Bringing a new cat into your home is one of the great joys in life – for them and for you! But it’s important to be well-informed and well-prepared before you roll out the welcome mat (and scratchpad). The more you learn in advance, the sooner you can relax. You will enjoy the warm and fuzzy feelings from your cat.
Section 1: What to Consider Before You Get a Maine Coon Cat
Cats are a good fit in many households – in fact, they’re the world’s most popular household pet (Bradshaw, 2013). Still, you’ll need to consider whether a cat is a good fit in your specific household.
This means discussing things with your family. Make sure everyone agrees.
You need to have the time, budget, and space to give a cat the quality of life it deserves.
Cat Allergies? What Hypoallergenic Breeds to Look For
If cat allergies affect your choice, here’s some good news and some bad news. No such thing as a “hypoallergenic cat” exists.
However, some breeds may cause fewer allergic reactions for many people (Roth, 2021)
There are A few ways to reduce your allergenic response. You can learn more about cat allergies and less allergen-prone breeds here.
Section 2: Preparing Your Home For Your Maine Coon Cat
To help your cat settle in quickly at home, you need to prepare a few things first. This will make them feel comfortable and safe in their new space.
How to Kitten Proof Your Home
How amazing are the small and surprising places a kitten can get into! It can truly catch you off guard if you’ve never had a cat before!
To keep your kitten’s exploration fun and stress-free, prepare your home before they arrive. Make sure to kitten-proof your space.
Looking at your home from a cat’s point of view is important. Move any dangerous items out of reach. Block off unsafe areas or spots that you can’t easily access.
What Supplies Do Maine Coon Cat Owners Need?
Prior to bringing your cat home, make sure you’ve got all the supplies you need to give them the pampering they deserve. Settle on a brand of cat food and purchase enough to last at least a couple of weeks.
You’ll also want to buy a sturdy scratching post and a cozy bed. This will help your new cat feel at home. It may also keep them from scratching your favorite rugs and furniture. You might want to cover any cherished items until you understand their scratching habits.
Cat toys are a must as well – particularly because playing with your cat is a terrific way to begin to form a bond. Creating a good litter box routine is important for you and your cat.
During snuggle time, you can squeeze in a casual grooming session with your kitty. The best comb we have found is the Chris Christiansen butter comb, you won’t need anything more.
Grooming cat can be a part of your daily bonding time. Regular brushing can be soothing for them and relaxing to you. You can sneak in a quick nail clipping of your cat’s claws in there, make sure you grab the nail clipper and put in your pocket before you start.
Combing can reduce health problems and stop hairball vomiting, it’s always a good idea to groom your Maine Coon.
If possible, involve a family member in your cat’s grooming routine. Sharing the responsibility makes the load lighter. It also helps your cat become accustomed to being handled by different people.
This can be particularly beneficial for socializing kittens or helping older cats maintain their comfort with human interaction. By taking turns, each family member can add their own touch to the grooming session. This makes it a special bonding experience for everyone. Plus, it’s an excellent way for everyone to learn about proper pet care and the specific needs of your Maine Coon.
New Cat Shopping List
- Maine Coon sized Bed
- Cute Collar
- ID Tags
- Leashes if you plan to walk outside
- Maine Coon Cat Food
- Food Bowl
- Running Fountain or Water Bowl
- Large Maine Coon Sized Litter Box
- Self Cleaning Litter Box. We use the popur.
- Poop Scoop
- Scratching Post
- Toys
- Butter Comb by Chris Christiansen
- Nontoxic Cleaning Supplies
Section 3: Raising and Caring for Your Cat
Research shows that cats are more self-sufficient than dogs. (No offense to any dogs reading this.)
But cats still need plenty of love and attention to flourish! Some elements of cat care take place on a daily basis, while others are monthly or yearly. And your cat’s stage of life will also dictate much of what they need from you, as young kittens and senior cats tend to both require more TLC.
How to Raise a Maine Coon Kitten
Young kittens need a lot of care. They are just starting learning about the world.
Each day, they grow and develop a little more. This means plenty of supervision and playtime. It also means regular trips to the vet for checkups, shots, and vaccinations during their first year.
