Maine Coon Kitten Checklist — What to Prepare Before Your Kitten Comes Home
So you're about to bring a Maine Coon kitten home — exciting times. But before pickup day, there are a few things worth getting right. Maine Coons are emotionally sensitive cats, and a well-prepared home makes a real difference in how quickly they settle in.At TigerCoonCat, a Maine Coon cattery in Nonthaburi, near Bangkok, we send every family a preparation guide 2 weeks before their kitten comes home. This article is that guide — everything we actually use and recommend after 11 years of raising champion Maine Coons.
Why Preparing Early Matters for Your Maine Coon Kitten
Moving from a cattery to a new home is stressful for any kitten. Having the right food, litter, and setup ready before they arrive helps in four ways:
- Less stress — familiar food and a proper litter box mean fewer accidents and less confusion on day one
- Better digestion — sudden food changes cause diarrhoea. Keeping the same diet for the first month avoids this
- Good habits faster — when everything is in the right place, your kitten learns the routine quickly
- Stronger bond — a calm kitten trusts you faster
Maine Coon Kitten Food — The Most Important Part
The number one rule: do not change your kitten's food in the first month. Use exactly what they've been eating at the cattery, then transition gradually after that.
Dry Food — Primary Diet
Choose kibble with at least 36% crude protein and no by-products. These are the brands our kittens eat every day at TigerCoonCat:
- Cheer Share Kitten Formula — everyday main kibble
🛒 Buy on Shopee - Cheer Share Freeze-Dried & Berry Mix — sprinkle on top for extra aroma
🛒 Buy on Shopee - Pro Plan Kitten — solid alternative, works well for Maine Coons at every stage
🛒 Buy on Shopee
Stock up before pickup day — you don't want to run out during the adjustment period.
Wet Food — Supplemental
Look for: "Complete & Balanced," low sodium, no artificial colours, real meat as the first ingredient.
- Royal Canin Kitten / Hair & Skin — gravy texture only
🛒 Buy on Shopee - FELIS & CANIS — Tuna & Chicken with Quail Egg Mousse
🛒 Buy on Shopee - Pramy — Goat Milk in Gravy (Tuna & Chicken)
🛒 Buy on Shopee - Choo Choo — High-protein fish soup for immune support
🛒 Buy on Shopee
How much per day:
| Age | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2–6 months | ½–1 pouch, split morning & evening |
| 6 months+ | 1–2 pouches, split morning & evening |
Wet food complements dry food — it doesn't replace it.
Raw Food (BARF)
We don't recommend preparing BARF at home — contamination risk is real. Use trusted ready-made brands instead:
- BB BARF — clean, reliable, good for first-time raw feeders
🛒 Buy on Shopee - Tiny BARF — another quality option
🛒 Buy on Shopee
Choose either BARF or wet food per meal — don't mix both at the same time.
Maine Coon Litter Box Setup — Size and Litter
Maine Coons are big cats. A litter box that's too small will cause problems.What you need:
- At least 60 cm wide
- High sides
- Open-top, no lid — Maine Coons need room to move
Litter We Use at TigerCoonCat
- Yoyo Pet Tofu Litter — 99% dust-free, water-soluble, great odour control. We use the pellet type at the cattery.
🛒 Buy on Shopee
Premium Set We Recommend
- Nyantomo Clean Toilet Set — double-layer system with special odourless litter. Buy the full set first, then refill litter and pads separately. We use this at TigerCoonCat — genuinely zero odour.
🛒 Buy on Shopee
Grooming Essentials for Maine Coon Kittens
Maine Coons have thick, semi-long coats that need daily attention — even as kittens. Getting them used to brushing early makes life much easier when they're fully grown at 7–11 kg with a full mane and plume tail. Here's what we use at TigerCoonCat:
Comb — The Most Important Grooming Tool
Brush once a day to prevent matting. Even 2–3 minutes daily makes a huge difference — skip a few days and you'll be dealing with tangles that are much harder to remove.
- Pink PawPal Comb (Premium) — excellent quality, choose the large size and it will last from kittenhood all the way to adulthood. Worth the investment.
🛒 Buy on Shopee - Budget-friendly alternative — good quality at a lower price point. Choose the 19 cm size — more than enough for daily grooming.
🛒 Buy on Shopee
Nail Clippers
Maine Coon nails grow fast and thick. Trim every 2–3 weeks to prevent scratching and overgrowth. We recommend this style — fits comfortably in your hand and designed specifically for cats.
Ear Cleaner
Maine Coons love playing with water, which means ears need regular attention. Wipe the outside of the ears once daily with a gentle ear cleaning solution — never insert anything into the ear canal.
Eye Wipes
Use soft eye wipes to gently clean around the eyes daily — especially important for lighter-coloured Maine Coons where tear stains show more easily.
Maine Coon Bowls, Water Fountain & Cat Tree
Food and Water Bowls
Elevated bowls are best for Maine Coons — reduces neck strain during eating.
- Tilted ceramic bowls with bamboo stand
- Stainless steel bowls with adjustable height
Wireless Water Fountain
A wireless water fountain encourages regular drinking — important for kidney and urinary tract health.
Solid Wood Cat Tree — This One Matters
Most cat trees on Shopee are built for small cats. A Maine Coon male can reach 7–11 kg — the average cat tree won't hold up. You need solid wood, heavy-duty construction.We recommend buying a locally-made solid wood cat tree rather than imported compressed-wood alternatives. Reach out and we'll point you to trusted suppliers.
What Every TigerCoonCat Maine Coon Kitten Comes Home With
Every kitten leaves our home with everything they need:
Documents:
- The documents include:• WCF Pedigree Certificate
• Vaccination Booklet
• Microchip Certificate
• Health Certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian
Belongings:
- Travel carrier
- Starter food (dry + wet) for 7 days
- Familiar blanket with the scent of home
- Grooming comb, nail scissors, wet wipes
- Favourite toy
- Nyantomo Clean Toilet Set (1 full set)
Ongoing Support:
- Purchase agreement + Health Guarantee
- Lifetime support via Line / WhatsApp
- Nutrition, health, and care guidance for life
Special Benefit:
- Up to 5 years of free vaccinations + treatment discount at Odaijini Pet Hospital (subject to conditions)
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Coon Kittens
How far in advance should I prepare?
At least 2 weeks. TigerCoonCat will send you a full list of your kitten's food and essentials before pickup.
Can I switch food right away?
No. Keep the same food for at least the first month, then transition slowly.
What size litter box?
60 cm minimum. Maine Coons are big — a small box won't work.
How often should I brush my Maine Coon?
Once a day. Even 2–3 minutes daily prevents matting and reduces hairballs.
Where should I buy a cat tree?
Ask us first. Most online options aren't built for Maine Coon weight.
How do I contact TigerCoonCat?
WhatsApp or Line — always happy to help.
