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Pedigreed Maine Coon Cats
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About the Maine Coon Cat
One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the Maine Coon is generally regarded as a native of the state of Maine (in fact, the Maine Coon is the official Maine State Cat). A number of attractive legends surround its origin. A wide-spread (though biologically impossible) belief is that it originated from matings between semi-wild, domestic cats and raccoons. This myth, bolstered by the bushy tail and the most common coloring (a raccoon-like brown tabby) led to the adoption of the name 'Maine Coon.' (Originally, only brown tabbies were called 'Maine Coon Cats;' cats of other colors were referred to as 'Maine Shags.') Another popular theory is that the Maine sprang from the six pet cats which Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine when she was planning to escape from France during the French Revolution. Most breeders today believe that the breed originated in matings between pre-existing shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs (perhaps Angora types introduced by New England seamen, or longhairs brought to America by the Vikings).
First recorded in cat literature in 1861 with a mention of a black and white cat named 'Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines,' Maine Coons were popular competitors at early cat shows in Boston and New York. A brown tabby female named 'Cosie' won Best Cat at the 1895 Madison Square Garden Show.
Unfortunately, their popularity as show cats declined with the arrival in 1900 of the more flamboyant Persians. Although the Maine Coon remained a favorite cat in New England, the breed did not begin to regain its former widespread popularity until the 1950's when more and more cat fanciers began to take notice of them, show them, and record their pedigrees. In 1968, six breeders formed the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association (MCBFA) to preserve and protect the breed. Today, MCBFA membership numbers over 1000 fanciers and 200 breeders. By 1980, all registries had recognized the Maine Coon, and it was well on its way to regaining its former glory.
Maine Coons were well established more than a century ago as a hardy, handsome breed of domestic cat, well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters. Nature is not soft-hearted. It selects the biggest, the brightest, the best fighters, and the best hunters to breed successive generations. Planned breedings of Maine Coons are relatively recent. Since planned breeding began, Maine Coon breeders have sought to preserve the Maine Coon's "natural," rugged qualities. The ideal Maine Coon is a strong, healthy cat.
Interestingly, the breed closest to the Maine Coon is the Norwegian Forest Cat which, although geographically distant, evolved in much the same climate, and lends credence to the theory that some of the cats responsible for developing the Maine Coon were brought over by the Vikings.
Everything about the Maine Coon points to its adaptation to a harsh climate. Its glossy coat, heavy and water-resistant, is like that of no other breed, and must be felt to be appreciated. It is longer on the ruff, stomach and britches to protect against wet and snow, and shorter on the back and neck to guard against tangling in the underbrush. The coat falls smoothly, and is almost maintenance-free: a weekly combing is all that is usually required to keep it in top condition. The long, bushy tail which the cat wraps around himself when he curls up to sleep can protect him from cold winters. His ears are more heavily furred (both inside and on the tips) than many breeds for protection from the cold, and have a large range of movement. Big, round, tufted feet serve as 'snow shoes.' Their large eyes and ears are also survival traits, serving as they do increase sight and hearing. The relatively long, square muzzle facilitates grasping prey and lapping water from streams and puddles.
Although the Yankee myth of 30-pound cats is just that, a myth (unless the cat is grossly overweight!), these are indeed tall, muscular, big-boned cats; males commonly reach 13 to 18 pounds, with females normally weighing about 9 to 12 pounds. Add to that two or three inches of winter coat, and people will swear that they're looking at one big cat.
Maine Coons develop slowly, and don't achieve their full size until they are three to five years old. Their dispositions remain kittenish throughout their lives; they are big, gentle, good-natured goofs. Even their voices set them apart from other cats; they have a distinctive, chirping trill which they use for everything from courting to cajoling their people into playing with them. (Maine Coons love to play, and many will joyfully retrieve small items.) They rarely meow, and when they do, that soft, tiny voice doesn't fit their size!
While Maine Coons are highly people-oriented cats, they are not overly-dependent. They do not constantly pester you for attention, but prefer to "hang out" with their owners, investigating whatever activity you're involved in and "helping" when they can. They are not, as a general rule, known as "lap cats" but as with any personality trait there are a few Maine Coons that prefer laps. Most Maine Coons will stay close by, probably occupying the chair next to yours instead. Maines will follow you from room to room and wait outside a closed door for you to emerge. A Maine Coon will be your companion, your buddy, your pal, but hardly ever your baby.
