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Health care
Health care Maine Coon
Our Maine Coon breeding cats in the cattery "of Mömpelgard" are carefully checked for their health and genetic predisposition. We are proud to have received approval from the veterinary office in Balingen in accordance with Section 11 of the Animal Welfare Act for breeding, keeping animals and trading animals.
The health of our animals is our top priority, and that is why our Maine Coon breeding cats are regularly examined by the veterinary practice Dr. Pilz and colleagues in Haigerloch looked after. We subject them to extensive testing to ensure they are healthy and disease-free.
Our breeding cats are tested for cat flu (feline respiratory tract), FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus), FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus). We also carry out examinations for fungal infestation and other skin diseases (dermatological mycology) as well as fecal examinations for bacteria or pathogens.
For specialized examinations such as HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy), PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) and liver ultrasound examinations as well as HD (Hip Dysplasia) X-rays, we work closely with the Diagnostic Center for Small Animals, the veterinary practice of Dr. med. vet. Hüttig and colleagues in Pfullingen.
We also carry out genetic tests for HCM, SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) and PK (pyruvate kinase) in our breeding animals. These tests are part of our pre-breeding examination and help ensure the genetic health of our Maine Coon cats.
Our breeding cats meet the criteria recommended by the major breeding associations:
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HCM genetic test: Cat - lineage dependent mixed blood | Tomcat - N/N
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SMA genetic test: Cat - N/N | Tomcat - N/N
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PK genetic test: mixed genes depending on the lineage
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PKD ultrasound: cat - negative | Hangover - negative
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HCM ultrasound: cat - negative | Hangover - negative
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HD X-ray: line-dependent up to G2
Different results are possible for HD X-rays:
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0: Negative - Good hips, no deviations
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B: Borderline - No perfect structure, but no dysplasia
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G1: Grade 1 - The mildest form of dysplasia
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G2: Grade 2 - Moderately affected hips
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G3: Grade 3 - Poorly affected hips
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Our efforts are aimed at breeding healthy and genetically strong Maine Coon cats that meet the highest standards. We are always ready to answer your questions and provide you with further information about the health of our animals.
Proper care of the Maine Coon cat
The Maine Coon should be brushed once or twice a week outside of the shedding period, especially when it has exercise. You can also examine the cat for unwanted guests such as ticks and fleas or look for scrapes and scratches. Although not every Maine Coon knows the care instructions for their breed, there are also cats of this type that need to be detangled and brushed every day.
Character traits
Maine Coons are very people-oriented and affectionate. Maine Coons are sociable and friendly when dealing with other dogs, dogs and children. They are happy to request game units. If they do this forcefully, you can often hear a kind of cooing or crowing. The breed is also considered a good hunter. In the USA it is still referred to as a “working cat” – a mouse and rat catcher.
History of the Maine Coon cat
The origin of the Maine Coon is shrouded in legend: Some legends claim that the Maine Coon is a hybrid form of cat and raccoon (“racoon”). Others are of the opinion that the cat was bred by the former French Queen Marie Antoinette. In fact, little is known about the cat's origins in the northwestern United States. Their ancestors adapted to the local climatic conditions, which is why the Maine Coon is a robust cat. It has semi-long, dense and water-repellent fur, which also protects it from harsh weather conditions. The breed has been bred systematically since the 1960s, and in 1983 the FIFe also recognized the Maine Coon as an independent breed. Because no matter how the Maine Coon came about, today it is a popular and well-known purebred cat with us.