long, tapering, and heavily furred. Slow to develop, the Maine Coon takes 3 to 5 years to reach full size and weight. The heavy, shaggy, water-resistant coat, shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach, flanks, and tail, makes the cat appear even larger. If a cat is whole (not spayed or neutered), it will most likely not reach it's full weight due to restlessness during mating season. Also, often the lack of coat due to hormonal changes will make it look smaller. A spayed/neutered pet will almost always look bigger and can be several pounds heavier. A neutered male can easily go up to 18 and even up to 25 pounds. Many females will also reach the size of 18 pounds once they are spayed.

Adult size is nearly impossible to predict. Smaller kittens can end up the largest and larger kittens can end up the smallest. The smallest females can produce the largest kittens. Also, weight does not necessarily indicate large size as it is the length of the cat that is the more true indicator of its size. Keep in mind that excessively large and long cats are often more prone to joint and other health problems. Many heavy weight cats are just plain overweight which is unhealthy! The breed's temperament and personality is what most people come to love once they have experienced the joy of owning a Maine Coon.

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What are the Grooming requirements for a Maine Coon?

Maine Coons are low maintenance cats. The Maine Coon is a semi-longhaired, or medium-haired, cat. The coat is soft and silky, although texture may vary with coat color.They do an excellent job of cleaning and grooming themselves. Their silky and weather resistant coats are easy to care for and don't mat easily.  The length is shorter on the head, neck, and shoulders and longer on the stomach and flanks. Minimal grooming is required for the breed, compared to other long-haired breeds, as their coat is mostly self-maintaining due to a light-density undercoat. The coat is subject to seasonal variation, with the fur being thicker in the winter and thinner during the summer.

The basic tool required to keep a Maine Coon's coat well groomed is a steel comb. A slicker brush is also helpful for removing the odd snarl or tangle and for removing dead undercoat. It is not really necessary to bath a cat that is spayed/neutered. However, bathing them a couple of times a year with an all natural shampoo will make their coat shiny and smell fresh and clean. This may be important to those of you that like to share your bed with your cat. It is not difficult to bath a Maine Coon as they are easy to handle and most of them don't mind the water especially if they are given baths from an early age.

Miracle Coat Foaming Waterless Shampoo For Cats

A foaming waterless shampoo for cats is an excellent alternative to bathing.

 

Groommaster Anti-Static Combs

This comb has an anti-static coating which is nice. The fine-medium sized comb is recommended.

 

 

#1 All Systems Slicker Brush

The small or medium size are recommended and can be used for your kitten and adult cat.They also have a triangular shaped brush for harder to reach and more sensitive areas.

 

 

Mars Safe Pin Slicker Brush

This slicker brush has unique coated tips and is good for those of you that are not comfortable using a regular slicker brush.

 

NaturVet Natural Hairball Aid with Catnip

Petrolatum Free. Helps eliminate and Prevent Hairballs.

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Is the Lifespan of purebred cats like Maine Coons shorter than that of mixed-breed cats?

Longevity depends on both genetics and environment just like for people. Some Maine Coons will live just as long as any mixed breed and even longer. Many mixed breed cats come from heavily inbred wild colonies (farms etc) and they do not have the benefit of genetic testing that are available for purebreds and therefore there is no greater advantage to owing a mixed breed over a purebred.  Maine Coons can live for  approximately 8 to 18 years of age, just like any other breed of cat.

We are a "closed" breeder and therefore we provide an ideal healthy environment for our cats.  We do this by maintaining a sanitary, stress-free in-home environment, providing excellent air quality, feeding premium quality foods, and providing proper veterinary care and health testing when required. 

In order to maintain genetic diversity and/or in attempts to improve the quality of their stock, a breeder will introduce new bloodlines from time to time. When this is done, new genetic material will bring about changes in a breeder's bloodlines, both good qualities and faults. This makes it really hard for a breeder to predict what they will produce until several more years of breedings have been done utilizing this new stock. So as you can see the best breeding programs are not stagnant, but rather changing in order to meet a reputable breeder's goal of improving his lines. Breeding is not an exact science. There are so many variables and unknowns when dealing with living creatures that have very complex genetic makeups. However, reputable breeders try their best to maintain quality, healthy stock with the goals of raising the healthiest kittens possible and improving the Maine Coon breed as a whole.

