The bite marks on my arm are telling me I need to write this post for my blog. My daughter and son-in-law have a half breed Maine Coon. It is normal size. Usually, a Maine Coon can make an ordinary cat bed look like it was designed for a kitten. With their big paws, bushy tails, and shaggy coats, these cats are beautiful and definitely bring a lot of personality into a home. They also need room to stretch, regular help with grooming, and daily opportunities to play. If you’re bringing one home or wondering how to make life better for the one already on your couch, here’s where to start.
Make room for a big cat
Choose a litter box with enough room for your Maine Coon to turn around, dig, and squat comfortably. A roomy carrier and a scratching post tall enough for a full-body stretch are worth having, too. If you buy a cat tree, look for a broad base and platforms large enough for your cat to settle onto. A perch beside a window gives your cat a place to watch birds, passing cars, and whatever else counts as neighborhood news. My daughter has all of these throughout her house. First there is the litter box. It is one of those that they say is touchless. Second are the cat trees and scratching posts. She has both. And who needs a perch when you have a glass window in your front door. Both the cat and her twins can look outside and sightsee whenever they want.
Get ahead of tangles
Every long-hair cat breed needs to be combed and cared for. Start by combing your Maine Coon or other long-haired breed two or three times a week, then adjust the intervals based on how easily the coat tangles. Pay particular attention behind the ears, under the front legs, and around the hindquarters. Keep sessions short if your cat gets restless. They will let you know. You can do one section today and another tomorrow. If you find a tight mat close to the skin, it might be a great idea to ask a groomer or veterinary professional for help removing it safely.
Feed for a healthy weight
Choose a complete and balanced cat food suited to your cat’s life stage, and measure meals so you know how much your cat eats. A Maine Coon’s thick coat can make gradual weight gain easy to miss. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to feel the ribs and assess body condition at home. Always keep fresh water available, and if your cat likes drinking from the faucet, a fountain may be just what it needs.
Set aside time to play
Try a wand toy that moves like prey, a ball your cat can chase down the hallway, or a puzzle feeder filled with part of its day’s food ration. My youngest daughter has two cats in her apartment. She has a cat toy on a loop that they can use for entertainment. Let your cat catch the wand toy occasionally. Half the fun is getting to pounce on something. Many Maine Coons also enjoy being near their people. They want attention. (I’ve got the bite marks to prove it) A bed beside your desk can give your cat a comfortable place to keep you company.
Keep up with veterinary care
Maine Coons can be predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that thickens the heart muscle. At a routine visit, ask your veterinarian about your cat’s family history and whether any heart screening makes sense. If you’re getting a kitten, ask the breeder what heart screening the parents have had and request the results.
Pay attention to how your own cat uses the home. The sunny perch may win out over the fancy bed, and a five-minute game after dinner may become the part of the day your Maine Coon looks forward to most. You’ll probably know when it’s time to play. Your cat will already be waiting.
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