Maine Coons are relaxed and easy-going in just about everything they do. The males tend to be the clowns while the females retain more dignity, but both remain playful throughout their lives. They generally get along well with kids and dogs, as well as other cats. They are not as vertically-oriented as some other breeds, preferring to chase objects on the ground and grasping them in their large paws -- no doubt instincts developed as professional mousers. Many Maine Coons will play "fetch" with their owners.
The important features of the Maine Coon are the head and body shape, and the texture and 'shag' of the coat. The head is slightly longer than it is wide, presenting a gently concave profile with high cheekbones and ears that are large, wide at the base, moderately pointed, and well tufted inside. They are set well up on the head, approximately an ear's width apart. Lynx-like tufting on the top of the ears is desirable. The neck should be medium-long, the torso long, and the chest broad. The tail should be at least as long as the torso. One of their most distinctive features is their eyes, which are large, round, expressive, and set a a slightly oblique angle. Overall, the Maine Coon should present the appearance of a well-balanced, rectangular cat.
Throughout their history there has been no restriction on the patterns and colors acceptable, with the exception of the pointed Siamese pattern. As a result, a wide range of colors and patterns are bred. Eye colors for all coat colors range through green, gold, and green-gold. Blue eyes and odd eyes, (one blue and one gold eye) are permissible in white cats. There is no requirement in the Maine Coon Standard of Perfection for particular combinations of coat color and eye color.
Maine Coon owners enjoy the breed's characteristic clown-like personality, affectionate nature, amusing habits and tricks, willingness to 'help' with any activity, and easily groomed coat. They make excellent companions for large, active families that also enjoy having dogs and other animals around. Their hardiness and ease of kittening make them a satisfying first breed for the novice breeder. For owners wishing to show, the Maine Coon has reclaimed its original glory in the show ring.
Most breeders recommend a high-quality dry food. Most cats can free feed without becoming overweight. Middle-aged cats (5-10) are most likely to have weight problems which can usually be controlled by switching to a low-calorie food. Many Maine Coons love water. Keep a good supply of clean, fresh water available at all times.
Most Maine Coons can be trained to accept a leash. Maine Coons are creatures of habit and they train easily if they associate the activity with something they want (they train humans easily too!).
Individuals within any breed are fairly closely related, and have many characteristics in common. This includes genetic strengths and weaknesses. Certain genetic health disorders may be more or less of a problem in a particular breed than in other breeds. For example, a breed may have a slightly higher incidence of gum disease than the cat population as a whole, but have a lower incidence of heart disease or liver disease.
Genetic problems generally only affect a tiny minority of the breed as a whole, but since they can be eradicated by careful screening, most reputable breeders try to track such problems, both in their breeding stock and the kittens they produce. By working with a responsible breeder who will speak openly about health issues, you are encouraging sound breeding practices.
In the Maine Coon, the most common inherited health problems are hip dysplasia, which can produce lameness in a severely affected cat, and cardiomyopathy, which can produce anything from a minor heart murmur to severe heart trouble. Any breeder you talk to should be willing to discuss whether they've had any problems with these diseases in their breeding stock, or in kittens they've produced; how much screening they're doing, and why.
What is feline herpes
virus?
Feline herpes virus
is an upper respiratory virus of cats. It is also known as rhinotracheitis
virus. It is very common among cats, especially in environments where there are
multiple cats or new cats are constantly interacting. The virus is spread
through the air and replicates in the upper respiratory tract (nasal area,
tonsils). The conjunctiva of the eye is also affected during the primary
infection. Clinical signs of infection include sneezing and ocular and nasal
discharge. In most cases the primary infection resolves with no residual ocular
lesions. However, depending on the age when the cat is affected, the serotype of
the virus (infectivity or strength of infection), and other factors, there may
be various ocular signs. In very young cats, adhesions of the eyelids to each
other or to the cornea may occur. Adult cats may experience recurrent
conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers. The virus remains latent in the nerves that
serve the eyes. When a cat is stressed or exposed to new serotypes (different
strains) of herpes virus, the ocular disease can recur. There is some evidence
that eosinophilic keratitis, plasmacytic-lymphocytic keratitis, corneal
sequestrum, and some cases of anterior uveitis may be associated with feline
herpes virus infection.
