New Owner's Guide to Maine Street Coons Kitten Care

Prepare for your kitten's arrival with this simple, step-by-step guide.

• Book early: Vet clinics can be busy.
• Find a feline-friendly vet: Use this tool or check for Trupanion billing vets to simplify claims.

2 Weeks Before: Set Up a Safe Space

Create a cozy room with:

• Carrier, mom-scented blanket, bed
• Food, water fountain (away from litter box)
• Litter box with Dr. Elsey's Kitten Attract litter
• Scratching post and toys

Avoid hazards: Exposed cords, toxic plants, open windows, or small objects like strings.

1 Day Before: Activate Trupanion Insurance

• Free 30-day coverage: Activate using the toll-free number and breeder code.
• Lifetime policy required: Protect your kitten from unexpected health costs.

Pickup Day Checklist:

• Bring your kitten's carrier.
• Have cash for the final balance.
• Leave young children at home for a smoother process.

At Home: Food & Nutrition

• Dry food: Royal Canin Kitten available at all times.
• Wet food: One can daily.
• Probiotics: Sprinkle Proviable Forte over meals for the first 10 days.

Days 1-3: Bonding Time

• Spend quiet time in the safe space.
• Use interactive toys for play.
• Avoid using hands for play to encourage good habits.

First Vet Visit (Within 72 Hours)

• Bring health records and vaccination certificates.
• Discuss the pros and cons of the feline leukemia vaccine with your vet.

Spay/Neuter (9-12 Months)

• Required by contract.
• Delayed spay/neuter reduces health risks like hip issues.

Grooming Tips:

• Weekly baths for kittens; every 4–6 weeks for adults.
• Daily combing prevents tangles and mats.

Toxic Foods to Avoid:

• Onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, alcohol, and more.

Lifetime Support:

We’re here for you! Contact us anytime for advice on nutrition, behavior, or health.

Your Maine Street Coons kitten comes with 30 days of free health coverage through Trupanion. We have emailed or texted you a brochure with details about your 30-day free pet insurance coverage policy with  instructions to activate it using our offer code.

• Please call the toll-free number in the brochure the day before pick-up to activate your kitten’s policy. Be sure to provide the Breeder Activation code included in the brochure. We do not release kittens without an active policy in place.

Our purchase agreement requires you to maintain this policy for your cat’s lifetime.  While we’ve taken every precaution to minimize genetic health risks, life is unpredictable. Maintaining this policy ensures no cat from our cattery is ever euthanized for financial reasons. For questions about coverage, Trupanion’s customer service team is happy to help.

Our Maine Coon kittens leave us with excellent litter box habits—they've been trained to recognize and use both traditional litter boxes and the Litter-Robot. However, despite their size, 14-week-old Maine Coon kittens are still very much babies and need easy access to litter boxes to maintain their good habits. Always have more than one box in convenient locations: at least one box per floor of your home, and in multi-cat households, one box per cat per floor.

• Choose the right box: Maine Coons will become large adults, so select a roomy, easy-to-enter box or the Litter-Robot 4 for maximum convenience
• Find a good location: Place boxes in quiet, low-traffic areas, away from food and water
• Keep it clean: Scoop at least daily and change litter weekly, or empty the Litter-Robot waste drawer as needed

We prefer the Litter-Robot 4 for its odor control and low-maintenance convenience. If you choose this box, there’s no need to purchase the stair accessory; your kitten is already comfortable hopping in. We are not paid to endorse these boxes but are happy to recommend them for their effectiveness.

Spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) is required by our contract and must be completed between nine and twelve months of age. This procedure offers important health and behavioral benefits for your Maine Coon kitten, including preventing unwanted litters, reducing the risk of certain cancers, and minimizing issues like spraying or roaming. Please ensure you schedule the spay/neuter procedure within this timeframe as part of your commitment to responsible pet ownership. 

Why We Recommend Delayed Spay or Neuter

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, also known as Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE), is a serious hip problem in Maine Coons, and early neutering (especially before 6-9 months) is a significant risk factor because it removes growth-regulating hormones, potentially leading to joint instability, delayed growth plate closure, and weaker bone/muscle support, increasing vulnerability to this condition and hip dysplasia, requiring a longer wait for neutering in this large breed. 

Why Early Neutering is Risky for Maine Coons

• Hormonal Role in Growth: Testosterone and estrogen help signal growth plates to close and support bone/muscle development.
• Delayed Growth Plate Closure: Early removal of these hormones can leave growth plates open longer, potentially leading to longer limbs and joint instability.
• Increased Risk of SCFE: This instability, combined with the breed's natural predisposition, makes the femoral head more prone to slipping and developing AVN.
• Hip Dysplasia: Early neutering also increases the risk of this common Maine Coon issue.

We highly recommend pre-anesthesia bloodwork for any procedure requiring sedation. This simple test helps to ensure your Maine Coon kitten is in optimal health and can safely undergo the spay or neuter surgery. Pre-anesthesia bloodwork provides valuable insights into your kitten's organ function, allowing the veterinarian to identify any potential risks or underlying conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Taking this precaution helps ensure the procedure is as safe as possible for your beloved pet.

If you have other pets, introduce your Maine Coon kitten slowly and under supervision. Start by letting them sniff each other through a closed door. Progress to short, supervised nose-to-nose meetings using a crate or carrier, and finally true face-to-face meetings using treats and praise to foster positive associations. Never rush or force interactions.

Scent-swapping is a crucial step when introducing your Maine Coon kitten to other pets, especially dogs. Before any face-to-face meeting, try exchanging bedding, toys, or blankets between your pets to allow them to become familiar with each other's scent. This process helps reduce anxiety and builds a sense of recognition, making future interactions smoother.

