• I was told that the Maine Coon was a breed for people who have allergies to cats. Is this true? 
  
• Do Maine Coon sheed?
  
• How many kittens is normal for a Mainecoon?
  
• For how long are the females pregnant?
  
• What is the normal size of the Maine Coon cat? How big can they grow?
  
• What about  their temperament?
  
• What about care and training?
  
• What diseases are most common on the Maine Coon cats?

Q: I was told that the Maine Coon was breed  for people who have allergies to cats.  Is this true? 
A: Even though some say that the MCO is suited for allergic people, this can never be guaranteed. I have a mother and a brother which is severely allergic to cats, and unfortunately they react when just entering our house. On the contrary we also have friends claiming to be allergic to cats which never reacts, even when petting our cats. So I would, based on our experience, say that this is very individual.

Q:  Do Maine Coon sheed?
A: Yes, Maine Coon does indeed shed. As any other fur-bearing animal they also needs to adjust to the variation in terms of seasons, temperature, and so on

Q:  How many kittens is normal for a Mainecoon?
A: The average litter size for a Maine Coon is between 5-7 kittens. Naturally there can be more, or less. In Norway there has been registered 9 kittens in one litter at maximum. All survived.

Q: For how long are the females pregnant?
A: The general average pregnancy periode for a normal cat (includes maine coon) is 65 days. (Births after 63-70 days pregnancy is condidered normal)

Q: What is the normal size of the Maine Coon cat? How big can they grow?
A: This is very individual. An average male weighs  approx. 6-9 kg. The female is normally smaller, with an average weight of approx. 4-6 kg. 

Q: What about  their temperament?
A: While Maine Coons are highly people-oriented cats, they are not overly-dependent. They do not constantly pester you for attention, but prefer to "hang out" with their owners, investigating whatever activity you're involved in and "helping" when they can. They are not, as a general rule, known as "lap cats" but as with any personality trait there are a few Maine Coons that prefer laps. Most Maine Coons will stay close by, probably occupying the chair next to yours instead. Maines will follow you from room to room and wait outside a closed door for you to emerge. A Maine Coon will be your companion, your buddy, your pal, but hardly ever your baby.

Maine Coons are relaxed and easy-going in just about everything they do. The males tend to be the clowns while the females retain more dignity, but both remain playful throughout their lives. They generally get along well with kids and dogs, as well as other cats. They are not as vertically-oriented as some other breeds, prefering to chase objects on the ground and grasping them in their large paws -- no doubt instincts developed as professional mousers. Many Maine Coons will play "fetch" with their owners.

Q: What about care and training?
A: Most breeders recommend a high-quality dry food. Most cats can free feed without becoming overweight. Middle-aged cats (5-10) are most likely to have weight problems which can usually be controlled by switching to a low-calorie food. Many Maine Coons love water. Keep a good supply of clean, fresh water available at all times.

Most Maine Coons can be trained to accept a leash. Maine Coons are creatures of habit and they train easily if they associate the activity with something they want (they train humans easily too!).

Q:What diseases are most common on the Maine Coon cats?
A: In the Maine Coon, the most common inherited health problems are hip dysplasia, which can produce lameness in a severely affected cat, and cardiomyopathy, which can produce anything from a minor heart murmur to severe heart trouble. Any breeder you talk to should be willing to discuss whether they've had any problems with these diseases in their breeding stock, or in kittens they've produced; how much screening they're doing, and why.