The Ultimate Maine Coon Guide in Malaysia

Maine Coon are large, gorgeous creatures, and their good looks, gentle personalities, and playful nature make them loved by people in Malaysia. They are generally adorable and are amazing pets, especially in families with kids.

But to properly care for them, we must first learn everything we can about them. In this guide, we will look at everything you need to know about this cat breed.

Appearance

The Maine Coon is the biggest domestic cat breed and its size is one of its major defining features. They have highly muscular bodies with solid legs and wide chests. They also have large, pointed ears, a firm chin and a squared-off muzzle.

Apart from their huge frames, Maine Coons have plenty of furs, which makes these felines look even larger. Their coat is smooth and silky, although it is shorter near the shoulders. Other physical features include their oval-shaped eyes and long, bushy tails.

Maine Coons eyes are typically green, gold or copper and do not usually match their coat. Most times, those with white coats have one blue eye (heterochromia) or even odd-coloured eyes.

Coat Colours and Patterns

Maine Coon is available in a variety of colours, including white, blue, red, brown, cream, bluecream, gold and black.

Their patterns include solid colour, smoke tabby, tortoiseshell, shaded, particolour, bi-colour and tri-colour/calico.

Can Maine Coons Live in Hot Weather in Malaysia?

It is true that Maine Coons are well-built to survive in cooler climates, but they can live just fine in tropical country like Malaysia as long as they are given access to cool areas and plenty of water.

Try to keep your Maine Coon indoors, especially during the hottest period of the day. You may want to put a fan or air-conditioner on, or provide cooling mats and plenty of shades to keep your cat cool when it is hot out.

A room temperature of 24 to 27 degree Celsius would be ideal to keep a regular Maine Coon adult comfortable. The general rule of thumb is that if you are comfortable with the temperature, then most likely your Maine Coon will be comfortable.

How Much Does a Maine Coon Cost?

The cost of a Maine Coon varies from RM2,000 to RM10,000 in Malaysia.

Factors affecting the cost include age, health status, vaccination, microchip, coat colours, purebred certification and breeder’s reputation.

Pedigree status can make a big difference in a Maine Coon’s price. If the cat’s lineage has a few ancestors that are not pure Maine Coon, the price can drop a lot.

When buying a cat, the cost obviously does not stop after the initial purchase. You need to take into consideration long-term commitment fees such as food, cat litter, preventative care, toys, cat tree and medical fees.

Where to Buy a Maine Coon in Malaysia?

Disclaimer: Grace Cat is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned below and will not be liable for any losses or inconveniences that happen from dealings with them. You are strongly encouraged to do your own due diligence to make the best-informed decision.

If you are planning to buy a Maine Coon, reputable breeders such as Lagenda Cattery and Sunny Rich Cattery are the most reliable way to bring home a good quality cat.

Some other places that you can check out include Mudah.my and Rescue Pets Malaysia.

While looking for a Maine Coon in Malaysia, be careful of backyard breeders who might be dishonest and try to sell mixed Maine Coons as purebreds.

Here are some insightful questions you should ask the breeder to help you justify the price and make the purchase decision:

1. Are you a registered breeder through an association such as CFA, TICA and FIFe? A registered breeder is required to follow the association’s breeding guidelines to get a well-bred Maine Coon. 
   
2. What are the cat’s family history and breed line?
   
3. Has there been any history of diseases among your cats and kittens?
   
4. Has the cat done genetic testing? Have they been examined and declared “healthy”?
   
5. What is your guarantee with the cat? If the cat is found to have a severe illness, what will you do to compensate? 
   
6. Do you provide documents such as medical records, health certificate, pedigree certificate, guarantee contract and certificate of sale?
   
7. Have primary vaccinations, microchipping and neutering/spaying been completed?

Where to Adopt a Maine Coon in Malaysia?

While uncommon, it is possible to find a Maine Coon Cat at an animal shelter or online local community such as cat adoption groups on Facebook.

Click this page for the list of online and offline pet adoption platforms in Malaysia. You might just get lucky and find a Maine Coon for cheap!  However, there is no guarantee your Maine Coon will be purebred.

At Grace Cat, we always support ‘Adopt Don’t Shop’ and believe you can find your perfect kitty in a rescue – whatever breed it may be.

