Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT MAINE COON KITTENS
What makes Maine Coon Cats Different?
Maine Coon cats are known for their impressive size, beautiful long coats, tufted ears, large paws, and long, flowing tails—but what truly makes them special is their personality.
Often called “gentle giants,” Maine Coons are generally known for being affectionate, intelligent, playful, and social. Many enjoy being around their families without necessarily needing to be in your lap every moment. They often follow their people from room to room, want to be part of what is happening, and develop strong bonds with their families.
Maine Coons also mature slowly compared with many other cat breeds. Their bodies, coats, and personalities continue developing for several years, which makes watching a Maine Coon grow especially rewarding.
Their distinctive appearance is another reason they are so popular. Large expressive eyes, prominent cheekbones, ear tufts, substantial paws, and luxurious coats give each Maine Coon a unique look. Maine Coons can also come in many different colors and patterns, with some having the extra toes known as polydactyl.
Every Maine Coon has its own personality, but their combination of size, beauty, intelligence, and affectionate nature is what makes the breed so special—and why so many families fall in love with them.
How big does Maine Coon cats get?
Maine Coon cats are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, but their size can vary quite a bit from one cat to another.
Adult male Maine Coons commonly weigh around 15–25+ pounds, while females are often around 12-20+ pounds. Some Maine Coons can be larger than these ranges, especially males with substantial bone structure and body size.
Maine Coons are also known for their impressive length. With their long bodies and flowing tails, some can measure over 3 feet from nose to tail tip.
One important thing to remember is that Maine Coons are slow-maturing cats. Unlike many cats that reach their adult size relatively quickly, Maine Coons can continue growing and filling out for several years. Their coat, muscle, body structure, and overall appearance may continue developing well into adulthood. They are adults when they are done growing between 4 to 5 years old
Size should never be the only measure of a Maine Coon. A healthy Maine Coon can be smaller or larger than the typical range, and genetics, sex, bone structure, and overall health all influence adult size.
At Wildcat Creek Cattery, we love watching our Maine Coon kittens develop from tiny babies into the magnificent cats they are meant to become.
When can Maine Coon kittens go home?
Maine Coon kittens are generally ready to go to their new families around 12 weeks of age, depending on their individual development and veterinary clearance.
At Wildcat Creek Cattery, we don't rush kittens out the door simply because they have reached a certain age. Each kitten needs to be healthy, thriving, developing appropriately, and ready for the transition to a new home.
Before a kitten goes home, they receive appropriate veterinary care and health checks. We also require a negative stool sample before a kitten leaves our care.
Waiting until a kitten is developmentally ready gives them additional time with their mother and littermates to continue learning important social skills, building confidence, and developing physically.
Gotcha Days are listed on our website once they are established. Families on our VIP waiting list are contacted first, followed by the kittens being introduced on our website.
Our goal is simple: when your Maine Coon kitten leaves Wildcat Creek Cattery, we want you to be taking home a healthy, well-socialized kitten who is ready for their next chapter with your family.
Are Maine Coon kittens a good family pet?
Yes! Maine Coon cats can make wonderful family pets. They are often known for their gentle, affectionate, intelligent, and playful personalities, which makes them a popular choice for families.
Maine Coons typically enjoy being involved in family life. Many will follow their people around the house, sit nearby, play with toys, or simply keep you company. They can form strong bonds with their families while still having an independent side.
Their playful nature can make them especially fun for families with children. However, as with any cat, children should be taught to handle and interact with their kitten gently and respectfully.
Maine Coons can also do well with other pets when properly introduced. Every cat has its own personality, so temperament and compatibility should always be considered when adding a new pet to the family.
One thing to remember is that Maine Coons are large, active, long-haired cats. They need adequate space, regular grooming, quality nutrition, enrichment, and plenty of interaction with their family.
While no breed is perfect for every household, the Maine Coon's combination of size, beauty, intelligence, playful personality, and affectionate nature makes them a wonderful companion for many families.
ADOPTION PROCESS
How do I get a Maine Coon kitten?
VIP Waiting List:
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Submit a kitten application.
