1. Pre-Arrival Setup
Pro Tip: Prepare a quiet safe room (spare bedroom or office). It speeds adjustment and protects your kitten while they learn your home.
✓
Small space with door; hide-spots (covered bed or cardboard cave)
✓
Food & water stations separated from litter by 6–8 ft
✓
Low-sided litter pan (unscented clumping litter) + mat
✓
Scratching options: vertical post (30"+) and horizontal pad
✓
Warm bedding; soft blanket with familiar scent (we send one)
✓
Interactive toys put away after play; safe chews only
✓
Room balanced between stimulation and calm—no loud TV
2. The First 72 Hours
Expect gradual exploring. Keep doors and windows closed and other pets separated. Go slow with early introductions.
Day 1: Unbox in safe room. Litter, water, a small meal. Keep visits short and gentle.
Day 2: Short play sessions (feather wand). Maintain same food & litter we used.
Day 3: Begin brief, positive introductions to other pets through a cracked door or gate.
We send weekly pictures while kittens grow at our cattery. For biosecurity, no home visits or in-person meetings occur until after first vaccinations.
3. Feeding & Nutrition
Maine Coons mature slowly (up to 3–4 years). For the first year, prioritize complete, growth-labeled nutrition with adequate animal protein and moisture.
| Age |
What & How Often |
Notes |
| 8–12 weeks |
3–4 small meals/day; mix of wet + quality kitten kibble |
Keep the same brands for the first 10–14 days; change slowly if needed. |
| 3–6 months |
3 meals/day; fresh water at 2+ stations |
Introduce puzzle feeders; avoid rapid free-feeding if weight climbs. |
| 6–12 months |
2–3 meals/day; kitten formula |
Transition to young-adult at ~12–15 months if body condition is ideal. |
| 12+ months |
Adult maintenance; 2 meals/day + wet |
For large frames, a high-quality all-life-stages diet is often appropriate. |
Avoid: onions, garlic, grapes/raisins, chocolate, xylitol, cooked bones, and highly seasoned human foods.
4. Litter Training & Hygiene
Start with the same unscented clumping litter used here; place the pan where it's quiet and always accessible.
Scoop daily; full change weekly. Use enzyme cleaner for accidents—never bleach with ammonia.
Large framed cats appreciate larger pans (at least 1.5× body length) as they grow.
5. Grooming, Nails, Ears & Teeth
Brush 2–3× weekly (slicker + wide comb). Increase during seasonal sheds.
Trim nails every 10–14 days; reward with treats to build positive associations.
Check ears weekly; clean gently with vet-approved ear cleaner on cotton rounds (never swabs deep in canal).
Begin tooth-brushing habit early with feline enzymatic toothpaste; aim for 3× weekly.
6. Veterinary Care, Vaccines & Insurance
Follow your vet's schedule for core vaccines and parasite prevention.
Spay/neuter timing is set with your veterinarian based on growth and health.
Insurance: We include one free month of pet insurance through Trupanion. Enrollment details are provided at pickup.
Health Guarantee: Guarantee terms are inside the contract you receive from us.
7. Socialization, Enrichment & Training
Daily interactive play (10–15 minutes) with a wand toy; end with a small meal to satisfy hunting cycle.
Provide vertical territory (tall cat tree 60"+) and window perches.
Leash training is optional; use a secure H-style harness and practice indoors first.
Use positive reinforcement—clicker, treats, praise—to teach sit, come, and carrier love.
8. Home Safety, Toxic Items & Travel
Secure windows, cords, and recliners; block appliance access (washer/dryer).
Common toxic plants: lilies (all varieties), philodendron, pothos, dieffenbachia.
Travel in a hard or airline-approved soft carrier; include a familiar blanket.
9. Complete Supplies Checklist
✓
Quality kitten food (wet + dry), stainless bowls, water fountain
✓
Low-sided litter pan → large pan as they grow; unscented clumping litter
✓
Carrier, brush/comb set, nail clippers, enzymatic toothpaste & brush
✓
Cat tree (60"+), scratch post (tall & sturdy), toys, puzzle feeder
✓
Enzyme cleaner, pet-safe wipes, microfiber blankets
10. When to Call the Vet
Lethargy, refusal to eat >24 hours, repeated vomiting/diarrhea
Labored breathing, pale gums, bloated/distended abdomen
Straining to urinate, or no urine output
Any sudden behavior change that worries you
