If you are thinking about bringing home a cat of this breed, then it is a good idea to first find out, what kind of personality does a Maine Coon cat have?
While this breed is known for being easygoing and loving, it is a good idea to research their temperament to make sure this breed is a good fit for you.
Maine Coons may look big and wild, but they are actually well known for their gentle, patient, and loving personalities. Maine Coons are easy-going cats that get along famously well with children, cats, and even dogs! They are also highly intelligent and playful, and they often act like kittens well into their adult years.
The Maine Coon temperament may seem too good to be true at first, but any Maine Coon owner will assure you that this breed is everything you could hope for, and more!
These cats are loyal, patient, intelligent, and playful, and they fit perfectly into just about any family.
Still, this breed can come with a few challenges, so read on to find out if a Maine Coon is the right cat for you.
What Kind Of Personality Does A Maine Coon Cat Have?
The Maine Coon is a hardy, rugged breed that originated in the cold state of Maine.
These cats rose in popularity among farmers and sailors, who sought out these cats for their incredible hunting instincts.
More recently, however, this breed has skyrocketed to one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, but for many different reasons as we will shortly discuss.
Maine Coons are highly valued for their enormous size, as well as their long, luxurious coats.
While the Maine Coon’s appearance is more than enough to justify this breed’s popularity, their temperament is perhaps even more incredible.
Before making the decision to bring one of these cats into your home, it is important to learn all about the Maine Coon breed information, so you can make sure you are adopting a cat that will fit well into your household.
While any individual cat’s personality can vary, here are the most common Maine Coon personality traits:
1. Affectionate
One of the most popular Maine Coon personality traits is their highly affectionate nature.
These cats are so loyal and loving, that they often follow their owners around from room to room!
However, Maine Coons are not overly clingy like some other cat breeds; they also have an independent side.
As a result, they prefer to hang out in the same room as you, but they will not constantly wind around your legs begging for attention.
Still, if your Maine Coon does not get enough attention, then it can become lonely and feel depressed.
This is why it is a good idea to get your Maine Coon a companion, especially if you’re away from home for long periods.
If you do not feel your Maine Coon is affectionate, as you would expect from this particular cat breed then click here to discover the key reasons why your Maine Coon cat is not affectionate.
2. Family-Oriented
Some cat breeds are known to bond to one individual but do not care much about other family members.
Maine Coons, however, are very different.
These big cats have even bigger hearts, with enough room to love every single one of their family members!
Maine Coons are the ideal breed for larger families, especially if you have children or other pets, since they are gentle and patient with children, and they love to have other animal companions.
Still not sure if you can trust your Maine Coon cat or kitten around your baby? If so, read this guide IMMEDIATELY!
3. Intelligent
The Maine Coon is one of the most intelligent cat breeds out there.
Regular cat toys often leave them bored, as they prefer puzzles or toys that are interesting to chase.
These are some cat toys your Maine Coon will LOVE!
Maine Coon cats also have an unusual love of water, and their extreme intelligence means they often learn to turn on the tap just so they can play in it!
Since Maine Coons are so smart, though, it can make them more likely to get into trouble, particularly as kittens.
These cats are experts at climbing up onto even the most difficult-to-reach places, and they may even learn how to open cupboard doors or tear into their dry food.
Here are 10 other reasons why the Maine Coon is considered one of the smartest cat breeds on the planet.
4. High Prey Drive
Maine Coons first became popular for their incredible hunting skills, and they were kept as companions for farmers and sailors for decades.
Even today, Maine Coons are a popular choice if you want to keep out mice, rats, and other pests.
This also means that they love to chase and pounce on just about anything they can. So, if you are worried they may jump on your countertops, make sure you read this guide.
While Maine Coons get along quite well with other cats and even dogs, their high prey drive means they can pose a danger to smaller pets like birds, guinea pigs, and the like.
5. Playful
Maine Coons are incredibly playful.
They get excited about the smallest things, which can make them seem like kittens even when they are much older!
Maine Coons play hard, so they easily destroy small, cheap toys.
It is therefore important to keep a variety of durable toys around and rotate them frequently so your cat does not get bored.
Consider getting your Maine Coon some motorized toys or puzzle toys too, as they can become bored easily with the usual cat toys.
Since these cats also tend to like water, you could even throw some toys in the tub every so often, to introduce some variety and keep your Maine Coon enriched.
Ever wondered why the Maine Coon cat breed is so fascinated with water? Click the picture below to find out the truth about this quirky Maine Coon trait:
6. Active
Another common Maine Coon trait are their high activity levels.
