Preparing for Your Maine Coon Kitten
Bringing home a new kitten is exciting, but the first few days can also feel overwhelming for them. Preparing a quiet, safe space in advance will help your kitten settle in more comfortably and establish good eating, grooming, and litter-box habits.
Below are the foods, supplies, and products I recommend for families preparing to welcome one of our Maine Coon kittens.
Create a Safe Kitten Space
Your kitten should begin in a small, quiet room away from other pets and busy household activity.
A bathroom, bedroom, office, or another secure room works well. The space should contain:
If you do not have a suitable room, a large kitten enclosure can provide a safe temporary area while your kitten adjusts.
Recommended Kitten Enclosure
The enclosure should be large enough to keep the litter box separated from the kitten’s food, water, and sleeping area.
If you have other cats, keep your new kitten separated for at least 10 days and introduce the animals gradually.
Bring a Secure Carrier
A secure carrier is essential for bringing your kitten home and for future veterinary visits.
I strongly recommend a hard-sided carrier. Hard-sided carriers provide more protection during an accident and are more difficult for a frightened kitten to escape from.
Place a towel inside the carrier and bring an extra towel in case of motion sickness or an accident during the drive.
Recommended Hard-Sided Carrier
Second Carrier Option
Food
Our kittens are raised on:
Iams Kitten Dry Food
Purina Pro Plan Kitten Wet Food
Dry kitten food should be available throughout the day. Wet food may be offered in moderation.
Maine Coon kittens grow for much longer than many other breeds, so consistent access to a high-quality kitten food is important during their development.
If you already have adult cats at home, it is often easier to feed everyone separately or gradually transition the established cats rather than abruptly changing the new kitten’s diet.
Food Dishes
I recommend stainless steel food dishes because they are durable, easy to sanitize, and less likely to hold odors and bacteria than plastic bowls.
A shallow, tilted dish can also be more comfortable for a large-faced cat and may help reduce whisker contact with the sides of the bowl.
Recommended Stainless Steel Tilted Food Dish
Wash food dishes daily, especially when feeding canned food.
Fresh Water
Fresh water should be available at all times.
Many cats prefer moving water and may drink more consistently from a fountain.
Recommended Water Fountain
The fountain should be cleaned regularly, and filters should be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer.
It is also a good idea to keep a regular water bowl available while your kitten becomes familiar with the fountain.
Litter Boxes
Provide an open, easy-to-enter litter box when your kitten first arrives.
An open box makes it easier for a young kitten to see, locate, and enter the litter area. Avoid placing the only litter box behind a closed door, on another floor, or in a distant area of the home.
Recommended Open Litter Box
Many Maine Coons prefer having more than one litter box. A helpful general guideline is one litter box per cat, plus one additional box.
Some cats may also choose to urinate in one box and have bowel movements in another.
Litter
I recommend using Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract while your kitten is learning where the litter box is located.
Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract
Once dependable litter habits are established, you may gradually transition to another litter. I typically use Tidy Cats.
Avoid making sudden changes to both the litter and the litter-box style at the same time.
Automatic Litter Boxes
Our kittens are familiar with automatic litter boxes, but I still recommend having a regular open litter box available during the adjustment period.
Recommended Automatic Litter Box
This is not the Litter-Robot brand, but I have used several automatic litter boxes and have found this model to work very well at a much lower price.
Do not rely on an automatic box as the kitten’s only option during the first few days.
Avoid Plush Cat Beds at First
Soft cat beds are adorable, but a young kitten may occasionally confuse a plush or enclosed bed with an appropriate place to potty.
It is usually best to wait until dependable litter habits are established before introducing thick, fluffy beds.
A hammock or elevated cat swing can be a good alternative.
Recommended Cat Swing
Cat Tree and Scratching Areas
Maine Coons need sturdy places to climb, stretch, scratch, and observe their surroundings.
Providing an appropriate scratching area from the beginning can help protect your furniture.
Because Maine Coons become large and heavy cats, choose a cat tree with:
Treats and Bonding
Treats can be helpful when bonding with your new kitten, teaching their name, encouraging grooming cooperation, and creating positive associations with their new family.
Our kittens especially enjoy these:
Recommended Cat Treats
Treats should be given in moderation and should not replace the kitten’s regular food.
Dental Care
Maine Coons can be prone to gingivitis and dental disease.
Starting a dental-care routine while your kitten is young can make toothbrushing easier throughout their life.
Recommended Cat Toothbrush
Use only toothpaste made specifically for cats. Human toothpaste should never be used.
Begin slowly by allowing your kitten to become comfortable with having their lips, gums, and mouth gently touched.
Grooming Supplies
Maine Coons have long coats that require consistent grooming.
Brush or comb your cat several times each week, paying special attention to areas where mats commonly form:
Recommended Rotating-Pin Comb
Starting a grooming routine early helps your kitten learn that brushing, nail trimming, and general handling are normal parts of life.
