The Care & Feeding of a
Maine Coon
Listed below are products that I use (unless otherwise stated) and would recommend when you are getting ready for your kitten to come home. If you are interested in purchasing any of these items please click on the photo and it will direct you to Amazon Canada. I am an affiliate with Amazon so I do earn 10% of whatever you purchase, this money is then used to enrich the lives of my cats by purchasing other items that I know they will love.
Brushing
Maine Coons require regular brushing, weekly if not daily, in order to maintain their beautiful soft and silky fur coat. There are a few tips and tricks that can be used if you forget or get busy and are not able to brush their beautiful coats every day.
1. Purchase a detangler specifically made for long haired cats and spray their coats every couple weeks.
2. Place a bit of corn starch on the areas that tend to get oily, behind the ears, under their arms and legs.
3. Work around your cat, on Monday brush their front right leg and chest, Tuesday brush their back right leg and underbelly, Wednesday brush their back left leg and underbelly, Thursday brush their left front leg and chest, Friday brush their head and back, Saturday brush their tail, Sunday is a day of rest, enjoy it! This makes each brushing short and easier for both parties, it helps your kitty get used to being brushed and eventually they will start to enjoy the whole process.
4. Get the right tools, a lot a breeders really enjoy the metal comb, I enjoy using a small flexible slicker brush.
5. Take your kitty to the groomer, they will brush and clip your babies nails for $10. A small price to pay if you do not have the time and if you take your baby to the groomer while they are young the easier it is on both of you.
Double Slicker Brush
Double sided Brush
Metal Comb
Why: This slicker brush bends therefore you are less likely to unintentionally hurt your kitten while brushing them
Detangler Spray
Why: Sometimes you just don't have the time to brush your kitten every day, using a detangled once a week should help keep those matts at bay.
Why: You can brush your cat with this and then use it to brush off all of the hair on your carpet covered cat stand, it serves two purposes!
Dander Reducer
Why: Helps with dander and dry skin, all natural and safe for your cat/kitten.
Why: I actually never reach for this comb when brushing my cats but most breeders will swear by it.
Tearless Shampoo
Why: I would not recommend giving your cat/kitten regular baths as it will dry out their skin but when you do I like this one because it is all natural and easy on your cat/kittens eyes.
Ear Wipes
Why: Helps to remove the dirt and wax that may collect over time in your cats ear. Make sure to get unscented, if your cats ears smell then there is another issue at play and it should be addressed by other means.
Matts
If you do not brush every day/week then you will get matts. Matts form under the arms, under their back legs, tail and behind the ears.
1. The best tool to use to get rid of matts is the one handed De-Matting Rake, it allows you to hold your cat with one arm and get rid of the matt with your other hand.
2. Use a seem ripper to work difficult matts, remember to be careful, their skin in thin and delicate you don't want to hurt your kitty.
3. Try using cornstarch behind their ears, it will help soak up the naturally occurring oils in their fur and prevent matts from forming.
4. If it gets away on you, take your baby to the groomer, they can give him a lion cut. It will take around 6 months for the hair to grow back and that beautiful fluffy tail will be gone until then. Some groomers may cut the fluff between the toes so make sure you tell them not too, it't too cute to loose even for six months.
5. If you decide to clip your cat/kitten make sure to be careful, it is very easy to clip more than just their fur. I would suggest taking him/her to the groomer for the first year. Let your groomer teach your kitten how to sit nicely, make sure to watch and learn how your groomer gets the job done so you can replicate it at home.
Dematting Rake
Why: You can hold onto your cat with one hand and use this dematting rake with the other. Trust me, this is easier to use when trying to get rid of a matte.
Seam Ripper
Why: It is cheap, quick, quiet and easier to get under the tougher matts.
Brushless Clippers
Why: It has a brushless motor so it will last longer and it is quieter than your normal clippers. This particular one is also cordless which means it won't get in the way.
