ABOUT MAINE COONS
The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. The breed originated in the U.S. state of Maine, where it is the official state cat. The Maine Coon is a large and social cat, which could be the reason why it has a reputation of being referred to as "the gentle giant." The Maine Coon is predominantly known for its size and dense coat of fur which helps the large feline to survive in the harsh climate of Maine. The Maine Coon is often cited as having "dog-like" characteristics.
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HISTORY OF MAINE COONS
The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cats. It has a distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills. The breed was popular in cat shows in the late 19th century, but its existence became threatened when long-haired breeds from overseas were introduced in the early 20th century. The Maine Coon has since made a comeback, in 2020 becoming the third most popular pedigree cat breed in the world.
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MAINE COON CAT DESCRIPTION
The Maine Coon is a large and sociable cat characterized by a prominent ruff along its chest, robust bone structure, strong jawline, rectangular body shape, an uneven two-layered coat with longer guard hairs over a silky satin undercoat, and a long, bushy tail.
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​MAINE COON CAT STANDARD
GENERAL: originally a working cat, the Maine Coon is solid, rugged, and can endure a harsh climate. A distinctive characteristic is its smooth, shaggy coat. A well proportioned and balanced appearance with no part of the cat being exaggerated. Quality should never be sacrificed for size. With an essentially amiable disposition, it has adapted to varied environments.
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HEAD SHAPE: medium in width and slightly longer in length than width with a squareness to the muzzle. Allowance should be made for broadening in older studs. Cheekbones high.
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MUZZLE/CHIN: is visibly square, medium in length and blunt ended when viewed in profile. It may give the appearance of being a rectangle but should not appear to be tapering or pointed. Length and width of the muzzle should be proportionate to the rest of the head and present a pleasant, balanced appearance. The chin should be strong, firm and in line with the upper lip and nose. When viewed in profile the chin depth should be observable and give the impression of a square, 90-degree angle. A chin lacking in depth, i.e. one that tapers from the jaw line to the lip, is not considered strong, firm or desirable.
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PROFILE: should be proportionate to the overall length of the head and should exhibit a slight concavity when viewed in profile. The profile should be relatively smooth and free of pronounced bumps and/or humps. A profile that is straight from the brow line to the tip of the nose is not acceptable, nor should the profile show signs of having a “break” or “stop.”
EARS: Shape: large, well-tufted, wide at base, tapering to appear pointed. Set: approximately one ear’s width apart at the base; not flared.
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EYES: large, expressive, wide set with an opened oval shape. Slightly oblique setting with slant toward outer base of ear.
NECK: medium long.
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BODY SHAPE: muscular, broad-chested. Size medium to large. Females are generally smaller than males. The body should be long with all parts in proportion to create a well-balanced rectangular appearance, with no part of the anatomy being so exaggerated as to foster weakness. Allowance should be made for slow maturation.
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​LEGS and FEET: legs substantial, wide set, of medium length, and in proportion to the body. Forelegs are straight. Back legs are
TAIL: long, wide at base, and tapering. Fur long and flowing.
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COAT: heavy and shaggy; shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach and britches. Frontal ruff desirable. Texture silky with coat falling smoothly.​
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​PERSONALITY
Maine Coons are regarded as "gentle giants" and possess above-average intelligence, making them relatively easy to train. They are known for being loyal to their family and cautious—but not mean—around strangers, but are independent and not clingy. The Maine Coon is generally not known for being a "lap cat," but their gentle disposition makes the breed relaxed around dogs, other cats, and children. Many Maine Coons have a fascination with water and some speculate that this personality trait comes from their ancestors, who were aboard ships for much of their lives. Maine Coons are also well known for being very vocal cats. They are known for their frequent yowling or howling, trilling, chirping, and making other loud vocalizations.
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MAINE COON SIZE
The Maine Coon was considered the largest breed of domestic cat until the introduction of the Savannah cat in the mid 1980s, and is still the largest non-hybrid breed. On average, males weigh from 17 to 22 lb, with females weighing from 8 to 12 lb. The height of adults can vary between 10 and 16 inches and they can reach a length of up to 38 inches, including the tail, which can reach a length of 14 inches and is long, tapering, and heavily furred, almost resembling a raccoon's tail. The body is solid and muscular, which is necessary for supporting their weight, and the chest is broad. Maine Coons possess a rectangular body shape and are slow to physically mature; their full size is normally not reached until they are three, from three to four their muscle will fill in and four to five their Maine will fully fill in. While other cats take about one year to mature.
In 2010, the Guinness World Records accepted a male purebred Maine Coon named "Stewie" as the "Longest Cat", measuring 48.5 in (123 cm) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail.
