Maine Coon Care:

Guidelines for Owners

Everything You Need to Know About Your Maine Coon’s Health, Nutrition, Grooming, and Well-Being
Guide for Future Owners Key Recommendations
The key recommendations are provided in Appendices to Contract No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4.
These documents contain detailed explanations and practical advice to help you better understand the terms of the contract and follow the established rules.
You may:
Download the Appendices View Online
APPENDIX 2 (download) APPENDIX 3 (download) APPENDIX 4 (download)
Guide for Future Owners of a Maine Coon Kitten
1. Preparing for Your Kitten’s Arrival
Resting Area
Choose a quiet, calm corner in your home where you can place a bed or soft cat house. Make sure the area is protected from drafts and direct sunlight.
Litter Box and Toilet Area
Purchase high-quality litter without strong odors. Place the litter box in a quiet but accessible location, away from food and water bowls.
Food and water bowls
Ceramic or metal bowls are preferred (easy to clean and do not retain odors). Place the bowls a little apart from each other so that food does not mix with water.
Scratching post
The Maine Coon is a large breed, so it needs a stable and sufficiently tall scratching post.
Train the kitten by gently guiding its paws to the scratching surface.
Safety
Keep fragile items, wires, small objects, and hazardous substances (household chemicals, medications) out of reach. Close windows or equip them with protective screens to prevent the kitten from falling.
2. Nutrition
Food
The EkellinFi cattery recommends continuing the food the kitten is accustomed to from the breeder. If you plan to change the diet, do so gradually by mixing the new food with the old over 7–10 days.
Feeding schedule
In the first months, the kitten should be fed 4–5 times a day. Over time, the number of feedings can be reduced to 2–3 times a day.
Water
The kitten should always have access to fresh, clean water. Change the water at least once or twice a day.
3. Health and Vaccination
Initial Check-Up
It is recommended to take the kitten to a veterinarian for a general check-up within the first 2–3 days after arrival.
Vaccination Schedule
Check with the breeder which vaccinations have already been given, and follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian. Make sure to give booster shots on time.
Parasite Prevention
Regularly treat your kitten for fleas and worms according to the schedule recommended by your veterinarian.
4. Grooming and Hygiene
Brushing
Maine Coons have long, thick fur, so brush it 2–3 times a week. Introduce the grooming gradually and gently to avoid creating negative associations for the kitten.
Bathing
Bathe your kitten only when necessary (e.g., heavy dirt or veterinarian’s recommendation). Use shampoos specifically formulated for kittens.
Nail Care
Trim the claws as needed, cutting only the very tip (avoiding the “quick”). If you’re unsure how to do it correctly, ask a veterinarian or professional groomer to demonstrate.
Ear and Eye Cleaning
Check the ears and eyes for dirt or discharge. If needed, gently wipe them with a cotton pad moistened with a special cleaning solution. If you notice redness, excessive discharge, or an unpleasant odor, consult a veterinarian.
5. Adaptation and Behavior
The First Days
Do not scare the kitten with loud noises; give it time to calmly explore the house. If the kitten hides, do not pull it out by force—let it come out on its own when it feels safe.
Playtime and Leisure
Maine Coons are active and intelligent cats, so they need toys (balls, wand toys, interactive sets). Play with the kitten daily, but make sure to give it plenty of time for rest and sleep.
Interaction with Children
Explain to children how to handle the kitten gently: they should not drop it, pull its tail, or tug its whiskers. Show them the correct way to pet and hold the kitten.
6. Adapting to Other Pets
(If you already have other cats)
Separate spaces for the first few days
Separate spaces for the first days. Ideally, provide the new kitten with a separate room so it can settle in calmly, feel safe, and get used to the new scents. During this time, your existing cat(s) can also get accustomed to the “newcomer’s” scent through doors, your hands, toys, or bedding.
Gradual introduction
After a few days, once the kitten feels more confident, allow the cats to see each other under supervision. If you hear hissing or growling, do not punish them — this is their way of communicating. Simply separate them into different rooms and try again later.
Shared territory
Do not rush to force the animals to become friends. Let the introduction happen naturally. Each animal should have its own space for resting and eating to avoid conflicts.
7. Adapting to Other Pets
(If you have a dog)
First meeting under supervision
During the first few days, the kitten and the dog should stay in separate rooms or have clearly divided areas. When it’s time for a “face-to-face” introduction, keep the dog on a leash (especially if it’s large or very active). Let the pets sniff each other first through a gate, carrier, or baby gate.
Calm atmosphere
If the dog becomes overly excited, redirect its attention to a toy or a command to help lower its arousal. Try to remain confident and calm yourself, as your emotions are communicated to the animals.
Gradual introduction
Increase the time spent together only when both sides remain calm. Reward friendly reactions (such as sniffing without aggression or staying calm nearby) with treats or affection. If one of the pets becomes nervous or shows aggression, stop the interaction and return to a safer stage of introduction.
8. Contacts and consultations
Cattery EkellinFI
We are always available and ready to help with advice. If you have any questions about your kitten’s nutrition, health, or behavior, feel free to contact us directly.
Veterinary clinic
In advance, find and write down the contacts of the clinics nearest to you, including their opening hours and emergency numbers.
9. Useful tips
Maintain your kitten’s usual daily routine.
For the first period, try to avoid noisy events and not invite many guests, so as not to overwhelm the kitten with stress.
Monitor behavior and health.
Pay attention to appetite, stool, and activity level. At the first signs of poor health (lethargy, refusal to eat, diarrhea, vomiting), contact a veterinarian.
Create a supply of toys and scratching posts.
The Maine Coon is a curious and active breed that requires both mental and physical stimulation.
Routine veterinary visits
Have preventive check-ups at least once every six months or as recommended by your veterinarian.
Communicate with the cattery
Share your successes and questions: at EkellinFI cattery, we are always ready to offer advice and delighted to see your Maine Coon grow!
Key recommendations
Care, feeding, and housing recommendations
The Maine Coon is one of the largest cat breeds, known for its friendly and balanced temperament. They are ideal for family life due to their attachment to people, tolerance of children, and ability to get along with other pets.
These cats are highly socially adaptable but require attention and care. Maine Coons enjoy observing their surroundings from a height, so it is important to provide them with access to scratching posts, stands, or shelves. They are also active, intelligent, and playful, making them wonderful companions. Without proper attention and interaction, they can experience stress.
Care for kittens and adult cats
Key recommendations