1. Grooming
• Brushing: Their long, thick fur requires brushing 2–3 times per week to prevent matting and tangles. Especially in period of shedding (spring and autumn usually)
• Bathing: Occasional baths can help manage shedding and keep their coat clean. But cats in general do not need bathing
• Nail Trimming & Ear Cleaning: Regular maintenance is needed to prevent infections and overgrowth. Good cat tree is useful to keep your maine coon's nails off your sofa
2. Diet & Nutrition
• High-Protein Diet: Feed high-quality wet and dry food with a focus on protein (chicken, turkey, or fish).
• Avoid Fillers: Avoid foods with excessive grains or artificial additives.
• Portion Control: Due to their size, they need more food than average cats, but obesity should be avoided.
There is more and more preference of Barf / Raw feeding, as cats are sole carnivores and balanced raw diet has the biggest benefits for their wellbeing. Though, it requires time for studying and creating the balanced meat mixture, storage freezer with -20 C temperature, and most of all trustworthy butchery with fresh meat and will to mince meat with bones.
The negative part of raw feeding is infection by bacterias like salmonella or parasitic infections. But even with the risk of feeding your MCO with raw, the benefits are much greater than disadvantages. Bear in mind, if you decide for the best option of feeding with raw, regular prevention of endoparasites is MUST.
3. Exercise & Mental Stimulation
• Active Cats: They love climbing, running, and exploring, so provide cat trees, scratching posts, and interactive toys.
• Leash Training: Many Maine Coons enjoy outdoor adventures if trained properly.
4. Health & Veterinary Care
• Common Health Issues:
• Hip Dysplasia (due to their large size)
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) (a common heart disease in cats)
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) (genetic kidney disorder)
• Regular Vet Visits: Annual check-ups help catch potential issues early.
Although breeders are trying to prevent genetic predisposition in breeding cat by testing them, there is always chance that aboved mentioned diseases may appear in MCO. Good diet will prevent taurin deficit which can offset HCM disease or dysplasia, for me balanced and carefully chosen diet is the basic rule for MCO owner. I always say, either you invest in quality feed or you will later on invest in your vet.
Living Environment
• Space: They adapt well to apartments but thrive in homes with more room to explore.
• Temperature: Their thick fur makes them cold-resistant, but they can overheat in very hot climates.
Lifespan & Commitment
• Lifespan: 12–15 years (some live longer with excellent care).
• Time & Effort: They require regular grooming, playtime, and attention but reward owners with deep affection and companionship.
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