New Cat Care Guide
Bringing home a PishPish Maine Coon kitten is the beginning of a wonderful journey. This guide will help you prepare everything needed to help your kitten grow healthy and happy in their new home.
Preparation Checklist
Before your kitten arrives, please have the following items ready to help them settle into their new environment
Resting Space
A comfortable cat bed or cushion placed in a quiet, warm corner. Maine Coons are large cats — choose an extra-large bed. Add a soft blanket for extra security.
Litter Box
At least one large litter box placed in a well-ventilated, quiet area. We recommend tofu-based or clumping clay litter. Due to the Maine Coon's size, the litter box should be at least 60cm long.
Food & Water Bowls
One food bowl and one water bowl, preferably stainless steel or ceramic (avoid plastic to prevent bacteria buildup). Use wide, shallow bowls for easy access. A water fountain can increase water intake and prevent urinary issues.
Toys & Scratchers
A vertical and a horizontal scratching post, wand toys, balls, and other interactive toys. Maine Coons are intelligent and active — plenty of enrichment helps burn energy and reduce destructive behavior.
Carrier
A large airline-approved carrier for bringing your kitten home and future vet visits. Choose a well-ventilated, spacious model. Maine Coons can reach 8-12kg, so ensure the carrier is sturdy enough.
Health Supplies
Nail clippers, grooming comb (stainless steel recommended), pet-safe wet wipes, and an Elizabethan collar. We also recommend locating a nearby veterinary clinic in advance.
Feeding Guide
Scientific nutrition is the foundation of your cat's health. The following recommendations apply to both newly adopted kittens and adult Maine Coons
📋 Feeding by Life Stage
| Age | Meals per Day | Recommended Food | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-6 months | 3-4 meals | Kitten-specific dry food + wet food | During the settling-in period, keep the same diet as the cattery for the first week, then gradually transition |
| 6-12 months | 2-3 meals | High-protein kitten / all-life-stages food | Maine Coons grow rapidly during this stage; ensure adequate protein and taurine intake |
| 1 year + | 2 meals | Complete adult cat food; raw or wet food optional | Monitor weight — Maine Coons can become overweight; ensure adequate water intake |
⚠️ Toxic Foods — Never Feed
- Chocolate, coffee, tea — contains theobromine and caffeine; potentially fatal
- Onions, garlic, chives — damages red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia
- Grapes, raisins — can cause acute kidney failure
- Milk and dairy — most adult cats are lactose intolerant; can cause diarrhea
- Raw eggs, raw fish — contains avidin affecting vitamin B absorption; may carry parasites
- Alcohol — even tiny amounts can cause poisoning
- Xylitol — found in sugar-free products; causes hypoglycemia and liver damage
💧 Hydration
As large cats, Maine Coons require ample hydration for urinary tract health. Use a pet water fountain to encourage drinking and change water daily. Monitor urine color and frequency — if you notice abnormalities (frequent urination, reduced output, blood), seek veterinary care immediately.
Vaccination & Deworming Schedule
PishPish kittens receive core vaccines and deworming before leaving. Below is the ongoing schedule for new owners
First Core Vaccine
✅ Done by Cattery
FVRCP vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia).
Core Vaccine Booster
✅ Done by Cattery
Second FVRCP shot to establish full immune protection.
Rabies Vaccine
⚡ Owner's Responsibility
Rabies vaccination as required by local regulations (kittens eligible at 16 weeks).
Annual Booster
⚡ Owner's Responsibility
Yearly FVRCP booster + rabies vaccine (as per local requirements). Annual health check recommended.
🪱 Deworming Plan
| Deworming Type | Frequency | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Deworming | Monthly up to 6 months, then every 3 months | Oral dewormer (broad-spectrum as recommended by your vet) |
| External Deworming | Monthly in spring/summer, every 2-3 months in autumn/winter | Topical spot-on treatment (back of neck) — prevents fleas, ticks, ear mites |
Daily Care
Develop good care habits to keep your cat in top condition
Coat Care
Maine Coons have long coats — brush daily for 5-10 minutes to prevent matting and hairballs. Increase frequency during shedding seasons (spring and autumn). Use a stainless steel comb and slicker brush. Trim paw pad fur and sanitary area regularly.
