Having a cat at home has given a great number of people a better quality of life. Don’t be alarmed. The amount of food you should give your Maine coon depends on four things: their age, their size, the type of food you are providing for them and their level of activity. A common misconception about cat allergies, is that people are allergic to the cats fur. If so, make sure you read our Maine Coon vs Persian cat guide straight away! Itching caused by food allergies usually occurs near the head and neck, but not always. Read more. If a cat cannot groom itself properly for any reason, its fur may also become matted. https://petskb.com/17-foods-not-to-give-your-maine-coon-cat Dietary elimination trials are the best method of figuring out which ingredient may be causing the allergy because they’re accurate and can pinpoint exactly which one is causing the issue. Transition Their Food Slowly Maine Coons have such great & playful personalities so its plain to see how easy it is for them to brighten your day! In fact, all cat breeds produce the protein most commonly associated with cat allergies, therefore no cat breed can ever be considered to be truly hypoallergenic. Allergies almost always last a lifetime, so to treat an allergy in your Maine Coon you must remove the ingredient that is causing it. Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic? Maine Coon cats can develop allergies or an intolerance to ingredients often found in commercial cat foods. If it’s a wet food flavor that you only serve about once per week, then you might need to try a few weeks without it to know for sure if it’s the cause of the allergies. Maine Coons, like many cats, may suffer from skin disease caused by parasites (fleas or mites), allergies (to food, dust mites, pollens and fleas), fungal infections (such as ringworm), wounds (cuts, bites or burns), bacterial or viral infections and tumours. Ultimately, if you suffer from cat allergies, but are still desperate to own a Maine Coon cat, you might be interested to learn that some people do build up a tolerance to cat allergies over the years. In most cases, it is the cat’s dander (dead skin cells) that cause an allergic reaction. Maine Coon Allergies, Maine Coons … categories. Adopting; Breeders; cat health problem; cat show; Characteristics Best Food for Maine Coons with Sensitive Stomach: Maine Coon food allergies are no more common than allergies in other cat breeds, but they can happen. Keep reading, to find out why Maine Coons are more hypoallergenic than you would naturally assume. If you are keen to lessen your symptoms, make sure you groom your Maine Coon cat regularly to remove excess dander from your cats fur. In fact, if you have an over-sensitive immune system, then you will likely experience unwanted allergy symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, itchy red eyes, or sneezing. Si les allergies aux chats d’une personne sont graves, il est peut-être préférable d’éviter de posséder un chat Maine Coon. However, there is no indication that Maine Coon cats produce low levels of allergens too. Whilst grooming is known to keep a cat clean, the process of licking their fur inevitably spreads these allergens yet further across the cats entire body. It is important to know the signs so you can readily help your Maine Coon. Once you leave that category of pet food, your options increase in price. Eating too quickly is a well-known cause of vomiting in Maine Coons and occasionally a change of food introduces short-term diarrhea. Some of the most common allergens are: When it’s time to adjust your Maine Coon’s diet to get rid of the allergic reaction, there are a few types of diets that generally fare well with the breed that might be good to try. Research does indicate however, that in general female cats produce less of the Fel d 1 protein, than male cats. Maine Coons are typically not a good breed for people with cat allergies. Ultimately though, the extent to which each individual is willing to adapt their life to enable a Maine Coon to live with them, will obviously come down to personal preference. Avoiding these three allergens might not be as easy as you would first assume though, since allergens are extremely sticky and light. Just like humans, they also have food allergies. by Marina. Finally, you can try a home cooked or even raw food diet. A Collection Of Diet, Food & Nutrition Q&A's This is a collection of diet, food & nutrition visitor questions, along with the advice of other animal lovers.. Litter Boxes & Care These readers want to know what type of litter to purchase, and how best to care for the litter boxes.. Maine Coon Growth, Weight & Size These Q&A's are all about Maine Coon