What should you feed your Maine Coon Kitten?
Jack, Janet and Chrissy eating!
What Should you feed your Maine Coon Kitten?
At ObsidianFire Maine Coons, we feed our kittens a combination of wet, raw, and dry foods to mimic natural nutrition, support hydration, and help them transition smoothly to their new homes. Our recommendations are based on feline nutrtion research, years of Maine Coon breeding experience, and careful monitoring of each kittens growth and body score.
Because Maine Coons grow slowly and go through several growth spurts, their appetite and weight can vary significantly during kittenhood.
Feeding guidelines should always be adjusted based on your kitten’s body condition and growth stage.
Please see our Supply List Page for the foods we are currently feeding as well as some other useful information!
* THIS GUIDE EXPLAINS HOW WE FEED OUR MAINS COON KITTENS AND WHAT WE RECOMMEND FOR OUR NEW FAMILIES.
*THE FEEDING RECOMMENDATIONS ON THIS PAGE ARE BASED ON COOMON FELINE NUTRTION GUIDELINES AND OUR EXPEIRENCE RASING MAINE COON KITTENS.
** EVERY CAT IS DIFFERENT. IF YOUR KITTEN HAS SPECIFIC HEALTH CONCERNS, DIETARY SENSITIVITIES, OR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN FOR INDIVIDUALIZED FEEDING GUIDANCE.
Raw Feeding
Cats are obligate carnivores. This means they have evolved to obtain most of their hydration from food. This is why moisture-rich diets are generally recommended.
Many of our kittens enjoy raw food as part of their diet. If feeding raw, a general guideline is to feed based on percentage of body weight:
- 8–16 weeks: 5–6%
- 4–8 months: 4–5%
- 8–12 months: 3–4%
- 12–18+ months: 2–3%
Young kittens should be fed 3–4 meals per day, while older kittens and adults can typically transition to 2 meals per day.
Maine Coon kittens often go through periods of rapid growth where their appetite increases significantly. During these growth spurts, it is normal for kittens to eat more.
RAW FOOD HANDLING
- Keep raw food frozen until ready to use
- Thaw portions in the refrigerator
- Use thawed food within 2-3 days
- Always provide fresh water
- Do not leave raw food out longer than 20 mins! If they don't eat it, pick it up and save it for the next meal.
* It is ok to let kittens eat as much as they want (within reason) until about 12 months of age as long as they remain lean. Weight monitoring matters more than strict portioning.
Wet (Canned) Food
Wet food is an excellent option and provides important moisture that supports urinary and kidney health. Whenever possible, we recommend that the majority of your cat’s diet consist of raw or high-quality canned food.
Cats naturally have a low thirst drive which means they often do not drink enough water to compensate for a completely dry diet. Feeding wet food helps ensure they receive the hydration their bodies are designed for.
* It is ok to let kittens eat as much as they want (within reason) until about 12 months of age as long as they remain lean. Weight monitoring matters more than strict portioning.
Dry Food - use only as supplemental or backup food option!
Dry food can be useful for convenience and is something our kittens are familiar with when they leave for their new homes.
However, dry food should ideally be used as a supplement or backup, rather than the primary diet. If feeding dry food, it is best paired with regular wet or raw meals to ensure your cat receives adequate moisture.
PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT RECOMMEND OR ADVOCATE FOR AN ALL DRY FOOD DIET!
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEY EAT RAW/CANNED WE ONLY USE THE KIBBLE AS A BACKUP IF THEY WANT IT WHILE GROWING. MOST DO NOT EAT IT AFTER THEY TRANSITION TO THEIR NEW HOMES.
Growth Spurts & Appetite
Maine Coons grow slowly and may continue gaining size and muscle until 3–4 years of age. Their fastest growth typically occurs during the first year, after which weight gain slows and development shifts more toward muscle and body structure.
Kittens may go through several growth spurts where they appear long and lanky before filling out again. This is an average weight chart but we have seen extremes on both ends!
AGE Average Weight
3 months 3.5 - 5.5 lbs
4 months 4.5 - 7.5 lbs
6 months 6 - 10 lbs
8 months 7 - 16 lbs
12 months 8 - 18 lbs
Body Condition Matters Most
Feeding guidelines and weight charts are helpful references, but body condition is the most important indicator.
A healthy Maine Coon should:
- feel lean and muscular
- have ribs that can be felt under a light layer of muscle
- show a slight waist when viewed from above
If your kitten is lean and growing quickly, feed toward the higher end of the suggested ranges.
If your kitten is becoming chunky, reduce portions slightly.
** EVERY CAT IS DIFFERENT. IF YOUR KITTEN HAS SPECIFIC HEALTH CONCERNS, DIETARY SENSITIVITIES, OR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN FOR INDIVIDUALIZED FEEDING GUIDANCE.
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