Maine Coon Kitten Health: Common Health Issues, Prevention & First-Year Care

Bringing home a Maine Coon kitten is exciting, but it also comes with plenty of questions about what is normal and what should raise concern. The first year is a period of rapid growth and development. During this time, your kitten’s bones, muscles, immune system, and personality are all developing, making good nutrition, routine veterinary care, and early preventive health especially important.

Unlike adult cats, Maine Coon kittens are still building the foundation for lifelong health. They mature more slowly than most breeds, continue growing for several years, and experience significant physical and behavioral changes during their first twelve months. Knowing what to expect can help you recognize normal development while identifying health concerns before they become more serious.

Here you can learn what a healthy Maine Coon kitten should look like, common health issues seen during the first year, how to choose a kitten from a responsible breeder, and the preventive care that helps kittens thrive.

If you’re looking for information about inherited diseases, long-term wellness, or caring for an adult Maine Coon, be sure to read our Maine Coon Breed Guide and the Maine Coon Health Guide, which covers the breed’s health throughout every stage of life.

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What Does a Healthy Maine Coon Kitten Look Like?

Every kitten develops at its own pace, but healthy Maine Coon kittens tend to share many of the same characteristics. Understanding what is considered normal can help you feel more confident as your kitten grows and make it easier to recognize when something may need veterinary attention.

Healthy Growth and Weight

Maine Coons are one of the slowest-maturing cat breeds. While many cats reach their adult size by their first birthday, Maine Coons continue developing well into adulthood. During the first year, it is normal to see periods of rapid growth followed by slower phases as your kitten’s body develops.

Rather than focusing on reaching a specific weight, look for steady, consistent growth. A healthy Maine Coon kitten should gradually gain weight, maintain good muscle tone, and have a balanced body condition without appearing overly thin or overweight. Regular weigh-ins during veterinary visits can help confirm your kitten is growing appropriately.

Normal Kitten Behavior

Healthy Maine Coon kittens are naturally curious and full of energy. They often alternate between intense play sessions and long periods of sleep, sometimes spending 16 to 20 hours a day resting while their bodies grow.

Normal behaviors include:

• Exploring new environments
• Chasing toys and climbing cat trees
• Playing with littermates or family members
• Frequent “zoomies” and bursts of energy
• A healthy appetite with enthusiasm for meals
• Curiosity about people, sounds, and everyday household activities

While every kitten has a unique personality, most healthy Maine Coons are alert, responsive, and interested in interacting with their surroundings.

Normal Physical Appearance

A healthy Maine Coon kitten should appear bright, clean, and well cared for. Their eyes should be clear and free of significant discharge, while the ears should be clean without a strong odor or excessive debris.

As you monitor your kitten’s health, look for:

• Bright, clear eyes
• Clean ears with minimal wax
• A soft, healthy coat without bald patches
• Pink, moist gums
• Good hydration with healthy skin elasticity
• Firm, well-formed stools
• A clean nose without persistent discharge

Small changes can happen from day to day, but ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, eye discharge, weight loss, poor appetite, or unusual lethargy should always be discussed with your veterinarian.

Understanding what healthy development looks like makes it much easier to notice when something changes. In the next section, we’ll look at how choosing a responsible breeder can help give your Maine Coon kitten the healthiest possible start in life.

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Why Choosing a Responsible Breeder Matters for Your Maine Coon Kitten’s Health

A kitten’s health doesn’t begin the day they come home. It begins long before birth with thoughtful breeding decisions, proper prenatal care, and the environment in which they are raised. While no breeder can promise that a kitten will never develop a health problem, responsible breeding practices can significantly reduce the risk of many inherited and preventable conditions.

Choosing a reputable Maine Coon breeder is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a future owner. The care a kitten receives during its first weeks of life helps shape not only its physical health, but also its confidence, resilience, and ability to adapt to a new home. Our Maine Coon kittens are raised in our home, come from health-tested parents, and receive routine veterinary care before going home. View Our Available Maine Coon Kittens →

Health Starts Before Birth

Every kitten inherits genes from both parents, making genetics an important part of lifelong health. Responsible breeders carefully select breeding cats based on more than their appearance or pedigree. They also consider health history, temperament, structure, and genetic compatibility in an effort to produce healthier future generations.

Healthy breeding cats are more likely to produce healthy kittens, but genetics are only one piece of the puzzle. A queen’s nutrition, prenatal veterinary care, and stress level during pregnancy all contribute to the healthy development of her kittens. After birth, proper neonatal care, careful monitoring, and a clean environment help give kittens the strongest possible start.

The best breeding programs are built around improving the breed over time, not simply producing kittens that meet a certain look or color.

Health Testing Helps Reduce Risk

Health testing allows breeders to identify certain inherited diseases before breeding cats together. Although no testing program can eliminate every possible health concern, it can greatly reduce the chance of passing known genetic conditions to future kittens.

Health Test	What It Screens For	Why It Matters
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)	Genetic variants associated with the most common inherited heart disease in Maine Coons	Helps breeders make informed breeding decisions to reduce inherited risk.
Hip Evaluations	Hip structure and signs of hip dysplasia	Supports breeding cats with healthier joints and improved mobility.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)	An inherited neuromuscular disorder	DNA testing helps avoid producing affected kittens.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)	An inherited kidney disorder	Screening helps identify affected breeding cats where appropriate.
Veterinary Examinations	Overall health, physical condition, and reproductive fitness	Confirms breeding cats are healthy before producing a litter.
DNA Screening	Various inherited genetic conditions depending on the testing panel	Provides additional information that supports responsible breeding decisions.

Health testing is an important tool, but it has limitations. Some diseases have no genetic test, while others can develop later in life despite careful screening. A breeder who performs health testing is reducing risk, not guaranteeing perfect health. This is why routine veterinary care remains essential throughout your kitten’s life.

Early Veterinary Care Makes a Difference

The weeks before a kitten goes home are filled with important veterinary milestones. Regular wellness examinations allow veterinarians to monitor growth, evaluate overall health, and identify concerns while they are still minor.

Early veterinary care typically includes:

• Comprehensive wellness examinations
• Age-appropriate vaccinations
• Routine deworming
• Monitoring weight and growth
• Checking the eyes, ears, heart, lungs, teeth, and overall development

These visits help ensure kittens are developing normally before joining their new families and establish a strong foundation for continued preventive care.

