A cat tower or climbing tree is particularly important for Maine Coons for several reasons:
1. Exercise and Physical Activity. Maine Coons are large and active cats. A cat tower provides them with the opportunity to climb, scratch, jump and play, which helps keep them physically fit and prevents obesity.
2. Mental Stimulation. Maine Coons are intelligent cats that need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. A cat tower with various levels, hiding spots and toys can keep them engaged and mentally active.
3. Natural Instincts. Climbing and perching are natural behaviours for Maine Coons. A climbing tree allows Maine Coons to satisfy their instinctual need to climb and observe their environment from a high vantage point.
4. Territorial Needs. Maine Coons, like all cats, are territorial animals. A cat tower provides them with their own space where they can feel safe and secure.
5. Scratch Surfaces. Cat towers typically come with scratching posts, which are essential for maintaining a cat's claw health and for allowing Maine Coons to mark their territory in a non-destructive manner.
6. Social interaction. If you have multiple cats, a cat tower can facilitate social interactions and play, as well as provide them with individual spaces to retreat to when needed.
For the ultimate cat tree we recommend trees from RHRPets - see discount code, or you can obtain budget trees from the Bitiba Paradise tree range (always go for the xl or xxl ones)
A large litter box is important for Maine Coon cats for several reasons:
1. Size and Comfort: Maine Coons need a large litter box to provide them with enough space to move around comfortably, dig, and cover their waste. With their substantial size, a small litter box can lead to more litter being kicked out, creating a mess around the box. A larger, deeper box helps contain the litter more effectively.
2. Reducing Stress: Maine Coons can be very particular about their bathroom habits. A litter box that is too small can cause stress and discomfort, potentially leading to litter box avoidance and inappropriate elimination behaviours.
3. Hygiene and Health: A larger litter box can help maintain better hygiene. It provides more space for waste, making it less likely to overflow and easier to keep clean.
We recommend the Brit pet litter boxes (used with wood pellets only) as they will save you a small fortune in cat litter over the long run. You need to order the Maxi size.
Maine Coon kittens/ cats need a scratching post for several important reasons:
1. Claw Maintenance: Scratching helps Maine Coons shed the outer layers of their claws, keeping them sharp and healthy. Regular scratching can prevent overgrown and painful claws.
2. Territorial Marking: Cats have scent glands in their paws that release pheromones when they scratch. This helps them mark their territory and feel secure in their environment. Scent and sweat glands in between the pads of the feet mix to produce a unique smell. When claws are scraped down a surface, the scent is deposited and the combination of the mark, discarded claw husks and the smell provides a strong visual and scent message to other cats. Cats will often scratch vigorously in the presence of their owners or other cats as a sign of territorial confidence. If the scratched locations are widespread throughout the home, particularly around doorways and windows, then it is possible that your Maine Coon is signalling a general sense of insecurity.
3. Stress Relief: Scratching is a natural behaviour that helps cats relieve stress and frustration, it is also great exercise, helping Maine Coons stretch their muscles in their legs and back. Scratching posts often come with added features like climbing elements, perches, and attached toys. These provide mental and physical stimulation, keeping your Maine Coon entertained and reducing the likelihood of destructive behaviours due to boredom.
5. Preventing Furniture Damage: Without a designated scratching post, Maine Coons are likely to turn to furniture, carpets, and other household items to satisfy their scratching needs. A scratching post provides an appropriate outlet, helping to protect your belongings from damage. Tip: Put double sided adhesive patches where you don’t want them to scratch.
6. Make your scratching post attractive. Cat scratching posts must be at least as tall as the cat is when the cat is stretched to full height, up on his/her hind legs. Rub catnip onto the post when you get it, add new catnip every few weeks if necessary (please be aware catnip is only really effective after 7 months old and is only effective on 70% of cats) .
For the ultimate scratch posts we recommend the Natural Paradise Scratching Pillar, we also use a lot of the corner mounted scratching boards near doorways. The xxl premium scratching posts are good but very expensive.
Cleaning a Maine Coon's teeth is important for several key reasons:
1. Prevention of Dental Disease: Maine Coons are particularly prone to dental disease. Regular cleaning helps prevent common dental issues such as plaque buildup, tartar formation, gingivitis and bad breath. These conditions can lead to more severe problems like periodontal disease, which can cause pain, tooth loss, and systemic infections.
2. Overall Health: Dental disease can have a significant impact on a Maine Coon’s overall health. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and negatively affect vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
3. Pain and Discomfort: Dental problems can cause significant pain and discomfort, affecting your Maine Coon’s ability to eat and drink comfortably. It can also cause behavioral issues such as irritability, decreased appetite or reluctance to play. Regular cleaning can prevent the development of painful conditions.
