Expert Guide: Training A Maine Coon Tricks, Leash Skills & More

Maine Coons are intelligent, playful, and sociable felines – traits that make them excellent candidates for training.

Through structured training, you can develop better communication skills, strengthen your bond, and channel your cat’s energy constructively.

Using positive reinforcement helps prevent boredom-driven behaviors like destruction or excessive meowing, while teaching commands like ‘sit,’ ‘come,’ or ‘leave it’ also enhances safety in unpredictable situations

Step‑By‑Step Training Plan

Effective training elevates your Maine Coon’s physical and mental welfare, reducing frustration and building mutual understanding.

Whether teaching basic commands, harness walking, or fun tricks, your time and patience translate into a more content, confident cat, and a stronger human-feline relationship.

1. Establish The Right Foundation

• Begin early: Training has the most impact when started between 8 and 12 weeks, though Maine Coons remain trainable well into adulthood.
• Short sessions: Work in 5-10 minute segments once or twice a day to match your cat’s attention span.
• Reward consistently: Use high-value treats like tuna, praise, or gentle petting, immediately after the target behavior to solidify the connection.

2. Create A Trigger Association

Before your Maine Coon understands what the clicker means, you need to create an association between the sound of the click and the positive outcome (e.g., a treat or reward). This process is called charging the clicker.

How to do it:

Get your tools ready: You’ll need a small clicker (widely available on Amazon or at pet stores) and a handful of high-value treats your Maine Coon loves, e.g.,

• Cooked chicken
• Tuna
• Freeze-dried meat

Location: Choose a quiet, distraction-free room where your cat is relaxed and attentive. Sit on the floor or at their level.

Start pairing:

• Press the clicker once.
• Immediately give your cat a treat within 1-2 seconds.
• Repeat this process 10-15 times in a row, in one session.

This initial process matters because you are conditioning your cat’s brain to think, “Every time I hear that click, something amazing follows“.

The click becomes a predictive marker – a bridge between the action and the reward.

Tip: Don’t overdo it in one session. It’s better to do multiple short sessions (e.g., two 5-minute sessions per day) to prevent boredom or confusion.

3. Mark The Desired Behavior

Maine Coons are known for their high intelligence and social nature, making them perfect candidates for clicker training.

Once your Maine Coon learns that the click = treat, you can use the clicker to “mark” the exact moment they do something you want, e.g.:

• Sitting
• Touching a target
• Coming to you
• Not scratching the sofa

To do this, follow the steps below:

Wait for the behavior:

Let’s say you’re teaching your cat to “sit”.

Start by holding a treat just above your cat’s head (this usually makes them sit back naturally). The moment their bottom hits the floor, click the clicker!

Immediately reward:

It is important that you treat your cat straight after they sit down.

Timing is crucial. The click marks the good behavior exactly when it happens, but the treat is the motivator that reinforces it.

Repeat the process:

Practice the behavior multiple times across several short sessions.

Your cat will start offering the behavior more often because they’ve learned: “When I sit, I get a click, then I get something yummy.”

Add the verbal cue:

Once your cat consistently performs the behavior, introduce a verbal cue like “sit” just before they do it.

This helps them associate:

• The word
• The action
• The reward

Tip: Never click more than once for a single action. The single click is a precise marker. Adding multiple clicks can confuse your cat.

What Tricks Can You Teach a Maine Coon?

Whether you’re teaching basic manners or fun party tricks, here’s how to get started with positive reinforcement and a clicker or treat-based reward system.

1. Teach Name Recognition And Recall (“Come”)

This is one of the most important commands, especially for indoor-outdoor cats or those trained to walk on a harness.

How to teach it:

• Sit a few feet away from your cat in a quiet, distraction-free room.
• Hold a high-value treat and call your cat’s name clearly and warmly.
• As they begin to walk toward you, say the word “come”.
• The moment they reach you, reward them immediately with a treat and praise.
• Repeat this process daily, gradually increasing the distance as they improve.

Tip: Never use their name in a negative tone. Their name should always mean “good things are coming.”

2. Teaching Your Cat To “Sit”

“Sit” is a foundational trick that builds impulse control and can make grooming or vet visits easier.

How to teach it:

• Hold a treat just above your Maine Coon’s head and move it slightly backward.
• Their eyes will follow the treat, and their rear will naturally lower into a sitting position.
• As soon as their bottom hits the ground, click (or say a cue word like “Yes!”) and give the treat.
• Repeat this several times per session until your cat begins to associate the action with the word “Sit”.

Tip: Practice before mealtimes, when your cat is naturally more food-motivated.

3. Teach “Stay” (For Focus And Self-Control)

This trick helps your Maine Coon learn patience and is essential for safety and routine care tasks.

How to teach it:

• Start when your cat is already sitting.
• Hold your palm out in a “stop” gesture and say “stay” calmly.
• Pause for just 1-2 seconds, then reward and praise your cat for remaining still.
• Gradually increase the amount of time between the command and the treat as they improve.
• If they move before you release them, don’t reward; simply reset and try again.