Pet Clippers
I do not personally own this one but if the brushless is too expensive this may be a more affordable option.
Cornstarch
Why: Great at soaking up the oily areas of their coat.
Fresh Breath
Teeth
1. There is no way around it, Maine Coons need regular teeth brushing to maintain healthy gums and overall oral health. DO NOT EVER BUY THE SILICONE FINGER BRUSHES, they are the absolute worst toothbrush for your cat.
2. Use Tropical Fresh Breath Gel, place one tiny drop on either side of their mouth and their tongues will do the rest. This should not be used in place of regular teeth brushing.
3. Try adding Tropical Fresh Breath Dental Health to their water every day to keep their teeth clean and healthy, I do not recommend this option if you are using a water fountain with a filter as it will clog up the water filter. This should not be used in place of regular teeth brushing.
Pet Toothbrush
Why: It has actual bristles to stimulate the gums and remove plaque. Every Marwood Maine Coon kitten is sent home with one of these
Canadian Made toothbrush
Why: Developed by a Vancouver based company, I always try to support Canadian Businesses when I can. It is small and designed specifically for cats.
Clean Teeth Gel
Why: Simply add it to your cats water and if there is a day you can't brush your cats teeth you know they are still covered.
Why: A quick dab on either side of their mouth on a day when you are running late.
Enzyme Toothpaste
Why: Uses an enzyme system to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and ensure a clean mouth. Every Marwood Maine Coon kitten is sent home with a sample of this toothpaste.
Catit Water Fountain
Why: Maine Coons love to play with water, the catit water fountain will keep the water fresh and moving.
Catit Water Fountain Replacement Filters
Why: Replacement Filters for your Catit water fountain, keeps your cats water fresh. Remove chlorine & heavy metal that cause urinary calculi. Adsorbs microorganisms or toxic substances, Improves the taste and removes odour.
Diet
Maine Coons need a high protein diet, with great ingredients and no fillers or grains. It is a good idea to feed them wet food every 2-3 days, or every day if they are not drinking enough water. We feed our cats Go! Solutions grain free chicken, turkey, duck which is 46% protein and 18% fat, and Go! Solutions limited ingredient duck which is 31% protein and 15% fat. Go! is a Canadian company and can be found at any pet food store across Canada. Performatrin Kitten is the brand of wet food that we feed our adult Queens and kittens, I have only found this at Pet Value.
There are other high quality cat foods and you are welcome to switch your kitten to another brand, if you choose to do this make sure to do it very slowly as it can create gastric upset in your kitten which may result in loose stool and may cause litter box issues.
Adored Beast
Adored Beast is a Canadian based company that sources all of their ingredients within Canada when they can. I personally love using their products, they clearly state everything that is in their products, they are all natural and my cats all do well on them. Once a year I do the 'Easy Peesy' protocol to ensure that my cats remain issue free in regards to urinary issues and I give our Kings, Queens and kittens 'Love Bugs' and 'Healthy Gut' every day. Please note they have a referral program, click a the picture and you will be directed to their page where you can get $20 off your purchase of $40 or more if you give them your email and then my email: marwoodmainecoons@gmail.com
Go! Chicken, Turkey, Duck
Why: Canadian made product means you are supporting Canadian jobs.
Raw Hemp Seed Oil
Why: Highly beneficial source of essential fatty acids as it offers the correct balance of Omega 3 and 6. It offers the perfect ratio of EFAs, contains Vitamins D, E, A and cholesterol-fighting phytosterols. It is also one of nature’s richest sources of magnesium. Add to wet or dry food once per day.
Adored Beast Healthy Gut
Why: It has all the needed probiotics plus added natural ingredients to help your cat/kitten digest their food.
Easy Peesy Protocol
Why: Supports the body in the dissolution of Urinary Crystals. Supports bladder health and the creation of an environment that will discourage crystal formation.
Immunity Boosting Bundle
Why: This trio of products works together synergistically in the body to increase overall health, longevity, and immune system strength.
