Maine Coon Cat Feeding Questions

What (And How Much) to Feed Cats?

by Carrie Profenno: Author, Coonie Mama & lifelong Mainer

Welcome to our collection of Maine Coon cat feeding questions! The community discussions and advice cover a variety of feeding topics.

If you are not sure what to feed your cat or kitten, or how much to feed him, you'll find those and other similar questions here.

Just scroll down to read more about:

Is Grain Good for Senior Maine Coons?

by: Salim Matt in Salish Lands, Pacific NW

I'm 'uncle' to Franklin, an absolutely amazing Maine Coon who used to live with me and now lives with a dear friend.

Franklin is, we guess, at least 15 (he was a rescue), and has lost a considerable amount of weight from when I last saw him several years ago.

My friend's vet recommended feeding dry food WITH grain (something to do with possible heart conditions and cholesterol).

I've checked online, and can find no one making similar suggestions - and I've been told forever that grain is bad for cats.

Also, I'm thinking that dry kibble is no longer the best choice for Franklin - his appetite is still good (I just had a fish dinner, and Franklin was clamoring for shares). But he doesn't seem very interested in his kibble.

Has anyone heard of a vet recommending feeding grain for an older Maine Coon?

Thanks for your help!

In fact, grain-free options often contain other sources of carbohydrates such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas and even tapioca, all of which are no better or healthier for cats than grains.

It seems like Franklin's vet recommended feeding one of their in-house stocked prescription diets which is formulated for cholesterol and or heart problems, and this contains some grain.

I would think that this food has the right proportions of everything he needs such as adequate protein for heart health, and Omega 3 fatty acids, and probably be low-fat if Franklin has cholesterol issues.

I have a hunch it's more of a case of 'this food has some grain' than the vet saying Franklin needs a grain for these issues.

Also, most of the special formulas come in both kibble and canned varieties. I totally agree with giving him whichever version he prefers! Kibble is denser in calories, but if he's uninterested in it, that becomes a moot point. Every cat is different!

Best wishes for a long and happy retirement for Franklin. I'm looking forward to what others have to say!

Comments:

Teeth?
With my elderly cats (some as old as 18+ years), it has occurred to me that their eventual loss of interest in kibble may have something to do with losing ability or having pain when trying to chew it with their aging teeth/jaw muscles, or an incident of a sore tooth.

If there is little interest in the dry variety, perhaps feeding the moist version should be tried, in case it is easier for the elderly to consume. If there was great interest in fish dinner, there is still an appetite.

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Maine Coon Cat Feeding and Nutrition

by: Sharon in Plattsburgh NY

What do Maine Coon cats generally eat and how much water do they typically drink in a day?

If using only dry kibble, your cat will be thirstier than his wet-food fed counterparts. It's super important for a dry kibble fed cat to always have plenty of fresh water.

We have a giant water dish (big-dog size) and seem to fill it daily.

They like to have it wiped out frequently to keep the water tasting good, and we turn a bathroom faucet on to drip for them when they ask for it.

If your cat is big, he'll probably eat more than most other cats.

And a big Maine Coon (especially a male) might be prone to gorging and then maybe vomiting a bit. In that case you'll want to measure his meals.

As for the exact brand, there are so many good choices, I haven't been able to pick favorites yet.

Another visitor asked about Orijen Cat Food, which looks terrific, and at our house we're feeding Wellness Core.

There is a new option by Wysong. It's called Wysong Epigen, and it's starch-free.

I just received it yesterday and the cats gulped it down like it was a treat! I'd recommend checking it out.

It a generalization, but grocery stores usually carry brands with fillers and by-products.

They tend to be lesser foods, so anyone should tread carefully there. Although, these markets have been doing better in the last few years!

#1 tip: Familiarize yourself with the few basic ingredients to avoid, and what a good label will look like.

A good diet is full of real ingredients, not a bunch of stuff we can't pronounce.

I like to recommend that owners go to their local pet store & just ask an associate about some of their "top quality" brands. High-protein, holistic, grain-free are all good things to see.

How much canned?
With my 2 growing Maine Coon kittens, I give them a dog-sized bowl with water at all times, another bowl of that size with kibble, but all they really want is a lot of canned food every day.

They are about 3 or 4 months old by now and I give them one can per day to share, but they always look for more later at night time.

Is one can (Friskies) per day too much to give them? I think so but what would I know? Never had Coonie kittens prior to now.

Ideas anyone??

Feeding Blue Buffalo
by: Dean
I highly recommend blue buffalo wilderness for dry and blue buffalo spa select for wet. It's not cheap, but it is definitely worth it. It has no fillers and no grains. I believe it is also organic. Our two Coonies LOVE it!

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Feeding a New Maine Coon?

by: Em in Knoxville, TN

New Owner To A One-Year-Old Red Coonie:

My vet told me to buy him "EVO" - is this recommended for him?

I was also told to give him some wet food (1-2 teaspoon) as a treat every day for water supplement too.

Grain free is usually a big change in diet for cats. Make sure to make the switch very, very slowly and keep a close eye on him so you know his system agrees with it.

For most pets, grain free is a top notch choice in nutrition. But when we tried the switch, we found that our Alice couldn't tolerate it. She experienced severe diarrhea and weight loss.

