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Maine Coon Diet & Nutrition Guide: What To Feed, How Much, And Full Feeding Routine

Home / Maine Coon Diet & Nutrition Guide: What To Feed, How Much, And Full Feeding Routine
How long should a Maine Coon eat kitten food

Feeding a Maine Coon correctly is one of the most important parts of keeping the breed healthy, strong, lean, and long-lived.

Maine Coons have unique nutritional needs due to their large size, slow growth, high muscle mass, and active temperament, so their diet requires more consideration than that of an average house cat.

This hub brings together everything owners need to know in one place:

  • Ideal food types
  • Feeding amounts
  • Portion sizes
  • Kitten vs adult diets
  • Weight management
  • Hydration
  • Supplements
  • Troubleshooting common food-related issues

Every section links to in-depth Maine Coon Central articles for owners who want a more in-depth look.

Real-World Feeding Experience With Our Maine Coons

Over the years, we’ve trialled a wide range of cat foods with our Maine Coons, and one thing became very clear very quickly: feeding advice on paper rarely reflects real life.

We’ve owned three Maine Coons – Pippin, Mika, and Bali, and each had very different eating habits and sensitivities.

Pippin was not especially fussy. He happily ate a wide range of foods and showed a strong interest in human food. He loved chicken and would routinely wait nearby while the children ate, knowing something would eventually be dropped!

On one occasion, he even managed to steal chicken tikka masala from them – not recommended, but a reminder of how food-motivated he was.

  • Pippin the Maine Coon cat laying underneath the kitchen drawer.
  • Maine Coon Cat Playing With Normal Cat
  • Pippin our senior Maine Coon cat playing with his fish toy

By contrast, Mika and Bali are extremely picky eaters.

After trialling many dry foods, the only brands they would reliably eat were:

  • Royal Canin dry food (with the Maine Coon pictured on the bag)
  • Purina Biofensis

When we switched to several higher-priced premium dry food brands, both cats developed urinary tract infections at different times. Bali’s infection was severe and required emergency hospitalisation, which was frightening and extremely expensive.

Following veterinary advice, both cats now eat: Royal Canin Moderate Calorie Urinary dry food

We initially tried the standard urinary formula, but Mika, who has a very large appetite, began gaining weight quickly. Switching to the moderate-calorie version resolved this issue completely.

We have had no urinary problems since, and given what we went through, we would not risk switching brands again. Having a sick cat is bad enough, but the medical bill of £3,500 ($4,776) was truly frightening – to make matters worse, it had to be paid in full before being claimed off the pet insurance.

  • Maine Coon Cat Food
  • Fluffy Mika sat on outdoor garden furniture
  • Brown tabby Maine Coon cat sat on wooden bedside table!

Why Urinary Diets Matter For Maine Coons

Urinary tract disease is one of the most serious nutrition-related risks in Maine Coons, particularly in large neutered males.

Factors that increase risk include:

  • Naturally narrow urethras
  • Lower thirst drive
  • Dry-food heavy diets
  • Stress and anxiety

In severe cases, urinary blockage can become life-threatening within 24-48 hours.

Based on our experience with Bali’s hospitalisation, we now view urinary-support diets not as optional food choices, but as preventative health care.

What Should A Maine Coon Eat? (Core Nutritional Overview)

Maine Coons thrive on a high-protein, meat-focused diet that mirrors their natural nutritional profile.

Whether you feed wet food, dry kibble, raw, or a combination, the key principles stay the same:

Optimal nutrient balance:

  • Protein: 50-70% of calories
  • Fat: 20-35%
  • Carbohydrates: As low as possible (preferably under 10-12%)
  • Moisture: Ideally 70-80% via wet/raw feeding
  • Taurine: Must be present in sufficient levels
  • Low fillers: Avoid corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives

A biologically-appropriate diet helps reduce obesity, prevent diabetes, minimise hairballs, and support joint and coat health – all common Maine Coon vulnerabilities.

Read more:

  • What Is the Best Cat Food for Shedding?