Maine Coons are incredibly playful, but they also need to run, jump, and climb a lot!
These cats need more exercise than the average cat, and they also need plenty of space to run around.
If you plan on getting a Maine Coon, you must have an extra-large cat tree or even some wall-mounted shelves for your cat to zoom around on.
If a Maine Coon does not get enough playtime or exercise, it will start to feel very bored.
Maine Coons will do just about anything to relieve this boredom, which might result in your big cat destroying the sofa, tearing up the carpet, or making a mess of your plants.
While it is generally a good idea to keep your Maine Coon indoors, you can train your Maine Coon to go on supervised walks on a leash and harness outside.
This is a great way to help your cat let out some extra energy, and it also allows your cat to experience all sorts of new sights, sounds and smells.
7. Soft Spoken
Maine Coons are incredibly unique in countless ways, but one of their most unusual traits is their voice. Listen to our Maine Coon cat Pippin talking, on Youtube.
Most cats communicate in meows, but Maine Coons tend to chirp, trill, or squeak instead.
These cats have a quiet, gentle voice, and they are not known to be excessively chatty. However, they are not afraid to use their voice to ask for:
- Attention
- Playtime
- Food
They may even have little “conversations” with their owners!
Here’s a Youtube video of Pippin the Maine Coon cat TALKING!
8. Easy Going
Maine Coons are well known for being patient.
They tolerate children well because they do not mind a bit of roughhousing, so long as the children are old enough to understand how to handle a cat without hurting it.
This is also why Maine Coons get along so well with other pets; they can handle a dog’s excitable personality or a new kitten’s mischievous shenanigans.
Their laid-back personality means that Maine Coons are not demanding or clingy. Instead, they are happy to go with the flow and hang out whenever you have the chance.
Maine Coon cats are also more tolerant to change than most cats, although they still prefer routine and schedules.
However, we all know that life doesn’t always go to plan. With this in mind, have you ever considered whether your giant Maine Coon cat could actually KILL YOUR DOG? If not, read this guide STRAIGHT AWAY.
Male Vs Female Maine Coon Personality
Believe it or not, the gender of your cat can have a huge impact on its temperament.
At first, you may think that, on the subject of Maine Coon personality, female-male cats would be pretty much the same. However, there are a few key differences between male and female Maine Coons.
When it comes to the Maine Coon personality, female cats tend to be more active and less cuddly.
In the wild, female cats have to be expert hunters so they can provide for their kittens and teach their young to hunt on their own. Female cats also have to be wary and ready to fight at a moment’s notice, so they can protect their young.
Meanwhile, male cats in the wild spend their days roaming around, catching prey, and meeting up with females when they get the chance.
While they still have to feed themselves and defend themselves from predators, their lives are more easygoing.
As a result, male Maine Coons tend to be more trusting and affectionate.
The male Maine Coon cat is more likely to be a lap cat and cuddle bug, asking you to rub their belly or curling up next to you on the couch.
By comparison, female Maine Coons can be a bit harder to win over at first.
Initially, the female Maine Coon cat might be more skittish. Be warned, when they show you their belly, they are not usually asking you to pet it!
Female Maine Coons can also be more territorial, and they tend to become the “queen” of a household with multiple cats.
Unless they are introduced at a young age, two female cats tend to butt heads and fight over territory, so it is important to introduce them carefully and ensure they both have plenty of space.
Read this guide to understand how much space a Maine Coon cat needs, and the products you will need to buy.
These key differences can make many potential Maine Coon owners determined to get a male instead of a female.
However, it is important to note that, while female cats can be a bit my wary than the male of the species, the Maine Coon breed is so loving and friendly that it is highly likely you will still become close friends with your gentle giant.
Furthermore, gender is not the only thing that determines a cat’s personality, and it is completely possible to find a female Maine Coon that is just as friendly and loving as a male!
Finally, female Maine Coons may be slightly less cuddly than males, but they have plenty of unique personality traits, as well.
- Female Maine Coons are more athletic and have a much higher prey drive on average.
- Females tend to be a bit more intelligent, craving all sorts of puzzles and interesting new toys.
- While they can seem more aloof at first, once they warm up to you, they are fiercely loyal and affectionate.
Overall, male cats tend to be more cuddly and less energetic than females, but gender is not as important when choosing a Maine Coon.
Instead, you should choose a cat based on its unique personality traits, and whether or not you think it will be a good fit for you and your family.
