handbook updated 05.30.2024
HANDBOOK
Welcome to MaineVu Maine Coons! You have chosen one of our carefully hand raised kittens to become a member of your family.
The following information will help you and your new kitten. This Handbook, is only meant to be a guideline.
QUESTION:
What shots has the kitten had? When is he/she due for a Rabies shot? When are booster shots due?
ANSWER:
All of our cats and kittens receive the following inoculations prior to leaving our home: Feline rhinotracheitis virus (FHC-1), Feline calicivirus (FCV), Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). These shots are given to our kittens at 8 and 12 weeks of age. A third set of these shots is needed when the kitten is 16 weeks old along with a Rabies shot. Booster shots are typically given 12 months after the first series of shots.
QUESTION:
Why are they this age when they can come home?
ANSWER:
All of our kittens stay with their dam for 12- 13 weeks. This added week is in case a kitten has a reaction to the second set of shots administered by our vet.
QUESTION:
When should we bring our new kitten to our vet for its first check up?
ANSWER:
Your kitten must be seen by your veterinarian for a "healthy kitten check up" within 72 hours of leaving our home. This is to ensure you that we have sold you a healthy kitten, and activates your guarantee.
QUESTION:
What type of health guarantee do you offer?
ANSWER:
We offer a two-year health guarantee for our cats specifically for heart related illness. All of our breeding cats are DNA negative for two known genes that produces HCM/cardiomyopathy. All of our cats have been tested for PK Deficiency (Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency) which is an inherited hemolytic anemia caused by insufficient activity of this regulatory enzyme which results in instability and loss of red blood cells. All of our cats tested N/N Normal. A copies of those results are in your kitten’s folder. Our cats undergo an echocardiogram by a board-certified practicing cardiologist. RW SGC MTNest J R of MaineVu underwent two echocardiogram’s and were both Negative/ Normal. All of our cats are also Negative Normal for SMA-Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
QUESTION:
What type of food do you use, and where can they be purchased?
ANSWER:
WE INTRODUCE OUR KITTENS TO KIBBLE FRY FOOD AND CANED FOOD SPECIFICALLY MADE FOR KITTENS WHEN THEY ARE 4-6 WEEKS. OCCASIONALLY THEY CAN GET, ROYAL CANIN MAMA-BABY CAT KIBBLE.
WHEY ARE 8-12 WEEKS OLD PURINA 1 CHICKEN DRY THEY ARE GIVEN PURINA AND SALMON & CHICKEN DINNER AND CHICKEN & CHEESE DINNER IN THE SHREDDED VARIETY. .
ALL OF THESE CAT FOODS CAN BE PURCHASED AT WALMART, PETSMART, AMAZON & PETCO.
QUESTION:
What litter do you use?
ANSWER:
We use the scented (purple bag) "The World's Best Cat Litter" and Cat Attract by Dr. Elseys. All of these items can be purchased at PetCo, PetSmart, Amazon, Walmart, AMAZON and Chewy. We recommend one litter pan per cat and if your home has more than one level there should be at least the same amount on each level.
QUESTION:
What size litter pan is recommend?
ANSWER:
We suggest that a large litter pan be purchased as a full grown Maine Coon can range in weight from 12-18 pounds or more. Litter pans can be purchased at Chewy, Amazon, Walmart , PetsMart and PetCo.
QUESTION:
How often should our new kitten’s claws be clipped?
ANSWER:
Kitten claws tend to grow faster than adults. So, we suggest that for the next few months, to cut their claws on a weekly basis.
QUESTION:
Maine Coons sometimes have gum issues. What can be done to avoid this?
ANSWER:
Maine Coons sometimes develop "juvenile gingivitis" at around 6-8 months of age. Make sure to check your kittens’ gums, if a slight red line is visible on the gum line, the kitten may have juvenile gingivitis. This is normal and diminishes as the kitten ages. One way to avoid this is to start brushing your kitten’s teeth. Tooth Paste and Tooth Brushes can be purchased at, Amazon, Walmart, Petco, PetMart and Chwey.
QUESTION:
How often should our new cat be brushed?
ANSWER:
Maine Coons are semi-long-haired cats and they have a double coat. Daily combing for about five minutes should be sufficient to keep your kittens coat healthy and free of painful mats. If left unattended mats can develop and will be painful to the cat. We have found that a seam ripper is very helpful in removing any mats. We suggest a stainless-steel metal comb called a Hurricane Comb. You can find them in PetCo, PetSmart, Chewy or Amazon.
QUESTION:
What type of scratching post is recommended?
ANSWER:
We recommend a very sturdy scratching post with off set levels, so that your kitten can easily jump from one level to the next. Wayfair and Amazon have them on their websites. We recommend that the post is covered with sisal. Sometimes it’s not necessarily easier, but more fulfilling to make your own.
QUESTION:
Should we bring a carrier to take our kitten home, and where can one be purchased?
ANSWER:
Yes, please bring a carrier with you when you come to pick up your kitten or you are meeting us for delivery. Carriers can be purchased on-line, we use Strudicage carriers which can be found on-line at www.SturdiProducts.com, however other brands can be purchased in PetCo PetMart, Amazon, Chewy and Target. We also suggest that you bring a litter box, with The World’s Best Litter (lilac colored bag) in the box.
QUESTION:
Do you ship your cats/kittens?
ANSWER:
NO! We do not ever ship our cats or kittens. All of our kittens are picked up by their new owners.
If you have questions that have not been addressed, please do not hesitate to contact us, and welcome, to MaineVu Maine Coons!
Sincerely,
Philip Berger & Marjorie
MaineVu Maine Coons
Happy Tails & Happy Hearts
H) 678-719-8587
