What Is The Temperament Of A Maine Coon?
If you are deciding whether to bring a new cat breed into your home, then you might be wondering, what is the temperament of a Maine Coon?
While an individual cat’s personality can vary based on genetics and its environment, the Maine Coon cat breed tends to share similar personality traits.
The Maine Coon is a gentle, even-tempered breed that is incredibly social and loving towards its family members. Their patient nature means they get along well with children, other cats, and even dogs. Maine Coons are also extremely intelligent and dog-like, and they can even learn tricks and commands.
While Maine Coons initially became popular for their enormous size and great hunting abilities, they are becoming more and more recognized for their loving, gentle personalities.
Maine Coons make wonderful family pets, but this cat’s active temperament is not necessarily for everyone.
Read on to find out if the Maine Coon’s personality is a good fit for you!
What Is The Temperament Of A Maine Coon?
The Maine Coon is a beloved cat breed native to the state of Maine.
They developed naturally in this frigid state until they became popular as ratters amongst sailors and farmers in the mid-1800s.
Today, this is an extremely valuable breed, and the Maine Coon price can average between $1,000 and $2,500, or even more!
People all over the world are going crazy for Maine Coons, but before making such a big decision, it is a good idea to know what you are getting into, first!
If you want one of these cats, but are not sure what they are like, then you are probably wondering, what is the temperament of a Maine Coon cat?
Here are some of the most common Maine Coon personality traits:
Loving
Maine Coons form deep bonds with their owners, and unlike some cat breeds, they do not just pick one favorite person and ignore everyone else!
However, you might find that the female Maine Coon takes a little longer to warm up to you, or a stranger since they are considered more ‘cat-like’ and ‘aloof’.
These big cats have really big hearts, and you might find that they follow you around the house because they love spending time with you!
Here is a great video on Maine Coon Central’s Youtube channel that clearly shows our male Maine Coon cat following me EVERYWHERE! Pippin is such a funny Maine Coon cat!
Here are some other reasons why these gentle giants follow their owners around.
Social
Maine Coons are very social cats.
While they love their family members best, they are still very friendly around strangers, and they can become friends with just about anyone.
Due to their social nature, however, they can become lonely and depressed if they do not receive enough attention.
That’s why it is usually a good idea to get your Maine Coon another cat or even a dog as a companion.
Before doing so, read my two articles, first:
Gentle
Due to the large Maine Coon weight, many people find this breed intimidating at first.
However, they soon realize that Maine Coons are actually some of the gentlest creatures in the world!
While these big cats can bite or scratch if they feel scared or threatened, they are not swift to anger.
Instead, these cats are very patient, and if you are bothering them, they’ll tell you first through quiet growls and flattened ears before batting you away with their paws.
If you’ve been struggling with Maine Coon aggression though, make sure you read these 14 key causes.
Great Family Pets
The Maine Coon’s gentle, social nature means they make wonderful family pets, even if you have children or other animals.
They are very patient with children, and they readily become companions with cats and even dogs!
Intelligent
Maine Coons are so intelligent, that they’ve even been nicknamed the “dogs of the cat world.”
They love to play fetch, and they can learn a huge variety of commands and tricks.
Their high intelligence also means that they can become bored easily, however, and they might use their intelligence to get into mischief.
Here are 10 great reasons why Maine Coons are the smartest cats, in the world.
Hunters
Maine Coons have incredibly strong hunting instincts and a high prey drive.
They’ll stalk just about anything that moves, and they need to spend a lot of time chasing, pouncing, and pretending to hunt prey in order to feel fulfilled and satisfied.
When it comes to the Maine Coon personality, female Maine Coons are more likely to be active hunters.
This is because, in the wild, female cats are responsible for protecting and feeding their young, so they must be more wary and alert than males.
As a result, females are more likely to be a bit territorial or skittish, but if they are raised in a warm and loving environment, they can be just as cuddly as any male!
Learn more about the Maine Coon’s hunting skills HERE.
Active
This is a highly active breed that needs a lot more exercise than most cats.
Maine Coons need to be able to stretch their legs, run, and climb all over the place!
This is why you’ll need to get an extra large cat tree.
Many owners also install cat shelves along their walls, to entertain their Maine Coons.
(Please only do this if you have permission from the house owner too, or, your landlord permits you to. Additionally, always hire a tradesman to fit the shelves correctly, to ensure no damage is caused to the house walls and your cats are safe whilst using the shelves).
You should play with your Maine Coon for at least half an hour every day to ensure they are getting enough exercise, but you can also train them to go on walks if they still have lots of energy left over.
Love Of Water
One of the most unique Maine Coon personality traits is their love of water.
While most cats fear water, Maine Coons have a natural affinity for it.
Their long, semi-waterproof coat helped to protect them from the snow and rain when they first originated in the state of Maine.
Today, they haven’t lost their wild instincts, and many Maine Coons learn to play in the toilet or even turn on the faucet!
