Maine Coon mixed breed - description, pros and cons of buying a half-breed kitten

Maine Coon and an ordinary cat have many differences, however, the market is filled with a huge number of kittens that are passed off as real purebreds. In fact, at best it will turn out to be a mestizo - a cross between a Maine Coon and an ordinary cat, or it will even turn out that the Maine Coon was not even close to that.

In order not to make a mistake in choosing, you need to clearly know the characteristics characteristic of this breed. Before you go for the long-awaited kitten, it is worth studying in advance how the Maine Coon and an ordinary cat differ.

The handsome Maine Coons, with their appearance and large size, are more reminiscent of a real wild animal than a pet, due to which the demand for representatives of the breed has been steadily growing in the last decade.

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Types of Maine Coon mixes

Purebred individuals are distinguished by the following parameters:

• large sizes;
• thick hair;
• trapezoidal skull shape;
• tassels on the ears;
• long tail, etc.

The main character traits of this breed are:

• equilibrium;
• friendliness;
• loyalty to a person;
• caution;
• agreeableness;
• equilibrium;
• lack of aggression.

However, not all mestizos inherit at least part of the parameters characteristic of purebred individuals. A classification of mixed-breed cats has not been developed. There is no single standard, since it is almost impossible to predict what set of genes and characteristics the offspring will receive as a result of crossing representatives of different breeds.

Now there are 2 described types of half-breeds: si-kun and renegade. 1 is a Siamese mix. 2 - the result of crossing with the Bengal breed. However, now you can often find a cross between a Maine Coon and an ordinary cat, British, Siberian, Persian, Neva Masquerade, etc.

The possibilities of crossing Maine Coons are limited by their size. If a cat of a small breed is used to produce mixed breeds, it may die during childbirth due to the large size of the kittens.

Features and risks of breeding

You should not hope that a mixed-breed kitten will look like a real Maine Coon. Indeed, during interbreeding, the characteristic traits inherent in representatives of a given breed appear extremely rarely, even individually, and never all at once. Even if the resulting kittens are a little larger than babies from a cat of another breed and a little fluffier, they will still be very different from purebred animals.

The amazing character of Maine Coons, which so distinguishes them from ordinary cats, is also, as a rule, not passed on to mixed-breed kittens. In addition, the more breeds are mixed, the greater the risk of genetic diseases or congenital pathologies.

Mating a Maine Coon cat with a representative of another breed is also fraught with the fact that due to the very large size of the kittens, the cat may simply not give birth and die.

Finally, there is a risk that mixed-breed kittens, which have disappointed their new owners because they are different from purebred animals, may end up on the street or in a shelter.

From Siberian

Siberian cats are closer to Maine Coons. To find the difference between them, you need to remember the following:

1. Siberian cats are denser in build and have a short neck. Maine Coons have an elongated body with a longer neck.
2. The Maine Coon's muzzle is as if chiseled, with sharp transitions, pronounced cheekbones, and a well-defined chin. Siberians have smooth muzzle lines and a rounded chin.
3. Maine Coons have pointed ears and have tassels at the tips. Looking at Siberian cats, you can see their ears slightly tilted forward.

If Maine Coons resemble a lynx in appearance and habits, then Siberian cats resemble Pallas cats. To avoid confusing both breeds, just watch programs about their wild counterparts.

Coat and color

American cats have a rather thick undercoat, medium-long coat with a silky structure. There is no covering hair resembling a cloak on the lower part of the body. The Siberian breed has wool that feels elastic to the touch, the fluff is denser, and the coat is thick and long. Otherwise the parameters are the same.

Acceptable colors are the same, with the exception of color-point Neva Masquerade cats, which are essentially Siberian cats. This coincidence in standards is natural. The preferred colors for these cats include the tabby pattern common in the wild. After all, coons and Siberians developed independently, learned to hunt in forests, snow-covered fields and remain unnoticed by prey, large predators.

Prohibited colors:

chocolate; lilac; faun; cinnamon; acromelanic (changing due to ambient temperature).

