The “Soft Stool” Nightmare: Managing Sensitive Maine Coon Digestion#

It is the dirty secret of the breed. We post photos of their glamorous tails, but we don’t post about what gets stuck in those tails.

Maine Coons are notorious for having “sensitive stomachs.” Many owners spend the first year of their kitten’s life battling chronic soft stools, gas that clears a room, and the dreaded “poop stamp” on the carpet.

If your vet keeps saying “it’s just a kitten thing,” but it isn’t going away, you might be dealing with a breed-specific issue. From parasites to protein intolerance, here is how to firm up the situation.

Suspect #1: Tritrichomonas Foetus#

If your kitten has diarrhea that smells uniquely foul (like a sewer) and sometimes has blood/mucus, but acts completely happy and energetic, ask your vet about Tritrichomonas Foetus (TF).

This is a microscopic parasite that is rampant in catteries.

The Problem: Standard fecal floats often miss it. You need a specific PCR test.
The Breed Link: Because Maine Coons are often bred in multi-cat households and travel to shows, TF spreads easily.
The Cure: Standard dewormers (Panacur) do not touch it. It requires a specific antibiotic (Ronidazole).

Amelia’s Rule: If you buy a Maine Coon, test for TF immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.

Suspect #2: Chicken Intolerance#

We are told chicken is the “bland diet.” Rice and boiled chicken, right?

Actually, chicken is a top allergen for cats. Many Maine Coons do poorly on common proteins like chicken or beef. Their immune systems overreact, causing inflammation in the gut (IBD).

The Novel Protein Fix: Try a protein they have never eaten. Rabbit, Venison, or Duck.

The Elimination Diet: Feed only the new protein for 8 weeks. No treats. No tidbits. If the stool firms up, you have your answer.

Fiber: The Balancing Act#

Sometimes, the food is too rich. High-protein, grain-free kibble is great, but some Maine Coon guts need a little “scaffolding” to form a solid stool.

Pumpkin: Plain canned pumpkin (not pie mix) adds soluble fiber. It absorbs excess water in the gut. A teaspoon a day can work miracles.
Psyllium Husk: Unflavored fiber powder. It bulks up the stool, helping to express the anal glands naturally (preventing scooting).

Probiotics: Rebuilding the Biome#

Antibiotics, stress (moving house), and bad food can wipe out the good bacteria in the gut.

Do not use human yogurt (cats are lactose intolerant). Use a feline-specific probiotic like FortiFlora or Proviable.

Tip: Saccharomyces boulardii (a yeast probiotic) is particularly effective for “blowout” diarrhea in cats.

The “Pantaloon” Hazard#

While you are fixing the internal issue, you must manage the external mess.

Sanitary Trim: Keep the breeches short.
Paw Check: Check their feet every time they leave the box. Maine Coons often step in their own soft mess.
The “Dip”: If they have an accident, do not try to wipe it out of dry fur. It just smears. Dip the butt in a shallow basin of warm water to dissolve it.

Conclusion#

Chronic diarrhea is not normal. It is not “just a Maine Coon thing.” It is a sign of inflammation or infection. Be the detective. Test for parasites, swap the protein, and don’t be afraid to ask your vet for a referral to an internist if it persists. A solid poop is the best gift your cat can give you.

Resources & Further Reading#

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. (2019). Tritrichomonas foetus infection in purebred cats.
Cornell Feline Health Center. (2022). Inflammatory Bowel Disease.