Unusual Voice
While most cats meow loudly to get your attention, Maine Coons have a unique, soft voice.
They usually trill, squeak, or chirp instead of meow.
They are not particularly talkative or demanding, but they will use their voice to ask for attention or food.
Why Are Maine Coons So Friendly?
At first glance, the Maine Coon appearance might fool you into thinking these large cats are dangerous, or aggressive since these cats are often described as looking like ‘mini-lions’!
The truth, however, could not be any further from this idea since Maine Coon cats actually have a reputation for being extremely friendly felines.
Every cat breed has its unique personality traits.
Many breeds are developed through breeders who appreciate both certain physical traits as well as certain personality traits.
While every cat is unique, genetics can play a huge part in personality, so it is no surprise that most Maine Coons share similar personalities.
The Maine Coon’s laidback, gentle nature and love of companionship means they are likely to form close friendships with their owners, and even be friendly towards strangers.
However, the way they are raised can also make a huge difference.
After all, responsible Maine Coon breeders raise their kittens in loving environments and make sure to socialize them at a young age.
Furthermore, people who have read about the Maine Coon breed may be more likely to assume their cat’s personality, making them more likely to raise their cat in that way, resulting in a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy.
Overall, the Maine Coon’s friendliness can be attributed to a mix of genetics and the way they are raised.
If you want a Maine Coon that is loving and social, then you should introduce it to different people and animals from a young age, so it becomes more comfortable around others.
Maine Coon Temperament With Dogs
While it is a common stereotype that dogs and cats hate each other, they can learn to get along quite well.
Maine Coon cats are so friendly and laid back that they are one of the best cat breeds for getting along with dogs.
Regardless of how friendly your Maine Coon is, you will still need to be careful when introducing it to new pets.
If you bring home a new puppy without properly introducing them, it might overwhelm your Maine Coon or even make your cat jealous.
Here are some other causes of Maine Coon jealousy to watch out for.
When you get a dog, at first you should keep it in a separate room, and make sure that it does not take over your cat’s favorite spaces to sleep or hang out.
Exchange toys and blankets between your Maine Coon and your new dog, so they can become familiar with each other’s scent.
Then, after a few days, you can allow them to meet each other under close supervision.
Even the friendliest of Maine Coons can be a little wary at first, especially if the dog is loud or gets in their personal space.
Go at a slow pace that is comfortable for your cat, and separate the two animals for another day if your Maine Coon seems especially fearful or aggressive.
After a few weeks, however, most Maine Coons develop a close companionship with dogs, and they might even play or cuddle together once they have gotten used to each other!
Are Maine Coons Stubborn?
Most cats are difficult to train, not because they are unintelligent, but because they are stubborn.
After all, most cats hate being told what to do!
Maine Coons, however, have a more doglike temperament, and they are more eager to please their owners than the average cat.
As a result, they can easily be trained, especially if you start at a young age.
Here are some great tips on how to train your Maine Coon cat to play fetch!!
Are Maine Coons Loyal?
Maine Coons may be friendly towards just about everyone, but they are always loyal to their immediate family.
While they may purr and rub up against a new person, they can still be a bit reserved, and they are most relaxed and cuddly when they are around their family members.
Why Is My Maine Coon So Aggressive?
If your Maine Coon has been hissing, growling, or swiping at you, then you may be wondering, are Maine Coons aggressive?
This breed is not naturally aggressive, so its behavior can likely be attributed to environmental factors.
Here are some possible reasons why your Maine Coon is aggressive:
1. It Is Scared
While Maine Coons usually get along well with children and other pets, if its family members are loud, play rough, and invade your cat’s personal space, it may become fearful.
When scared, cats may behave aggressively to try and defend themselves.
This is why it is important to give your Maine Coon high-up places like shelves or a cat tree, where they can retreat from anybody that makes them feel threatened.
A big change, like moving or bringing home a new family member, can also cause your Maine Coon to become scared.
2. Its Boundaries Are Being Disrespected
As patient as the Maine Coons are, they do not appreciate being messed with when they have asked to be left alone.
While your cat may be unable to talk, it can still set boundaries by flattening its ears, walking away, growling, or hissing.
If your Maine Coon asks to be left alone, but you continue to pester it, it will become distrustful, and may lash out whenever you are near.
3. It Is Unfixed
A Maine Coon that has not been spayed or neutered will have stronger instincts to guard its territory or become a parent.
If your Maine Coon is unfixed, behaving aggressively, and having behavioral problems like spraying, then it is a good idea to get them fixed.
This is the best age to neuter your Maine Coon kitten.
Maine Coon Behavior Problems
A lot of people blame their cat’s behavioral problems on their pet, but if your cat is misbehaving, it is actually a reflection of your own pet parenting.
It is important to remember that your cat is not misbehaving to get on your nerves; instead, cats always have their own reasons for the things they do, and any behavioral problems can usually be traced back to their owners.
Here are some common behavioral problems found in Maine Coons, as well as what you can do to change them.
