This Is Why Maine Coon Cats Outsmart Other Breeds

If you’ve ever watched your Maine Coon do something surprisingly clever, like opening a door or comforting you when you’re sad, you’ve probably pondered just how smart Maine Coons are.

While the Abyssinian is often credited as the smartest cat breed overall, Maine Coons are undeniably among the most intelligent domestic cats.

Their dog-like behaviors, emotional sensitivity, trainability, and problem-solving abilities put them in a league of their own!

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Maine Coons so brainy, compare them to other intelligent breeds, and show you how to bring out the best in your cat’s natural smarts.

Are Maine Coons The Smartest Cat Breed?

While the Abyssinian often ranks #1 in feline intelligence due to its curiosity and quick learning, Maine Coons are close behind.

Their intelligence is demonstrated not just through tricks and games, but also through:

• Advanced problem-solving
• Emotional perception
• Adaptability
• Social reasoning
• Communication skills

Short answer: Not the smartest, but one of the most intelligent.

Fact: In a 2019 ranking of cat intelligence by VetStreet, Maine Coons were placed in the top 5 smartest breeds due to their ability to:

• Follow commands
• Play fetch
• Adapt to leash training

Why Are Maine Coons So Smart?

Several factors contribute to the Maine Coon’s intelligence:

Let’s take a deeper look at the top 10 signs of Maine Coon intelligence:

1. Maine Coons Can Be Trained

Unlike many independent cat breeds, Maine Coons can be trained to perform:

• Basic commands: Sit, stay, paw
• Advanced tricks: High-five, jump through hoops, roll over
• Target training: Useful for leash walking and agility

This breed’s trainability stems from a mix of motivation (they love treats and praise) and their naturally curious, dog-like temperament.

Pro Tip: Use clicker training and positive reinforcement techniques. Avoid punishment; these cats are sensitive and can become withdrawn.

2. Maine Coons Learn Through Observation

Maine Coons often watch their owners closely and mimic behaviors.

One classic example is learning how to:

• Turn on faucets
• Open cupboard doors
• Activate motion-sensor toys

This observational learning indicates experiential intelligence, a rare cognitive trait in cats.

According to feline cognition expert Dr. Kristyn Vitale, domestic cats show social learning behaviors similar to toddlers in certain experiments.

3. Highly Social And Emotionally Tuned

These cats thrive in family settings and are deeply bonded to their humans.

• They follow you around not for food, but to feel connected.
• Maine Coons pick up on emotional tones in voice and body language.
• Many owners report their cat comforting them during moments of distress.

Real-Life Example: When I collapsed on the floor in pain, Pippin (my male Maine Coon) immediately stood guard over me and kept checking on me – something he’d never done before.

4. They Can Walk On A Leash

Leash training a cat isn’t easy, but Maine Coons are among the few breeds that can adapt to it quickly. Starting as kittens gives the best results.

Why this matters:

• It provides mental stimulation through exploration.
• Shows confidence and understanding of routine.
• Strengthens human-cat bonds through shared activity.

Tip: Always use a secure, padded escape-proof harness. Maine Coons are large and need robust gear for comfort and safety.

5. They Recognize And Respond To Human Emotions

Maine Coons can:

• Sense sadness or anxiety
• Offer comfort through purring or cuddling
• Avoid family arguments by hiding or withdrawing

This emotional intelligence, sometimes called “affective empathy,” is a high-level trait seen more in dogs and primates.

6. Exceptionally Good With Children

Thanks to their patience and laid-back nature, Maine Coons are widely regarded as one of the best cat breed for families with kids.

They often:

• Tolerate noisy play
• Accept gentle handling and dressing-up games
• Stay calm even in chaotic households

Some even display protective behavior, positioning themselves between a toddler and stairs or nudging children away from risky areas.

7. Get Along With Other Pets

This breed’s intelligence extends to social adaptability:

• They integrate well with dogs (especially if introduced slowly)
• Prefer companionship and don’t like to be left alone too long
• Learn the dynamics of a multi-pet household quickly

Avoid housing Maine Coons with prey animals like birds or hamsters since they retain a strong hunting instinct.

8. They’re Excellent Hunters

Originating as working cats on farms and ships, Maine Coons are instinctive hunters.

• Their large size, strength, and intelligence give them an edge in catching rodents.
• Some owners report receiving “gifts” (mice, voles, or even socks) as tribute.

Their hunting intelligence includes stealth, timing, and spatial awareness.

9. Many Play Fetch – Voluntarily!

Yes, Maine Coons do play fetch!

This behavior isn’t just cute, it reflects:

• Memory retention
• Reward-based learning
• Play-motivated intelligence

Cognitive Link: Fetch behavior in cats has been linked to the same parts of the brain responsible for task repetition and reinforcement in dogs.

10. They Get Bored Easily

Smart cats need mental stimulation, or they become:

• Destructive (e.g., scratching furniture, knocking things off counters)
• Depressed or withdrawn
• Obsessive (excessive grooming or vocalization)

Enrichment Ideas:

• Puzzle feeders
• Motion-activated toys
• Cat trees with hiding spots
• Interactive play (feather wands, laser pointers)

Puzzle Toys: Look for toys with hidden treats or multiple levels of challenge. Mika’s favorite is the Trixie Cat Treat Dog Toy (it’s dog-rated but cat-approved!).

Can You Test A Maine Coon’s Intelligence?

While feline IQ isn’t formally measured like in humans, there are a few fun tests:

Note: Intelligence can’t always be measured by obedience. Many cats are smart and stubborn!

Top 10 Smartest Cat Breeds (Besides Maine Coons)

If you’re curious how the Maine Coon compares, here are other highly intelligent breeds:

1. Abyssinian – Fast learner, very curious
2. Siamese – Communicative and clever
3. Bengal – Agile, athletic, puzzle-loving
4. Sphynx – Social, energetic
5. Turkish Van – Loves water, learns tricks fast
6. Cornish Rex – Inquisitive and people-oriented
7. Japanese Bobtail – Playful, interactive
8. Korat – Emotionally perceptive
9. Tonkinese – Blends Siamese and Burmese intelligence
10. Singapura – Small in size, big on brainpower