Complete Maine Coon Care Guide

Expert guidance for raising healthy, happy Maine Coon cats from professional breeder Corinne's Maine Coon Cattery

Feeding Guide & Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential for your Maine Coon's health and development

Age-Based Feeding Schedule

8-16 weeks

Kitten Stage

Frequency: 4-5 small meals daily

Amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup high-quality kitten food per day

Food Type: High-protein kitten formula (wet and dry)

4-12 months

Juvenile Stage

Frequency: 3-4 meals daily

Amount: 1/2 to 1 cup per day (adjust as they grow)

Food Type: Continue kitten formula until 12 months

1-3 years

Young Adult

Frequency: 2-3 meals daily

Amount: 3/4 to 1.5 cups per day

Food Type: Transition to high-quality adult cat food

3+ years

Mature Adult

Frequency: 2 meals daily

Amount: 1 to 1.5 cups per day (adjust for activity level)

Food Type: Premium adult cat food, senior formula after age 7

Recommended Food Brands

Premium Dry Foods

  • Royal Canin Maine Coon Adult - Breed-specific formula
  • Hill's Science Diet - Balanced nutrition
  • Orijen Cat & Kitten - High protein, grain-free
  • Blue Buffalo Wilderness - Natural ingredients

Quality Wet Foods

  • Hill's Science Diet Wet - Complete nutrition
  • Royal Canin Maine Coon Wet - Breed-specific
  • Wellness CORE - High protein pâté
  • Blue Buffalo Wilderness - Grain-free options

Feeding Tips

Fresh Water Always

Provide fresh, clean water daily. Maine Coons need plenty of hydration for kidney health.

Gradual Food Changes

When switching foods, mix old and new over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.

Monitor Weight

Maine Coons can reach 15-25 lbs. Monitor growth and adjust portions accordingly.

Treat Moderation

Treats should be no more than 10% of daily caloric intake. Choose healthy options.

Health & Wellness

Maintaining your Maine Coon's health through preventive care and monitoring

Vaccination Schedule

6-8 weeks

First FVRCP

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia

10-12 weeks

Second FVRCP

Booster shot for core vaccines

14-16 weeks

Third FVRCP + Rabies

Final kitten series plus rabies vaccination

Annual

Adult Boosters

Annual FVRCP and rabies as required by law

Common Health Concerns

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Heart condition common in Maine Coons. Annual cardiac screening recommended.

Prevention: Choose breeders who DNA test parents for HCM

Hip Dysplasia

Joint condition affecting mobility. More common in larger Maine Coons.

Prevention: Maintain healthy weight, provide joint supplements

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Genetic condition affecting muscle development.

Prevention: DNA testing of breeding cats (our cats are tested!)

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Kidney condition that can affect Maine Coons.

Prevention: DNA testing and regular kidney monitoring

Regular Health Maintenance

Monthly

  • Weight monitoring
  • Parasite prevention (flea/tick/heartworm)
  • Dental health check
  • Nail trimming

Every 6 Months

  • Comprehensive veterinary exam
  • Blood work (especially seniors)
  • Dental cleaning if needed
  • Body condition assessment

Annually

  • Vaccination boosters
  • Heart screening (especially for Maine Coons)
  • Complete blood panel
  • Urinalysis

Grooming & Coat Care

Maine Coons have beautiful semi-long coats that require regular maintenance

Daily Grooming Routine

1

Quick Brush Check

Run your hands through the coat to check for mats, especially behind ears, under arms, and back legs.

2

Focus Areas

Pay special attention to the ruff (neck area), britches (back legs), and tail where mats form easily.

3

Gentle Brushing

Use a slicker brush or pin brush, working in sections from skin outward. Be gentle around sensitive areas.

Essential Grooming Tools

Slicker Brush

For daily brushing and removing loose undercoat

Metal Comb

Wide and narrow teeth for final grooming and mat detection

Mat Splitter

For carefully removing stubborn mats without cutting

Grooming Scissors

Rounded-tip scissors for trimming around paws and sanitary areas

Nail Clippers

Guillotine or scissor-type for regular nail maintenance

Dental Care

Cat toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste

Grooming Schedule

Frequency
Task
Daily
Light brushing
Prevent mats, remove loose fur
2-3x/week
Thorough brushing
Complete coat maintenance
Weekly
Nail trimming
Prevent overgrowth and scratching
2-3x/week
Dental care
Prevent tartar and gum disease
Monthly
Ear cleaning
Prevent wax buildup and infections
As needed
Bathing
Maine Coons rarely need baths unless dirty

Seasonal Grooming Tips

Winter

Coat will be at its fullest. Increase brushing frequency to 2-3 times daily during shedding season. Pay extra attention to static control.

Spring

Major shedding season! Daily thorough brushing essential. Consider professional grooming for heavily matted cats.

Summer

Lighter coat maintenance. Some owners opt for a "lion cut" for comfort, but full coat provides natural temperature regulation.

Fall

Coat begins to thicken for winter. Return to more frequent brushing schedule to manage increased shedding.

Behavior & Training

Understanding Maine Coon personality and training for a well-behaved companion

Maine Coon Personality Traits

Gentle Giants

Known for their calm, friendly demeanor despite their large size. Excellent with children and other pets.

Social Butterflies

Love being around their family. Often follow their favorite person around the house.

Intelligent

Highly trainable and problem-solvers. Can learn tricks, respond to name, and even play fetch.

Playful

Maintain kitten-like playfulness well into adulthood. Love interactive toys and games.

Communicative

Known for their chirps, trills, and "conversations" with their humans. Less likely to meow than other breeds.

Water Lovers

Many Maine Coons enjoy water. Don't be surprised if they join you in the bathroom or play with water bowls.

Basic Training Tips

Litter Box Training

  • Use large, uncovered boxes - Maine Coons need space
  • Provide one box per cat plus one extra
  • Use unscented, clumping litter
  • Clean daily and change completely weekly
  • Place boxes in quiet, accessible locations

Scratching Training

  • Provide tall, sturdy scratching posts (Maine Coons need height)
  • Use both vertical and horizontal scratchers
  • Try different materials: sisal, carpet, cardboard
  • Place scratchers near sleeping areas and entrances
  • Reward use with treats and praise

Command Training

  • Start with name recognition and "come"
  • Use high-value treats as rewards
  • Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes)
  • Practice daily for consistency
  • End on a positive note

Environmental Enrichment

Vertical Space

  • Tall cat trees (6+ feet for Maine Coons)
  • Wall-mounted shelves and perches
  • Window perches for bird watching
  • Multi-level cat condos

Mental Stimulation

  • Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys
  • Interactive wand toys
  • Rotating toy selection weekly
  • Hide treats around the house

Natural Elements

  • Cat grass and safe plants
  • Cardboard boxes and paper bags
  • Catnip and silvervine
  • Different textures to explore

Common Behavioral Issues

Excessive Vocalization

Cause: Attention-seeking, medical issues, or anxiety

Solution: Rule out medical causes, provide mental stimulation, ignore attention-seeking calls

Furniture Scratching

Cause: Inadequate scratching options or placement

Solution: Provide appropriate scratchers, use deterrents on furniture, positive reinforcement

Litter Box Avoidance

Cause: Medical issues, dirty box, stress, or box preferences

Solution: Vet check, increase cleaning frequency, reduce stressors, try different litter types

Aggression or Overplay

Cause: Insufficient exercise, overstimulation, or redirected hunting instinct

Solution: Increase interactive play, provide hunting simulations, time-outs for overplay

Ready to Welcome a Maine Coon?

Our kittens come with detailed care instructions and lifetime breeder support