Most of those who want to become the owner of a purebred or even an ordinary cat prefer to adopt a kitten. And this is understandable: a baby, unlike an adult, gets used to its owners faster, it is easier to tame it and wean it from bad habits. Many potential owners, just by looking at a photo of Maine Coon kittens, fall in love with this unusual breed forever! The size of the baby, sometimes equal to the size of an adult cat, a pretty face, expressive eyes, a kind disposition and the constant tufts on the ears - all this captivates and encourages you to give preference to the Maine Coon. Look at the photos, compare the kittens and choose the one who will become your family's favorite for many years!
Select the age of the kitten by month: 1 month 2 months 3 months 4 months 5 months 6 months 7 months 8 months 9 months 10 months 11 months 1 year
Maine Coon kittens 1 month
The weight of a Maine Coon cat at 1 month is approximately 560 - 740 grams, and a 1 month old Maine Coon cat weighs about 630 - 820 grams.
Red kitten, 1 month
Tortoiseshell
Black marble
Genetic factors
If the kitten's parents are large, then it also has a very high chance of reaching the maximum size of the breed. Genetics is the most important factor determining the weight, length, and height of an animal. Although this does not necessarily mean that the cat will weigh exactly as much as its parents. There is always a possibility that a grandparent will be able to pass on their genes to their descendants.
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Maine Coon kittens 3 months
The weight of a Maine Coon cat at 3 months is 1.7 - 2.3 kg, and a three-month-old Maine Coon cat weighs from 1.8 to 2.3 kg.
History of the breed
The homeland of majestic cats is the United States of America. The name “Maine Coon” literally means “Manx raccoon.” Maine is a northern US state. But what do raccoons have to do with it? The answer lies in one of the theories of the origin of the breed. We will talk about them below.
- The first theory has nothing to do with wild animals. It is believed that early settlers brought many varieties of domestic cats to the United States. In unusual conditions, they began to actively interbreed with each other, as a result of which a new species appeared. This version is considered official.
- There is a legend that Maine Coons are the result of natural selection between a cat and a raccoon. Proponents of the theory claim that it was the raccoon genes that “gave” these cats their striped color and bushy tail. According to another version, the ancestor of the Maine Coon was the lynx - hence the cute tassels on the ears. Both versions of genetics are refuted.
- The third version is associated with the French Queen Marie Antoinette. The wife of Louis XIV, fleeing from the revolutionaries, decided to flee to America. According to legend, she sent a ship in advance, which contained her favorite things and animals. The queen failed to carry out her plans, but her pets safely crossed the ocean and scattered throughout New England. Cats and male cats actively interbred with their North American counterparts. This is how Maine Coons appeared.
Photos of Maine Coon kittens at 4 months
The weight of a Maine Coon cat at 4 months is 2.7 - 3.6 kg, and a 4 month old Mei Coon cat is from 3 kg to 3.8 kg
Factors influencing growth
- Floor. Boy kittens grow faster than girl kittens and, as a result, when they finally mature, they reach larger sizes than their sisters.
- Genetics. Kittens from large parents are born with greater body weight and, as a rule, also grow up to be as large as their relatives.
- Physical condition of the newborn. Babies born weaker gain weight less quickly.
- Large litter size. Kittens from small litters are born larger than kittens from larger litters.
- Maintenance of mother kittens during pregnancy and while feeding offspring. If a mother cat eats properly and is kept in good conditions, then she produces healthy and strong offspring, which is the key to good growth and weight gain in babies.
- Stress. If there is a turbulent atmosphere in the house where the pet is growing up, if the owners are arguing, starting renovations, or something else is happening in their family that disrupts the usual rhythm of life in the house, then the kitten will gain weight worse due to strong worries.
- Past illnesses. Kittens that have recovered from the disease grow worse, and their growth may stop altogether for some time.
- Feeding. In order for a pet to grow well, it must eat properly and nutritiously.
Heredity depends not only on the mother of the kittens, but also on the father, so from different cats the same cat can produce offspring of different sizes.
Photos of Maine Coon kittens at 5 months
The weight of a make-coon cat at 5 months is from 2.9 to 4.3 kg, and a five-month-old cat is from 3.2 to 5.5 kg.
Black color, 5 months
White color
What to do if the kitten is not gaining weight?
If the kitten has stopped gaining weight, first of all, you need to find out the reason why this is happening. If a slight weight gain is associated with improper feeding (possibly from the breeder), then the new owner of the furry baby needs to take the following measures:
- Add more high-calorie foods to your pet's food, and also increase the amount of animal proteins.
- If your pet eats ready-made food, then you can try to switch it to food richer in proteins and higher in calories, preferably of a better class than the previous one.
- Start giving your pet vitamin and mineral supplements (preferably complex ones, which contain the entire necessary set of microelements).
