How much should I feed my Maine Coon at each age?
Adult Maine Coons need about 3/4 cup (≈90g) of dry kibble twice daily, or 5–6oz (140–170g) of wet food split into two meals.
Life‑stage feeding schedule
Kittens from 8weeks to 6months thrive on 4–6 small meals a day. Aim for ¼ cup (30g) of high‑protein dry kibble per meal, or 2oz (57g) of wet food. Their rapid growth means calories should be about 250kcal per kg of body weight each day, so a 4‑lb (1.8kg) kitten needs roughly 450kcal.
Adults (1–10years) do best with two meals spaced about 12hours apart. Offer ¾ cup (90g) dry kibble or 5–6oz (140–170g) wet food per day, divided equally. If your cat sits at 12–25lb (5.5–11.3kg), adjust the portion by 5g for every extra pound to keep weight stable.
Measuring and adjusting portions
A digital kitchen scale is worth the $30‑$45 price tag; 1 cup of dry kibble typically weighs 120g. Weigh the food each morning and record the number. If the cat’s body condition score shifts by one point, change the portion by roughly 10% (≈9g for a 90‑g meal).
Check weight weekly on a pet‑scale that measures to the nearest 0.1lb (0.05kg). A gain or loss of more than 5% of body weight in a month signals you need to adjust calories. For a 15‑lb (6.8kg) adult, aim for about 0.8% of body weight in calories per day (≈240kcal), then tweak the kibble amount accordingly.
Transitioning foods, water, and treats
Switch brands over a 7‑day period: Day1‑2 mix 75% old with 25% new, increase the new portion by 25% every two days until you’re at 100% new. This prevents digestive upset and lets you watch stool consistency.
Provide at least 60ml of fresh water per kilogram of body weight daily—about 400ml (13floz) for a 7‑kg cat. Keep a ceramic bowl at 68°F (20°C) or use a 2‑liter (0.5‑gal) fountain to encourage drinking. Treats should never exceed 10% of total calories, which works out to roughly 1tbsp (15g) of freeze‑dried meat or a small catnip‑infused ball per day.
- Mix old and new food 75/25 → 50/50 → 25/75 → 100% new.
- Water goal: 60ml×body‑kg each day.
- Treat limit: ≤10% of daily calories.
Common feeding mistakes and how to spot them
Over‑feeding is the #1 cause of obesity; a steady gain of more than 0.5lb (0.23kg) per week usually means portions are too large. Weigh the cat every two weeks and compare to the target range for its age and activity level.
Free‑feeding dry kibble hides excess calories. If the bowl stays full after a 12‑hour period, cut the amount by 10% and re‑measure. Also, neglecting activity adjustments—like adding a 15‑minute play session after a big meal—can let calories accumulate unnoticed.
Keep reading about Maine Coon: Maine Coon Behavior & Training: Nipping and defensiveness · Maine Coon Cleaning & Hygiene: Summer care · Maine Coon Enrichment & Play: Mental stimulation alone · Maine Coon Daily Routine: Daily checklist
Related questions
Can I feed my Maine Coon only wet food?
Yes, but keep the total volume at 5–6oz (140–170g) split into two meals for a 12‑lb adult. Wet food is about 80kcal per ounce, so you’ll provide roughly 480–560kcal daily, which matches their energy needs.
How often should I change my cat’s food brand?
Give the same high‑quality brand at least 6months before switching, unless a health issue arises. When you do change, follow the 7‑day transition schedule to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
What temperature is best for storing dry kibble?
Store kibble in a sealed container at 65–75°F (18–24°C) and keep it away from direct sunlight. This preserves the fats and prevents rancidity for up to 12months after opening.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your maine coon is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.