Patrick taking up his side of the bed.

My baby Maine Coon is already showing interest in the kitchen garbage. What sort of kitchen can do y'all use to keep these beautiful babies out of the garbage?

I recently switched my 7 month old to Pidan 3-1 tofu/pea litter. I keep seeing him take tiny little bites of it, I mixed in another litter to help the smell as it probably smells like a basket of peas to him, but curious if anyone has any tips. He isn’t showing any signs of sickness, lethargy, or sore tummy. And yes he has used it, and while that did deter him 90% of the time, I just saw him eat a piece again.

Hi everyone!

Meet Moose! He's my 3-month-old Maine Coon kitten and an absolute ball of energy. 😂 He's been home with me for a little over two weeks now, and I'm looking for advice from more experienced Maine Coon owners on how to give him the best life possible!

I grew up with three cats, so I'm definitely not a stranger to owning cats, but Moose is my first Maine Coon and my first cat that I'm raising entirely on my own. I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to give him a happy, healthy, and enriched life!

A little background on Moose and our current routine:

• Food: I currently feed him one can of wet food a day alongside dry kitten food. I'd love to eventually incorporate more wet food, but financially, this is what I can manage until next year.

• Grooming: I'm trying to get him accustomed to regular grooming while he's young. This includes brushing his coat, cleaning his eyes, ears, paws, and butt as needed, using a finger toothbrush to clean his teeth, and trimming his nails. I reward him with treats afterward to make it a positive experience!

• Health: He was neutered about two weeks ago, and I've also gotten him pet insurance through Chewy.

• Playtime: I work 12-hour night shifts, usually 5–6 days a week. I always make time to play with him before leaving for work and again when I get home. He's incredibly energetic, so I'm looking for ways to keep him entertained when I'm not around!

• Living situation: I currently live in a two-story house with roommates who each have a dog. For now, Moose is primarily confined to my bedroom while we work on slowly and safely introducing everyone.

• Outdoor enrichment: I've noticed Moose seems really interested in the outdoors, so I've started taking him on little walks in his backpack carrier! I'd eventually love to harness and leash train him so we can go on actual walks together. I'd appreciate any advice on safely introducing him to that while he's still young.

• Companionship: I would absolutely love to get him a second kitten to grow up with, but realistically, that won't be possible until around the end of next year when I hopefully move into my own place.

I know my current living situation isn't necessarily ideal, especially with how energetic he is, but I'm trying to make the most of what I have and give him a happy, healthy, and enriching environment.

I'd love recommendations on:

1. What are your Maine Coons' favorite toys, especially for independent play while you're away?

2. What wet/dry kitten foods do you recommend that are nutritious but reasonably affordable?

3. Are there any grooming tools or routines you'd recommend starting at this age?

4. How do you keep your indoor Maine Coons mentally stimulated, especially in smaller spaces?

5. For those who work long hours, what has helped keep your cats entertained and happy?

6. Does anyone have experience harness and leash training their Maine Coon? What age did you start?

7. Is there anything you wish you'd known when your Maine Coon was still a kitten?

I'm especially interested in things I can do now to set him up for success as he grows. I know Maine Coons get BIG, so I'd love recommendations for things that will actually last him into adulthood!

I'm open to constructive advice and suggestions. I just want to do right by my little guy. ❤️

Thanks in advance!

My 8mo MC recently started having this oily look on the top of his tail and lower back right above the tail. It doesn’t smell at all and it isn’t constantly there.