If you have a dog, it's essential to establish strong recall control before introducing the kitten. Your dog should reliably respond to commands like "come" or "stay" even in exciting situations. This ensures you can manage their behavior effectively and keep both your kitten and dog safe during introductions. Training sessions with positive reinforcement can help strengthen your dog’s focus and responsiveness, setting the stage for a positive relationship between your pets.

1. Gather Your Supplies:

• Shampoos: Dawn (blue, original formula) for degreasing, a kitten shampoo (if bathing a kitten), or Chris Christensen Clarifying Shampoo for adults. For white coats, have Chris Christensen White on White ready.
• Vinegar Rinse: Mix 20% white vinegar with 80% warm water in a container.
• Towels: Have several large, absorbent towels on hand.
• Comb: A stainless steel butter comb for pre- and post-bath grooming.
• Dryer: A pet-specific dryer like Duz brand dryer (never use a human hair dryer).
• Sink Setup: Use your kitchen sink and sprayer for all rinsing and bathing steps. Ensure the water temperature is warm but not hot.

2. Trim Nails:

• Before the bath, trim your cat’s front and back nails to prevent accidental scratches.

3. Comb Out Mats:

• Use a stainless steel butter comb to remove any tangles or mats, especially in areas like the tail, belly, armpits, and behind the ears.
• If the coat is greasy, apply cornstarch to the fur and comb it through to absorb oils. Mats will tighten in water, so this step is critical.

4. Apply a Degreaser:

• Use a degreaser like Les Pooch F&T Degreaser or Farber's Pre-Step Creme on areas prone to oil buildup, such as behind the ears and at the base of the tail (the "stud tail" region).
• Work the degreaser all the way to the skin for maximum effectiveness.

5. Rinse Off the Degreaser:

• Place your cat in the sink and use the sprayer to rinse off the degreaser with warm water. Work from behind the ears backwards to the tail. Protect the cat's eyes with your hand cupped over the brow bone. Be thorough, ensuring all product is removed.

6. Wet the Entire Coat:

• Use the sprayer to wet your cat’s coat completely, including the undercoat. Again, work from behind the ears backwards. Ensure the fur is fully saturated before applying shampoo. This takes longer than you might think due to the fur's natural ability to resist moisture in a harsh climate.

7. First Shampoo: Degreasing with Dawn:

• Apply Dawn (blue, original formula) to the coat and lather thoroughly. Focus on greasy areas like the base of the tail, behind the ears, and the belly.
• Massage the shampoo into the fur, working it down to the skin.

8. Rinse Thoroughly:

• Rinse the coat meticulously with the sprayer. Rinse, rinse, and rinse again. Most mistakes happen during rinsing, so take your time to ensure no soap residue remains.

9. Second Shampoo: Kitten or Clarifying Shampoo:

• For kittens, use a gentle kitten shampoo.
• For adult cats, use Chris Christensen Clarifying Shampoo to maintain coat health and shine.
• Lather the shampoo into the coat, ensuring even coverage.

10. Rinse Again:

• Pay extra attention to areas like the tail, legs, and belly. Rinse until the water runs completely clear.

Optional: White Coat Shampoo:

• If your cat has white, silver, or smoke fur, apply Chris Christensen White on White shampoo to the white areas.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes to brighten the coat. To keep your cat warm, wrap them in a towel during this time.

11. Next-to-Final Rinse:

• Rinse the coat for at least 10 minutes. This step is critical to remove all shampoo and residue. Use the sprayer to ensure thorough rinsing.

12. Final Vinegar Rinse:

• Pour the pre-mixed vinegar rinse (20% white vinegar, 80% warm water) over your cat’s coat, avoiding the head.
• Follow with a cool water rinse for 2-3 minutes to seal the coat and remove any lingering product.

13. Remove Excess Water:

• Use your hands to gently squeeze water from the coat, working down the legs and tail to remove as much water as possible before towel drying.

14. Towel Dry:

• Wrap your cat in a large, absorbent towel and pat them dry. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause tangles.
• Use a second towel if needed to absorb additional moisture.

15. Blow Dry:

• Use a pet-specific dryer like Duz brand dryer to dry the coat. Never use a human hair dryer, as it can overheat or damage the fur.
• Blow against the coat to create volume at the root.
• As the coat begins to dry, use a stainless steel butter comb to gently comb through the fur.
• For the tail, part it down the center and comb the hair to both sides to create volume as you dry.

16. Final Comb Through:

• Once the coat is completely dry, use the butter comb to ensure there are no tangles or mats.
• Pay special attention to areas like the belly, armpits, and tail.

17. Reward Your Cat:

• End the grooming session on a positive note by offering your cat a treat or some playtime. This helps reinforce good behavior and makes future baths easier.

• Start Early: Begin bathing your Maine Coon as a kitten to help them get used to the process.
• Stay Calm: Speak to your cat in a soothing voice and handle them gently throughout the bath.
• Be Prepared: Having all your supplies ready beforehand will make the process smoother and quicker.
• Monitor Water Temperature: Always use warm water—not too hot or too cold—to keep your cat comfortable.

We believe that adopting a Maine Coon kitten is just the beginning of a lifelong partnership between you and your new furry friend. That’s why we are proud to offer Lifetime Breeder Support. Whether you have questions about nutrition, behavior, grooming, or health needs, we are here to help with anything big or small. Our goal is to ensure that your Maine Coon enjoys a long, healthy, and happy life, and that you continue to experience the joy and companionship these incredible cats bring. Never hesitate to reach out to us—we are always just a call or message away!