Personality Of Maine Coon Kittens
When you first take home a Maine Coon kitten, you might worry that your cat will be this crazy and active forever.
Don’t stress though, since even though Maine Coons do tend to act like kittens even as adults, they mellow out a lot after a year or two.
As kittens, Maine Coons are incredibly active. They love to:
- Jump
- Climb
- Pounce
- Play
In fact, they are so active that it is usually best to get two kittens instead of one. That way, they can provide one another with lots of playtimes, and they also feel safer and less lonely with another companion their age.
Maine Coon kittens can also be a bit mischievous. These curious cats’ intelligence can get them into a lot of trouble if you aren’t careful.
They love to explore high places, or they might turn valuable or sentimental items into their new favorite toy!
Maine Coon Temperament With Other Cats
Most people know that the Maine Coon personality is very people-oriented.
The Maine Coon cat breed is incredibly loyal and affectionate towards their humans, but what about other cats?
If you have another cat, and your Maine Coon is behaving aggressively, you may wonder, are Maine Coons territorial.
In general, Maine Coons get along incredibly well with other cats. They love companionship, and their affection and loyalty do not just extend towards humans! However, if your Maine Coon does not have sufficient space, it can become aggressive and territorial.
While Maine Coons are highly social, even the friendliest of cats need space from time to time.
Your Maine Coon should have its own:
- Beds
- Cat Tree
- Food Bowls
- Nooks and Crannies where the cat can rest in peace whenever it needs some alone time.
It is also important to keep in mind that female Maine Coons are more likely to be territorial than males.
In the wild, the female has to defend their territory in order to keep their Maine Coon kittens safe, but this can pose problems in households with multiple cats.
A single female Maine Coon will usually get along well with a male or two, but she could become aggressive if a new female cat is introduced.
Before bringing home a new cat, you should do lots of research about introductions.
Even though most Maine Coons get along well with a new companion, it can take a bit for them to adjust to such a big change.
To mitigate the chance of fights or territoriality, keep both cats in separate rooms at first, and introduce them slowly until you are certain they can get along.
Do Maine Coons And Dogs Get Along?
If you are both a dog lover and a cat lover, then you might be wondering, how are Maine Coons with dogs?
One of the most incredible personality traits of Maine Coons is their ability to not only tolerate dogs but become close friends with them!
Overall, Maine Coons are so friendly, playful, and patient that they will readily become companions with both cats and dogs, provided they are properly introduced.
While most people worry about their dog harming their cat, though, this cat breed’s enormous size may leave you wondering, can a Maine Coon kill a dog?
The truth is that it is possible for an extra large Maine Coon to beat a small dog in a fight, but it is highly unlikely they could do enough damage to kill a dog.
However, cats have a lot of bacteria in their mouths that are designed to kill prey, and an untreated cat bite can lead to a deadly infection. An infected cat bite can kill even the largest of dogs if it is allowed to fester.
In general, though, you do not need to worry about a Maine Coon hurting your dog.
So, what is the best dog for Maine Coon cats?
It is a good idea to find a dog breed that is trainable, has a low prey drive, and is known to get along well with cats. Some dog breeds to consider include:
- Golden Retriever
- Pug
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Maltese
- Labrador Retriever
If you are nervous about getting a dog that is aggressive towards your cat, then you might want to consider getting a dog from a shelter.
Many shelter dogs come from households with cats, which will make it easier to introduce them to a new cat.
Introducing A New Cat To A Dog
If you already have a dog and you are planning on getting a Maine Coon kitten, then an introduction can feel a bit scarier at first.
After all, a large dog can easily kill a tiny kitten, even without meaning to.
Even dogs that love cats can become very excitable, which can overwhelm the kitten and make it afraid of the dog.
Start out by keeping both animals in separate rooms, and introduce them to each other’s scents.
Exchange your cat’s favorite toy with your dog’s blanket, for example, so they can familiarize themselves with the new smells.
To introduce your Maine Coon to a dog, keep your dog on a leash, and allow your cat to explore the dog at its own pace.
Get your cat away from the dog if it appears threatened or terrified, but a little bit of hissing is okay.
Also, remove both animals away from each other at any signs of aggression.
Introducing a Maine Coon to a dog can be a lengthy process, and it may even take a few weeks before they are able to be in the same room unsupervised.
It is important to be very patient, and not to rush the process.
However, if both animals are still fearful or aggressive after a month or two, then it may be impossible for the two to get along.