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Once approved, you may place a deposit to join our VIP deposit list.
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Families are contacted in order when kittens become available.
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Kittens are vet checked around 9 weeks old.
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Kittens go home around 12 weeks old.
Applying for an available Maine Coon kitten on the website:
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Submit a kitten application for an available kitten on the website.
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Once approved, you may place a deposit to hold your kitten.
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The Kitten Contract will be sent by email to e-sign.
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You will receive other emails on instructions about pick-up.
You can learn more about our full adoption process here:
HEALTH AND VET CARE
What veterinary care does my kitten receive?
Your kitten receives thorough veterinary care before joining your family. Our goal is to make sure each kitten is healthy, growing well, and ready for the transition to their new home.
Before going home, your kitten receives:
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Complete veterinary examination — A veterinarian performs a thorough, whole-body wellness exam to check your kitten’s overall health, including heart, lungs, eyes, ears, mouth, skin, coat, abdomen, joints, and general development.
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First core kitten vaccination — Your kitten receives their age-appropriate first core vaccine.
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Fecal/stool testing — A stool sample is checked for intestinal parasites and other concerns as recommended by our veterinarian.
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Deworming — Kittens are routinely dewormed as part of our preventative care program.
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Flea prevention — Your kitten receives an age-appropriate flea preventative.
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Weight and growth monitoring — We monitor your kitten’s weight and development to make sure they are progressing appropriately.
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Health monitoring throughout their time with us — We closely watch each kitten for changes in appetite, energy, digestion, litter box habits, and overall behavior.
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Microchip — Your kitten is microchipped before going home so they have permanent identification.
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Veterinary records — Your kitten's veterinary information, including vaccines and preventative treatments, is documented and provided to you in their take-home paperwork.
What should I do before bringing my kitten home?
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your own veterinarian before your kitten goes home. This will help prevent a much longer wait getting your kitten in. This also gives your veterinarian the opportunity to establish care, perform their own examination, and discuss your kitten's future vaccination and preventative-care schedule.
Your kitten's health and well-being are important to us long after pickup day. We are always here to provide breeder support and answer questions as your kitten grows.
Bringing Home Your Kitten
What food is my kitten on?
Our kittens are raised on Purina Pro Plan Kitten Salmon dry food along with a variety of wet foods.
We introduce kittens to both dry and wet food, so they become accustomed to different textures and flavors while growing. Purina Pro Plan's kitten formulas are specifically formulated to support the nutritional needs of growing kittens.
Why do you feed both dry and wet food?
We like our kittens to be comfortable eating both. Offering wet food provides additional moisture and variety, while dry food allows kittens to become familiar with a food they can easily continue eating in their new homes.
We also believe it is helpful for kittens to have experience with different textures and flavors rather than becoming dependent on only one particular food.
What wet food do you feed?
We offer a variety of wet kitten foods, including different flavors and textures. Purina Pro Plan currently offers several kitten wet-food options, including salmon, ocean fish, chicken, and other kitten-specific formulas.
Should I continue feeding the same food after bringing my kitten home?
Yes. We strongly recommend keeping your kitten on the same food initially.
Moving to a new home is already a big transition. Keeping your kitten's food consistent helps avoid adding unnecessary digestive upset during the adjustment period.
If you decide to change your kitten's food later, make the transition gradually over several days rather than changing foods suddenly.
Your kitten will go home with a food starter pack.
Can I feed something different?
Absolutely. Every cat is an individual, and you may eventually find a food that works best for your family and your kitten.
We simply recommend waiting until your kitten has settled into their new home before making dietary changes and introducing any new food gradually.
Our goal is to send your kitten home already comfortable with both wet and dry food, giving you a smooth starting point as you begin life together.
What litter does my kitten use?
All of our cats and kittens are raised using Dr. Elsey's R&R clay litter. We have found that it produces some of the least dust of the clay litters we have tried, which is especially important in a cattery environment.
We occasionally use Arm & Hammer cat litter as well, and our kittens are comfortable using a variety of clay litters.
Can I use a different type of litter at home?
