Beginner's Guide for Maine Coon Cats

This beginner's guide to caring for a Maine Coon cat will teach you how to entertain them, maintain their fur in excellent condition, and more!

**Maine Coon cats are obligate carnivores. Provide them with high-quality food containing at least 50% protein, 2-4 times daily. Groom them 2-3 times a week to prevent fur matting. Engage in 30 minutes of play with your Maine Coon each day to avoid obesity. Spend plenty of time with your cat and ensure they have safe outdoor access.**

Overview of the Breed

Maine Coons are purebred long-haired cats believed to have originated in Maine, USA. They are renowned for their enigmatic history, relaxed and gentle nature, and recognition as the official State cat of Maine.

These sizable cats are excellent pets and flourish in families that enjoy ample social interaction.

Maine Coon cats are delightful companions because they are:

• Playful

• Fun-Loving

• Intelligent

• Affectionate

• Loyal

• Dog-Like

• Family-Friendly

  
  

Dietary Needs

Maine Coon cats are obligate carnivores requiring meat to thrive. Therefore, protein should be a primary component of their diet.

Provide Maine Coons with high-quality, protein-rich dry food 2-4 times daily. Limit wet food to no more than twice a week. Be cautious not to overfeed your Maine Coon. Consult a veterinarian if considering a raw food diet for your Maine Coon.

Below are the essential food types Maine Coons should consume:

1. Protein

Ensure your Maine Coon's diet is rich in protein, which is crucial for them to reach their full growth potential.

• Daily Intake Needs: >50%

• Food Source: Chicken, Fish, Rabbit, Mice

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2. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide the energy cats need for play and exercise.

• Daily Intake: 0-3%

• Food Source: Dry Cat Food

  
  

3. Fats And Fatty Acids

To maintain a shiny and healthy coat, ensure their diet includes a small amount of healthy fatty acids, such as amino acids.

They also require arachidonic acids, like taurine and arginine.

• Daily Intake: <20%

• Food Source: High-Quality Dry Food

  
  

4. Fresh Water

Maine Coons enjoy water and need a continuous supply of fresh water to stay hydrated.

• Daily Intake: Frequent Water

• Food Source: Water Bowl, Cat Water Fountain

  
  

5. Vitamins

Vitamins A, B, K, and Niacin are vital for your Maine Coon cat's healthy growth.

• Daily Intake: As per veterinary advice

• Food Source: Dry and Wet Food

Homemade Cat Food

To maintain your large, muscular cat's fitness and health, give them 4 grams of animal protein per kilogram of their body weight.

This translates to a daily protein requirement of approximately 36-45 grams.

Utilize a Maine Coon food calculator to determine the appropriate food amount for your Maine Coon cat.

The table below illustrates the protein content in various meat sources per 100g:

If you're thinking about feeding your Maine Coon a homemade raw food diet, be sure to read thoroughly.

When To Switch to Adult Food

During the first 4-5 months, feed your Maine Coon kitten food specially formulated for their needs. This ensures your kitten receives:

• Protein

• Vitamins

• Carbohydrates

• Fats

• Fatty Acids

Do not switch your Maine Coon kitten to an adult diet before they are 9-10 months old.

It is recommended that owners of large cat breeds wait until their cats are 2 years old before transitioning them to adult Maine Coon food.

Water Supply

Maine Coons require a continuous water supply to stay hydrated. They drink about 3.5-4.5 ounces of water per five pounds of body weight.

The water intake of a Maine Coon varies based on the cat's:

• Size

• Diet

• Health

• Activity Levels

They prefer fresh water, so cat owners should purchase a pet fountain for their lovely felines. They enjoy drinking water and playing with fresh, moving water.

Grooming

Maine Coon cats are known for their long, shaggy fur. They should be brushed 2-3 times a week, and more frequently during shedding season or if they spend time outdoors.

Compared to other breeds, Maine Coons require more grooming, especially if they are prone to knots and tangles.

