Socializing Your Maine Coon kitten

One of the biggest questions we get asked at Maine Kingdom, our cattery here at Jersey Cow Farms,

is "Is my kitten being socialized enough?" 

Socialization involves exposing kittens to a variety of people, animals, environments and experiences. Correct socialization is a crucial part of raising any kitten, and Maine Coons are certainly no different, which is why we ensure your kittens are raised in a healthy, social environment with other kittens, adult cats, and children. As Maine Coons are known to be a particularly social cat compared to other breeds, socialization is perhaps even more important so they can reach their full potential. A kitten not raised in such an environment won't be so open to these things, or just changes in their environment. They are raised with their mother and siblings so they can learn all the things they need to be a proper cat. Our children are even involved in helping take care, and of course playing, with them so they are comfortable with people of all ages.

Why is early socialization so important? A well socialized Maine Coon will experience reduced stress, adapt to new environments with ease, and possess a calmer temperament. A Maine coon that has not been socialized will be shy, having a fearfulness around people and other pets, and may exhibit aggressive behavior such as hissing or swatting. Introducing new people into your home will be a difficulty, and regular upkeep(such as nail clipping) becomes a battle. Maine coon kittens are known to be friendly, gentle giants, and the correct environment can ensure that your kitten grows into just this.

The first two weeks of your kittens life should be spent in a cozy, quiet room or space, allowing the mother to bond with her newborn kittens. They should not be handled excessively at this stage but should be monitored for issues, although selective weighing is important part of tracking their growth. Until they are 3 weeks old, the focus should be on nursing, allowing the crucial bond between mother and kitten to develop. Socialization should begin after this stage.

Socializing a kitten does not have to be difficult, although it does require lots of time. Those in charge of the kittens care must use a hands-on approach to raising them. This means integrating the kittens\ into regular household activities, exposing them variety of different human interactions, play with their litter mates and mother, cautiously introducing them to the other household pets, including any other adult cats that aren’t their mother, if you have any. In addition, exposing them to all the things that they will encounter in their life at an early age is crucial. For example, nail clipping, bathing, vet trips, and grooming. This will ensure your kittens will grow to be comfortable and confident cats.

Ava Melpignano July 2025