Yes! Our kittens are accustomed to clay litter, so they generally transition easily to another clay litter.
If you prefer a different type of litter—such as pellets, tofu, pine, or another alternative—we recommend making the change gradually rather than switching immediately.
A sudden change in litter texture, smell, or feel can sometimes cause confusion and may lead to litter box accidents.
Tip: When your kitten first comes home, using the same litter they are familiar with can make the transition easier. Once your kitten is settled and consistently using the litter box, you can gradually introduce your preferred litter.
What should I have ready before pickup?
Bringing home a new Maine Coon kitten is exciting! We recommend having everything your kitten needs set up before pickup day so the transition into your home is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
A Safe Space
Prepare a quiet, comfortable room where your kitten can settle in during the first few days. Having a smaller space initially can help your kitten feel secure while adjusting to all the new sights, sounds, smells, and people.
Include:
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A comfortable bed or blanket
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Food and water
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Litter box
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Scratching post
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A few toys
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A safe place to hide or relax
Food & Water
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We recommend having your kitten's current food available at home before pickup.
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Avoid changing your kitten's food immediately. A sudden food change combined with the stress of moving can cause digestive upset. If you plan to transition to a different food, do so gradually after your kitten has settled in.
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Provide fresh water at all times. A water fountain can also be a great option for encouraging hydration.
Litter Box
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Have a litter box ready before your kitten arrives.
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For a Maine Coon, choose a large litter box that your kitten can comfortably enter, turn around in, and use as they grow. You may eventually need an extra-large or Maine Coon-sized litter box.
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We recommend having at least one litter box per cat, plus one extra whenever possible.
Toys & Enrichment
Maine Coons are intelligent, playful, and active cats. Have a variety of safe toys available, such as:
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Wand toys
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Balls
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Kicker toys
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Interactive toys
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Catnip toys
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Scratching posts or scratchers
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Cat trees or climbing areas
Always supervise kittens with toys containing strings, feathers, or small pieces.
Cat Tree & Climbing Areas
Maine Coons love to climb, explore, and observe their surroundings from above.
Choose sturdy, well-built cat furniture that can support a growing Maine Coon. Your tiny kitten may eventually become a very large cat!
Grooming Supplies
Start your grooming routine early so your kitten learns that grooming is a normal part of life.
Have:
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A quality cat brush or comb
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Nail clippers
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Cat-safe shampoo for occasional bathing, if needed
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A towel
Regular brushing is especially important for Maine Coons because of their long, luxurious coats.
Other Pets
If you have other pets, plan for a slow introduction.
Do not expect your new kitten and resident pets to immediately become best friends. Give your kitten their own space initially and gradually introduce everyone under supervision.
Children
Before your kitten arrives, talk with children about how to safely interact with their new family member.
Teach them to:
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Handle the kitten gently
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Allow the kitten to approach them
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Avoid chasing or grabbing
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Respect the kitten's sleeping and eating time
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Give the kitten a quiet place to retrea
Your Veterinarian
Before pickup, choose a veterinarian and schedule your kitten's first appointment.
We require your kitten to be examined by your veterinarian within 5 business days of going home.
Keep Your Kitten's Information Handy
Your kitten will go home with their veterinary and adoption paperwork. We recommend keeping these documents in a safe place.
You will also have access to your kitten's Wildcat Creek Cattery digital folder, allowing you to easily reference important information and records.
Most importantly...
Give your new kitten time to adjust. Moving from their familiar environment into a completely new home is a big change.
Keep the first few days calm and let your kitten set the pace. With patience, consistency, and plenty of love, your new Maine Coon will soon begin to feel right at home.
How should I help my kitten adjust?
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your own veterinarian before your kitten goes home. This will help prevent a much longer wait getting your kitten in. This also gives your veterinarian the opportunity to establish care, perform their own examination, and discuss your kitten's future vaccination and preventative-care schedule.
Your kitten's health and well-being are important to us long after pickup day. We are always here to provide breeder support and answer questions as your kitten grows.
Blog
Check out the Maine Coon blog to learn more about these amazing cats!
Check back as it's always being updated.