The Maine Coon cat breed is known for about 150 years, but over the years has not lost its popularity. Its representatives are distinguished by impressive size, unusual appearance, sociable complaisant character, good health and ease of maintenance. Among the many colors inherent to cats of this breed, the white Maine Coon is considered the rarest and therefore especially valuable. These animals are distinguished by special grace and aristocracy, which need appropriate environment and care.
Material Content:
Description and photos of cats of rare color
Carriers of a pure white color are rare among coons.
The gene responsible for the white shade of hair, or more precisely, for the complete absence of coloring pigments, carries another sign - deafness.
For this reason, breeders are afraid to cross two white representatives of the breed, and in all other cases the appearance of snow-white offspring is a rarity.
Healthy Maine Coon kittens of white color in the first weeks of their lives can still have small dark spots on their heads. The reassuring fact is that these spots disappear with time.
Adult Maine Coons are rightfully considered one of the largest among domestic cats and weigh an average of 7 - 9 kg. Individuals with white hair are no exception.
In addition to its impressive size, white Maine cats are characterized by the following characteristics:
- tendency to lengthen all parts of the body;
- large skeleton and well-developed muscles;
- head slightly elongated in shape with an uneven profile and high cheekbones;
- large ears ending in tassels;
- widely set oval eyes of golden, green or blue hues;
- slender limbs commensurate in length with the body with powerful legs having small tufts of wool between the pads;
- very fluffy (voluminous) tail;
- thick long hair, visually increasing the size of an already large animal.
Among white coons, there are cases of heterochromia - the birth of kittens with different eyes.
A white Maine Coon with blue eyes often suffers from deafness. Heterochromes do not hear sounds from the side of the blue eye.
Maine Coon character and habits
The Maine Coon white cat practically does not differ in character, temperament and habits from its relatives of other colors. He is also calm, sociable and friendly. These character traits are harmoniously combined with moving temperament.
The white color of the coat gives the appearance of cats a certain zest. They look more graceful, aristocratic and are perceived by the kings among their brothers.
However, even as adults, they retain the habits of a kitten: mobile and playful. Such large and active animals need a well-organized space and toys. Otherwise, they will use everything that catches their eye for their fun.
Coons love to arrange observation posts on cabinets, shelves, window sills, wherever they can fit their rather big body.
Like all Maine Coons, the white representatives of the breed are very intelligent and easily trained: they bring toys in their teeth and, like dogs, execute different commands.
For complete happiness, the coons need a company, preferably human.
They are interested not only in attention, but also in communication:
- show a keen interest in everything that the owner is busy with;
- Do not miss the opportunity to play;
- able to conduct long conversations;
- love to always be around.
Strangers are met without curiosity. If new people behave calmly and friendly towards the animal, they quickly get used to it and take it for their own. To active attempts to get acquainted respond with removal and departure.
Cats of this breed have many funny habits. Coons inherited a love of water from their wild ancestors, so they will not miss the opportunity to play with drops, a stream, rinse their paws or drink water with their help.
Another feature of the behavior of Maines, including whites, is the habit of taking fancy poses during sleep: they are stretched to the full length of their mighty torso, or vice versa, they are wrapped so that it is not clear how these parts of the body could be nearby.
Maine coon of white color perfectly coexists with other cats and dogs, but when rodents or birds appear, it can show its hunting instinct.
Features of care and maintenance
The maintenance of snow-white pets is not much different from caring for other representatives of the breed and consists in carrying out hygienic procedures, organizing space for games and recreation, choosing the right diet and regulating food intake.
A feature of the content of white coons is a more thorough care of the coat, which involves:
- weekly combing with a comb with fine teeth;
- bathing with the use of special shampoos or gels every 2 to 3 weeks or as needed;
- clipping of claws in case the animal is not accustomed to the claw point;
- ear cleaning.
The condition and shade of the coat largely depends on the well-being of the animal and its nutrition. White coons are prone to allergic reactions. Cats begin to watery eyes, leaving ugly marks on their faces, the coat becomes yellowish. If these and similar signs appear, a veterinarian should be consulted.
When animals eat foods containing natural and synthetic dyes, for example, carrots, beets, liver, white coon wool can acquire a certain shade. Therefore, these products give snow-white coons carefully and no more than once a week.
How to feed cats
Maines can be fed with natural food and prepared foods.A feature of the organization of their food is the non-alternative preference of one of the methods.
Mixed feeding is not allowed.
When choosing natural food in the diet of a snow-white pet include:
- raw beef and boiled chicken without bones;
- boiled beef or chicken offal based on the preferences of the animal with limited (up to 1 time per week) consumption of the liver;
- raw or boiled chicken yolk 1 or 2 times a week;
- dairy products (cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt) are administered from 4 to 5 months, the exception is milk - it is given only to kittens up to 3 months, and the adult body of coons does not absorb this product;
- raw or boiled vegetables, with the exception of potatoes and legumes;
- cereals.
The frequency of food intake depends on the age of the animal:
- kittens are fed up to 3 months 5 times a day;
- by 6 months, the frequency of feedings is reduced to 3 times;
- at 8 they switch to an adult diet - 2 times, in the morning and in the evening.
The choice of ready-made feeds will significantly save the time of the owner of the animal. In the case of Maine Coons, they can be used from 8 to 10 months, giving preference to professional specialized dry food and canned food of the premium class. They are not cheap, but they are guaranteed to contain all the substances necessary for the vital functions of the animal organism.
And one more nuance: a bowl for cats of this breed should be large and stable.
Names for the white Maine Coon kitten
Kittens taken from the nursery, as a rule, already have a name, which is indicated in the passport of the animal.
However, officially assigned names are sometimes too long and inconvenient for home use, therefore, they are used in an abbreviated diminutive form.
More often the owner himself chooses the nickname of his pet, guided by:
- the name of the breed - then the name of the pet sounds something like this: Kun, Kuni or Kunya, Maine, Mainy;
- American origin of the animal - seals are often called Ike, Casper, Bruce, kitties - James, Brenda, Gina, Judy, etc .;
- the size of the animal - this is how the home fluffy Gullivers, Titans, Giants appear (however, for kitties this option is not very acceptable);
- a rare and unusual color, which is a good reason for its reflection in the name - on the basis of this attribute, White Maine Coons are called White (white), Ice (ice), Winter or Unther (winter), Snow (snow), Snow White, Snowball, Snowball , Snezhana, Marshmallow, Alaska;
- the value of the breed, which is emphasized in the names Diamond or Diamond (diamond), Aurelia (gold), Pearl or Pearl (pearl), Elletra (diamond), Sparkly (shine).
There can be many options, but in any case it is worth remembering that very soon a small funny kitten will turn into an adult cat or a cat of impressive size and a cute baby nickname may lose its relevance.
