We all love to pamper our feline friends with a delicious treat now and then, but it’s important to remember that not everything we enjoy is safe for them. While they may look adorable begging for a bite, some human foods can actually be harmful to our beloved Maine Coon cats.
Here’s the thing: some of the things we might share with our furry companions can be downright dangerous for them! So, to keep our fluffy pals healthy and happy, let’s explore what’s definitely off the menu for our Maine Coons.
This list will help you navigate treat time safely and ensure your precious cat stays healthy and at a healthy weight. Remember, a little knowledge goes a long way in keeping your feline friend purring with happiness!
Off-Limits Snacks & Foods NOT to give your Maine Coon Cat
Attention, Maine Coon Owners! Keep These Foods Away From Your Feline Friend
Looking after your majestic Maine Coon means keeping them healthy and happy. But did you know some everyday foods can be harmful to your furry friend?
Here’s a list of 21 things you should never feed your Maine Coon:
1. Dry Food Only Diet:
While convenient, dry food alone lacks moisture and nutrients. Opt for a balanced diet of wet food and a small portion of dry food.
2. Milk and Dairy Products:
Cats become lactose intolerant after weaning, making these treats cause stomach upset.
3. Chocolate:
Toxic to cats due to theobromine, even small amounts can be dangerous.
4. Too Many Treats:
While tempting, limit treats to avoid weight gain and health problems.
5. Raw Egg:
Contains bacteria like salmonella and can prevent vitamin absorption.
6. Tea and Coffee:
Both contain caffeine, which is toxic to cats.
7. Fizzy Drinks and Soda:
Bad for teeth and can cause stomach upset due to acids and caffeine.
8. Grapes and Raisins:
Can cause kidney failure in some cats.
9. Raw Meat and Fish (Unreliable Source):
Can contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Opt for safe, commercially prepared raw food or stick to cooked options.
10. Fat Trimmed From Meat:
High in calories and contributes to weight gain. Opt for lean protein sources.
11. Too Much Liver:
While good in small amounts, excessive consumption can lead to vitamin A toxicity.
12. Onion and Garlic:
Toxic to cats even in small quantities.
13. Cooked Bones:
Splinter and cause internal injuries.
14. Dog Food:
Different nutritional needs – not suitable for cats.
15. Yeast Dough:
Can rise in the stomach and cause blockages.
16. Tuna (Regularly):
Lacks essential nutrients and may contain high mercury levels.
17. Foods Containing Gluten:
Can cause digestive issues and allergies in some cats.
18. Human Medicines:
Toxic to cats – keep out of reach.
19. Alcohol:
Cannot be processed by cats and can be fatal.
20. Sugary Treats:
Unhealthy, contributes to weight gain and dental problems.
21. Nuts:
High in fat and can cause digestive issues.
Remember: When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for personalized dietary advice for your Maine Coon. By keeping these harmful foods off their menu, you can ensure your beloved feline companion lives a long and healthy life!
What do Maine Coon Cats Eat?
Your Maine Coon kitty has a big appetite for life, and that means they need a nutritious diet to keep them healthy! While there are special Maine Coon foods out there, you don’t necessarily need them.
Here’s the good news: you can feed your furry friend a mix of wet, raw, and dry cat food, along with some specially designed treats. Just make sure all the food you choose has the right balance of protein and the essential nutrients that keep your Coonie purring with joy!
How To Make The Best Maine Coon Raw Food Diet
Ever wonder what the ultimate Maine Coon cat food is? Well, some folks believe it’s all about keeping it natural: feeding them whole prey, like frozen chicks. This is called the Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet.
Here’s the idea: these whole critters come with everything your kitty needs – skin, meat, organs, and even bones. It’s like a natural multivitamin, all in one tasty package!
But hey, not everyone is comfortable feeding their feline friend a whole chick. That’s okay! There’s another option called Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding (BARF), or Bones and Raw Food. This diet mixes raw meat, bones, and organs with a sprinkle of fruits, veggies, and even some dairy.
