Maine Coon Behaviour
By Erica Armstrong
- Introduction
- Breed history
- Maine Coon Behaviour
- What To Look For
- Show Standards
- Conclusion
- Maine Coon pictures
Even ordinary common or garden 'moggies' are intelligent and fairly easy to train and teach. Maine Coons are hugely more intelligent than regular cats. They are also easier to teach. This breed of cat may be looked upon as more of a companion than a pet. They love to be with humans, and treat them as their 'best friends' showing great devotion and loyalty. They also show the greatest of affection and general appreciation towards their human friends.
They are very dexterous and use their front paws a great deal. It is nothing unusual for them to use their paw to dip into their food bowl and then to lick the food from the paw. Being so 'handy' with their paws means that many easily learn things like how to open doors, turn on water taps and even to pick up small objects in their paws.
Another unusual aspect of Maine Coons is that they are able to 'sing' or rather to combine their purring with their voice, thus creating a kind of 'trilling' sound, which they use to communicate with their companions. They usually make this sound when they are very happy, or if they are startled or surprised by something, as well as to let you know what they want.
Eating alone is something this breed dislikes. They enjoy being around other cats or their human friends when enjoying a meal. Generally, this breed prefers being near its human friends, rather than being cats that like sitting on their owners lap. This may be to do with their size, and of course, there are some variables here, since each Maine Coon has its very own disposition and personality.
Something else that may surprise you about this breed is that they enjoy water. They may dip their paws in and out of their water bowl, licking the water from their paws rather than drinking from the bowl, or even dunk a favourite toy in the bowl. Some play with their bowls to the extent of knocking it over. Others sit in the bath and muse for hours at the leaking tap, dipping their paws under the trickle.
This breed of cat is highly intelligent as a rule, and gets bored fairly easily. Maine Coons have been known to be quite mischievous when bored, and get up to tricks like purposely knocking items off tables or counter tops, just to grab your attention.
The game of 'fetch' is popular with most every Maine Coon. They will bring their favourite toy or ball and deposit it at the feet of their selected friend, and wait for the ball or toy to be thrown. They will then race off and retrieve it bringing it back to the feet of their friend once again.
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Comments
Wow, 18 Jul 2009 05:12
That totally explains my cat!
Mimi - My baby girl, 19 Jul 2009 01:40
My cat Mimi was 16 years old when she died of renal failure. I keep blaming myself that I should have done something sooner, to smarter and seeked out more help, as the vets just gave her antibiotics. I always thought she was some sort of Turkish Angora which I guess is a Coon. She had an enormous intelligence and loved water. She was like a human and acted so gentle and always "felt" with you. If I cried she knew and came up to me and wanted to know what was wrong. She was definitely not a lap cat. She loved water and washed her face every morning in the bathtub. I loved and will always love that cat. She was special.
Sue, 10 Aug 2009 03:32
This is my cat! And the other descriptions fit her, too. She is the best cat in the world. Very much like a dog, but more independent. :-)
Ray, 20 Aug 2009 04:51
This is my cat as well. I've heard Coons described as a dog cat. Before she was so sweet I was wondering if she was a fold (not all folds have folded ears), but she loved to tip things over and do other things for attention.
DANIEL, 25 Aug 2009 08:41
I LOVE MY CAT SO MUCH HE TAUGHT HIMSELF TO PEE IN TOLIET EVRY TIME MAKES LITTER EASY WORK IS THERE OTHERS LIKE MY SAM
Dawn, 28 Aug 2009 01:34
I am fostering a maine coon, he has been here 1 month. He is very vocal, does not know the meaning of the word NO. He could care less if I am scolding him when is up on the counter. If I spank his butt to get down he doesn't even acknowledge me. He has a mind of his own and is very persistent. He likes to show you he is BOSS. Nothing seems to phase him. He is very loud with his vocals and likes to sound off often. He is very handsome!