How do cats get feline herpes virus?
Most
cats are affected as kittens, contracting the infection from their mothers.
Stray cats, multi-cat households, and cats from households where new cats are
constantly introduced are more likely to suffer infection. Feline herpes virus
is not contagious to dogs or to humans but only affects cats.
How is
feline herpes virus diagnosed?
History and clinical signs can diagnose
ocular diseases caused by feline herpes virus. Aside from history and clinical
signs, diagnostic tests for feline herpes virus include virus isolation,
immunofluorescent antibody testing, polymerase chain reaction testing, serology,
and cytology. Testing can be expensive and is generally reserved for specific
cases. Tests that may not specifically detect the presence of herpes may be used
to detect ocular disease caused by herpes. These tests include a Schirmer tear
test (measuring tear production), corneal staining, and conjunctival
biopsy.
How is feline herpes virus treated?
Treatment for feline
herpes virus infections is nonspecific and generally directed at controlling
secondary bacterial infection. A topical antibiotic such as tetracycline or
erythromycin may be prescribed for use in the eye. Systemic antibiotics may also
be prescribed.
Viralys Powder contains: 250 mg. L-Lysine per 1 rounded
scoop. Scoop provided in container. Approximately 310 doses per container. Oral
L-Lysine is recommended by many veterinary ophthalmologists at a dose of 250-500
mg twice daily.
Lysine competes with another amino acid, arginine, that
herpes virus must have in order to reproduce. Lysine has been demonstrated to
decrease the severity of ocular symptoms associated with herpes virus infection
(1) and reduce viral shedding during periods of disease recurrence (2).
Depending on symptoms, other medications such as topical antiviral drugs,
topical polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs or topical interferon may be used. In some cases the ocular diseases
resulting from feline herpes virus may require surgical intervention. The key to
managing the clinical signs associated with feline herpes virus is controlling
the cat's environment. Cats exposed to multiple cats (indoor-outdoor cats), cats
in multiple cat households, or cats that are frequently introduced to new cats
are difficult to keep disease free. Reducing stress by maintaining a stable
routine is helpful in preventing recurrences of disease. Keep in mind that it is
the nature of the virus to see recurrences of the disease and periodic treatment
is often necessary.
1. "How big do they get?"
A full-grown female typically weighs between 9-12 pounds and males tend to be in the 13 to 18 pound range. Yes, neutered cats gain weight and coat better than whole cats. Some male Maine Coons have grown to 20-28 lbs.
2. "Do they need much grooming?"
Maine Coons do not need much grooming and a weekly combing is all that is usually required to keep the coat in top condition.
3. "But I thought Maine Coons had extra toes...?"
Some "original" Maine Coons were polydactyls (had extra toes). However, modern purebred Maine Coons are rarely polydactyls. This is because all cat associations automatically disqualify polydactyls from competition in the purebred classes. Because of this, most polydactyls were culled from the Maine Coon breed decades ago, and only a few breeders continue to work with them. Since the polydactyl gene is dominant, you can't get a polydactyl kitten unless at least one of the parents is also a polydactyl.
4. "I think my cat is part Maine Coon. How do I tell?"
The Maine Coon is America's native longhair cat; it evolved naturally in response to the New England climate. Your cat's ancestors might be similar to the cats that founded the Maine Coon breed. However, it's impossible to tell from just looking at your cat if it is related to the Maine Coon or to any other breed. Because the Maine Coon is a natural breed and hasn't been bred to extremes, there are cats all over the world that resemble the Maine Coon. The only way to tell for sure if your cat is a Maine Coon is to look at the pedigree.
5. "Is that a Maine Coon? I thought all Maine Coons were brown."
Maine Coons come in a wide variety of color combinations. The only colors you won't find are the Siamese-type colors.
Information from http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/maine-coon-faq.html
* COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS TO COONPALS * Updated 1-27-08
1. How do you communicate with potential CoonPals families? Through my website information and pictures, emails, phone and/or US mail. Only families ready to select and take home their new furry child comes to my home.
