Maine Coon cats, known for their striking size and majestic appearance, are one of the most beloved and recognizable cat breeds. If you have recently adopted a Maine Coon, you might be wondering what you can feed your furry friend – and that’s exactly what I’m here to help you with.
This article will list down foods you should NOT feed your Maine Coon, ensuring a happy and healthy life for your cherished pet. Now, let’s move on to the main topic of this blog post!
Contents
Human Foods That Are Dangerous For Your Coon Companion
Have you ever caught your Maine Coon lurking around your food? It’s a common occurrence, but you should be cautious.
While your Maine Coon might seem to enjoy foods like chocolate and milk, they can be pretty detrimental to its health. Certain foods fed in small quantities might not pose an immediate or significant risk. However, these foods can be dangerous and potentially even fatal when consumed in large quantities.
Here are 15 human foods you should keep your Maine Coon away from:
1. Chocolate
Chocolate might be a treat for us humans, but that’s certainly not the case for Maine Coons. The reason being a stimulant contained in chocolate called Theobromine that can cause various issues in cats, including:
- Heart complications
- Respiratory problems
- Trembling
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk or white chocolate as it contains a greater amount of Theobromine. But that doesn’t mean you can feed the latter to your Maine Coon. Keep your chocolates as far away from your furry friend as possible!
2. Milk & Dairy Products
Cats are almost always associated with milk. For decades, we have been seeing movies and paintings filled with images of cats happily drinking milk from a saucer. But should cats actually drink milk? The answer is no.
Some cat breeds, including Maine Coons, are generally lactose intolerant. They cannot digest milk or any other dairy product, leading to an upset stomach and other digestive issues.
So, the next time your feline friend rubs itself on your leg when you open a bottle of milk or cheese, you know what to do.
3. Grapes
Grapes, with their skins in the spotlight, present a serious danger, possibly triggering kidney failure in Maine Coons. The risk doesn’t stop at grapes; raisins join the lineup, adding to the peril for our beloved feline friends.
As a conscientious Maine Coon owner, it’s crucial to recognize the lurking threat within these seemingly innocent fruits. The compounds hidden within grapes, especially their skins, can spell trouble for our furry companions’ kidneys, potentially leading to severe health complications.
Raisins, the dried counterparts of grapes, share this ominous trait, amplifying the risk. Even in small quantities, these seemingly harmless treats can pose a significant hazard to the well-being of our Maine Coon pals.
4. Squid, octopus, shrimp, crabs, and shellfish.
Over time, diving into these nibbles creates hurdles for a cat’s absorption of vitamin B1, leading to a shortage. This scarcity sparks a decline in appetite, spurts of throwing up, spasms, unsteady steps, and, in the worst cases, paralysis in their back legs.
Notably, certain raw fish types like trout, cod, flounder, and carp intensify this blockage of vitamin B1, potentially leading to paralysis. Hence, it’s not a wise move to present these raw delights to our furry pals.
5. Dried small fish, seaweed, and bonito flakes.
Delving into the domain of kitty well-being, minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus emerge as crucial players in the formation of urinary stones. Our furry friends fancy dried small fish, seaweed, and bonito flakes, packed to the brim with these essential minerals. Yet, a note of caution resonates: balance is the linchpin. Excessive indulgence in these delectable treats might pave a troublesome path to urinary stones, an agonizing plight for our cherished feline companions.
Furthermore, seemingly innocuous greens like spinach and burdock carry a concealed peril – oxalate. An excess of these seemingly harmless greens can swiftly usher in the era of urinary stones in cats, rendering portion control a non-negotiable component for their overall well-being.
6. Tuna
Does your furry friend rub itself against your leg every time you open a can of tuna? We’ve all been there!
Maine Coons can get hooked on eating fish, especially tuna. While small quantities of tuna don’t pose an immediate risk to your cat’s health, too much of it can lead to mercury poisoning which can be fatal. Signs of mercury poisoning include:
- Loss of coordination and dizziness
- Tremors or seizures
- Abnormal behavior
- Vision loss/blindness
- Paralysis
Tuna as the main diet can also result in malnutrition, as fish doesn’t have all the essential nutrients your Maine Coon needs to lead a happy and healthy life.
7. Mushrooms
There are thousands of mushroom varieties out there – some safe for Maine Coons, some not. Mushrooms contain compounds called terpenoids and hydrazines that negatively affect the liver.
Other problems that may arise due to mushroom ingestion are:
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Some of the dangerous mushroom varieties include:
- Clitocybe
- Fly Agaric
- Destroying Angel or Death Cap
- Psilocybe family
- Panther
- Inocybe mushroom families
A small amount of mushrooms may not cause any problems, but these poisonous mushrooms can even cause issues like tremors and seizures. They can also be fatal if ingested in a large quantity. Therefore, better to be safe than sorry.
8. Salt
Salt is another common ingredient that shouldn’t be fed to Maine Coons. Ingesting foods with high levels of salt in them can lead to sodium ion poisoning.
Symptoms of salt poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Hypersalivation
- Excessive thirst and urination
Now that you know the dangers of salt for Maine Coons, make sure to keep salt away from your feline friend’s plate!
If you suspect your Maine Coon has ingested salt, seek veterinary attention immediately as salt poisoning can be fatal.
