Main Coon Cats For Sale
Main Coon Cats For Sale, A coon is a type of cat that has become popular in recent years because of its unique coloring and personality. They are a rare breed and it’s a great idea to consider buying one if you’re looking for a cute addition to your family. However, you should understand that they are prone to diseases and other problems. Here’s some information on the history and medical conditions that they can develop.[1]
History
The Maine Coon was once the most popular show cat in America. But it slipped into the background as the twentieth century progressed. Various associations began to recognize the breed in the early 1970s. In fact, the International Felinological Federation (FIFe) recognized the Maine Coon as a breed in 1982.[2]
Today, the Maine Coon is still considered one of the oldest naturally developed cat breeds in North America. It may have been created by crossing European cats with local domestic cats in America. However, its history is unclear.
When the Maine Coon became a pedigree breed in the UK in 1985, a small group of British breeders founded the Main Coon Cat Club.[3] They hoped to gain recognition with the Governing Council of Cat Fancy. This proposal was rejected by the other clubs.
A few years later, Maine Coons were imported to Britain. Several Scottish exhibitors were among the first to show the cats, including Beryl Middleton, Veronica Davis and Mrs Thain.
Although the Maine Coon was not officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1959, it was shown by a variety of organizations throughout the United States. After a few years, the cat disappeared from the show bench.
The Maine Coon is a large, ring-tailed, sturdy feline. It does not need to be bathed. However, it should be fed high-quality food. And, it should be groomed regularly.
The Maine Coon is the second most popular breed in the US. It has appeared in several cat magazines. Those who love the Maine Coon can join the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association.[4]
Many people believe that the breed is the result of a cross between a large domestic cat and a raccoon. But science says that this is not possible.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an abnormal development of the hip joint. This can cause pain and discomfort, and can even lead to osteoarthritis. Cats are prone to developing this condition, especially larger breeds of cats.
The symptoms of feline hip dysplasia are not well-understood. However, it is thought that the disorder is a genetically-inherited problem.
Cats with this condition may experience a number of symptoms, including limping, difficulty walking, and difficulty climbing. It may also result in a refusal to run or jump.
Generally, the best way to treat this condition is with a conservative approach. This includes changes in activity levels and medications for inflammation. If the symptoms worsen, a cat may need to undergo surgery.[5]
The severity of the disease is influenced by its location. For example, if a cat is born in the northern United States, it is more likely to develop this condition than a cat from the southern part of the country.
Feline hip dysplasia is not a curable condition, but it can be managed. Early detection and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease.
Cats with this disease can be treated with medication, physical therapy, and dietary supplements. Exercise can also help prevent the condition from developing.
As with dogs, cats are more prone to developing this condition if they are overweight. Obesity puts additional pressure on the hip joint, which can accelerate the development of degenerative changes.[6]
If your cat has advanced hip dysplasia, it may need to undergo surgery. A common method is to remove the femoral head, the top of the leg bone. Another option is to perform a total hip replacement.
Spinal muscular atrophy
Spinal muscular atrophy is a hereditary disorder in main coon cats. The disease affects both males and females. It is characterized by muscle weakness, degeneration of motor neurons in the lower spinal cord, and abnormal gait.
At about 12 weeks, affected cats have 40% fewer L5 motor axons than normal animals. They also have a different axon caliber distribution. Affected cats have axons between 2 and 4 mm, while age-matched controls have axons between 10 and 15 mm.
Affected cats lose their ability to run. Cats with SMA cannot jump on furniture or run with other animals. Instead, they become clumsy and have difficulty landing from heights. In addition, they breathe heavily after moving.
Cats with SMA may show hypersensitivity to touch. They may have difficulty climbing trees or landing from heights. They may also be very sensitive to touch on the backs of their legs.
Affected cats also have reduced muscle tone. This is probably because the muscles in the affected limbs have not been used as often as they were before. Their hindquarters weaken at about 5-6 months of age.[7]
Cats with SMA are more likely to be attacked by predators than healthy animals. Because the hindquarters of affected cats are weak, they cannot climb onto higher objects. Consequently, they are more susceptible to injuries from falling.
At about 8 months, the progression of the disease reaches a plateau. By then, it is unclear how long a cat with SMA will live. Some affected cats have lived up to nine years. However, a longer life span depends on the degree of disability.
Since Spinal Muscular Atrophy is hereditary, parents of affected kittens are obligate carriers. Even if they do not show any symptoms, they are still obligate carriers. Therefore, they will transmit the disease to at least 50% of their offspring.
Polycystic kidney disease
If you have a Maine Coon cat, it is a good idea to take them to the vet if they show signs of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). This is a hereditary condition and can be fatal if not treated.
The first symptom of PKD is that the kidneys of the affected animal become enlarged. This occurs because cysts grow in the kidneys. As the cysts grow, they destroy the healthy tissue in the kidney.
The kidney plays a number of vital roles in the body. They help to filter blood, maintain the balance of acid and base, and produce hormones. In addition, it stimulates the bone marrow and helps to manage blood pressure.
When the kidney is damaged, it cannot function properly. This causes the fluid in the kidney to build up and cause a condition known as Chronic Kidney Disease.
Maine Coons have a higher incidence of genetic polycystic kidney disease than other cat breeds. Genetic PKD is thought to be caused by an abnormal gene that appears to be hereditary.
The symptoms of PKD in cats vary depending on the severity of the cysts. Some cats will live normal, active lives without any symptoms. Others will develop a more serious form of PKD called Chronic Kidney Failure.
There is no known cure for PKD. Treatments include medications to block the absorption of phosphorus, a special diet, and fluid therapy.[8]
PKD can be detected through blood tests and saliva testing. Cats can also be tested for PKD through ultrasound technology. However, this method of testing is not very accurate.
Breeders report that the number of cats with kidney problems has been reduced by improved breeding techniques. To find out if your Maine Coon has PKD, your veterinarian can run a test.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats is a disease that causes thickening of the heart muscle walls, which interferes with the function of the heart. This can lead to the development of heart failure. Heart failure is a very serious condition that can lead to sudden death. Luckily, heart disease in cats can be caught early and treatment can be successful.
Symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats may include irregular heartbeat and an abnormally high heart rate. It can also cause the buildup of fluid in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing. These symptoms can be noticed on a veterinary examination, and an electrocardiogram or a chest radiograph can be performed to detect heart disease in cats.[9]
In some cases, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats goes unnoticed until it is too late. Affected cats can remain asymptomatic for many years, and may not have any signs of heart failure until they are severely affected.
Genetic mutations can lead to the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. There are several genes that can contribute to this condition. However, the genetics of HCM are still unknown in many cats.
Many cats with HCM develop it during middle age. They tend to be male cats. Some breeds are more prone to developing this type of heart disease, including rag dolls, Persians, and British Shorthairs.
In addition to having genetic predispositions, cats that are part of a family with a history of HCM are at increased risk of developing the disease. One gene that has been linked to HCM is the troponin-T gene.
A study of the gene in ninety-five cats has found that nearly three-quarters have a mutation in the gene. The defect causes an abnormally large alanine to proline substitution at codon 31.[10]