I couldn't believe that it was the grain free, but the vet had me go back to feeding our previous formula (which contains just a bit of grain, no corn) and she returned to normal. Go figure!

Definitely read our articles on finding the best cat diet and ingredients to learn more.

As for the wet food, your vet is right on again! Canned is a great source of moisture and hydration for cats, plus it is so good for them to experience different flavors. Who wants to eat the same thing all the time?

Congratulations on your new boy! Send in a picture sometime, we love to meet new Coonies!

All The Best,
Carrie

(Update: EVO was discontinued in 2018)

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How much is too much for a male Maine Coon?

by: Schanda Tierney in St. Louis

Hello. I adopted a male kitten from a shelter about 8 months ago. Didn't even know what a Maine Coon was until the vet said I had one.

It wasn't so bad at first, because he couldn't jump high enough to reach the kitchen counter.

I hate feeding the other cats up there, but have not choice. Memphis is now so much bigger than the others and he jumps on the counter and eats whatever he can.

I have upped his serving to 3/4 of cup a day and continue to try to keep him out of his sisters' bowls.

I worry about just leaving it out for my cats. As cute as their chubby bellies are, I don't want them be be unhealthy. How much is too much for a growing male Maine Coon?

Thanks,
Schanda
St. Louis, MO

Reply:
Hi Schanda,

Good question. I can see how you are in a bit of a pickle, with the vet recommending that you measure the girls' meals.

I'm assuming he didn't restrict Memphis's diet? If he's on high-quality dry kibble, I don't see any reason why he can't free-feed. This tried-and-true method is used by many (including us).

The only thing to look out for, as he grows, is that big males sometimes eat too fast & then leave a mess somewhere.

As long as he doesn't gorge himself, and you're feeding him a nutritious diet, he should be fine to just eat till he's done, no measuring required.

This breed is known for having strong, robust bodies that are long and can handle their weight. They don't usually get overweight.

Your vet will alert you on one of your regular check-ups if you ever should start restricting his diet. I wouldn't expect it, though.

Great, high-quality formula that tries to mimic the nutritional value of a "natural diet" (ie. prey) shouldn't cause weight issues. Just as in the wild, cats hunt & eat as much as their bodies tell them to.

You may have to put him in another room during the ladies mealtime, though!

Thanks for sharing a photo of Memphis. He's a handsome boy! And he has an awesome name!

~Carrie

Comments:

Too much food...
My cats like to, like humans, graze. I always leave a bowl of kibble out along with a big pot of water which I change daily. They never have had a weight problem.

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I don't know how much to feed my Maine Coon kittens!

by: Janet in USA

I have 2 part Maine Coon kittens who are now almost 4 months old. I feed them hard food and soft canned which is what the adoption place told me to do.

By now since they are just about twice their original size (from 4 weeks ago) I am feeding them one can in the early afternoon and they share it in a nice size bowl and I always leave kibble in another large dish.

Then of course I have the 3rd large bowl where they both drink water from.

They beg, in their own squeaky way, for more, and all they need to see is me in the kitchen and they whine and whine but I am not giving in because I feel I am feeding them enough at least for their present weight.

Do you agree with me? I must admit fortunately they drink water all day long, something my former cat never had enough of.

It's funny because they will climb right into a somewhat empty refrigerator shelf oftentimes when I open it up. Seems like they will do anything for more soft food!

I'd appreciate everyone's opinion on this. Thank you!!

Reply:

Hi Janet,

I think you are doing everything right! Many cats and kittens just prefer canned food. If you "give in" every time, you may find yourself in a situation where they get picky!

As long as there is always some dry kibble available they won't go hungry!

Maine Coons can be a bit dramatic in this way! Our cats will cry as if they've been absolutely famished and it's so funny.

Then we feed them, they take a few bites, and they're back in the family room with us as if nothing happened.

Good luck with your little ones! They're so fun when they're small.

It'll be interesting to see what others have to say as well...

~Carrie

Comments:

OVERFEEDING - or not
by: JUDY

Hi there ! Buddy's co-owner back again!

A US Maine Coon site recommended a kitten under 6 months of age should be fed 5 times a day. Buddy is fed cooked chicken, canned food and usually eats 2 tablespoons of Royal Canin kibble in 24 hours.

Am I over feeding him? He's not great at drinking tho'. His water is replaced twice a day.

Alternatively, he's fed a helping of sardines, liver and lamb heart instead of the above.

Having read meat which has had electrical activity is better, so I read on a web site. I chose heart.

I tried to feed the heart raw - he wouldn't eat it. My husband is concerned I'm over-feeding him. What do you all think ?
Judy

4 month old kitten
by: Bobby

I was shocked to se how huge a 4 month old Maine Coon kitten is. I feed him kitty nibbles and he just loves it.

I free feed him, putting it in his food tray and always fill up the water tray as well because he just drinks too much water. 

I put fresh water in the morning and evening. and he is just so playful and kind. I have to relocate my Christmas tree because he has scattered all the ornaments in the house.

Now he has the whole ledge for himself, where the Christmas tree used to be.

I also bought 2 tennis balls for him to play. I have my walls half-way carpeted (I used tile carpets) for his scratching and playing. He looks like spider-man climbing on the wall... and i just love my kitty...

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