The Maine Coon is a unique breed that originated from Maine, USA.
As this large yet gentle feline has been growing in popularity in Singapore, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to owning a Maine Coon cat in Singapore.
Read on to learn more about owning this fur friend in Singapore together with advice from pet experts. daftar sbobet
We’d like to thank the following veterinarians for their insightful contributions toward this topic:
*Disclaimer: The information in this article is not meant to replace the advice and expertise of vets. You should consult a vet on your cat’s health condition for an accurate diagnosis.
Key Traits
| Weight | Male: 6 - 8kg Female: 4 - 5.5kg |
| Life expectancy | 9 - 13 years |
| Coat |
Personality
Gentle
Maine Coons are commonly known as gentle giants that play and interact well with children. In fact, they’re kind animals that appreciate being around humans.
Playful
Interestingly, Maine Coon cats share a similarity with dogs such that they enjoy playing fetch with small balls and toys.
Reserved
Maine Coons can be relatively quiet and reserved around unfamiliar people. However, once they become comfortable with you, they’ll show the best of their personality as a kind and loving feline friend.
Caring For Maine Coon Cats In Singapore
Adapting To The Hot And Humid Weather
Due to their thick coat, Maine Coons are better adapted to cooler climates. However, this doesn’t mean that they are unable to live in a tropical climate like that of Singapore.
According to Dr. Claudine Sievert (DVM), in order for these cats to adapt to our country’s hot and humid weather, certain arrangements must be made. This includes providing access to
- plenty of water and ice cubes
- cool/shaded areas in the house
Additionally, while your first intuition may be to shave the thick coat of your Maine Coon, Dr. Sievert warns against this as their coat serves as a protection from the sunlight and heat.
Proper and frequent grooming is sufficient to keep these cats happy and healthy.
Staying In A HDB Apartment
According to HDB’s guide on keeping pets at home, cats aren’t permitted in HDB apartments.
It’s typically difficult to ensure that they remain within the compounds of the house. If they’re allowed to roam the area, they could defecate and shed fur in public areas.
Exercise
Exercise is crucial to preventing Maine Coons from becoming overweight.
Additionally, according to Dr. Sievert, it helps to prevent conditions such as
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by strengthening their cardiovascular system and
- spinal muscular atrophy by toning their muscles.
As Singapore is a tropical country with relatively high temperatures all year round, owners can consider helping their cat get their daily dose of exercise by playing with them indoors.
Dr. Linda Simon (MRCVS) advises that owners who wish to bring their Maine Coons outdoors for some exercise should only do so in the early morning or late evening when the weather is cooler. This prevents them from overheating.
Attention And Mental Stimulation
This breed enjoys human interaction and dislikes being alone.
In fact, Dr. Simon shares that interacting with them and providing mental stimulation is important in preventing our feline friends from
- becoming bored and frustrated at home and
- developing anxiety and health issues such as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD).
Thus, owners should look into entertaining them with interactive toys and puzzles.
As Singapore is known for its workaholic culture, it’s crucial that Maine Coon owners dedicate sufficient time to caring for these creatures so that they remain healthy physically and mentally.
Diet of Maine Coon Cats
As Maine Coons are larger cats, they have slightly different nutritional needs.
Dr. Sievert shares that their food should be
- high in proteins,
- low in carbohydrates and include
- sufficient calories, nutrients and vitamins to provide them with enough energy and a stronger immunity against common diseases.
Additionally, Dr. Simon advises that a Maine Coon’s diet should include ingredients such as fatty acids and glucosamine for their joints as this breed of cats are prone to joint diseases.
Grooming A Maine Coon Cat
Due to their long and thick coat, the fur of Maine Coons are prone to matting. Their skin could also get irritated if they’re not groomed frequently.
Thus, Dr. Simon advises owners to brush their Maine Coons daily to prevent their fur from becoming entangled.
Possible Health Conditions
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited heart disease in Maine Coon cats. This condition results in the thickening of the heart muscle, usually due to an overactive thyroid gland.