Proper Nutrition During Early Development

Nutrition plays a major role in healthy growth during the first year of life. Maine Coon kittens grow rapidly and require a complete, balanced kitten diet that provides adequate protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to support developing bones, muscles, and organs.

Fresh water should always be available, and kittens should maintain steady weight gain without becoming overweight. Proper nutrition during this stage helps support normal growth, immune function, and overall development.

Early Socialization Supports Overall Well-Being

A kitten’s emotional development is just as important as its physical health. Responsible breeders spend time handling kittens every day and gradually introducing them to normal household experiences.

Early socialization often includes:

• Gentle daily handling by people
• Exposure to everyday household sights and sounds
• Introduction to brushing, nail trims, and basic grooming
• Positive interactions with new experiences
• Building confidence before going to a new home

These early experiences help many kittens adjust more smoothly after adoption. Confident, well-socialized kittens often experience less stress during the transition to a new home, making it easier for them to eat, explore, and settle into their new routine.

Choosing a breeder who prioritizes health, veterinary care, nutrition, and early socialization gives your Maine Coon kitten the strongest possible start. While no breeder can eliminate every health risk, these practices help lay the foundation for a healthier, happier life.

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Questions A Buyer Should Ask a Maine Coon Breeder

Finding a healthy Maine Coon kitten starts with asking the right questions. A reputable breeder should be open about their breeding practices, health testing, veterinary care, and how their kittens are raised. While every breeder operates differently, transparency is a good sign that they are committed to the long-term health and well-being of their cats.

The following questions can help you better understand a breeder’s program before placing a reservation.

Question	Why It Matters
What health testing have the parents completed?	Health testing helps reduce the risk of passing on certain inherited diseases. Ask what tests have been performed and whether results are available.
Have the kittens been examined by a veterinarian?	Routine veterinary examinations help identify health concerns early and ensure kittens are developing appropriately before going home.
What vaccines have the kittens received?	Knowing your kitten’s vaccination history helps you and your veterinarian plan future care and booster vaccinations.
What parasite prevention has been completed?	Ask about deworming, fecal testing, and any flea or parasite prevention that has been provided before your kitten goes home.
How are the kittens raised?	Kittens raised in a clean home environment with daily interaction are often better prepared for family life and everyday household experiences.
Do you provide ongoing breeder support?	Responsible breeders are usually available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout your kitten’s life, not just until adoption day.

Remember that no breeder can guarantee a kitten will never develop a medical condition. Instead, look for breeders who are transparent about their practices, invest in preventive care, and are willing to discuss both the strengths and limitations of their health program. See Where to Buy a Maine Coon Kitten.

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Red Flags to Watch For

Most breeders genuinely care about the health of their kittens, but it’s still important to recognize warning signs that may indicate a breeding program is not prioritizing animal welfare. One concern alone does not necessarily mean a breeder is irresponsible, but multiple red flags deserve careful consideration.

Be cautious if you notice any of the following:

• No health testing. The breeder cannot explain what health testing has been performed on the parents or dismisses its importance altogether.
• No veterinary records. There is little or no documentation of wellness examinations, vaccinations, or deworming before kittens go home.
• Kittens leaving too young. Kittens offered before they are fully weaned and developmentally ready may miss important stages of physical and behavioral development.
• Poor socialization. Kittens appear fearful, are rarely handled, or have had limited exposure to normal household experiences.
• Unable to answer health questions. A breeder should be able to explain their health testing, veterinary care, and breeding decisions in a clear and knowledgeable way.
• Unsanitary living conditions. Cleanliness is important for reducing disease risk and supporting healthy kitten development. A poorly maintained environment may increase exposure to parasites and infectious illnesses.

The goal is not to find a breeder who claims to produce “perfect” kittens. Instead, look for someone who is honest, knowledgeable, proactive about health, and committed to giving every kitten the best possible start in life. Those qualities often tell you far more about a breeding program than marketing claims ever will.

How to Avoid Maine Coon Kitten Scams

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Common Health Issues in Maine Coon Kittens

Like all kittens, Maine Coons can experience a variety of health concerns during their first year. Fortunately, many are minor, respond well to prompt veterinary care, and become less common as the immune system matures. Knowing what is normal, what can be monitored at home, and what requires immediate veterinary attention can help you respond quickly if your kitten becomes ill.

Upper Respiratory Infections

Upper respiratory infections (URIs), often referred to as “kitten colds,” are one of the most common illnesses seen in young cats. These infections are usually caused by viruses, such as feline herpesvirus or calicivirus, although bacteria may also be involved.

Common symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Watery or irritated eyes
• Mild coughing
• Reduced appetite due to congestion
• Low energy

Many mild infections improve with supportive veterinary care, adequate hydration, and good nutrition. More severe cases may require medications to treat secondary bacterial infections or manage eye inflammation.

Most healthy kittens recover well, but they should always be evaluated by a veterinarian if symptoms worsen, breathing becomes difficult, or they stop eating.

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Intestinal Parasites

Parasites are common in young kittens, even those raised in excellent environments. This is why routine fecal testing and scheduled deworming are standard parts of preventive veterinary care.

Common intestinal parasites include:

• Roundworms, which are among the most frequently diagnosed parasites in kittens.
• Hookworms, which attach to the intestinal lining and can contribute to anemia and diarrhea.
• Tapeworms, often associated with flea exposure or ingestion of infected prey.
• Giardia, a microscopic parasite that commonly causes soft stools or chronic diarrhea.
• Coccidia, another microscopic intestinal parasite frequently seen in young kittens.

Signs of intestinal parasites may include diarrhea, poor weight gain, a bloated abdomen, vomiting, or changes in appetite. Fortunately, most parasites can be successfully treated once properly diagnosed by your veterinarian.

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Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons kitten owners contact their veterinarian. While a single loose stool is not always an emergency, persistent diarrhea should never be ignored because kittens can become dehydrated quickly.

Common causes include:

• Sudden diet changes
• Stress associated with moving to a new home
• Intestinal parasites
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Food intolerance

Contact your veterinarian if diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours, contains blood, is accompanied by vomiting or lethargy, or your kitten refuses food or water. Young kittens can decline rapidly, making early treatment especially important.