How Much Should You Feed A Maine Coon? (Portions & Calorie Needs)

Because Maine Coons are naturally bigger and grow for up to 3–5 years, their calorie needs differ from those of other cats. A typical healthy adult requires:

Average daily calories:

  • Male Maine Coon: 350-600+ kcal/day
  • Female Maine Coon: 280-450 kcal/day
  • Active cats: add 10-15%
  • Indoor-only cats: subtract 10-20%

Portion guidelines:

  • Feed 2-3 meals daily for adults
  • Feed 3-4 meals daily for kittens
  • Combine wet + dry if desired, with wet food making up at least 50% of the diet for moisture balance

Your cat’s body condition score (BCS), activity level, and metabolism ultimately determine how much they need. Slow, steady growth is crucial – too much food accelerates growth unnaturally and stresses joints.

Maine Coon Feeding Calculator (Calories Per Day)

If you’re staring at a food bag wondering, “How much should I actually feed my Maine Coon?”, you’re not alone. Maine Coons are large, slow-maturing cats, so generic “cat feeding” advice often doesn’t fit.

This calorie calculator gives a sensible starting point based on your cat’s weight and life stage. Use it for 10-14 days, then adjust portions by about 5-10% depending on whether your cat is gaining, maintaining, or losing weight.

If your Maine Coon is losing weight without you trying, don’t just feed more – investigate the cause.

Created by MaineCoonCentral.com

Advanced Maine Coon Feeding Calculator

Estimate your Maine Coon’s daily calorie needs based on weight, age, and activity level. Designed specifically for large-breed cats.

Result: Enter your cat’s details and press calculate.

Important: This calculator provides a safe starting estimate. Adjust food portions gradually over 10–14 days based on body condition. If your Maine Coon is losing weight unexpectedly or has urinary, kidney, thyroid, or digestive disease, consult your vet before changing diet.

1. How To Use Your Result (So It Actually Works In Real Life)

Use the calorie number as a starting point for 10-14 days, then adjust slowly. If your cat is gaining fat, reduce total food by 5-10%. If they are losing weight and you want weight gain, increase by 5-10%.

Avoid sudden jumps – big portion changes can trigger digestive upset.

Important: If your Maine Coon is losing weight without you trying, or has vomiting/diarrhoea, changes in thirst, lethargy, or hiding, don’t “fix it” by feeding more. Use the calculator for reference, but speak to your vet to find the cause.

2. Turn Calories Into A Portion You Can Measure

To translate calories into grams or cups, check your food’s packaging for the energy value (for example, “kcal per 100g” for wet food or “kcal per cup/gram” for dry). Then divide your cat’s daily calories by that number to estimate a portion.

If you mixed-feed, split calories between wet and dry (for example, 50/50), then calculate each portion separately.

Unexplained Weight Loss: Don’t Just Feed More

If your Maine Coon is losing weight and you haven’t changed their diet, don’t assume they simply need bigger portions. Unplanned weight loss can be caused by:

  • Dental pain
  • Nausea
  • Parasites
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Food intolerance
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Chronic infection
  • Stress

Some cats also eat less if they are bullied away from bowls or if their food is stale.

If weight loss is noticeable, persistent, or paired with vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in thirst, lethargy, or hiding, it’s safer to speak to your vet early rather than “trialling” lots of new foods at home.

🐾 Feeding By Age & Volume

Feeding Volume Table – Kitten To Adult (Royal Canin Urinary As Baseline)

These amounts are starting estimates, not rules – two Maine Coons of the same weight can need different portions depending on frame size, muscle mass, neuter status, and activity.

AgeTypical
Weight
Daily
Dry Food
Frequent
Feeding
Notes
8-12 weeks1.5-2.5 lb40-60 g
(½-¾ cup)
3-4
small meals
Rapid growth
phase
3-5 months2.5-6 lb60-100 g
(¾-1⅓ cups)
3 mealsProtein &
energy high
6-9 months6-10 lb100-140 g
(1⅓-1¾ cups)
2-3 mealsLean-body
development
10-12 months10-14 lb140-180 g
(1¾-2¼ cups)
2 mealsNear adult
size
12-18 months14-18 lb170-210 g
(2¼-2¾ cups)
2 mealsAdjust per
body condition
Adult
(18+ mo)
15-20+ lb170-220 g
(2¼-3 cups)
2 mealsActive adult,
maintain weight

💡 Notes:

  • These figures are approximations based on recommended amounts for Royal Canin formulas. Adjust ±10-15% based on your cat’s activity and body condition.
  • Use a digital kitchen scale for precise grams, then adjust your measuring cups accordingly.

