MAINE COON PERSONALITY: FASCINATING GENTLE GIANT
Maine Coon personality: are you wondering what it is like to have a Maine Coon cat and a typical Maine Coon personality and temperament. We are about to describe all aspects of this fascinating cat personality.
Maine Coons are generally described as gentle giants; they are very friendly, intelligent pets. If you think of a dog in the form of a cat, you have an idea of what it is like to have a Maine Coon. Maine Coons are pet-friendly, very gentle with humans and other animals, extremely social, easy to train, playful, quite vocal, curious cats, and great eaters. They are affectionate and love their owner to a fault.
Let’s describe the Maine Coon personality and temperament.
MAINE COON PERSONALITY
Maine Coons are fascinating cats, big like dogs and gentle like dolls, never stop surprising us for their intelligence and understanding of their owners and what they need from them. If you treated a Maine Coon like a dog, you would not go far from understanding their personality. The only point is that they look like a cat!
While Maine Coons are cats and share the same characteristics as the average cat, some traits and characteristics make Maine Coon stand out: the typical Maine Coon signature. This is what we are going to list out.
So, what are the Maine Coon personality traits?
- GENTLE AND SWEET
Maine Coon reputation wants those types of cats to be very gentle and sweet. They are affectionate and often going to the various humans living with them for cuddles and scratches. Despite their big size, they are not aggressive. It is rare to have an aggressive Maine Coon.
It is more likely to see a Maine Coone inquiring about what you are doing and wanting to play. Contrary to big-size animals, they are far from intimidating; they may not realize that they are big and may sometimes create a mess when they walk into things.
They are not gentle only with humans. They are also gentle with other cats and animals. They want to socialize more than fight. If you want a very peaceful cat, it may be that a Maine Coon is right for you.
- YOU CAN TRAIN THEM WITH EASE
It is not a mystery that Maine Coons are more intelligent than average cats; they can follow directions and perform the task you teach them. It is much easier to teach a Maine Coon cat to walk on a leash out with you. They come when you call them, and if you spend some time in training, they will learn commands and behave like a dog.
Some Maine Coon are seeing walking outside near their owner without running away but following them and enjoying the walk. Rare to see in other cats breeds.
Maine Coons can be rewarding from this perspective as you feel like someone is really listening to you. Other cats may not even show they have heard you or have a “selective hearing,” meaning they may react to you calling them.
- THEY ARE DEMANDING
While all cats can be demanding and be into everything you are doing, following you, trying to eat from your plate, preventing you from working, and so on, Maine Coon can be even more demanding than average cats. Therefore imagine your cat intrusions into your life multiplied several times over. This is the Maine Coon.
They seem to want to spend all their time with their owners; they are less keen on spending time on their own. They crave companionship, and they want to be involved in what is going on. Know this when you get a Maine Coon, you are not entitled to any privacy. But if it is this what you want from a pet friendly, here you go.
Maine Coon does not like to be alone. They are needy cats; even if it is only to be next to you while you do your things, they need interactions with others. Therefore if you have only one Maine Coon and no one is at home most of the day, the best is to get a second Maine Coon or a second cat to live with them and play.
- THEY ARE OBSESSED WITH FOOD
One thing about Maine Coons is that they like to eat. Let’s be real. All cats run to their food, but Maine Coons can be obsessed with it and vocalize a lot near meals. They get very excited about what you are feeding them. They are greedy.
- THEY ARE VERY VOCAL
A Maine Coon has developed the ability to talk with humans whenever they want something. They are more likely to talk to you via a meow. They meow a lot and respond to you even if you talk to them. If you live with them for a while, you will likely associate each meow with the exact demand.
- THEY USE THEIR PAWS FOR COMMUNICATION
One of the funny traits of the Maine Coon personality is the fact that they use their front paws a lot to interact with others. When they want something, they are likely to indicate it to you with their front paws; they can use their paws to get your attention and, of course, to play and chase things like other cats.
- THEY ARE FRIENDLY
Maine Coons are very tolerant and friendly with other pets, strangers, and new additions to the family; they do not have to attack or be upset because another cat has invaded their territory. They seem to be fewer territorials than other types of cats. If you have a Maine Coon is more likely that you can get a second pet with no problems. Maine Coons are cats that would travel with you with more ease than other cats.
- THEY ARE GOOFY
While most cats are goofy when they play and follow their curiosity, Maine Coons are particularly goofy. If you imagine them always intruding in your life and into things around the house and wanting to be involved with that is going on, you can imagine them getting in trouble a lot. If you want a pet that makes you laugh, Maine Coons can be that kind of pet. If you have a sense of humor, they are made for you.