Weight and Size

A typical Maine Coon is around 25cm to 40cm tall, and it can reach up to 80cm in length (excluding tail). The average weight of an adult Maine Coon can be anything from 4kg to 10kg. Their males are usually heavier than the females and they weigh between 6kg and 10kg.

However, Maine Coons have a slow growth rate, so it might be after their fifth birthday before you find out their full adult weight.

Healthy Maine Coons should reach the following weight milestones:

Lifespan of Maine Coons

The average lifespan of Maine Coon is 12 to 15 years.

Maine Coon Personality

Despite their size, the “gentle giant” Maine Coons are affectionate, friendly and goofy. They have huge personalities and love spending time with humans. They do not crave privacy or personal space and instead want to be a part of the family.

Maine Coons are obedient and will respond when you call them. They are also sociable and love to greet guests. This breed is patient and friendly with kids. They are not aggressive and tolerate being picked up and cuddled. However, they are not your typical lap cats and prefer playing to being held.

Is Maine Coon a Good Family Cat?

Yes, Maine Coons are super sweet cats. They love to play and hence are excellent playmates for children and even other pets. Maine Coons are loyal to the family and have a special bond with their house members.

Can Maine Coon Cats Be Left Alone?

While Maine Coons do not usually demand constant attention, they do love interaction and companionship.

Maine Coons can be left alone but only for a short period of time, i.e. not more than 8 to 12 hours. Leaving Maine Coons completely alone for a long period of time can cause them to experience stress and even depression.

Having two cats together will usually provide the ideal companionship for each other if you must be away from home for many hours at a time. Also, make your home a stimulating environment to keep your cat occupied when you are not around.

Are Maine Coon Easy to Train?

Maine Coon is easier to train as compared to many cat breeds because of its high intelligence. Although they are fast learners, training them still involves time, patience and persistence.

While training will be easier when you start young, it does not mean that adult cats cannot be trained. With positive reinforcement of training, even old cats can be taught all sorts of tricks.

Diet for Maine Coon Cats

All cats need the following elements in their diet: protein, fats and fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and water.

Maine Coons are large and energetic, so they require more animal protein to support their active lifestyle.

Some cat food brands market diets specifically for Maine Coon cats, but research suggests these diets do not really make a significant difference in your pet’s health.

When choosing your Maine Coon’s food, the most important ingredient is animal protein such as chicken, meat and fish. Ensure the cat food contains at least 30% to 50% of animal protein, a moderate amount of fat and minimal carbohydrates, with appropriate vitamins and minerals.

Also, make sure to provide clean and fresh water at all times.

Grooming Maine Coon Cats

The coat of Maine Coons is usually silky smooth, but to maintain this beauty, they need to be brushed at least once a week. Although they can clean themselves, it is recommended that you groom their long fur every 1-2 days so it does not become matted or tangled. While they shed a bit, regularly brushing their coat will help to remove loose hair.

Grooming the Maine Coons is usually enjoyable since they love attention and can be obsessed with water. They are one of the cat breeds that may enjoy swimming and bathing in a bathtub.

Bathing is a great way to keep your cat’s fur clean. But you should make sure that you only bathe your Maine Coon once a month. It is also essential that you make use of cat shampoo because human shampoos contain chemicals that may be toxic to them.

To give your cat a bath, just fill the bathtub with lukewarm water, shampoo the cat, and rinse properly. It is essential to avoid splashing water on the cat’s face. Instead, you can use a wet washcloth to clean its face, but take care not to get soap into its ears and eyes.

Because Maine Coons’ fur is water-repellent, your cat will not be as soaked as other cat breeds. You should still towel dry the cat as much as possible to remove excess water.

Cleaning Their Bottom

Because Maine Coon’s hair is long and thick, sometimes the faeces can get stuck to the fur at the bottom area, which can lead to discomfort and infection.

You should use pet-safe cleaning wipes to clean dirty bottom as quickly as possible. If this does not work, a hair trimming or warm bath may be necessary.

Trimming Their Claws

Maine Coons have long, curved and hooked claws that are meant for hunting in the wild. However, these might become a small issue at home if they get stuck in upholstery, clothes, carpets or curtains.