4. Long-Term Cost Savings: Preventive dental care, including regular cleaning, can save money in the long run by reducing the need for expensive veterinary treatments and procedures for advanced dental diseases. It may also save you money on your insurance premiums if you don’t have to claim.
Regular Brushing your Maine Coon’s teeth regularly is one of the most effective ways to prevent gingivitis. Use a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. There are silicone toys available that you can fill with toothpaste for your cat to chew. You can also use these Dental Wand Toys to clean your Maine Coon’s teeth in a fun way! We will be posting a blog on these soon.
Metal dishes are really important for Maine Coons in order to prevent cat acne.
1. Hygiene and Durability: Metal dishes, particularly stainless steel, are non-porous and less likely to harbour bacteria compared to plastic dishes. Cat acne is often caused by bacterial infections that thrive in the pores and scratches of plastic dishes. Using metal dishes reduces the risk of these infections.
2. Allergen-Free: Some cats might have allergic reactions to the materials in plastic dishes, which can contribute to skin irritation and acne. Metal dishes are typically hypoallergenic and less likely to cause such reactions.
3. Ease of Cleaning: Metal dishes are easier to clean thoroughly and can withstand higher temperatures during washing, which helps kill bacteria and other pathogens. This ensures a more sanitary feeding environment for your Maine Coon.
4. Odor Resistance: Metal dishes do not retain odours the way plastic dishes can. Lingering food odours in plastic dishes can attract bacteria, contribute to poor hygiene and put your Maine Coon off their food. Metal dishes remain odour-free with proper cleaning.
5. Non-Toxic: Unlike some plastic dishes that might leach harmful chemicals into food and water, high-quality metal dishes are non-toxic and safe for cats.
At Mighty Kitty we use these metal dishes from Amazon, they are low sided to also help prevent whisker fatigue.
Maine Coon cats need a big bowl for water for several reasons:
1. Size and Drinking Style: Maine Coons substantial size means they often consume more water than smaller cats. A larger bowl accommodates their greater water intake and allows them to drink comfortably. A larger bowl also helps to prevent whisker fatigue, a condition where their sensitive whiskers become stressed from touching the sides of a small bowl.
2. Hydration Needs: Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining a Maine Coon's health. A larger water bowl ensures that there is always an adequate supply of fresh water available, encouraging consistent drinking and helping to prevent dehydration. It is particularly important to have a larger bowl when you have multiple cats to ensure adequate access to water.
3. Mess Prevention: Due to their size and sometimes playful nature, Maine Coons might splash or knock over smaller water bowls. A larger, heavier bowl is less likely to be tipped over, reducing spills and keeping the surrounding area dry (unfortunately it does mean more spillage if they decide to empty it with their paws!)
4. Cleanliness: A larger bowl can hold more water, which can help keep it cleaner for longer periods. It’s easier to maintain a fresh and clean water supply in a larger bowl, as there is more water to dilute any impurities or debris.
At Mighty Kitty we use really large ceramic dog bowls, even our male Maine Coons cannot tip these over. We also add colloidal silver (to kill off impurities in the water) and Plaqtiv to the water to aid teeth (and help prevent plaque).
Grooming equipment is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of a Maine Coon cat. Maine Coons have a dense, long coat in places that can easily become tangled and matted. Regular grooming prevent mats and tangles, which can be uncomfortable and painful for the cat. Maine Coons shed year-round, with increased shedding during seasonal changes. Using grooming tools like de-shedding brushes can help manage the shedding, reduce the amount of loose fur around the home and minimize hairballs.
Regular grooming also promotes skin health by helping to distribute natural oils throughout your Maine Coon's coat, promoting a healthy, shiny appearance. It also allows for early detection of skin issues, parasites, or injuries, which can be addressed promptly. Grooming sessions can strengthen the bond between the cat and the owner. It provides an opportunity for positive interaction and helps the cat become accustomed to being handled.
Essential Grooming Tools for Maine Coons
1. Slicker Brush: Useful for removing loose fur and preventing mats. It’s particularly effective on the dense undercoat of a Maine Coon.
2. Wide-Toothed Comb: Helps to detangle and remove any knots or mats gently. A comb with rotating teeth such as the Mikki combs can be especially effective.
3. Nail Clippers: Regular trimming of nails is important to prevent overgrowth and associated issues. At Mighty Kitty we find the safest to use are baby nail clippers.
