Greetings from Maine Coon Cat Nation 🐾
In this issue:
Cat Proverb
New in the Albums
Maine Coons In The News
Mini-Article: Claw Care
Leo's Health Tip
Updates for Members
"A cat has nine lives, but a good owner only has one chance."
~modern cat proverb
New in the Spring Album:
Little Sister Anastasia: Christine shares “Anastasia came from Jinxy’s Den cattery in Iowa.
She is just going on 15 weeks and is an absolute sweetheart. She loves people, toys, brushing(even the belly and pits!), and most of all her big brother Gus!“
Gracie Mae: Sherri tells us, “Gracie Mae came out of the woods when she was 4 weeks old, near death from being thrown out of a car (or so the vet thought) on my birthday in 2010.
She's almost 14 yrs. old, weighs close to 30 lbs. and is the love of my life. She's my first Maine Coon. She is so smart and lovable...mainly only to her Mom.“
Kitten: Teresa says, “She's smart, beautiful, well groomed, funny rotten, and a little crazy at times.
She's the whole package. She's very affectionate especially in the evening she talks to me with that little chirpy thing they do..“
Has your Coonie joined our albums yet? We’d love to feature him or her 🐱
You can see the form here.
Maine Coons in the News
A Maine Coon mama in California couldn’t stop with just one Maine Coon - she needed a whole set! A new feature on Yahoo Life tells us: “Getting a cat can be dangerous. Once you get one it's a slippery slope. And before you know it you can sort of end with a whole set of them. Like one woman, who shared her crew in an adorable video online.
The California woman jokingly explained how she suddenly became a Maine Coon Cat enthusiast.
In the footage shared by @wildmane_mainecoons, the woman showed off her Maine Coon Cat collection to a hilarious TikTok sound that really captures how the obsession bloomed.“
Featured Mini-Article:
Coonie Claw Care
Cat claw care is an essential and sometimes overlooked part of Maine Coon health and maintenance. Proper claw care prevents potential health issues and reduces damage to household items. Clipping is particularly important and deserves special attention.
Why Claw Care is Important:
For cats, regular claw care prevents overgrown claws, which can lead to pain, infections, and ingrown claws. For owners, trimmed claws mean less damage to furniture and a lower risk of accidental scratches. Keeping your Maine Coon's claws in check is a win-win for everyone involved!
Understanding Cat Claws:
Cat claws are not like human nails. They have a unique structure, with layers that shed over time. At the center of the claw is the quick, a sensitive area containing blood vessels and nerves. Knowing the anatomy of cat claws helps in avoiding painful mistakes during clipping.
Preparing for Claw Clipping:
Before you start clipping, ensure you have the right tools. Scissor-type clippers, guillotine-type clippers, and even human nail clippers can work, depending on your and your cat’s preferences. The environment should be calm and familiar to the cat. Gradually introduce your cat to the clippers and gently handle their paws to get them accustomed to the process.
The Clipping Process:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to clipping your cat’s claws:
Inspect the claws and locate the quick, which appears as a pinkish area inside the claw.
Position your cat securely, ideally with their back against your body to prevent sudden movements.
Carefully clip the claw, avoiding the quick. If you’re unsure, it’s better to trim a small amount and repeat as needed.
The frequency of clipping varies, but generally, every two to four weeks is recommended, depending on how quickly your cat’s claws grow and their activity level.
Troubleshooting and Tips:
If your cat is nervous, use calming techniques like gentle petting or wrapping them in a towel (creating a “kitty burrito”). In case you accidentally cut the quick (the part inside the claw that can bleed), have styptic powder on hand to stop the bleeding. Always reward your cat with treats and affection after the clipping session to create positive associations.
Regular claw clipping is an important part of Coonie grooming. It aids in their well-being, and helps maintain a harmonious household. By preparing properly, and following a careful clipping process, you can ensure that your Maine Coon stays healthy and happy.
Leo's Health Tip:
"This is the time of year to think about Lyme disease. It’s relatively rare in cats, but it can happen. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through tick bites.
The top 3 ways to keep ticks away are:
Keep a tidy, short lawn (ticks like long grass)
Use a veterinarian recommended flea & tick preventative
Regularly check your cats for ticks, removing them promptly with fine-tipped tweezers"
Membership Updates: 🐾
New Post: Getting Ready for New Babies
New Comments on: Can Cats Outgrow Allergies?
Our Rainbow Bridge Album has been added to the Photo Album Archives
New Article for Download: All About Female Maine Coons
That wraps up this Tattle Tails! 🐱
You can expect to see it one a month - and for those who have joined our Member’s Area, once a week! Email is a great way (and perhaps the easiest way) to stay connected.
To get Tattle Tails every week (along with much more) you can learn about our Membership here.