You might want to enroll your new furry friend in a cat wellness plan. Pets Best has options that can help you pay for regular checkups as your kitten grows. And they grow up so fast! If you are thinking about fostering a kitten for adoption, there are some important things to consider.
Cat Grooming
Cats spend up to half their day grooming themselves. This might seem a bit much at first. However, they always look neat and clean.
Still, they actually do benefit from human help in the grooming department as well. Both short and long-hair cats need regular combing, and owners should provide more frequent maintenance for long-hair cats. Your cat will also need to have their nails trimmed regularly.
Many professional pet grooming salons are available. However, with some patience and knowledge, you can handle most cat grooming at home. These cat grooming tips will go a long way towards making it a positive experience for both you and your kitty. If you groom them well enough, they may even try to return the favor!
Cat Grooming Tools
Slicker brush: Good for all types of fur, has metal tines, so be careful not to injure a cat’s skin.
Molting comb: Good for all types of fur, particularly long-haired cats and has two lengths of pins to detangle and prevent mats.
Bristle brush: Best for cats with short or sleek hair and a good finishing brush for long-haired cats. Brushing your cat if it has long hair will not help with de-matting.
Rubber brush: This brush is great for nervous cats. The rubber teeth massage their skin and stimulate oils. It also removes loose hair, especially for cats that shed a lot.
Pin brushes: Good for all cats, helps remove tangles and prevents mats, particularly good for cats with medium and long-hair.
Grooming comb: Use this to untangle knots in all cats. For long-haired and thick fur, choose a comb with wide spaces between the teeth. For short-haired cats, use a comb with narrow spaces between the teeth.
Section 4: Cat Health
Much like your own health, the “health” of your cat is actually measured and maintained in a wide variety of ways. Finding medical problems early is important. A good diet, regular check-ups, and staying active keep them happy and healthy.
Healthy Maine Coon Diet:
The Best Food for Your Maine Coon Kitten A Personal Perspective on Maine Coon Nutrition
Types of Cat Food Pros and Cons of Dry cat Foods, Usually least expensive option. Contains least moisture, may be less enticing to cats. Generally has highest carbohydrate content.
Canned Foods Contain around 75% moisture. Made primarily from meat. So many choices in pet food nowadays make it confusing for pet parents. Just remember to incorporate wet cat food into their diets daily.
Feeding your cat the perfect food for him or her can take a little studying and testing. kittens nutritional needs are different from adult cats’. Raw food offers different types of food too.
Often the most expensive option. Can become rancid once opened and requires refrigeration.Semi-Moist FoodContains around 35 percent moisture. It may cost less than canned food but more than dry food. It often has preservatives and carbohydrates like cereals or grains.
Exercising & Keeping Your Indoor Cat Healthy
Playing with your cat is a key way to bond with them. You should also provide cat toys. These toys let your cat play on their own.
After you have done everything to keep your cat healthy and happy, the last step is to prepare for unexpected problems. This is where cat insurance is helpful.
Pets Best provides affordable coverage for both expected and unexpected cat health problems. We are here to help you choose a plan. With the right insurance coverage, caring for your cat can be a worry-free financial decision!
What to Do if Your Maine Coon kitten Has an Emergency
Vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, and physical injuries are all serious problems. They need immediate attention from a vet.
Call your vet! If your cat has an emergency when your regular vet is closed, call an emergency vet.
Keeping your local vet and emergency vet clinic’s phone numbers visible at home is a good idea. This way, anyone caring for your cat can find them easily and quickly. Pets Best offers a 24/7 emergency pet helpline, included with every Pets Best policy at no extra cost.
Section 5: Cat Behavior
Your kitty’s funny actions and habits will surely make you laugh every day. Who knows, they might even become a social media star when they grow up! But while much of their behavior may seem purely humorous, they could also be sending you important signals.
Common Cat Behaviors
You might know about cat activities like grooming and purring. However, owning a cat lets you see more unique behaviors. These include kneading, which people also call “making biscuits,” and loud or strange meowing. This way, you will be ready for anything your cat does.
Ongoing Healthcare for Your Cat
We hope you’re feeling prepped and ready to bring home a new feline friend! If you have additional questions about owning and caring for a cat, please check out the Bellspurr blog. And to find the right insurance plan for them, get a pet insurance quote here.