Kitten Care Guide

Welcome to Your New Maine Coon Family Member!

Bringing home a Maine Coon kitten is an exciting experience! We want to help you give your new kitten the best possible start in their new home.

Here are some simple tips to keep your kitten happy, healthy, and comfortable.

1. Preparing Your Home

Before your kitten arrives, make sure you have everything ready:

• Food and water bowls

• A large litter box and cat litter

• A comfortable bed or cozy sleeping area

• A scratching post or cat tree

• Toys for daily playtime

• A secure pet carrier

 

For the first few days, we recommend giving your kitten a quiet space where they can feel safe and get used to their new surroundings.

2. Feeding & Nutrition

Good nutrition is especially important for growing Maine Coons.

We recommend feeding a high-quality kitten food that provides the nutrients needed for healthy growth.

Our kittens are accustomed to Royal Canin kitten food, along with wet food.

Our feeding recommendations:

• Offer wet food approximately 2–3 times a day, depending on your kitten's age and appetite.

• Fresh dry kitten food can be available throughout the day if this suits your kitten's feeding routine.

• Always follow the feeding guidelines and adjust portions as your kitten grows.

• Avoid sudden changes in food. Introduce any new food gradually over 7–10 days.

• Avoid giving your kitten cow's milk, cooked bones, or seasoned human food.

Maine Coons grow slowly and may continue developing for several years. A balanced diet is important during their growth.

3. Fresh Water

Your kitten should always have access to clean, fresh drinking water.

• Change the water at least once a day, or more often if needed.

• Wash water bowls regularly.

• Place water away from the litter box.

• Consider a cat water fountain. Many cats enjoy drinking from moving water.

Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are good options because they are easy to clean.

4. The First Days at Home

Moving to a new home can be stressful, even for a friendly and confident kitten.

Some kittens start exploring immediately, while others need a little more time.

Let your kitten explore at their own pace. Avoid forcing attention or introducing too many new people at once.

If you have other pets, introduce them slowly and supervise their first interactions.

It's normal for a kitten to be a little shy at first. However, if your kitten refuses food, seems unusually weak, or develops concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

5. Litter Box Care

Our kittens are litter box trained before joining their new families.

To help them continue their good habits:

• Keep the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible area.

• Scoop waste daily and clean the box regularly.

• Choose a spacious litter box, as Maine Coons grow into large cats.

• For multiple cats, a good general guideline is one litter box per cat, plus one extra.

If your kitten suddenly stops using the litter box, consult your veterinarian to rule out a medical problem.

6. Grooming & Hygiene

Maine Coons have beautiful coats that need regular care.

Brushing: Brush your kitten several times a week to help prevent tangles and mats. Pay special attention to the belly, chest, and areas behind the ears.

Nail Trimming: Check your kitten's nails regularly and trim them as needed, usually every 2–4 weeks.

Ear Care: Check the ears occasionally. Clean only when necessary, using a cat-safe product recommended by your veterinarian.

Dental Care: Start introducing gentle toothbrushing while your kitten is young. Use toothpaste made specifically for cats.

Bathing: Regular baths are usually not necessary unless your cat gets particularly dirty or your veterinarian recommends one.

7. Veterinary Care & Vaccinations

Your kitten's health is always a priority.

We recommend scheduling a veterinary examination within 72 hours of arrival, as outlined in our adoption agreement.

After that:

• Keep your kitten's vaccinations up to date according to your veterinarian's schedule.

• Discuss deworming and parasite prevention with your veterinarian.

• Schedule routine wellness examinations at least once a year for healthy adult cats.

• Kittens need more frequent veterinary visits during their first year for vaccinations and growth checks.

• Ask your veterinarian about dental health, nutrition, and weight management.

Contact a veterinarian promptly if your kitten experiences repeated vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, unusual weakness, or a significant change in appetite or behavior.

8. Playtime & Exercise

Maine Coons are intelligent, playful, and curious cats.

Daily playtime helps keep them physically active and mentally stimulated.

We recommend interactive toys, scratching posts, climbing trees, and puzzle feeders.

Make sure cat trees and climbing furniture are sturdy enough for a growing Maine Coon.

Always supervise play with strings, ribbons, or small objects that could be swallowed.

9. Indoor Safety

We recommend keeping your Maine Coon indoors or allowing outdoor time only in a secure catio or with appropriate supervision.

Keep toxic plants, medications, cleaning products, and small objects out of reach.

Make sure windows and balconies are secure, and be careful with doors when entering or leaving your home.

10. Our Favorite Products

Not sure what to buy for your new kitten?

We've put together a collection of products we recommend, including food, litter boxes, grooming tools, toys, and other Maine Coon essentials.

Explore Our Favorites →

We hope these tips help you and your new Maine Coon enjoy a happy and healthy life together!

With love,

Santolicat Cattery