growth, weight and size. It … However, before excluding Maine Coons from your cat breed selection, it is vital to remember that each owner can take a number of steps to limit their exposure to cat allergies. Can you be allergic to Maine Coon cats? No cat is allergenic-free although some breeds like the Sphynx, Russian Blue and Siberian are considered hypoallergenic because they produce less of the allergenic Fel d 1 protein and are thus less likely to cause allergic reactions. Why some Maine Coons have more sensitive stomachs than others If your cat swallows a piece of sharp bone it could become stuck in its throat or damage its intestines. They’re not only adorable and friendly. Food & Diet Requirements Since protein is a very common source of food allergies, a hydrolyzed protein diet is generally a good way to go. Learn how your comment data is processed. Cat Allergies. For more information on the black Maine Coon, click here to read my complete guide on the black Maine Coon cat. In one study cats were known to pick a diet preferentially when given options that were nearly identical to the food … Maine Coon Kitten Care: The Complete Guide. Re: Maine coon bij allergie?! Maine Coon Food Allergies. Health Maine Coon Teeth Problems and Solutions. Maine Coon cats are well known for having thick, impressive coats of fur which help them survive even the coldest of New England Winters. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. One medium-sized bag will cost over $50. The simple answer is yes. The Maine Coon’s long fur also makes it challenging for the cat to spread the dander around, making them less of an allergy risk than other breeds. Maine coons are the largest breed of domestic cat. Allergic reactions can be painful and have long term consequences for your Maine Coon so it’s important to locate and remove the problem ingredient from your Maine Coon’s diet as soon as possible. My 15-pound Maine Coon is force of nature, and finding healthy, tasty food to give her is always a priority. First, we explain to you what to look out for and then we´ll show you a couple of examples of great food that you should get for your Maine Coon. Maine coon skin allergies Just like other breeds of cats, Maine Coons do suffer from various types of skin problems. The male Maine Coon cats weigh around 15-28 pounds, and female Maine Coon coons come between 11-19 pounds. De Maine Coon komt als fenotype van de huiskat al eeuwen voor in New England, Maine en omliggende staten in het noordoosten van de Verenigde Staten.. Er zijn veel verhalen over de oorsprong van dit ras. Maine Coon Allergies, Maine Coons … categories. In this diet, you provide foods where the protein has been broken down into such small pieces that they’re almost unrecognizable by the cat’s digestive system. With long fur, the shedding will inevitably occur. What causes cat allergies? Bij Maine Coon kittens moet al aandacht worden besteed aan een aangepaste hoeveelheid energie in het voer, anders bereiken ze hun genetische eindgewicht sneller dan gepland en kunnen ze een onstabiele botstructuur ontwikkelen. As Maine coons have sensitive stomachs, some foods may not agree with them. If your cat has food allergies or sensitivities, we recommend a highly digestible limited ingredient diet like this turkey recipe from Merrick. While stealing the dog’s food from time to time won’t cause your Maine Coon any harm, it’s not a good idea to give it to it on a regular basis. In one study cats were known to pick a diet preferentially when given options that were nearly identical to the food … Although statistically this is hard to prove, I have personally found that my husbands cat allergies have lessened over the years. Page 1 of 2 - Food allergies in cats - posted in Maine Coon Health And Behavioral Issues : I have been reading up on this topic since my Ragdoll developed ear infections due to what we suspect is a food allergy. They might also have ingested something toxic. They easily stick to all types of surface, and can even become suspended within the air individuals breathe, if they have become airbound whilst an owner brushes their cat (source). 