Erika,7 Sept 2009, 07 Sep 2009 06:09
I have a female Coon that is ten yrs. old. Found most of the discriptions above to be true in regard to the breed, although mine is extremely affectionate(almost to the point of annoyance). Another interesting(to put it nicely) trait, is that whenever you pet her she starts to drool..I mean like a Saint Benard drool! Guess I should feel lucky....I really do have a "cat-dog".
annonomus, 08 Sep 2009 07:30
i like ginger cats
Wendy, 16 Sep 2009 11:04
I have a female Maine Coon - Sophie - who loves getting a drink out of the bathroom faucet, plays fetch with a twist tie and loves to cuddle at night between the blankets but won't sit on your lap. She doesn't like to be held either. She is very intelligent and needs her toys changed around frequently so we keep special toys hidden away to keep playtime interesting. I had a male Maine Coon - Softie - who weighed in at 20 pounds of solid cat and lived to 17. He too wouldn't sit on your lap but loved to be held (until you sat down) and would lay in the bathtub till someone walked past and turned the water on for him.
Jimmy, 20 Sep 2009 08:35
I have a female Maine Coon as black and white-call her name is Oreo my oreo does love to use getting a drink out of the bathroom faucet, also blankets under it, watch of the tiolet flashing and smell all of above! She loves with me all the time keep her as a sweet, playing the plastic air ball and wrestle with Tiny kitten when they are raising in our home. Oreo is 10 weeks old it's large body now. (Aww, Maine Coon could be escape from the door, ha).
stoney, 22 Sep 2009 11:37
Have a female coon named Otis, I know i know its not a girls name but it fits her. She is one of my best friends. Always there when i get home, talks to me, She used to play fetch but she is a little to good for it now. Hates water though. Beautiful cat, She is my second coon had a male before he got to 29 pounds!!!! If you have a coon be cardful with there teeth they tend to have a problem with tooth decay. I also have a egyption mau cat. Another great if cat if you are looking for a great companion.
Darren, 23 Sep 2009 08:24
We have 3, 2 females and one male,Casper the male is pure white :) and very soft along with his sister who is a tiny tortie in comparison to the other female who is bigger than the tom. The brother and sister are proper lap cats which is weird! and Millie our brown tabie is what most would describe as still wild,hates being brushed or cuddled but will some times just come and jump on you and at around 16lb you know she is there.
lucille hammond, 24 Sep 2009 02:42
my maine coon will do her poopo on the floor in front of her toilet.can you tell me why?
Tanya, 03 Oct 2009 03:25
I'm on my way to the vet with my 14yr old MC, Whiskas. He stopped eating almost 3 wks ago and I took him to the vet. He was tested and I was told he his liver and kidney's are failing. He started eating a week ago and stopped once again this past Tuesday. I'm so sad because the above discribes whiskas almost to a "T" (he only liked being around family). I'm afraid I might have to put him down today. Please pray for Whiskas.
Jeanne, 06 Oct 2009 11:53
I have two fun mainecoon males. They are still babies (2 1/2 +2yrs) I had a male coon for 15 yrs and he died of kidney failure. This is a great breed of cat and their loyalty, antics and great personalities make them the best !
Guldar, 08 Oct 2009 08:15
That is deffinetly my cat Max, my boy. he loves to play fetch like a dog, Never heard him mewing, but he makes some sounds when we fight, he gets angry very easy. He also doesnt like to be hold but sleeps only on my bed. Love him very much.
Pam, 12 Oct 2009 04:15
To Tanya, just read your post. God bless you through this. I assume Whiskas has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. God know your hear, and He is holding Whiskas right now.
JayHawk, 28 Oct 2009 03:19
A little over a year ago, a fuzzy black furball wandered into our backyard. We named her Sophia. It wasn't until a few months ago we found out she is a Black Maine Coon. Her personality fits the description above, and she is definitely a family cat, although she prefers to be around me, presumably since I was the one who took her in. Sophia is a princess in this household, holding court whenever she pleases, and she is a most welcome addition to our family.
