Care guide
Caring for a Maine Coon
Large, long-coated and deeply social. Here is what daily life with one honestly involves.
01
Grooming
A Maine Coon's semi-long coat needs two to three sessions a week — more during seasonal moult.
- Use a steel comb before a slicker brush — it finds tangles the brush glides over.
- Britches, armpits and the ruff mat first. Check them weekly, without exception.
- Never bathe a matted coat; water tightens knots.
02
Nutrition
Slow growth to full size takes four years. High-protein, portion-aware feeding protects joints.
- Maine Coons reach full size at three to four years. Steady growth protects joints.
- Wet food supports urinary health; free-feeding dry food rarely suits a large-framed cat.
- Wide, shallow bowls prevent whisker fatigue.
03
Exercise
Large, athletic and clever. Wand play, climbing shelves and leash walks keep them thriving.
- Twenty minutes of wand play, twice daily, keeps weight and boredom in check.
- Vertical territory matters more than floor space — sturdy shelving beats a wobbly tower.
- Many take happily to harness walks if introduced patiently.
04
Health
Screening for HCM and hip dysplasia matters. Every cat leaves us vetted, chipped and neutered.
- Ask about HCM screening, hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy history.
- Dental disease is common and under-diagnosed; annual oral exams are essential.
- Sudden lethargy in a large cat is urgent, not a mood.
05
Enrichment
Puzzle feeders, running water, window perches and conversation — they are famously interactive.
- Puzzle feeders and foraging toys occupy a famously clever mind.
- Running water fountains are widely preferred over still bowls.
- They are conversational cats. Answer them — it genuinely matters.