Maine Coon Cat Rivalry in the Family

Maine Coon cats are known for their large size, friendly nature, and playful demeanor. However, what happens when two Maine Coon cats are brought into the same household? I will tell about the rivalry between Maine Coon cats in a family setting. 

Normally, Maine Coons are very friendly when living with all other species of pets. The kittens from my cattery coexist with literally every species of pet, even budgerigars. In my example, you can see what happens when Maine Coons want to achieve something.

I present to you the two of three Maine Coon females who live in my home. One (from behind) is Hestia. She is 10 years old, and she has been living with me since the age of 4 months. She has a calm and balanced character and usually doesn't question anything, even if she is capable of giving a slap if disturbed too much. 

The other is Mefiti. Mefiti is very young, she is only 6 years old, but she is much bigger: she weighs 8 kilos while Hestia weighs less than 6. She came to me when she was 8 months old. Mefiti is combative and normally defends what she wants. Mefiti is very much a creature of habit: she has favorite places near me. She feels safer and protected. Always staying in the same place makes her feel comfortable in her life. I am her power bank. 

I don't know why the other cats sometimes try to take her place. In this case, she doesn't fight but leaves.

In this case, Mefiti was lying next to me, but there was some space left. Hestia came and got in the middle of the free space. She wants to be close to me too. First Hestia looks at Mefiti and as you can see, Mefiti had a face and ears that are not happy. But she did not move. Hestia slipped in behind me without caring about Mefiti's emotions. Mefiti, disturbed, left. 

Look at this cunning face of Hestia!

Here are some tips for managing and minimizing any potential conflicts that may arise:

1. Provide separate resources: 

Ensure that each Maine Coon cat has their own food and water bowls, litter box, scratching posts, and sleeping areas. This will help prevent competition and territorial disputes over shared resources. 

2. Play and exercise: 

Engage both Maine Coon cats in interactive play sessions and provide opportunities for exercise to help release pent-up energy and reduce tension between them.

3. Supervise interactions: 

Monitor the interactions between the Maine Coon cats closely, especially during the initial introduction period. Step in if you notice any signs of aggression or tension and redirect their focus with toys or treats.

4. Create safe spaces: 

Set up hiding spots, elevated perches, and cozy retreats where each Maine Coon cat can escape if they need some alone time or want to avoid conflict with the other cat.

5. Positive reinforcement: 

Reward good behavior and interactions between the Maine Coon cats with treats, praise, and affection. Encourage peaceful coexistence by reinforcing positive interactions.

It all depends on the behavior of the owner. Be careful not to favor one of the animals, try to be equal with all. And scold them as you would scold your own children if necessary. Maine Cons are extremely intelligent and will understand everything you want from them (although perhaps as cats they won't show they do)

There is nothing good in the rivalry of the pets in the house. You can help manage and minimize potential conflicts between Maine Coon cats in your family, fostering a harmonious and peaceful coexistence between your feline companions. 

 

Mefiti is Not Well. Cat Abscess

My poor little girl is not well: she has a very large abscess under her jaw. The cat bit her and the wound became inflamed. I noticed that she behaved badly when the abscess was already the size of an egg. In a few days, the 8-kg cat has become like a feather: 5 kg. At the beginning of the week I was so happy after weighing her - and suddenly such a drastic change!

The worst part of these sad events is that they usually happen, at least in my house, on Saturday evening. When everything is already closed or is about to close. Unfortunately for me, I don't have any medicine at home to survive until Monday. And the pharmacies close in an hour. 

Luckily I have a friend who is a pharmacist. But she's too far away, in a little village up in the mountains. At this point, I've already lost my mind, I call her and ask her to wait until I come and prepare an antibiotic for me just to survive until Monday. 

Imagine that I, who normally don't leave the house when it's dark because I prefer not to drive at night, run there, driving an hour along the mountain roads where not all Formula 1 drivers would be able to hold on, and then even back to buy a medicine for a cat...

Unfortunately, the sad part didn't end there. Monday morning I called our really good vet, but he has an operation and can't answer. At this point, I took her to a vet I had already thought about before. Because my vet is a little complicated I was thinking of changing him and so I knew about this other.

Luckily she accepted us and when we arrived, she cleaned the wound (the abscess had opened). And nothing. That's all. 

I didn't say anything because I believed that a vet knew what she was doing. But in the evening the cat feels sick. Nothing to do, I call our vet and this time I go to him urgently immediately.

Abscess is very dangerous. A cat can die immediately. And already the first vet had to give her an antibiotic... Fortunately, our vet, although a bit complicated as a person, is very experienced. 

Today my beautiful kitten is fine. The wound is almost healed, there is no more fever. Although she is still a little sad, she eats and walks. 

I am happy.