Our List of products we highly recommend!
Buy Local When possible!
These are all links for Amazon and Chewy for ease of ordering, however we highly suggest looking into your local feed stores as they usually have an amazing selection, offer a loyalty program for saving even more, are willing to order special requests and you get to support your local small business!
Water
I highly recommend a water fountain to help increase water consumption. Cats naturally drink very little water because they get it from their raw food. To help maintain proper urinary function, water consumption is VITAL especially if fed a dry only diet! Find a stainless steel or ceramic one if possible as it's easier for plastic to harbor bacteria. Water fountains still need to be cleaned thoroughly every few days. We have multiple that we keep down with extras always clean to rotate. Also, be sure to keep the water at least 6 feet away from the food source! Cats don't like to eat near their water source!
https://thirstycatfountains.com - gorgeous ceramic option that is even dishwasher safe!
https://a.co/d/4pofp0n - Maine Coons can LOVE to play in water! This is the only bowl that is truly spill free and I have to use this for Livy and Angel as they will literally dump all their water out!
ELFIN FOUNTAIN PUMPLESS WATER FOUNTAIN - This thing is amazing! There is no pump to clean where biofilm can build up and clog. This one has a stainless steel top and can be plugged in or wireless! I have several of these and one of the D1 Pro for Sypha. The D1 pro is HUGE
* The ones on AMAZON are knockoffs. Only buy from their official website!
Food
It is EXTREMELY important to only feed the SAME foods they are used to eating with me for at LEAST 2 weeks upon arriving in their new homes. After they are acclimated to their new environment, then you can start to slowly transition them to any other different foods. You want to limit the amount of stress on their bodies as possible when coming home.
I use Earthborn Primitive Feline dry kibble which I keep down at all times when I have kittens. I also give a balanced (this is very important that is PROPERLY balanced) raw diet and quality wet food. I start them on chicken. Around 4 months I start adding in different proteins one at a time.
I HIGHLY recommend joining this group and reading the files. There is an excellent list of exactly what canned food varieties are the best as well as tons of valuable info including how to make your own raw food.
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/157380884298843/?ref=share
The dry food I keep down. I highly prefer an all canned or raw diet if at all possible. The idea is to have as moisture rich as possible to help keep their urinary functions healthy! I keep this down only as a backup as these babies grow so quickly. My adults rarely eat the dry food but it is there if needed.
** You will need to buy at least 1 bag of this for when your baby comes home**
https://www.chewy.com/earthborn-holistic-primitive-feline/dp/1464734
Canned food we rotate through (chicken or turkey based to start) we also add a little water to every canned or raw food we feed to increase water consumption!
Here are some Chewy links in alphabetical order to SOME of the food we use (or our families recommend) in our rotation. I can't stress enough how important it is to ROTATE brands and flavors!!
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*BUY SEVERAL DIFFERENT CASES/BRANDS OF THESE AND MIX THEM UP!!! you can give multiple brands in the same day. The goal is to not let them get used to one type.
Put the food down for 20 minutes then pick it back up and put in fridge for the next meal. Let them eat the leftovers before giving them a new can. If they eat the can quickly and still act hungry, give them another can! Some days they may eat 1/2 can per meal others they may eat several. Calories are important while they are growing!
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IMPORTANT!!
Remember to only feed kittens under 18 months food that says KITTEN or ALL LIFE STAGES!
American Journey
https://www.chewy.com/american-journey-pate-poultry-beef/dp/322333
https://www.chewy.com/american-journey-landmark-seafood/dp/220128
BFF
https://www.chewy.com/bff-play-pate-lovers-chicken-duck/dp/218932
https://www.chewy.com/bff-play-pate-lovers-chicken-duck/dp/218921
https://www.chewy.com/bff-play-pate-lovers-chicken-duck/dp/218924
https://www.chewy.com/bff-play-pate-lovers-chicken-turkey/dp/218926
I and Love and You
https://www.chewy.com/i-love-you-chicken-me-out-pate-grain/dp/157242
https://www.chewy.com/i-love-you-chicken-me-out-pate-grain/dp/1319406
Koha
(not available on chewy)
Nulo
https://www.chewy.com/nulo-freestyle-minced-turkey-duck-in/dp/580806
https://www.chewy.com/nulo-freestyle-cat-kitten-grain-free/dp/580838
Instinct
https://www.chewy.com/instinct-original-grain-free-pate/dp/34728
https://www.chewy.com/instinct-original-grain-free-pate/dp/34742
https://www.chewy.com/instinct-original-grain-free-pate/dp/34862
Stella and Chewy
https://www.chewy.com/stella-chewys-purrfect-pate-chicken/dp/576302
https://www.chewy.com/stella-chewys-purrfect-pate-chicken/dp/576390
* Strong Heart
Look at the ingredients on this one! 6! The other varieties of this food are not the same!
https://www.chewy.com/strong-heart-chicken-shreds-organ/dp/2380446
Tiki Cat
https://www.chewy.com/tiki-cat-after-dark-variety-pack/dp/285580
Tiny Tigers (now called Chewy Made)
This is a budget friendly food and the kittens love it. Remember, any wet is better that just dry!