MCT Oil
Why: Supports your cat's skin and coat, helps prevent hairballs, aids digestion, boosts the immune system and it is great for your cat in all life stages.
Litter
I use both the Litter Robot and a wood pellet system. Litter boxes need to be scooped everyday in order to ensure the health of your cat, if you do not then then your cat may be stepping in their poop and then they may track it all over your house. If time does not allow for this it would be a great idea to invest in a Litter Robot.
Wood Pellet Method
1. Get a container which will allow urine and distinegrated wood pellets to fall through.
2. Screw some wood legs on to the bottom of the crate or find something that will increase the height of the crate from the larger container you will place it in.
3. Place the crate on a large puppy pee pad.
4. Place everything in a plastic container in order to keep it all contained and easy to clean.
Put enough wood litter in the crate just to cover the bottom, you want enough for them to dig in but not too much.
Clean Up
1. Scoop out the poop daily, once or twice a week lift out the crate and place it on another clean pee pad.
2. Grab all four corners of the used pee pad and discard.
3. Place the crate and new pee pad back in the plastic bin.
4. About twice a month spray the bin and crate wash them out, how often this will need to be done will depend on how many cats are using the litter box.
Arm & Hammer Litter
Why: Low in dust which means it is easier on your cats lungs, has great clumping, easily slides out of the litter box, low tracking. This is my preferred litter for the litter robot or any litter box.
Robot Litter Box 4
Why: I love my Litter Robots, the benefits are definitely worth the cost especially if you do not have the time to scoop everyday.
Purina Tidy Cats Hooded Litter Box
Why: Built for wood litter, It is all enclosed so there is no worries about your cat peeing too high. if you do plan on using this it would still be more convenient to prop it up and place it in another bin so the pee and wood litter have a larger space to fall, unless you want to change the pee pad everyday.
Collapsable Crate
Why: Allows for the pee and litter to fall through to the bin beneath. I use a crate that is very similar to this one, sometimes my cats do manage to fold down one of the ends in their digging routine but I have yet to find a crate that will allow the disintegrated wood litter to fall through while keeping the rest of the wood litter in the crate.
Puppy Pee Pads
Why: Absorbs the urine and allows for easy clean up.
Plastic Bin
Why: Place the crate, pee pad and wood litter in a plastic bin like this one.
Stainless Steel Litter Box
Why: It's stainless steel so it won't crack or break after six to twelve months of use. I do not personally use a stainless steel box but absolutely love that they are indestructible.
Litter box Height Extender
Why: Some cats just love to toss their litter about or they really like to pee on the higher parts of their litter box, this should help in keeping everything in if you decide to use the stainless steel litter box.
Litter Scoop
Why: You can hang it on the edge of the litter box or in a place out of the way.
Baking Soda
Why: It is a natural deodorizer, sprinkle it on the wood pellets or litter if you are finding it to be a little smelly.
Meyers Cleaning Spray
Why: It is all natural, easy on your septic system and your cat. I love using Meyers all natural cleaning products and use them every day.
Ecovacs Deboot x1 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop
Why: I'll be honest, I don't have one of these awesome time savers but I would absolutely LOVE one. It vacuums and mops your floors for you so you can have more time to clean out those litter boxes ;-) Because I don't have one of these beautiful lifesavers YET, I can only recommend this particular one based off of the current reviews on Amazon. May not be the best option if you have a mixture of flooring types.
Cat Stands
Now we are getting into the fun stuff! I love cat stands but it can be hard to find one that will fit your fully grown kitten. I have looked everywhere for products like these all over Canada and have only been able to find cat trees that are covered with carpet, carpet is ok and much better than the cheaper carpet like fabric that covers most cat stands but I like stands that can be easily wiped down and cleaned.