Feeding By Age & Life Stage

Maine Coon cats grow differently from most other breeds; their growth period can continue until 3-5 years of age, and their nutritional needs change substantially over time. Use the table below as a guideline when planning meals:

Life StageTypical
Weight
Daily Calories
(kcal)
Feed
Frequency
Kitten
(0-4 months)
~1-5 kgHigh energy –
often 300–450+
4 meals/day
Junior
(4-12 months)
~4-10 kg~350-6003 meals/day
Young Adult
(1-3 yrs)
~8-12+ kg~350-600+2 meals/day
Adult
(3-7 yrs)
~8-13+ kg~280-6002 meals/day
Senior
(7+ yrs)
Varies~250-5502 small meals

These are starting points – your cat’s body condition, activity level, and metabolism will affect requirements. Adjust gradually and re-assess every 1-2 weeks.

Maine Coon Kitten Feeding Guide (0-5 Years)

Maine Coon kittens grow longer than other breeds, which means they require specialised, high-energy nutrition for much longer.

Feeding stages:

  • 0-4 months: high-calorie kitten food, 4 meals/day
  • 4-12 months: high-protein kitten food, 3–4 meals/day
  • 12-18 months: transition to “junior” or “high-protein adult” food
  • 18 months – 5 years: maintain steady growth; avoid early switch to low-calorie diets

Kittens need:

  • Higher protein
  • Higher fat
  • More frequent meals
  • DHA for brain development
  • Extra hydration

Read more:

  • How Long Should a Maine Coon Eat Kitten Food?

How Often To Feed A Maine Coon

Feeding Frequency By Life Stage

Life StageFeed
Frequency
8-12 weeks3-4 times/day
3-6 months3 times/day
6-12 months2-3 times/day
Adult2 times/day
Seniors2 smaller meals

Why this matters:
Maine Coons have big appetites but slow metabolisms after maturity. Multiple small meals help manage:

✔ Satiety
✔ Digestion
✔ Urinary health
✔ Weight control

Senior Maine Coon Nutrition (7+ Years): What Changes And What Stays The Same

Senior Maine Coons don’t automatically need a “senior food”, but they do benefit from tighter monitoring. Appetite, digestion, hydration, and muscle maintenance matter more than ever. Many seniors do better with two smaller meals (or split meals) and a close eye on weight trends, dental comfort, and litter tray changes.

If a senior starts losing weight, don’t assume “age” – investigate causes like dental pain, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or chronic inflammation.

Adjusting Portions By Activity & Weight

Activity & Condition Adjustments

  • Very active cats (outdoor/playful) → +5-10% of daily calories
  • Indoor/lower activity → -5-10% to avoid excess weight
  • Weight gain noticed → Reduce by ~10-15 g daily, monitor 2 weeks
  • Weight loss needed → Increase by ~10-15 g daily, vet consult if >10% loss

Buffer rule: Never decrease or increase more than 10% at once – sudden changes can trigger digestive upset.

Visual Feeding Guide

                       START HERE
                             ↓
                KITTEN (8–12 WEEKS)  —> 3–4 small meals
                             ↓
            GROWTH (3–6 MONTHS) —> 3 meals/day
                             ↓
          JUNIOR (6–12 MONTHS) —> 2–3 meals/day
                             ↓
                  ADULT (1–6 YEARS) —> 2 meals/day
                             ↓
                MATURE (7+ YEARS) —> 2 smaller meals

🎯 Tip: Always measure with weight, not volume – cups vary by brand.

Real Feeding Notes From Mika, Bali & Pippin

If you want the short version of what worked for our household (and why), see the “Real-World Feeding Experience” section near the top – it explains what changed after urinary issues and what we now stick to long-term.

