Maine Coon Health Issues

Maine Coon is a popular cat breed, known for its large size and majestic appearance. They are long-living cats and one of the healthy cat breeds but you may deal with some Maine coon health issues. These felines can effortlessly live up to 13 to 15 years without many health concerns. But, it’s essential to regularly visit a vet for checkups to determine overall Maine coon health. 

Even though they are considered a healthy cat breed, these majestic cats still experience different Maine Coon health issues throughout their life. This includes hip dysplasia, stomatitis, polycystic kidney disease, etc. If you want Maine coon cats to live an extended and disease-free life, it’s important to stay cautious regarding certain health conditions that they normally get. 

In this article, we have discussed all the Maine Coon health problems that these gentle giants can face over time such as genetic problems, common diseases, and some seasonal diseases. Make sure to check it out for healthy Maine coon growth.

In general, Maine coon are healthy cats, but genetic problems and a lack of proper care can decrease their lifespan. You must stay cautious about everything that comes into your feline care routine and health. Moreover, some common health problems often become life-threatening for Maine coons if left untreated, so be aware of them.

After bringing Maine coon cats to your home, you may see various health issues in them over time. Obesity and dental diseases are commonly found in these gentle giants. However, they don’t have as long a list of health concerns as other cat breeds do.

To give American coon cats a long and nourishing life, it’s essential to understand Maine Coon health concerns. Learn as much as you can, from common diseases to genetic disorders. This will help to recognize symptoms in the early stages of a disease, making it easier to treat.

Also, keep in touch with your vet to avoid life-threatening diseases in your feline friend. Visit the veterinarian once or twice a year for a checkup. You may not do much about genetic problems that your pet inherits from her parents, but you can help your cat to stay safe from common diseases by providing a good environment, feeding her healthy food, and ensuring regular grooming and exercise.

Genetic Diseases

Different kinds of genetic diseases badly affect Maine coon health. Some disease signs can be shown in Maine coon at the age of three to five months, while the sign of other genetic diseases doesn’t show until the age of 4 to 5 years. Here we have discussed common genetic diseases along with their symptoms. 

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

This disease is found in Maine coon cats due to a recessive gene. It will affect the neurons of a Maine coon spine. You may also see an odd posture in your pet. The following are the symptoms of SMA:

• Swallowing problems
• Breathing difficulty
• Shaking muscles
• Joint issues
• Weak to jump

Take a Maine coon cat to a veterinarian right after you find any of the above symptoms. However, this disease is incurable, and It is also difficult to slow its progression. Make sure to keep them indoors and provide proper care to help them live a good life.

Stomatitis

It is a common Maine coon health issue that will cause painful, widespread oral inflammation in your feline friend. In this disease, your pet may stop consuming food due to pain. Maine coon cats are prone to develop this disease at any stage of life. The following are the symptoms of stomatitis:

• Inflamed gums
• Weight loss
• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Avoiding consuming food

American coon cats may develop kidney and heart valve issues due to stomatitis, so it’s essential to take your pet to a veterinarian if you notice any of the above symptoms. This disease can be treated with dental care, medication, and surgery. Additionally, feed your cat food that supports their dental health such as fish and meat 

Hip Dysplasia 

Due to the large size and heavy weight of Maine coon cats, they are often affected by developmental dysplasia of the hip more than any other cats. The reason for this condition can be abnormal development of the hip joint. Some felines also develop this disease because of obesity. The following are the signs of hip dysplasia:

• Difficulty in climbing
• Avoid physical activities
• Hip joint pain
• Increased shoulder mass
• Reduced thigh muscle mass

This Maine Coon health condition is curable if your cat gets treatment on time. Treatment can be done through surgery or medicine, depending on disease severity. Moreover, weight maintenance is also crucial in the recovery of hip dysplasia.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

This disease is hereditary, and Maine coon cats develop cysts in their kidney during kittenhood. However, these cysts are small when the Maine coon is born but grow larger over time. This Maine Coon health problem in your cat can also lead to kidney failure. Polycystic kidney disease symptoms are listed below.

• Vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Weight loss
• Low appetite
• Nausea 

The symptoms of PKD are visible in Maine coon cats at the age of six or seven. PKD is an incurable disease that can be managed with supportive care. Provide your cat with a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and any medication your veterinarian recommends for good Maine Coon health.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a heart disease that is commonly found in adult American coon cats. The impacted cats have abnormally thick heart walls, stopping their heart from pumping blood and leading to thromboembolism. This heart problem can also cause heart failure in felines. Below are the symptoms of HCM:

• Breathing difficulty
• Lethargy
• Weak pulse
• Low appetite 
• Coughing 

HCM disease may not be curable, but different treatments are available to slow the heart rate and improve the blood flow. It can be treated with activity limitation and medication. A high-protein, low-fat diet is also recommended for your affected feline friend.

Seasonal Diseases  

Skin Problems 

Like other felines, American coon cats also suffer from skin problems, often caused by mites or fleas. Additionally, wounds, allergies to food or dust mites, fungal infections, viral infections, and tumors can lead to certain skin problems in these gentle giants. It’s easy to recognize their skin problems through the following symptoms.

• Redness of the skin
• Hair loss
• Fleas and ticks on the skin
• Excessive licking of the fur
• Scraby skin

After your cat is diagnosed with a skin disease, take her to the veterinarian so they can determine the most appropriate treatment. However, to prevent skin problems, it is essential to change her environment if parasites like mites and fleas cause the issue. Moreover, if your cat’s skin problems are due to food allergies, make sure to switch her diet.

Diarrhea 

Diarrhea is when Maine coon cats pass loose stools more often. It happens when food passes too quickly through the intestine and reduces the absorption of nutrients and water. Bad food, food allergies, or dietary changes can cause diarrhea. Stress can also lead to Diarrhea in your feline friend. The symptoms of diarrhea are the following:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy 

Avoid giving your cat unhealthy food and start a proper, healthy diet to prevent diarrhea. Also, ensure that they have access to clean and fresh water. If they get diarrhea due to stress, try to stabilize their routine by playing with them and changing their environment. Just ensure that they are happy and relaxed.

Other Common Diseases 

Dental Diseases

American coon cats are prone to several dental diseases like other felines. These diseases are often caused by food particles that turn into tartar on the teeth. Daily teeth brushing helps prevent Maine coons from developing dental issues. Some common dental problems are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption. 

• Gingivitis: In this dental issue, Maine coon gums get swollen and red. It often happens when plaque builds up on the teeth of a cat. Make sure to give regular teeth brushing to your feline friend after finding swelling on their gum lines.

• Periodontitis: This condition occurs if gingivitis is left untreated, causing swelling of the gums that weaken the jawbone and tissue around the cat’s teeth. It can lead to loss of appetite in cats, and they may also lose teeth. Early dental cleaning can prevent periodontitis in American coon cats. 

• Tooth resorption: It is a painful condition in which a cat’s teeth start breaking down from the inside. In this condition, your cat might show signs of oral bleeding, difficulty eating, and increased saliva production. The only treatment for tooth resorption is the removal of the affected teeth.

Obesity 

When American coon cats weight is 20%-30% higher than their normal body weight, they are considered obese. To identify this condition in your feline friend, check their normal body weight based on their age. Obesity can cause serious Maine coon health issues such as heart disease, liver and kidney disease, and diabetes.

You can treat obesity in cats by giving them exercise and a low-calorie diet. Exercise will support burning calories and a diet helps prevent weight gain. Moreover, monitor your cat’s weight weekly or monthly to ensure it is appropriate for their age.

Maine coon are considered healthier and longer-living cats. These cats are hardy and sturdy, and they don’t have significant Maine coon health issues. However, even though they are generally healthier, it doesn’t mean they don’t need a care routine or veterinary checkups. Providing cats with regular veterinary checkups, a nutritious diet, exercise, and training is important to ensure an extended and healthy life.