Why I like these Cat Stands-
1. They have removable sleeping pads so all you have to do is throw the pad in the washer and your done.
2. You can wipe down every surface.
3. They look good in any living room.
4. Made with wood making them sturdy and durable.
For kittens I wouldn't recommend a cat stand taller than four and a half feet, their hips are not fully developed and if they jump from any high heights it may inadvertently cause hip issues.
*I do not own every cat tree I am going to recommend here, but I would LOVE to have every one of these. They are not only nice to look at but they should endure even the harsh play of your Marwood Maine Coon.
PawHut 49" Cat Tree Kitty Activity Center
Why: Big enough for your growing Maine Coon at an affordable price. I love that you can wipe it down and all pads are removable for easy washing. I have this stand for our kittens.
PawHut 35.8" Cat Tree Kitty Activity Center
Why: Good for kittens at an affordable price, the activity wheel is an added bonus but it will not be big enough for your adult Marwood Maine Coon. I have this stand/wheel for our kittens.
PawHut 55" Cat Tree
Why: Short enough for when your kitten is young but big enough for you full grown kitten to enjoy.
PawHut Cat Tree 5PCs Pet Wall-Mounted Climbing Frame Shelf Set
Why: Cats love to climb and Maine Coons are no different. Hang around the room and give your kitten something to climb on. Added bonus, they look good in any room.
Cat Exercise Wheel
Why: Exercise is a great tool for stressed kittens, this wheel will be big enough for your Marwood Maine Coon and comes in a variety of colors. Every Marwood Maine Coon Kitten is used to using the Cat Wheel.
PETEPELA 54 Inches Multi-Level Cat Tree
Why: I use this stand for our kittens, its great for a young Maine Coon but I wouldn't recommend it for a full grown kitten.
Tangkula Modern Wood Cat Tree, 69-Inch Cat Tower
Why: Good sized, easy to clean, big enough for your full grown Marwood Maine Coon.
PawHut Wall Mounted Cat Tree with Scratching Post Condo Bridge
Why: Cats love to climb and Maine Coons are no different. Hang in your room and give your kitten something to climb on. Added bonus, it will look good in any room.
PawHut Cat Tree Pet Wall-Mounted Climbing Frame
Why: Easy to clean, doesn't take up any floor space.
Honeypot Cat, Solid Natural Wood Cat Tree
Why: A more expensive option but well built, sturdy, easy to clean and will last.
Solid Natural Wood Cat Tree
Why: Good quality cat stand that will stand the test of time, good for kittens and adults. Made with Solid wood, easy to clean, plush washable pillows
Climbing Frame Solid Wood
Why: If you have a lot of cats this is a great option, solid wood frame and large platforms means that it will be good for your kitten and full grown Maine Coon.
Cat Toys
We try our hardest to socialize all of our kittens so that when they go to their new homes they can easily adjust to their new surroundings. When they go home our job ends and yours begins, every kitten will still need time to bond with their new family and a great way to bond with your kitten is to play with them every day. Listed below are cat toys we have used and love.
KONG Active Feather Teaser Catnip Toy
Why: Every single one of my cats loves cat teasers, these particular ones are sturdy and can easily withstand the aggressive play of your Marwood Maine Coon
Pull-A-Partz Bugz Catnip Toy
Why: I have this toy so many times and still my cats love it.
Connects Curlz Cat Toy
Why: Suctions to the floor or wall so your kitten can play even when you are away. As your kitten grows they will get stronger they will be able to pull it off of the wall and floor.
Kong Eight Track Toy
Why: I have not ever used this but so far I have loved every Kong Cat product I have purchased.
Rabbitgoo Cat Bed
Why: Smell is everything to a cat, when you get this wash it, put your cats blanket on it to get their scent on it and then give it time, they will eventually love this bed.
Catit Senses 2.0 Super Circut
Why: Enjoyed by my cats, especially the flashing ball.
PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge
Why: Made of recycled cardboard, durable, large and easily doubles as a lounger, loved by all cats.
Catit Vesper Tunnel
Why: Kittens love playing hide and seek, well made and durable.
