Maine Coon Teeth/Gum Health & Prevention, Juvenile Heart Murmurs and MoreAs a breed, Maine Coons are more prone to juvenile gingivitis, gingivitis, peritonitis, and stomatitis. Although for all cats, 8 in 10 will eventually end up with gum and tooth issues. Cat's mouths are full of bacteria.
It is essential to use a Vet that is familiar with this breed, not familiar with DLH thought to be Maine Coons, but the actual true breed. Many MC kittens will experience juvenile gingivitis while teething. This breed loses all baby teeth. It takes about 6 months for the adult teeth to grow in. It varies from kitten to kitten depending on how much swelling of the gums they experience during this process which occurs from 5 months to a year of age. Many Vets misdiagnose this as stomatitis or other mouth diseases and recommend pulling teeth. Do Not let them pull any teeth. Find another vet. Always get a second opinion, just like you would for your own health. Also, some MC kittens have an enzyme in their mouth that makes the gums try to grow over the teeth as the body is rejecting the teeth. Do Not pull any teeth. The proper treatment is giving the kitten/cat Prednisone for inflammation for several weeks. In severe cases, surgery is required to remove some of the excess growth. Then give prednisone and an antibiotic. Surprisingly, the excess growth normally does not grow back. It is very unlikely that a MC kitten or young adult cat will have any kind of permanent mouth diseases that would require pulling teeth. Remember, MC Cats grow until 4 years of age, so they are just a big kitten at 1 year old. Everything about MC Cats is large compared to other cat breeds. Head, Feet, Boning, Internal organs such as Heart and loud Heartbeat. Vets unfamiliar with the MC breed will misdiagnose murmurs. Some MC kittens will experience a juvenile murmur as the kittens grow extremely fast. If they have a murmur at all, they usually outgrow it within 6 months. A murmur is an entirely different issue from HCM which is enlargement of the heart and can be fatal. All Mountain Peak Maine Coon breeders have been DNA tested for HCM and are negative for the disease. Murmurs come in 6 grades. Any murmurs Grades (1-3) are considered minor and will normally be outgrown and should not be a concern. Grades (4-6) murmurs are major murmurs and will negatively impact the kitten’s life. All our kittens are examined at our vet appointment for murmurs. If they have any grade minor murmur buyer would be informed, it will be noted on their health record as well. Normally, MC kittens/cats do not just suddenly develop a murmur. If they do not have a murmur at 3 months of age it is extremely unlikely, they will develop one, especially during the first year of growth. If your kitten is diagnosed with a murmur, get a second opinion, or find a Vet familiar with this breed. The kitten did not have a murmur when you took it home. Always, always get a second opinion and be sure they are familiar with this breed.
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The Facts About Feline Heartworm DiseasePrevalence and Role of HARD
FHWD is more widespread and common than previously thought. For many decades it was assumed that cats were resistant to infection, but we now know that this is an inaccurate view of heartworm infection (HWI) in this species. Cats are more resistant to heartworm than dogs, but they are considered a susceptible host. While the rate of adult HWI in cats is only 5% to 20% of that in dogs, these numbers fail to consider the important physical effects caused by immature heartworms that die before they fully mature, and the number of cats whose infections go undiagnosed. In cats, immature heartworms reaching the pulmonary vessels often die, and in doing so, trigger an intense inflammatory reaction that causes vascular, interstitial, and alveolar disease—a syndrome now termed heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD). When adult HWIs are combined with the far more prevalent HARD, the true incidence of heartworm disease in cats is vastly greater than previously believed. Whether damage is caused by 9-inch adult heartworms or immature adults, it is still considered “heartworm disease” as far as the cat’s lungs are concerned. Both adult infection and HARD are clinically significant, causing significant disease and even death (in patients infected with adult heartworms) in the cat. Maine Coon Cat Care…When bringing a kitten into your home, it’s best to make sure you’re prepared. That will help create a smooth transition that is less stressful for your new cat. Here is a rundown of supplies you’ll need to prepare in advance. We think you’ll find that when you’re prepared, you’ll have more time to bond.
