MAINE MEOWS CATTERY
Buyer Prep Guide
The Answers You Need
Preparing for Your Maine Coon Kitten:
You will find all of our recommended products conveniently linked in our Amazon storefront, which is listed below:
Heart Health & Supplements
Maine Coons are a large, slow-maturing breed and are genetically predisposed to certain heart conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Because of this, we strongly recommend starting a heart health supplement early and continuing it long-term. We use Fera Pet Cardiac Support vitamins, which are available on Amazon. Supporting heart health proactively is one of the most important steps you can take to give your Maine Coon a long, healthy life.
Veterinary Care & Vaccinations
Before bringing your kitten home, it’s important to establish care with a reputable veterinarian—ideally one familiar with large or purebred cats. Maine Coons should stay up to date on all core vaccinations and receive regular wellness exams throughout their life. Early vet visits help track healthy growth, weight, and heart health, and allow your vet to build a baseline for your kitten as they mature.
Food & Nutrition
Nutrition is especially critical for Maine Coons due to their size and extended growth period. We currently feed Purina Pro Plan Kitten food because of its high protein content and consistent quality. We also feed them Friskies wet food. Look into a good wet food so your cat will be properly hydrated. Beginning in March 2026, we will be transitioning our cats to a raw diet, specifically Blue Ridge Raw Kitten Food. We encourage our buyers to look into a raw food diet if you have the time. If you choose to switch their food, any transition should be done slowly over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset. Also, make sure you keep a probiotic on hand. Sometimes cats get into food they shouldn't have and get diarrhea. Having a probiotic will help them in those situations. (Everything mentioned is linked in my storefront above)
Kitten Food Timeline
Unlike most cats, Maine Coons take much longer to fully mature. They should remain on kitten food until at least 2 years of age, as they require additional protein and calories to support their large frame, bone development, and muscle growth. Maine Coons continue growing until 3–5 years old, so proper nutrition during their early years is essential for long-term health.
Water Dishes & Hydration
Hydration plays a major role in kidney and urinary health. We strongly recommend using a glass water dish rather than plastic or stainless steel. Glass is more hygienic, does not harbor bacteria or mold as easily, and does not retain odors. Many cats also prefer glass because it doesn’t alter the taste of the water. Fresh water should always be available and changed daily. (The dishes we use are linked in my storefront above)
Litter & Litter Boxes
Because Maine Coons grow quite large, standard litter boxes are often too small. We recommend the Popur brand litter boxes from the start so your kitten doesn’t have to relearn later. If you cannot afford a Popur, no problem. We have some good options listed in the Amazon store front (link is above). We have also used totes and made our own litter boxes. Just grab a large tote and find a smaller tote (the kind that go under beds work great). Make sure it fits inside nicely. Fill the small tote with litter and place inside the large tote. Cut a hole in the larger tote to make an entrance for the kitten. It's simple and works well for these giant cats.
Grooming & Coat Maintenance
START THEM YOUNG! Seriously, brush them everyday. Maine Coons have long, thick coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting. A high-quality metal comb and slicker brush are essential tools. Start grooming early so your kitten becomes comfortable with brushing, nail trims, and handling. Regular grooming also reduces hairballs and allows you to monitor skin and coat health. Brush the everyday, The main spots they get mats are their tails, armpit area, and in their manes. Make sure you brush those areas often. You will also need a cheap shaver to keep the fur near their butts clean. Trust me nothing is worse than your kitten having a poopy butt. For baths we use cat scratch proof gloves, an antiseptic shampoo, and a high velocity dryer. Get a happy hoody it helps protect their ears and calms them. They never purposely try to hurt us but they can get spooked so the gloves are helpful to prevent getting scratched.
Scratching, Climbing & Enrichment
Maine Coons are intelligent cats who need both mental and physical stimulation. Tall cat trees, sturdy scratching posts, and interactive toys are crucial. Due to their size, lightweight or flimsy cat furniture is often not sufficient—look for heavy-duty products whenever possible. We have cheap cardboard scratching post all over our home and the cats love them. They are long lasting and inexpensive. This will keep them from scratching up your furniture or carpet.
Growth Expectations & Personality
Maine Coons are fast-growing, gentle giants. Your kitten may go through awkward growth stages, growth spurts, and changes in appetite over the first few years. This is completely normal. They tend to remain playful, social, and kitten-like much longer than other breeds, often well into adulthood.
Long-Term Commitment
Owning a Maine Coon is a long-term commitment to proper nutrition, preventive care, grooming, and enrichment. With the right preparation and ongoing care, Maine Coons are incredibly loyal, affectionate companions who thrive in families that understand their unique needs.