You’re not just getting a cat when you bring a Maine Coon into your life. You’re gaining a loyal companion who will be by your side for years to come. Naturally, you want to do everything you can to keep them healthy, happy, and thriving.
This page is your go-to hub for everything related to Maine Coon health and care. From common health issues to preventative care tips, we’ve covered those aspects. You’ll also find grooming advice and guidance on how to manage stress. Whether you’re raising a playful kitten, you’ll find helpful resources linked throughout this page. If you are caring for a mature Maine Coon, helpful resources are also in the articles below.
Ready to become a pro at caring for your gentle giant? Let’s dive in! 👇
Your Maine Coon Health Toolbox
Every cat owner wants the same thing: a healthy, happy cat curled up beside them, living their best life. But here’s the tricky part—cats are masters at hiding when something’s wrong. Especially our strong, stoic Maine Coons.
That’s why it’s so important to stay informed and proactive when it comes to their health and care.
As a dedicated Maine Coon breeder, raising well-socialized, healthy kittens is my #1 priority. And it all starts with healthy parents and mindful breeding practices. But even after your kitten comes home, there’s plenty you can do to make sure they stay in tip-top shape.
🏆 Why Healthy Parents = Healthy Kittens
You’ve probably heard breeders talk about “health-tested” cats. But what does that actually mean?
- Genetic illnesses like HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) or PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) can quietly pass down from parent to kitten.
- Some issues won’t show up until adulthood, making health testing even more important.
- I stay up-to-date on research and breed only from Maine Coons with strong, clear health histories.
Want to know more about genetic and common health concerns? Head over to The Most Common Maine Coon Health Issues.
🎥 Watch: Raising a Healthy Cat – Expert Interview
I had a chat with Dr. Jennifer Vencil from Shoreline Veterinary Hospital, covering crucial tips for keeping your cat in prime condition.
Grab a coffee and watch here!
📺 Watch the Interview
✅ What’s Normal in a Healthy Cat?
Here’s a checklist of what you should be seeing in a thriving Maine Coon:
- Eyes: Bright and clear—no discharge.
- Ears: Clean, odor-free, and without redness.
- Mouth: Fresh breath, pink gums, and clean teeth.
👉 Learn how to care for their teeth: Maine Coon Dental Care - Coat: Shiny, mat-free, and soft (yep, Maine Coons do shed—read why here: Do Maine Coons Shed?)
- Weight: Active, fit, and healthy.
👉 Not sure what to feed them? Check out What Should I Feed My Maine Coon?
🚩 What’s NOT Normal in a Cat
Keep an eye out for these red flags:
- Diarrhea (lasting more than 24 hours)
👉 Here’s how to manage it: Home Remedies for Maine Coon Diarrhea - Constipation
- Frequent Vomiting
- Straining to Urinate or Blood in Urine
- Watery Eyes or Signs of Respiratory Infection
👉 Stress or illness could be to blame—read up on Feline Herpes Virus - Litter Box Changes
Sudden changes in urination or bowel movements? Talk to your vet ASAP.
😿 What Causes Stress in Cats?
Stress plays a HUGE role in a cat’s overall health. Here’s what might stress out your kitty:
- Too many cats competing for food, water, or litter space
- Lack of personal territory or safe spaces
- Household changes (new pets, people, even rearranging furniture!)
- Loud noises, remodeling, or parties
- Grooming, vet, or boarding visits → How to Choose a Vet for Your Maine Coon
- Boredom or lack of enrichment
- Traveling (Car rides = major stress!) → How to Travel with a Maine Coon
🚨 Signs of Stress in Cats
Your Maine Coon may hide their discomfort, but watch for these telltale signs:
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Diarrhea or constipation (Diarrhea Remedies)
- Excessive grooming (licking bald spots)
- Constant scratching
- Isolating themselves
- Over-vocalizing
- Decreased appetite
- Sleeping more than usual
- Aggression toward pets
- Aggression toward humans
🩺 Prevention is Everything
We’ve covered some of the common Maine Coon health issues, but don’t let it scare you—it’s all about awareness and prevention.