In order to prevent yourself from getting scratched while playing and avoid damage to your belongings, it is essential to clip your Maine Coon’s claws using a proper cat nail clipper.

When clipping the claws, keep the cat relaxed so that you do not accidentally cut its paw flesh. Initially, it might take more than one session to clip your Maine Coon’s claw, but this will improve later on.

Getting a good cat tree and a good scratching post will reduce the need for frequent trimming.

Cleaning Their Ears

Maine Coons have ears that quickly get dirty and waxy, which would usually lead to infections. So, it is important to properly clean their ears to prevent these infections. 

To clean Maine Coons’ ears, drop the ear-cleaning solution directly into the ear canal. Massage the area below the ear opening to loosen the dirt and wax, and then release the cat. It will most likely shake its head, which will release its dirt. All you have to do is just swap its outer ear with a cotton pad.

After cleaning, if the cat still has a heavy discharge or the discharge starts to smell, then you should take the cat to the vet to check for infections. Special antibiotic treatments are needed for infected ears.

Brushing Their Teeth

Many cat owners do not realise the importance of taking proper care of their feline’s dental health. In order to prevent the Maine Coon from suffering from tooth decay, periodontal disease and other gum- and tooth-related issues, it is important to brush its teeth regularly.

Apply cat toothpaste to a soft cat toothbrush. Allow the cat to lie on its side and sniff and lick the toothbrush. Once it has become comfortable with the routine, you can try to raise its lip and brush its teeth.

You should brush your cat’s teeth every day or at least once a week.

How Much Exercise Does a Maine Coon Need?

Maine Coons are muscular and athletic, with high levels of energy. They are an active breed, so a lack of exercise can cause them to become obese and prone to several health problems. Therefore, it is important to exercise your Maine Coon every day.

However, the amount of exercise your Maine Coon requires depends on whether it is an indoor cat. If your cat usually spends part of its day running around and playing outside, you do not need to exercise it anymore. But indoor Maine Coons should get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.

Playing is the most preferable method of exercising your Maine Coon because they enjoy games. Some of them enjoy playing fetch, so let them run and jump around until they are satisfied.

Remember that cats lose interest in their toys over time, so it is a good idea to keep some and only give them to your Maine Coon occasionally.

Maine Coon are very good climbers so you should build a cat tree or cat castle. Find out the comfort level of your cat before installing something that is too high.

Some Maine Coons enjoy walks like dogs, but you will have to ensure that they get used to a leash. Before taking them on long-distance walks, try walking them around the house.

General Health Problems of Maine Coons

Almost all pedigree breeds are predisposed to certain diseases, including Maine Coon. However, many of these diseases are genetic and can be prevented by ethical breeding and detected via gene tests.

Hip Dysplasia

Maine Coons are relatively larger than other cat breeds, which means that they are generally heavier. This makes them prone to developing hip dysplasia, which is a condition where the ball and socket joint is misaligned.

It is a genetic defect that can occur in all Maine Coon cats, no matter their age. Common symptoms include signs of hip pain, limited mobility, loss of thigh muscles, a hopping gait and lameness.

Minor cases of hip dysplasia can be treated with therapies, whereas more severe cases may necessitate surgery. Physiotherapy exercises can be used to strengthen the joints and muscles.

Obesity and extra weight can worsen the condition, so cats suffering from this condition are placed on a weight management diet. Regular massages can also help reduce the pain.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

This is another genetic condition that is common among Maine Coons. It is the degeneration of the motor neurons controlling the limbs that causes the generalised muscle weakness in the cat.

Maine Coon cats have the recessive gene that leads to spinal muscular atrophy, but they must get this gene from both parents to develop the condition.

Common symptoms include muscle weakness, muscle tremors, an irregular gait and a loss of muscle mass in the hind legs. They start to appear when the cat is around 3 to 4 months old. But as the disease worsens, the cat might lose movement completely in its hind limbs. A cat wheelchair is recommended to help your Maine Coon move around easily.

Although spinal muscular atrophy is not curable, it is advisable to take your cat to a vet as soon as you see the symptoms. There are certain measures to help the cat live a healthy life even with the condition.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Maine Coon cats could inherit polycystic kidney disease, which means they are born with cysts or pockets of fluid, in their kidneys. As they grow, the size of these cysts increases, and they damage the kidney tissues, eventually leading to permanent kidney failure.

