How to Help Your Maine Coon Adjust to a New Home

Welcoming a Maine Coon into your household introduces you to these magnificent, affectionate companions. Making sure they feel comfortable and cherished from the beginning sets the stage for a happy, lasting bond.

What to Do During Those First Three Days Home

Pick a quiet bathroom or bedroom where your Maine Coon can chill with their litter box away from their food and water bowls. Keep fresh water and yummy food in different corners, and jot down when they're eating to make sure they're doing okay. Maine Coons love finding snug spots under furniture or in dark corners while getting used to their new space. A cozy blanket or favorite toy from their old home helps them feel safe with familiar smells around. If you notice lots of grooming, not eating much, or too much hiding, they might be feeling stressed out.

Getting Your Home Ready for Your Maine Coon

Ceramic or stainless steel bowls work way better than plastic ones since they keep food and water fresher and won't bug their whiskers. Put scratching posts in different spots around the house so they won't tear up the furniture while doing what comes naturally. Tuck some comfy beds and covered spots around the house where they can snooze when things feel overwhelming. Add some tall cat trees and wall perches so they can climb and jump like they love to do.

How to Let Your Maine Coon Explore the House Safely

When three days are up, leave the door open and let them check out new spaces at their own speed. Keep the first few adventures quick and sweet so they don't get too worked up with all the new stuff. Put away any dangerous things like loose wires, little objects, and plants that could make them sick. Leave their comfy room open so they can run back when they need a break from exploring. Block off any tight spots, vents, or small holes where they might squeeze into and get stuck.

Creating a Daily Schedule Your Maine Coon Will Love

Feed your cat twice each day at 7 AM and 7 PM, measuring food carefully based on how much they weigh and how active they are. Spend 15 minutes here and there during the day just sitting close, giving gentle pets, or brushing their fur while they get used to their new home. Help them sleep better by putting their bed in a quiet spot and turning down the lights at the same time each night.

Tips for Introducing Your Maine Coon to Other Pets

Look for signs that your Maine Coon feels safe - like a relaxed body, happy purrs, and a curious tail - before starting any meet-and-greets. Mix up the sleeping spots by putting each pet's blankets where the other one hangs out for a few days. Put up a baby gate between rooms and let them peek at each other for about 15 minutes each day. Start with super quick 5-minute meetings and stay right there to watch how they do.

Drop some yummy treats to both pets whenever they act nice and calm around each other. Put food bowls and water dishes in different rooms so nobody feels like they have to fight over meals. Let them take their sweet time getting to know each other and don't make them hang out if they're not feeling it.

Final Thoughts

It's heartwarming to see your Maine Coon begin to explore and get comfortable in their new surroundings. Watching them find their favorite cozy spots and settle in really makes it all worthwhile.