Have you ever heard about the parrot cat? Yes, they exist.
Once upon a time, there was a man who had a cat. This cat sought for all the attention of its owner, to the point that when he didn’t, the cat transforms into a parrot that landed on the man’s shoulders. How ? By getting behind him and surprising him with a standing jump straight up on to his shoulder. Although the man was 5.75 feet (1.75 m) tall, the cat did a clean standing jump and only came down on the top. Sometimes, he even overpasses the shoulder to land in front of his owner. Amazing right?
Well, if you have a cat, you’ll probably already dealt with a full crazy cat moment. Jumping and running all over the house, turning it into a full mess. You cannot predict what’s going on inside your cat’s head. For them, nothing is off-limits: whether inside of boxes, underneath a bed, on top of your keyboard. It’s all fair game to a cat that wants to play, rest, hide, or is just plain curious. After all, their graceful, elegant and aloof character is no way far from their willing. To be at the top. You certainly have watched your cats jumping so high, reaching the trees and getting over the garden’s walls. How do they do that?
It is said that the cat’s ancestors probably hunted both; on the ground and in the trees. To survive, they needed not only claws but remarkable balance and aptitude that all cats retained to this day. So how high can they jump ?
How high can domestic cats jump ?
First of all, let’s put in mind that, the taller the cat is, the higher that she can typically jump.
Let’s start straight in by examining the cats’ amazing leaping skills. Gifted with incredibly powerful back legs and lower body legs. According to National Geographic’s Science of Stupid, cats have the capability of jumping up to six times their own height with grace and in point accuracy. Then, what is it in the cat’s leap that leaves us for dust ? Well, it’s all about evolution and the increase of the kinetic energy for the jump. When preparing to jump, cats adopt a crouch position; this allows her to exploit the full strength of her powerful back legs. When landing she pulls herself up with her back legs by gripping with her claws.
So what is it that makes them capable of doing that ?
A research article in the Journal of Experimental Biology reported that it is the muscles of a cat’s back legs and the length of their limbs that makes them so good at jumping. But the leaping and also the landing of the cat depend highly on their joint health, the strength of their body and their muscles really matters. Small, old or unwell cats, of course, will not be able to jump that high. But for average-sized healthy cats, 2.4 meters is achievable. For beginner’s kitten, they will often jump around strengthening their muscles and upgrading their skills. The mature ones, on the other hand, usually start with a warming up jump to excel their leap. Still, you can find some people training their cats for those high jumps. Don’t be surprised, because you can catch some hilarious videos doing that.
What can cats jump over at home ?
Don’t you ever take your cat for a human baby? Why ? Because hiding away stuff in high places is not an impossible mission. After all the higher it is, the possible it can be reached. Unbelievable ? Then, try hanging up your cat’s toys on the roof, with different height and see the magic happens. Your cat will be able to jump until 6.4 feet (1.95 m) and above. Don’t get jealous if you play basketball!
The secret is in the combination of the anatomy and the physiology of the cat, without forgetting the technicalities that make him reach all those places. He crouches, hind legs flat on the ground, in the heel off he left up his front paws and stretch fully his legs, and use them to power himself up into the air. With those abilities, you can expect your cat to jump even over your refrigerator, on the top of your door searching for some pure air, or all over your garden’s walls taking a walk by himself maybe.
What are the World Highest Jumps by Cats ?
According to the Guinness World Records, the longest jump by a cat is 213.36 cm (7 ft). It was achieved by a 10 years old cat, Waffle the Warrior Cat, in Big Sur, California, USA, on 30 January 2018.
The world’s record for cats’ highest jump was set in 1993. Back then, Javier Sotomayor of Spain set the record – 2.45 m / 8′.5″! That’s incredibly high, right ? Yet, it’s still just barely higher than your average house cat can jump – let alone the relatively tall domestic cats.
Why are cats so much better at Jumping than dogs ?
It’s obvious! When we say flexibility we say cats, and when we say endurance we say dogs.
