What size cat tree do Maine Coons need?

Maine Coons need extra large, heavy-duty cat trees — standard cat trees are often too small and too flimsy for their size and energy. Look for cat trees that are at least 5 to 6 feet tall, with wide platforms of at least 12 by 12 inches, and a solid base that won't tip when they launch themselves at full speed. Weight capacity matters too — aim for at least 25 to 30 pounds to accommodate a fully grown Maine Coon.

What should I buy before bringing home a Maine Coon kitten?

Before your Maine Coon kitten arrives you should have: a stainless steel wide-tooth comb for grooming, an extra large litter box, high-quality kitten food, interactive toys for mental stimulation, a sturdy cat tree or climbing structure, and a comfortable oversized bed. Having everything set up before arrival helps your kitten settle in quickly and with less stress.

Do Maine Coons need special food bowls?

Yes — Maine Coons benefit from wide, shallow food bowls that don't press against their prominent whiskers. Whisker fatigue is a real issue for cats with long, sensitive whiskers like Maine Coons, and a cramped bowl can make eating uncomfortable and stressful. Stainless steel or ceramic wide bowls are ideal as they are easy to clean and don't harbor bacteria the way plastic does.

Do Maine Coons need a scratching post?

Absolutely — Maine Coons are powerful scratchers and will destroy furniture if they don't have a proper outlet. They need tall, heavy-duty scratching posts that allow them to fully extend their body while scratching — at least 30 to 32 inches tall. Sisal rope posts are the most durable. A scratcher lounger is also useful as it doubles as a resting spot and satisfies their horizontal scratching instinct.

How do you manage Maine Coon shedding around the house?

Maine Coons shed year-round with two heavier shedding seasons in spring and autumn. A good lint roller is non-negotiable. Washable furniture covers, a high-quality vacuum with a pet hair attachment, and a litter mat outside the litter box all help manage the fur and mess. Regular brushing — at least 2 to 3 times per week — is the single most effective way to reduce how much fur ends up around your home.

Maine Coon Kitten Essentials: Recommended Products

Q: What bedding do Maine Coons prefer?

Maine Coons prefer large, plush beds with raised edges or bolsters they can lean against — they love to feel enclosed and supported while they sleep. Given their size, look for beds at least 20 by 24 inches. Heated cat beds are particularly popular with Maine Coons in cooler climates. Many also love donut-style or cave beds, though their size can limit the options available.

Introduction to a Maine Coon Cat’s Needs

Your cute little Maine Coon kitten will grow quickly. It arrives at home weighing around 4 – 5 pounds. It will soon become a giant cat. He will start pouring over the sides of the cat bed and become too tall for the small scratching post.

Over the past 9 years, I’ve bought my share of products for my Maine Coons. Some I hated, and some I’m a big advocate for. On this page, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite items and included a personal review for each one. I hope this helps you with your shopping list. And of course,I’m always open to hear recommendations of amazing new products.

Sassy Koonz will earn affiliate commissions if you purchase through these links. We recommend only products we’ve tested and genuinely use or trust. These recommendations are based on quality and performance.

Grooming Supplies

SLICKER BRUSH – FURminator Deshedging Tool (XL) $28-35

Our pick: The grooming workhorse for Maine Coons. Cuts through double coats without tugging.
Best for: Regular maintenance (2-3x weekly)
Heads up: Steep learning curve on angle; not ideal for mats
Worth it? Yes. This one brush is worth more than 5 cheap ones.

This gel assists in the natural passage of hairballs through your cat’s digestive system. It minimizes discomfort and potential health issues related to hairball buildup.

Removes fur from furniture and carpets. They make large ones for carpet and small ones for your comforters and sofa.

Cat Trees

Pet Pals Cozy Cat Tree: This cat tree is elegant and sophisticated. It’s perfect for Maine Coon kittens and adults. The coolest thing about this tree other than its high fashion design, is the extra large basket made for lounging. The basket is a whopping 17.5″ radius! Not as expensive as the other trees on the list.

maine coon cat tree — Luxury Maine Coon Cat Tree

I’ve not purchased one of these personally, but I do love the size of the bowls. It’s the general size that I look for when buying a new tree. Anything smaller than 17″ is too small once the kittens become adults.