This is always a risk when getting a new pet, but in most cases, your two animals will learn to tolerate each other, and they may even become friends! (sources 1,2)
Do Maine Coon Cats Get Jealous?
Sometimes, a Maine Coon might begin to act oddly after a big change, or the introduction of a new family member. This can leave some owners wondering, are Maine Coon cats jealous?
Just like humans, Maine Coons can experience jealousy if a new pet or family member disrupts their routine.
If the new arrival means you spend less time with your cat, or your cat’s favorite toys or bed have been moved.
Cats are also creatures of habit, and if a new family member means you have changed your cat’s playtime or feeding schedule, it can make your Maine Coon distressed.
To avoid jealousy, make sure to spend just as much one-on-one time with your Maine Coon as you used to, and try to stick to your old schedule as much as possible.
Maine Coon Behavioral Problems
Overall, Maine Coons are loving, sweet cats that get along well in most households.
However, in certain environments, they can develop behavioral problems, but this is often (if not always) the fault of the owner.
Here are some of the most common behavioral problems found in Maine Coons:
1. Aggression
Even though Maine Coons are known to be sweet, they can become aggressive if they feel insecure in their environment.
If you or your other family members violate your cat’s boundaries and bother it often, then your Maine Coon could become angry, mistrustful, and aggressive.
Learn more about Maine Coon aggression in this article.
2. Separation Anxiety
When you first bring home a Maine Coon kitten, it will be tempting to spend as much time with your new family member as possible.
However, this can cause serious problems in the long run.
A cat that is not taught to be independent and tolerate alone time can become anxious and clingy, following you from room to room and crying every time you leave.
Here are a few tips for handling separation anxiety in Maine Coon cats.
3. Territoriality
Maine Coons typically get along very well with other cats and dogs, but they can become territorial if they feel their space is being invaded, particularly if they are female.
Territorial cats can become aggressive if another pet comes near their favorite spots, and may even bully them for no apparent reason.
To avoid territorial behavior in your Maine Coon, make sure all of your pets have separate:
- Food
- Beds
- Toys
Finally, always encourage positive interactions between them.
3. Destruction
Maine Coons are so intelligent and athletic that they need more playtime and toys than the usual cat.
If your Maine Coon is not able to run around, chase toys, or climb to high places, then it may become so understimulated that it attempts to relieve its boredom by:
- Chewing on the carpet
- Scratching furniture
- Knocking things over
4. Accidents
Most cats take to litter box training easily, but if your Maine Coon is having a lot of accidents, it could be due to a variety of reasons.
Unneutered male Maine Coons may spray to mark their territory, but some cats may refuse to use the litter box if it is dirty, or they don’t like the smell of the litter.
If you are not sure which litter box to buy, read this.
Characteristics Of Maine Coon Mix
If you like the Maine Coon cat personality, but cannot afford this expensive breed, then you may want to consider a Maine Coon mix.
Maine Coon mixes share some Maine Coon ancestry, but are mixed with other breeds or domestic shorthairs or longhairs.
Maine Coon mixes cannot be guaranteed to share all of the same personality traits as a Maine Coon, but they are more likely to be loving, intelligent, and family-oriented than the average cat.
Are Black Maine Coons Friendlier Than Orange Maine Coons?
There are a lot of myths out there about cats, particularly Maine Coons.
For example, it is commonly believed that the orange Maine Coon personality is more friendly but less intelligent.
When compared to the black Maine Coon cat personality, some people believe that orange Maine Coons make better companions. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth!
A cat’s coloration has nothing to do with its personality.
Maine Coons come in all sorts of patterns and colors, but their unique personality can be traced back to their genetics, their environment, and the way it was raised.
Conclusion
If you are interested in bringing home a Maine Coon, it is important to first ask, what kind of personality does a Maine Coon have?
These cats are incredibly loving, intelligent, and playful creatures. They are family-oriented and get along well with children, cats, and even dogs.
Because they are so active and intelligent, though, they can become bored and destructive if they are not provided with enough exercise and playtime.
Related Questions
What Cats Look Like Maine Coons?
Maine Coons are a unique cat breed, but Siberians, Norwegian Forest Cats, and Somalis all look rather similar to Maine Coons.
How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Get?
Most Maine Coons average between 8 and 25 pounds, although females are typically smaller than males.
How Much Is A Maine Coon Cat?
A Maine Coon from a reputable, registered breeder will likely cost between $1,000 and $2,500, although they can be more expensive if they are used for shows or breeding.