https://www.chewy.com/chewy-pate-beef-poultry-cat-food/dp/1753870
Weruva
https://www.chewy.com/weruva-classic-cat-press-your-lunch/dp/1031046 -THIS IS THEIR FAVORITE! It has extra moisture so is great to feed to ensure they're getting fluids
https://www.chewy.com/weruva-chicken-breast-formula-in/dp/342032 - THIS IS ONE I WEAN ONTO
https://www.chewy.com/weruva-cats-in-kitchen-lamb-burgini/dp/169228
https://www.chewy.com/weruva-cats-in-kitchen-chicken-frick/dp/169229
https://www.chewy.com/weruva-classic-cat-pate-press-your/dp/1031062
https://www.chewy.com/weruva-classic-cat-meal-or-no-deal/dp/1031094
https://www.chewy.com/weruva-amazon-livin-chicken-breast/dp/34495
Fish
Do not feed any fish based foods! Here's a great simple resource explaining why. I try to avoid food even with it in the ingredients.
Treats
These are like kitty crack! https://www.chewy.com/inaba-churu-chicken-puree-variety/dp/184457
These are smaller and are kitten sized!!! - https://www.chewy.com/tiki-cat-baby-stix-chicken-in-creamy/dp/1653142
https://www.chewy.com/temptations-mixups-catnip-fever/dp/117798 - they love these as well
Food Bowl
Ceramic or stainless is best as they do not harbor bacteria!
https://a.co/d/2udZ2ny - recommended by one of our families!
Litter/Litter box
Pine pellets- I use these for the babies and as they get older they can choose the clumping litter or the pine pellets so you can research and choose which you’d like to try.
This is the box I use for the pine pellets. They have a larger one also that is great for when they are adult. I only barely cover the bottom of this tray with the pellets and dump them out completely as needed. I pick up the solids a few times a day and throw away to reduce the smell. You may need to only pick it up once or twice a day depending on their potty schedule.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Medium-Mixing-Tub-A-41/318924439
THIS IS THE NEW SELF SIFTING LITTER BOX WE USE FOR PINE PELLETS!!
We no longer use potty pads in the bottom of this litter box! We just sprinkle about 2 handfuls of the pine pellets on the bottom and NOTHING STICKS ANYMORE AND THERE IS ZERO URINE SMELL!!
*We are now exclusively using pine pellets*
For the clumping litter, I used a giant 18 gallon rubber maid tote. You can use larger one but make sure it has tall sides. I don't like the shorter under bed storage totes they can kick the litter out. They can climb in and out just fine. I keep at least 4" of litter in there. The deeper the litter the less likely it is to soak to the bottom and makes cleaning so much easier and you don't need to fully replace it as often.
This is THE BEST litter I've ever used. It stays clumped instead of breaking apart which means it's easier to scoop and you don't have to change it as often and there is basically no smell. It also doesn't have that weird cat litter smell. They have a honeysuckle scent which is nice. Neither are very strong. They also have an unscented but I don't feel it works as well for the smell.
https://www.chewy.com/frisco-odor-defense-honeysuckle/dp/257220
WE NOW USE THIS LITTER FOR VLAD AS HE REFUSES TO USE PINE PELLETS! THIS IS A NEW LITTER AND IT'S AMAZING! IT STAYS CLUMPED AND DOES NOT TRACK!!
Litter Mats
Bigger is better! They will jump over the small ones! These are great for either litter choice!
Litter Scoops
This is the best scoop we have found! The litter does not get stuck to the inside and its so much faster to sift!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCXFRBLL?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_TVTR18EJTJ9T0N51TFYV_1&newOGT=1
for pine pellets
AUTOMATIC LITTER BOXES
This is the only litter box I can recommend as it is the only one I have personally used and tested that actually worked! I am very impressed with it! It is an open top design which I greatly prefer.
Grooming
Nails
This is very important! Do these weekly at least the front ones. I do rear nails every other week as they don't grow as quickly. If you set this habit while they are little, you will be able to do this when they get older with no issues. *I can't stress enough how important this is!!* Hold them on their back, play with their feet as much as you can. Make this a healthy bonding habit.
I prefer these larger nail clippers because it is easier to hold on my hands.
https://www.chewy.com/hh-pets-dog-cat-nail-clipper/dp/183903
You can also use these
https://www.chewy.com/frisco-dog-cat-nail-clippers-miracle/dp/282050
Kwik Stop - in case you cut too short and they bleed!
https://www.chewy.com/miracle-care-kwik-stop-styptic-powder/dp/111488
Brushing
Brushing is important! Get them used to it while young so grooming them as adults is not difficult. Brush them while they are napping or snuggling with you. Make sure to get them used to having their belly brushed and their rears! Avoid using the Furminator or other de-shedding brushes. It will strip the good hair out and can destroy it. If you are combing regularly, you shouldn't get mats.