Arnie, 31 Oct 2009 06:05
Once a small and cute kitten, now our Nellik is seven months old and the same size as the grown up cats in the neighbourhood. And she still grows... Her favourite hobby is to join our two dogs for a walk, and then start a "fight" when they come home. We`ve got some fantastic photos where Nellik`s head is almost swallowed by one of the dogs. Every night they camp together in the same bed. It took us less than a week to get the dogs to accept Nellik, and now they all behave like they belong to the same pack. Nellik is our first Maine Coon, but she will not be the last. Fantastic cats!
Mark, 02 Nov 2009 06:50
@Lucille - did you leave the toilet seat down? ;)
christine, 04 Nov 2009 06:48
we adopted a mainecoon from a shelter in maryland but didnot know he was one until we got to texas our coon is named smokie he is all gray and has adopted a female toresshaell kitten both cats are fixed
dilay, 04 Nov 2009 06:57
hi everyone! I have a georgeous cat named Kismet, because I found her in front of my main building door, so we are each other's kismet :) both physically and emotionally, she fits all those descriptions above. but her forte is that water fetish! I just want to say she looooves water. she gets happy when I have to go to bathroom, because then she can ask me to turn on the water for her and she sits in the faucet sometimes plays with running water, sometimes drinks it, sometimes let the water run over her( she is almost waterproof) but eachtime I feel like she is making love with water. anyway sorry about the long post but I had to tell this somewhere :D I love Kismet and she loves water...
christine, 05 Nov 2009 01:50
hi again my husband wanted to post so here is story every morning at 7 am smokie comes in and wakes me up if i'm not up yet this past sunday smokie came in and woke me up for work i had to be there at 7am and it was 6;40 i only had 20 min
Dianne, 08 Nov 2009 06:40
My Maine Coon "blend" is Isaac, age eleven. Dog-cat is right!! Add in the voice of a Siamese with the mischievousness and the inventiveness of a four-year old child. --- and that's my boy! He's all heart and totally loyal, and even at his age is still learning new tricks!!
Holly, 09 Nov 2009 07:58
I have a beautiful Maine Coon girl named Mittens. She just turned 12 this past October. She is the sweetest and most gentle cat! She is an old lady, but still loves to play and chase tin foil balls. She is so loyal, but I will admit that she is a lap cat. She will also curl up next to you if you are laying on the couch or in bed. She loves to sit in the window and trill at the birds and outside cats. She also trills when she hears the can opener (hoping it's her special canned food she gets for special occaisions!) Her favorite thing is to have people watch her eat! She won't eat unless me or another member of the family has come to watch her. She gets so excited if she sees someone heading towards the kitchen because she thinks they have only gone there to watch her eat! She has been my baby for 12 years and I hope she is for another 10!
Lisa, 23 Nov 2009 08:33
We have a maine coon ,black andwhite named Patch.. everything about water is true, he will leave his toy in the waterbowl. Loves to talk alot ,, very interesting kitty , we love him
Arlene, 27 Nov 2009 03:39
I rescued Molly from the parking lot of a Chinese restaurant along with her sister, only the sister is a short haired black cat That I named Maggie. Molly fits all the descriptions except that she is a major lap cat and Maggie loves the water!!
Collin, 02 Dec 2009 11:53
I just found out how special my cat is.He meows a lot he usually sits on my homework or paper wenever someone is using it.He ran across the street from his owners house to some random house which was our house and never left.He always wants to be near us and right now he is lying on the edge of the computer.I love him very much.
Jennifer, 03 Dec 2009 09:32
My cat is 1 and is really long. Very sweet and when I'm in pain or sick, he is right there checking on me. Sleeps like a person in my bed and takes naps with me. Likes to knock my plants over which gets irritating. And likes to lay in the bathroom sink. Several times I have had to clean the kitcken floor, because he likes to turn his bowl over. Loves to drink bottled water right from the bottle.
