9 Things To Expect From A Maine Coon Kitten In 2024

Last updated on March 25th, 2024 at 04:06 pm

Maine Coon kitten are sweet, funny, goofy, and at times, quite the handful!

If you’re curious about what distinguishes a Maine Coon kitten from other domestic cat breeds, explore the surprising facts below.

Maine Coon kittens stand out as exceptionally intelligent and incredibly sociable felines. Their playful nature often leads them into delightful mischief. These kittens deeply crave human companionship, emphasizing the importance of not leaving them alone for more than 1-2 hours. They require abundant love, patience, and consistent socialization to foster their well-being, acclimating them to normal household noises, commotion, and interaction with other pets.

Proper socialization is crucial for Maine Coon kittens to prevent the development of undesirable behaviors.

If you’re eager to understand what it’s like living with a Maine Coon kitten, this article will guide you in transforming your initially clueless furball into a well-mannered and affectionate adult Maine Coon cat!

Contents hide

1 Characteristics

2 What To Expect From A Maine Coon Kitten

2.1 1. Unique Maine Coon Kitten Growth Rate

2.2 2. Maine Coon Temperament

2.3 3. Trainability

2.4 4. Playfulness

2.5 5. Grooming Requirements

2.6 6. Family Friendly

2.7 7. Eating Habits

2.8 8. Vaccinations And Flea Treatments

2.9 9. Are Maine Coon Cats Allowed Outside?

3 Conclusion

4 FAQs

Characteristics

Weight Range	(Male large 12Ibs)(Female Medium 8-12Ibs)
Eye Color	Copper, Green, Gold, Odd-eyed
Colors	White, Black, Blue, Red, Cream, Brown, Silver, Tortoiseshell, Blue cream
Pattern	Solid Color, Tortoiseshell, Bicolor, Tricolor/Calico, Tabby, Smoke, Shaded
Overall Grooming Need	High
Lifespan	9 to 13 Years
Intelligence	High
Social/Attention Needs	Moderate, High
Tendency to Shed	High
Temperament	Affectionate, Sociable

What To Expect From A Maine Coon Kitten

The Maine Coon, celebrated for its enigmatic history and affectionate nature, has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity over the past few decades. In the United States, it proudly claims the title of the third most popular cat breed.

While kittens of any breed can be a handful, prospective Maine Coon owners might find themselves unprepared for the challenges these intelligent and endlessly playful kittens bring.

As we delve into the specifics of the Maine Coon breed, it becomes evident that they differ significantly from typical house cats. This distinction can be attributed to their recent transition from the wild, where survival demanded hunting and daily patrols.

As the world’s largest domesticated cat breed, Maine Coons boast pointed ears, bushy tails, and tufted chests and paws. These distinctive features testify to their wild ancestry and set them apart as a truly unique feline breed.

For those considering bringing a Maine Coon kitten into their homes, here are 9 aspects to anticipate, offering valuable insights into the distinctive characteristics of this extraordinary cat breed:

1. Unique Maine Coon Kitten Growth Rate

Indeed, Maine Coons are known for growing quite big!

Maine Coons can reach a full size ranging from 8 to 25 pounds, influenced by factors like age, gender, and genetics. Surprisingly, it takes them between 3 to 5 years to achieve this considerable size.

Despite their reputation as large and gentle giants, some overlook how their extra-large proportions in adulthood contribute to their extended growth period.

While the majority of their growth occurs between 9 to 12 months, Maine Coons continue growing until they reach 3 to 5 years old.

Iconic features like tufted chests, manes, and paw tufts begin to develop around 9 months, with the mane and chest tufts potentially continuing to grow until around 2 years of age.

2. Maine Coon Temperament

If you’re searching for an even-tempered, mild-mannered, and delightfully playful kitten, then Maine Coons are the perfect breed for you.

Like any other kitten, be prepared for moments of wild energy and playful craziness right after bringing home a Maine Coon kitten.

The level of playful antics you’ll witness in your Maine Coon kitten is likely to surpass that of a typical domestic kitten.

Maine Coons exhibit a gentle and warm nature from a young age. This inherent characteristic is a defining trait of the breed.

While not all kittens may fancy cuddling, many Maine Coons do, making their owners fortunate.

If your Maine Coon is initially hesitant, a bit of patience may be all it takes for them to build the confidence to enjoy cuddling.

3. Trainability

Maine Coons are among the few domestic cat breeds that can be genuinely trained.

While many cat breeds are deemed “trainable,” none quite compare to the level of trainability exhibited by the Maine Coon.

Maine Coons, with their high intelligence and dog-like qualities, allow you to ask for and receive a lot from your feline companion.

Training a Maine Coon kitten demands patience, effective use of positive reinforcement, and a consistent training schedule.

4. Playfulness

Maine Coon kittens and cats are known for their playful nature.

Maine Coons derive immense enjoyment from spending time with you, especially when given the opportunity to engage in a playful game.

Keep in mind that each Maine Coon cat needs approximately 30 minutes of playtime every day to feel content.

While kittens require a similar amount of playtime, the more time you invest in playing with your Maine Coon kitten, the happier they will be, both in their current state and as they transition into adulthood.

5. Grooming Requirements

Maine Coons should be groomed approximately 2-3 times per week, or more if your Maine Coon cat’s fur is prone to tangling.

