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View 8 More +Are you in the market for a colorful, sweet feline that is as soft and fluffy as your favorite blanket? The Calico Maine Coon cat may be the perfect pet for you! They have gorgeous coats, friendly temperaments, and love curling up on the couch beside their owners. If you’re thinking about adding a Calico Maine Coon to your family, here is everything you need to know about this lovely kitty.
Breed Overview
Height:
10 – 16 inches
Weight:
10 – 20 pounds
Lifespan:
13 – 14 years
Colors:
White, Chocolate, Black, Brown, Red, Orange, Lilac, Fawn, Cream, Blue
Suitable for:
Families with young children, Apartment dwellers
Temperament:
Gentle, Easygoing, Sweet, Vocal
Calico Maine Coon Characteristics
Calico Maine Coon Kittens
Although they’re exceptional pets, Calico Maine Coon cats are rare. Before you go to a breeder to purchase a Calico Maine Coon kitten, it’s best to focus on those that specialize in the breed. This will ensure that you’re getting a Calico Maine Coon instead of a Tortie.
Unfortunately, some potential pet parents assume that low-quality breeding facilities, such as puppy mills and backyard breeders, only apply to dogs. Sadly, there is such a thing as kitten mills.
They’re often more concerned with profits than their cats’ health, and their felines live in deplorable conditions. They’re sometimes crammed together in tight spaces, are more susceptible to disease and infections, and rarely have veterinarians examine them.
Kittens and cats from kitten mills can suffer from deformations, parasites, starvation, and behavioral issues.
- Multiple cats kept in a confined space
- Matted fur on the cats
- The breeder always has kittens available for sale
- Overgrown nails
- Selling expensive breeds at low prices
- An overwhelming odor of ammonia or excrement
- No vet records for any of the animals
If a breeder displays any of these red flags, turn and run; don’t walk the other way. To find a good cat breeder, you can see if they are associated with the TICA or the CFA, ask your network of cat owners for their recommendations, ask for referrals from pet care professionals, or visit local cat shows in your area.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Calico Maine Coon
The Calico Maine Coon is a gentle, sweet, and loving cat. As long as they have enough room to get exercise, they can thrive in nearly every environment. They are also incredibly intelligent and can learn basic tricks, like how to play fetch.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Due to their sweet and patient nature, the Calico Maine Coon is the ultimate family-friendly pet. They can tolerate young, curious children. However, it is important to closely monitor all interactions between your kids and cat so everyone remains safe.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Yes, the Calico Maine Coon can cohabitate with almost all other animals, including other cats and even dogs. Since they have a high prey drive, rabbits, rodents, and other small pets must be secured in another room the cat cannot access or rehomed.
Things to Know When Owning a Calico Maine Coon
From feeding and grooming to exercise, here is everything you need to know to keep your Calico Maine Coon kitty happy and healthy.
Food & Diet Requirements 🐡
When it comes to your Calico Maine Coon’s diet, there are a few factors to take into consideration, including:
- Full-grown Calico Maine Coons are large cats with big appetites
- They won’t reach maturity until 3 to 5 years of age
- They are prone to hip dysplasia
This is why feeding your Calico Maine Coon the correct diet is so important. They require a protein-rich diet with minimal carbs, moderate fats, and other vitamins and minerals.
It’s also important to feed your kitty the proper diet throughout the different stages of life. Always talk with your vet to find the right food for your Calico Maine Coon’s kitten, adult, and golden years.
Exercise 🐈
While the Calico Maine Coon is an easygoing cat, they need daily exercise. You can engage them in physical activities with cat-friendly toys, such as a laser light or catnip-filled mouse.
Training 🧶
As mentioned earlier, Calico Maine Coons are exceptionally smart cats that can be trained to play games such as fetch. They’re one of the easiest breeds to leash train, which is becoming more common. Maine Coons love adhering to a routine, so training is more likely to be successful if you stick to a regular schedule.
Grooming ✂️
Your Calico Maine Coon certainly needs a lot of grooming or their fur can become matted, which means they are a high-maintenance pet and can create a lot of expenses. To keep their fur healthy, try to brush them every day with a soft bristle brush. They also need to have their teeth brushed regularly and have their claws clipped.
Health and Conditions 🏥
- Hip dysplasia
- Obesity
- Periodontal disease
- Stomatitis
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Calico Maine Coon cats are typically very hardy. However, as with all cats, they are susceptible to health conditions later in life, including obesity, hip dysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy, and dental problems.
To avoid these common health conditions, routine vet visits are critical. It’s also essential to buy your Calico Maine Coon kitten from a high-quality and reputable cat breeder to avoid genetic disorders and defects.
Male vs Female
While male Calico Maine Coon cats will be several inches and pounds larger than female ones, both genders are the same as far as personality is concerned.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Calico Maine Coon
1. They’re Massive!
Full grown Calico Maine Coon cats can tip the scales at up to 20 pounds!
2. They’re Ready for Winter
Calico Maine Coons evolved to flourish in cold climates. They have thick, bushy tails, water-repellant fur, and big, tufted paws to navigate snowy terrain.
3. They Were Cloned!
In 2014, a Maine Coon was the very first pet to be commercially cloned.
Final Thoughts
The Calico Maine Coon is a dynamic, docile, and family-friendly cat with a personality that’s as big as their body. They’re available in a wide array of colors and will be adored by every family member, from the kids and dogs to the other household cats.
Due to their rarity, be prepared to spend a pretty penny on a Calico Maine Coon kitten. Always purchase your kitten from a quality, responsible breeder who specializes in the breed. Even if a low price tag is tempting, avoid doing business with a kitten mill.
Your Maine Coon requires a premium diet and daily grooming sessions to keep them looking and feeling their best. If you want to add a lovely cat to your home, consider adopting a Calico Maine Coon today!
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Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