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POLYDACTYLISM
Many of the original Maine Coon cats that inhabited the New England area possessed a trait known as polydactylism (having one or more extra toes on a paw). With the 1970s revival of the interest in the breed, Maine Coon cats were noted to show an increased incidence of polydactylism compared to other breeds.​​​
MAINE COON CAT DIET
YoungAGAIN Food is Mandatory for ShallowCreek Kittens/Cats going to new home
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You made an investment to get a Maine Coon, now it's time to invest in their health. YoungAgain has the food that will keep your new baby healthy, playful, full of life for many years to come.
Better food = Small amount = Big Savings
Have a Dog? YoungAgain makes that too!
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Learn More @ Youngagainpetfood.com
Our Code is: 222007
Maine Coon cats require a High Protein, Grain Free Food.
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The Indoor Carnivore
(Information by YoungAgain Cat Food)
Cats are obligate or true carnivores and must eat meat in order to thrive.
Plant proteins are not as complete as animal proteins and are not as easily processed. Most cat foods contain more than 20% starch/carbohydrates; Young Again contains less than 6% starch or our ZERO foods less than 1%. Research shows the more starch/carbs a cat consumes the less water they will consume daily.
Lower water consumption can lead to crystals and or kidney stones.
An obligate ob·li·gate [adj. ob-li-geyt] car·ni·vore [noun kahr-nuh-vohr] (or a true) carnivore is an animal that must eat meat in order to thrive. Just like leopards, lions and tigers, the domestic cat is a prime example of an obligate or true carnivore and has no nutritional requirement for carbohydrates or other vegetable matter in their diet.
True carnivores lack the physiology required for the proper utilization of vegetable matter and, in fact, some carnivorous mammals eat vegetation specifically as an emetic (to induce vomiting).
The average nutrient profile of what a cat would consume in the wild is 50-59% animal protein, 22-27% animal fat and less than 6% starch/carbohydrates. If you examine any of the Young Again food labels you will see that all of our cat foods fall within these nutrient profiles.
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Young Again Pet Foods represent a true breakthrough in nutrition for your pets. This carnivore feeding regimen contains abundant nucleotides, proteases, other enzymes and probiotics to provide a balanced, healthy diet. It provides your pet with the nutrients necessary to enhance their immune system, promote healing and boost overall health. Read more on Nucleotides on YoungAgain's website under Articles at bottom of page along with other great articles supporting their Food.
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Cats still require Grain Free High Protein Wet Food: Authority (PetSmart) Merrick -Back Country or Purrect Bistro, Weruva are all Acceptable Foods! Wet food is needed daily for best health as part of hydration.
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**Have other cats? In ONE month of switching your other cats to YoungAgain foods you will see a change in their skin, which means their coat it will become softer and fuller, other benefits are less stools, less hairballs & BEST thing LESS VET BILLS! That's only the beginning!
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YoungAgain also offers Free Shipping on any order over $30 and they have a Bottomless Bag deal! Get it delivered right to your door by your scheduled delivery.
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Your Cat(s) and Hydration.
Fresh water is needed daily for any cat. Have a water fountain? It's time to get rid of that nasty thing. Here are a few reasons why:
*Water fountains supply the four things that bacteria need to thrive: water, room temperature, time and nutrients from your cat's saliva/food particles.
*Bacterial contamination is a big concern with water fountains. Bacteria can double their number every twenty minutes.
*To be used safely, a water fountain should be taken apart and thoroughly washed and sanitized with Vinger, hydrogen peroxide or other sterilant every 48 hours.
*Sponge or carbon filters are breeding grounds for bacteria and are almost impossible to keep sanitized.
*The use of water fountains and the development of UTIs and crystals in cats may be related.
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*For water, we recommend filtered tap water or spring water.
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**All drinking bowls should be Stainless Steel or glass. Never plastic. Plastic holds the most Bacteria.
ABOUT SHALLOWCREEK
How We Got Started
Beginning of January 2021 we purchased our home and I wanted a couple of outdoor cats. I found the 2 perfect orange fur balls about 15 minutes away from us. I brought them home and fell in love with Catnip and Catsby! These two were so cuddly, kind and full of energy, I was addicted to their attitudes! As they got older, I noticed how fast they were growing and couldn't believe a few months ago they were little butter balls. So I had a test run and found out they were part Maine Coon. So I started to dig a little more, finding some Maine Coon breeders. While talking and doing lots of research, I filled my husband Chad in on my thought of breeding Maine Coons as I really enjoyed Catnip and Catsby! After some time of speaking to a few breeders, I decided this was right for me. Catnip and Catsby were neutered a few weeks later and I brought home my first female Maine Coon. Shortly after that I found a male, and well here I am helping you find your Furever Maine Coon.
Catsby & Catnip
"Way down deep, we're all motivated by the same urges.
Cats have the courage to live by them."
~Jim Davis