Free Feeding A Maine Coon: Pros And Cons
Leaving food out for your Maine Coon to eat whenever they want might seem like the easiest way to keep them fed and happy, but it is not always the best for their health.
This is an emotive subject amongst cat lovers, so I’ve broken the debate down into the pros and cons of free feeding, to help owners make an informed decision.
Maine Coons are prone to obesity. Cats that overeat are not suited to free-feeding as it may cause weight gain and obesity. Health problems connected to cat obesity include diabetes, heart disease, and joint issues. Free feeding can cause behavioral issues like picky eating and food guarding. Cats not prone to overeating can be free-fed.
1. Free Feeding
Free feeding is the process of leaving food out for a cat to eat whenever they want.
This can be done by leaving a bowl of dry food out all day, or by filling an automatic pet feeder that dispenses food at set intervals.
This method is suitable for cats that are not prone to overeating, or for cats that are left by themselves for a long time.
Advantages
- A convenient option for busy pet owners who cannot guarantee they will be in at feeding time, each day.
- Allows cats to eat when they are hungry, thereby preventing stress.
Disadvantages
- Cats may gain weight if they do not self-regulate their food intake.
- Can lead to food wastage if not consumed – dry food loses its fresh smell if left out too long.
- This may lead to territorial behavior if multiple cats are fed together.
2. Scheduled Feeding
Scheduled feeding is the opposite of free feeding where an owner sets specific times for the cat to eat.
This can either be done by placing a set amount of food in the cat’s bowl at specific times of the day, or by using a timed pet feeder that dispenses food at set intervals.
This method is often used for cats that are prone to overeating or for cats that need to lose weight.
Advantages
- Helps prevent overeating since cats can only eat what they are given.
- A useful way to manage a cat’s weight.
- Allows the owner to monitor and control the cat’s food intake.
- Easier for the owner of a pet food dispenser is used.
Disadvantages
- If a pet food dispenser is not used, it can be challenging for busy pet owners since this method requires them to be available to feed their cats at specific times.
- May cause the cat stress if they are not fed on time.
- This can lead to food wastage if the cat does not finish the food provided.
3. Combination Feeding
Combination feeding is a method that combines both free feeding and scheduled feeding.
This can be done by leaving a bowl of dry food out all day, but supplementing it with scheduled feedings of wet food or treats.
Advantages
- Provides a balance between the convenience of free feeding and the control of scheduled feeding.
- Allows the owner to monitor and control the cat’s food intake.
Disadvantages
- Might be challenging to achieve the right balance between free feeding and scheduled feeding, which may lead to overeating or underfeeding.
- Can cause stress for the cat if they are not fed on time.
- This can lead to food wastage if the cat does not finish the food provided.
Dietary Needs Of A Maine Coon
Below is a detailed breakdown of what Maine Coons need in their diet:
High Protein Levels
Due to their large physical build and active lifestyle, Maine Coon cats require a diet that is high in protein, to support their muscle mass.
Proteins are the building blocks of muscles, and adequate protein intake is crucial for the growth and maintenance of lean muscle mass.
Meat-based protein sources are an excellent option for Maine Coons, and include:
- Chicken
- Fish
- Beef
Fish like salmon and tuna are also great choices, as they provide both protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for maintaining a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Carbohydrates
Maine Coons require a small level of carbohydrates in their diet, for energy.
Carbohydrates are regarded as the primary source of energy for cats and provide them with the glucose they need for their brain and muscles to function properly.
Fat
A moderate amount of fat is necessary for Maine Coons to maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Fat is a vital energy source for cats, and it is also needed for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as:
- A
- D
- E
- K
Nutrients And Minerals
Maine Coons need a variety of vitamins and minerals to support their overall health.
If you are concerned your Maine Coon is not consuming the correct nutrients and minerals, consider adding supplements to your cat’s food. These are the best cat supplements.
Supplements such as taurine and multivitamins can be added to the cat’s diet to ensure a Maine Coon is getting all the necessary nutrients.
Taurine, for example, is an essential amino acid that is important for heart and eye health.
Wet Food
Maine Coons should not be fed more than 2-3 wet food sachets a week, since wet food can lead to dental problems and obesity.
Read about the common dental problems that Maine Coon cats can suffer from, in my Maine Coon teeth guide.
These are my favorite wet foods for Maine Coon kittens.
Water
Always ensure your Maine Coon has access to clean water, as they need it to maintain proper hydration and bodily functions.
Maine Coon Feeding Guide
The following cat guide will help you determine how much should you feed your Maine Coon kitten, and how often should you feed a Maine Coon kitten.
To assist Maine Coon owners, we’ve detailed a cat feeding schedule by age and shown how often to feed your Maine Coon, according to their age.
Please note that the portion quantities and schedules detailed below are general and may vary depending on your individual cat’s needs.
Kittens (0-6 months)
During this cat life stage, Maine Coon kittens are growing rapidly and require a diet that is high in protein and fat to support their growth and development.
If you’ve been wondering what is the appropriate feeding schedule for a Maine Coon kitten, the answer is that they should be fed small, frequent meals throughout the day (3-4 times per day).
