Do Maine Coons have sensitive stomachs?

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I don't believe that Maine Coons (MCs) have sensitive stomachs despite some websites stating that they do. The point is that the websites stating that Maine Coons have sensitive stomachs either don't tell you where their information comes from or the reasons given are general reasons which apply to any cat, such as eating too fast. This is misleading as the question is asking if Maine Coons are predisposed to stomach upsets and I can't find hard evidence in a book or a proper scietific study which confirms that they do have stomach issues.

Female MC
Female MC. Image by Joness from Pixabay.



The best book on genetically inherited diseases is by Clark (a vet) and he tells us that the MC is predisposed to hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, basically joint issues. I have also read that they are predisposed to polycystic kidney disease (POD) but once again I don't see this in reliable books.

I think we need to be careful about small websites popping up written by unqualified individuals who pass on information that they have read on the internet. I am not saying that they are definitely wrong but I am saying treat what they say with caution.

I would always refer to books as a backup to the internet. The excellent Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook at page 345 (third edition) tells me that the MC can suffer from the genetic condition of spinal muscular atrophy. The nerves controlling the skeletal muscles of the legs and body die off and it is evident at 3-4 months of age. But this is nothing to do with sensitive stomachs and the book does not mention sensitive stomachs in respect of MCs.

So my conclusion is that MCs do not have sensitive stomachs. Wrong? Please tell me in a comment but support what you say with hard evidence please. Thanks.


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