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Can my dog, other pets, and children catch a Disease from my Cat and vice versa?

Feline Distemper (also known as Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Parvovirus or Feline Infectious Enteritis) and Canine Distemper are not the same disease; cats and dogs cannot contract distemper from each other. Canine Distemper Virus is a respiratory disease that only infects dogs. Dogs don't carry Feline Herpesvirus or Calicivirus, which are the major causes of feline upper respiratory disease. Feline distemper is not transmitted to humans.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis virus is actually a herpes virus. It is in the family of the herpes viruses that make everything in people from cold sores to shingles to chicken pox to genital herpes but none of them are contagious to people or to other animals. It is just a cat herpes virus.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV or "Feline AIDS") are similar to the HIV/AIDS viruses in humans, but are strictly isolated to cats. Cats cannot catch AIDS; humans and dogs cannot catch FIV or FeLV.

Bordetella (Bordetella Bronchisepticaisis) is one of the bacteria involved in Cat Flu and Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis) in the dog. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting dogs and cats, usually contracted in areas where a large number of pets are housed such as boarding facilities, grooming facilities, veterinary offices, dog parks, dog schools, and dog/cat shows. Vaccination against Bordetella Bronchiseptica is not 100% effective. There is always the chance that the strains of Bordetella may mutate from the strain involved in clinical disease, similar to what happens with the human influenza (flu) virus and this is why kennel cough may be diagnosed in some dogs despite a recent vaccination history. Just as in the case of the common cold, tracheobronchitis is not "cured" but must run its course. Many time antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent secondary infection, and sometimes cough suppressants will be prescribed to reduce excessive coughing, but these medications do not attack the disease itself. There have been reports of dogs and cats in the same household suffering from infection with Bordetella at the same time. However, there is no evidence that the infection can spread from cats to man.  It is possible for people to spread the disease from cat to cat when handling them.

Rabies is a painful, fatal infection of the nervous system which affects warm-blooded animals including cats, dogs, and humans. An infected animal will be stiff or paralyzed and will not be able to swallow properly (causing the heavy drooling we associate with a "mad," or rabid, dog). It can affect any warm-blooded animal, including cats, dogs and humans. It is almost always fatal. Rabies can only transmitted by the bite or scratch of a rabid animal to another mammal.

Ringworm is a fungal Infection. It is not a worm at all but a fungus called Dermatophytes. Dermaphtytes means 'plants that live on the skin'. In the past, because of the circular lesions made by the fungi they were thought to be caused by worms, hence the name ringworm. Transmission can happen by direct contact with another infected animal or person. It can be passed from cats to dogs and visa versa and from pets to humans and from humans to pets.

To learn more about Ringworm read The Feline Advisory Bureau's article Tackling Ringworm in Cats and The Exotic Cat Club's article Feline Health - Ringworm.

Internal Parasites (Giardia, Roundworms, Hookworms, Toxoplasmosis), External Parasites (Fleas, Ticks) can infect humans and other animals. Therefore it is most important to have all of your pets routinely examined for internal and external parasites and dewormed regularly at the same time (approximately every three months). Fortunately, pet cats that are kept exclusively indoors will normally not come into contact with these parasites.

Coccidia are a small protozoan parasite that are commonly found in the intestinal tracts of kittens/cats. When everything is in balance, these organisms normally do not cause any problems and most kittens/cats develop a natural immunity to them. However, stress (eg: new home) plays a role in causing these organisms to multiply beyond a certain range, leading to the development of an intestinal infection called coccidiosis. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a healthy kitten/cat to arrive at its new home and develop diarrhea, vomitting, appetite loss, or dehydration, several days later leading to the diagnosis of coccidiosis necessitating treatment with a prescription. The coccidia species of cats do not infect dogs or humans.