- THEY LIKE WATER
As shocking as it may seem, yes, Maine Coons like water, and they are generally not afraid to get a bath on to get wet. Unlike other types of cats, they are not at war with water. This is great news since Maine Coons have long fur and may need cleaning from time to time. This is another trait that makes Maine Coons a step higher than other cats.
- THEY LIKE COLD WEATHER
Main Coons like to take walks in the snow and spend some time outside walking and playing when snow is on the ground. Main Coons are totally equipped to enjoy their time out in such weather due to the long fur and the huge and fluffy tail that can warm them up if needed. They have fur also between their paws, enabling them to walk comfortably in the snow. They seem to come alive and be more active in cold weather.
- HUNTING
Cats are great hunters; they can run fast, stalk their prey, be silent and sneaky, all great quality for a successful hunt. Maine Coons have developed a much better hunting skill; Maine Coons are fantastic hunters despite their size. They retain the hunting skills even as domesticated cats, they will kee their skill sharp playing with toys, hunting any small animal or insect that dare to cross the front door, and they like to play fetch as well, like dogs.
- ADAPTING QUICKLY
Unlike other cats, Maine Coons can adapt to changing environments faster than any other cat. Another cat can put up a tantrum and be upset for weeks after moving into a new house or being stressed for a change you introduced in the household. Maine Coons do not share the same viewpoint; they are not dramatic if you invite people to come over to your house or move from one place to another, or if you bring them to the vet. They have a great ability to adapt.
- THEY ARE LOYAL
If you get the idea of what a loyal dog can be, you can get a pretty good idea of the loyalty of a Maine Coon. They will always be near you and following you; they will greet other people; however, you are the person they are going to.
Do you know more Maine Coon personality traits? Leave it in the comments below and let us know.
FEMALE MAINE COON AND MALE MAINE COON PERSONALITY
The Maine Coon personality for a male and the Maine Coon personality for a female can differ.
Some people are wondering if there is a difference between a male or female Maine Coon. Maine Coon traits are similar to all Maine Coons, but let’s also remember that each cat has a different personality. Therefore, some Maine Coons cats can fall short of some of the typical traits of a Maine Coon.
When it comes to male and female Main Coon, there aren’t big differences. However, it has been observed that female Maine Coon seems to be more collected and independent versus a male Maine Coon who needs more interaction, play, and it is more demanding. Males can be more outgoing than females, but both are stunning cats and are both very friendly.
Male Maine Coon tends to be longer and heavier than a female Maine Coon. Therefore a female Maine Coon can be smaller than a male one.
Therefore if you want a cat that is invading as a Maine Coon but wants to have the opportunity to be left alone from time to time, maybe a female is more fitting to you.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Here some related questions about the Maine Coon personality and related answers:
- Are Maine Coon cats cuddly?
The main trait of the Maine Coon personality is affection. Maine Coons are more affectionate than other cats and are more likely to be cuddling with you anytime you sit down or are “available” for cuddling. Maine Coons, in general, will be more likely to come on you to get petted, purring, and demanding your attention. They are great cats for people who want to have affection.
- Can Maine coons be left alone?
Maine Coons do not like at all to be alone; they may become depressed and sad. Maine Coons main characteristics want them to be interacting with others, play, hunt, and receive affection. If you want to have a Maine Coon and know that he may be left alone, the best is to get a second cat, so he has someone to interact with.
- Are Maine Coon cats good pets?
Maine Coons cats are the best pets to have in a family with children and other pets; they are the best pet to have a family of two or even one. They are loyal and affectionate cats. Compared with other breeds of cats, Maine Coons have better qualities in relating to others.
- Why do Maine Coons bite?
Even though Maine Coons are very social types of cats, they still can get upset, feel in danger, be in pain. If they feel threatened, they may bite. They may bite in self-defense. Sometimes cats do not like you touching their bellies; Main Coons can be upset if someone tries to touch that part of his body. Main Coons can bite for all the reasons other cats breeds may bite.
- Are Maine Coons one person cats?
Maine Coons, like other types of cats, could prefer one person rather than another; cats have different personalities; they may attach to one family member in particular. However, Maine Coon can become friends and interact with other people, too; they are very social. I guess that if you really give them attention, they will give it back to you.
- Are Maine Coon cats high maintenance?
Maine Coon has many qualities, they are not the average cat, but they come with higher maintenance and effort required to keep them well and healthy. If you want a Maine Coon you have to think that they eat a lot of food, a Maine Coon can weight over 20 pounds; to keep that weight, they have to eat a lot.
You are not getting away with 2 or 3 cans of food each day. Only this can be an important expense. Because they eat a lot, it comes to the natural consequence of thinking about the litter box. You will have to buy more litter than normal.
There are increased expenses just for feeding a Maine Coon, but they also need brushing and cleaning. They also require a lot of attention; they are not the type of cats that mind to themselves. If you are not discouraged yet, Maine Coons are great pets!