Karin, 05 Dec 2009 12:39
My cats love to put their toys or rubber bands they find in their water bowl. They also love to jump in the tub after I take a shower and walk around. They aren't supposed to be on the kitchen counter but when I woke up this morning the wet dish rag was on the floor in the living room. They definitely have a fascination with water. If I turn on the bathroom sink they want to come and drink out of it. They are very loveable, gentle cats. They follow me around the house. Wherever I am they are there too.
jeni, 05 Dec 2009 05:04
just rescued a maincoon male didnt know bout them till friend told me what i had found so looked up coon cats and there he was he came scratching at back door two nights ago cant believe how friendy even nice to my dog and three female cats ithink well keep him named sampson for his long hair
Elena, 07 Dec 2009 03:41
Hello, maine coon owners! I am allergic to cats but badly want one. Do you know if maine coons are hypoallergic as siberians? Thank you in advance.
Cip, 09 Dec 2009 07:28
I have a HUUUUUGE 7 lb 8 month old maine coon, and he`s totally crazy... he serenades us every day :) we had a friend over who is a little (he said so) alergic to cats, and he left with puffy eyes and running nose, so Elena, i think this is not the right choice for you.
Becca, 15 Dec 2009 03:11
Elena, I dont know if maine coons are hypoallergenic, but my mc doesnt bother my allergies at all!
Geraldine,, 16 Dec 2009 05:15
My maine coon came into my yard in 7/09 and i've had him ,now he's mine. I love him so much,he's avery smart cat.All of the above is true. He does'nt bother my allergies.I think he's about 7or8 months old.GREAT MC!!
Deanna, 22 Dec 2009 01:31
I have had my Leo now for about 6 months he is about 9 months old and he is so sweet. I just found out recently he is a Maine Coon. He is the softest thing and I agree, very much fascinated with water and constantly underfoot . or beside me as he is now "helping" me write this. What a wonderful treasure I've found in him.... Although he's a pest when it comes to the christmas tree he prefers to climb to near the top and perch for a nap.....after knocking out all the ornaments he can reach.......
wal, 22 Dec 2009 09:30
my maine coon, Edsel, was born on 9-11-01 on our carport to a semi-feral small stray, very dog-like, lies on his belly with his back legs splayed out, lolls around on his back, but has heart problems and kidney trouble he is a good boy.
Mellissa, 25 Dec 2009 06:47
My Coon loves to be outside all night much of the time,even if it is snowing or no matter how cold it is - anyone else experience this trait ?!?
K.J. from Tulsa, OK, 26 Dec 2009 08:18
We have a dark gray male Maine Coon. He is about 14 months old. He is different than the other cats that we have had. You have to be careful he does bit at times. He loves to sit on my Wifes lap, but not mind, just sometimes. He is a beautiful cat, likes to be with us most of the time, like attendtion. Likes for you to roll the ball to him and he hits it back to you with his large palls, sometimes he catches the ball with both palls and throught it back to you. he also sleeps with with us part of the night and then sleeps in his backet beside our bed. He does dip his pall in his water bowl to drink his water that way. He does eat real well and seems to be real healthy. K.J.
Frankie\'s Mom, 29 Dec 2009 03:36
I found my Frankie "Frank the Tank" at the local shelter. He was very ill and was going to be put to sleep but I fell in love with him at 1st sight. I didn't know he was a Maine Coon, but a friend told me he was. He weighed 13 lbs when I got him.. the vet said he would get a lot bigger if he got better...Well, he got better and now he weighs 30 lbs. He's the sweetest, most gentle loving cat I've ever known. He's the best!
Bert\'s moma, 29 Dec 2009 06:46
My Maine Coon is named Bert, short for Bertrude. It fits. He is all of the above. He says Mama when he wants my attention--people have heard him on the phone & can't believe it. Bert likes to play with children's pull toys, his favorite is a wooden airplaine, which he pulls from room to room. I found him when he was about 6 months old, and made him a house cat. He has been very loyal, and sleeps in my arms like a baby.
