As far as the older kitty, receiving a kitten, it is all about the introductions. There is a common ‘myth’ that older cats don’t like kittens. It has not been our experience. And we are hard pressed to find our breeder families confirming this. It is all about the introduction. First impressions are lasting. In our personal experience, having a youngster (who is respectful of food, toys and sleep) brightens the older kitties. Just our experience. So, the key is to go very slowly. This is MUCH harder for humans than the cats whose life you are about to disrupt. The kitten is coming from a home surrounded by siblings, Aunties and Uncles. So having a new friend is not as big a deal for the newbie. Be patient and let them sniff each other under door jams.

Most new pet owners prefer to travel to us, but we have very reliable pet transport agents that either drive or fly your kitten to you. In general Maine Coon kittens will travel well. But the final arrangements will be discussed prior to letting your fur baby will be ready to leave.  

You have to live with a Maine Coon Cat to experience their unique personalities. And every cat has a unique personality. They are a definite presence in a home, not to be ignored. They truly improve the quality of your life in a very real way, providing a flood of affection to warm your heart and home. They are smart and become accustomed to routines and ensure they are part of them. Eventually their families ponder if they trained the cat or vice versa.

Our cats are part of the family. If the doorbell rings, they often asnwer it before their humans. They naturally assume they have visitors and of course, they’re correct. Maine Coon Cats are the centers of all parties and often display antics for the entertainment of the human audience. They learn tricks and will respond to their names—- when they are so inclined. Cats respond to positive reinforcement. They don’t respond to typical negative reinforcement, as used with dogs. Cats know they are correct and if you chastize them it is surely your error. However they have short attention spans and can be easily distracted from something they ought not to be doing with a new shiny object.

Males are typically larger than females and can weigh anything from 6kg – 12kg where females range from about 3kg – 5kg. But that can not be promised as each kitten develops differently. 

Recall kittens are just little babies. We keep them till 12-16 weeks at least, as will most reputable breeders. At their young age the kitten is still developing their immune system. Despite all efforts to provide socialization and interaction, travel to a new home is a major stressor for a little one. It is recommended, as hard as it is, to limit stimulus within their new home for the first day, or longer. Some breeders recommend limiting kittens to only one room for as long a week. Allow them to explore the small room with only a few people at a time, like a bathroom without places to hide. We realize it’s nearly impossible to wait. Regardless one of the first things you must do is show them is their litter box. Introduce new house-mate animals very very slowly, maybe even wait several days. The most friendly cats may find a new addition a threat to their reign. First impressions are a big deal to cats meeting each other for the first time. Kittens have been taught they are the center of the universe and are fearless. The current reigning king or queen of your house might have another opinion when a kitten wants to share dinner. Give the newbie their sleep area, water and some snacks and private litter box. They likely will rest after the journey, that to a kitten is HUGE deal. Allowing this rest time after all the stimulus is really helpful stress management. This “pause” in introducing to the new home is hard on the new human parents, but great for the new baby. Certainly stay with the little one and get to know one another, quietly and slowly. Carry them on walking tours of the home. Current animal residents will begin introducing themselves under door jams.

A note from our mentor Maine Love kittens are lovingly handled from the time they are born. By the age at which they go to their new homes they are used to being picked up and held, kissed, combed and bathed. They are used to loud noises such as hair-dryers, vacuums, the snap of a large plastic trash bag being opened, the neighbours re-modeling, etc. They are comfortable with children and dogs. They have been visited by ‘strangers.’ They are used to riding in the car, getting into a crate without a fuss and going to the vet (where they are the center of affectionate attention from all the employees – not just poked and prodded by the doctor). 

One thing we love about Maine Coons is their ability to play. If they are the dogs of the cat world they are also the Peter Pans. They act like kittens throughout their lives. As for toys, things that make noise & entice, like bells. Little waffle balls like golf balls with holes. Best deals are in golf sections (vs. animal areas) of stores like Target. Of course any box especially with paper packing. Hiding things in boxes is great fun. Coiled plastic springs are a big favourite (Takealot). Scratching boards/posts are absolutely critical. They will use these for “sharpening” nails, but are also instinctually marking territory. You must have an alternative to your furniture for scratching. Pet sections of most outlet stores have great options. Kittens and cats get bored with toys, like children, so keep rotating them to keep them entertained. The best “string” toys are “Neko” (RompiCatz) toys. They are expensive but the cats love them and they survive the test of time.

Cats love to have a place to observe their realm. And they like being eye-level with you or minimally watch what you’re doing. So high stools or short cat trees are welcome in kitchens . They are natural climbers, so cat trees are a necessity. They will get up and have a bird’s eye view somehow, even without a tree otherwise. So it is best to give them the device to climb of your choosing, lest they find their own objects to climb.

In general we urge a diet of as much wet food as possible. But little ones need the grain free kibble as a supplement. Wet food is the nearest to their natural diet. In the wild their diet is largely meat. They are obligate carnivores. If they eat grains or vegetables, it is because their prey had it for lunch. In general, any near, human quality food is good for a Maine Coon Cat. We recommend limiting seafood, despite their liking this. Mercury is in our seas and absorbed by deep sea fish. Shallow water, short lived fish is not a problem, like mackerel or sardines. Mercury cannot be metabolized by cats and is thought to contribute to cancer risk. Read labels of food. If there are many non-understandable words, don’t buy it. If products say “animal by-products” replace it on the shelf. Look for familiar words and the first ingredients ought to be those you understand.

None of these foods are the cheapest. But your Maine Coon deserves the best.

Two wet food feeds per day is recommended they love raw ostrich, chicken, giblets, chicken liver and chicken hearts. During the day make sure to place dry food all over your house, to start with we recommend Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten pallets for at least a year, thereafter you can move on the Royal Canin Maine Coon Adult pallets.