No one can deny that. Cats and dogs have different body shapes and abilities. Even if your dog could jump as high as your cat, dogs are more likely to land awkwardly. Cats are able to twist in the air to better ensure they land properly. They have different biomechanics and stronger fast-twitch muscle fibers, while dogs have slower twitch muscle fibers. Talking about legs especially, cats use their back legs to jump and the front ones to attack. Dogs use their legs for motion or balance. Also, the range of motion of the cat’s legs, the ability to tight them, to twist in the air while falling is significantly bigger than the dog’s.
If we dive in the wild and compare. Wolves rarely attack big prey directly; they attack in packs by trying to tire the victim down, and attack when it collapses from exhaustion. Wild cats on the other hand attack alone (except lions). They depend on sheer strength, coordination, reflex, flexibility, tail balance, and explosiveness. Observing a domestic cat, for example, he attacks directly, straight away, often jumping catching the prey, trying to knock down and strangle the victim using its strength.
Cats are usually far stronger in relation to their mass especially cat’s legs. A young, healthy, average-sized cat can jump about six times their length. While a young, healthy, average-sized dog can jump about 1–3 times their length. Those results are different depending on the dog’s race, yet for cats, all the breeds are pretty similar. Dogs then have greater endurance but smaller strength and worse motor coordination. That’s also why the cat can leap from far higher without injury when the dog will break his bones easily. Their muscles will not be able to absorb the shock.
Conclusion
Living with a cat that can jump as high as climbing to the refrigerator it’s so cool. Just grab your popcorn bowl and make yourself comfortable enough to have some fun and laugh your lungs out. It will be super active and super energetic, but still, super messy. So be careful to move away from all the expensive and precious furniture and clear the way. Those small natural hunters are about to start the “jumping machine” setting inside them.
But don’t get upset, just admire them and imagine how fun and cool it will be to have the same ability as your cat. If human beings are able to jump an incredible 36 feet (10.97 meters), 6 times their height! It will be incredible, isn’t it ?
Have you ever heard about Frankenlouie? Weird name, isn’t it? Want a hint? This name refers to a cat.
But why does it seem like there are two names? Well, it’s a two-faced cat. Yes, the world’s famous Janus Ragdoll cat. He had two functioning eyes, a blind central eye, two noses, and two mouths. Yet he was a beautiful cat from the Ragdoll race. Frankenlouie’s deformity was caused by a very rare congenital condition. But the fact that this Ragdoll cat was known was because the scientist didn’t expect him to live this long, but he made it to 15 years before he passed away in 2014. And now, he is listed in the Guinness Book as the longest-lived Janus cat.
Want to know another
cat name who hit it big in the cat’s history? Little Nicky.
This cat was the first
pet animal to be cloned commercially in 2004. Curious to know more? well, it
was a Maine Coon cat. The owner of Little Nicky saved his tissue in a gene bank
after he died; she paid $50,000 to have her cat cloned. The cloning process was
a success, and it was reported that the cat shared many characteristics with
his predecessor, including a similar personality and appearance.
Two different stories,
two different races, yes! The Ragdoll cat and the Maine Coon are different.
Both breeds may have a lot of similarities, they have a lot of qualities, and it is important to understand their needs, attitude, temperament and health background, in order to pet them. Otherwise, you will end up getting confused in choosing between the two when it comes to adopting or choosing.
Stay tuned then, and
follows us to know more how to differentiate between Maine Coon and Ragdoll
cat.
The History of Maine Coons and Ragdoll Cats
As special as their look, the origins of the Maine Coon cats are so full of mystery and speculation which makes them that much more intriguing. A lot of myths are related to their historical, from raccoons to Marie Antoinette, to Vikings, and finally the American colonization. Let’s have a quick view of all these stories and see which the most logical one is!
One of the best-known stories about Maine Coons is that they are the result of a mating between a raccoon and a domestic cat. That’s of course genetically impossible! But this funny tale is pretty common due to this cat’s wild look.
The next legend is an extremely royal romantic tale. By the end of the French Revolution, a sea captain named Samuel Clough was to bring Queen Marie Antoinette and her cats to the USA. She owned a lot of fluffy Persian or Angora cats, which mated with the resident American cats. Their descendants are said to be the Maine Coons. Now, this is not impossible, but from what it is known, Marie Antoinette didn’t have any long-haired cats. Weird, isn’t it?
Next story, please!
