Your Maine Coon Kitten, What to Expect

by Carrie Profenno: Author, lifelong Mainer & veteran Maine Coon owner

Are you adding a Maine Coon kitten to your family? What an exciting time!

When I was expecting my human children, I spent a lot of time reading the popular "what to expect when you're expecting" book.

I really think there should be a similar what to expect from your Maine Coon kitten resource!

Let's answer some common questions about your kitten's development, health care and grooming. There is so much to think about!

Make sure you've safety-proofed. A kitten can get into a lot of trouble! Also, there will be a trip to the pet store. Use our handy checklist to make sure you don't forget anything!

First days:

When you get home, it will be time to introduce the kitten. If you have other pets, you'll want to take care in this area.

This page deals with introducing a new kitten to the family, especially other pets. The key is to go slow.

What Should I Feed My Maine Coon Kitten?

Many people wonder if this cat breed has special diet concerns. Basically, just as with any cat breed, the better the food the better your kitten's health.

You'll want to start the kitten off on the same food he is used to from the breeder.

If you choose to change his food it can be done gradually over time, after he is all adjusted to his new home.

You will want to add just a little of the new food to the old, increasing the proportion of new to old a little more each day over a period of weeks.

To choose a new food, check the ingredients. Compare them against the information in Cat Food Ingredients, and make sure this is the best quality food you can find.

Over the lifetime of your new kitten, feeding him the highest quality food will repay itself in less vet trips, less tummy issues, less hairballs, and perhaps lessened risk of disease.

Top quality food equals a healthier, longer life for your kitten. There are many great kitten foods. You'll want to check the ingredients and maybe ask someone at the pet store for an opinion.

What Kind of Personality Can I Expect From a Maine Coon Kitten?

They don't even need catnip to turn into complete goofballs!

There are still random stories (more like urban legends) of huge, savage Maine Coons. This couldn't be further from the actual truth! I trust my Coons completely when it comes to my young children.

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I Have Allergies. Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic?

No, they are not hypoallergenic. There are a very few stories of allergic people being able to tolerate them, but this isn't something you can bank on.

There are a few known hypoallergenic cat breeds that people seem to do well with.

Whatever cat breed you choose, make sure to have a back-up plan in case your allergies are just too much.

What Kind of Health Care Will My Kitten Need?

He will probably be vet-checked before you get him. You'll want to set up an appointment with your vet for "kitten vaccinations."

There will be boosters, given at intervals when he's young. Then it will just be yearly check-ups.

Will My Maine Coon Kitten Get Along With My Other Pets?

The Maine Coon personality is so laid-back, loving and patient. They do get along well with other cats, with dogs, and just about anyone.

With that said, every pet is different and it will be up to the new owner to judge each temperament.

Should My Maine Coon Kitten Go Outside?

Should I Declaw My Maine Coon Kitten?

In a nutshell, no! Most emphatically, no. This procedure is becoming less popular and more widely understood.

As a result, it is being seen in a very negative light by animal lovers worldwide.

There is absolutely no reason you should ever need to declaw a Maine Coon. There is a whole section on it here: Cat Declawing Concerns

Will My Maine Coon Kitten Require Extensive Grooming?

Not too much. Their fur is not all one length, like a Persian. It is more shaggy.

The places where they might develop mats would be in the hindquarters, under the "armpits" or belly, and in the neck area.

A regular brushing routine, started young, should keep the mats at bay. Many Maine Coons absolutely adore this attention!

Life With a Maine Coon Kitten

Every day is an adventure waiting to happen for your kitten. From checking out the damp shower, to his first experiences with catnip, to swatting at flies on the screen, you'll be surprised at how entertaining he is.

When you get home in the evening, he will be front and center, ready for greetings. If you choose to let him sleep with you, you'll have a furry purring machine on your head all night.

Any time you sit down to take a moment to yourself, whether it's at the computer, to watch television, or read a book, your Maine Coon kitten will see that you have just taken a break from your day in order to give him some love.

This is the personality of the Maine Coon cat that you'll be graced with for many years to come!

Help Your Kitten Grow Up Happy and Confident!

Socialization is key to raising a happy, well-adjusted cat! Exposing your kitten to various people, sounds, and environments will help them grow up confident and relaxed.

Invite friends and family over to meet your little furball. The more your kitten interacts with different people, the more comfortable they’ll be around strangers as they grow.

If possible, have a well-behaved dog visit to help your kitten become accustomed to other animals.

Introduce them to household noises like the vacuum cleaner or the washing machine. This will help them get used to common sounds and reduce fear later on.

Touch and hold your kitten gently and frequently so they get used to being handled. This will make future vet visits and grooming sessions much easier.

Take your kitten on short trips outside their usual environment.

A quick visit to a friend’s house or an excursion in a safe, low-traffic neighborhood using a leash and harness can work wonders.

The more varied experiences you offer your Maine Coon kitten, the more adaptable and sociable they’ll become!

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