Aging is part of life for every living being. With age comes grace, wisdom, and maybe a touch of grumpiness. Maine coon cats go through the trials and tribulations of aging just like we do; only their lives are much shorter. Most Maine coon cats live to be between 10 and 15 years old. It doesn’t seem fair that we only get a little more than a decade, at most, with our beloved furballs. Let’s find out a bit more about the Maine coon cats’ aging process.
A Brief History of the Maine Coon Cat
The Maine coon cat’s introduction to the world is a bit of a mystery. Some believe the tuft-eared cats came over on Viking ships and were a blend of Norwegian forest cats and something else. Others think that Marie Antoinette’s cats still crossed the ocean on the ship she was supposed to be leaving on but was arrested before she could make it. They say her cats were a mixture of several breeds to make an enormous, affectionate, and loyal cat. Yet another idea of the Maine coon cat’s origin began when people speculated that the cats were crossed with raccoons which accounted for their size and fluffy tail. It was generally accepted that the cats were brought over in European ships and became the Maine state cat. Their popularity spread, though they do best in colder climates.
Life Expectancy of the Maine Coon Cat
Anyone’s life expectancy depends on their health, the type of life they lead, and the nutrition they put in their bodies. Over centuries, cats seem to have lived longer lives. Some thanks can be given for the important vaccinations they receive and the food they are fed. Many cats are also kept indoors, and that is certainly one way to raise their life expectancy.
The outdoors are filled with dangers, both seen and unseen. For an innocent and otherwise ignorant and overly curious cat, the outdoors can mean certain death. Getting run over, becoming lost, being killed by dogs or coyotes, being harmed by sick humans, being caught in foot traps set by hunters for other animals, or poisoning can happen to any cat left outdoors. And these are just the apparent dangers. The not-so-obvious issues with letting your Maine coon cat or any cat outdoors can be diseases from ticks, severe anemia from fleas, eating poisonous plants, snake bites, jumping into the back of someone’s truck or vehicle, getting closed up in a neighboring shed or garage by accident and so many more situations can place your cat in grave danger.
The typical life expectancy of a Maine coon cat is between 10 – 15 years, but keep in mind many cats live into their twenties. Like any other animal, aging brings on faster fatigue, achy joints, dental issues, thyroid problems, forgetfulness, and other not-so-fun health challenges. It isn’t much fun getting old, and your Maine coon is susceptible to having hip dysplasia, especially if they are on the heavy side, which also affects their quality of life.
One thing to understand about Maine coons is their personalities. These cats are very slow to mature, reaching only five years old. It’s said that even past the five-year mark, Maine coons still have their goofy and playful kitten personalities. So, theoretically, they are just big kittens who never grow up. Sounds fun!
Tips to Help Your Maine Coon Cat Live To An Old Age
Taking care of your body and mind is what the doctors say will keep your body functioning correctly and your life expectancy high. The same goes for our pets. Making sure to take your Maine coon cat to the vet at least once a year for a checkup is crucial to a healthy cat. Don’t skip important vaccinations, medication schedules, or routine maintenance, like teeth cleanings. Something like that can become a serious situation that will be painful for your cat and very expensive.
As discussed already, indoor-only cats lead much longer and healthier lives when compared to outdoor cats. If your cat just doesn’t take “No” for an answer, there are ways you can both have your way with a catio. Many YouTube videos showcase how people build their low-cost catio online every day. Low to high-end catios are also available for purchase. It will not keep your cat 100% free of danger, but it’s a better solution than letting them brave the mean streets alone.
Another easy way to ensure your mini panther gets the maximum life expectancy is to feed them nutritious cat food that isn’t full of fillers and junk. Feeding your pets a high-quality, high-protein diet and always offering clean, filtered water is essential. To find what food will work best for your Maine coon cat, check with other Maine coon lovers and breeders to see what they suggest. Always check with your vet before making any dietary changes.
Aging with Grace
By taking care of your Maine coon cat, you will ensure they get the most out of their lives. Like humans, not all cats, even those in perfect health, will live as long as others. Unfortunately, we have no control over how long they get to walk this earth. What we can control is their living conditions and how much we love them. Love and affection are important parts of owning a Maine coon. They are very social (even with dogs), friendly cats who love attention and will likely follow you wherever you go in your home. They have been compared with dogs regarding their affectionate and loyal nature.
If you tend to travel a lot for work or be gone long hours every day, a Maine coon cat may not be the right choice for you. If you believe you are ready to take the first steps in adopting a Maine coon, check with the nearest Maine coon rescue close to you. If you are determined to adopt a kitten of a specific color, most must be reserved before they are born, so check with the breeders in your state. Be sure to do your homework on which to avoid and which to trust.