Common in: Middle-aged or older male cats
It’s been known to cause sudden death in young cats.
Common symptoms: Heart murmurs
However, a more detailed physical screening is required to diagnose your cat for this condition.
To protect your Maine Coon, Dr. Stacy Choczynski (DVM) recommends genetic testing to identify if your cat has a genetic mutation that causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Feline Hip Dysplasia
Feline hip dysplasia is another inheritable condition common among Maine Coon cats that causes malformation of the hip’s ball-and-socket joints.
Common symptoms: Osteoarthritis, pain and stiffness in the joints
In 2015, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals reported the prevalence of feline hip dysplasia in Maine Coon cats in the United States. It’s found that almost 25% of 2,700 Maine Coons studied showed signs of hip dysplasia in their radiographs.
Thus, this is a condition that Maine Coon owners should look out for.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disorder that affects the lower spinal cord and muscles of the Maine Coon’s hind limbs.
Common symptoms: Unsteady gait, abnormalities in their posture, inability to jump properly
However, the condition isn’t fatal and your cat is unlikely to be in pain. Maine Coon cats with this condition can usually continue with their normal lives as indoor cats despite being diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy.
Price Of Owning A Maine Coon Cat In Singapore
It’s estimated that the annual cost of owning a cat is $1,900. This includes the one-off costs and recurring expenses that’ll be incurred.
One-off Costs
- Sterilisation: $210
- Microchipping: $50 – $90
Recurring Costs
- Food: $72 per month
- Grooming: $50 – $100 per session
- Dental scaling: $190 per consultation
- Health checkup: $45 per consultation
- Vaccinations: $40 – $50 every 1-3 years
You might want to take into consideration some additional costs including pet insurance and buying new supplies and accessories like toys, scratching posts and litter.
If you’ve recently gotten a Maine Coon kitten, you can register for our Kitty Bonus Plan and receive a free Kitty Pack* from us (worth up to $81)!
The Kitty Pack includes
• cat litter,
• cat food and
• a 1-year VIP membership for new members!
*Redemption is limited to 1 pack per owner and address.
Fun Facts About Maine Coon Cats
Maine Coons Are The Official State Cat of Maine, USA
In 1985, the Maine Coon cat was officially recognised as the state cat of Maine.
They Are World Record Holders
Barivel, a Maine Coon living in Italy, was crowned the world’s Longest Domestic Cat by the Guinness Book of World Records.
At the time of his verification in 2018, he measured 120cm.
They Are Genetically Designed To Withstand Harsh Climates
The body of the Maine Coon is designed to withstand harsh climates.
| Body Parts | Features |
|---|---|
| Coat | |
| Eyes | |
| Ears | |
| Muzzle | |
| Feet | |
| Tail |
Maine Coon Cats Aren’t Afraid Of Water
Most Maine Coons can swim and aren’t afraid of water. In fact, they enjoy playing with puddles or bowls of water.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they enjoy showers or swimming in large pools of water!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Maine Coon Cats Like To Be Held?
While these cats are known to be gentle and friendly, they are usually only affectionate when they wish to be. In fact, they don’t enjoy being picked up or hugged suddenly.
Are Maine Coon Cats Dangerous?
Maine Coons are not usually dangerous and can play well with children.
However, they are large cats that can end up breaking lots of glass or porcelain furniture.
Do Maine Coons Bite A Lot?
Some Maine Coon cats have a habit of chewing or biting on the fingers of their owners and may not realise that their biting is painful.
How Smart Are Maine Coon Cats?
These cats are an intelligent breed that can be trained to play easy games such as fetch. This game might even become one of their favourites once taught to them.
Owning A Maine Coon In Singapore
While Maine Coons are adorable, furry creatures, they’re also pets that require constant care and commitment.
With the busy lifestyle in Singapore, it’s important to consider carefully before adopting or purchasing a Maine Coon cat.
If you do want to find out if a Maine Coon is for you, do visit any of the cat cafes in Singapore that have a Maine Coon! By interacting with the cats, you will have a better idea of whether a Maine Coon is for you.