Pat, 29 Dec 2009 08:19
My Maine Coon is silver, her name is Angel....didn't know how aptly the name would fit her at the time. Needless to say, she's lived up to her name. We adopted her from a local shelter 12 years ago. Our vet thought she was about a year old at the time. Angel is like many other coons described here. Very sweet, gentle, caring, intelligent and so many other positive adjectives. The most interesting thing about Angel that hasn't been mentioned here is how she behaved when we met her at the shelter. When I picked her up, she wrapped her front legs around my neck like she was holding on for dear life. She would not let go, the staff actually struggled to gently peel her off so we could put her back in the cage. When we walked away to see the other cats, her face looked like she was ready to cry.....no kidding! Upon seeing us return, she perked right up and of course we adopted her. Angel chose us. Angel helped me through breast cancer in ways I never would have expected. She talked a lot during that time, very cuddly but also very careful and gentle near the surgery area. We now occasionally call her the healing cat. She will do whatever she can to take care of us. Like some of the others, she is a lap cat but not a constant one. Loves to follow me room to room, etc. Definitely a cat that behaves more like a dog but doesn't demand as much care. The most interesting info I found on this site was about the water. And to think all this time I thought it was the family dog putting Angel's toys into the water! The dog also got blamed for digging in the flower garden throughout one summer until I saw Angel (looking like little Miss Priss but actually quite the tom boy) digging like mad, dirt flying up close to three feet in the air! I've had other cats I adored in the past, however Angel is extra special. Gotta love Maine Coons! Since we live in Maine, we consider her more of a "native" than we are. Like all of you, I love my sweet maine coon cat very much and am grateful she chose us to be her people.
Shelley, Fort Dodge, IA, 30 Dec 2009 02:34
My son gave me a cat for Mother's Day 2002. She is so sweet. Her name is Sophie. She is multi-colored and has a saddle shape on her back. She is 14 lbs the last time we checked. She loves water like most others & does not like being held. I just found out she is a Maine Coon. Reading the other people's comments has helped me to realize why she does or doesn't do things. If my husband or I talk to loud to each other, she will run back & forth between us trying to get our attention. It's almost like she is trying to stop the loud talking. At times she sounds like a sheep when she is watching birds outside. She doesn't really speak to much but if she making noises, it's usually with her toy "Arnold" in her mouth & it is such a forlorn noise. She is spaded & we think she is acting like she should be carrying babies instead of Arnold. Such a heart rendering sound. She is our baby & my husband is not a cat person but is now that we have Sophie.
Marilyn, 31 Dec 2009 07:08
My Tazzy is just a year old, she is gorgeous, tortie, 10.2 pounds. I adopted her from a shelter, she actually loves to be bathed. She is a great companion, she greets me by "kissing me" with her whiskers.
Rose, 01 Jan 2010 03:27
I wasa dog pers on until Bagheera came into my life. I love him as I have never loved any other critter. My pregnant grand-daughter asked if I would take her nutso kitten because her room-mate was so mean to him. I freaked when I saw his size (kitten ?) He was a psycho and drew blood whenever a male walked by, stood guard at the door, etc. I thot he was nutz cause they called him Turkey so I changed that. A short time of love & care caused him to become most wonderful loyal friend I've ever had. People always make the same comment "He's gorgeous!". A little over 20 lbs, a yr old, jet black & fits all the MC scenerio like a glove. Calls me mama, eats when I eat, trills, talks all the time, plays in the water, stretches his front leg out in a grabbing motion when he wants something. So smart! A tiny straw kitten came to our door crying, he begged me to let her in & she never left! If I didn't know better I'd swear Angel was an MC! Sorry this is so long but I love bragging on my Bagheera!!!
Sadie, 01 Jan 2010 11:03
Ummm I have 3 maine coons and only 1 of them acts likes this. The other two were not abused and were given lots of love but there both mean and they bite....and when a dog sized cat bites it hurts..
Venus, 02 Jan 2010 12:53
I had a white maine coon named Fluffy. She was awesome. Sadly we lost her to renal failure at the age of 14 years on October 13, 2009. Sadest day of my life. If it was possible, we would have gotten another one like her but hard to find breeds like this in Newfoundland.
