A Guide to Caring For Your Maine Coon

Caring for a Maine Coon cat is not the same as caring for your average domestic cat, they have more specific needs that need to be followed. Because they’re pure-bred, they’re also predisposed to genetic health conditions, so you’ll need to be on the lookout for those as well.

In general, it’s not much harder to care for a Maine Coon than it is to care for a regular mixed breed cat, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind.

Food and Water

The average male Maine Coon cat weighs between 15 and 25 pounds, so they require a lot more food than the average mixed-breed cat. In order to keep your Maine Coon healthy and strong, you’ll need to make sure that their diet includes:

  • High levels of protein
  • Carbohydrates
  • Vitamins
  • Fats and fatty acids
  • Fresh water

You should feed your cat both dry and wet food to prevent them from developing diabetes or dental problems.

It’s also important to make sure that you always have a clean, fresh water supply available to them, like from a cat drinking fountain.

Grooming

Maine Coons are incredibly fluffy, so you’re going to have to maintain their long hair. Their fur is made up of two undercoats of hair and a long third top layer. They’ll require your help to maintain these luscious locks.

You should brush your Maine Coon once or twice a week to prevent their hair from getting matted. If they’re matted you’ll have to bring them in to have their hair shaved, which isn’t a fun experience for anyone.

Exercise

Maine Coons require a lot of exercise. If you keep your Coon cat inside, you should have various places for them to run, play, and get their fair share of exercise. An extra-large cat tower is a great way to ensure they get a lot of exercise. Some cat parents have even gone so far as to purchase running wheels for their cats.

Hygiene

Make sure to keep litter boxes clean in order to prevent your Maine Coon from getting litter clumps stuck in their fur. If you don’t keep the litter box clean, they’ll likely find another place to do their business.

Maine Coons love to play in the water, so bath time should be no problem! You shouldn’t bathe your cat more than once a month, and you should make sure to use a shampoo that’s specifically for cats.

Health Checks

As is true with all cats, you should schedule an appointment to have your cat checked on once every year. During this appointment they’ll be examined and given any vaccinations they may need.

Health checks are great because they can help detect any early diseases, allowing you to start your cat on treatment sooner. Maine Coons are prone to the following health conditions:

  • Obesity
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Spinal Muscular Atrophy
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Medication

You should always give your Maine Coon any medications that your vet has prescribed to them, for the full course if necessary. On top of prescriptions, you should also give your cat flea, heartworm, and tick medication once per month, especially if they’re outdoor cats.

Love

And finally, you should provide your Maine Coon with as much love and attention as you possibly can. Maine Coons are very loving animals, and they require a lot of attention. They’ll like to stick by your side as much as possible and will be upset if you lock them out of the room you’re in.

Play with them often, give them all the pets, love, and affection and you’re sure to have a lifelong friendship with your Maine Coon cat.