This one could be interesting for some of you. You would really like your cat’s origins to be related to it. The Vikings, yes! Maine Coons could be descended from the Norwegian Skogkatt. Based on Danish and Swedish counterparts, the Racekatte and the Rugkatt have a lot in common with the Maine Coon, they share quite a similarity between these breeds including living under harsh climate.
Besides all these myths, the main story is the following. The breed
started to develop and being popular at the end of the 19th century thanks to
the farmers of the state of Maine, who were very proud of their cats. The breed
was then almost forgotten, it was less popular than the Persian or Siamese, but
it was rediscovered in the 1950s. By the 1960s, the breed rose again in
popularity and was recognized by the ACFA in 1967. The Maine coon is the
official cat of the state of Maine.
Wow! A huge history for a huge cat. How about Ragdoll cats then?
Then let’s go back to the 1960s in California when the first Ragdolls cat was bred
Ann Baker bred a white Angora Persian type cat queen, Josephine, who had a Himalayan coat pattern (Siamese) to beautiful long haired Burmese sire and Birman sire males. The breeding resulted in cats of substantial size, non-matting coat, and a very equable disposition.
Josephine’s kittens
seemed to have a true loving nature and beautiful blue eyes. Baker soon knew
these kittens were very special. She kept some of them and bred them very
carefully, by lining bred to keep the strain pure. In fact, the traits of the
Ragdoll cat can only be found in Josephine’s descendants, where the history of
Ragdolls exists. The looks may vary slightly as to pattern or color, but the
disposition must remain the same to be a Ragdoll. No one, not even the
originator, can add to the lines at this time, and still have a purebred
Ragdoll.
What is the difference between the two: Physical Features, Personality, Health, Life span
Not only their origins are different, those two cats each had its own charm. So in order to choose the cats that will suit you, pay much attention to what’s coming next. Cause, after all, choosing a life partner is not as easy as it seems. Physical Features, Personality, Health, Life span, it all matters.
Physical Features (Size & Weight – Shape and structure – Coat – Colors)
Maine Coons are friendly giants; those big felines are so huge, tall and heavy. However, more than 20 pounds means nothing but your cat is being obese. You can really feel that you are adopting a lion or a tiger
Ragdolls, on the other hand, are hovering on the same scale as Maine Coons in terms of weight. Thus, quite smaller and shorter, they’re considered typically quite large. Here are the real cat’s sizes
Maine Coon
Ragdoll
Weight (lbs)
11-25
8-20
Height (in)
10-16
9-11
Length (in)
19-32
17-21
Let’s say that those creatures are insanely incredible. And there is a reason behind saying this. The Maine Coon has a square head shape, and it is slightly elongated. The profile has a gentle concave curve. The muzzle is square.
The Ragdoll cats have
their own standards though. Their heads are wedge-shaped, and they have rounded
muzzles, flat top skulls, and chubby cheeks. They have a medium-sized head, but the
fur makes their face appear large.
As for the grace of their eyes shape. Maine Coon’s eyes are large and slightly oval, but appear round when wide open. They are slightly oblique. The Ragdolls cats must-have oval blue eyes; otherwise, they are not from the true breed.
Then comes the ears to complete the face look, Maine Coon cats have large and wide ears, both with or without lynx tips. They are set high on the head. The Ragdoll’s ears are medium-sized and are set on the sides of the head to continue the look of the triangular face.
Finally, the body shape. The Maine Coon has a broad, powerful chest; the legs are of medium length. The Ragdoll cats’ appearance can be summed up in a word: majestic. These cats are large and broad-chested, with silky, bunny-like fur and unforgettable blue eyes.
Ragdolls come in four
main patterns: bi-color, van, mitted, and color point. These patterns also
appear in six major colors – seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream –
while the points can be solid, lynx, tortie, or torbie. Despite the fluffy,
luxurious coat most Ragdoll cats have, they actually don’t shed very much.
Their fur is medium long and requires very little grooming
Maine Coon cats are available in over 84 colors and pattern variations. Isn’t this fantastic? This oldest breed of American domesticated cat comes in a full range of colors. The most popular colors are the brown tabby and tiger-striped, but they are available in reds, chocolates, fawns, and just about every color combination that a cat can come in. They have a double coat that can be patterned on the top and solid underneath or vice-versa. So basically, you’ll need to brush your Maine Coon’s coat till two to three times a week.