So, there you have it! Two options for feeding your furry friend a raw diet. Remember, it’s important to talk to your vet before making any big changes to your cat’s food, especially if they have any health concerns.
What Are The Risks of a Raw Maine Coon Diet?
Raw Food for My Maine Coon: What You Need to Know
Thinking about feeding your Maine Coon a raw food diet? Here’s the scoop:
They’re Built for Meat:
As natural carnivores, Maine Coons have digestive systems best suited for raw meat.
The Biggest Concern:
Feeding raw comes with a small risk of your kitty catching nasty bugs like bacteria and parasites from the food. But don’t worry, this risk is low if you source meat wisely.
Where to Get Safe Meat:
Look for a trusted source like a reputable butcher or supermarket. These guys should always have meat fit for both humans and animals, meaning it shouldn’t contain harmful stuff like Salmonella or E. Coli.
Tip for Extra Safety:
Always give the meat a good rinse before serving to your feline friend. This helps wash away any surface bacteria.
Skip the Grind:
Minced meat is a no-go, as the grinding process mixes any bacteria throughout the meat, making it harder to remove.
Freezing Doesn’t Kill Everything:
Freezing kills parasites, but not harmful bacteria. So while it helps, it’s not a complete solution.
Remember: Talk to your vet before switching your cat’s diet, especially to a raw food one. They can help you make informed decisions for your furry friend’s health.
How To Make Maine Coon Complete Raw Food
Feeding your Maine Coon raw food can provide them with all the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong!
Here’s what you might find in a complete raw meal for your Maine Coon:
- Lots of meat: This includes muscle meat, like chicken or fish, which is their main source of energy.
- Organ meats: These provide essential vitamins and minerals, like B vitamins, calcium, and iron. Examples include liver, kidney, and heart.
- Bones: Uncooked bones are a great way for your cat to get calcium, but always ask your vet about the safest way to offer them.
There are different ways to prepare raw food, so talk to your vet about:
- PMR vs. BARF: These are two popular raw feeding models with slightly different proportions of meat, organs, and other ingredients.
- Safety tips: Raw food can carry bacteria, so it’s important to handle and prepare it safely. Your vet can give you specific guidance.
How Much Raw Food Should Maine Coon Kittens Eat?
Most people recommend free-feeding Maine Coon Kittens until they are 12 to 18 months old. Make a batch of raw food and keep it in the fridge. Give a kitten small portions throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food is best for Maine Coon cats?
The best food for Maine Coon cats is one that’s high in meat protein, low in fillers, and is labeled as “COMPLETE”. This way you know it contains all the nutrients your Maine Coon needs to thrive.
Some foods are more expensive but this doesn’t always mean they are the best. Beware of expensive food recommended by vets as this is not always the best food for Maine Coons. it’s more likely that the vert is getting a commission from selling it.
Are eggs good for Maine Coon cats?
Eggs are a good source of protein for Maine Coon cats. They aren’t recommended as the only source of protein, but eggs are fine as a supplement to a balanced diet.
Raw eggs should be avoided. It’s estimated that 1 in 20,000 eggs contain salmonella. If this is served uncooked it could make your Maine Coon ill. However, cooking destroys salmonella if it happens to be present.
What raw meat can I give my Maine Coon?
If you choose to raw feed your Maine Coon, you can give them any raw meat as long as it’s been responsibly sourced.
Maine Coons can eat the following raw meats:
- Chicken
- Rabbit
- Duck
- Lamb
- Beef
However, it is not recommended to give cats raw fish including shellfish.
Do Maine Coons need raw meat?
Maine Coons do not need raw meat, but it is a more natural diet for an obligate carnivore such as a cat. No study has actually shown that raw food is nutritionally superior to cooked cat food so you should feed your cat as you prefer.
That said, a high-quality raw diet is superior to low-quality cooked food, but a high-quality, balanced cooked diet can equally provide all the nutrients a Maine coon needs.
There are several benefits to a well-prepared raw diet including:
- less smelly poos
- healthier teeth from gnawing raw bones
- more nutrition in smaller portions
- no additives and artificial ingredients