Jeannette, 06 Jan 2010 06:38
I have a beautiful MC but he is oh, so mean. We have to shut him in another room when we have company. Doesn't bother me and my grandson too often other than an occasional nip, but seriously dangerous to strangers. He is gorgeous and full of mischief. He is only 2 1/2 and was a feral kitten when we got him. I am hoping with age and maturity he mellows out a little. Has anyone with a Maine had serious behavior problems? He is loved, protected and never abused so I don't know what the problem is.
Gil McIlwain, 09 Jan 2010 03:47
We have two Maine Coons. Kildee is 17 years old and still doing great. Bear Bear is 4 months old and already a big boy. He likes playing with the little RC helicopters. As soon as it lands he is ready to get it back going. Both cats are wonderful and we would not know what to do with out them.
christine bell san antonio tx, 12 Jan 2010 11:03
still have my maine coon smokie still crazy loves to plat hide and go seek with his play mate tammy a tortie . he has learned a new trick when his litter box is full he gos in the tolet never had teached him this he just did it.
alice anderson, 13 Jan 2010 07:21
I have so enjoyed reading about your MC. I have been without a loving cat for about 2 yrs. now and am ready to fill that void. I've always gotten rescue cats or kittens at the local pound, so it's good to hear that they may be at my local shelter. The problem is that I live in Santa Barbara, California and am afraid that I may never find an MC here. I'll try contacting the shelters here and see if they can keep their eyes out for me. Any other suggestions, besides putting out $600-$800? Thanks.
Emiliano, 19 Jan 2010 11:13
To Alice Anderson, You should check out this website: http://mainecoonadoptions.com/index.html They're in Northern California.
Julie J, 31 Jan 2010 01:20
Poo left out in the open sometimes happens with my male MC. I believe he is fighting for dominancy or claiming his areas. My 12 yr old female seems to hate him. However on occasion he has peed as well--I witnessed it and picked him up and put him on the floor of washroom. I didn't scold as I don't know the reason for him doing it. I also think he may use poo as a way to 'get even'. Let me explain--he came into bedroom at night and played with blind--noisy. We took him out and closed door. Next morning my husband hears clawing on carpet--opens door and we see a pile he left. What do you think? It's a good thing he is so much fun--balancing all four paws as he walks along the top of a doorway at 14 lbs, 1 1/2 yrs old.
Sherri, 07 Feb 2010 03:32
I bought a MC kitten (8 weeks old) in November. She has the above characteristics, but like Sadie and Jeanette, she can be very mean. She has a vicious, terrible temper and actually attacks me. I have had her since she was 8 weeks old and has only been given love and gentleness. However, her meaness may force me to give her up to adoption. Will she mellow with age?
Renee, 18 Feb 2010 10:25
My cat is 7 years old, from what I have been reading and what he looks like i'm pretty sure he is a MC, he has always been a bit crazy, but since i moved him to fl (he went through a hurricane there) and then we moved back to ny, in that time my daughter was born, he has gotten mean, he jumps on my head, teeth and claws barred and he just recently jumped on my daughters head, i am seriously considering giving him up, i have tried giving him more attention, special treats, making sure he is groomed and litter box cleaned, i don't know what else to do, any suggestions please, we dont want to give him up, i have had him since he was 4 months old
Stephanie, 24 Feb 2010 07:03
I'm lucky enough to have 'Hagrid', my silver Maine Coon as a companion and he's absolutely gorgeous in every way! He's much admired and at least 4 times bigger than his 'big' sister Fizgig, a beautiful tortie moggie (who incidentally is the boss of Hagrid). They're very sweet together :D Just picking up on the Erika,7 Sept 2009 comment; speaking to my vet, drooling is common among female kittens who have been parted from their mother to early - it's not a Maine Coon 'thing' and is something that my tortie girl does all the time (she was abandoned at 4 weeks old).
Wendy, March 7, 2010, 07 Mar 2010 04:38
Hi, I lost two cats the past 6 mos. One 22 yrs of old age and the second I had inherited, died of a big stomach cancerous tumor....I'm thinking of getting a Main Coon; questions to you that know...I work long hours, would the coon be mean or too lonely if left all day, and I live in Florida in a condo so it would be an inside cat....would the climate and inside living work or frustrate??? Thanks much...