- Are Maine Coon cats destructive?
Maine Coons can be destructive because they are big cats and their claws are bigger; imagine if your dog would start scratching around in the house. It would be a lot of destruction. Maine Coons can create more damage than a normal size cat.
Fortunately, they are also more intelligent and can be trained to use the scratchers and to place their claws there instead of the couch. Just provide for enough scratchers that they can use around the house.
- Do Maine coons get along with dogs?
Maine Coons can get very well along with dogs; they are friendly and gentle cats; unlike other cats, they are not going to make a drama if there is a new pet in the house. We need to see if the dog is ok with the Maine Coon as well.
- How much exercise does a Maine Coon need?
Cats need to exercise daily and need to run and play to keep in shape. Especially Maine Coons cats need to run around and exercise. They tend to get obese if they do nothing all day. If you spend 20-40 minutes a day playing with them, you help them a lot to keep in shape. If there is a second cat or another pet, it is even better because they will chase each other and keep in shape.
- Are Maine Coon cats rare?
No, they are not rare; they are expensive because they are not a common cat breed that you find in the streets. They have particular personalities that make them rank higher in the “cat hierarchy.”
Here is a bit of history when it was believed that the Maine Coon was about to disappear. If you like historical mentions you can read below:
In the early 20th century, the Maine Coon’s popularity began to decline with the introduction of other long-haired breeds, such as the Persian, which originated in the Middle East. The last recorded win by a Maine Coon in a national cat show for over 40 years was in 1911 at a show in Portland, Oregon. The breed was rarely seen after that. The decline was so severe that the breed was declared extinct in the 1950s, although this declaration was considered to be exaggerated and reported prematurely at the time. The Central Maine Cat Club (CMCC) was created in the early 1950s by Ethylin Whittemore, Alta Smith, and Ruby Dyer in an attempt to increase the popularity of the Maine Coon. For 11 years, the CMCC held cat shows and hosted exhibitions of photographs of the breed and is noted for creating the first written breed standards for the Maine Coon.[10] In 1985, the state of Maine announced that the breed would be named the official state cat.[13] Today the Maine Coon is the third most popular cat breed, according to the number of kittens registered with the CFA. (Ref. Wikipedia)
- Should Maine Coon cats go outside?
Main Coons are known to be coming from wild environments, like to hunt and roam around in the snow and cold weather. However, if you want to let your Maine Coon out to exercise and spend some good time, you should be supervising him; they can walk on a leash or teach them to follow you so that they can come for a walk. Letting them go out alone and roam freely can be a bad idea. Some people may recognize the Maine Coon breed and try to steal your cat. Be cautious about this.
- Can you walk a Maine Coon on a leash?
Maine Coon can resemble dogs in so many things, including walking with a leash. There are so many examples in the web of Maine Coons cats walking with the owner on a leash, some even walking without a leash, but following the owner or walking near them, like a dog would do. If there is any cat that can walk on a leash, that is a Maine Coon.
- What are the origin of Maine Coon?
The ancestral origins of the Maine Coon are unknown[7]—there are only speculation and folk tales. One story involves Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, who was executed in 1793. The story goes that before her death, Antoinette attempted to escape France with the help of Captain Samuel Clough. She loaded Clough’s ship with her most prized possessions, including six of her favorite Turkish Angora (or possibly Siberian) cats. Although she did not make it to the United States, all of her pets managed to reach the shore of Wiscasset, Maine safely, where they bred with other short-haired breeds and developed into the modern breed of the Maine Coon. (Ref. Wikipedia)
- Do Maine Coon Cats hunt mice?
Maine Coons hunt mice and all other bugs and animals they see around; as stated above, this particular breed of cat has superior hunting skills; even if indoor, they will keep hunting.
- Do Maine Coons travel well?
Surprisingly Maine Coons can travel well; their friendly nature makes them tolerate much more the presence of other people and sounds. It is not uncommon to see people going out with their Maine Coon on a troller, the cat totally relaxing and enjoying the view. It is way more difficult to do it with other types of cats, even if not impossible.
CONCLUSION
Maine Coon personality: Maine Coons are great cats and friends; they can be a great companion for people with their superior communication skills and affection. There are so many good points about these types of cats than negative points. In fact, I was trying to figure out what are the minus points.
The only things that came to my mind were the expenses one has to expect from having such a beauty. I could not think about anything to do with their personalities or how they behave. But if one can do it economically and provide a good home for them, they are a perfect pet friend.
If you have a Maine Coon and want to share some stories, please write it in the comments below; let us know if you have any questions as well.
Read also: DO CATS GET PROTECTIVE OF THEIR OWNERS? DEVOTED PETS?