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Vomiting

Occasional vomiting may occur for relatively minor reasons, but repeated vomiting always deserves attention.

Possible causes include:

• Swallowing loose hair while grooming
• Eating too quickly
• Dietary indiscretion
• Foreign body ingestion
• Viral or bacterial illness
• Intestinal parasites

Emergency veterinary care is recommended if vomiting is frequent, contains blood, occurs alongside severe lethargy, abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, or your kitten cannot keep water down. These signs may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

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Eye Problems

Healthy kittens should have bright, clear eyes with little to no discharge. Mild tearing may occasionally occur, but persistent drainage or inflammation should be evaluated.

Common eye concerns include:

• Mild watery discharge
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Bacterial or viral eye infections
• Corneal irritation or injury

Seek veterinary care if eye discharge becomes thick or yellow, one eye remains closed, the eye appears cloudy, or your kitten seems sensitive to light. Prompt treatment can help prevent more serious complications.

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Ear Problems

Healthy kitten ears should be clean, odor-free, and free of excessive debris.

Common ear problems include:

• Ear mites
• Wax buildup
• Ear infections
• Minor irritation

Avoid inserting cotton swabs deep into the ear canal, as this can cause injury. If your veterinarian recommends ear cleaning, use only products specifically formulated for cats and follow their instructions carefully.

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Teething

Maine Coon kittens begin losing their baby teeth at around 3 to 4 months of age, with most adult teeth erupting by approximately 6 months.

During teething, you may notice:

• Increased chewing
• Mild gum sensitivity
• Occasional loose baby teeth
• Temporary decreases in appetite
• Increased interest in chewing household objects

Providing safe kitten toys designed for chewing can help satisfy this natural behavior while protecting furniture and household items.

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Minor Injuries

Young Maine Coons are adventurous, energetic, and still learning coordination. Minor injuries occasionally happen during normal play.

Examples include:

• Small falls while climbing
• Rough play with other pets
• Torn or broken nails
• Mild limping after vigorous activity

Most minor injuries resolve quickly with rest, but persistent limping, swelling, obvious pain, or inability to bear weight should always be evaluated by a veterinarian.

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Stress During Transition

Moving into a new home is a major adjustment for any kitten. Even confident, well-socialized Maine Coons may show temporary behavioral changes as they adapt to unfamiliar people, smells, and routines.

Common stress-related behaviors include:

• Reduced appetite
• Hiding
• Sleeping more than usual
• Temporary litter box accidents
• Increased vocalization

Most kittens settle into their new environment over several days to a few weeks. Providing a quiet room, maintaining a consistent routine, and allowing your kitten to explore at their own pace can help reduce stress during this transition.

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Vaccine Reactions

Vaccinations play an important role in protecting kittens from serious infectious diseases. Most kittens experience little to no reaction after vaccination.

Normal, short-lived reactions may include:

• Mild sleepiness
• Temporary soreness at the injection site
• Slightly reduced activity for a day

Although uncommon, more serious reactions require immediate veterinary attention.

Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately if your kitten develops:

• Facial swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe or repeated vomiting
• Collapse or extreme weakness

Fortunately, severe vaccine reactions are rare, and for most kittens the benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks. Your veterinarian can answer any questions about your kitten’s vaccination schedule and monitor for any concerns following immunization.

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Maine Coon Genetic Health Conditions

Most Maine Coon kittens are healthy and never develop serious inherited diseases during their first year of life. However, understanding the breed’s most well-known genetic health conditions before bringing home a kitten can help you make informed decisions when choosing a breeder.

It is important to remember that these conditions generally affect older cats, not young kittens. A healthy, playful kitten is unlikely to show symptoms of inherited heart disease or joint problems. Instead, the goal is to choose a breeder who health tests their breeding cats and works to reduce the risk of passing these conditions to future generations.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited heart disease associated with Maine Coons. It causes the muscular walls of the heart to become abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently.

Because HCM has an inherited component, responsible breeders use available DNA testing and may also perform regular cardiac screening, such as echocardiograms, on their breeding cats. These tools help breeders make informed breeding decisions and reduce the likelihood of producing kittens at increased genetic risk.

Most kittens with inherited risk for HCM appear completely healthy. Clinical signs usually develop later in life, sometimes not until adulthood. For this reason, purchasing a kitten from health-tested parents is one of the best ways to lower risk, although no breeder can guarantee a kitten will never develop heart disease.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is another inherited condition seen in Maine Coons. It occurs when the hip joint develops abnormally, leading to joint instability and, over time, arthritis.

Although hip dysplasia is often associated with dogs, it can also occur in cats, particularly large breeds such as the Maine Coon. Most affected kittens do not show obvious signs early in life. As cats age, some may develop stiffness, reduced activity, difficulty jumping, or changes in their gait.

Many responsible breeders have their breeding cats evaluated for hip health before including them in a breeding program. Screening helps reduce the likelihood of passing poor hip structure to future generations and supports healthier overall breeding decisions.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited neurological condition that affects the muscles responsible for movement. It causes weakness due to degeneration of the nerve cells that control skeletal muscles.

Fortunately, a reliable DNA test is available for SMA. Responsible breeders use genetic screening to identify carriers and make breeding decisions that prevent affected kittens from being produced.

Although SMA affects muscle strength, it is not considered a painful condition. Because DNA testing is widely available, it has become much less common in responsibly bred Maine Coons.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder in which fluid-filled cysts develop within the kidneys over time. It is most commonly associated with Persian cats and related breeds, making it considerably less common in Maine Coons.

Even so, some breeders choose to include PKD DNA testing as part of a broader genetic screening panel, particularly if there is any concern about ancestral bloodlines or to provide additional reassurance.

As with other inherited diseases, genetic testing helps identify breeding cats that may carry disease-causing variants and supports more informed breeding decisions.

While these inherited conditions receive a great deal of attention, it’s important to keep them in perspective. Most Maine Coon kittens never develop signs of these diseases during kittenhood, and many live long, healthy lives. Choosing a breeder who prioritizes health testing, routine veterinary care, and thoughtful breeding practices is one of the most effective ways to reduce inherited health risks, even though no breeding program can eliminate them entirely.

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Preventative Health Care During the First Year

The first year of a Maine Coon kitten’s life is filled with important veterinary milestones. Regular preventive care helps monitor healthy growth, protect against infectious diseases, and identify potential concerns before they become more serious.