Without consulting a veterinarian, you should not give your kitten biologically active additives to increase appetite or, especially, drugs that artificially increase body weight.
Also, in all cases, if a kitten’s poor weight gain is not related to nutrition, but to reasons other than genetic, it makes sense to take the pet to a veterinary clinic for a consultation and examination.
Maine Coon kittens at 6 months
The weight of a 6-month-old Mei Coon cat ranges from 3.2 to 4.5 kg, and a six-month-old Mei Coon cat weighs from 3.9 to 6.0 kg.
Stages of development
Maine Coon kittens grow quickly and gain weight rapidly. The first months of life of the cubs are divided into several stages:
- Neonatal. Lasts 4 days. During this period, normal weight gain is up to 10 g per day. If the kitten is not gaining weight, it is possible that the mother does not have enough milk. Then his feeding is controlled by introducing artificial mixtures;
- Sucker. Lasts from birth to 4 weeks. During this time, the kitten's weight constantly increases from 20 to 50 g per day. By the end of this period, the lack of mass during intrauterine development is compensated for, and its stabilization occurs. By the end of the 4th week, the pet should weigh at least 450 g and no more than 850 g;
- Transition. It begins at 4 weeks and ends by the end of the second month of the kitten’s life. The animal’s diet changes: “adult” solid food is introduced into the diet. Because of this, between 25-30 days a slight weight loss is possible, which levels off by week 7;
- Post-suction. final stage. When a kitten reaches two months of age, it completely switches to solid food and begins to live independently.
Important: Weight at each stage must be strictly controlled. The first two months are the most important in developing the pet’s health and immunity. Therefore, if deviations from the norm occur, you should either increase the amount of food or reduce it.
Maine Coon 7 months
The weight of a Maine Coon cat at 7 months is from 3.500 to 4.900, and the weight of a Maine Coon cat at 7 months is from 4.200 to 6.500 kg
Price
The price for a kitten of this breed depends on its status . There are three groups of animals that differ in cost:
- Show class.
- Brit class.
- Pet class.
The first category is animals intended for participation in exhibitions.
They cost more than all the others. The price can reach 100 thousand rubles.
The future owner of a Maine Coon pays this amount for a quality animal that meets the breed standards.
It has a purebred pedigree and will be able to exhibit and receive awards. It is used for mating.
The second group are female kittens suitable for breeding. They can produce show class offspring. They cost 30-35 thousand rubles. These cats have slight deviations from the standards, for example, too long or short hair, incorrect color or eye color. This does not affect their ability to exhibit and receive awards at shows.
The third group is exclusively pets for the home . They are the cheapest - 15-20 thousand rubles. They have many deviations from the breed standard and therefore cannot participate in exhibitions. They will not be used for mating either. But they possess all the other advantages of the breed - appearance, character - and therefore will become wonderful pets.
What else affects the price?
- The most expensive will be a kitten under 4 months of age.
- Cats are more expensive than cats.
- Unusual colors are more expensive.
- Mental abilities of the breed.
The intelligence of Maine Coons is absolutely consistent with their appearance and size.
These cats are considered real philosophers.
They think well, learn easily, and are capable of contemplation.
Their actions are logical, they are able to perform conscious actions (the same qualities are attributed to some types of dogs, for example, border collies and Labradors). Maine Coons have a very good memory, they can remember many words and commands.
They are well versed in intonation, distinguish human speech, its nuances, gestures and even understand glances. Maine Coons are called thinkers because they are able to remain in a state of peace and observation for a long time. Cats are not isolated from kittens even in the first minutes of their birth. Male Maine Coons actively participate in the life of their offspring, in raising and playing with kittens.
Maine Coon 8 months
The weight of a Maine Coon cat at 8 months is 3.8 - 5.2 kg, and an eight-month-old cat weighs 4.5 to 6.9 kg.
Maine Coon 9 months
The weight of a Maine Coon cat at 9 months is 4.1 - 5.5 kg, and the weight of a Maine Coon cat at 9 months is from 5.00 to 7.0 kg.
Nutrition
When purchasing a small Maine Coon, it is better to feed him his usual food for a while. Then you can introduce the kitten to other foods.
A complete diet for a small Maine Coon should contain up to 40% protein, 15-30% fat, 2.5% fiber, and the rest should be carbohydrates.
When feeding kittens, it is important to follow a diet. The main diet is raw lean meat. These are beef, chicken, rabbit, and offal. To strengthen joints, you need chicken scallops, beef tendons, and pig ears. Meat should be frozen for at least three days.
The source of minerals will be raw chicken necks, heads, backs, paws, and tails. They must be ground or given whole. Raw yolk is very useful for kittens.