Dental Care
Brush teeth 2-3 times per week using pet-safe toothpaste. Check gums regularly for redness or bad breath. Dental treats and water additives can help prevent tartar buildup and periodontal disease.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 2-3 weeks using pet nail clippers. Avoid the quick (pink area inside the nail). If unsure, ask a groomer or vet to demonstrate.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly. If you notice discharge or odor, clean with a vet-approved ear cleaner. Maine Coons have large, tufted ears — watch for ear mites. Trim excess ear fur for ventilation.
Weight Management
Weigh your cat monthly and track growth. Adult Maine Coons: males 8-12kg, females 6-8kg. Avoid free-feeding to prevent obesity — scheduled, portion-controlled meals are healthier.
Exercise & Play
Play for at least 15-20 minutes daily. Maine Coons are smart and active — provide a sturdy cat tree (rated for 15kg+), puzzle toys, and laser pointers. Adequate exercise promotes physical and mental wellbeing and reduces behavioral problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions from new cat parents
My kitten is hiding and won't come out. What should I do? ▾
This is a completely normal stress response. Your kitten needs time to adjust to a new environment. Tips: ① Start in a smaller room with litter box, water, and food; ② Don't force handling or chase; ③ Speak gently to your kitten; ④ Most kittens start exploring in 2-3 days and fully adjust in 1-2 weeks.
My kitten has diarrhea after switching food. What should I do? ▾
Food transitions must use the "7-day method": Days 1-2: 75% old + 25% new → Days 3-4: 50/50 → Days 5-6: 25% old + 75% new → Day 7: 100% new. If diarrhea occurs, stop the new food and return to the old diet, then restart more slowly once stools normalize. Diarrhea lasting over 48 hours requires a vet visit.
At what age is a Maine Coon fully grown? ▾
Maine Coons are a large breed with a longer development period than most cats. Body frame is generally set by 1.5-2 years, but coat, ruff, and head width can continue developing until 3-4 years. Final adult weight: males 8-12kg, females 6-8kg. Ensure adequate high-quality protein throughout the growth period.
Can I bathe my cat? How often? ▾
Cats are excellent self-groomers and rarely need baths. Bathing every 3-6 months is sufficient unless your cat gets dirty. When bathing: ① Use cat-specific shampoo (human shampoo has the wrong pH); ② Water temperature 38-39°C; ③ Keep water and suds away from eyes and ears; ④ Dry thoroughly with an absorbent towel and low-heat dryer immediately to prevent chills and skin issues.
How long can I leave my cat home alone? ▾
Adult cats with sufficient food, water, and litter can stay alone for 1-2 nights. Do not exceed 48 hours. For longer trips: ① Have a friend or professional pet sitter visit daily; ② Provide multiple litter boxes; ③ Use automatic feeders and water fountains; ④ Set up a pet camera to monitor remotely. Kittens under 6 months should not be left alone for more than a day.
Should I spay/neuter my cat? When? ▾
We strongly recommend spaying/neutering pet cats. Neutering males prevents urine marking, reduces aggression, and decreases roaming; spaying females prevents pyometra and mammary tumors. Recommended timing: males 6-8 months, females 5-6 months (before first heat). Consult your vet for specifics. All PishPish pet-quality kittens are sold with a spay/neuter requirement.
What should I do if my cat shows abnormal symptoms? ▾
Seek immediate veterinary care for: ① Continuous vomiting or diarrhea over 24 hours; ② Refusing food and water for over 24 hours; ③ Difficulty breathing or open-mouth panting; ④ Urinary blockage (frequent litter box visits with no output); ⑤ Seizures or loss of consciousness; ⑥ Uncontrolled bleeding. The following can be monitored for 12-24 hours: mild soft stool, occasional hairball vomiting, mild sneezing (no other symptoms). When in doubt, it's always better to visit the vet.
Still Have Questions?
Every cat is unique. If you have care questions or want to learn more about PishPish kittens, we're always here to help.