In honor of National Kitten Day, we’re excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at how one passionate Maine Coon breeder is raising strong, healthy kittens—starting with their very first bites of food.
We sat down with experienced breeder, Peggy Huff, who specializes in Maine Coons and feeds a species-appropriate raw diet. She shared her raw feeding philosophy, personal experiences, and advice for new kitten owners who want to give their felines the very best from day one.
🐾 Meet the Breeder
Q: How long have you been breeding, and what breed(s) do you specialize in?
I’ve been breeding Maine Coon cats for several years.
Q: What made you decide to start feeding raw?
The breeders I purchased my breeding cats from are in Russia, and they fed a raw diet. One of them is also a veterinarian—she made it clear she wouldn’t feed raw if it weren’t safe and beneficial. That gave me the confidence to do my own research. It just made sense—cats are obligate carnivores. In nature, they eat whole prey.
🍼 Starting Kittens on Raw
Q: At what age do you start introducing raw food to your kittens?
My kittens wean directly from mother’s milk onto fine ground raw—usually around 4 weeks. They watch their mother eat it and naturally join in. It’s instinctual.
Q: What raw foods do you start them on?
They begin with fine ground whole prey chicken. It’s the favorite here. They don’t care for turkey much, and I’ve found no need to rotate proteins when everyone is thriving.
Q: Do you follow a feeding schedule?
Yes—everyone eats in the morning. I prepare 15 pounds of raw each day and distribute it throughout the cattery. By the next morning, every plate is licked clean!
Q: How do you ensure kittens are getting balanced nutrition?
I trust the balance of the whole prey grind. It includes everything they need—muscle meat, bone, organ—just minus the feathers and intestines. I also add a high-quality probiotic powder to their food, and sometimes Omega-3s or folate for my queens during heat or after breeding.
✨ The Raw Advantage
Q: What differences have you seen since switching to raw?
The transformation was incredible. Their coats became silky and soft. No more tangles. They gained healthy weight, energy improved, and I haven’t had a stillborn kitten since.
Q: How do vets respond to your raw-fed cats?
They always comment on how beautiful and healthy they look. Most don’t ask what I feed, and honestly, I don’t always tell them. Raw feeding can be controversial, but the results speak for themselves.
Q: What about immunity and digestion?
Raw-fed kittens have ironclad digestion. No diarrhea, no vomiting—none of the issues I saw with kibble or canned. They grow faster and thrive.
🐱 Advice for New Kitten Owners
Q: What advice would you give to someone unsure about raw feeding?
I talk to families about raw feeding long before the kittens go home. I explain how it supports health and longevity. Most families are fully on board and even preorder raw before pickup.
Q: Do you offer feeding guides?
Yes, but I tailor my advice based on each home. I free-feed my Maine Coons, and I encourage families to do the same when possible. If they have other pets, I do my best to convert the whole household!
Q: What common mistakes do new raw feeders make?
The biggest issue is underfeeding. Maine Coons grow fast and need a lot of calories and nutrients. I always encourage feeding to appetite and watching their body condition closely.
💬 Final Thoughts
Q: Do you have any standout success stories?
Honestly, they’re all success stories. The health improvements across the board were dramatic—especially with digestion. And the silky coats? That alone is worth it!
Q: Any last words about raw feeding?
I’ll never go back to processed food. Even some raw pet food brands add too many extras. Whole prey with nothing added is what works for us. It’s what nature intended.
We’re so grateful for this breeder’s insight and dedication to raising healthy, thriving cats from the start. If you're a kitten owner—or considering becoming one—there’s no better time to explore the lifelong benefits of feeding your feline the way nature intended.
You can find out more about Peggy & her kittens on her website: https://www.royalmainecoons.com
✨ Happy Kitten Day! ✨
P.S. Want to learn more about feeding kittens a raw diet? Browse our selection of fine ground whole prey products here or send us your questions—we love helping new raw feeders get started.