Be sure to read:
Maine Coon: character and habits, maintenance and care, diseases, how to choose a kitten
When purchasing a small Maine Coon, it is better to feed him his usual food for a while
Fish should be given with caution and infrequently. Kittens drink milk for up to two months, and then their body loses the ability to digest lactose. It is replaced with fermented milk products, cottage cheese, and hard cheese.
Sometimes kittens happily eat raw grated vegetables and fruits and herbs. Adding a small amount of olive oil will help. There must be clean water available at all times.
It is not recommended to feed kittens food from the human table: it contains too many different additives that are harmful to the animal’s digestion.
Natural nutrition table for Maine Coon kittens by month
The nutritional norms and diet for Maine Coon kittens are presented in the table:
Age in months | Daily value in grams | Number of feedings per day | Diet |
Up to a month | Around the clock | Mother cat's milk | |
1,5-2 | 150-190 | 6 | Milk, liquid porridge, pureed meat |
2-3 | 180-240 | 4 | Raw lean meat, liver, some sea fish, vegetables, fruits, egg yolk, kefir, yogurt, a little olive oil. |
3-6 | 180-220 | 4 | Offal, chicken feet, heads, backs are added |
6-9 | 200-250 | 3 | Same diet |
10-12 | 180-220 | 2 | Same diet |
Feeding kittens with prepared food
High-quality industrial cat food contains all the necessary nutrients. Some manufacturers produce special food for Maine Coons: Bosch Sanabel Kitten, Royal Canin, Hills.
The amount of dry food is calculated individually and depends on the size of the kitten. First, the granules should be diluted with store-bought milk. Adults can be given canned food.
Industrial feeds are stored for a long time and are convenient to use. The packages usually indicate the serving size and other recommendations.
Photo of Maine Coon at 10 months
A Maine Coon cat weighs 4.2 - 5.8 kg at 10 months, and a Maine Coon cat weighs approximately 5.2 - 7.7 kg at 10 months.
Maine Coon cat at ten months
Appearance Features
It is worth knowing that at a young age it is quite difficult to notice the difference between animals. Thoroughbreds have similarities to ordinary ones, but they still have unique features. When inspecting, pay attention to:
- Ears. They are noticeably larger than those of ordinary pets, set almost at a right angle to the head, there is no forward bend, like in a Siberian cat. They are wide at the base and then gradually narrow. They end with a tassel - a unique external feature. The kitten can be born with it, more often it grows later, but by a maximum of 3 months there should already be a tassel on its ears. For this reason, it is better to select a pet at this age.
- Head. It is slightly elongated, since the length is slightly greater than the width. All features are clear, and the whisker pads form a “box”, making the muzzle square. The cheekbones protrude noticeably, which is not typical for ordinary domestic kittens.
- Eyes. They are slightly slanted and almond-shaped, unlike the rounded ones of other cats.
- Paws. Firstly, they are quite large even in babies, and secondly, tassels also grow on them - between the claws.
- Tail. This part of the body in purebred animals is long, about 2 times longer than in their domestic relatives. It is worth noting that selling Maine Coons is a profitable business, and there is a high risk of fraud. The breeder can tell that the tassels have not yet grown, the shape of the face sometimes seems similar, but the length of the tail can reveal the truth. Therefore, it is better to cooperate with reliable nurseries, where they will provide you with all the necessary documents.
- Wool. Even in kittens it is of medium length and thick.
- Dimensions. At the age of five weeks, Maine Coons are already comparable in size to a six-month-old ordinary kitten; at 4-5 months they “catch up” with an adult.
- Body type. It should be strong, the chest should be wide, the bones should be massive.
Also, purebred representatives of the breed are much more active and mobile than their ordinary counterparts, they develop faster and switch to food earlier.
Maine Coon at 11 months
A Maine Coon cat at 11 months weighs approximately 4.3 - 6.1 kg, and a Maine Coon cat at 11 months weighs approximately 5.7 - 8.0 kg.
Education and training
Observation post
Despite the fact that modern coons no longer chase mice through the pine clearings of Maine, the genes of wild ancestors in the representatives of the breed will definitely remind you of themselves. Accordingly, by adopting a Maine Coon, you have the added bonus of the opportunity to practice self-discipline.
In general, “Manx raccoons” are easy to train: they have a phenomenal memory, allowing cats to easily and quickly remember commands. Difficulties with the correct operation of the tray and the use of sofa upholstery instead of a scratching post are definitely not about Maine Coons; the furry giants easily master these wisdom even at a very young age. From time to time, cats need to give vent to their emotions and hunting instincts, so it is very advisable to take part in the pet’s games. Buy your Maine Coon a special ball, a toy mouse, or tease him with a laser pointer, thereby provoking the animal’s hunting excitement.
Photo of Maine Coon per year (12 months)
A 1-year-old Maine Coon cat weighs about 4.5 - 6.8 kg, and a 1-year-old Maine Coon cat weighs approximately 5.7 - 9.0 kg.
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