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Maine coon cat

post #1 of 12
8/10/11 at 10:36am
Thread Starter 
wife is thinking about one. Does anyone have one looking ofr tips about them. We dont want a cat that sheds alot?
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post #2 of 12
8/10/11 at 11:31am
Coons have very thick fur, so expect a lot of shedding. However, if you're willing to keep up with DAILY brushings, and maybe a high quality food to help keep the coat in good condition, then it shouldn't be a problem.
My cat is a coon mix. I have to keep up with brushing or he gets bad hairballs.

Personally, I don't know of any breeds of cat that shed less but with all the knowledgeable people on these forums, someone is bound to give you a more definite answer. I am pretty sure all cats shed though, so proper grooming is a must in any case. But if you're really concerned, I doubt getting a large, extremely thick coated cat, such as a maine coon is a good idea.
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post #3 of 12
8/10/11 at 11:58am
I have a DSH who doesn't shed a whole lot, I just have to lint roll the furniture regularly. And I have never brushed her, ever.
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post #4 of 12
8/11/11 at 9:47pm
I have a silver coon named Baby. He has a very long, thick coat that we brush or comb a couple times a week. Coons have a very distinct personality and either love or hate a brushing. Mine actually likes his head, mane, back and chest done...but leave the rear shanks and butt alone!!!

My solution to the hair problem..I bought a Dyson Animal. I use it 3 x a week and it's the best investment I EVER made!!
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post #5 of 12
8/11/11 at 9:48pm
As for a personal pet-you will be hard pressed to find a cat who will bond with you better. Maine Coons are wonderful!!
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post #6 of 12
8/12/11 at 11:13am
Look into a breed that's smaller and does not have an undercoat. You'll have you hands full with a maine coon

I have 2 LaPerms and they're incredible as far as maintenance. No undercoat, no need to brush [do not mat] and very little shedding. They're also incredibly warm, since they have no second coat/undercoat. Check out ASPCA site for more breed info.
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post #7 of 12
8/12/11 at 5:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nailbender View Post
wife is thinking about one. Does anyone have one looking ofr tips about them. We dont want a cat that sheds alot?
My Swiffer is a Main Coon/Siamese mix. She is a complete sweetie pie. Best personality out any of my 4 meezers.

Yes, she sheds. I don't know about "a lot". All 4 of mine shed to a certain extent but I'm real big on daily brushings for all 4. They get a brushing every morning followed by a feline Greenies treat. It really keeps their shedding down and helps eliminate hair balls. It is also a great way for me to bond with them. Especially when they know their fave treat is involved
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post #8 of 12
8/12/11 at 5:35pm
They have a ton of fur, and shed a lot. You need to brush them every day!
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post #9 of 12
8/12/11 at 6:30pm
We always thought Speedboat had Maine Coon in his genes. He certainly had the characteristics, even the M on his forehead. Anyway he was the sweetest cat who loved me better than any cat I ever had. I had to brush him frequently because his hair would mat around his behind. I would not have traded him for anything. He was a lap cat and so affectionate. I say go for it. Just get a good brush and start early so the cat will be used to the grooming.
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post #10 of 12
8/12/11 at 9:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blueyedgirl5946 View Post
We always thought Speedboat had Maine Coon in his genes. He certainly had the characteristics, even the M on his forehead.
Just had to point out that the "M" theory about Maine Coons is false. Virtually all tabby colored cats have and M on their head. Just go to Google images and type in Tabby cat. You'll see it.

Parker has all the characteristics that are common in them too. Almost all the personality traits and some of the looks. They are a great cat, that's for sure!
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post #11 of 12
8/14/11 at 12:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nailbender View Post
wife is thinking about one. Does anyone have one looking ofr tips about them. We dont want a cat that sheds alot?
IMO long hair cats are simply far more attractive, however, the shedding is more noticeable since the hairs are longer and they are a lot of maintenance and need regular brushing and on occasion even butt shaving if they have a bout of soft stools for some reason.

If you have to ask, stick with a shorthair IMO, at least as a first cat. A Maine Coon or Ragdoll were actually my top two choices when I was first researching cats, but then decided on a pair of nice healthy moderate size shorthairs instead after speaking with some experts and evaluating my lifestyle.
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post #12 of 12
8/17/11 at 7:55am
Honestly they both shed the same amount. I can comb them out for hours and they still both shed the same. My short haired is black so you can see her fur easily. I thought getting a short haired cat would result in less shedding but as I already said I've found that to be wrong. I've heard the Ragdoll breed of cat doesn't shed much and there is a hairless breed of cat called Lynx I believe but they aren't that attractive.
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