The latter includes color point. This color is accompanied by blue eyes and characteristic darkening on the face and other parts of the body in cats.

Both types of coat are easy to care for, but the Maine Coon needs regular brushing. The shedding of Siberians is pronounced; during this period the animal sheds most of its fur, which is noticeable by the sparse undercoat. Before the cold weather they grow again.

External features of cats

When crossing representatives of different breeds, there is a risk that the offspring will not inherit any desired characteristics. There is a general description of the external parameters of mestizos.

A mixed breed of Maine Coon and Siberian cat resembles a purebred cat in appearance. The colors and shape of the skull are similar. There are almost no external signs of Siberian admixture. At the same time, such mixtures do not grow to large sizes. In addition, such individuals do not have tufts on their ears.

Mixed Maine Coon and Siberian cat

Mixing a Maine Coon with a barn cat leads to the appearance of kittens that resemble a purebred animal in color and strong bones. At the same time, they are distinguished by a less flexible character. In addition, not all the positive qualities of a purebred animal will be passed on to the offspring. In rare cases, kittens have tassels. Such mestizos reach large sizes.

Maine Coon and barn cat mix

Crossing Persians and Maine Coons produces large kittens. They have fluffy fur, often red in color. Externally, the offspring resembles a Persian.

Persian and Maine Coon mix

When representatives of the breed are mixed with a Scottish Fold cat, offspring will appear that are similar in appearance to the mother. Crossing with a Sphynx results in kittens with a fluffy body and erect large ears. If a Briton is involved in the crossing, the offspring will not resemble the purebred parents. The kitten will have medium length fur and a large head.

Crossing with a Norwegian cat allows you to get large kittens covered with thick hair that is water-repellent. Often, such mestizos begin to have tufts on their ears at 3 months.

Mixed Norwegian cat and Maine Coon

About the origin

Most Maine-Coon mixes are born as a result of random matings. For example, when, having taken his pet with him to the dacha, the owner did not think that his fluffy beauty would probably attract the neighbor’s outbred cat as a bride. However, sometimes interbreed matings are also the result of the activities of unfortunate breeders who decided to see what would happen if they mated a Maine Coon cat, for example, with a British cat.

Interbreeding is a lottery in which it is impossible to predict how genes will fall.

Kittens born from such a mating will most likely turn out to be different from Maine Coons. In addition, there is a high risk that they will be predisposed to many diseases.

Differences between adults and ordinary people

Among other representatives of the cat family, the Maine Coon stands out, first of all, for its size. These are large cats, they have powerful paws, a strong musculoskeletal system, and even a larger muzzle than other members of the cat family. Secondly, his habits give him away - self-esteem, pride. Taken together, these features resemble wild royalty. What to pay attention to when in doubt:

1. The purebred pet has a “box” muzzle and slanted eyes. Simple cats have round eyes, their muzzle is either triangular or round, and there is no characteristic shape.
2. Another feature is that the ears are pointed and topped with original tassels. Domestic cats cannot boast of such an appearance.
3. Maine Coons reach a weight of 8 to 10 kilograms. An ordinary adult cat will weigh no more than 5 - 6 kilograms. An adult cat of noble blood, even at first glance, will seem large, heavy, and impressive.
4. You can distinguish a domestic cat by the degree of vegetation. The fur on the face and paws of pedigree cats will be thick and short, becoming longer towards the back and sides, forming a fluffy collar and a kind of mane, and there are pronounced “pants” on the hind legs. In simple cats, the hair is usually uniform - either short or elongated - with undercoat.
5. Another sign of pride for feline aristocrats is a luxurious tail. It is unusually (unlike all other breeds) fluffy, spreading, reaching a length of 45 to 60 cm. In simple animals, tails usually do not grow longer than thirty centimeters.

To be sure to understand where an adult Maine Coon is and where an ordinary cat is, you must study the breed from photographs. When the eye is “observed”, the differences will immediately catch the eye.

