Maine Coons......the facts!!

Maine Coons are among the most recognisable cat breeds, but what are the facts and the realities of welcoming these gentle giants into your home and life?

1. Let's start with the obvious: yes, they are big. It will take 3-5 years for them to reach their adult size and mature, and their sizes can range from 4-7kg (females) and 6-10kg (males).
2. Be prepared to supersize everything!! Food, cat bowls, water fountains, litter-trays,(paid link) cat trees, brushes & toys.
3. Grooming: Maine Coons love to be groomed if started early; it's a lovely bonding experience. Depending on their fur type and length, this will need to be done regularly to avoid mats & knots.
4. Unlike most cats, Maine Coons love water, so expect to find the water bowl emptied over your kitchen floor after a play session or sharing your shower time.
5. Forget your privacy, Maine Coons will become your shadow and follow you everywhere; yes, that's right, the toilet, bath/shower are no longer your private time. They will need to supervise your every move.
6. They are gentle giants of the cat world and very much dog-like. Intelligent furry toddlers, if you like. You will soon be having full-on chirpy conversations with them. Oh, and did I mention they can growl when they are on guard duty? Needs to be heard to be believed.
7. Maine Coons are excellent climbers, so make sure all your fixtures and fittings are secure, and that includes the supersize cat tree I mentioned earlier, being attached to the wall.
8. And one final point, Maine Coons will soon learn your schedule. Word to the wise, do not deviate, especially their feeding time, so forget that yearned for weekend lay-in, it ain't happening.

In conclusion, Maine Coons are a completely different experience from having an ordinary cat. They are the centre of the family, you put them first in any plans you may have, and they enrich your lives like you can't believe. Once you let a Maine Coon into your life, it will never be the same again. Oh, and one is never enough.