Kitten Care in Northern California

Quarantine Information

Do you know why breeders recommend quarantining your new kitten from other pets in your home?

Why is there a quarantine clause in the adoption contract?

You’re excited to introduce your adorable fur baby to your other pets and friends, and it’s tempting to dive right in. I totally understand that feeling!

Let’s explore the important reasons for the quarantine period to ensure your new kitten stays healthy and happy.

Quarantine is essential for the health of your kitten, your other pets, and everyone’s emotional well-being.

When your kitten arrives, they may seem cheerful and confident, a sign of great socialization from our cattery and the friendly nature of Maine Coons. However, even if they don’t show it, your new kitten will likely experience stress and will need a safe, calm environment to thrive.

To quarantine properly, prepare a separate, sanitized room for your kitten as soon as you bring them home. This room should include everything they need: fresh food, water, a litter box, a bed, and toys. Make sure they don’t see or interact with other pets; they should go straight to their quarantine space. Aim for a quarantine period of at least two weeks to a month.

Ideally, this room should be quiet, not too large or cluttered, so your kitten can easily find their litter box and settle in. A calm environment will help your kitten learn your family’s routine, feeding schedule, and house rules.

Feel free to spend time with your kitten in this room, but keep an eye on children, and absolutely no other pets should enter.

It’s a good idea to wash your hands before and after playing with your new kitten. During quarantine, stick to the same food they were eating at our cattery, and you can gradually switch to your preferred brand afterward.

One of the main reasons for quarantine is to allow your kitten’s immune system to adjust to the new environment. This gradual exposure helps prevent their developing immune system from becoming overwhelmed. It may take over a month for your kitten’s body to fully adapt, and stress can weaken their immune response. Your other pets might carry viruses without showing symptoms, and exposing your new kitten to them during this vulnerable time could lead to illness.

Your kitten may cry and want to escape the quarantine room, but it’s important to stick to the plan for their well-being. Completing the quarantine allows them to adjust, build their immune system, and adapt to the new household bacteria.

Please, please, please adhere to the quarantine guidelines to help your new kitten develop a strong immune system and foster a solid bond with your family. This will facilitate a smoother transition once the quarantine period ends.

Grooming

Long hair requires some maintenance to keep your Maine Coon looking its best, but it can also be a wonderful bonding experience! Each cat has a unique coat—some are thick and fluffy, while others have longer strands.

Start brushing and handling your kitten daily before their adult coat grows in; this builds trust and makes grooming easier later on. A short daily brushing helps reduce shedding, prevent mats, and minimize hairballs. Choose a time your kitten enjoys, like after meals or when they’re sleepy.

Use a slicker brush for the body to reach the undercoat and a fine metal comb for the longer hair on the mane, belly, and tail. Focus on areas like the mane, tail, underarms, and belly. If you spot a mat, carefully trim it out when your cat is relaxed, and if it’s too risky, consult a professional groomer.

Consider giving your cat a “booty trim” to keep them clean after bathroom breaks. Use sharp scissors cautiously while they sleep, as a wrong snip can be harmful.

It’s normal for your kitten to shed and regrow their mane several times before the final coat develops. Keep an eye on the fur between their paw pads, as litter can accumulate there, making it uncomfortable and unsafe for them.

Never cut your cat’s whiskers; they are crucial for their sensory perception. If your kitten accidentally chews one off, don’t worry—they will grow back.

To keep their mane clean during meals, elevate their food dish to chest level, and wipe their face with a damp cloth afterward.

Cats are naturally self-cleaning, so avoid full baths unless absolutely necessary. If you must bathe your cat, trim their nails first and use warm water with human shampoo, or seek a groomer with good references.

Some people choose to shave their cats or give them lion cuts because they think it looks cute. While I prefer a shaved cat to one suffering from mats, proper care can often prevent either situation.

Don’t be fooled into thinking your cat will be cooler with a shaved coat! Cats don’t sweat, so shaving only exposes their skin to the elements. Their thick fur actually insulates them from both heat and cold.

Some cats may develop a greasy spot on their tail, known as stud tail, caused by hormones. This can affect both males and females. To manage it, sprinkle a little fine cornstarch on the area, massage it in, and brush it out, repeating as necessary.

Nail Care

As a cat owner, it’s your responsibility to provide appropriate scratching surfaces. Scratching is vital for nail health, helps shed old nail sheaths, relieves stress, and marks territory. If your cat is scratching your furniture, place a scratching post in front of those areas to redirect their behavior.

Declawing is not an option! This inhumane procedure removes the tips of the toes along with the nails, causing lifelong pain for your cat. If necessary, consider using soft tips that can be applied to each nail, provided you’ve given your cat plenty of scratching areas. Check out the link below for more information on scratching.

You can also carefully trim your cat’s nails. There are many helpful YouTube videos on the process, and it’s best to have two people and special pet nail trimmers on hand.

Polydactyl cats (those with extra toes) often need regular nail trims to prevent uneven wear or uncomfortable growth. Weekly trimming is recommended.

Occasionally, you may need to clean your cat’s ears of excess wax or debris. For this, use an ear cleaning solution and some paper towels.

Litter and Potty Training

Potty Training Your New Kitten
Our kittens learn to use the litter box from their mothers as soon as they can walk, so by the time they join you, they should be well-trained. If your kitten isn’t using the litter box, something may be wrong.

Cats have specific habits, and understanding their needs is key to coexisting harmoniously. For instance, many cats dislike cramped, covered litter boxes, which can be overwhelming—especially for larger breeds like Maine Coons. Clean the litter daily to encourage them to use it instead of your clothes hamper or couch.

Opt for a larger litter tray or a Rubbermaid bin without a lid, placing it in an easily accessible spot. In multi-story homes, consider having multiple boxes until your kitten becomes more accustomed to their location. The general rule is one litter box PLUS ONE per cat. So one cat, 2 litter boxes. For two cats, behaviorists strongly encourage 3 litter boxes.

Clumping or Non-Clumping Litter?
We recommend to use about 2-3 inches of silica or long lasting crystal litter. We always recommend UNSCENTED to help prevent asthma and respiratory problems in the future.

We also like the long lasting silica or crystal based litter, as the box can last up to 4 weeks with twice daily scooping and mixing. This litter also prevents soiled litter from sticking to the tray and getting caught in your kitten’s fur.