2. Why is it important for the breeder to be an active member in cat associations and active in showing their cats? Responsible Breeders stay current and knowledgeable about their breeds and cat issues through their associations, interaction with experienced breeders, and exhibiting their cats at shows. Respected Breeders continually learn, improve the breed they love, and assist/educate others about their breed.
3. Will you have kittens ready to go to homes in Spring, & Summer & Fall 2008? Yes!
4. Do you sell pets, show cats and cats for breeding? I place neutered & spayed pets to loving families. Special arrangements are made IF, I place a show cat or a breeder. I rarely place a CoonPals Coon with breeding rights. The prices are significantly higher for show/breed cats, and require an additional contract with special terms of agreement.
5. How big can Maine Coons grow? Maine Coon females are typically large, compared to other breeds, but smaller and lighter than Maine Coon males. Average Maine Coon females tend to be 8-11lbs with 12lbs being a very large female. Average males tend to be 10-14lbs, large males 15-20lbs, and 21-25lbs being an exceptionally EXTRA large male. REMEMBER: SHOWCATS strive to meet the IDEAL STANDARD ... the BEST of Maine Coons! Keep reasonable expectations when finding your PET! Weight should be fit and muscular, not fat. SIZE is greatly exaggerated, as to the average Maine Coon size!
6. What makes the Maine Coon special, and your favorite cat breed? Maine Coons are extremely intelligent-alert, playful, loving, snugglers, quirky personalities, interactive, gorgeous, long silky soft coats & long plume tails, "wild looking large cats, puppy-like behavior (meet humans at door, follow room-to-room, seek human interaction and loyal, jump high in play, fetch, bury food and toys for later retrieval, vocal cat 'barks,' chirps, trills, meows, purrs while not irritatingly regular or loud), sensitive... I could go on and on!
7. What are the colors and patterns for Maine Coons? The most common colors and patterns are brown classic tabby, brown mackerel tabby, and brown patch tabby (females only). "Exotic Maine Coon Colors" are less plentiful and common, in solid colors of white, black, blue, red and silver; bi-colors; smokes (undercoat is white with colored tips on the fur); patch tabby girls (multicolored plus red & creamy patches of color); and/or with patterns of classic tabby (large marble swirls through fur with stripped legs/tail) or mackerel tabby (thin tiger stripes through fur with stripped legs/tail).
8. Can Coons be an indoor-outdoor cat? Indoors and enclosed porch-type environments only! This provides the safest and healthiest environment for your pedigreed 'family member' & long-term investment!
9. Do Maine Coons get along well with other cats and children? Yes! Coons are great companions in single human and multi-human homes. They are great with other animals and children. Most Coons are the "BOSS" because they are so smart and crafty. Part of daily fun includes outsmarting and playing tricks on their humans and other living things in the home!
10. How much grooming do Maine Coons require? I keep a cat comb and brush by the couch and my bed. Train Coons young that brushing is part of our petting/loving time, to remove loose fur and prevent hairballs. Brush the furniture, too!. Train YOUNG to trim nails every two weeks, and baths for pet coons aren't needed very often- keep some baby wipes nearby for occasional clean offs.
11. What do you feed Maine Coons? Weaned kittens & adults eat a mixture of hard food: Healthy PetNet, Orijen, Iams, Taste of the Wild, Chicken Soup, Professional Cat Chicken & Professional Kitten Chicken & Rice; goat's milk, and fresh water until 1 year old. Adult Coons are fed Iams Lamb & Rice, and/or Life's Abundance hard nuggets and fresh water. Treats include cooked chicken, cooked fish, tuna, and Tartar Control hard treats. TIP: Check the ingredients in their wet food in a pouch & hard food ingredients; if it contains corn, gluten, soy, wheat, beet pulp, dairy products and/or artificial additives and preservatives, these are all common allergens for cats, so try to feed them a more 'natural' food which contains none of these allergens. DO NOT feed cow's milk because it is hard for kittens & cats to digest... causes diarrhea!
12. What about declawing my Maine Coon? Cat Associations consider declawing inhumane. I have found that training Coons young to have nail trimmings every two weeks, and doing this regularly, plus providing scratching posts, keeps problems under control.