I got tired of buying cat trees on Amazon. They end up wobbling and the cats tear the carpet off within a few months. Cat trees get a ton of use, so invest in a high-quality piece early and keep your sanity. This one is great in size, quality and aesthetics. I’ve purchased several of these for my males, and they’re still standing. It’s the one I recommend to all of our kitten buyers.

maine coon cat tree king — Cat Tree King Trees for Maine Coons and other XL Cats

Pros:

Extra large platforms, bowls, and scratching posts, made specifically for big cats.
Reasonably priced when you consider how long a cheap tree will last.
Neutral color selection looks good in any home.
The design has majestic appeal. The cats look cool on them.

Cons

Very large cat tree. Takes up much more space than a normal tree (but so does the cat).
Mid-range pricing
Frequently sold out of popular models.

Furwood Forest – This is custom-made real wood rustic cat furniture. It’s made out of real trees from the builder’s own backyard. You can choose which high-quality carpet you want on the tree to match your home decor. The trees are extremely heavy and the best product I’ve ever seen for a Maine Coon. Think of it as furniture that enhances your home’s design. It gives your Maine Coons a gorgeous tree to climb and relax on. It’s pretty impressive.

maine coon furwood forest cat tree — Custom Made Cat Trees by Furwood Forest

Between Mallory and I, we own 3 of these trees. Because they’re so heavy, shipping costs can get expensive. We usually find the seller at cat shows in Florida where we can choose a tree and take it home the same day.

He also does custom orders and will ship them. They’re WORTH the money. Absolutely stunning lifetime pieces of furniture for your Maine Coon

Litter Boxes

Order the Jumbo Stainless Steel Litter Box

This is one of those “why didn’t I buy this sooner” purchases. Standard litter boxes are comically small for Maine Coons. Watching a 25-lb cat contort himself into a regular box is both sad and hilarious. This one is actually sized for their body.

Pros:

Large enough that Maine Coons don’t have to crouch awkwardly
Stainless steel doesn’t absorb odors or stains (way better than plastic)
Easier to scoop and clean
Durable—won’t degrade or discolor like plastic
Multiple cats can use it without constant cleaning (more space = more surface)
Looks better in living spaces than plastic (if that matters to you)

Cons:

Really heavy.
More expensive than plastic alternatives
Requires a litter mat underneath because splashing is real with this size
Takes up more floor space (you need to measure first)

@sassykoonz
Replying to @Zsa Zsa438 these litter pans are 💣. must haves for cat moms and dads #mainecoon #litterbox #odorfree #catcrazy
♬ Show Me How – Men I Trust

I actually still own three of these boxes. Due to the enormous size of these, I can’t discard them yet. They have little side pockets where you store a scooper, bags, and disinfectant wipes, which is convenient.

Pros

Very Large, even for the biggest Maine Coon
Deep, can accomodate Pine pellets or clumping litter easily

Cons

Retains odor due to the plastic
Easily gets scratch marks on the bottom and sides
Takes up a large amount of floorspace

Traps stray litter particles. It keeps your floors cleaner. This reduces the spread of litter throughout your home.

Cat Beds

Scratchers

Scratching Lounger
Large Square Scratching Post

Cat Toys

Supplements

Organic Coconut Oil
Omega-3 Fish Oil
Feline Cardiac Support
L-Lysine
Forta Flora ProBiotics

Pet Insurance

Trupanion (30 Days Included with a Sassy Koonz kitten)
Lemonade
ASPCA

Water Fountain

Encourage hydration with a water fountain. The continuous flow attracts cats and ensures fresh water availability.

Carrier

A sturdy carrier is essential for vet visits or travel. Make sure it’s spacious and well-ventilated for their comfort. Your Maine Coon will get very large, so look for a carrier that will fit once he’s an adult.
If you are the outdoor type, you might like to take your cat with you. Consider leash training your Maine Coon. Get a nice leash and harness.

Shop for Your Maine Coon Supplies

By equipping your Maine Coon with these essentials, you’ll ensure they lead a happy, healthy, and enriched life. Get more tips about how to raise a healthy Maine Coon.

Shoppable List: Essential Items for Your Maine Coon

Category	Product	Product Link

Scratching & Climbing	Scratcher Lounger	Order Lounger
	Durable Cat Tree	Order Fancy Cat Tree
Food & Diet	High-Quality Diet	Order Canned Food
Toys & Play	Interactive Toys	Order Laser Light Toy
Grooming	Grooming Tools	Order Stainless Steel Comb
Litter & Hygiene	Spacious Litter Box	Order Stainless Litter Box
	Litter Mat	Order Black Hole Litter Mat
Bedding	Comfortable Bedding	Order Comfy Bed
Hydration	Water Fountain	Order Water Fountain
Travel & Safety	Carrier	Order XL Travel Carrier
Relaxation	Pheromone Diffusers	Order Feliway

Frequently Asked Questions about Kitten Products

Maine Coons need extra large, heavy-duty cat trees. Standard cat trees are often too small. They are too flimsy for their size and energy. Look for cat trees that are at least 5 to 6 feet tall. Ensure they have wide platforms of at least 12 by 12 inches. Choose a solid base that won’t tip when they launch themselves at full speed. Weight capacity matters too — aim for at least 25 to 30 pounds to accommodate a fully grown Maine Coon.