Maine Coons are distinguished by their character and habits. These are independent, humane animals. They resemble dogs in character. They love to play with water, splashing it out of a bowl or with a stream from the tap, and bathe with pleasure. They have a high level of intelligence and are easy to train. The owners of these cats constantly hear their voice - they purr, meow, purr, rumble, and accompany their actions with sounds. Moreover, their high tone does not at all correspond to their respectable appearance. Maine Coons have a melodic and even squeaky voice.

Maine - Coon cats will be larger than cats as adults.

Character of Maine Coon mixes

Mixed breeds and purebred animals often differ greatly in character. It is impossible to predict the behavioral characteristics of offspring obtained through interbreeding. In rare cases, kittens appear that are aggressive. Such individuals often perceive only one person as the owner.

Maine Coon and barn cat kittens are often affectionate and have a good disposition. Such mixtures have a developed hunting instinct.

The mixed breed obtained by crossing with a Norwegian cat quickly becomes attached to people. He is affectionate and gets along well with children. Such mixtures are excellent rat catchers.

The kitten, obtained by crossing with a British cat, is smart and has a calm disposition. Such animals are careful and distrustful of strangers. They are friendly and good with children.

Where do they come from?

It is worth noting that modern veterinarians, dog handlers and felinologists are against non-professional matings between breeds and representatives without documents and permission to breed. This happens not because these specialists are sorry that new species will appear, but because there are more than 60 varieties of cats.

Many of the officially recognized ones are also originally crossbreeds of two breeds, which, as a result of selection, became an independent species. This is how the British and Scottish breeds, Munchkins, and Ukrainian Levkoy were developed.

The work of felinology to improve these breeds continues to this day.

But it also happens that mixed-breed kittens appear in a family where they are not familiar with the methods and conditions of breeding. This often happens if animals of different sexes are in the same room during estrus. Or the owners let the animals go out for a walk during the mating season, which ends in the cat becoming pregnant from an unknown cat.

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Of course, such situations are an example of irresponsible animal keeping, since they pose a threat to both the pet’s life and its health.

Mixed breeds are also produced by owners who decide to independently experiment with matings between breeds

Mixed breeds are also obtained from owners who decided to independently experiment with matings between breeds, which, in their opinion, produce unusual and beautiful crosses and offspring.

Mestizos scam

Those wishing to own a Maine Coon should beware of unscrupulous owners. They can easily sell a furry baby under the guise of a purebred and keep silent about its true parents.

Mitten paws

How to buy a purebred coon

First of all, if you need a purebred cat, you should ask for a pedigree. This is not just a piece of paper, but a document that the cat really belongs to the declared breed and is not a crossbreed.

Where is the best place to buy kittens so as not to buy a mixed breed?

Real purebred kittens are purchased from official nurseries or from trusted breeders.

Important! You should not be fooled by the offer to take an unplanned kitten for a lower price. Pedigree cats are bred strictly and in accordance with the established mating plan.

A purebred kitten cannot be cheap

As you can understand, a half-breed kitten is not uncommon, and in itself is not something bad. If the breeder does not intend to show the animal at exhibitions, he may well purchase a pet at a very reasonable price.

Opportunity to participate in exhibitions

Mixed breeds are not allowed to participate in international exhibitions of purebred animals. They do not have the necessary documents confirming their pedigree, and there are also differences in appearance from purebred pets.

In this case, mixed breeds can participate in events where outbred animals are assessed. Pets older than 10 months are allowed to participate in such exhibitions. In this case, the animal must be prepared for the event. Grooming and purchasing the necessary accessories will be required.

The cat is in heat

Female cats exhibit sexual behavior and are capable of mating not at any time, but during a period called estrus, or heat. Domestic cats show the first signs of estrus at the age of 6-8 months. Their estrus period occurs several times a year and is one of the phases of the estrous cycle.

Proestrus. Lasts from 12 hours to 3 days. In this phase, the secretion of estrogen begins to increase. The cat meows pitifully, rubs its muzzle against objects, other cats or other animals in the house, and begins to roll on its back on the floor.

Estrus. Lasts 4–7 days. This phase is characterized by maximum estrogen levels. The cat is ready to mate, begins to mark, meow loudly and call the cat.