13. What do I need to provide to my Maine Coon? Lots of interaction, love, time and humor! Regular VET vaccines and care, high quality hard food, fresh water in porcelain or stainless steel bowls, windows to nature, high sturdy scratching posts or towers, a deep plastic 58 QT litter box (Wal-Mart) filled with mixture of 3" deep Feline Pine Litter pellets and clumping litter, and a variety of toys.
14. What are my responsibilities concerning neutering the Coon? All reputable, responsible breeders enter into a written agreement with families, including the promise that the family will neuter the Coon as early as your Vet recommend. This contract is not complete until written proof in a copy of the Vet's surgery receipt is sent back to CoonPals. I appreciate not having to track down this proof, but I will! Some families neglect to complete this final contractual step, and more breeders are neutering their kittens BEFORE sending them out to new homes. CoonPals' Kittens are neutered at 12 weeks old, before going to families. This assures that CoonPals is supporting the need for Early Spay/Neuter to control overpopulation, in order to prevent accidental cross breedings so as to protect the integrity of pedigreed Maine Coon Cats, and protection of CoonPals bloodlines from theft. The cost of neutering is included in CoonPals' Full Package Price which includes: 2 dewormings, neuter or spay, 2 sets of 4-in-one kitten vaccines, adult rabies vaccine, microchip, pedigreed papers in American Cat Fancier's Association with your name for the pet, & a full gift bag of cat toys and catish items... & come freshly bathed, nails clipped & ears cleaned!!! Our total price saves the new family on vet bills, time off from work for vet visits, and overall costs!
15. Please read this Winn Feline Foundation Article on Early Spay/Neuter: Neuter in the Cat - a Winn Feline Foundation Report
16. What guarantees are provided in the CoonPals' Written Contract? CoonPals guarantees that our cats are pedigreed Maine Coons, registered in CFA, ACFA and/or TICA. We provide our kittens with two dewormings, Intranasal Trivalent vaccine, their initial 2 sets of kitten Vet Check-ups and vaccines, including FVRCP plus Clamydia, adult rabies vaccine, and are sent with FL Vet's Health Certificate stating the Coon is in good health: free of ear mites-fleas- worms-obvious feline illnesses/diseases. CoonPals Sires and Dams are screened for HCM: Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy, and are Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS negative. A free ACFA Cat Association Pedigreed registration of your Maine Coon will be submitted with your name as owner and your chosen name for the cat, & we microchip and register your microchipped CoonPals with 24PetWatch.
17. Do you always place CoonPals' Coons to all families who contact you? NO! My Coons are my furry children! After thorough mutual interviewing and discussions, I may not think the environment and/or human understands and is willing to make the necessary commitment required to own a Maine Coon Cat: one that will provide a stimulating, safe, healthy and thriving home, as 'one of the family' and 'cherished pet.' I have met some who view and look to add a Maine Coon as a "conversation piece, huge, trophy-like object," and I will not release my furry children to that attitude or environment.
18. What does "reserving a CoonPals' Coon" mean? After communications and discussions, mutual agreement is made to be added to the CoonPals' VIP List, & submitting a non refundable $400 deposit by money order or cashier's check on an upcoming Coon. VIPS have extra communications, pictures, etc., and are notified first to choose from available CoonPals Coons.
19. When can my Maine Coon kitten come home with me? I let the mommies and kittens decide when the weaning process is complete- no earlier than 12 weeks of age, and sometimes 16 to 24 weeks.
20. Do you ever place older kittens or adult cats as pets? Yes. Occasionally I show a kitten or cat for a period of time, or a particular title, and then match that Coon to just the right family. Terms and cost are the same.
21. What is a microchip & Why do you microchip your cats?
- Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are typically implanted just beneath the skin between the shoulder blades by a veterinarian or trained member of an animal welfare organization. The process is similar to a vaccination and most animals do not react when the microchip is implanted. Once implanted the microchip remains just beneath the skin for the rest of the animal’s lifetime, a permanent form of identification. Cats are naturally curious and unpredictable, in the event that they are drawn away from the safety of their home you need to give them the best chance of getting home safely. In the event that your cat does get lost a microchip registered with 24PetWatch is your cat’s best chance of getting home. – tell them that you would prefer to have a 24PetWatch microchip. In the event that they use a different brand of microchip you should still register your pet’s microchip with 24PetWatch - the only full service pet recovery network that provides free registration for all brands of microchips in North America.