Your veterinarian may recommend a schedule based on your kitten’s age, lifestyle, and local disease risks, so always follow their advice for your individual cat.

Veterinary Visit Timeline

Routine veterinary visits help ensure your kitten is developing normally while keeping vaccinations and preventive care on schedule.

Age	Recommended Care
Around 8 weeks	Initial wellness examination, first FVRCP vaccination (if not already given), deworming, physical examination, and discussion of nutrition and home care.
Around 12 weeks	Booster FVRCP vaccination, wellness examination, weight check, and continued parasite prevention as recommended by your veterinarian.
Around 16 weeks	Final kitten FVRCP booster, rabies vaccination where required or recommended, physical examination, and completion of the primary kitten vaccination series.
Around 6 months	Growth evaluation, body condition assessment, dental development check, discussion of spaying or neutering, and continued preventive care.
Around 12 months	Comprehensive adult wellness examination, annual vaccinations as recommended, parasite prevention review, and transition to an adult preventive healthcare plan.

Your veterinarian may recommend additional visits if your kitten develops an illness, has special medical needs, or requires follow-up care after an examination.

Vaccination Schedule

Vaccinations help protect kittens against several serious infectious diseases while their immune system is still developing. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on your kitten’s age, medical history, and risk factors.

FVRCP

The FVRCP vaccine is considered a core vaccination for cats. It protects against three important diseases:

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus-1): A common cause of upper respiratory infections and eye disease.
• Feline Calicivirus: Another major cause of respiratory illness that can also affect the mouth and joints.
• Feline Panleukopenia: A highly contagious and potentially life-threatening viral disease that affects the intestinal tract, immune system, and bone marrow.

Because maternal antibodies gradually decline over time, kittens receive a series of FVRCP vaccinations several weeks apart to build reliable immunity.

Rabies

Rabies vaccination is required by law in many areas and protects against a fatal viral disease that can affect both animals and people. Most kittens receive their first rabies vaccine at approximately 12 to 16 weeks of age, depending on local regulations and your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Even indoor-only cats may be advised to receive a rabies vaccine, as accidental exposure to wildlife or escaped pets can still occur.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

The FeLV vaccine is recommended for some kittens based on their lifestyle and risk of exposure.

Cats that spend time outdoors, live with FeLV-positive cats, or may encounter unfamiliar cats generally have a higher risk of infection and may benefit from vaccination. For strictly indoor cats with no exposure risk, your veterinarian can help determine whether the vaccine is appropriate.

Because every kitten’s situation is different, your veterinarian is the best person to recommend a vaccination plan that balances protection with your cat’s individual lifestyle and risk factors. Regular preventive care during the first year provides the foundation for a healthy adult Maine Coon.

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Parasite Prevention in Maine Coon Kittens

Parasite prevention is an important part of keeping your Maine Coon kitten healthy during the first year. Even indoor kittens can be exposed to parasites, which is why routine screening and preventive care are recommended.

Routine Fecal Exams

Fecal examinations allow your veterinarian to check for intestinal parasites that may not be visible to the naked eye. Because some parasites can be present without obvious symptoms, routine testing is often recommended during a kitten’s first year and whenever digestive problems develop.

Deworming

Most kittens receive several deworming treatments during their first few months of life. Since kittens can acquire parasites from their mother or their environment, repeated treatments are often necessary to eliminate different stages of the parasite life cycle.

Always follow your veterinarian’s recommended deworming schedule rather than using over-the-counter products without guidance. How long does it take to get rid of worms in Cats? Read more here.

Flea Prevention

Fleas can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, anemia in young kittens, and may transmit tapeworms. Your veterinarian can recommend a flea prevention product that is safe for your kitten’s age and weight.

Never use flea products intended for dogs unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian, as some ingredients can be toxic to cats.

Tick Prevention

The need for tick prevention depends on where you live and your kitten’s lifestyle. Outdoor cats and those living in areas with heavy tick populations are at greater risk of exposure.

Your veterinarian can help determine whether tick prevention is appropriate based on your region and your kitten’s individual risk factors.

Heartworm Considerations

Although heartworm disease is less common in cats than in dogs, infection can still occur through mosquito bites. Indoor cats are not completely protected since mosquitoes often enter homes.

Depending on your location, your veterinarian may recommend year-round heartworm prevention as part of your kitten’s overall parasite control plan.

See Can Indoor Cats Get Worms for more details.

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Nutrition for Healthy Growth in Maine Coon Kittens

Proper nutrition supports every aspect of your Maine Coon kitten’s development, from healthy bones and muscles to immune function and brain development. Because Maine Coons mature slowly, they benefit from a complete and balanced kitten diet formulated to support steady growth.

High-Quality Kitten Food

Choose a food that meets established nutritional standards for growing kittens. A high-quality kitten diet provides the protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals needed to support healthy development throughout the first year.

Wet Versus Dry Food

Both wet and dry foods can be appropriate when they are nutritionally complete and balanced. Wet food contributes additional moisture to the diet, while dry food is convenient and easy to portion. Many owners choose to feed a combination of both.

Water Intake

Fresh, clean water should always be available. Good hydration supports kidney function, digestion, and urinary health. Some kittens naturally drink more when offered a water fountain or multiple water bowls throughout the home.

Feeding Schedule

Young kittens generally benefit from several small meals throughout the day. As they grow, meal frequency can gradually be reduced according to your veterinarian’s recommendations while maintaining appropriate calorie intake for healthy growth.

Healthy Weight

Maine Coons should grow steadily without becoming overweight. Rapid weight gain is not necessarily a sign of good health. Regular body condition assessments and routine weigh-ins help ensure your kitten is developing at an appropriate pace.

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Dental Care Starts Early

Good dental health begins long before adult teeth appear. Establishing healthy habits during kittenhood can make dental care much easier throughout your cat’s life.

Baby Teeth

Kittens are born without teeth. Their baby teeth begin erupting at a few weeks of age and are gradually replaced by permanent adult teeth beginning around 3 to 4 months of age.

Adult Teeth

Most Maine Coons have all of their permanent teeth by approximately 6 months of age. During this period, mild chewing and occasional loose baby teeth are normal parts of development.

