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Maine Coon Health

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Common Health Issues with Maine Coons

  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A common genetic heart disease causing thickening of the heart walls, leading to heart failure or blood clots. It is considered the most prevalent genetic issue in the breed.  

  • Hip Dysplasia: Due to their large size, Maine Coons are more prone to this joint disorder, which can cause arthritis and pain, impacting mobility (e.g., reluctance to jump or walk on stairs).

  • Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): A genetic, non-cognitive disease affecting muscles, usually appearing at 3–4 months with symptoms like weakness and a wobbly gait.

  • Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Inherited disease causing cysts in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure.

  • Stomatitis: Severe inflammation of the gums and mouth, which is common in the breed.

  • Obesity & Digestive Sensitivity: They are susceptible to obesity and sometimes require specialized diets for conditions like IBD or, in rare cases, megacolon. 

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Preventative Care

  • Genetic Testing for genetic diseases.  At Just Kitten Around, parents have been tested for genetic issues so that they are not passed onto the kittens.

  • Regular vet examines for early detection of heart issues and joint pain.

  • Dental care: regular teeth brushing and professional cleanings to prevent gingivitis and stomatitis.  There are a variety of OTC products available to help prevent dental disease.  At Just Kitten Around, we use Clenz-A-Dent Proden Plaqueoff oral health flakes.  All it takes is a scoop in their food.  We also use Vetradent with Biotrate Technology.  This is a water additive.  There are also dental treats and dental cat toys.

  • Weight management to prevent obesity, which can cause hip issues.  Cats who are obese, may also develop Diabetes.

  • Pet insurance is never a bad thing.  Forbes recently put out an article and Adviser tool that helps you find the best possible insurance for your pets.  This is at: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/l/best-pet-insurance​​​

Core Kitten Vaccines

According to the 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines, core vaccines are considered essential for all kittens, regardless of their lifestyle. They include:

  • FVRCP vaccine: This vaccine protects against three highly contagious and potentially life-threatening viruses: Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1): Also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), this virus is a major cause of upper respiratory infections in cats and is the most common cause of conjunctivitis (also known as cat pink eye).  Feline calicivirus (FCV): This virus causes a mild to severe respiratory infection and painful mouth ulcers. Feline panleukopenia (FPV): Also known as feline distemper, this severe and often fatal disease attacks the immune system and digestive tract.

  • Rabies vaccine: This vaccine protects against the rabies virus, which is fatal for cats. The virus is transmissible to humans and can be fatal if not promptly treated. The rabies vaccine is required by law in many areas.

  • Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine: Strongly recommended for all kittens younger than 1 year old, this vaccine protects against a contagious virus that attacks a cat’s white blood cells and weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of infections, cancer, and death. ​

Non-Core Kitten Vaccines
“Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, are given based on a cat’s individual risk factors, such as whether they go outdoors, live in multi-cat households, or are exposed to other cats at shelters, boarding facilities, or grooming salons,” says Ashly Smith, DVM, regional medical director for Small Door Veterinary’s locations in the Washington, D.C. area.     

According to the 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines, non-core vaccines include:  

  • Chlamydia vaccine: This helps protect against Chlamydia felis, a bacterial infection that causes conjunctivitis and upper respiratory issues. It’s typically recommended only in multi-cat households or shelters with confirmed infection. 

  • Bordetella vaccine: This protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that can cause respiratory illness in cats. It’s typically recommended only in multi-cat households or shelters with confirmed infection. 

  • FeLV vaccine: While this vaccine is considered a core vaccine in kittens under 1 year old, it’s optional for older cats.

Nutritional Tips for Maine Coons: 

Animal protein—Protein consists of chains of amino acids vital for strong muscles, healthy organs, and normal reproduction. Kitties efficiently metabolize protein derived from meat and fish, while they cannot break down plant-based protein properly or absorb essential micronutrients from it.

  • Animal fat—Fatty acids promote healthy growth, ease inflammation, and keep your Maine Coon’s skin and coat shiny. Make sure to stay within the recommended amount (under 20%) because overconsumption can cause weight gain and related problems.

  • Vitamins and minerals—These micronutrients are essential for normal development as they support enzyme formation, nutrient utilization, and pH balance. 

  • Water—Felines used to hunt to survive, and fresh prey, such as birds, frogs, mice, and other small animals, was a sufficient source of moisture. Maine Coon cat’s thirst drive is low, so you should find a way to keep them hydrated through their diet. Dehydration can cause many health issues, such as FLUTDs (Feline lower urinary tract diseases).  It is recommended to have moist foods available versus dry foods.  It is also recommended to have an ample supply of fresh water available to your cat.  Some cats prefer a water fountain/flowing water.  â€‹â€‹

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