4 years ago. Diagnosing food allergies is an important step that is necessary for keeping your Maine Coon healthy. No, Maine Coons are not considered hypoallergenic. There are rare cases, however, where an allergy can go away over time or appear suddenly with no discernible cause. The most common ingredients that cause allergies are chicken, fish and corn, as well as grains and dairy products. But how much should you be feeding your Maine coon? Abigail, age 7 yrs. We called him 'Pippin', but he also goes by the names ‘Pipsteroo’, and ‘Pippikins’! You May Also Like. Leave a Reply Cancel Reply. As a cat grooms themselves, this protein becomes caught in the cats fur, saliva and urine. He has always shed excessively! The most common allergy which affects Maine Coon cats is flea allergy dermatitis. Additionally, studies also suggest that the Maine Coons long fur may limit the amount of protein that is able to spread across a cat’s fur, thus making the Maine Coon cat more hypoallergenic than other cats breeds (source). These skin allergies are caused by the biting of parasites or by eating food that is … While food sensitivities don’t appear to be more common among Maine Coon cats than any other breed, there’s a good chance that your Maine Coon will encounter some food intolerances or allergies. Maine Coons have such great & playful personalities so its plain to see how easy it is for them to brighten your day! Health and Care. Maine Coon cats can be traced back to 19 th-century Maine, where they were used as ship’s cats due to their amazing hunting skills. Are Maine coons hypoallergenic? Maine Coons are typically not a good breed for people with cat allergies. Re: Maine coon bij allergie?! mainecoondev June 8, 2020. Therefore, regularly grooming a Maine Coons fur will significantly reduce the chances of an owner touching this protein. Food & Diet Requirements My names Katrina Stewardson, and I’m a self confessed CRAZY CAT LADY! Allergies are complex reactions in the body that are not a black and white thing, meaning your allergic reaction could be none, or minimal. Maine Coons are recognized by their long, thick fur. If you believe (or know) you have an allergy to cats you should try to establish which substance from a cat you are actually allergic to. It’s also important to note that people with light cat allergies can build up a tolerance to the Fel d 1 protein over five to ten years, reducing their allergic response to cats. Below is a list of cats thought to be more hypoallergenic (source): Cat allergy sufferers of this world might be interested to learn that black cats are more likely, than any other coloured cat, to cause moderate to severe allergic reactions. mainecoondev June 2, 2020. If you are wondering whether you are allergic to your cat, or not, check out the following list of common cat allergy symptoms: The speed at which an allergic reaction starts will ultimately depend upon the severity of an allergy. If you suspect that he’s allergic, take that food out of his diet and see if it clears up. The set time that you eliminate the food for depends on the frequency that you typically would feed your Maine Coon that food. So, can you be allergic to Maine Coon cats? According to WebMD, 20-30% of these individuals will experience severe flare-ups (source). The reason for this scientific result is yet unknown. If your Maine Coon is healthy and doesn’t have special dietary requirements, then mainly wet food with dry food being supplementary and raw food being optional will likely be fine. Maine Coon Cats Food Allergies. Whereas an individual less sensitive to cat allergens might not notice any signs of reaction until 4-8 hours, after being exposed. This brand was only founded in 2002 but it has quickly become known as one of the top brands of hypoallergenic pet foods. They’re not only adorable and friendly. Best Food for Maine Coons with Sensitive Stomach: Maine Coon food allergies are no more common than allergies in other cat breeds, but they can happen. Use our simple guide to find out for certain if your precious cat is a Maine Coon. Let’s take a look at some of the areas of care regarding Maine Coons. 4 days ago. This may take a while, but it’s worth it for a happy cat! Stuck as to which cat breed is best suited to your family? Cat allergy symptoms will persist between a few minutes, to a few hours (source). 14. Maine Coons, as a breed, do not have overly sensitive stomachs but like any cat, they can have occasional stomach disorders. Keep in mind that some of these symptoms might also be symptoms of other health issues, so it’s important to consult your vet if any of these are present in your Maine Coon. Oftentimes the reaction is only caused by one ingredient, typically a type of protein. If you are a Maine Coon owner who is specifically looking for cat food, the options are even more difficult due to the sheer number of popular cat foods available. Maine Coons, like many other domestic breeds, can have sensitive tummies. This is because all cats secrete the Fel d 1 protein from their sebaceous glands, and in their saliva. Although Maine Coon cats are not hypoallergenic, they are still an ideal pet choice for owners suffering from allergies. Consequently, if an individual with an over sensitive