Tooth Brushing

Introducing tooth brushing while your kitten is young helps them become comfortable with routine dental care. Use only toothpaste formulated specifically for cats, as human toothpaste should never be used.

Dental Treats

Veterinary-approved dental treats may help reduce plaque accumulation when used alongside regular brushing. They should be viewed as a supplement to, not a replacement for, good oral hygiene.

Veterinary Dental Care

Your veterinarian will examine your kitten’s teeth and gums during routine wellness visits. Early detection of dental abnormalities can help prevent more significant problems later in life.

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Grooming for Health

Regular grooming is about more than keeping your Maine Coon looking beautiful. It also provides an opportunity to monitor your kitten’s overall health and identify changes early.

Brushing

Frequent brushing helps remove loose hair, reduces mat formation, and allows you to check for skin abnormalities, parasites, or injuries beneath the coat.

Nail Trimming

Routine nail trims prevent overgrown claws and help kittens become comfortable with handling. Starting this routine early often makes lifelong nail care much easier.

Ear Cleaning

Healthy ears usually require very little cleaning. If your veterinarian recommends ear care, use only cat-safe ear cleaning solutions and avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal.

Eye Care

Check your kitten’s eyes regularly for redness, swelling, excessive tearing, or discharge. Healthy eyes should appear bright and clear.

Skin Checks

During grooming, gently feel your kitten’s body for bumps, wounds, parasites, areas of hair loss, or skin irritation. Early detection often allows problems to be addressed before they become more serious.

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Exercise and Mental Enrichment

Maine Coons are intelligent, athletic cats that thrive when given opportunities to play, climb, and explore. Daily physical activity supports healthy muscle development while mental enrichment helps prevent boredom and encourages natural feline behaviors. If your Maine Coon Kitten appears bored consider switching up their environment or adding a second kitten for companionship.

Provide your kitten with a variety of enrichment opportunities, including:

• Interactive toys that encourage chasing and problem-solving
• Cat trees that promote climbing and observation
• Scratching posts to support healthy claw maintenance
• Safe climbing opportunities appropriate for your kitten’s age
• Daily play sessions that strengthen your bond and encourage exercise

Rotating toys and introducing new forms of enrichment periodically can help keep your Maine Coon mentally engaged. Regular play not only supports healthy physical development but also provides valuable mental stimulation throughout kittenhood. See What to Expect When Bringing a Maine Coon Kitten Home.

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Signs Your Maine Coon Kitten May Be Sick

Kittens can become ill more quickly than adult cats because their immune systems are still developing. While occasional changes in appetite or energy may not always indicate a serious problem, persistent or worsening symptoms should never be ignored.

As you get to know your Maine Coon kitten, you’ll become familiar with what is normal for them. If something seems noticeably different, it’s always better to contact your veterinarian sooner rather than waiting to see if it improves on its own.

Contact Your Veterinarian

The following symptoms are not always emergencies, but they do warrant a call to your veterinarian, especially if they persist for more than a day, worsen, or occur together.

Persistent Vomiting

Occasional vomiting can happen, but repeated vomiting is not normal. Vomiting may be caused by dietary changes, intestinal parasites, infections, foreign body ingestion, or other medical conditions. Kittens can become dehydrated quickly, so ongoing vomiting should always be evaluated.

Diarrhea

Loose stools are fairly common in young kittens, particularly during times of stress or after dietary changes. However, diarrhea that continues for more than 24 hours, contains blood, or is accompanied by vomiting, poor appetite, or lethargy requires veterinary attention.

Sneezing

An occasional sneeze is usually not a cause for concern. Frequent sneezing, especially when accompanied by nasal discharge, watery eyes, or decreased appetite, may indicate an upper respiratory infection that should be assessed by your veterinarian.

Eye Discharge

Clear tearing may occur occasionally, but thick, yellow, green, or persistent discharge is not normal. Eye infections can worsen quickly and may require prescription medication to prevent complications.

Limping

Young Maine Coons are active and sometimes overdo their play. Mild limping after a tumble may resolve with rest, but limping that persists, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling or pain should be examined by your veterinarian.

Poor Appetite

Healthy Maine Coon kittens are typically enthusiastic eaters. A kitten that skips multiple meals, eats significantly less than usual, or suddenly loses interest in food should be evaluated promptly, particularly if other symptoms are present.

Weight Loss

Growing kittens should steadily gain weight. Weight loss or failure to gain weight can be an early sign of parasites, illness, nutritional problems, or other underlying medical conditions.

Coughing

Coughing is relatively uncommon in cats. Persistent coughing may indicate respiratory disease, asthma, parasites, or other medical concerns that require veterinary evaluation.

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Seek Emergency Care Immediately

Some symptoms require immediate medical attention. If your Maine Coon kitten develops any of the following signs, contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital without delay.

Difficulty Breathing

Labored breathing, open-mouth breathing, rapid breathing, or blue or pale gums should always be treated as a medical emergency.

Collapse

If your kitten suddenly collapses, becomes unresponsive, or cannot stand normally, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Seizures

Any seizure should be evaluated by a veterinarian, especially if it is your kitten’s first episode or lasts longer than a few minutes.

Unable to Urinate

Repeated trips to the litter box with little or no urine production, straining, crying while urinating, or complete inability to urinate can indicate a urinary obstruction. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Severe Lethargy

While kittens sleep many hours each day, they should wake up easily and become alert when engaged. A kitten that is difficult to wake, unusually weak, or unwilling to move needs immediate veterinary attention.

Poison Ingestion

If you suspect your kitten has swallowed medication, household chemicals, toxic plants, human food known to be poisonous to cats, or any other potentially harmful substance, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison hotline immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking advice.

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Quick Reference: When to Call Your Veterinarian vs Seek Emergency Care

Symptom	Contact Your Veterinarian	Seek Emergency Care Immediately
Persistent vomiting	✓	If frequent or unable to keep water down
Diarrhea	✓	If severe, bloody, or causing dehydration
Sneezing	✓	If accompanied by difficulty breathing
Eye discharge	✓	If severe swelling, eye won’t open, or vision appears affected
Limping	✓	If unable to bear weight or severe injury is suspected
Poor appetite	✓	If your kitten refuses food for an extended period or becomes weak
Weight loss	✓	If rapid or accompanied by other symptoms
Coughing	✓	If persistent or causing breathing difficulty
Difficulty breathing		✓
Collapse		✓
Seizures		✓
Unable to urinate		✓
Severe lethargy		✓
Poison ingestion		✓

In summary

Monitor at Home	Call Your Veterinarian	Go to an Emergency Clinic
Mild, short-lived changes in behavior or appetite that quickly resolve.	Symptoms lasting more than 24 hours, worsening signs, or multiple mild symptoms occurring together.	Difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, inability to urinate, suspected poisoning, or any condition where your kitten appears critically ill.