Wet Food Vs Dry Food Vs Raw (Pros & Cons)

Wet food

  • High moisture
  • Easier to digest
  • Better for weight control
  • Great for picky eaters

Dry Kibble

  • Convenient
  • Helps with dental abrasion
  • Can be nutritionally dense

Raw feeding

  • Extremely high in protein
  • Mimics natural feline diet
  • Must be balanced correctly
  • Requires safe handling

Mixed feeding

  • Most balanced daily approach
  • Maintains hydration
  • Supports healthy teeth
  • Distributes calories across the day

Read more:

  • Can Maine Coons Eat Raw Meat?
  • Do Maine Coons Need Raw Meat?
  • Can Maine Coons Eat Cooked Chicken?

Nutrient Ratios – What Makes A Good Food

Maine Coons are large, muscular cats that benefit from specific nutritional balances:

  • Protein: Maine Coons thrive on diets with high animal protein – look for formulas with ≥30-40% protein (dry matter basis). Quality animal proteins support muscle, coat, and overall metabolism.
  • Fats: Healthy fats provide concentrated energy and help support skin and coat health; omega-3s (like salmon oil) reduce inflammation.
  • Carbohydrates: Cats have no strict requirement for carbs. Excess carbs can contribute to weight gain and digestive issues.
  • Taurine & Vitamins: Essential amino acids like taurine are crucial for heart and eye health; ensure selected diets meet AAFCO standards.

High-quality food isn’t just about label claims – look at ingredient lists and guaranteed analysis to choose the best fit.

The Reality Of Wet Food Feeding

Wet food feeding does not always work the way guides suggest. While Pippin would eat leftover chicken happily, Mika and Bali have never shown interest in human food.

Instead, they eat Royal Canin Urinary wet food two to three times per week, but even then, their behaviour is unpredictable. Some days they will eat the food normally. Other days, they will simply lick the jelly and leave the meat untouched.

Even more unusually, they will only share one sachet between them! If we offer one pouch each, much of it goes to waste, which becomes expensive very quickly.

This inconsistency is common among Maine Coons and highlights why feeding advice must remain flexible rather than rigid.

Each feeding style has benefits, and many Maine Coon owners use a balanced combination.

Digestive Troubleshooting

Digestive symptoms are common when a cat changes foods too quickly or has sensitivities. Use the guide below to understand what’s normal – and when to seek help.

Common Issues & What To Do

  • Vomiting once or after fast eating: Could be due to eating too quickly – use a slow feeder or divide meals.
  • Soft stool/diarrhoea after food change: Introduce new food gradually over 7-10 days.
  • Persistent diarrhoea or vomiting + lethargy: Seek veterinary advice; this may indicate underlying medical causes.

If digestive signs persist beyond 24-48 hours, or are accompanied by weight loss or dehydration, don’t wait. Early vet advice can prevent escalation.

Maine Coon Vomiting: Normal Grooming Or Serious GI Emergency?
Maine Coon Vomiting: Normal Grooming Or Serious GI Emergency?

Treats, Rewards And Behavioural Feeding

All three of our Maine Coons enjoy cat yoghurt treats, and we give them Lik-e-Lix tubes most evenings.

Mika is particularly motivated by treats. Dreamies are especially useful during grooming sessions, where positive reinforcement helps him tolerate brushing around areas prone to tangles.

While treats should always be moderated, they often play an important role in real-world care – particularly for nervous or sensitive cats.

  • Video Thumbnail: SMARTEST Cat In The World COMPLETES Tricky DOG TREAT Toy!!
  • Mika and Bali Playing With Their Dog Treat Toy
  • Pippin, Maine Coon Central's senior Maine Coon cat is talking to his owner!

Feeding Troubleshooter Table

What to do when common feeding problems occur:

ProblemLikely CauseTry This
Refuses foodTexture/brand mismatchWarm food, rotate within
the same trusted base, try
wet for variety
Vomiting after mealsEating too fastSmaller meals, puzzle
feeder, slow bowl
Weight gainExcess caloriesReduce portions, increase
activity, vet check
Urinary signsLow water intakeWater fountain, wet food,
vet consult
Constant beggingBoredomScheduled meals, play
before meals

Common Misconceptions

Myth: Maine Coons should always free-feed entertainment

Reality: Free feeding can lead to over-eating, obesity, and urinary issues. Structured meals maintain weight and hydration habits.