4. De-matting tool. Provide a safe way of cutting hard to reach mats under armpits etc.
Please remember when bathing your Maine Coon to only use a specific cat shampoo as the ph levels of dog shampoos will not be right for your kitty.
A large cat carrier is essential for Maine Coons:
1. Adequate Space: You need enough space for them to move, turn around, and lie down comfortably without being cramped.
Some Maine Coons get stressed when confined in small spaces, especially during travel. A spacious carrier allows your Maine Coon to feel less confined and provides better ventilation which can help reduce anxiety and stress during trips.
2. Preventing Injury: A carrier that is too small can force your Maine Coon into unnatural positions, which can lead to discomfort or even injury. A larger carrier also allows for easier access when placing your cat inside or taking them out.
3. Room for Essentials: A large carrier can accommodate not only your Maine Coon but also essential items like a small blanket, toys, or even a portable litter box for longer trips. This can make the journey more comfortable for your cat.
4. Growing Room: A larger size ensures that the carrier will still be suitable as they grow to their full adult size, saving you from the need to purchase a larger carrier later on.
At Mighty Kitty we use a variety of carriers depending on need, these are the ones we recommend (please note these are not suitable for planes/ trains or ferries).
1. Exercise: Maine Coons are large and active cats that require regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone. Toys that encourage movement, such as feather wands, laser pointers, and balls, help them get the exercise they need. Cat wheels are another excellent device that provide a lot of exercise.
2. Preventing Obesity: Regular play helps burn calories and prevent obesity, a common health concern in larger breeds like Maine Coons. Puzzle toys encourage slow feeding and aid in preventing obesity whilst also reducing stress.
3. Coordination and Agility: Engaging with various toys helps Maine Coons develop and maintain their coordination and agility, which is important for their overall physical health.
4. Intellectual Engagement: Maine Coons are known for their intelligence and curiosity. Puzzle toys, interactive feeders, and toys that mimic hunting can keep them mentally stimulated, prevent boredom, stress and behavioural issues.
5. Bonding: Engaging in play with their human companions strengthens the bond between Maine Coons and their owners. This interaction is essential for their emotional health and can help build trust and companionship.
6. Hunting and Predatory Behaviour: Maine Coons have strong hunting instincts. Toys that simulate prey, such as moving or squeaking toys, allow them to engage in natural predatory behaviours.
7. Interaction with Other Pets: If you have multiple pets, enrichment activities and toys can facilitate positive interactions and play between them. This is particularly important for Maine Coons, which are generally sociable and enjoy the company of other animals.
Remember to rotate the toys often to keep the games interesting. Never leave your Maine Coon kitten or cat unsupervised with toys which might be shredded or eaten, or cause entanglement, and check toys regularly for signs of wear, replacing when appropriate. Never leave Maine Coon kittens alone with feather toys – if they chew them they can get bits stuck in their throat. Do not allow a kitten to play unsupervised with wool, string or thread, and beware of sewing needles and pins – Maine Coon kittens have been known to swallow thread with these still attached. Take care that toys, or parts of them, cannot be swallowed.
On the right are some of our favourite toys at Mighty Kitty.
Having insurance for Maine Coons is important for several reasons, given the unique characteristics and potential health issues associated with this breed:
1. Maine Coons are prone to certain genetic and health issues, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), hip dysplasia, luxating patella, dental disease and polycystic kidney disease (PKDef) amongst others. These conditions can require expensive diagnostics, treatments, and ongoing care.
2. Dental care can be costly over the lifetime of a Maine Coon. MAKE SURE YOUR INSURANCE COVERS DENTAL as many policies don’t! Accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen at any time. Emergency veterinary care can be very expensive, especially out of hours treatment.
3.Pet insurance allows you to plan and budget for your pet's healthcare costs. By paying a monthly premium, you can avoid the financial strain of unexpected large veterinary bills. Insurance can cover the ongoing costs of managing chronic conditions, which are not uncommon in Maine Coons. To cover these year after year you need a lifetime policy.
4. With insurance, you are more likely to take your Maine Coon for regular check-ups, leading to early detection and treatment of health issues. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and reduce overall treatment costs.
5. Major surgeries, diagnostic tests and hospital stays can cost thousands of pounds.
Insurance for Maine Coons is a crucial investment due to their susceptibility to certain health issues, the potential for high veterinary costs, and the peace of mind it provides. By having insurance, you can ensure that your Maine Coon receives the best possible care without financial stress, enabling a longer, healthier, and happier life for your beloved cat.