Beginner Guide for Cat Owners and the Maine Coon Breed

Although COVID-19 and the whole lockdown deal are beginning to fade away with more people getting vaccinated, there are still people who are dealing with a considerable amount of loneliness in their lives, and taking into consideration that this can affect someone’s mental health significantly, it is normal to look up for solutions to this.

Health organizations all around the world have recommended people to engage in regular physical activities to fight off anxiety and depression, and it has been scientifically proven that exercising is a very good way to get rid of negative thoughts and reduce anxiety problems.

Things like meditation, gardening, and approaching hobbies like playing video games or regularly talking to friends over calls and chats, can also be great ways to deal with anxiety, depression, and loneliness, but a very efficient way of fighting loneliness is adopting a pet.

In this article, we will mainly focus on cats and their difference from dogs, and what it is to own a Maine Coon, one of the most popular breeds in the world, which, as shown here, enters the category of large breeds, and is native to the U.S, more specifically speaking to the state of Maine.

Choosing Between a Dog or Cat

When it comes to pets, two options come to mind: dogs and cats. Dogs are very friendly animals that can bond easily and provide a wide range of health advantages while becoming one of the best companions one can have.

However, dogs are high-maintenance animals in most circumstances, making them a not very viable option for some people.

If you are like me, someone who’s constantly at home and never goes outside, they are not a great choice since dogs require a daily amount of exercise to remain healthy, which is commonly decided by their breed.

The Benefits of Owning a Cat

That’s where some people might prefer owning a cat, just because they are more independent and can deal with various of their needs by themselves, such as going to the bathroom and cleaning themselves.

If you are a first-time cat owner, you will probably end up spending some money to get necessary tools and supplies, such as a litter box, litter sand, food, scratching spots, and toys, but even after that, cats tend to be very cheap pets to own.

Cats do require a certain level of attention but comparing it to the amount of attention a dog needs, a cat is far more reliable and can be left alone for long periods of time.

That being said, you must supervise their behavior and ensure that they are eating properly and drinking enough water since some cats can be very particular when it comes to their eating and drinking habits.

Overall, cats are perfect companions for people that need to go out to fulfill their responsibilities or people who want a pet that is low-maintenance and don’t require a dedicated level of attention.

A Cat’s Breed

If you are a first-time cat owner or someone with little experience with them, but you decided to adopt a cat, it is essential to get to know things about the breed you are interested in adopting. Just like with dogs, a cat’s breed can decide various of its features, including things like:

  • Its size
    Its personality
    Whether it can get along with other animals
    Its coat
    How much exercise it will require
    Its maintenance requirements
    And the diet it should eat

Although there are some general rules of thumb that can apply to all cats, getting to know a breed and its specifications is very important since it will give you a hint on whether that specific breed is suitable for you or not.

For example, specific cat breeds required more care when it comes to their maintenance needs, such as the Sphynx cat which is well known for having sensitive skin and requiring more attention, even to the point of often needing another cat to play with.

Talking About the Maine Coon

 

As mentioned earlier, Maine Coons are considered big when it comes to cats, and they are very affectionate animals that can bond fairly easily, making them a very good alternative for the kind of person who wants to own a cat, but also wants a cuddly pet who enjoys being petted.

Maine Coons can be very sociable and enjoy spending time with their owners, as shown in this holistapet guide, and being around them can be an enjoyable experience for any Maine Coon. They also tend to follow their owners around or just watch them work, which si enough to create a bond.

That being said, they are known for being a little bit shy at first, so if you end up adopting one, you might want to take your time and let them be them until they find it inside themselves to interact with you.

Physically speaking, besides their size, they have very long and silky coats that are known for being water-resistant, and because of this, they do require grooming on a regular basis, and I encourage you to buy grooming supplies and learn how to do it to save money that you would otherwise spend on professional grooming service providers. Brushing their teeth weekly is also a part of their grooming maintenance.

Ideally, they should be kept inside, like most cats, since they are indoor animals. Just playing with them every now and then is more than enough for their exercising needs as well, so you shouldn’t worry too much about it.