Cross Breeds

"High-Maintenance" Maine Coon Cats?

I have 2 gorgeous 5-year old Maine Coon Cats (1 male, 1 female) that I love dearly. But the 2 of them have the worst hygiene. They know how to use the litter box but they still poop on the floor. They have hairballs often (even though I brush them daily) and throw up on my bed. I would never consider giving them up but how can i stop them from their bad habits?

Public Comments

1. I would suggest confinement with a litter box until they are using it regularly for a week. The smaller the place the better. It will "make" them use the box instead of where they will be hanging out. A large crate would would work. If they start pooping on the bedding that you provide remove it. For the hairballs I would recommend a hairball remedy that can be purchased at any pet store or vet. It comes in a tube that helps lubricate the digestive system so the hair will pass in their poop. I would give it daily. You can wipe it on their front paws for them to lick off if it's too much trouble swiping into the roof of their mouths. Best Regards
2. I have a Maine Coon, as well. The hairballs--well, there's not much to be done about that except try Catlax or one of the hairball formula foods (I use Science Diet Hairball). Mine is currently losing what's left of his summer coat as his winter coat comes in. He's indoor-only, but still "changes his coat" for winter. Are you SURE they're pooping on the floor? My longhairs get stuff stuck in their fur when they poop, and it ends up falling off in inopportune spots. I know my MC also likes the litter box to be CLEAN. That means scooping every day. It may also be that they don't like the litter you're using, or the location of the box. Also, if you have two cats, you should have two boxes. I have seven cats total, and, if someone's in the box and someone else REALLY has to GO, they're much more likely to go somewhere inappropriate, rather than waiting. Using the box does seem to be one of those behaviors where, if one has to go, the others must, too. Hope this helps!
3. I have a Maine Coon, too, but he's very neat as most cats are. It seems safe to guess that both of yours are fixed... I suggest you take yours in to the vet for a thorough check up. Sometimes accidents like those are symptoms of illness. The vet can also give you tips on how to re-train them to use the litter box properly. My Maine Coon used to throw up a lot of hairballs, too. I started giving him Petromalt (1 inch 2-3 times per week) and he rarely throws up hairballs now.
4. I have 2 maine coon mixes. It sounds like the poop could be sticking to their fur. It happens also to my persian mix. I comb my cats everyday. It has cut down significantly on the number of hair balls. They love it. I just have to say, want to get combed and hold the comb, they all come running. It's bonding time. The vomiting issue - it could be the food you are feeding. I had that problem with one of my maine coon mixes. I changed her diet with the help of the vet and it's only a problem if she eats the wrong food.
5. My Maine Coon periodically poops in the middle of the floor for no reason. After numerous vet visits we determined there's not a thing wrong with him, it's just an attitude issue. We did move a litter box closer to his food area (food is in the kitchen and our laundry room is next to the kitchen) and it hasn't happened since. He does have hairballs, but I give him hairball treats every week. I know he's about to have a hairball when he starts begging for food all the time, then I give him the hairball treatment. He likes the Hartz formula for some reason. Won't touch the vet's version. I also give him a bath at least twice a year. His coat gets a bit oily for some reason on his back and it's harder for him to shed properly. He likes a bath so I stick him in the tub every few months.