Myth: Any “premium” food is better

My personal experience with higher-priced foods is that they caused UTIs in Mika and Bali – this shows that food must be:

✔ Vet-recommended
✔ Formulated for breed size/metabolism
✔ Not just expensive

  • Maine Coon Cat Food
  • Maine Coon cat sat next to pet water fountain
  • Maine Coon cat sat on tiled floor looking upwards

Human Foods: What Maine Coons Can & Can’t Eat

Some human foods are safe in moderation; others are dangerous.

Safe (Occasional):

  • Cooked unseasoned chicken
  • Salmon
  • Turkey
  • Plain rice (small amounts)
  • Eggs

Unsafe/Toxic:

  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Chocolate
  • Grapes
  • Alcohol
  • Excessive dairy

Read more:

  • Can Maine Coons Eat Rice?
  • Can Maine Coons Eat Bananas?
  • Can Maine Coons Eat Pizza?
  • Can Maine Coons Drink Milk?
  • What Human Food Can Maine Coon Cats Eat?
  • 18 Deadly Foods To NEVER Feed A Maine Coon
  • 5 Best wet food for Maine Coon kittens
  • Best Wet Food For Maine Coon Kittens
  • How long should a Maine Coon eat kitten food

Human Food & Diet FAQs For Maine Coons

1. Can Maine Coons Eat Human Food?

Maine Coons can technically eat certain human foods in small, safe amounts, but they should never be a major part of their diet. Human food is not nutritionally balanced for cats and can lead to:

  • Deficiencies
  • Digestive upset
  • Weight issues if fed regularly

In our home, Pippin was the only one who showed interest in human food – especially chicken. He would often wait near the kids at dinner, and once even managed to snatch a piece of chicken tikka masala (not advised!). That behaviour was permission-based curiosity, not nutritional need. By comparison, Bali and Mika have never liked human food at all.

2. What human foods Are Safe For Maine Coons?

If you want to offer occasional, safe treats from your plate:

Safe in tiny amounts:

  • Cooked lean chicken or turkey (no bones, no seasoning)
  • Cooked plain fish (no bones, no seasoning)
  • Small amounts of plain, cooked egg

Not a substitute for cat food – occasional treat only.

3. What Human Foods Should NEVER Be Given To Maine Coons?

Some human foods are genuinely dangerous to cats and should never be offered:

🚫 Onions, garlic, chives
🚫 Grapes or raisins
🚫 Chocolate
🚫 Alcohol
🚫 Caffeine
🚫 Xylitol (sweetener in sugar-free foods)
🚫 Raw dough or uncooked meat with bones
🚫 Dairy like cow’s milk in large amounts (many cats are lactose-intolerant)

Even small quantities of these can cause serious illness.

4. Can Maine Coons Eat Chicken Every Day?

While plain cooked chicken is safe as an occasional treat, it should not replace complete cat food. Feeding too much human protein can create nutrient imbalances because it lacks essential taurine, vitamins, and minerals that cats require.

In our experience, Pippin would eat chicken leftovers happily, but he always returned to his complete cat food as the staple of his diet.

5. Is It bad If My Maine Coon Only Wants Human Food?

If a Maine Coon refuses their formulated diet in favour of human food, that’s a problem.

A cat that only wants human food risks:

❗ Nutritional deficiencies
❗ Weight imbalance
❗ Digestive upset
❗ Urinary and metabolic conditions

Always work with your vet to transition picky eaters back to nutritionally complete food.

In our home, Mika and Bali never rejected complete cat food; they were simply picky about which food they would accept.

6. Can Maine Coons Eat Dairy Products Like Cheese Or Yoghurt?

Most cats are lactose-intolerant, meaning they don’t digest dairy well. Small tastes of plain cheese rarely cause harm, but they are not recommended as a regular treat.