Here’s a quick list of how to keep your cat healthy:
- Feed a balanced diet → What Should I Feed My Maine Coon?
- Provide mental & physical stimulation
- Regular grooming routines → Comb out those tangles before mats form!
- Routine vet visits
- Stress-free environment → Recognize and address signs of stress early.
I invited Dr. Jennifer Vencil from Shoreline Veterinary Hospital over for a short interview about raising a healthy cat. We discuss several important topics in this 19-minute video, of which you’ll find informative.
Up to 90% of cats are carrying the Feline Herpes Virus. Stress can trigger a flare-up of the virus, and present with symptoms of upper respiratory infection. If you sense any signs of stress in your cat, please see your veterinarian.
It’s rewarding to know you are raising a healthy cat! We have several other articles about caring for your Maine Coon that we know you’ll love! Be sure to check that out for some standard tips on care for your friend.
Common Maine Coon Health Issues: What Every Owner Should Know 🩺
Maine Coons are one of the most beloved cat breeds—and for good reason. They’re big, strong, and typically very healthy. But like any living creature, Maine Coons do come with their own set of known health risks. Even when working with a reputable Maine Coon breeder who takes every precaution, health conditions may still occur.
It’s important to be aware of these potential issues—not to scare you, but to prepare you. Knowing what to watch for can help you take action early. You can manage any conditions and provide the absolute best care for your Maine Coon.
Understand the possible health concerns specific to this breed is crucial. You must know this before bringing a Maine Coon kitten into your home. This awareness helps you:
- Ask the right questions when selecting a breeder
- Understand the true cost of owning a Maine Coon
- Stay proactive with regular vet care and monitoring
- Give your cat the longest, healthiest life possible 💕
1️⃣ Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
HCM is the most prevalent heart disease in Maine Coons. It causes the walls of the heart to thicken, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. This condition can eventually lead to:
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Congestive heart failure
- Fluid buildup in the lungs
- Blood clots
🩺 Diagnosis:
The gold standard for diagnosing HCM is an echocardiogram, where the vet evaluates the size, shape, and function of the heart.
📅 Age of Onset:
Most Maine Coons develop HCM around 4 years old or later, though it can appear as early as 6 months or as late as 8 years.
💊 Treatment:
While there is no cure, early diagnosis is key. Treatment may include:
- Medication therapy (ACE inhibitors, beta blockers like propranolol)
- Diuretics to manage fluid buildup
- Aspirin therapy to prevent blood clots
- Stress management and sodium-restricted diet
Symptoms to watch for:
- Labored breathing
- Weight loss
- Blue gums
- Lethargy
- Paralysis of the hind legs (in severe cases)
🔍 Probability:
Roughly 1/3 of Maine Coons carry a mutated gene linked to HCM. Even inheriting one copy (allele) increases the risk. Always work with breeders who DNA test their breeding cats and remove carriers from their programs.
2️⃣ Hip Dysplasia
Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, making them more prone to hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joint, often leading to arthritis and mobility issues.
📅 Age of Onset:
Present from birth but usually becomes noticeable later in life, worsened by weight or age.
Symptoms:
- Limping
- Stiffness
- Difficulty jumping
- Muscle weakness in back legs
💊 Treatment:
Options include:
- Weight management
- Joint supplements
- Pain meds
- Surgery in severe cases
- Regular vet screenings
👉 Choose a vet familiar with Maine Coons who checks for hip issues.
🔍 Probability:
About 20% of Maine Coons may be susceptible. Breeding purely for “biggest cat” size increases risk.
Is Your Maine Coon Dealing with Any of These? 🩺
While we’ve covered some serious conditions here, there are also everyday health concerns you might face:
Knowledge = Power (and a Longer Life for Your Cat)
Understanding these Maine Coon health issues allows you to:
✔️ Choose breeders who prioritize health
✔️ Recognize early symptoms
✔️ Provide proactive care
✔️ Improve your cat’s quality (and length!) of life
Here at Sassy Koonz, health is the foundation of my breeding program. I only work with the strongest, healthiest lines possible—because every kitten deserves the chance at a long, vibrant life.
