Whether you’re thinking of surprising your significant other with the sweetest, fluffiest kitten ever or thinking of enriching your mundane existence with a four-legged friend that weights more than an average sack of potatoes or a bag of flour, you might be wondering – are Maine Coons friendly?
Maine Coon cats are native to the state of Maine, and they’re believed to have arrived there around the 1800s. Moreover, Coons are considered the oldest native cat breed there. Rugged and solidly built, Coons are one of the most popular, prominent breeds out there, and we’re here for that.
Deemed “gentle giants of the feline world,” Maine Coons attract attention with their muscular builds, shaggy, fluffy coats, and perked-up, tufted ears reminiscent of a bobcat. Coons are intimidating to pet parents, but they’re the cutest, cuddliest creatures who adore hanging out with humans.
Depending on one’s wants and needs, there’s no question that Maine Coon cats make for the purrfect pets. With a soft, sweet purrsonality, a tendency to nap throughout the mornings, afternoons, and evenings, and a need for attention at all times, they’re guaranteed to make everyone’s life better.
When you take a peep at a Maine Coon cat, though, you might be taken aback by the grumpy grimace on her face. Maine Coon cats are sweethearts, we know that, but they’re scary when you’re met with them for the first time. Maine Coon cats are friendly, right? Right?!
Are Maine Coon cats friendly?
Now, you might be having second thoughts about adopting a Maine Coon cat because you’ve heard through the grape wine that they’re high-maintenance or that they’re aggressive when approached without consent.
Maybe you own another pet and you’re worried whether the two would get along together. Perhaps you’re taken aback by the fact that Coons are bigger than an average cat and you’re worried that your moggy might have a tough time getting around the “gentle giant.”
Whatever the case might be, we’re not surprised that you’re questioning whether Maine Coon cats are friendly or not. Rest assured, though, Maine Coon cats are friendly.
Maine Coons are curious creatures, but they’re pretty straightforward when we’re referring to their temperament. Whether they’re running around the apartment and demanding your attention or napping on the sofa and purring for treats, they’re always trying to be near you.
Coons adore hanging out with humans, and you shouldn’t be surprised when your Coon starts following you to the bathroom, watching over you when you’re cooking, or peeking at you when you’re taking a shower.
Maine Coons can’t get enough of attention and affection and that’s why they’re purrfect for families with plenty of family members, friends, and pets to play with. Contrary to popular belief, Maine Coon cats are incredibly intelligent and highly trainable, too.
Are Maine Coon cats good pets?
Circling back to the second thoughts you might be experiencing about adopting a Maine Coon cat, you’re not the only one thinking that a smaller, sweeter breed would be a better fit. Siamese, Burmese, and Singapura are adorable, but we’re rooting for Maine Coon cats for a reason.
Maine Coon cats are good pets, there’s no question about that. Affectionate, strong, and smart, they’re eager to meet their entire family and swoop them off their feet – the bigger, the better. We also can’t forget about the fact that Maine Coon cats are more than happy to do whatever you want them to do.
Whether you want them to play fetch, walk on a leash, or learn a trick you saw on TikTok, they’re happy to be there. Maine Coon cats will be the life of a party and there’s never a dull moment when you’re hanging out with them. But, but, but – there’s always a but when we’re nitpicking a Maine Coon’s purrsonality.
Maine Coon cats aren’t meant to be alone. Two Maine Coons are better than one, but a Maine Coon cat can be happy and healthy with a family that takes care of her, plays with her, and spends every moment of the waking hour with her. Therefore, Coons are as friendly as you are.
What makes Maine Coon cats good pets?
1. Maine Coon cats are gentle giants
What do you mean, are Maine Coons friendly? Maine Coon cats are oftentimes deemed “gentle giants of the feline world” because they’re big cats with even bigger purrsonalities. Moreover, Coons are fun and friendly, and they’re over the moon whenever they’re surrounded by some sort of congregation.