But one thing is for sure, those beautiful treats come with a whole unique personality package.
You will see it!
Personality & Character (Trainability – Vocality – Intelligence – Loyalty)
You’re a cat and a dog person at the same time. You’re always confused
about which pet to adopt? Meow! You’re knocking the right door. Maine Coon and
Ragdoll cats have been described as having dog-like personalities.
As unique as their beauty; those
cats are different from the other breeds that tend to have that aloof,
independent, arrogant attitude.
Maine Coon Cats are called ‘gentle giants’ and that’s because of their sociable, friendly and adorable personalities. They are so affectionate and like to held and cuddled like babies. They don’t turn down the affection given to them by anyone. Children, adults, other pets, they’d snuggle up to it. Their curiosity enables them to interact widely with various pets and humans. And their curiosity is making them a helpful pet too. Yes, they can help in everything by standing still observing very curiously what you are doing. And calmly too.
If you’re searching for a cat that talks, but aren’t annoying, a Maine Coon is the right cat for you! Maine Coon cats don’t often meow, but they make weird sounds that most people call chirping. This can be heard whenever your Maine Coon is excited. Besides that, most Maine Coon cats have a very high voice, which makes you think that a kitten is making that sound even if your Maine Coon is already 10 years old. Compared to their massive appearance this is pretty funny. But be careful of the meow and be the sign that your cat is missing you!
Maine Coon cats learn quickly because they are very intelligent cats, as
soon as you don’t let them by themselves. In addition to playing fetch, most
Maine Coon cats are drawn to water and might enjoy an unexpected swim. They
enjoy hunting as well as spending a lot of time playing chase, hence it is
essential to place toys around them. And it’s so important for them to mark
their territory too if there is a stranger coming to the house.
Did you know that the Ragdolls hold the traits of their personality in
their name? Well when we hear Ragdolls, we definitely hear word dolls.
Actually, those cats will be completely relaxed when they are picked up. They
will lie limp, just like dolls.
The Ragdoll cat is promoted as having a calm demeanor, the kind of cat that will tolerate children playing with it. Being a friendly, outgoing cat who tolerates attention and petting well. This makes him a solid choice for households. Those cats are very fond of their masters, but they are also extremely interested in socializing with other people as well. They will build a very strong bond with you easily and will follow you wherever you go around the house, including the bathroom. So basically you’re going to have a bodyguard following you to check up on you constantly.
As befits such an accommodating cat, the Ragdoll cat has a sweet little whisper of a meow and displays a patient mien. So they are really quiet and can help you relax all the time because their vocals are really sweet and not disturbing at all. Moreover, Ragdoll cats are super playful, especially when they play fetch, which is something that many of them enjoy doing. Moreover, Ragdolls cat has been observed to be easily socialized with dogs, which is quite a rare trait among cats.
And when we say ‘dog-like‘ temperament we say loyalty, those two breeds show extreme loyalty to the individual who takes the majority care of them.
Health (Common diseases and different ones)
It is very common for purebred cats to be more at risk of particular
medical conditions, which owners need to be aware of. Both pedigreed cats and
mixed-breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic
in nature. Let’s then see the main health conditions most commonly seen in
Ragdoll and Maine Coon cats, and how to avoid them if possible.
Maine Coons are at risk for the following hereditary conditions:
Hip dysplasia due to a malformation of the joint. It can cause discernible discomfort to severe pain and potential lameness. Pay attention! Obesity aggravates the problem.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, HCM, is the most prevalent type of feline heart disease. It can be detected a DNA test, to identify cats that carry one of the mutations that cause the disease.
Spinal muscular atrophy occurs when the nerves in the spinal cord die off, and results in weak muscles. Fortunately, the disease is pain-free, and the affected cat can usually live a comfortable indoor life, but there is also a DNA test to identify carriers.
Polycystic kidney disease, a slowly progressive heritable kidney disease that can result in renal failure.