Vesper Minou Bench Scratcher
Why: A sleeping area and a cat scratcher, multitasking at it's best.
Cat Laser Toy Automatic
Why: It's automatic so you can set it and forget it, great for when you are away at work.
DELOMO Smart Interactive Cat Toy Ball
Why: Rechargeable, durable, automatic and will stop rolling after 45 minutes to save power.
Vesper Minou Bench Scratcher
Why: A sleeping area and a cat scratcher, multitasking at it's best.
Carriers
Whether you are simply taking your kitten to the Vet, to get groomed or on an adventurous hike you will need a pet carrier.
Mr. Peanut's Expandable Airline Approved Carrier
Why: I have the older version of this bag and I love it. It is well made and expandable so that when traveling with a nervous cat they will have a little more space to enjoy.
Mr. Peanut's Tahoe Series Expandable Backpack Pet Carrier
Why: Big enough for you adult Maine Coon, well built, made in the USA and it is expandable so that when you are taking a hiking break your kitten can have a little more space.
Pet Carrier
Why: This carrier is only big enough for your kitten or short rides to the vet. Every Marwood Maine Coon goes home with one of these carriers or a carrier like this, it is also airline approved.
Cat Harness & Leash
Why: Comfortable for your cat to wear, easy to put on, easy to take off but your cat cannot squirm their way out of the harness. Remember that you still have to train your cat to wear the harness and go for a walk, it will take time but it is possible.
Stress
Anything can stress out your kitten/cat, if you are starting to have behaviour issues, cats fighting, peeing everywhere but the litter box etc. These are all indications that your Marwood Maine Coon is stressed out.
Reasons for Stress, did you just....
-
Add another pet to the family?
-
Leave for a vacation?
-
Take your Maine Coon to the Vet?
-
Change up your schedule?
-
Switch kitty litter?
Other Reason for your cat peeing everywhere but in their litter box...
-
Your cat could have a UTI. I use adored beast easy peesy protocol on all of our cats once a year for overall maintenance of health. I am not a vet so if you suspect that your cat has a UTI please visit your vet.
-
Dominance. Your cat could be trying to show their dominance, especially if you have noticed them peeing on your dog bed or sofa where you sit. Wash the dog bed/sofa and then take your cats blanket/bed and rub their smell all over the dog bed/sofa so their smell is on it. Make sure your cat always has enough food and it is where your dog cannot get it. Give your cat high places to get away from the dogs. Play with your cat every day, likely they are feeling a little insecure about their place in your home. The more you play with your cat the more secure they will feel.
-
Your cat may be bored, make sure to have plenty of toys so that you can rotate them. Cats will get bored with their toys after time, introduce new toys and take the old toys away, every week or two rotate the toys so that they are new and interesting again.
Feliway Classic
Why: Helps reduce stress thereby reducing fights between pets. Plug it in and forget about it, it will need to be replaced every thirty days.
Feliway Classic Refill
Why: Helps reduce stress thereby reducing fights between pets. Plug it in and forget about it, it will need to be replaced every thirty days. Refill can be use in any Feliway diffuser
Relaxivet Calming Collar
Why: You can put it on the cat who is feeling stressed out to help keep them calm.
Feliway Friends Refill
Why: Provides reassurance to ALL cats in the home and helps to prevent conflicts from starting.
Feliway Optimum
Why: Helps cats with more signs of stress in more situations.
Feliway Optimum Refill
Why: Helps cats with more signs of stress in more situations. Refill can be used with any Feliway diffuser.
Quick Links
Adored Beast
Adored Beast Apothecary is the culmination of decades of experience in the trenches of holistic healthcare by founder Julie Anne Lee, DCH. They are dedicated to helping you find high-quality natural products to support and heal your adored beast. Not only do they have a variety of products for your newest fur baby but they also have a blog where they discuss health conditions, nutrition, remedies and animal wisdom.