Caring for a Maine Coon Litter: Week 5

Lola’s litter is no longer contained by a simple basket lid

Up until now, the kittens have been growing, observing, and slowly waking up to the world—but this is the week where they jump into it. The nursery no longer feels quiet or contained. It feels alive.

When we walk into the room now, we’re no longer greeted by sleepy little faces tucked into a pile. Instead, we’re met with bright eyes, and a gaggle of fluffy kittens running—yes, running—straight toward us. They know when they see humans that means food, snuggles, or toys and they’re up for all of it!

At this stage, they’re fully exploring their independence. They’re eating solid food regularly now- with surprising enthusiasm. We are feeding them Royal Canin Mother and Baby Cat wet food, and we give them as much as they’ll eat- usually about 15 ounces a day at this age.

Right alongside that milestone, they’ve also figured out the litter box. It’s one of those quiet but meaningful transitions that makes everything feel a little more grown up. They’re learning where to go, how to move through their space, and how to function as tiny, capable cats.

This is also the week we introduce nail trims. It’s a small but important part of their routine, and we keep it gentle and low-stress. Just a quick clip while they’re relaxed helps them get used to the process early. We also brush them gently- setting them up for a lifetime of easy grooming.

Clipping Nemo’s Nails- he has 4 extras! (Lola and Katahdin’s litter born March 6, 2026)

And in between eating and napping, they play.

This is the week where play becomes constant. If they’re awake, they’re interacting—chasing siblings, pouncing on imaginary targets, climbing anything they can manage, and testing out their coordination. You’ll see little bursts of confidence followed by dramatic tumbles, then right back up again like nothing happened.

We spend more time simply sitting with them this week. Letting them come to us. Letting them climb, explore, and interact on their own terms. This is where trust deepens—not forced, not rushed, just built through consistent, gentle presence.

Mom is still very much part of their world, but she takes more breaks. She watches from a distance sometimes, stepping in when needed, but also allowing them the space to grow. It’s a natural shift, and she handles it beautifully.

Week five is a lot of fun. The kittens are growing up and it’s an absolutely adorable process.