Maine Coons need an oversized litter box — standard sizes leave them cramped and more likely to miss the box. Look for boxes that are at least 24 inches long and 18 inches wide. Many Maine Coon owners use large under-bed storage containers as DIY litter boxes. These containers offer the ideal dimensions at a low cost. A high-sided box also helps contain litter scatter from their powerful digging.

Before your Maine Coon kitten arrives, you should have several important items. First, get a stainless steel wide-tooth comb for grooming. An extra large litter box and high-quality kitten food are essential. Provide interactive toys for mental stimulation. Ensure you have a sturdy cat tree or climbing structure. A comfortable oversized bed is also important. Having everything set up before arrival helps your kitten settle in quickly and with less stress.

Yes — Maine Coons benefit from wide, shallow food bowls that don’t press against their prominent whiskers. Whisker fatigue is a real issue for cats with long, sensitive whiskers like Maine Coons. A cramped bowl can make eating uncomfortable and stressful for them. Stainless steel or ceramic wide bowls are ideal. They are easy to clean and don’t harbor bacteria like plastic does.

Maine Coons are highly intelligent and need toys that challenge them mentally as well as physically. Interactive wand toys, puzzle feeders, motorized laser toys, and crinkle balls are all excellent choices. They love to fetch, so lightweight ball toys work well too. Rotate toys regularly to keep things fresh. A bored Maine Coon will find their own entertainment. This usually happens at your furniture’s expense.

Absolutely — Maine Coons are powerful scratchers and will destroy furniture if they don’t have a proper outlet. They need tall, heavy-duty scratching posts. These posts should allow them to fully extend their body while scratching. The posts need to be at least 30 to 32 inches tall. Sisal rope posts are the most durable. A scratcher lounger is also useful as it doubles as a resting spot and satisfies their horizontal scratching instinct.

Maine Coons shed year-round with two heavier shedding seasons in spring and autumn. A good lint roller is non-negotiable. Use washable furniture covers to manage the fur. A high-quality vacuum with a pet hair attachment is also helpful. Place a litter mat outside the litter box to control the mess. Brush regularly. Aim for at least 2 to 3 times per week. This routine is the most effective way to reduce how much fur ends up around your home.

Maine Coons prefer large, plush beds with raised edges. They like bolsters they can lean against. They love to feel enclosed and supported while they sleep. Given their size, look for beds at least 20 by 24 inches. Heated cat beds are particularly popular with Maine Coons in cooler climates. Many also love donut-style or cave beds, though their size can limit the options available.

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sassykoonz

My name is Tracy Caywood. I live in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and I'm the Guardian of the Sassy Koonz Maine Coon kittens. My goal and passion is to provide you with education, inspiration, and healthy, well-socialized beautiful Maine Coon babies that you'll love forever. My breeding journey started in 2017, and the cattery has flourished into one of the most sought-after catteries in the United States.

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3 Comments

Jane A. Spencer says:

September 6, 2019 at 3:51 pm

My daughter’s Maine Coon sprays poop all over everything, walls, furniture, carpeting etc., while you are brushing her. What is that? Never heard of such a thing!

1. sassykoonz says:
  
  September 8, 2019 at 2:40 pm
  
  I’ve actually seen this happen to a timid kitty. Its like she got nervous, farted, and pooped liquid at the same time. it really stinks, too. LOL. Worse than regular poop. It’s a defensive mechanism thats built in to the cat! Maybe she doesn’t actually like being groomed…or she likes it so much she poops her pants.
  
Anita Malchiodi Albedi says:

August 4, 2020 at 5:58 pm

Have you looked in to the Litter Robot? After owning cats for many decades and still hating the chore of cleaning the litter box, I finally got a Litter Robot after I got a Maine Coon. I have multiple cats, and my reluctance to clean the litter box was causing one of the cats to go outside the litter box. Now, with the Litter Robot, there’s no problem; it’s not such a stinky, onerous chore anymore. It’s wonderful. Yes. It was expensive but worth every penny these past six months. I have the Litter Robot 3 without the wifi app.

Maine Coon Essentials: Recommended Products