While Maine Coon kittens have less intense grooming needs compared to older Maine Coons, it is still vitally important for owners to introduce the concept of grooming from an early age.

Owners should also ensure that they groom their Maine Coon kittens regularly, so the kittens grow accustomed to being handled and brushed.

The primary purpose of grooming a Maine Coon kitten is to normalize the grooming process for them.

Brushing your kitten is also a great way to build a bond with your feline companion.

Maine Coons are not overly heavy shedders, especially when they are young.

However, they do require frequent grooming sessions, especially when the seasons are changing, and they are either growing or shedding their winter or summer coats.

6. Family Friendly

If you are looking for a family cat, then look no further than the Maine Coon.

Life with a Maine Coon kitten is fantastic because they LOVE being involved in the family unit, especially the males who enjoy being the center of attention!

A Maine Coon kitten passionately seeks human companionship, and you’ll swiftly realize they yearn to be where you are, attentively observing your every move.

If you’re in search of a lap cat that excels with kids, then the Maine Coon might be the perfect choice for you.

However, it’s crucial to understand that not all Maine Coons are lap cats.

One survey of Maine Coon owners in America definitively found that around 33.3% of this breed were lap cats, while another 33.3% were not.

The remaining 33.3% fell somewhere in the middle, occasionally enjoying sitting on their owner’s laps and, at other times, preferring to sit next to them.

Maine Coons love to express their affection to their family, especially their favorite person, as often as possible.

7. Eating Habits

Maine Coons are large cats, and as with most big cats, they have hearty appetites!

Maine Coons thrive on a diet that is rich in protein, low in carbs, and includes a moderate amount of healthy fats and fatty acids.

As kittens, Maine Coons require a substantial amount of protein to support their growth, enabling them to reach their full-size potential.

Avoiding overfeeding is crucial for owners of Maine Coons, considering the predisposition of this cat breed to obesity.

It is important to track the Maine Coon kitten growth stages to ensure they are receiving the proper type and quantity of food.

Maine Coon Kittens Feeding Chart

Maine Coon Age	Type of Food	Amount Per Feeding	Feeding per Day
1 Week	Mother Milk	N/A
2 Weeks	Mother Milk	6 – 12 ml	Every 3 hours
3 Weeks	Mother Milk	12 – 16 ml	Every 3 to 4 hours
4 Weeks	Mother Milk	20 ml	Every 3 to 4 hours
5 Weeks	Kitten Food and Mother Milk	20 to 22 ml	Every 5 to 6 hours
6 Weeks	Kitten food wet and dry	1/8 to 1/4	4 to 5 meals a day
7 – 8 Weeks	Kitten food wet and dry	1/8 to 1/4	4 to 5 meals a day
9 – 10 Weeks	Kitten food wet and dry	1/4 a cup	3 to 5 meals a day
11 to 12 Weeks	Kitten food wet and dry	1/4 a cup	3 to 4 meals a day

8. Vaccinations And Flea Treatments

Maine Coon kittens typically receive their vaccinations around the 9-12 week mark.

These vaccinations play a crucial role in shielding them from the hazards of the outside world, ensuring the well-being of your kitten in a vitally important manner.

Determining whether your Maine Coon has been vaccinated is a crucial discussion to have with your breeder.

9. Are Maine Coon Cats Allowed Outside?

The question of whether to allow a Maine Coon cat to roam freely outside or not has evolved into a highly emotive subject.

One group vehemently contends that considering it cruel to prevent Maine Coons from exploring the outside world and depriving them of the freedom to roam.

The opposing group contends that Maine Coons pose a threat to other animals and local wildlife, emphasizing that cats are, after all, ruthless hunters.

It is crucial to consider whether your Maine Coon will be an indoor or outdoor cat. Not allowing young Maine Coon kittens to roam freely within the neighborhood is essential to note.

This is because they cannot look after themselves, and large predators might hunt them as ‘prey.’

Owners must stay vigilant as criminals may target free-roaming Maine Coon kittens or older ones, given their high market value.

As a final note, many breeder contracts, especially in the US and increasingly in the UK, dictate whether a Maine Coon kitten can be an outdoor cat or not.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now have a good idea of what to expect from a Maine Coon kitten.

While they share similarities with other kittens, Maine Coons have unique needs, including specific socialization, care, and dietary requirements.

New owners should approach the experience with a fresh perspective, as the Maine Coon personality differs from many other cats.

Training and social commitments may vary, and raising a Maine Coon kitten requires active involvement.

These sweet, gentle giants thrive with the support and help of their owners.

FAQs

1. How big do Maine Coon kittens grow?

Maine Coon kittens can grow to be quite large. Their full size ranges from 8-25 pounds, depending on various factors such as age, genetics, and gender. It typically takes them between 3-5 years to reach their full size.

2. How often should I groom my Maine Coon kitten?

Maine Coon kittens require regular grooming to keep their fur in good condition. It is advisable to groom them 2-3 times per week, or more if their fur is prone to tangling. Introducing grooming from an early age helps them become accustomed to the process.

3. How much do Maine Coon kittens cost?

The cost of a Maine Coon kitten can vary depending on factors such as breeder reputation, pedigree, and location. On average, Maine Coon kittens can range from $500 to $1500. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you should consider additional expenses, including vaccinations and spaying/neutering.