When hitting the road, you’ll need to transport your kitten in a carrier. This will keep her safe and provide a sense of security. Traveling can be scary for a kitten, so make sure the carrier is roomy and well-ventilated. Try lining the bottom with a towel from her former home or shelter to comfort her with a familiar scent. And make sure your carrier is secure and easy to clean. Anesthesia InformationKetamine Anesthesia I'm in many groups for breeders and also from my vet they have said never to use Ketamine. As it can cause death in cats. It can also look like Maine Coons have HCM while under this anesthesia. It will cause them to go into heart failure or even enlarge their hearts. If you try to google this you will either find reports of how safe this stuff is or it's been erased. I wonder why that is? Is it because it makes companies too much money to take off the market? Probably. Most do not care about the health of animals or even people for that matter. I wanted to find the proof of what this does and why. This also affects many other breeds of cats. I've seen where others have written their own article about it. I've not come across one for Maine Coons. If your cat was happy, healthy, and had good blood work, no heart issues or murmurs prior to surgery, a lot of times Doctors will claim it's HCM. If the kitten came from health tested parents it's highly unlikely. There are other factors as well. I know food alone will cause heart failure in cats. I have that under "Cat Food" if you want to read that. But a healthy cat or kitten being put under with a needle can have a lot of side effects or allergic reactions. Gas is the best way to go. Also the mix of Ketamine and other drugs in combination will cause side effects, allergic reactions, or death in cats. Good luck trying to finding any science based article on that. Instead Doctor's like to point at the Breeder instead of looking at the cat in whole. I've come across some necropsy stories that it did in fact prove the anesthesia was the cause of death. Once Ketamine is in the system there is no reversal. They will have to wait it out and in hopes nothing has damaged them. It can change a cats personality temporarily or permanently.
Sometimes they will use these 3 together with sedation Hydromorphone IM, Ketamine IM, Medetomidine IM. There is also Dexdomitor and is similar to Ketamine. Any injected anesthesia can cause similar reactions to each other. I'm going to post links to what I've come across. Maternal Antibodies and VaccinesOur kittens leave us with their first core vaccine. The point of the 3 series kitten vaccines is in hope to find the right time when the Maternal Antibodies wear off on kittens. Maine Coon kittens nurse much longer than a regular kitten. I use to vaccinate starting at a younger age. I have noticed by doing this their immune system was not ready. Kittens are being over vaccinated just in hopes to find the right time. Maine Coons do best with the first core vaccine if I wait till 8-10 weeks old or even older. Maternally Derived Antibodies (MDA)For both breeders and pet owners who purchase a kitten, one of the first issues to be decided are the kitten series vaccinations. What ones, when and why. By far, the most common reason for vaccines not immunizing is the presence of Maternally Derived Antibodies (MDA - this is a standard abbreviation used by immunologists). Unlike many other species, kittens receive little if any antibody protection before birth (in utero). The critical time for a kitten is the first 18 to 24 hours after birth. I've heard most suggest the first 18 hours but some suggest 24 hours and recently I heard an immunologist suggest 2-3 days, particularly when blood incompatibility is an issue. During those first hours after birth the kitten's intestines are very porous. When the kitten nurses and consumes the milk that queens produce after birth called colostrum which is full of antibodies, the kitten's intestines allow the large antibody molecules to pass through the intestinal wall and directly into the blood stream. These are the antibodies that will protect the kitten until it's own immune system matures enough to provide immunity. After those first hours after birth the kitten undergoes what is called "gut closure". At that point the intestines are no longer porous and the antibodies can no longer pass through. This also protects the kitten from other disease causing pathogens also passing through the gut into the blood stream. Once a kitten undergoes gut closure, continued nursing will not increase the kitten's amount of antibodies. Any antibodies consumed then will merely pass through the gut and out through the feces. Thus, continued nursing even after the kitten begins to receive vaccinations, will not increase the MDA interference. All depends on those first hours after birth. There are two factors in how much antibody a kitten receives. 1. The amount of antibodies the queen has in her colostrum during those first hours. 2. The amount of colostrum each individual kitten consumes before gut closure Since those two variables are unknown, each kitten in a litter may have a different amount of MDA. Also, there may be different amounts of antibodies for each disease, e.g. Panleukopenia, Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, etc. During the first 2-4 months of life, the MDA will gradually lower, generally by about half every two weeks. This is a study on Vaccination against Feline Panleukopenia on kittens that still had MDA.This site has a lot of information about over vaccinating cats.Please do not vaccinate for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus – aka “feline AIDS”), FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), bordatella, giardia, or chlamydia.
