VACCINATION & DEWORMING
Our kittens have been vaccinated twice before delivery with the vaccine in the accompanying Health Card. This is a vaccine against feline plague and feline distemper. After this basic vaccination, it is important that the cat is re-vaccinated at the age of one year and then regularly every year against feline colds and at least every three years against feline plague. These recommendations differ if you want to show your cat or if your cat becomes an outdoor cat and you should then re vaccinate your cat every year even against feline plague.
Outdoor cats are more affected by worms than indoor cats as they catch prey that can transmit infection, however, indoor cats can also develop worms. You can consult your veterinarian about which preparation you should use for deworming.
HEALTH STATUS
There are some things that are good to get used to examining your cat regularly to get an idea of how the cat is doing. Of course, you should make sure that the cat is at a normal hole and has a good coat quality - if not, you should look for the reason why something deviates.
Get in the habit of looking at your cat's teeth and gums from time to time. Cats are relatively easily affected by gingivitis which can be painful and can lead to the cat eating poorly. You can initially see if you can overcome the problem by brushing your teeth and Stomodine lp gel. If it is a more extensive dental problem, then you should seek veterinary advice.
You should also buy a digital thermometer and lubricant at home, take the temperature of your cat at some point when it is healthy so that you know what temperature the cat normally has. It is then easier to do it later if the cat falls ill. Cats' temperatures can vary between 38-39 degrees. Cats are amazingly good at hiding when they get sick, but the temperature can't lie!
Have regular supervision that your cat urinates and poops normally. Urine crystals that can cause blockages, especially in male cats, can be a life-threatening condition, so it is important to check daily that the cat urinates normally.
DIARRHEA
When the cat has problems with the stomach, it is easy for the owner to worry. Although diarrhea usually stops quickly, it is wise to monitor the cat's health carefully so that it does not become dehydrated. If the intestinal flora has lost its good bacteria, a good idea may be to add good bacteria by sprinkling Fortiflora on the food. Fortiflora can be bought online, pet stores and at the vet.
Common causes of cat diarrhea or upset stomach:
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Stress (for example due to travel, moving, new smells in the home, etc.)
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Sudden changes in diet
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It has eaten something inappropriate
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Antibiotics
When is it time to contact a veterinarian?
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The cat does not feel better after 1-2 days
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The symptoms are severe
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The cat often gets diarrhea
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There is blood in the stool
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The cat does not drink or vomit when drinking
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The cat has a fever
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The cat seems sleepy and exhausted
FUR
The Maine Coon cat has a so-called semi-long-haired coat. This means that you will have to spend some time on fur care on your cat compared to short-haired cats.
Brush, comb, to avoid tangles and cut the claws once a week. Less hair flying around and less desire to scratch the furniture.
Regular hair care is also good to prevent the cat from licking loose fur, which can then form hairballs in the gastrointestinal tract.
If the cat is going to a show, you may need to bathe the cat as part of the preparation for the show. You must decide which shampoo your cat should have individually for each cat.
However, it is important to remember to invest in a brush or comb of good quality so you help the coat stay in good condition. Remember to get a comb with relatively long spikes so that it straightens the fur all the way to the bottom.
