The Complete Guide to Raising a Healthy Maine Coon

Written by the Ablues Maine Coon Cattery team.

Keeping a Maine Coon healthy starts long before you bring your kitten home, with responsible screening of the parents, and continues with good daily care for the rest of their life.

Whether you already share your home with a gentle giant or you are learning how to choose a responsible breeder, this guide covers the most important health topics, daily care routines and nutrition tips for a thriving Maine Coon.

Our Philosophy on Health & Screening

At Ablues Maine Coon Cattery, health is the foundation of everything we do. Every kitten comes from parents who have been carefully cared for and screened.

We health-test our parent cats. Write here which tests you do, for example heart screening, hip screening and DNA testing.

Every kitten comes with a written health guarantee. Before adopting a Maine Coon from anyone, ask:

• Which health tests have the parents had?
• Can I see the results?
• What does the health guarantee cover?

Also consider a pet insurance policy that covers most vet costs if your Maine Coon ever has a health problem.

Healthy Maine Coon Checklist

• Eyes: bright and clear, with no discharge.
• Ears: clean, with no smell or redness.
• Mouth: fresh breath, pink gums and clean teeth. Read our Maine Coon dental care article.
• Coat: shiny and free of mats. Yes, Maine Coons do shed.
• Hairballs: occasional hairballs are normal for long-haired cats.
• Weight: active and fit. Ask your vet to check body condition at every visit.

Stress in Maine Coons: The Silent Enemy

Cats are very good at hiding when something is wrong. Your cat can be stressed and still look fine. Stress affects the immune system, can trigger illness and digestive problems, and even causes behavior changes.

Here is what can stress a Maine Coon:

• Too many cats competing for food, water or litter boxes
• Not enough personal space or hiding places
• Changes at home: new pets, new people, moving furniture
• Loud noises, building work or parties

Here is a quick list of how to keep your cat happy and healthy:

• Feed a balanced diet and keep a healthy weight
• Provide play and enrichment every day
• Regular grooming to stop mats before they form
• Routine vet visits with yearly checkups
• A calm home and watching for early signs of stress

Nutrition

Weight matters for a big breed. Learn how to judge your cat's body condition, choose the right food, and what to do if your cat is overweight.

Caring for Your Maine Coon

Maine Coons shed, and their long coat can mat quickly without regular care. Grooming keeps the coat healthy and gives you a chance to spot lumps, bumps or other problems early.

Should I let my Maine Coon go outside?

We recommend keeping your Maine Coon indoors, with safe options to enjoy the outdoors:

• Catios and enclosures: a safe outdoor space where your cat can watch birds and enjoy fresh air.
• Harness walks: many Maine Coons learn to enjoy walks on a harness.
• Indoor enrichment: toys that chirp, move or hide treats keep their hunting instincts busy.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Health of a Maine Coon