These are highly recommended by groomers and are amazing. They really help keep the mats down.
https://a.co/d/cMqyzPj -this is a very well known brand of great quality
Happy Hoodie Anxiety/Noise Head Wrap- great for baths or using the the blow dryer or electric clippers! https://a.co/d/0bOxZCum
Sanitary trims
As their hair grows, you may need to trim the fluff around their bottoms to help keep from getting "surprises" stuck. Get them used to this while they are young!
https://www.chewy.com/oneisall-dtj001-cordless-2-speed/dp/1036838
Bathing
It is highly recommended to give your babies baths and a blow dry as young as possible so they get used to it while they are still young enough to adjust. This will make it SO MUCH easier on you and them when they are adults.
https://a.co/d/bEGfCm6 - highly recommended by a family
https://a.co/d/gS3u2y7 - great shampoo and smells amazing
https://a.co/d/azwEIzT - conditioner
https://a.co/d/f5mgJRO - awesome 2 in 1
I use an air force blow dryer like this one! If you decide to use this, start while they are young.
TIPS: Start the dryer while the kitten is in another room and let it run a few minutes before bringing them in to be bathed! Let it run while you are bathing them.
DO NOT TURN THE DRYER ON WHILE YOU ARE HOLDING THEM!!! It will scare them!
If you at least run this a few times a week for a few minutes, They will get used to the noise especially if you feed them a high value treat like the CHURU or TIKI BABY STIX!
Traveling
They should be very good in the car. I always get my babies used to car rides at a young age and suggest you keep it up even if it's short rides around the block. It helps with anxiety in the future for vet visits and such.
You also want to get them used to being in their crates for traveling safely. Do this by leaving the crate open in the room and putting toys and a bed or blanket in there to lay on and play with. You can also feed them treats in the crate so they associate the crate with positive reinforcement.
You can use a hard plastic crate or a soft carry or rolling bag.
https://a.co/d/80NAeqa - the top openings are a game changer!
This is an extra larger carrier with wheels and was recommended by a few or families as it’s large enough for when they are full grown.
A 4 Pet Dog Carrier with Wheels
This is great for traveling in the car if you don't want to use a plastic crate. (plastic crates are a safer option however in the case of an accident)
https://www.chewy.com/petsafe-happy-ride-collapsible-cat/dp/398543
Harnesses!
Start getting your baby used to wearing a harness from day one! They should always wear a harness while traveling for safety just in case they get spooked!
We use a size small in this brand until they're about 3-4 months old then you can size up toa medium. Be sure to properly fit them so they function as intended and they can't slip out.
**BE SURE THEY HAVE THE VELCRO THAT WRAPS ALL THE WAY AROUND THE CHEST NOT THE STRAPS THAT CLIP THEY CAN SLIDE OUT OF THOSE!!!
Walking Jacket
This style is also highly recommended! They are full velcro and harder to slip out of if properly measured!
Cat Trees
Cat Trees are extremely important! Cats love climbing and being up high. It is also great exercise and mental stimulation for them! Place them near your furniture to help keep them from scratching it up!
Maine coons get huge and heavy. Almost no standard towers are large or strong enough. It is worth the investment to get a good one as they grow so quickly.
They love the hammocks and you can buy those to add on.
These are way larger than the standard ones that come with the smaller cat trees
Kitty Mansions has a line of AWESOME Cat Trees that are reasonable. Be sure to look at the deluxe collection as you want to find the ones that have the larger 5" poles and the 16-18" baskets. They do sell out but will usually restock eventually.
https://kittymansions.com/collections/deluxe-cat-trees
Here is another recommended one from Amazon that has the larger support poles!
A few kitten families have these also and highly recommend
https://www.maupets.com/collections/modern-cat-tree - these are gorgeous
Some More modern style we use here as they're easy to clean!
Check the sizes some are better for kittens.
https://a.co/d/8RJADt6 - my desk!
CatTreeKing is another popular choice but they have literally doubled their price in the last few years however, They are good quality and very well made .
Window Perches
These are awesome!. Looking out the window is great mental stimulation.
This one comes highly recommended and holds 40lbs!
Toys
Toys are extremely important for mental stimulation, exercise and bonding!
Stay away from toys with feathers or long strings as they are a choking hazard!! We have had to run to the vet because these have gotten stuck in their throats. You can use them while monitored but be sure to put them away safely.
Flirt pole/teaser- this one is made for dogs so is very sturdy and long!! Normal Cat teasers are tiny and break easily and usually contain feathers. This is perfect for exercising a giant MC from the couch! Lol You will see this on almost all of my live streams! You can spray catnip spray on the teaser toy or place in a zip bag with catnip to infuse it in the toy.
** IF YOU ONLY GET 1 TOY THIS IS THE ONE YOU SHOUD BUY!!!**
Outward Hound Interactive Dog Training Toys and Agility Kits https://www.chewy.com/outward-hound-tail-teaser-refill-dog/dp/113717 - It has to be this red one! The other version is SHORT and not long like this one!
Springs- Everyone loves these. They disappear around the house so I may have 100 if I ever go hunting for them lol https://www.chewy.com/frisco-colorful-springs-cat-toy/dp/188522
Kicker I buy these to send home with every kitten. This is the nest brand that does fall apart easily!
https://a.co/d/5ZJKzJq - recommended by a family. Kittens love the tunnels!
This is a favorite scratcher for the kittens and adults!