Bathing
Maine Coons may be bathed occasionally as needed.
Use a gentle shampoo made for cats, rinse thoroughly, and keep the kitten warm until the coat is completely dry.
Recommended Cat Shampoo
Never use human shampoo or products containing essential oils unless your veterinarian has confirmed they are safe for cats.
Nail Care
Trim your kitten’s nails regularly.
Frequent gentle handling of the paws while your kitten is young will make nail trimming easier as the cat grows.
Recommended Cat Nail Clippers
Trim only the clear tip of the nail and avoid the pink quick.
Eyes, Nose, and Ears
Check your kitten’s eyes, nose, and ears regularly.
Small amounts of normal buildup may be gently cleaned with a soft, damp cloth or an appropriate pet-safe grooming wipe.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
Harness Training
Our kittens must remain indoor cats, but supervised harness training can be a wonderful form of enrichment.
Recommended Travel Cat Harness
Introduce the harness gradually inside the home. Allow your kitten to wear it for short periods before attempting an outdoor walk.
Always check the fit carefully, since cats may be able to back out of a loose harness.
Toys and Enrichment
Maine Coons are intelligent, active, and playful cats. They benefit from daily interaction, climbing opportunities, puzzle toys, and toys that encourage chasing and pouncing.
These are some toys and enrichment items my cats and kittens enjoy:
Recommended Toy 1
Recommended Toy 2
Recommended Toy 3
Recommended Toy 4
Recommended Toy 5
Inspect toys regularly. Remove damaged toys or anything with loose strings, feathers, bells, or small pieces that could be swallowed.
New Kitten Shopping Checklist
Before your kitten arrives, have the following items ready:
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. Dole Hill Maine Coons may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
I recommend products based on my personal experience with Maine Coons and the items I believe may be useful to kitten families. You are never required to purchase through these links.
Bringing home a new kitten is exciting, but the first few days can also feel overwhelming for them. Preparing a quiet, safe space in advance will help your kitten settle in more comfortably and establish good eating, grooming, and litter-box habits.
Below are the foods, supplies, and products I recommend for families preparing to welcome one of our Maine Coon kittens.
Create a Safe Kitten Space
Your kitten should begin in a small, quiet room away from other pets and busy household activity.
A bathroom, bedroom, office, or another secure room works well. The space should contain:
- Food
- Fresh water
- A litter box
- A scratching surface
- Safe toys
- A comfortable place to rest
- A carrier or covered area where the kitten can hide
If you do not have a suitable room, a large kitten enclosure can provide a safe temporary area while your kitten adjusts.
Recommended Kitten Enclosure
The enclosure should be large enough to keep the litter box separated from the kitten’s food, water, and sleeping area.
If you have other cats, keep your new kitten separated for at least 10 days and introduce the animals gradually.
Bring a Secure Carrier
A secure carrier is essential for bringing your kitten home and for future veterinary visits.
I strongly recommend a hard-sided carrier. Hard-sided carriers provide more protection during an accident and are more difficult for a frightened kitten to escape from.
Place a towel inside the carrier and bring an extra towel in case of motion sickness or an accident during the drive.
Recommended Hard-Sided Carrier
Second Carrier Option
Food
Our kittens are raised on:
- Iams ProActive Health Kitten Dry Food, purple bag
- Purina Pro Plan Kitten Wet Food
Iams Kitten Dry Food
Purina Pro Plan Kitten Wet Food
Dry kitten food should be available throughout the day. Wet food may be offered in moderation.
Maine Coon kittens grow for much longer than many other breeds, so consistent access to a high-quality kitten food is important during their development.
If you already have adult cats at home, it is often easier to feed everyone separately or gradually transition the established cats rather than abruptly changing the new kitten’s diet.
Food Dishes
I recommend stainless steel food dishes because they are durable, easy to sanitize, and less likely to hold odors and bacteria than plastic bowls.
A shallow, tilted dish can also be more comfortable for a large-faced cat and may help reduce whisker contact with the sides of the bowl.
Recommended Stainless Steel Tilted Food Dish
Wash food dishes daily, especially when feeding canned food.
Fresh Water
Fresh water should be available at all times.
Many cats prefer moving water and may drink more consistently from a fountain.
Recommended Water Fountain
The fountain should be cleaned regularly, and filters should be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer.
It is also a good idea to keep a regular water bowl available while your kitten becomes familiar with the fountain.
Litter Boxes
Provide an open, easy-to-enter litter box when your kitten first arrives.
An open box makes it easier for a young kitten to see, locate, and enter the litter area. Avoid placing the only litter box behind a closed door, on another floor, or in a distant area of the home.
Recommended Open Litter Box
Many Maine Coons prefer having more than one litter box. A helpful general guideline is one litter box per cat, plus one additional box.
