Diet and Vitamins

Diet and Vitamins

Maine Coon is the largest breed of cats that impresses with their gracious looks and muscles. As you remember, in About the Breed section I mentioned that Maine Coons are the largest but not the heaviest cats while females are much smaller than males. That is the why the amount of food a Maine Coon eats is the same as for any other cat. The biggest attention should be paid to proteins. Maine Coons require a lot of protein to support their strong muscles and healthy body. The most optimal source of proteins is high quality meat – chicken, turkey, beef.

In our home all animals are fed a natural diet. I am absolutely convinced based on my 40 years of experience in caring for pets that a natural diet is the key to the perfect health and luxurious coat of Maine Coons. Besides, it excludes overeating. On top of that, grains, vegetables and fermented dairy products can be added into the diet.

Our kittens start eating adult food with ground beef or turkey. That is why the best treat for them for the rest of their lives is a bite of fresh meat, a neck or a chicken foot.

I make feeding mixes from raw food myself and buy meat from Amish farmers. I also buy pre-made mixes from My Pet Carnivore. You can find a similar store in your area or buy from a chain raw food company.

I train all my cats to have raw meat for breakfast, and for the rest of the day they have access to dry cat food. Considering how busy new owners can be, dry food is irreplaceable while traveling, so I make sure our kittens are used to manufactured dry food.

I use the best food from Royal Canin (фото).

While your cat is growing (and they take a long time to grow), they will need a lot of food, so don't limit their access to dry food. If you choose industrially produced dry cat food, it's better to opt for premium and super premium brands. It's better to base the diet on dry food – it can help prevent the formation of tartar.

If you decide to change your cat's food, do it gradually by mixing in the food that I provide in the baby box.

Vitamins

Here you can find general recommendations on vitamin and mineral supplements though the best practice is to consult with your vet.

For proper growth and development (up to six months) – supplements high in calcium.

For strong bone tissue – supplements with calcium and phosphorus, chondroprotectors.

For beautiful coat – vitamins A and D, group B and calcium.

For the wellbeing in their senior years – supplements with calcium. Vitamin B6 (for the brain). Plant-based supplement with Ginkgo biloba.