Shampoo for Maine Coon Cats
The Maine Coon is one of the most famous cat breeds in the United States, particularly in New England, and in the world. It is among the sturdiest, the furriest and the largest of all breeds. Beyond its beauty and its gentle personality, its history is rather mysterious. As one of the native breeds of the United States, the Maine Coon is known for having adapted to the harsh winters and the wild natural environment of the state of Maine.
Its thick, shiny coat can tend to mat, so regular grooming is essential to keep the fur healthy and glossy. When it comes to choosing the best shampoo for your Maine Coon, look for a product made for long haired breeds. Avoid shampoos containing harsh chemicals or fragrances, since they can strip the coat of its natural oils and cause skin problems. Prefer gentle formulas based on natural ingredients such as wheat proteins or mink oil.
You will find that shampoo at Ladybel, a French manufacturer of premium shampoos for dogs, cats and small pets, and the whole cat shampoo range is on our category page.
Where does the Maine Coon come from?
Maine Coons originate from Wiscasset, in the state of Maine. Their lineage is wrapped in mystery and myth. One myth claims they are part raccoon. Another holds that they descend from the cats of European and Viking ships. A third says they descend from Marie Antoinette's beloved cats. These belong more to fairy tale than to fact.
The most solid account is that they descend from European ships' cats. Captains generally kept cats aboard to control the mice and rats that could wreak havoc on the cargo and on the running of the ship. Some captains were so close to their long haired cats that the animals were extremely well cared for, and some watched their cat families closely, keeping a colour line going for generations.
Two centuries ago the state of Maine was a common port where ships could anchor and be repaired, and where sailors could take a break ashore. Maine was also popular with shipbuilding companies. Many seafaring families settled in its coastal towns, bringing their precious cats with them. Those cats may well have been one of the European long haired breeds, and the ones most often mentioned in connection with the story are the long haired Angoras.
Among the theories, one story stands out. In the 1800s there was a ship's captain named Charles Coon. His name fits the origin story of the Maine Coon, although nothing proves it true. When the captain anchored in ports along the New England coast, Maine included, his cats came ashore too. According to the account, they bred with the local free roaming cats, and when long haired kittens began to appear in ports all along the coast they were called Coon's cats, because they resembled the captain's own.
There is another variant of the ship's cat theory. Some argue that these furry creatures descend from Norwegian Forest Cats, arriving aboard Scandinavian ships. Nordic explorers reached America long before other Europeans, and if that theory holds, the cats of Maine would have a far older ancestry than usually assumed.
What are the characteristics of the Maine Coon?
The Maine Coon is the largest domestic cat breed in the world and the only native American cat still with us. It also has a reputation as an excellent companion, and its size is certainly one of its defining physical features. Known as the gentle giant, it is impressive in size and stature, and is often described as the dog of the feline world.
The average Maine Coon weighs between seven and twelve kilos. It is often called a mini lion because of the great mane of hair around its neck. The abundant fur of its coat makes the animal look majestic and larger still. The long coat is silky and smooth, and shortens near the shoulders.
It comes in a variety of colours and patterns. You will find solid white, cream, red, blue and black Maine Coons, as well as tabby, bicolour, particolour, tortoiseshell and shaded. Its pointed ears are often topped with tufts, its expressive eyes are oval, and its tail is long and bushy. These are gentle, kind giants that love spending time with their humans and are patient with children.
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