Tip: Young kittens can become dehydrated and seriously ill much faster than adult cats. If you’re ever unsure whether a symptom is urgent, it’s always safest to contact your veterinarian for guidance. This is one situation where waiting can make treatment more difficult.

Knowing the difference between a minor concern and a medical emergency can help you respond quickly when your kitten needs care. When in doubt, trust your instincts. If your Maine Coon kitten seems unusually sick or something doesn’t feel right, contacting your veterinarian is always the safest decision. Early treatment often leads to better outcomes and can prevent minor problems from becoming more serious.

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What’s Normal During Maine Coon Kitten Development?

Maine Coon kittens develop differently than many other cat breeds. Because they mature slowly, they often go through stages that can seem unusual to new owners. Long legs, oversized paws, endless naps, and even looking a little too thin are all common during the first year.

Understanding what is considered normal can help you enjoy your kitten’s development with confidence while recognizing when something truly deserves veterinary attention.

Sleeping Most of the Day

Don’t be surprised if your Maine Coon kitten spends much of the day asleep. Young kittens commonly sleep 16 to 20 hours every day because their bodies are growing rapidly.

The important thing is what happens when they wake up. A healthy kitten should be alert, curious, playful, and eager to eat.

Gangly Growth Stages

Maine Coons rarely grow in perfect proportion. During the first year, they often look awkward as different parts of the body develop at different times.

Your kitten may suddenly become very tall with a narrow body, then several months later begin developing a broader chest and more muscle. These uneven growth stages are completely normal for this slow-maturing breed.

Big Paws

Large paws are one of the Maine Coon’s signature features. Many kittens seem to have feet that are much too big for the rest of their body, especially during growth spurts.

Although oversized paws don’t predict exactly how large an adult cat will become, they are a normal characteristic of the breed and usually become more proportional as your kitten matures.

Looking Thin During Growth

One of the most common concerns new owners have is that their Maine Coon kitten looks too thin. In most cases, this is completely normal.

Unlike many other cat breeds, Maine Coons grow slowly and often go through lanky, awkward stages during their first year. They may grow taller before they grow wider, leaving them with long legs, large paws, and a lean body. It is common for owners to worry that their kitten isn’t eating enough when, in reality, they are simply in the middle of a rapid growth phase.

A healthy Maine Coon kitten should gain weight steadily, have a good appetite, and remain active and playful. Rather than judging your kitten by appearance alone, pay attention to their overall body condition and growth over time. Your veterinarian can also monitor their weight at routine wellness visits to ensure they are developing appropriately. As Maine Coons mature, they gradually begin filling out with more muscle, a broader chest, and the substantial build the breed is known for. Many do not reach their full size and body condition until 3 to 5 years of age.

If your kitten is eating well, gaining weight consistently, and your veterinarian is happy with their growth, a lean appearance is usually nothing to worry about. However, if your kitten is losing weight, has a poor appetite, or seems lethargic, it is important to schedule a veterinary examination.

Rapid Growth Spurts

Maine Coon kittens often grow in spurts rather than at a steady pace. You may notice your kitten suddenly becoming taller or heavier over a few weeks, followed by a period where growth seems to slow.

As long as your kitten continues gaining weight appropriately and your veterinarian is happy with their development, these changes are a normal part of growing up.

Increased Appetite

Growing kittens need a tremendous amount of energy. During a growth spurt, your Maine Coon may suddenly seem hungry all the time.

A healthy appetite is usually a good sign. Feed a complete, balanced kitten diet and follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for portion sizes. Growing kittens should receive enough calories to support healthy development without encouraging excessive weight gain.

Losing Baby Teeth

Maine Coon kittens begin replacing their baby teeth with permanent adult teeth around 3 to 4 months of age. Most have all of their adult teeth by approximately 6 months.

During teething, it is normal to notice increased chewing, mild gum sensitivity, temporary changes in appetite, or the occasional baby tooth on the floor. Many kittens swallow their baby teeth, so you may never actually see them.

Clumsiness

Young Maine Coons are energetic but still learning how to control their rapidly growing bodies. Missing a jump, stumbling during play, or landing awkwardly from time to time is usually nothing to worry about.

Persistent limping, obvious pain, swelling, or difficulty walking are not normal and should be evaluated by your veterinarian.

Vocal Behavior

Maine Coons are known for being talkative cats. Rather than meowing constantly, many communicate through chirps, trills, and soft vocalizations.

Some kittens are naturally more vocal than others, especially when they are excited, greeting their family, or asking for attention. A sudden change in vocal behavior, particularly if accompanied by signs of illness, may indicate discomfort and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Temporary Picky Eating

Many kittens experience brief periods where they seem less interested in food. This can happen during teething, after moving to a new home, following vaccinations, or during changes in routine.

As long as your kitten remains active, continues eating enough overall, and quickly returns to their normal appetite, occasional picky eating is usually not a cause for concern. However, kittens should never go prolonged periods without eating. If your kitten refuses multiple meals, loses weight, or becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian promptly.

The Bigger Picture

Maine Coon kittens grow at their own pace, and very few develop in a perfectly straight line. They sleep a lot, go through awkward growth stages, eat more during growth spurts, lose their baby teeth, and often look lean before they begin filling out.

The best signs of a healthy kitten are steady weight gain, a good appetite, bright eyes, normal stools, playful behavior, and curiosity about the world around them. By understanding what is normal during development, you’ll be better prepared to recognize both healthy growth and the signs that may require veterinary attention.

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Building a Foundation for Lifelong Health

The choices you make during your Maine Coon kitten’s first year can have a lasting impact on their health and well-being. While genetics play an important role, daily care, preventive medicine, and a safe environment all help your kitten develop into a healthy adult. The following habits provide a strong foundation for lifelong health.