Like the Maine Coon, Ragdolls can be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other heart diseases. Other problems that may affect Ragdoll cats include the following:
Polycystic Kidney Disease, PKD, is the result of inheriting a defective gene that causes cysts to grow in the kidneys and liver, eventually destroying the organs. Ragdoll cats should be tested before they are used for breeding so that this horrible illness doesn’t spread any further.
Bladder stones are grains of minerals that form in the bladder. They can be treated either with medication or surgery, and further stones can usually be prevented with the right diet.
Both Maine Coons and Ragdolls are big cats with even bigger coats, making
it difficult sometimes to recognize the line between having a “big-boned” or
“husky” cat and one that is flat-out overweight! Better watch your cat’s health
and regime before becoming obese. Increased weight can lead to a number of
issues such as diabetes, heart disease, joint issues, etc. Remember, a
healthy-sized cat is a happy cat!
Life span
Research in some data led that, the average life span of Maine Coon cats ranges anywhere from 10-12.5 years. While other data reports that these cats can live up to 15 years and beyond. While Ragdoll cats have a typical lifespan of 9-15 years. They also can attend 23 years old. Ragdolls hold the oldest cat record, 38 years old. Crazy, right? Having a cat that you can pet as much as possible. That’s what we all aim for.
But lets precise that they’re not general cases. A long life span comes only with the proper care. The life expectancy of these cats can be extended. While they are a generally healthy breed as with all cats, diet, exercise and general health care is going to play a role in how long the cat lives.
Which one is easier to care for? A Ragdoll or a Maine coon?
Taking care of giant felines
is not that easy?? It’s important to give your individual breed the special
needs and care they require in order for your cat to grow up to be healthy,
happy felines.
Maine Coons make
excellent family pets, but they require good care. If you have a Maine Coon,
then you will need to take care of your cat’s nutrition, grooming,
entertainment, and health needs.
Maine Coons require high-quality cat food to stay healthy. When choosing food for your cat, look for Taurine in the ingredients list. Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats require. And to prevent obesity, develop a regular cat feeding schedule. Cat food packages list the amount of food that you should give your cat each day. Divide the total amount of food that your Maine Coon is supposed to eat per day into two portions. Then, feed these portions to your cat about eight to twelve hours apart. All of this with providing enough fresh, clean water for your cat to stay hydrated.
When you mention a Maine Coon, the first thing that comes in mind is their coat. It is so important to take good care of it. Maine Coon’s coat has a silky texture that doesn’t mat easily if you groom it regularly. It is easily cared for with twice weekly. Useful grooming tools include a stainless steel comb for removing tangles and what’s called a “grooming rake” to pull out the dead undercoat, which is what causes tangles when it’s not removed. Use it gently, especially in the stomach area and on the tail. Bath your cat whenever you feel that their coat is greasy or their fur looks stringy.
As for entertaining your Maine cat, try to pet it as much as possible, as they are an affectionate kind of cats. Furthermore, Maine Coons are well-known for their excellent mouse catching skills, so try to provide your Maine Coon with mouse-like toys that will stimulate these skills. Put up also some scratching posts, otherwise say buy to your precious stuff, because they will all be scratched.
As its name, Ragdolls need to look like a one. They need a lot of attention. Ragdoll cat can actually become quite upset if he doesn’t get it and may become destructive out of frustration. Playing with your Ragdoll, grooming him, petting and loving on him will keep him happy and not neglected. Since they have long beautiful fur, you will want to groom your cat at least once a week. To prevent shedding and also keep fur balls to a minimum. Grooming also plays a big part in connecting with your cat. During your Ragdoll cat’s growth, make sure he gets extra food. High protein foods are important for your cat, which are easier to get with canned food as opposed to dry. Stay away from foods with a high grain content. Of course, without mentioning the necessities, fresh cool water is required.
These are cats who love to play and have fun with toys. Bat at, and bat around are favorites. If you play with your Ragdoll often, who knows? You may even be able to get your kitty to fetch a ball. Don’t be surprised, it’s the favorite game for a dog-like cat.
As mentioned before,
Ragdolls are likely to get sick, they need regular vet checks to make sure he
is growing healthy and appropriately for his age. It’s also important to make
sure all vaccinations are up-to-date, including rabies. Regular vet checks are
really helpful. Early the detection it is, sooner the treatment begins.
Even though they play
the bodyguard, yet your Ragdoll is really a softy. They’re not very good at
defending themselves against danger or other animals that may try to harm them.
Better let your cat indoor, they shouldn’t be allowed out of doors. They will
be safer, but still indoor, look after them because Ragdolls are really passive
and gentle. They can also be harmed by children!!
Costs of keeping each breed – Maine coon vs Ragdoll
Big felines, big care, huge expenses. Keeping a pet in general needs a lot of investment. From buying food, toys, Veterinary health check-ups, grooming and aesthetics costs. When our moms are saying owning a pet is a big responsibility, they are right. Most people spend around $500 per year on their pets, but that can vary widely based on your preferences, your pet’s medical needs, and if you want to spoil your furry little friend.
For the Maine Coon cats, ignoring initial costs and making annual assumptions, these are some estimated baseline figures:
Food can cost anywhere from $250 to $500.
Medical expenditure can cost anywhere from $75 to $500.
Toys or treats average at about $50.
Litter can cost from $100 to $300.
Optional Health Insurance starts at about $300.
Miscellaneous costs on average at about $50
These add up to anything from $525 to $1700 per annum.
Factoring in the lifespan of a Maine Coon cat as the widely accepted
average of 10 to 12.5 years, this gives a lifetime cost ranging from $5,250 to
$21,250.
As for Ragdoll Cats, ignoring the initial cost of buying the cat. Here are the estimations done:
Food (wet, dry treats) can cost average about $600
Litter cost $225
Vet Visits can cost anywhere from $75 to $500.
Unexpected Expenses: $100.00
Cat Health Insurance costs on average at about $300
Fun Stuff (toys, catnip, etc…): $100
The grand total of annual expense is $1100. This can say that for a Ragdoll that will live for 9-15 years lifespan, you should be prepared for $9,900 to $16,500 lifetime investment.
So before having a Maine Coon or a Ragdoll Cat, think twice! Adequate
preparation and financial planning should be done before. They are a long-term
investment and may not be suitable for the more carefree amongst us.
Which Is The Better pet for you a Maine coon or a Ragdoll?
Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats, both have a huge physics, with huge
character and many attractive attributes.
Maine Coon, a perfect combination between intelligent, active and moggy.
One of the biggest cat breeds you can own, and a prolific hunter to boot. Yet, a
real sweetheart who loves to lounge with his family.
The Ragdoll though, is a playful kitty, one who also enjoys his time and
a family cat too. But also, a big affectionate who loves to be cuddled and
carried about.
As a drawback, each cat has certain medical conditions to consider. You should really take care of their health and pay attention to their regime, to avoid certain illnesses that can affect your cat.
Be sure to work with a responsible breeder who can prove the health and
welfare of their cats, and think in advance about how you will pay for
veterinary treatment if your kitten needs it further down the line.
Finally! You’re hitting the end of this article. Up till now, we suppose that you already made up your mind for one of these cats. Is it the Maine Coon? Ragdolls? Which one suits you more and matches your personality? No decisions yet? Then how about checking a different comparison like Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest.
Meow, you already have one of these breeds? Which one is it, and how much time you’ve been together? I bet there is something that lets you choose this breed, not others. What is it then? Let us know your preference. Meow!
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The Maine Coon is the largest domesticated cat breed. It has a distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, specifically native to the state of Maine, where it is the official state cat.
No records of the Maine Coon’s exact origins and date of introduction to the United States exist, so several competing hypotheses have been suggested, the most credible suggestion is that it is closely related to the Norwegian Forest cat and the Siberian. The breed was popular in cat shows in the late 19th century, but its existence became threatened when long-haired breeds from overseas were introduced in the early 20th century. The Maine Coon has since made a comeback and is now one of the most popular cat breeds in the United States.
The Maine Coon is a large and sociable cat, hence its nickname, “the gentle giant”. It is characterized by a prominent ruff along its chest, robust bone structure, rectangular body shape, an uneven two layered coat with longer guard hairs over a silky satin undercoat, and a long, bushy tail. The breed’s colors vary widely, with only lilac and chocolate disallowed for pedigree. Reputed for its intelligence and playful, gentle personality, the Maine Coon is often cited as having “dog-like” characteristics. Professionals notice certain health problems recurring in the breed, including feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia, but reputable breeders use modern screening methods to minimize the frequency of these problems.
