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Home / Breed / Your Maine Coon Thinks It’s A Dog – Is This Normal?!

Your Maine Coon Thinks It’s A Dog – Is This Normal?!

ByKatrina Stewardson Posted on02/03/202502/03/2025
Bali the Maine Coon cat and Katrina Stewardson. Female holding big cat!
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So, you wanted a cat. You imagined a quiet, independent feline who would gracefully ignore you from across the room and only acknowledge your existence when they wanted food.

Instead, you got a Maine Coon. And now, you’re starting to wonder… did I accidentally buy a dog?! If your Maine Coon follows you from room to room, and greets you at the door like a long-lost best friend, you’re not alone. These massive, fluffy creatures have earned the nickname “the dog of the cat world”.

But what exactly makes them so dog-like?

1. They Follow You Everywhere

You’ll never have privacy again. Whether you’re going to the kitchen, bathroom, or even just shifting slightly on the couch, your Maine Coon will shadow your every move like a devoted puppy.

💡 Why? These cats form strong social bonds and develop deep attachments to their humans. They simply don’t understand the concept of personal space.

2. They Greet You At The Door Like A Dog

Most cats stay curled up, barely acknowledging your return. A Maine Coon? They’ll be waiting at the door, chirping excitedly, and rubbing against your legs like you’ve just come home from war.

💡 Why? Their loyal nature makes them more emotionally connected to their owners than most cats.

3. They Are Incredibly Loyal

If you’re looking for a pet who sticks by your side no matter what, a Maine Coon is it. These gentle giants build deep, lifelong bonds with their families and often prefer their owners over strangers – much like a dog.

💡 Why? Unlike independent cat breeds, Maine Coons thrive on companionship and genuinely enjoy being part of a family unit.

4. They Play Fetch (Yes, Really!)

Throw a toy, and don’t be surprised when your Maine Coon brings it back to you -again and again. Some even drop toys at their owner’s feet, expecting a game of fetch to begin!

💡 Why? Maine Coons are highly intelligent and love interactive play. Fetch stimulates their natural hunting instincts and keeps them entertained.

5. Some Maine Coons Enjoy Walking On A Leash!

Most cats collapse like a pile of jelly when you put them in a harness. Maine Coons? They’ll proudly strut around outside, taking in the sights like an adventurous canine.

💡 Why? Maine Coons are extremely trainable compared to other cats. Their curiosity and dog-like intelligence make leash training much easier.

6. They Are Very Trainable

Think cats can’t learn tricks? Think again. Maine Coons can be trained to sit, high-five, come when called, and even respond to their name.

💡 Why? Their problem-solving skills and eagerness to interact with humans make them one of the most trainable cat breeds.

7. They Are Extremely Social

Unlike typical aloof felines, Maine Coons love company. They’ll actively seek out interaction, whether it’s with their humans, other pets, or even friendly strangers.

💡 Why? Their outgoing personality makes them more like a social dog than a reserved cat.

8. They “Talk” to You All the Time

Maine Coons are chatty companions who chirp, trill, and chatter like they’re holding a full-blown conversation with you.

💡 Why? They use vocalizations to communicate, much like dogs bark to express themselves.

9. They Act Like Guard Cats

Ever notice your Maine Coon watching guests like a security officer? Some even growl or stand protectively near their owners when they sense something unfamiliar.

💡 Why? Maine Coons have a natural territorial and protective streak, making them more alert to their surroundings than the average cat.

10. They Beg for Food

Maine Coons love their food, and they’re not shy about reminding you when it’s mealtime. They’ll sit by your plate, paw at you, and stare deep into your soul until you cave.

💡 Why? With their big appetites and high energy needs, they always seem hungry even when they’ve just eaten!

11. They Love Water (Unlike Normal Cats!)

Does your cat splash in their water bowl, try to join you in the shower, or dip their paws in the sink? Yep, classic Maine Coon behavior.

💡 Why? Their dense, water-resistant fur makes them less averse to water, and their wild ancestors were skilled fishers!

12. They Crave Attention

Try ignoring a Maine Coon for too long, and they’ll headbutt you, sit on your keyboard, or nudge your hand until you give in.

💡 Why? These cats hate being left out and thrive on constant social interaction.

13. They Enjoy Car Rides

Unlike most cats, who scream in terror during car rides, some Maine Coons enjoy traveling and will calmly look out the window like a road-trip-loving dog.

💡 Why? Their adaptability and curiosity make them less prone to travel anxiety.

14. They Get Separation Anxiety

Maine Coons don’t do well when left alone for long periods. If you leave them alone too often, expect loud, dramatic crying when you return.

💡 Why? Their deep bond with their owners means they can suffer from separation anxiety, just like dogs.

So… Did You Accidentally Buy a Dog?

If your cat acts like a shadow, plays fetch, greets you at the door, and insists on leash walks, you might have just accidentally adopted a dog in a cat’s body!

But while Maine Coons share many traits with dogs, they still retain their feline independence, love for high places, and that unmistakable cat attitude.

👉 Would you describe your Maine Coon as more like a dog or a cat? Let us know in the comments! 😺🐶

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Author

  • Bali the Maine Coon cat and Katrina Stewardson. Female holding big cat!
    Katrina Stewardson

    A Maine Coon cat enthusiast with 13+ years of experience owning three Maine Coon cats. I have first-hand experience with many Maine Coon health issues, e.g., hip dysplasia, bent tail canal, and arthritis. I have experience in training Maine Coons, registered breeders, adopting Maine Coons, and caring for a Maine Coon. I currently own two male Maine Coon cats, named Mika and Bali.

    View all posts Director

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  • Breed Basics
    • What Is a Maine Coon? A Complete Beginner’s Guide To The Breed
    • Maine Coon Size & Growth: Height, Weight, Length & Development Stages
    • Maine Coon Personality: Temperament & Behavior Traits
    • Maine Coon Coat, Color & Pattern
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  • Maine Coon Care
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