Keep Routine Veterinary Visits

Regular veterinary examinations are one of the best ways to keep your kitten healthy. Wellness visits allow your veterinarian to monitor growth, administer vaccinations, screen for parasites, evaluate body condition, and identify potential health concerns before they become more serious.

Even if your kitten appears perfectly healthy, routine checkups remain an important part of preventive care throughout their life.

Feed an Appropriate Diet

A complete and balanced kitten food provides the nutrients needed to support healthy growth, strong bones, muscle development, and a healthy immune system. Feed a diet formulated for kittens, provide fresh water at all times, and avoid making frequent food changes unless recommended by your veterinarian.

As your Maine Coon matures, your veterinarian can help determine the appropriate time to transition to an adult diet.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maine Coons are naturally large cats, but size should not be confused with excess weight. Healthy kittens should grow steadily while maintaining an appropriate body condition.

Monitor your kitten’s weight during routine veterinary visits and avoid overfeeding simply because they are a large breed. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout life helps support joint health, heart health, and overall longevity.

Encourage Daily Exercise

Daily activity helps develop strong muscles, healthy joints, and good coordination while providing valuable mental stimulation.

Interactive play sessions, climbing opportunities, scratching posts, puzzle toys, and cat trees encourage natural behaviors and help prevent boredom. Exercise also strengthens the bond between you and your kitten.

Reduce Stress

A predictable routine helps kittens feel secure as they adjust to their new home. Introduce new people, pets, and environments gradually, and provide safe places where your kitten can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

Reducing stress not only supports emotional well-being but may also help decrease the risk of stress-related illnesses and digestive upset during the first year.

Keep Your Kitten Indoors

Keeping your Maine Coon indoors is one of the simplest ways to protect their health. Indoor cats have a much lower risk of traffic injuries, predator attacks, theft, exposure to infectious diseases, parasites, and toxic substances.

If you would like your kitten to experience the outdoors, consider supervised leash walks or a secure cat enclosure rather than allowing them to roam freely.

Stay Current on Preventative Care

Preventive care is far easier than treating many illnesses after they occur. Keep your kitten current on vaccinations, parasite prevention, routine wellness examinations, and any additional recommendations provided by your veterinarian.

Maintaining these preventive measures throughout life gives your Maine Coon the best opportunity to remain healthy for years to come.

Maintain Pet Insurance

Unexpected illnesses and accidents can happen even in healthy kittens. Maintaining pet insurance during kittenhood can help reduce the financial burden of emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, diagnostic testing, and treatment if your cat develops an unexpected medical condition.

Many insurance providers do not cover pre-existing conditions, which is why enrolling while your kitten is young and healthy is often recommended. Before choosing a policy, carefully review what is covered, waiting periods, exclusions, deductibles, reimbursement options, and any annual or lifetime coverage limits.

Build a Relationship With Your Veterinarian

Your veterinarian is one of your most valuable partners throughout your Maine Coon’s life. Establishing a relationship early allows them to become familiar with your kitten’s normal health, monitor development over time, and provide guidance tailored to your individual cat.

Never hesitate to ask questions or seek advice if something doesn’t seem right. Early intervention often leads to simpler treatments and better outcomes.

By combining responsible breeding, proper nutrition, routine veterinary care, preventive medicine, pet insurance, and a loving home, you’ll give your Maine Coon kitten the best possible foundation for a long, healthy, and happy life.

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Building a Foundation for Lifelong Maine Coon Kitten Health: Summary Checklist

Healthy Habit	Why It Matters
Schedule routine veterinary visits	Detects health concerns early, monitors growth, and keeps vaccinations and preventive care on track.
Feed a balanced kitten diet	Provides the nutrients needed for healthy bones, muscles, brain development, and immune function.
Maintain a healthy weight	Supports healthy joints, heart health, and long-term mobility while reducing the risk of obesity.
Encourage daily exercise	Builds muscle, supports healthy development, provides mental stimulation, and prevents boredom.
Reduce stress	Helps kittens adjust to new environments and may reduce stress-related illness and digestive upset.
Keep your kitten indoors	Protects against vehicles, predators, parasites, infectious diseases, theft, and other outdoor hazards.
Stay current on preventive care	Vaccinations, parasite prevention, and routine wellness exams help prevent many common illnesses.
Maintain pet insurance	Helps prepare for unexpected accidents or illnesses and may reduce out-of-pocket veterinary expenses.
Build a relationship with your veterinarian	Provides personalized care throughout every stage of your Maine Coon’s life and ensures concerns are addressed promptly.

The healthiest Maine Coon kittens typically have three things in common: responsible breeding, excellent preventive care, and attentive owners. While no one can prevent every illness, regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, preventive medicine, pet insurance, and a safe home environment give your kitten the best opportunity to grow into a healthy adult.

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Maine Coon Kitten Health Frequently Asked Questions

Are Maine Coon kittens generally healthy?

Yes. Maine Coon kittens are generally healthy when they come from responsible breeders who prioritize health testing, routine veterinary care, proper nutrition, and early socialization. Like all kittens, they may experience common childhood illnesses such as upper respiratory infections or intestinal parasites, but most grow into healthy adults with appropriate preventive care. See Maine Coon kitten characteristics.

What health problems are most common in Maine Coon kittens?

The most common health concerns seen during kittenhood include upper respiratory infections, intestinal parasites, diarrhea, vomiting, eye infections, ear mites, and stress-related digestive upset after moving to a new home. Inherited conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hip dysplasia are important to understand but typically do not cause symptoms during kittenhood.

How often should a Maine Coon kitten see a veterinarian?

Most kittens visit the veterinarian several times during their first few months for wellness examinations, vaccinations, and deworming. After completing their kitten vaccination series, they should continue with regular wellness visits as recommended by their veterinarian, typically at least once a year.

Why does my Maine Coon kitten have diarrhea?

Diarrhea can have many causes, including diet changes, stress, intestinal parasites, bacterial or viral infections, and food intolerance. While a single loose stool may not be an emergency, persistent diarrhea, bloody stools, or diarrhea accompanied by vomiting or lethargy should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Why is my Maine Coon kitten sneezing?

Occasional sneezing is usually harmless. Frequent sneezing, especially when accompanied by nasal discharge, watery eyes, poor appetite, or lethargy, may indicate an upper respiratory infection that requires veterinary evaluation.