A high-quality kitten food, such as Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten is formulated specifically for the unique nutritional needs of these impressive cats.
Their recommended portion size is 6-8 ounces per day, divided into 3-4 meals.
If you haven’t started your Maine Coon growth chart, read this guide and start straight away!
Juvenile (6-12 months)
During this stage, you will love watching your Maine Coon kitten continue to grow and mature each day.
You may notice your Maine Coon gradually reducing the number of meals they eat per day to 2-3 times each day.
Continue to feed your Maine Coon high-quality kitten food, such as Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten dry food.
Alternatively, transition your Maine Coon kitten to high-quality adult food, such as Royal Canin Maine Coon Adult dry food.
The recommended portion size is 8-10 ounces per day, divided into 2-3 meals.
Adult (1-7 Years)
After your Maine Coons 1st birthday they should be transitioned to a high-quality adult Maine Coon dry food, such as the Royal Canin Maine Coon Adult dry food pictured above.
Adult Maine Coons should be fed two meals a day, with a total daily serving of 8-10 ounces, depending on their individual needs.
Senior Cats (7+ years)
As Maine Coons age, their nutritional needs may change too.
What you feed them will be dependent upon their unique Maine Coon health.
For example, our 10-year-old Maine Coon has had urinary issues, so we feed him Royal Canin Urinary dry food.
Whereas cats with sensitive stomachs may prefer cat food specifically tailored to their more sensitive tummies.
Senior cats should be fed two smaller meals a day, with a total daily serving of 8-10 ounces, depending on their individual needs.
Why Your Maine Coon Is Always Hungry
If your Maine Coon seems to be constantly hungry this is likely the result of the following reasons:
1. Not Enough Food
Maine Coons are a large cat breed and have a higher energy requirement than smaller cats. If you are not providing enough food for your Maine Coon, they may be feeling constantly hungry.
These are my favorite dry cat foods for Maine Coons.
2. Inadequate Nutrition
Feeding your Maine Coon a diet that is not nutritionally balanced can lead to them feeling constantly hungry.
Make sure you are always providing high-quality cat food that is formulated for your gentle giant’s specific needs.
If you are interested in feeding your Maine Coon kitten or cat a raw food diet, read my guide.
3. Health Issues
Certain medical conditions can make a Maine Coon more hungry, including:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Certain Types Of Cancer
If your Maine Coon is showing other signs of illness, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian.
These are the top 7 Maine Coon health problems to be aware of.
4. Boredom Or Stress
If your Maine Coon cat is feeling bored or stressed, it may eat more than it needs to alleviate the boredom or stress.
Maine Coon owners should buy the best Maine Coon cat toys to entertain their Maine Coon cat whilst they are busy.
Providing more interactive toys, scratching posts and other forms of mental stimulation can help a cat feel happier.
5. Neutered Or Spayed
Cats that have been neutered or spayed have a lower energy requirement than cats that have not been neutered or spayed.
Maine Coons that have been neutered or spayed may require less food than before.
This is the best age to neuter a Maine Coon.
Cost Of Feeding A Maine Coon Cat
Feeding a Maine Coon will cost more than feeding a regular-sized cat since Maine Coons are larger, have higher energy needs, and therefore have more muscle to feed!
When it comes to food options there are three main types to choose from:
Alternatively, a combination of the above is also fine!
Before choosing what to feed a Maine Coon cat, keep in mind that the best food option for Maine Coon cats is always dependent on their individual needs and preferences.
Let’s take a closer look at the feeding options:
Dry Food
Dry food diets are convenient and cost-effective.
Brands like Royal Canin have specially formulated Maine Coon dry food that is packed with all the necessary nutrients that this large cat breed needs.
At the time of checking, a 6 lbs bag of Royal Canin Maine Coon dry food costs roughly $38 and provides good value for the money.
Please keep in mind that dry cat food alone may not provide enough moisture for your cat, and you may want to supplement their dry food with wet food or water.
Wet Food
Wet food can be a great option for Maine Coon cats, as it provides more moisture than dry food.
Brands like Purina and Royal Canin offer wet food options for Maine Coon cats, which typically cost around $18.99 – $45 for 24 cans of high-quality wet cat food.
Wet food can be a bit more expensive than dry food, but it is a good way to ensure your cat is getting enough moisture.
Raw Food
Some cat owners opt for a raw food diet for their Maine Coon cats, believing this to be a closer fit to this previously wild cats’ natural diet.
A raw food diet consists of raw meat, such as:
- Ground Turkey Or Chicken
- Chicken Or Turkey Necks
- Chicken Or Turkey Hearts
The cost of raw food will vary, depending on where you live and the meat you are sourcing.
According to this website, in the United States, you can expect to pay $5.19 per lb of ground beef. By comparison, this website states the national average price for chicken, fresh, whole, per lb is $1.83.
If you are considering feeding your cat a Maine Coon raw food diet, please keep in mind that raw food diets for cats can be risky and should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian.
With a little bit of research and some expert guidance, you’ll soon be able to find a food option that works for both you and your furry companion.
To learn more about how much it costs to feed a Maine Coon kitten or cat, click here.