Tip: Use a release word like “Okay!” to let them know when the stay is over.

4. Teach “High Five” Or “Shake”

These cute paw tricks are a hit with guests and surprisingly simple to teach with positive reinforcement.

How to teach “High Five”:

• Hold a treat in your closed fist just above your cat’s paw level.
• Say “high five!” and wait. Many cats will try to paw at your hand out of curiosity.
• The moment they touch your hand or paw at it, click and treat.
• Once they consistently offer their paw, present your open palm and wait for contact. Reward again.

How to teach “Shake”:

• Gently touch or lift your cat’s paw while saying “Shake,” then reward.
• Over time, your cat will begin offering the paw on their own when hearing the cue.

Tip: Keep sessions short and positive, 2–3 minutes, a couple times a day is plenty.

5. Teach “Fetch” (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Fetch stimulates both mind and body, and Maine Coons often take to it better than many dog breeds!

Watch my Maine Coon name Bali play fetch on the Maine Coon Central YouTube channel.

How to teach it:

• Choose a favorite toy that’s small and easy to carry.
• Toss the toy just a few feet away. When your cat goes to chase it, praise them.
• If they pick up the toy and return (even halfway), reward immediately.
• You can use a clicker the moment they begin returning with the toy to mark the behavior.
• Use a verbal cue like “Fetch” consistently.

Tip: Some cats will naturally fetch more than others – don’t force it. Try using a toy that mimics prey, like crinkly mice or fuzzy balls.

Training A Maine Coon To Walk On A Leash

Teaching a Maine Coon to wear and walk on a leash is entirely possible, and often easier than with other cat breeds due to their dog-like intelligence, curiosity, and desire to bond with humans.

However, it requires patience, positive reinforcement, and a gradual approach.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your Maine Coon embrace leash walking safely and confidently:

Step 1: Choose The Right Gear

Before training begins, you’ll need:

• A well-fitting cat harness (NOT a collar): Choose a soft, breathable harness designed for cats, not dogs. It should be snug but not tight.
• A lightweight, non-retractable leash (4-6 feet is ideal).
• High-value treats (like freeze-dried chicken or lickable tubes).
• A quiet, enclosed area for early training (like your living room or a secure garden).

Step 2: Introduce The Harness Indoors

Let your cat get used to the harness without wearing it:

1. Place the harness near their bed or food bowl for a few days so they associate it with good things.
2. Let them sniff and investigate it freely.
3. Occasionally, pair the harness with a treat to start creating a positive association.

Step 3: Practice Wearing The Harness

When your cat is relaxed:

1. Gently put the harness on, securing it snugly but comfortably.
2. Don’t attach the leash yet.
3. Let your Maine Coon wear the harness for short indoor sessions, starting with 2-3 minutes.
4. Immediately reward with treats and praise.
5. Gradually increase the wear time over several days.

Watch closely for signs of stress (flattened ears, frozen posture, fast breathing). If they seem uncomfortable, remove it and try again later.

Step 4: Add The Leash Indoors

Once your cat is comfortable wearing the harness:

1. Clip the leash to the harness.
2. Let them drag it around indoors under supervision, so they get used to the feel.
3. Offer treats as they walk and explore.
4. Start gently guiding them with the leash; never pull. Use treats to redirect if needed.

Tip: Use a clicker or verbal praise when they respond positively.

Step 5: Practice Guided Walks Inside

Begin short training walks inside:

• Encourage your Maine Coon to follow you using treats or toys.
• Let them lead sometimes; walking on a leash is a partnership, not control.
• Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes).
• Reward calm behavior and gently redirect if they pull or stop.

Step 6: Transition To Outdoors (Safely)

Once your Maine Coon is confidently walking indoors:

1. Choose a secure, enclosed outdoor space (like a back garden).
2. Start with short outdoor sessions (2-5 minutes).
3. Let your cat explore at their own pace.
4. Always supervise. Never leave them tied up unattended.

Outdoor safety tips:

• Avoid areas with dogs or busy traffic at first.
• Bring treats to distract from sudden noises.
• Carry a towel or backpack in case they panic and need to be carried indoors.

Step 7: Build Confidence Over Time

The more often you take your Maine Coon outside on a leash, the more confident and adventurous they’ll become.

Continue:

• Taking short daily walks
• Letting your cat sniff and explore (important for mental stimulation)
• Offering rewards and praise

Over time, some Maine Coons love walking trails, visiting parks, or even riding in backpacks or strollers when tired.

Final Tips:

• Never force your cat. If they’re overwhelmed, go back a step.
• Consistency is key. Daily 5-10-minute sessions are more effective than weekly long ones.
• Know your cat. Some Maine Coons may love walking; others may prefer supervised garden time.
• Avoid retractable leashes, which can snap or create too much tension.
• Harness fit is critical: A too-loose harness can lead to escapes.