Maine Coon Walking on leash at park

This is Tequila, a 15 month old Maine Coon walking with harness and leash on. He is relatively good on the leash but he wants to go where he wants to go not where we want him to go so you see some tugging on our part.

[daleriggenbach]

Beautiful cat. My tabby walked on a leash too, around the yard.

[YVRMaine]

Behavior and personality - they are the opposite. Currently we have a male and a female. Males are goofy and clumsy. Females are more lady-like and are more dignified. But both are sweet, gentle, loving and affectionate. They generally are not "lap cats". Neither of mine are. Affection is given on their time. Males are larger than females in size. MC's are very social and like being in company of their humans or other animals.

[AdamsSIMporium]

How is he with dogs etc in the park? What age did you start doing this? Mine is a year old, should I have started younger? Also mine is an indoor cat, I am not on the ground floor. He's only been out went he fell out a window and went missing for a very worrying 14 hours!!

[YVRMaine]

Mainers certainly will thrive in an apartment. We're in a condo. :-) And it is not necessary to take them outside either. Actually, Tequila prefers to stay indoors than going out. They live purrfect and happy lives living indoors. IMO, it won't cost more than owning a dog but they do require attention. Hope this helps on your decision. Don't hesitate to ask more questions.

[YVRMaine]

No problem! I love the breed and will never live without one. Don't hesitate to ask other questions. Good luck and hope you will be an owner to these lovely felines.

[comesahorseman]

"Human, there's nothing interesting over there, I need to go over here..."

[YVRMaine]

Will you be purchasing a Maine Coon from a local reputable breeder or are you looking at rescues/shelters? There is a huge difference between the two. The necessary accessories that you need are food, litter, toys, a good scratching post, grooming tools, bowls. Depending on your location it can vary from a couple of hundred to a few hundred.

[YVRMaine]

No need to trim their fur at all. If you can prevent mats forming then these Mainers are happy campers. Mats are very uncomfortable especially when the mats get big and tight. Since they shed, they should be groomed every day or other day to remove any loose fur. The only time I've seen someone trim or shave their Mainers is when they get mats, or if it get's too hot then they get the lion cut or they get a hygiene cut at the back.

[Zerpentile]

Ok, looks good so far :). I wonder more about the costs since I am just a student and do not earn that much. How much do the first necessary things that you need cost, such as brushes, litter box, toys, leash, claw trimmer food- and water bowls (anything I missed?) ? How much does the food and litter cost per month? Can you trim the Maine Coon's fur by yourself or do you need to go to a professional trimmer? How often do you need to trim and what's the cost/trimming? Thanks for your help! :)

[Zerpentile]

I agree. I like their fur more compared to many other cats. So what you are saying, is that you do not need to cut their fur at all? By "need" I mean to keep them happy, their fur healthy and to make sure that the fur doen't get tangled and irritates their skin (I know that you prevent that by combing their fur but I wondered if you ever need to cut the fur as well).

[Zerpentile]

Maine Coons are really majestic :). Would a Maine Coon thrive in an apartment and is it expensive to take care of one compared to a dog for example. I want one but I do not know if it would work. It depends on the questions above. I would take the cat out for walks everyday like you ofcourse.

[YVRMaine]

Also, I groom my Mainers daily to comb out the loose fur to prevent any matting and bathe them every few months. All of their grooming routines began when they were kittens.

[dochollidaytexasmgtow]

mine loves to go on the leash, let them explore and they will go your way too. amazing buddy to have

[Zerpentile]

Ok, I see :). But when it comes to actually trimming their fur (not just combing) when it gets too long, do you do that yourself or should you go to a professional who can do that? What does that cost? I also wonder how often you need to go to the vet to check their health. Do they often get sick? About how much does a normal routine check at the vet cost?

Thanks a lot for your help! I have so many questions :).

[Zerpentile]

I wonder what the difference is between males and females in general when it comes to their behaviour. Is there a big difference between taking care oc a male and a female and are their personalities usually different?.

[Zerpentile]

Ok I see :). Thanks so much for your help. I will come back with more questions if I get any if thats ok. Ofcourse I will show my Maine Coon if I get one but it will probably take a long time until then and I am still not 100% sure if I should get one yet.

[YVRMaine]

A routine vet check for one is about $70, it will differ depending on your location.

[YVRMaine]

Thank you. I hope to see your MC in action. :)

[BeanBerries]

It's SO cute I'm saving up to get ine!