The symptoms of this condition start showing when the cat is around 8 to 11 years old and by then it might already be too late. Some of the symptoms include nausea, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, and blood in the urine.

As soon as you suspect that your Maine Coon has PKD, consult your vet to discuss treatment options, as it could cause more serious issues such as heart failure and high blood pressure.

Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

This condition causes the muscular walls of the heart to become thick, thereby making it pump less efficiently. It is commonly referred to as a “silent killer”, because it is hard to diagnose. It is usually found in Maine Coons especially in males and adult cats. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor your Maine Coon cat as it grows older.

Symptoms of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include an abnormal heart rate, coughing, weight loss, difficulty breathing or shallow breathing. As the condition worsens, it can cause congenital heart failure, a buildup of fluid around the heart and lungs and blood clot leading to paralysis.

Note: Reputable breeders should screen for health problems in your Maine Coon, but it is important to screen your cat regularly into adulthood. HCM and some other health issues can go undetected until later in your cat’s life.

Do All Maine Coon Cats Have Pointed Ear Tufts or Lynx Tips?

Not all Maine Coons will have pointed ear tufts or lynx tips, although they are pretty common. So, a lack of lynx tips does not indicate that the Maine Coon is not of purebred heritage.

Many Maine Coon kittens’ ears begin to develop these pointed lynx tips when they are two weeks old, but some do not develop the lynx tips until they are two years old. The length and volume of these lynx tips also vary from one cat to another.

Lynx tips are the sprouts of long hair that grow out from the tips of each ear. It helps prevent dirt from entering their inner ears. The lynx tips also protect their ears from snow, ice, and cold temperatures. However, Maine Coons no longer have to survive in freezing temperatures outside since they now live comfortably indoors.

Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic?

Although Maine Coon is one of the most popular cat breeds in Malaysia, they are not hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic means that your cat is less likely to cause you an allergic reaction. While no cat is completely allergy-free, certain breeds, such as the Balinese Cat and the hairless Sphynx, are less likely.

Many people think that fur causes allergies, but this is not true because the three main cat allergens are urine, saliva, and dead skin (dander). The primary cause of allergy is Fel D1, which is a protein present in cats’ urine, saliva and glands.

As a result, they spread the Fel D1 on their bodies while licking their fur to clean themselves. They also leave this protein behind when they urinate.

Some cat breeds produce less Fel D1 than others, but Maine Coons do not, so they will trigger allergies. Someone with an overly sensitive immune system who cuddles a Maine Coon will come into contact with the Fel D1 and have an allergic reaction. 

Origin of the Maine Coon

The most widely held belief is that the Maine Coon is descended from the foreign long-haired cats brought to America by early American explorers from Maine. These long-haired cats mated with local short-haired breeds to give rise to the only longhair cat breed native to the United States.

There are several speculations as to how the breed got its name, “Maine Coon.” One theory traces the origin of the cat’s ancestors to a sailor named Charles Coon. Another theory attributes the name to their bushy tails, which resemble those of raccoons.

Maine Coons were a popular choice in several of the 19th-century cat shows. In the first North American cat show held at Madison Square, New York, a female Maine Coon named Cosey won the best cat award. The silver collar given to Cosey was bought by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) Foundation. It is proudly displayed in the headquarters since it is important memorabilia when it comes to cat history.

However, the Maine Coon was eventually overshadowed by other exotic breeds. By the 1950s, the breed began to enjoy a resurgence in popularity. But since they were left to develop naturally until the mid-20th century, they became stronger and healthier.

Should I Get a Maine Coon in Malaysia?

Well, now that you have learned all the basics about Maine Coon, you can hopefully make an informed decision.

Maine Coons are gorgeous kitties with long hair and sweet temperament. They are outgoing and would very rarely be mean to anyone. If you’re looking for a long-term companion, the Maine Coon is a great choice.

Have any questions about Maine Coons?

Have you had a Maine Coon before?

Let us know in the comments!

Looking for a healthy high animal protein food for your Maine Coon? Why not Grace Cat?