9. Caffeine
Caffeine doesn’t suit many people – let alone animals. Both cats and dogs are more sensitive to caffeine as compared to us(duh!). This is due to the fact that cats are small mammals, resulting in even a minimal amount of caffeine posing a significant risk to their health.
Caffeine can cause restlessness, trouble breathing, heart palpitations, and even death in some cases. Hence, you shouldn’t leave your coffee, tea, or energy drink unattended when your Maine Coon is around – especially if you have a curious cat.
10. Alcohol
Alcohol isn’t just unhealthy for humans; it’s even worse for cats! Alcohol can cause severe dehydration and serious liver damage in Maine Coons. It may even lead to death in some cases.
Therefore, keep your glass far away from your Maine Coon – especially if your furry friend likes to drink water out of a glass. It’s hard to tell the difference between water and clear alcohol, even for humans.
If your cat accidentally ingests alcohol, look out for the following signs:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Weakness in legs/arms
- Low blood pressure levels
11. Gluten Foods
Humans aren’t the only creatures in this world with gluten sensitivity – cats are, too.
Cats are carnivores by nature, meaning their gut can’t handle large quantities of grain. They need meat to survive (and thrive), which should be the primary ingredient in their diets.
Unfortunately, gluten is often used as a substitute for high-quality protein sources in cat food, particularly kibble. Many pet food manufacturers add cheap grain sources like wheat gluten in dry kibble for cost-saving.
Cat food with a large amount of gluten can cause digestive issues, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss. Hence, make sure you carefully read the ingredient list before purchasing food for your Maine Coon.
12. Liver
Feeding Maine Coons chicken liver over time can deplete calcium levels, causing mobility problems. Moreover, its high vitamin A content, if consumed excessively, disrupts proper bone growth in felines.
13. Cooked Bones
Bones（like chicken bones and fish bones） are a go-to snack for dogs, but are they safe for cats? The answer is yes and no.
While raw bones are generally safe for Maine Coons, cooked ones are a no-go. Cooking the bones makes them soft and brittle, meaning they can splinter easily, get stuck in your cat’s throat, and cause them to choke.
Raw chicken bones are not entirely risk-free either. They have a few downsides, including infections and choking hazards. Therefore, you should be extra careful when feeding them to your Maine Coon.
14. Yeast Dough
There are quite a few reasons why you should never feed your Maine Coon yeast dough.
Firstly, as yeast dough rises, it can expand in your feline friend’s tummy to a size that can cause pain and digestive problems. In severe cases, yeast dough can damage your Maine Coon’s intestinal lining and may require surgery to be removed.
Moreover, yeast will ferment sugars in your cat’s digestive tract, leading to alcohol release in the bloodstream (I’ve already discussed how dangerous alcohol can be for your Maine Coon).
Hence, keep bread, pizza, or any kind of dough far away from your Maine Coon.
15. Raw Eggs
Eggs can be a delicious and healthy addition to your Maine Coon’s diet, providing essential nutrition for growth. However, I don’t recommend feeding your cat raw eggs.
Raw eggs contain harmful bacteria like e.coli and salmonella that can disrupt your feline friend’s digestive system and lead to an infection.
Another reason to cook eggs before feeding them to your Maine Coon: raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that can hinder the absorption of biotin. Biotin is essential for healthy skin and coat.
Nutritional Requirements of Majestic Coonie Felines
As one of the largest cat breeds, Maine Coon cats require a well-balanced diet to maintain their health and longevity. Let’s talk about the dietary requirements of this particular breed. Here’s what you should know:
1. Great Caloric Needs
Maine Coons, due to their larger size, need more calories compared to smaller cat breeds – meaning bigger portions or more meals. However, managing their diet is essential, ensuring their requirements are met without leading to obesity.
2. Maintaining Joint Health and Fur
The larger size puts extra pressure on Maine Coons’ joints. Incorporating foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin in your feline friend’s diet can help maintain joint health and mobility.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can also help maintain your Maine Coon’s luxurious long fur.
3. Heart Health Essentials
Maine Coons are prone to heart conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and require diets with greater taurine content to support cardiovascular health.
4. Age-Appropriate Nutrition
As Maine Coons age, their dietary needs change. Older Maine Coons may require diets with lower calories and more easily digestible content, along with essential nutrients for joint and organ health.
5. Regular Check-Ups
Regardless of the breed, regular check-ups are vital for cats to maintain their weight, coat, and overall health. These check-ups also help adjust your pet’s diet as needed.
Closing Meows
In case you’re wondering if it’s okay to feed your beloved Maine Coon anything other than the foods mentioned above, the answer is no.
Like other cat breeds (and animals), Maine Coons require a specific diet. Here are a few essential elements that should be present in your Maine Coon’s diet:
- Protein
- Fats and fatty acids
- Carbohydrates
- Amino Acids
- Vitamins and Minerals
- Water
Generally, a homemade diet is an excellent choice. You know exactly what you’re putting into your beloved pet’s food and can ensure it is fresh and free from harmful additives. A well-balanced homemade diet contains protein-rich sources like chicken, turkey, or beef, along with vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans.
With that said, I understand that preparing homemade diets can be time-consuming. You can opt for high-quality commercial cat food to supplement your cat’s diet, but make sure to check the ingredient list carefully and read reviews before you try a new brand.
Certainly, we also recommend a guide on selecting the right food for your beloved Maine Coon on our website, ensuring their optimal nutrition and well-being.