Metestrus. Occurs if fertilization does not take place. Sexual activity gives way to calm, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels reach a maximum.

Diestrus. Lasts 35-100 days. This phase is characterized by a minimum level of all ovarian hormones.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Metis have their pros and cons. Interbreeding carries the risk of genetic abnormalities. They do not always appear in the first generation. In addition, an adult animal may have an aggressive character and an unbalanced psyche. These defects are not noticeable in kittens, but may appear after puberty.

In addition, mestizos do not always inherit even part of the characteristics of their purebred parent. In this case, there is a possibility that the animals will not find owners and will end up on the street.

The disadvantages of mixtures include the undesirability of their reproduction, since there is a high risk of death of cats due to the formation of large-sized fruits.

The advantages of mestizos include their good health. Even if such a pet does not look like its purebred parent, it can become a member of the family. Low price is also an advantage.

Features of keeping a pet

Since the character traits of hybridized cats can be varied, it is necessary to carefully monitor the behavior of the animal in order to raise a well-mannered and docile cat. It is necessary to correctly combine punishment with encouragement, not to allow him to misbehave and recover in unacceptable places. The kitten is surrounded with love and attention. In terms of health, they are prone to allergies, diseases of the joints and gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, an annual examination by a veterinarian and a diet that includes the required amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and microelements is essential.

Conditions and care

Often breeders of mixed breeds believe that if the animals are not purebred, they do not require any specific care and regular visits to the veterinarian.

However, this is not true, because only with high-quality food and regular care will the animal reach its maximum size and not have health problems. After purchasing a kitten, you need to show it to the veterinarian so that he can set a date for sterilization and draw up a vaccination plan.

Considering that mestizos have thick fur, they need to be tamed to combing from an early age. During the shedding period, your pet's fur needs to be combed every day. The rest of the time, the procedure should be performed once a week.

You need to bathe your pet with shampoo and conditioner for long-haired cat breeds. Your pet should be treated regularly against parasites.

Animals can be given premium jelly food, but it is better to feed them natural products. They should not be given milk.

You can include in your pet's diet:

• boiled rabbit and chicken;
• raw beef;
• sour cream;
• cottage cheese;
• boiled vegetables;
• sour cream;
• kefir;
• porridge.

The diet must be balanced, as a lack of nutrients will affect the quality of the coat. You need to regularly wash your pet's eyes with a special solution. This will reduce the risk of infection.

Once a week you should clean your cat's ears and give him a manicure. The animal must have access to special toys designed to remove plaque. Some mestizos reach large sizes, so they require a special tray.

Is it worth buying a half-breed kitten?

How to name a Maine Coon boy or girl

Most owners prefer mestizos not because of their external features, but because the price is lower than for a purebred cat. It is also believed that if the baby has purebred parents, then genes will appear in the kitten. However, in most cases this opinion is erroneous.

Half-breed is an unpredictable pet

It should be understood that a half-breed is not the same thing as a purebred cat. No one can ever guarantee what a kitten will look like when it grows up and what its character will be like. The reason is precisely that purebred Maine Coons are freedom-loving, and even the British gene cannot correct this.

The correct approach to breeding is also important. Irresponsibility can result in a mixed-breed kitten becoming aggressive, sickly, or mentally unstable.

Advantages and disadvantages of a crossbreed

The positive aspect of such half-breeds is their low cost. Most mestizos are friendly and sociable, but there are exceptions. Another advantage is flexibility and affection for a person.

Also, the Maine Coon gene has a positive effect on the intelligence of a cat. Such animals understand and remember commands well and quickly get accustomed to the tray.

As for the disadvantages of mestizo, first of all it is the loss of a thoroughbred pedigree. In this case, there can be no talk of any exhibitions. In addition, if a male and a female of a smaller breed are crossed, there is a risk of death of the mother due to the birth of a large fetus.

Important! If a person nevertheless decides to get a crossbreed, it is worth contacting an experienced breeder to rule out problems with the health and psychological state of the animal.