A Maine Coon Polydactyl is a Maine Coon cat with polydactyly. This variation is acceptable within general judging standards for the breed, and is even separately certified by some organizations like TICA.
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Our cats are part of our family and as such we want to be confident our home offers them a safe and relaxed environment in which to hunt, eat, groom and sleep as this is the natural cycle of life for every cat. We do, however, have a tendency to fuss over our dogs, our rabbits, our chickens, and other animals, whilst our cats come and go, and we take their innate good health as a given.
Cats suffer from a number of common complaints, some of which are accentuated by our desire to impose on our domestic pets a lifestyle that fits in closely with our own, often without a great deal of thought as to their true needs.
Additionally, some of our cats have not had a good start in life and come to us after being abandoned or badly treated. Needless to say, these cats will have their own emotional problems and who can blame them if they appear fearful, anxious, aggressive or reluctant to trust humans again?
How can cats get anxious?
Cats are natural hunters; one only has to see how young kittens chase after a ball of paper, ambush us from behind a cardboard box or pounce on a toy mouse to realize that it is hard-wired in their DNA to chase insects, birds, leaves, feathers or a stuffed toy This fact is recognized by the pet industry and there are now literally thousands of commercially available toys that mimic the scampering and flitting movements of mice, birds or insects.
To maintain both physical and mental health, it is vital for cats to follow their instincts and spend time each day ‘hunting’ even if this is playing with a toy mouse or chasing a ‘wand’ toy Regular play will ensure a cat’s mind is kept stimulated, preventing boredom, relieving stress and keeping him/her fit and healthy
We all try to do the very best for our pets, providing a healthy diet, mental and physical stimulation and all the care and love we can give them. Unfortunately, despite our best-laid plans, outside factors can upset our companions; loud noises, fireworks, changes in routine, the introduction of a new cat or baby can all impact their emotional well-being and subsequently their physical health.
When these things happen, your cat may find it hard to adapt and relax. This is when natural remedies can offer extra support by providing just the right combination of calming soothing herbs to help maintain a steady; calm outlook and relaxed behavior. Herbs can be used effectively to help with behavioral problems in stressed or anxious cats, environmental changes such as a house move, a new pet, or a new baby They can also help with cats that have OCD-type behavior such as incessant licking, chewing or scratching or fear of loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms.
Herbs that reduce anxiety and stress in cats
Herbs can be used effectively to help with behavioral problems in stressed or anxious cats.
Valerian strengthens and supports the nervous system and is a natural ‘sedative’ herb, helping to alleviate nervous tension, irritability, and anxiety.
Chamomile helps diminish restlessness and is a mild sedative.
Lemon Balm which is useful for alleviating nervous excitability and is an antispasmodic.
Another useful herb is Vervain which is an antispasmodic for relief of tension and a relaxing ‘nervine’ with an affinity for the liver and kidneys.
Stress and anxiety impact on our cats’ digestive system, in much the same way they do with us, and herbs which can be used to help with stress-related digestive upsets include :
Marshmallow root which is rich in ‘mucilage’, a thick gluey substance that can have a soothing effect on the gut when it’s affected by anxiety.
Oat straw is a nerve ‘restorative’, a tonic for brain and nerve cells, and which strengthens the nervous system, as well as being extremely beneficial for the digestive system.
Supplements that help to ease anxiety in cats
When buying supplements for your pet make sure they are sourced from a reputable manufacturer who can provide palatable, tried-and-tested products with researched formulations. Palatability is key as cats are notoriously fussy about what they eat and drink so liquid supplements that can be added to food or drink are best. Also bear in mind that plant tinctures are generally obtained by macerating the herbs in ethyl-alcohol and alcohol can make cats foam at the mouth. Tinctures blended with vegetable glycerin are more palatable and safer.
Your manufacturer or supplier should also be able to provide expert advice either from literature, retail staff or direct via an expert Helpline. Labeling, including ingredients and dosage, should be very clear. Follow recommended dosages carefully and if in any doubt about your cat’s health, contact your vet.