Worry not, though, Coons aren’t known to act up when they’re overwhelmed or overstimulated. Coons are much more likely to get up and leave, spend some time alone, and come back when they’re ready for a paw-licking treat or a snuggle session. What’s not to adore, right?
2. Coons are cute and cuddly
Maine Coon cats aren’t big on personal space. Whenever you’re hanging out with a Coon, you might notice that she expects you to shower her with smooches, offer her a tummy rub, or even groom her coat with a brush. Coons adore human touch and they’re more than excited to spend quality time with you.
Whether you cuddle with her, allow her to take a nap on your lap, or arrange a dinner party where you share each other’s favorite foods, you’re guaranteed to become your Coon’s BFF right away. Coons aren’t lap cats because they’re a little too big for that, but that doesn’t stop them from trying.
3. Maine Coons are family-friendly
Cats are family-friendly, right? Although cats are rumored to be reserved and detached around humans, to get aggressive when they’re approached without consent, or to act up when they’re annoyed, we’d argue that most cats aren’t out to get you.
Bengal cats, Savannah cats, and even Siamese cats get a bad reputation because they’re quick to scratch your arms, but Maine Coon cats are patient and polite.
When you annoy a Maine Coon cat, you might get a meow or a growl, but that’s pretty much everything you can expect. Coons are family-friendly, and they’re great with humans that aren’t big on boundaries because they’re calm and composed.
4. Maine Coons are dogs of the cat world
Coons are great for pet parents who wanted to get another dog but ended up getting a smaller, fluffier alternative – a Maine Coon. We mentioned beforehand that Maine Coons are incredibly intelligent and aren’t above walking on a leash, playing fetch, or learning tricks.
With a curious Coon, you’re guaranteed to have the time of your life whatever you’re doing. Coons are appropriate for active pet parents that go on walks and hikes, work out outside, or play sports. With patience and diligent training, there’s nothing you can’t do with a Maine Coon cat.
5. Coons are curious creatures
“Curiosity killed the cat,” but Maine Coons aren’t afraid of taking risks.
Maine Coons are curious creatures and they’re known to roam around, explore the great outdoors, and cause trouble here and there. Maybe that’s because they’re sociable or maybe that’s because they’re reckless, but Maine Coons aren’t afraid of anything.
While following your Coon around might be entertaining when the two of you are getting to know each other, you’re going to get tired when your boisterous beast starts nibbling on pretty much everything – from toxic Allium veggies and harmful citrus fruits to forbidden chocolates and deadly essential oils.
6. Maine Coon cats are hunters
Whether you’re struggling to coexist with spiders, cockroaches, and crawling creatures or trying to rid your backyard of mice, snails, and slugs, a Maine Coon cat might be the right thing for you. Forget about pest control when you have a natural hunter at your disposal 24/7.
Ferocious as these fluffy felines are, Maine Coons adore exploring the great outdoors for possible prey.
Birds, squirrels, frogs, and even butterflies seem like a tasty snack to your ravenous rascal, but that attests to the fact that Maine Coons sometimes get a stomach bug from munching on things they’re not supposed to munch on.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reluctance to eat are some of the symptoms to keep an eye on. Keep your Coon away from the garden until the tummy trouble clears up.
7. Coons adore water
A splash of water makes most cats act up, whether that’s out of fear, annoyance, or even aggression. And there’s nothing wrong with that considering that most cats are afraid of water and aren’t comfortable with batching, swimming, or even dipping a paw or two. But Maine Coons aren’t the same.
Before you protect your Coon from the scary water fountain, check whether she’s comfortable around water. Coons are equipped with water-resistant coats and that might be the reason why they’re more comfortable with water than average cats.
Whatever the reason might be, don’t shy away from experimenting with your Coon.
8. Maine Coon cats are Chatty Cathys
Maine Coons are friendly, and they’re happy to show how friendly they are by chirping, trilling, and crooning. Coons communicate with humans with a strange chirping sound you’d expect to come from a bird. Cats typically meow, purr, or growl, but we’re not surprised that Coons want to be different.
When they’re trying to get your attention, Maine Coons will chirp and trill persistently – no matter what.