Regular brushing is crucial to prevent dead, loose fur from getting trapped in their thick, three-layered coat.

Top brushes for Maine Coon cats include:

1. Dematting Comb

Dematting combs are perfect for removing excess, loose hair from your Maine Coon.

2. Slicker Brush

The Hertzko slicker cat brush is excellent for grooming long-haired breeds like the Maine Coon. I particularly favor this one because it doesn't tug or pull on the cat's fur and can be easily cleaned with the push of a button.

Slicker brushes have angled bristles that efficiently remove dirt, debris, and shedding hairs from the cat's coat.

3. Silicone Cat Grooming Brush

Silicone grooming brushes are excellent because they are incredibly gentle on your cat's sensitive skin and do not cause scratches.

This brush effectively removes up to 90% of loose cat hair.

Exercise

Maine Coon cats are susceptible to obesity, so it's crucial to ensure they get about 30 minutes of exercise daily to remain fit, healthy, and happy. You can split this time into three shorter 10-minute sessions.

Outdoor Maine Coons usually exercise more than indoor ones due to nature providing various opportunities, such as:

- Chasing small live prey

- Climbing trees

- Chasing leaves

However, indoor Maine Coons need exercise through activities like:

- Playing with them daily

- Buying an extra-large cat tower for climbing and jumping

Here are some ways to encourage your Maine Coon to exercise:

1. Playing Games

Maine Coons enjoy human interaction. Playing enhances the bond between you and your cat while keeping it fit and healthy.

2. Purchasing a Cat Tower

Invest in a cat tower where they can scratch, jump, and climb. Opt for one with multiple levels for jumping around, and look for towers made with natural sisal rope that they will enjoy scratching.

3. Taking Your Maine Coon for a Walk

Walking your Maine Coon on a leash or harness is a great way to exercise them, especially if they tend to be lazy.

These suggestions will help keep your Maine Coon active and healthy!

Vaccinations And Medications

To ensure your big cat enjoys a long, healthy, and happy life, keep their vaccinations up to date. If you're uncertain about the medications your cat needs, consult a veterinary professional. Additionally, regularly apply flea drops to prevent their thick, dense fur from becoming infested with unwanted itchy fleas.

You should also administer deworming medication regularly to maintain optimal health. All preventative medications should be given to both indoor and outdoor cats, following product guidelines.

Health

The Maine Coon cat is a robust breed capable of enduring the harsh winter conditions of New England.

Regular veterinary health checks are crucial for early detection of the following Maine Coon health issues:

1. Hip Dysplasia

Large cat breeds are susceptible to hip dysplasia, which can lead to . It may also cause paralysis (source ).

Symptoms of Maine Coon hip dysplasia include: 

• Reduced activity levels

• Joint looseness or laxity (an early sign of the disease)

• Joint degeneration and osteoarthritis (a later sign of the disease)

• The cat avoids jumping, climbing, and running

• Thigh muscles lose muscle mass

• Shoulder muscles may become enlarged

• Hind-limb lameness

2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, also known as HCM, is a genetic condition that is rare in Maine Coons but should not be overlooked:

• Thickens the heart walls

• Deteriorates heart function

• Causes very poor blood flow

The key symptoms of Maine Coon hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include:

• Breathing Problems

• Limb Paralysis

• Pulmonary Edema

3. Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Maine Coon spinal muscular atrophy is a hereditary genetic disorder that causes gradual degeneration of the cat’s spinal muscles.

This health issue can shorten the lifespan of your Maine Coon kitten and is typically noticeable when your kitten is 3-4 months old.

claims SMA is not painful or fatal, but will lead to progressive instability with an unsteady gait and abnormalities in the kitten’s posture.

Common symptoms of Maine Coon spinal muscular atrophy include:

• Swaying Gait

• Odd Posture

• Weakness In Hind Legs

• Loss Of Muscle Mass

• Back Sensitivity

• Tremors In Hind Legs

• Exercise Intolerance

• Unable To Perform Ordinary Tasks

4. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

This is an inherited condition in felines that causes multiple cysts to form in a Maine Coon kitten’s kidneys at birth. As the cat ages, these fluid pockets gradually enlarge, potentially leading to kidney failure if kidney function is compromised.

The following symptoms of PKD typically do not appear until the cat is 7 years old:

• Lethargy

• Loss Of Appetite

• Vomiting

• Weight Loss

• Poor Quality Coat

• Increased Thirst

• Frequent Urination

5. Obesity

Maine Coons take 3-5 years to reach their full size, which often leads owners to mistakenly overfeed them, thinking their cats are underweight.

Some Maine Coons that are free-fed may also overeat, leading to obesity.

Lifespan

According to The International Cat Association (TICA), Maine Coons generally have a life expectancy of 12 years or more. A pet insurance company that studied the lifespan of various cat breeds in Sweden from 2003 to 2006 found that the median lifespan of Maine Coons was over 12.5 years. The study showed that 74% of Maine Coons lived to 10 years or older, and 54% reached 12.5 years or more.

Cat Claws

Maine Coons maintain healthy claws if they have access to appropriate scratching tools. Cat scratching posts are beneficial for their claws and encourage positive scratching habits. It's advisable for owners to buy a sturdy scratching post that won't easily topple, rather than smaller posts that a Maine Coon kitten will quickly outgrow.

Litter Box

Owners of indoor Maine Coons should invest in an extra-large litter box to meet their pet's needs. Ensure the litter box is accessible and cleaned regularly, ideally after each use, as cats are clean animals and may become stressed if they have to use a dirty litter box. For those who dislike cleaning litter boxes, a self-cleaning option might be considered. Outdoor Maine Coons with access to the outside may not need a litter tray.

Bathing

Maine Coons are diligent self-groomers and generally do not require baths unless they become dirty or cannot clean themselves due to health issues. While optional, bathing can help with:

- Keeping their long, thick fur clean

- Removing dead hairs

- Eliminating excess dander

- Reducing allergens

Maine Coons should not be bathed more than once a month, and only specific pet shampoos should be used, as human shampoos can be harmful. Bathing can also help alleviate allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals by removing dander and excess hair.

Hypoallergenic

Maine Coons are not entirely hypoallergenic, but some experts suggest they produce less of the Fel d1 protein, a common allergen. Cat allergy sufferers are usually allergic to dander, which consists of dead skin cells. Since cats constantly shed dander, it often gets trapped in their fur, leading people to believe they are allergic to the fur itself.

Socialibility

Often called the "dog of the cat world," Maine Coons have high social needs similar to dogs. They enjoy spending time with their owners, and it's important for owners to spend time with their Maine Coons to prevent depression. It's common for a curious Maine Coon to follow you around the house.

Spaying and Nuetering

If breeding your Maine Coon is not in your plans, it's best to spay or neuter them between 4 to 6 months of age. This prevents marking behaviors and unwanted litters. Spaying involves the surgical removal of a female cat’s ovaries and uterus, while neutering is the removal of a male cat’s testicles. These routine procedures should be performed by a licensed veterinary professional.

Benefits include:

- Preventing unwanted litters

- Reducing the number of animals euthanized to control the cat population

- Making some male Maine Coons more docile post-neutering

- Reducing or eliminating sexual behaviors

- Minimizing fights with other neighborhood cats

- Preventing urine spraying in female cats.

Aggressive Behavior

Maine Coons are not naturally aggressive. If your Maine Coon is growling, assess your behavior to understand why. Immediately stop any actions that might be upsetting or threatening your cat.

When Maine Coons Stop Growing

Unlike most cat breeds, Maine Coons do not reach their full size until they are between 3 to 5 years old. They grow at a slower rate and may not be fully grown until then. For more information on factors affecting Maine Coon growth and size expectations for younger cats, consult relevant resources.