The Ultimate Guide to Essential Items for New Kitten Owners: Professional Recommendations and Tips for Maine Coon Cats

Welcoming a new kitten into your home is an exhilarating experience, especially when that kitten is a lovable Maine Coon. Known for their sociable and playful nature, these cats can quickly become cherished members of your family. However, preparing for their arrival is crucial. You want to ensure you have all the essential items that meet their specific needs. This guide provides a carefully curated list of recommended products tailored for Maine Coons, helping you create a happy and safe environment for your new pet.

If you already have cats you will probably have these. Keep in mind I’m making this list with Maine Coons in mind, not your average house cat which is much smaller. I am not sponsoring any of these products, and have no deals or partnerships with any of these companies. I will link all the products we use from our Amazon Store. If you didn’t know, we have a small farm in S.C. doing gardening videos, so the store name is under ‘Shepherding Peppers Farm’. 

Essential Items for New Kitten Owners: The Obvious Cat Essentials

Cat Carrier

A sturdy cat carrier is essential for safe travel and vet visits. A sturdy, secure carrier for vet visits and travel.  (We provide a kitten an airplane-safe kitten carrier for each of our kittens to go home in)!

One of our kittens, posing all on her own.

Litter Box

We love our litter robot 3. We work with a group of breeders across the U.S. and often discuss everything from breeder traits and practices to the best items for a new kitten. The general conclusion is that Litter Robot 4 has a lot more issues than Litter Robot 3. Yes, it is plenty big enough for a large Maine Coon to use, and our cats prefer it to the standard litter box. There are also some concerns about the liter robot breaking down after a few years. A little-known fact is you can buy the sensors to replace after a few years to keep it working its best rather than buying a whole new litter robot! 

Litter Robot 3: https://amzn.to/3XGXwKH

Litter Robot Bags: https://amzn.to/4ld4PnD

We also recommend any extra large litter box as a solid second-place option. I prefer them with a lid as sometimes these large cats can fling litter all over the place, so having a lid helps with that. You don’t need to get the steel pans, with the pine litter. I’ve had a Maine Coon owner reach out to me in the area, asking if I’d like to try the pine litter because her Maine Coon hates it, so your cat may or may not feel the same way.

Extra Large Litter box with Lid: https://amzn.to/4llP5ic

Cat Litter

We buy the traditional scoop-able clumping clay cat. If you change your cat's litter be aware that they may dislike the texture, or smell and then use the bathroom outside of the litter box. If you are going to change your cat's litter please do so after they have been in your home for several months, as when you first bring a kitten home they are going through a period of adjustment. Limiting changes like food, litter, etc will limit the risk of behavior problems as they transition. It's also good to be aware that if you make changes to litter or food later on, there will always be a transition period that could result in unwanted behavior.

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Litter Scoop

For easy litter box maintenance. I’d recommend a large size. (This one is a given.)

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Food and Water Bowls

An auto-feeder is a game changer for busy cat owners. We recommend free feeding your Maine Coons.

Food and Water Bowls: https://amzn.to/4jii8Bi

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Kitten Food

Feeding your Maine Coon high-quality kitten food is vital for their growth. We recommend Purina Pro Kitten Food, specially formulated to meet the needs of growing kittens. Cat food is often debated among Maine Coon owners and breeders. Purina Pro Kitten food (Chicken and Rice flavor) is not only recommended by our Veterinarian but one that we choose after extensive research and comparison of other brands and raw food diets. This food was developed by veterinarians and is full of all the vitamins, minerals, and caloric needs that your kitten needs as it grows.

Kitten Food: https://amzn.to/3YjgZ4e

Cat Toys

Playtime is essential for your kitten's wellness. Keep things engaging by offering a diverse range of cat toys, including feather wands, balls, and interactive puzzle toys. Engaging your Maine Coon with these products can help stimulate their natural hunting instincts, which is vital for their mental and physical health.

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Scratching Post

A sturdy, sisal-covered post to channel scratching behavior. We recommend getting a two-and-one, a large cat tree with a scratching post integrated into it.

Cat Tree

Maine Coons thrive in vertical spaces. A spacious cat tree designed for larger breeds allows for climbing, scratching, and perching—activities they love. Choose a sturdy one with multiple levels and features like cozy hideaways to keep them entertained and engaged.

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Cat Collar and ID Tag

A well-fitted cat collar is crucial for safety. Make sure to attach an ID tag with your contact information for easy identification in case your kitten escapes. Opt for a breakaway collar to prevent any accidents if it gets caught on something. We provide a kitten collar that you can adjust the size as your fur baby grows, but I recommend having a tag added to it. 

Microchip

Even with a collar, a microchip adds an extra layer of safety. According to the American Humane Association, microchipped pets are 20 times more likely to be reunited with their owners. This small device provides vital information, increasing the chances of your Maine Coon's safe return if they go missing. We provide this for all our kittens.

Optional but Recommended

Dental Water Additives

Maintaining dental health is crucial for your Maine Coon. Adding Arm & Hammer’s dental water additive to their drinking water helps prevent tartar buildup and freshens breath. Regular dental care can lower the risk of future health issues, allowing your feline to enjoy a happy, healthy life. I almost put this on the essential list, because I recommend it so strongly. Maine Coons are prone to getting gingivitis, which can cause teeth problems so drastic that tooth removal is sometimes recommended. Cats can go on to have full happy lives without teeth by removing and eating soft food. However, this dental water additive from Arm & Hammer is so helpful at keeping cats' teeth clean that we add it to all our cats' water. It's wonderful and limits the need to brush cats' teeth, which I do not enjoy doing. 

Dental Additive: https://amzn.to/4i2X1C6

ForiFlora

Purina Pro Plan has ForiFlora probiotics for cats. Anytime you have travel, or stress it can cause digestive issues with cats. Adding probiotics to their diet is extremely helpful in preventing GI issues and keeping illness at bay. 

ForiFlora: https://amzn.to/42hP3Pq

Hiding Places

Maine Coons appreciate privacy. Providing cozy hiding spots, such as a soft bed or a blanket fort, can enhance their security. These spaces allow your kitten to retreat when feeling overwhelmed, promoting a sense of safety and comfort in their new environment. Our cats love this cat tunnel, which is great because it also grooms them and helps remove excess hair! 

Hiding Places: https://amzn.to/4i1W6BJ

Grooming Brush

With their long, luxurious fur, Maine Coons require regular grooming. An effective grooming brush designed for long-haired cats will minimize shedding and prevent mats. Aim for a brush with both wide and fine bristles to tackle their thick coat efficiently. We have a traditional brush but also have a vacuum brush which takes some practice to get used to. You need to brush down the hairs, with the grain rather than against it. It also takes the cats some getting used to as the noise is startling, but like anything, the more you use it, the quicker the kittens get accustomed to it and it works wonderfully well. 

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Nail Clippers

Keeping your kitten’s nails trimmed is essential for their comfort and to protect your furniture. Invest in a quality nail clipper made for pets. Start acclimating your kitten to nail trimming early, making the process smoother for both you and your new friend. We use baby nail clippers, which are shaped, small, and effective. 

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Treats

Healthy cat treats are perfect for rewarding your kitten and enhancing training. Look for options made with wholesome ingredients, ensuring your Maine Coon stays healthy while enjoying a tasty snack. We have tested many many different types and this is the one brand all our cats go bananas for. 

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Water Fountain

Cats prefer fresh water. An automatic water fountain encourages hydration and ensures your Maine Coon drinks enough daily. Choose a model that is easy to clean and maintain. Cats that drink more water tend to have better urinary health. Some Maine Coons really enjoy pawing at flat surface auto water dispensers, having a water fountain helps prevent mass water clean-ups 

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Flea and Tick Prevention

Protecting your pet from fleas and ticks is vital. Consult your veterinarian about the appropriate flea and tick prevention for your kitten’s age and health status. Regular prevention will keep your Maine Coon comfortable and healthy, ensuring they stay happy during both playtime and rest.We always suggest going with your veterinarians recommendation.

A Happy Beginning for Your New Kitten

Bringing a Maine Coon into your home introduces a world of love and companionship. Equipping yourself with the Essential Items for New Kitten Owners ensures that your new kitten has a safe and nurturing environment. Each product on this list is chosen specifically with the needs of larger cat breeds in mind.

Taking the time to prepare and invest in quality items will pay off, creating a joyful life for both you and your new furry companion. As you navigate this exciting journey, enjoy every moment as you bond with your new friend. Here's to many happy tails and memories together!