Streptoccoccis is a general name for a variety of diseases caused by a group of bacteria called Streptococcus (strep-TOE-coccus).  Streptococcus bacteria are common on the bodies of humans and animals along with numerous other types of bacteria, as part of the normal flora and do not cause disease.  When the bacteria enters cuts, abrasions, other wounds or when the immune system becomes weakened, disease may occur.  There are many different species and strains of Streptococcus, so a wide range of disease signs may be seen.  Infection may be mild to severely fatal.  "Strep" bacteria can cause wound infections, absecesses, respiratory infection, and other illness.  In dogs and cats skin, wound or joint infections, pneumonia, or mastitis may be seen.  Occasionally, "strep" causes a severe and fatal condition called toxic shock syndrome.  It has a quick, progressive onset; most affected animals will die.  Signs may include coughing, vomiting, extreme weakness, stiffness, muscle tremors, seizures, intense pain, and possibly bleeding from the nose or bloody diarrhea. Since "strep" organisms are normally found on animals, it is difficult to prevent infections.  Reducing stress, cleaning wounds, and practicing good hygiene will help minimize disease. Animals or people known to have a strep infection should be avoided.  When working with affected animals gloves should be worn and hands washed thoroughly afterwards.

Necrotiizing Fasciitis is a rare life-threatening manifestation of a streptococcal infection reported mainly in humans and dogs. According to the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science at the University of Conneticut, necrotizing fasciitis has been reported only twice in cats.  Necrotizing fasciitis is commonly known as the "flesh eating bacteria." This bacterial infection affects the skin and the tissue that covers the muscles.  It is usually caused by haemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylocococcus aureus bacteria as well as other types of bacteria found naturally in a cat's body. It is a progressive disease that quickly kills the skin and underlying tissue.  Infection spreads rapidly and can lead to a systemic infection and toxic shock syndrome; death occurs if not treated quickly.  Treatment requires a strong antibiotic and surgical removal of the dead tissue.

Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FECV) is a common, benign, feline intestinal virus present in most cats (like the common cold). In the event that this virus mutates in an individual kitten/cat it results in the viral disease, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). It is impossible to determine when or where a kitten/cat was exposed to the virus and at what point it mutated into FIP. Many different situations can trigger the mutation such as environment change and stress. The tests available for FIP are highly unreliable and can only, at best, verify exposure to FECV but not necessarily FIP. False-positives are very frequent and will always show positive if the kitten/cat has been vaccinated against FIP, even though they may not be positive.   At this time the diagnosis of FIP is “clinical.” There is no definitive blood test for FIP. This means that there is no positive or negative test; the vet must look at the sum of several findings. These are some of the findings that are coupled with the physical examination and history findings to come up with a diagnosis of FIP. This virus does not affect humans.There is no definitive blood test for FIP.

Dog/Cat Bites can infect other animals and humans. Bites can cause infection due to the bacteria from the animal's mouth getting into the wound. This type of infection can cause damage to bones and soft tissue in both humans and other animals. Therefore, animal bite wounds should be attended to immediately by a physician or veterinarian when it involves other pets.

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Do you have any More Information about your cattery etc?

 

 

for more information, click on our  following web site links ...

 

The Feline Heart

Cat and Kitten Care

Panting in Cats - The Flehmen Reaction - Vomeronasal - Jacobsen's Organ

The Influence of the Father & Early Socialization on Kitten Temperaments: Like Tom  Like Kitten

Adapting to a New Home

Why Do Breeders Let Adult Cats Go?

A Kitten's Development From Conception to Birth

 

"I love cats because I enjoy my home and little by little, they become its visible soul."
~ Jean Cocteau

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are our opinions based on our experience and research.  We are not  veterinarians, nor do we claim to have any medical training or to be an expert in feline health issues. As reputable breeders we feel it is our responsibility to continuously educate ourselves about all facets of breeding Maine Coons. In addition to our many years of breeding experience, this knowledge helps us to maintain quality, healthy breeding stock with the goals of raising the healthiest kittens possible and improving the Maine Coon breed as a whole.

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