- What should I do if my pet goes missing?
- Call 24PetWatch immediately. The Lost Pet Recovery Specialists on duty will fill in a lost pet report, check for any corresponding pets found and conduct a real time search for your pet in over 500 animal welfare organizations across North America. In the event that we locate your pet we will help to arrange a re-union between you and your pet.
- If my pet is taken to a veterinary clinic or shelter how will they know to call 24PetWatch?
- All animals that are brought into a veterinary clinic or animal welfare organization are routinely scanned for a microchip. In the event that a microchip is located the emergency personnel will call 24PetWatch to see whether we have the pet registered in our database. As soon as a match has been made we will call you to let know that your pet has been found and to help to arrange a re-union. All pets registered with 24PetWatch are also provided with a 24PetWatch pet tag. In the event that your pet is still wearing the tag the emergency personnel will know to call 24PetWatch immediately.
22. What is feline herpes virus?
Feline herpes virus is an upper respiratory virus of cats. It is also known as rhinotracheitis virus. It is very common among cats, especially in environments where there are multiple cats or new cats are constantly interacting. The virus is spread through the air and replicates in the upper respiratory tract (nasal area, tonsils). The conjunctiva of the eye is also affected during the primary infection. Clinical signs of infection include sneezing and ocular and nasal discharge. In most cases the primary infection resolves with no residual ocular lesions. However, depending on the age when the cat is affected, the serotype of the virus (infectivity or strength of infection), and other factors, there may be various ocular signs. In very young cats, adhesions of the eyelids to each other or to the cornea may occur. Adult cats may experience recurrent conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers. The virus remains latent in the nerves that serve the eyes. When a cat is stressed or exposed to new serotypes (different strains) of herpes virus, the ocular disease can recur. There is some evidence that eosinophilic keratitis, plasmacytic-lymphocytic keratitis, corneal sequestrum, and some cases of anterior uveitis may be associated with feline herpes virus infection.
How do cats get feline herpes virus?
Most cats are affected as kittens, contracting the infection from their mothers. Stray cats, multi-cat households, and cats from households where new cats are constantly introduced are more likely to suffer infection. Feline herpes virus is not contagious to dogs or to humans but only affects cats.
How is feline herpes virus diagnosed?
History and clinical signs can diagnose ocular diseases caused by feline herpes virus. Aside from history and clinical signs, diagnostic tests for feline herpes virus include virus isolation, immunofluorescent antibody testing, polymerase chain reaction testing, serology, and cytology. Testing can be expensive and is generally reserved for specific cases. Tests that may not specifically detect the presence of herpes may be used to detect ocular disease caused by herpes. These tests include a Schirmer tear test (measuring tear production), corneal staining, and conjunctival biopsy.
How is feline herpes virus treated?
Treatment for feline herpes virus infections is nonspecific and generally directed at controlling secondary bacterial infection. A topical antibiotic such as tetracycline or erythromycin may be prescribed for use in the eye. Systemic antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Viralys Powder contains: 250 mg. L-Lysine per 1 rounded scoop. Scoop provided in container. Approximately 310 doses per container. Oral L-Lysine is recommended by many veterinary ophthalmologists at a dose of 250-500 mg twice daily.
Lysine competes with another amino acid, arginine, that herpes virus must have in order to reproduce. Lysine has been demonstrated to decrease the severity of ocular symptoms associated with herpes virus infection (1) and reduce viral shedding during periods of disease recurrence (2). Depending on symptoms, other medications such as topical antiviral drugs, topical polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or topical interferon may be used. In some cases the ocular diseases resulting from feline herpes virus may require surgical intervention. The key to managing the clinical signs associated with feline herpes virus is controlling the cat's environment. Cats exposed to multiple cats (indoor-outdoor cats), cats in multiple cat households, or cats that are frequently introduced to new cats are difficult to keep disease free. Reducing stress by maintaining a stable routine is helpful in preventing recurrences of disease. Keep in mind that it is the nature of the virus to see recurrences of the disease and periodic treatment is often necessary.
CONGRATULATIONS! I'm impressed that you took the interest and time to learn more about Maine Coon Cats!