Keep in mind that if you do decide to vaccinate for FIV (an adjuvanted, and very ineffective, vaccine), your cat will now test ‘positive’ since the FIV test cannot tell the difference between an infected cat and a vaccinated cat. All of our cats that come to us are tested for FIV/Felv at my vet and are negative. I suggest to not vaccinate your Maine Coon with non core vaccines in the contract. Any complications that could arise will not be covered in the contract. Why Maine Coons Love Water and How to Keep Them HydratedMaine coons are one of the most popular and distinctive cat breeds in the world. They are known for their large size, fluffy fur, and friendly personality. But did you know that they also have a unique affinity for water? The Origins of Maine Coons’ Water Behavior There are many theories about how Maine coons developed their love for water. Some say that they are descendants of Norwegian forest cats, who were brought to America by Viking explorers and adapted to the harsh winters of Maine. Others say that they are related to Turkish Angora cats, who were ship cats that traveled with sailors and enjoyed fishing in the sea. Whatever their origin, Maine coons have a natural curiosity and intelligence that makes them fascinated by water. They are not afraid to get wet and will often dip their paws in water bowls, play with dripping faucets, or even join you in the shower. They also have a thick, water-repellent coat that helps them stay warm and dry. The Benefits of Water for Maine Coons’ Health Water is essential for any cat’s health, but especially for Maine coons. They have a higher risk of developing kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and bladder stones, which can be prevented or managed by drinking enough water. Water also helps regulate their body temperature, flush out toxins, and maintain their skin and coat health. However, many cats do not drink enough water from a still bowl, as they prefer fresh, running water that mimics their natural environment. That’s why many Maine coon owners invest in a water fountain that provides a constant stream of filtered water for their cats. A water fountain can encourage your Maine coon to drink more water, as well as provide them with a fun and stimulating activity. Of course, water is not the only thing that your Maine coon needs to stay healthy and happy. They also need a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their high energy and protein requirements. However, feeding your Maine coon can also be a messy affair, as they tend to splash their food and water around. That’s why we use a Neater Feeder, which is a mess-proof feeding system that contains all the spills and splashes in a lower reservoir, while keeping the food and water bowls clean and dry. The Neater Feeder comes in different sizes and colors, and is compatible with leg extensions and slow feed bowls. Conclusion Maine coons are amazing cats that have a lot of personality and charm. They also have a special relationship with water, which can be both amusing and beneficial for them. By providing your Maine coon with a water fountain and a Neater Feeder, you can ensure that they stay hydrated, healthy, and happy.   Maine Coon TeethMaine Coon kittens are not actually born with any teeth, just like human babies are not. According to ASPCA, a Maine Coon kittens teeth will start to appear at the 3-week mark. Their permanent teeth then start to grow when a kitten reaches 3-4 months of age, starting with the middle incisors around the 14-week mark. Then the second and third incisors between 15-16 weeks How Many Teeth Do Maine Coons Have? You can expect your Maine Coon kitten to have 26 baby teeth, and an older Maine Coon to have 30 permanent adult teeth. This makes the Maine Coon breed quite similar to humans, since human babies have 20 baby teeth, and 32 permanent adult teeth! Adult Maine Coon teeth are made up of a variety of different tooth types, each with its own unique purpose, and use. MAINE COON BREED TEETH INFORMATIONIt is essential to use a Vet that is familiar with this breed. The majority of MC kittens will experience juvenile gingivitis while teething. This breed loses all baby teeth. It takes about 6 months for the adult teeth to grow in. It varies from kitten to kitten on how much swelling of the gums they experience during this process which occurs from 5 months to a year of age. Many Vets misdiagnose this as stomates or other mouth diseases and recommend pulling teeth. Do Not let them pull any teeth. Find another vet. Always get a second opinion, just like you would for your own health.
Also, some MC kittens have an enzyme in their mouth that makes the gums try to grow over the teeth as the body is rejecting the teeth. Do Not pull any teeth. The proper treatment is giving the kitten/cat Prednisone for inflammation for several weeks. In severe cases, surgery is required to remove some of the excess growth. Then give prednisone and an antibiotic. Surprisingly, the excess growth normally does not grow back. It is very unlikely that a MC kitten or young adult cat will have any kind of permanent mouth diseases that would require pulling teeth. Remember, MC Cats grow until 4 to 5 years of age, so they are just a big kitten at 1 year old. MAINE COON BREED HEALTH INFORMATIONEverything about MC Cats is large compared to other cat breeds. Head, Feet, Boning, Internal organs such as Heart and loud Heartbeat. Vets unfamiliar with the MC breed will misdiagnose murmurs. Some MC kittens will experience a juvenile murmur as the kittens grow extremely fast. If they have a murmur at all, they usually outgrow it within 6 months. A murmur is an entirely different issue from HCM which is enlargement of the heart and can be fatal. All Wildcat Creek breeders have been DNA tested for HCM and are negative for the disease. Murmurs come in 6 grades. Any murmurs Grades (1-3) are considered minor and will normally be outgrown and should not be a concern. Grades (4-6) murmurs are major murmurs and will negatively impact the kitten’s life. Wildcat Creek kittens are examined at their vet appointment for murmurs. If they have any grade minor murmur buyer will be informed, it will be noted on their health records. Any kitten with a major murmur is not sold. Normally, MC kittens/cats do not just suddenly develop a murmur. If they do not have a murmur at 3 months of age it is extremely unlikely, they will develop one, especially during the first year of growth. If your kitten is diagnosed with a murmur, get a second opinion or find a Vet familiar with this breed. The kitten did not have a murmur when you took it home.
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AuthorI'm Crystal Rhine, owner of Wildcat Creek Cattery LLC. Follow along to watch cute videos, see testimonies, cute pictures and Maine Coon information! 
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