Owners Don’t Realize They’re Overfeeding Their Maine Coon
It is important to make sure that your Maine Coon is eating the right amount of calories per day, and that those calories consumed include all the nutrients they need to stay happy and healthy.
Read on to find out how you can provide your Maine Coon cat with a perfectly balanced diet.
Dietary Needs
Maine Coons are large, muscular, and active cats, requiring a high-quality diet to maintain their energy levels, muscle mass, and overall health.
As obligate carnivores, their diet should be rich in animal-based protein with the right balance of fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Below is a detailed breakdown of what should be included in a Maine Coon cat’s diet to keep them healthy and thriving.
1. High In Protein
Maine Coon cats require a diet that is high in animal protein. Their diet should be about 35 to 50% protein so always make sure the first ingredient on each food packet is protein, e.g. fish or chicken.
2. Moderate In Fat
Fat should make up approximately 20 to 30% of your Maine Coon cat’s overall diet. They require omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to stay healthy.
3. Low In Carbohydrates
Cats require small amounts of carbohydrates, so carbohydrates should only make up about 12% of their diet.
Low-quality cat foods contain lots of carbs that are used as filler content, e.g. corn or grains. By comparison, high-quality cat foods will mainly contain protein and fat.
4. Plenty Of Vitamins And Minerals
Cats need lots of vitamins and minerals to stay fit and healthy.
There are dozens of different vitamins and minerals your cat needs in its diet, so the Association of American Feed Control Officials, also known as the AAFCO, has created a comprehensive guideline for pet food manufacturers.
When searching for food for your Maine Coon cat, make sure it has the AAFCO’s seal of approval, so you know your cat is getting all the vitamins and minerals that it needs.
Portion Size By Age
Maine Coons are large and muscular cats, often weighing between 12-22 pounds, so their calorie requirements can be quite substantial.
Their caloric needs depend on several factors, including age, activity level, health, and whether they are spayed or neutered.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of their caloric needs and considerations for maintaining a healthy weight.
1. Kittens (Up To 6 Months)
Once kittens reach two months of age, they are fully weaned and ready to be adopted into a loving home.
Between the ages of two and ten months, kittens grow rapidly and are at risk of becoming underweight if they are not fed enough. At this stage, you should feed your Maine Coon two to four times a day, and make sure it gets plenty of food each time.
Calories per day
Approximately 250-300 calories
Growth and Development
Kittens are in a rapid growth stage, so they need a high-calorie, nutrient-dense diet. They will require more food than an adult cat to support their developing muscles and organs.
Diet
A high-protein, fat-rich kitten food will provide the energy needed for this crucial developmental phase. It is recommended that they be fed small meals throughout the day (4-5 times).
2. Adult Cats (1–7 Years)
Once your cat is about 15 months old, it is time to switch to adult food. Make sure to switch foods gradually, to avoid any stomach upset.
You’ll need to lower your cat’s food intake by just a bit once it reaches adulthood, as adult Maine Coons no longer need extra calories to grow, and they usually become slightly less playful.
Calories per day
Around 350-500 calories, with a range depending on the cat’s size, activity, and health.
Activity Level
Maine Coons are often described as active and playful, so they require more calories than sedentary breeds. A more active Maine Coon may burn through calories quickly, especially if they enjoy play sessions or outdoor exploration.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Cats that have access to the outdoors will likely burn more calories, requiring higher intake, especially if they’re running or hunting. However, indoor-only cats can often meet their calorie needs with less food since their activity level tends to be lower.
Diet
High-quality protein and fat are essential for maintaining muscle mass and healthy body weight. Cats are obligate carnivores, so their diet should be rich in animal protein, such as chicken, turkey, or fish.
3. Senior Cats (7+ Years)
Senior cats are less active and require less food, especially since they are more prone to obesity at this age.
Calories per day
Approximately 300-400 calories
Reduced Activity
Older Maine Coons tend to be less active, which means their metabolism may slow down. As a result, they might not need as many calories to maintain a healthy weight.
However, their calorie intake should still be nutrient-dense to combat age-related muscle loss and preserve their health.
Health Considerations
Senior cats can have issues with their teeth or digestion, so you might need to adjust their diet (e.g., easier-to-chew food or smaller, more frequent meals).
You should always provide a diet that’s tailored to address their specific age-related needs, like supporting kidney function, joint health, and maintaining a healthy coat.
Obesity Prevention
It’s important to monitor their weight carefully as older cats are more prone to obesity. If your senior Maine Coon becomes overweight, consider reducing their calorie intake by adjusting food portions.
Factors To Consider
There’s more to consider about food portions than you might first think:
Spayed Or Neutered Cats
Spaying or neutering can lower the metabolic rate of a Maine Coon, meaning they may need fewer calories than their unaltered counterparts.
A neutered Maine Coon often becomes less active, so it’s essential to adjust portion sizes and monitor their weight carefully to avoid obesity.
Activity And Play
Maine Coons are one of the most playful and active cat breeds, and they enjoy engaging in interactive play, such as fetching or chasing toys.
Even if they’re indoor-only, playing with your Maine Coon can help ensure they remain physically active, which will, in turn, require them to consume more calories.
Their love of climbing, jumping, and even playing in water can help burn energy.
Obesity In Maine Coons
Maine Coons are prone to obesity if their food intake isn’t properly monitored. A well-fed Maine Coon can easily become overweight, which can cause several health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. I
It’s important to balance their calorie intake with their activity level to keep them lean but healthy.
Why Does My Maine Coon Eat So Much?
Below are some key reasons why your Maine Coon cat eats so much:
1. Not Enough Food
Your cat might be hungry all the time if you are not feeding it enough!
Keep in mind that Maine Coon cats need between 24 and 35 calories of food per pound of body weight every day!
2. Eating Too Quickly
Many cats have a bad habit of eating too quickly. If your cat eats too fast it can become nauseous and throw up straight after.
Should your cat throw up often, it is likely hungry because it has not retained enough food.
3. Incorrect Bowl
Cats have very sensitive whiskers all over their faces. If your cat’s bowl is small and deep, it might hurt your cat’s whiskers to eat out of the bowl.
The solution is to make sure you use a wide, shallow bowl made of ceramic or stainless steel. A tilted bowl is ideal since it will make it easier for your Maine Coon to pick up their food.
Learn more about Maine Coon cat’s whiskers in this article I wrote:
4. Low Quality Food
Low-quality food contains lots of filler carbohydrates and grains, but very little protein or fat. As a result, your cat will not be getting the correct nutrients and might be hungry all the time.
These 5 dry foods are the best for your hungry gentle giant.
5. Boredom
Maine Coons are active, intelligent cats that need a lot of enrichment to be happy. If they don’t have enough space to run or toys to play they might eat out of boredom.
These are my Maine Coon cat’s favorite toys, which he loves to play with every day because they are both fun, sturdy, and mentally stimulating him.
6. Underlying Illness
Underlying illnesses (like the following) can impact your cat’s appetite:
These are the top 7 Maine Coon health issues to be aware of.