That said, all three of our cats enjoy cat-safe yoghurt treats like Lik-e-Lix tubes after meals. These are formulated for feline digestion and make excellent rewards when used sparingly.

7. Can Human Food Cause Urinary Issues In Maine Coons?

Yes – diet composition significantly affects urinary health.

High-carbohydrate dry foods or unbalanced homemade meals can:

  • Reduce water intake
  • Concentrate urine
  • Increase blockage risk

In our experience, when Mika and Bali were trialled on several higher-priced dry foods, they both developed urinary tract infections at separate times. Since switching to Royal Canin Moderate Calorie Urinary dry food (on vet advice), they have remained healthy, and we avoid any food that triggers urinary symptoms.

8. How Should Treats Be Factored Into A Maine Coon’s Diet?

Treats should:

✔ Be small
✔ Not exceed ~10% of daily calories
✔ Complement proper nutrition

Dreamies or other crunchy treats are fine in moderation. In our home, Dreamies are especially useful for training or grooming rewards – but they are not suitable as meal replacements.

9. Does Raw Meat Or Home-Cooked Food Work As A diet?

Raw diets are popular in some circles, but they carry risks like:

⚠ Salmonella
⚠ E. coli
⚠ Unbalanced nutrients
⚠ Bone hazard

Home-cooked meals must be balanced with a supplement plan designed by a vet or animal nutritionist. If not, they can cause long-term problems. We found that complete, veterinary-formulated diets avoided these issues better than homemade trials.

10. What Should I Do If My Maine Coon Refuses All Commercial Foods?

Refusal can signal:

🔹 Stress or anxiety
🔹 Dental pain
🔹 Digestive sensitivity
🔹 Inappropriate texture or flavour
🔹 Learned preference for human food

Strategies that help include:

✔ Rotate flavours within the same trusted brand
✔ Warm food slightly for aroma
✔ Offer hydration fountains
✔ Feed at consistent times
✔ Avoid feeding from your plate

If refusal persists, vet evaluation is essential – refusal can be a symptom, not just behaviour.

Managing Shedding, Coat Health & Allergies Through Diet

Diet influences coat quality, shedding, and skin health. Maine Coons with dull, brittle, or thinning coats often benefit from:

Nutritional support for coat health:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
  • High-quality animal protein
  • Adequate hydration
  • Low-carb, low-filler diets

A poor-quality diet can worsen shedding, dandruff, tail thinning, and allergies.

Read more:

  • Why Is My Maine Coon Shedding So Much?
  • What Is the Best Cat Food for Shedding?
  • Causes of Maine Coon Tail Thinning

Food Allergies, Intolerances & Sensitive Stomachs

Maine Coons can develop food sensitivities, especially to:

  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Wheat
  • Certain preservatives

Signs include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Itchy skin
  • Ear infections
  • Over-grooming

Typical solutions:

  • Switch to a single-protein diet
  • Try a hypoallergenic diet
  • Introduce new proteins slowly
  • Avoid artificial colours and fillers

Read more:

  • Dangerous Maine Coon Cat Allergies
  • Do Maine Coons Have Sensitive Stomachs?

Digestive Issues In Maine Coons (Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Hairballs & Food Transitions)

Digestive problems are one of the biggest reasons owners end up changing foods too quickly – and that can accidentally make things worse. The goal isn’t constant switching; it’s identifying patterns.

A few realities that help owners troubleshoot calmly:

  • One-off vomiting can happen (especially fast eating or hairballs), but repeated vomiting isn’t “normal”.
  • Soft stools after a food change are common, but diarrhoea that lasts more than a couple of days, contains blood, or comes with lethargy needs veterinary advice.
  • Hairballs aren’t just grooming-related – diet and hydration affect how easily fur passes through the gut.

If you need to change food, change it slowly.
Mix the new food in gradually over 7-10 days. If your cat is already prone to digestive upset, go even slower (10-14 days). Sudden switches are one of the easiest ways to trigger loose stools.

Red flags that mean “don’t DIY this”:
If vomiting or diarrhoea is persistent, your cat is losing weight, refusing food, dehydrated, or behaving “off”, it’s safer to speak to your vet early rather than cycling through brands at home.