Is it normal for Maine Coon kittens to sleep all day?

Yes. Healthy Maine Coon kittens often sleep between 16 and 20 hours each day. Their bodies require significant rest to support rapid growth and development. As long as your kitten is alert, playful, and eating normally when awake, this amount of sleep is usually normal.

When should I worry if my kitten isn’t eating?

A brief decrease in appetite may occur during teething, after vaccinations, or during stressful events such as moving to a new home. However, kittens should not go prolonged periods without eating. If your kitten refuses multiple meals, appears weak, loses weight, or has other signs of illness, contact your veterinarian promptly.

What vaccines do Maine Coon kittens need?

Most Maine Coon kittens receive a series of FVRCP vaccinations during kittenhood, followed by a rabies vaccine according to local laws and veterinary recommendations. Some kittens may also benefit from the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine depending on their lifestyle and risk of exposure.

When should Maine Coon kittens be dewormed?

Most kittens receive several deworming treatments during their first few months of life. Your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate schedule based on your kitten’s age, fecal test results, and risk factors.

How can I tell if my Maine Coon kitten is growing normally?

Healthy Maine Coon kittens should steadily gain weight, maintain a healthy appetite, remain active and curious, and continue developing over time. Because the breed matures slowly, it is completely normal for kittens to go through lanky growth stages before filling out as adults.

Should I get pet insurance for my Maine Coon kitten?

Many veterinarians recommend enrolling kittens in pet insurance while they are young and healthy. Early enrollment may help avoid exclusions for future pre-existing conditions and can reduce the financial burden of unexpected illnesses, injuries, or emergency veterinary care.

When should I spay or neuter my Maine Coon kitten?

The ideal age depends on your kitten’s individual development and your veterinarian’s recommendations. Because Maine Coons mature more slowly than many breeds, many owners discuss the timing of surgery with both their breeder and veterinarian to determine what is most appropriate for their kitten.

Can a reputable breeder guarantee a healthy kitten?

No. No breeder can guarantee that a kitten will never develop a medical condition during its lifetime. However, responsible breeders reduce risk by health testing their breeding cats, providing excellent veterinary care, raising kittens in a healthy environment, and carefully selecting breeding pairs.

How do I know if a breeder health tests their cats?

A reputable breeder should be willing to discuss the health testing performed on their breeding cats, explain why those tests are important, and answer your questions openly. They should also be knowledgeable about common inherited diseases in Maine Coons and explain the preventive measures they take within their breeding program. Transparency, routine veterinary care, and a willingness to educate buyers are all positive signs of a responsible breeder.

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Related Maine Coon Guides

Continue learning about Maine Coon health and care with these in-depth guides:

• Maine Coon Health Guide: Learn about inherited diseases, adult health concerns, preventive care, and lifelong wellness.
• Maine Coon Kittens Week by Week Chart: Track your kitten’s size, weight, and development from birth through adulthood.
• Maine Coon Feeding Guide: Discover how much to feed your kitten, nutritional requirements, and feeding schedules for every life stage.
• Maine Coon Vaccination Schedule: Understand the recommended vaccine timeline and what to expect at each veterinary visit.
• Maine Coon Lifespan: Learn what influences longevity and how to help your cat live a long, healthy life.
• Maine Coon Grooming Guide: Find tips for brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, coat maintenance, and reducing mats.
• Maine Coon Spaying and Neutering Guide: Learn about the benefits, timing, recovery, and common questions surrounding sterilization.
• Bringing Home Your Maine Coon Kitten: Prepare your home and help your new kitten adjust successfully during the first few weeks.
• Kitten Health Insurance: Compare coverage options and learn why enrolling early can help protect against unexpected veterinary expenses.
• Choosing a Maine Coon Breeder: Learn how to identify responsible breeders, understand health testing, and avoid common red flags.
• Maine Coon Cost Guide: Explore the true cost of owning a Maine Coon, from the initial purchase price to lifelong care expenses.

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Final Thoughts

Maine Coon kittens are generally healthy, playful, and resilient, but like all young animals, they can experience common childhood illnesses as they grow. The good news is that many health risks can be reduced through responsible breeding, routine veterinary care, proper nutrition, preventive medicine, and attentive daily care.

One of the most important decisions you’ll make happens before your kitten ever comes home. Choosing a breeder who prioritizes health testing, veterinary care, thoughtful breeding practices, and early socialization gives your kitten the strongest possible foundation for a healthy future. While no breeder can guarantee a kitten will never develop a medical condition, these practices significantly reduce many preventable and inherited risks.

Once your kitten joins your family, regular wellness examinations, vaccinations, parasite prevention, a balanced diet, exercise, grooming, and pet insurance all play an important role in supporting lifelong health. Small investments in preventive care during the first year often have lasting benefits throughout your cat’s life.

If you’d like to learn more about inherited diseases, adult health concerns, preventive care, and how to keep your Maine Coon healthy throughout every stage of life, continue with our Complete Maine Coon Health Guide. It serves as the cornerstone of our Maine Coon health library and provides a more in-depth look at the breed’s long-term wellness needs.

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Sources & References

The information in this guide is based on current veterinary recommendations, feline health guidelines, and breed-specific resources, including:

• American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). Feline Life Stage Guidelines and Feline Vaccination Guidelines. https://catvets.com/guidelines
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Preventive Healthcare Guidelines. https://www.aaha.org
• Cornell Feline Health Center. Health Information for Cat Owners. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Feline Diseases and Disorders. https://www.merckvetmanual.com
• VCA Animal Hospitals. Know Your Pet Library. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Global Nutrition Guidelines and Vaccination Guidelines. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Pet Owner Resources. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners
• The International Cat Association (TICA). Maine Coon Breed Information. https://tica.org/breed/maine-coon
• Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). Maine Coon Breed Profile. https://cfa.org/maine-coon
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Feline Hip Dysplasia Registry. https://ofa.org
• UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL). Feline Genetic Testing. https://vgl.ucdavis.edu
• PawPeds Health Program. Maine Coon Health Program. https://www.pawpeds.com

Veterinary Literature

• Little, S.E. The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management. Elsevier.
• Ettinger, Feldman & Côté. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
• Greene, C.E. Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat.
• American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Consensus Statement on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats.