Maine Coon Care Guide

Everything you need to raise a healthy, happy, and fluffy Maine Coon, from first day home to adult life.

Welcome to your Maine Coon Care Guide! Maine Coons are called the Gentle Giants for a reason. They are big, smart, loving, and very loyal. With the right food, grooming, and love, your Maine Coon can live 12 to 15 years or more and stay healthy and happy.

This guide will show you exactly what to do, week by week. Save this page and come back to it anytime. And remember, when you adopt from Kittens Family, you get lifetime support from us. You are never alone.

1. Your First Week At Home – The Most Important Week

Your kitten just left his mama and his brothers and sisters. He may be a little shy for the first 1 to 2 days. That is normal. Be patient, speak softly, and let him come to you.

Do This On Day 1:

Set up one quiet room: One room with food, water, litter box, bed, scratching post, and toys. Do not give him the whole house on day 1.
Use the blanket we send you: It has his mama’s scent. Put it in his bed. It will calm him down fast.
Keep the same food: We send a starter food bag. Do not change food on day 1. Changing food fast can cause upset stomach.
Let him explore slowly: Open the door after 2 to 3 days and let him explore one new room at a time.
Kids and other pets: Introduce slowly. Let them sniff under the door first. No chasing, no grabbing.

Good sign: If your kitten eats, drinks, uses the litter box, and sleeps well in the first 24 hours, he is settling in perfectly.

2. Feeding Your Maine Coon – What, When, And How Much

Maine Coons grow slowly. They keep growing until they are 3 to 4 years old, so they need good, high-protein food for a long time.

What To Feed

High-quality kitten food for the first 12 months
Look for real meat as the first ingredient: chicken, turkey, salmon
Wet food + dry food is best. Wet food keeps them hydrated
Always have fresh, clean water. Maine Coons love fresh running water

How Often To Feed

2 to 4 months old: 4 small meals a day
4 to 6 months old: 3 meals a day
6 to 12 months old: 2 to 3 meals a day
Adult 1 year +: 2 meals a day

Foods To NEVER Give Your Cat:

Chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, lilies, milk, raw fish, bones, and human medicine. These can make your cat very sick. If your cat eats any of these, call your vet right away.

3. Grooming – How To Keep That Beautiful Fluffy Coat

Maine Coons have long, thick, silky fur. It looks hard to care for, but it is easy if you do a little bit often.

Brush 2 to 3 times a week: Use a steel comb or slicker brush. Brush gently, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and the belly. This stops knots and hairballs.
Bath only when needed: Every 2 to 3 months, or if dirty. Use warm water and cat-safe shampoo. Maine Coons often love water, so many enjoy bath time.
Nails: Trim nails every 2 to 3 weeks. Just trim the sharp tip. Do not cut too short.
Ears: Check ears once a week. Clean gently with a damp cotton ball if dirty.
Teeth: Brush teeth 2 to 3 times a week with cat toothpaste if you can. It prevents dental problems later.
Shedding season: In spring and fall they shed more. Brush daily during those weeks.

4. Litter Box Training

Good news: All our kittens leave us fully litter trained.

Use one litter box per cat + one extra. For 1 cat, have 2 boxes.
Keep the box in a quiet, easy-to-reach place, not next to food.
Scoop daily, clean fully once a week.
Use unscented, clumping litter. Strong perfumes can scare kittens away.
Never punish your kitten for accidents. Just clean and put him back in the box. He will learn fast.

5. Play, Training, And Socializing

Maine Coons are smart like dogs. They can learn their name, come when called, fetch, and even walk on a leash.

Play 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day: Wand toys, feather toys, laser pointer, and crinkle balls are favorites.
Scratching: Give a tall, sturdy scratching post. Maine Coons are big and love to stretch up high.
Cat tree: Get a big, strong cat tree. They love to climb and look down from high places.
Never play with your hands: Use toys. If you use hands, they will learn to bite hands.
Training: Use treats and praise. Never shout or hit. Maine Coons learn fast with love.
Other pets: Maine Coons usually love dogs and other cats. Introduce slowly and always supervise at first.

6. Health And Vet Care – Keep Your Kitten Safe

Your kitten leaves us vet-checked, vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped. Here is what to do next:

First vet visit: Within 7 days of arrival. Bring all papers we gave you.
Vaccines: Your vet will tell you when the next booster is due, usually at 16 weeks and then yearly.
Spay / Neuter: If your kitten is pet quality and not for breeding, your vet will recommend spay/neuter around 5 to 6 months.
Flea and worm prevention: Ask your vet for safe monthly prevention, even for indoor cats.
Microchip: Already done. Make sure to register the chip in your name.

Call Your Vet Right Away If You See:

Not eating for more than 24 hours, vomiting, diarrhea for more than 1 day, sneezing a lot, watery eyes, hiding and not playing, or hard breathing.

7. Shopping List – What To Buy Before Your Kitten Arrives

✔ High-quality kitten food (we send a starter bag)
✔ Food and water bowls – ceramic or stainless steel is best
✔ Litter box + unscented clumping litter + scoop
✔ Cozy bed + blanket
✔ Tall scratching post + cat tree
✔ Steel comb, slicker brush, nail clippers
✔ 3 to 5 toys – wand toy, feather toy, balls, crinkle toy
✔ Carrier for vet visits and travel
✔ Cat-safe shampoo

8. Common Questions From New Maine Coon Parents

How big will my Maine Coon get?

Males: 13 to 18 lbs, sometimes up to 22 lbs. Females: 8 to 12 lbs. They grow slowly until 3 to 4 years old.

Do Maine Coons shed a lot?

Yes, moderate shedding. Brush 2 to 3 times a week and you will control it easily.

Are Maine Coons good with kids?

Yes! They are one of the best breeds for kids. Gentle, patient, playful, and they love to follow kids around.

Do Maine Coons like to cuddle?

Yes, but in their own way. Many love to sleep next to you, sit on your lap, and follow you from room to room.

Can Maine Coons be left alone?

They can be alone for 6 to 8 hours, but they love company. Leave toys, water, and a window to look out of.

Do they need to go outside?

No. Maine Coons are happiest and safest as indoor cats. If you want outdoor time, use a harness and leash or a safe catio.

Need Help? We Are Here For Life!

When you adopt from Kittens Family, you get lifetime support. Send us a photo, ask about food, grooming, or behavior. We will always reply.

Your kitten is family. And now, so are you.