Hydration & Water Preference

Hydration is one of the most important – and overlooked – aspects of Maine Coon nutrition.

We keep a cat water fountain running at all times to encourage drinking. Mika is particularly obsessed with moving water. He can often be found drinking with his entire face submerged, and regularly walks around the house with a wet face as a result!

He also has an unusual fondness for rainwater and will rush into the garden straight to his designated water bucket, which we clean regularly.

Encouraging water intake through fountains can significantly reduce urinary tract risk, especially in large male cats.

Ultimately, Maine Coons often prefer:

  • Moving water
  • Wide, shallow bowls
  • Stainless steel or ceramic over plastic

Proper hydration helps prevent UTIs, reduces shedding, and supports kidney function.

Read more:

  • How Much Do Maine Coon Cats Eat? (hydration context)

Weight Management & Obesity Prevention

Maine Coons are large, but should never be overweight. Obesity is one of the most common health issues vets see in the breed.

Key strategies:

  • Measure portions
  • Use feeding schedules
  • Minimise high-carb foods
  • Increase play and enrichment
  • Monitor weight monthly

A healthy adult male typically weighs 18-21 lbs, and females 12-15 lbs, depending on frame.

Read more:

  • Is My Maine Coon Overweight?
  • 13 SHOCKING Truths Behind The Maine Coons Bottomless Appetite

Senior Nutrition

As Maine Coons reach their senior years (around 7+), their metabolism may slow, and their body condition can change. Senior cats often do better with:

  • Slightly lower-calorie-density food (if weight is creeping up)
  • Joint support ingredients (glucosamine, chondroitin)
  • More frequent, smaller meals to aid digestion
  • Continued hydration focus

Veterinary assessment is strongly encouraged for seniors, especially those with arthritis, dental issues, or changes in food intake.

Supplements & Optional Safe Recipes

Some supplements can support a diet, but should be used with veterinary guidance:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: For skin and coat health
  • Probiotics: To support gut flora, especially during transitions
  • Joint support blends: Beneficial for older cats with mobility changes

You can also offer occasional, vet-approved homemade treats, such as plain cooked chicken breast or turkey, in very small amounts. These should never replace a complete, balanced diet.

Diet & Nutrition FAQs

How much should a Maine Coon eat each day?
Most adults need 280-600 kcal/day depending on sex, weight, and activity level.

What is the best food for Maine Coons?
A high-protein, meat-based diet with low carbohydrates and no fillers.

Can Maine Coons eat raw meat?
Yes, but only balanced, safe raw diets with correct taurine levels.

How often should a Maine Coon kitten eat?
3-4 meals per day until at least 12 months old.

Do Maine Coons need wet food?
Wet food supports hydration and is recommended for most Maine Coons.

What foods are toxic to Maine Coons?
Onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, alcohol, and seasoned meats.

Author

  • Bali the Maine Coon cat and Katrina Stewardson. Female holding big cat!
    Katrina Stewardson

    A Maine Coon cat enthusiast with 14+ years of experience owning three Maine Coon cats. I have first-hand experience with many Maine Coon health issues, e.g., hip dysplasia, bent tail canal, and arthritis. I have experience in training Maine Coons, registered breeders, adopting Maine Coons, and caring for a Maine Coon. I currently own two male Maine Coon cats, named Mika and Bali.

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  • Breed Basics
    • What Is a Maine Coon? A Complete Beginner’s Guide To The Breed
    • Maine Coon Size & Growth: Height, Weight, Length & Development Stages
    • Maine Coon Personality: Temperament & Behavior Traits
    • Maine Coon Coat, Color & Pattern Guide
    • Maine Coon Coat Type & Texture Guide
  • Maine Coon Care
    • Maine Coon Grooming Guide: Coat Care, Bathing, Nails & More
    • Maine Coon Diet & Nutrition Guide: What To Feed & How Much
    • Maine Coon Litter Care: Trays, Litter, Training & Troubleshooting
    • Maine Coon Health & Lifespan: What Owners Need To Know
  • Products & Gear
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