Some cats may also choose to urinate in one box and have bowel movements in another.
Litter
I recommend using Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract while your kitten is learning where the litter box is located.
Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract
Once dependable litter habits are established, you may gradually transition to another litter. I typically use Tidy Cats.
Avoid making sudden changes to both the litter and the litter-box style at the same time.
Automatic Litter Boxes
Our kittens are familiar with automatic litter boxes, but I still recommend having a regular open litter box available during the adjustment period.
Recommended Automatic Litter Box
This is not the Litter-Robot brand, but I have used several automatic litter boxes and have found this model to work very well at a much lower price.
Do not rely on an automatic box as the kitten’s only option during the first few days.
Avoid Plush Cat Beds at First
Soft cat beds are adorable, but a young kitten may occasionally confuse a plush or enclosed bed with an appropriate place to potty.
It is usually best to wait until dependable litter habits are established before introducing thick, fluffy beds.
A hammock or elevated cat swing can be a good alternative.
Recommended Cat Swing
Cat Tree and Scratching Areas
Maine Coons need sturdy places to climb, stretch, scratch, and observe their surroundings.
Providing an appropriate scratching area from the beginning can help protect your furniture.
Because Maine Coons become large and heavy cats, choose a cat tree with:
- A wide, stable base
- Strong platforms
- Thick scratching posts
- Enough room for a large adult cat
Treats and Bonding
Treats can be helpful when bonding with your new kitten, teaching their name, encouraging grooming cooperation, and creating positive associations with their new family.
Our kittens especially enjoy these:
Recommended Cat Treats
Treats should be given in moderation and should not replace the kitten’s regular food.
Dental Care
Maine Coons can be prone to gingivitis and dental disease.
Starting a dental-care routine while your kitten is young can make toothbrushing easier throughout their life.
Recommended Cat Toothbrush
Use only toothpaste made specifically for cats. Human toothpaste should never be used.
Begin slowly by allowing your kitten to become comfortable with having their lips, gums, and mouth gently touched.
Grooming Supplies
Maine Coons have long coats that require consistent grooming.
Brush or comb your cat several times each week, paying special attention to areas where mats commonly form:
- Behind the ears
- Under the front legs
- Around the chest
- On the belly
- Around the hindquarters
- Under the tail
Recommended Rotating-Pin Comb
Starting a grooming routine early helps your kitten learn that brushing, nail trimming, and general handling are normal parts of life.
Bathing
Maine Coons may be bathed occasionally as needed.
Use a gentle shampoo made for cats, rinse thoroughly, and keep the kitten warm until the coat is completely dry.
Recommended Cat Shampoo
Never use human shampoo or products containing essential oils unless your veterinarian has confirmed they are safe for cats.
Nail Care
Trim your kitten’s nails regularly.
Frequent gentle handling of the paws while your kitten is young will make nail trimming easier as the cat grows.
Recommended Cat Nail Clippers
Trim only the clear tip of the nail and avoid the pink quick.
Eyes, Nose, and Ears
Check your kitten’s eyes, nose, and ears regularly.
Small amounts of normal buildup may be gently cleaned with a soft, damp cloth or an appropriate pet-safe grooming wipe.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Persistent eye discharge
- Squinting
- Redness
- Swelling
- A strong ear odor
- Dark or excessive ear debris
- Frequent head shaking
- Signs of pain or discomfort
Harness Training
Our kittens must remain indoor cats, but supervised harness training can be a wonderful form of enrichment.
Recommended Travel Cat Harness
Introduce the harness gradually inside the home. Allow your kitten to wear it for short periods before attempting an outdoor walk.
Always check the fit carefully, since cats may be able to back out of a loose harness.
Toys and Enrichment
Maine Coons are intelligent, active, and playful cats. They benefit from daily interaction, climbing opportunities, puzzle toys, and toys that encourage chasing and pouncing.
These are some toys and enrichment items my cats and kittens enjoy:
Recommended Toy 1
Recommended Toy 2
Recommended Toy 3
Recommended Toy 4
Recommended Toy 5
Inspect toys regularly. Remove damaged toys or anything with loose strings, feathers, bells, or small pieces that could be swallowed.
New Kitten Shopping Checklist
Before your kitten arrives, have the following items ready:
- Hard-sided carrier
- Towels for the trip home
- Iams Kitten dry food
- Purina Pro Plan Kitten wet food
- Stainless steel food dishes
- Water bowl or fountain
- Open litter box
- Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract
- Kitten-safe litter
- Large kitten enclosure or prepared safe room
- Sturdy scratching post or cat tree
- Grooming comb
- Nail clippers
- Cat toothbrush and cat-safe toothpaste
- Safe toys
- Veterinary appointment
- Pet insurance plan
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. Dole Hill Maine Coons may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
I recommend products based on my personal experience with Maine Coons and the items I believe may be useful to kitten families. You are never required to purchase through these links.