Aggression
If your Maine Coon is behaving aggressively, it does not mean that your cat is mean!
Cats usually become aggressive as a way of defending themselves, which means they might feel scared or distrustful.
A Maine Coon can also become aggressive and territorial if it does not have enough space of its own.
For example, if you have a pet or pets that have taken over your cat’s favorite bed, or eaten out of its food bowl, then your Maine Coon may become more aggressive to try and claim its own private space.
If you are wondering why is my Maine Coon so aggressive, then take a look at these 14 causes of aggression in Maine Coon cats.
Accidents
If your Maine Coon is having accidents, it is likely due to litter box problems.
If its litter box is too dirty, it may have an accident somewhere else in the house.
Similarly, if your cat does not like the smell of a certain kind of litter, it may also refuse to use the litter box.
Unfixed cats may also spray as a way to mark their territory, or, in rarer cases, accidents could be a sign of an underlying health problem.
Make sure you buy the correct Maine Coon cat litter box, from the start.
Destructive Behavior
Maine Coons are incredibly athletic, intelligent, and playful.
They need a lot of new stimuli in order to feel enriched and challenged.
If your Maine Coon does not get enough exercise or playtime, or if it is bored of its toys, then it may try to find other ways to relieve its boredom, such as chewing on the carpet or scratching the furniture.
If your Maine Coon has become destructive, consider getting new, more challenging toys, such as motorized mice or puzzle games.
Make sure to rotate the toys every few weeks so your cat doesn’t get bored of them.
These are my favorite Maine Coon cat toys.
Mischief
Is your Maine Coon refusing to follow rules by jumping on the counter or getting into spaces where it isn’t allowed?
If these issues sound familiar, you might have been wondering, are Maine Coons difficult?
The truth is that Maine Coons are naturally curious creatures, and if you do not set boundaries at a young age, they might ignore your rules and explore dangerous areas.
You should discourage this behavior by redirecting your cat’s attention.
Do this by wordlessly picking your cat up and placing it somewhere else, but do not yell at your cat or punish it.
Cats learn best through positive reinforcement rather than negative reinforcement.
Are Maine Coons A Healthy Breed?
Purebred cats are more likely to suffer from inherited genetic conditions, because many breeds are developed through inbreeding to preserve desirable genetic mutations, such as unique fur colors or increasing the Maine Coon size.
Because the Maine Coon developed naturally at first, this breed is healthier than many other purebred cats.
The average Maine Coon lifespan is between 12 and 15 years, although many have lived even longer.
Even though they are healthier than breeds like the Munchkin, Manx, or Persian, they can still suffer from certain inherited conditions.
Here are some common health problems found in Maine Coons:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): HCM is a genetically inherited condition that causes the walls of a cat’s heart to gradually thicken over time, eventually restricting blood flow and leading to death. Sadly, there is no cure for HCM.
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition where one or both hip joints are malformed. As the affected cat walks, runs, or plays, the head of its upper leg bone grinds against the joint, wearing it away. Over time, this joint will become loose, leading to pain and restricting the cat’s movement.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): SMA is an inherited condition that develops within the first few months of a cat’s life. This degenerative disease causes the muscles around the base of a cat’s spine to atrophy, until their back legs become too weak to run, jump, or climb.
How Are Maine Coons As Pets?
Maine Coon cats make great pets because they are massively family-friendly, and love being part of everything that is going on within your home.
These gentle giants are extremely laid back, and not at all needy or high maintenance. However, they do have physical and emotional needs that must be met.
Therefore, before buying a Maine Coon kitten, you must honestly answer the following questions:
- Are you willing to dedicate 30 minutes a day, to exercising your cat?
- Can you afford a Maine Coon, plus all the ongoing items/toys they need?
- Do you spend the majority of your time at home, i.e. do you work from home?
- Can you dedicate ample amounts of time on a daily basis, to a Maine Coon?
- Do you have enough space for a Maine Coon cat?
- How will you exercise a Maine Coon cat?
- Can you afford the potential veterinary bills?
If you are thinking about buying a Maine Coon cat this ultimate cat guide shows you exactly how to start the journey.
Characteristics Of Maine Coon Mix
A Maine Coon mix is any cat that has some degree of Maine Coon ancestry.
There is no telling which physical or personality traits a mixed breed will inherit from its Maine Coon ancestors.
However, Maine Coon mixes are more likely to be longhaired, large, social, active, and intelligent.
Conclusion
Before getting one of these cats, you should first find out, what is the temperament of a Maine Coon?
Maine Coons are social, loving, and patient cats, but they are also very active, playful, and intelligent.
They get along great in households where they receive plenty of attention, playtime, and exercise, but they can be a bit challenging if you are not able to give them enough companionship or enrichment.
Related Questions
Is My Cat A Maine Coon Quiz
There are quizzes online that claim to determine whether or not your cat is a Maine Coon. However, the only way to know for sure is to get a genetic test.