immune system strokes a cat, they are likely to come into contact with the Fel d 1 protein, and experience a reaction. Focus on quality as well; it’s worth paying a little extra for food that has been highly rated as opposed to just buying the bargain brand at the local grocery store. However, for the lucky few that haven’t, it is simply your bodies natural immune systems reaction to a harmless substance i.e. In hindsight I really should have known that something was going on with him all along. Common Maine Coon Cat Allergies Flea Allergy Dermatitis. This enables allergic individuals to have a few rooms within their home where allergens are less likely to be present, Ask a medical professional to prescribe medication that limits your cat allergy symptoms, Cat wipes help to remove cat allergens from cats fur, Anti-allergen sprays may help to reduce your allergy symptoms, Air filters help to collect airborne allergen particles, Changing heating and air filters regularly reduces the spread of cat allergens, Wash sofa throws regularly, to remove cat allergens. The advantage of these diets is that they remove a lot of the mystery ingredients found in commercial cat foods, including fillers, chemical stabilizers and ultra-processed ingredients. Allergic reactions are most common in individuals with over sensitive immune systems. Food allergies are the third most common type of allergy in cats, with the first two being flea bites and inhaled substances. It’s a good idea for these cats to opt for a single-protein diet that minimizes their exposure to problem ingredients. However, they’re not necessarily the easiest cat to take care of, and most of that’s due to their size. Like any other cats, Maine Coon cats shed as well. Breed Info Behavior Health and Care. So, do Maine Coon … The simple answer is yes, you can be allergic to Maine Coon cats. a brown classic tabby Maine coon, formally known as CH Coonsworth Storm the Bastille. Maine coon skin allergies Just like other breeds of cats, Maine Coons do suffer from various types of skin problems. A good rule of thumb for any cat’s diet is to feed a high quality dry food mixed with occasional wet food ( 2-3 times a week). What causes cat allergies? It’s a common issue that is usually quite easy to manage. As bizarre as this daily ritual might sound, it may potentially be the reason his immunity to our cat has improved. You can also find breed-specific food for your Maine Coon from brands like Royal Canin. It’s important to know what symptoms can be caused by food allergies so you can make the right decision about when it’s time to take your Maine Coon to the vet or at least try out different foods. To maintain her amazing long-haired coat, large frame, and playful personality, I recommend ZIWI Peak Canned Wet Cat Food as the current best cat food for Maine Coons. The downside to this antibody, is that it causes symptoms within a person’s lungs, stomach lining, nose etc (source). For more fascinating reading on this subject, check out my article “Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic?“. However, researchers are investigating whether the higher levels of melanin within a black cats skin are responsible for producing higher levels of the protein Fel d 1 (source). Weight: Maine Coons are large cats with a muscular build. Even though Maine Coon are known to be strong cats and doesn’t easily develop allergies, it is always important to be safe. Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic? Thankfully, you don’t have to look any further: this is a guide to the top 10 cat foods for Maine Coons that will get you (and your feline friend) on the path to the best cat food on the market, both dry and wet. Allergies, especially food allergies, can be suffered by many cats and can irritate the cat’s skin so that he scratches and licks himself raw. Once fully grown, they can weigh over 20lbs (see How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Get?Because of this one might assume that they need a special diet to keep that large frame going around the clock, but you might be surprised to find out that this is … Are Maine coons hypoallergenic? All that energy requires quality food to fuel it. They have a muscular and "big boned" body. So, can you be allergic to Maine Coon cats? Since protein is a very common source of food allergies, a, Another way to go is to just try a completely different diet altogether (referred to as a, Keep in mind that some of these symptoms might also be symptoms of, Finding Which Food is Causing the Allergic Reaction, Maine Coon Diet: What, How Much and How Often to Feed, The Complete Guide to Maine Coon Behavior, Maine Coon Traits: 6 Ways to Identify a Maine Coon.