Peggy, 11 Mar 2010 11:03
We have had the pleasure of living with a Maine Coon for just over a year now. He belongs to my daughter who moved home but has adopted us quite nicely. He loves water, can be quite the talker, and likes to be close to whatever is going on. The only problem we have with him was he was always an indoor/outdoor cat and he has had much difficulty adjusting to being an indoor cat. That's because at her last residence he kept going back to visit his former residence! While that one was only a mile or so away, he is now more than 20 miles from his old surroundings and she is concerned he will try to return to his original home. While not a lap cat, he will plop himself on the foot end of the recliner or butt up next to someone. Just not in the lap. Maine coons are the absolute best cats. We've been owned by other cats before, but nothing is quite like a Maine Coon.
Linda, 14 Mar 2010 02:43
Got my Maxx at a shelter just 4 months ago and have been in love from the first moment. He was returned to the shelter by the first lady because he bit her when she gave him a bath and a blow dry. I don't mind a cat with a little attitude. He is 2 yrs old and 20 lbs of muscle. Very sweet and patient. Loves to position his big body so some part of him is touching me. It sounds like he will get even bigger! He is a doll and follows me everywhere. I am anxious to try the "Go Fetch" game.
Arnie, 18 Mar 2010 06:25
We have two female coons and two dogs. They behave like a pack, and our youngest cat tags along on my afternoon trips with the dogs. The oldest cat stays at home, but always greet both me and her three sisters loudly when we come home. Maine coons are fantastic cats, and our two love being around us and the dogs. Every now and then the "fight", but really it`s just a friendly game, even though it looks rough. I have som photos of our youngest cat sticking her head into our big Bearded collie`s mouth! Our cats have their own cat-door but spend most of their time indoors because they are so afraid of missing out on any action at home. Coons are the most fantastic cats. Talkative, gentle, curious and easy to train. Ours always come when called for. Everyone should experience being around a Coon sometime. It will change your entire view on cats and their behaviour.
Gordon Bohn-Debby Sutton, 05 Apr 2010 10:05
We loved reading all of the comments and they certainly fit our Main Coon named Rascal. He is lived up to that description since he has been with us and is the Prince of the Family. Many times he sits an waits for us in a very regal pose. In addition he has learned to walk back words like a dog and when a friends dog shows up he is very welcoming and even tends to take charge.
Sherry M., 12 Apr 2010 05:13
My Maine Coon, Mr. Jenks is AWESOME!! He is a tuxedo (black w/ white ruff and white on four paws. So handsome! He is gentle and sweet. Playful a few times a day. He LOVES my maltese. They are like litter mates! He cracks me up when he rolls over like a dog!! He isn't a lap cat, but always wants to be in the same room with me. I have trained him to go to bed when we do. He is fascinated with the water bowl and the sink and the shower and I am constantly drying up the water he spills!! His new place is smack in the middle of my computer desk!! He trills and calls me mama when I'm not doing what he wants me too. Two different mornings he had a hairball downstairs and woke me up to come see it!! What fun! LOL! We adopted him. He was to be put to sleep the very next morning. I love Mr. Jenks so much if anything ever happened to him, I would adopt another Maine Coon mix. BTW, we live in Japan and Mr. Jenks did very well on the plane ride over!!
Kurt Las Vegas, NV, 14 Apr 2010 04:39
After reading some the comments I had to add. We got Lil bit from a adoption thru Best Friends a wonderful group in Utah and worth a look at what they do for abandon anminals. Bit was a group of about 800 cats rescued from a home in Pahrump Nv in horrendous comditions. 90 of the cats rescued had to be put down because of health issues. Bit was in a group of about 100 cats at the adoption. I had just lost Spike (16 years a good life ofr a Russian Blue), and was not really looking for a new cat but while walking up and down the rows of cages lined up I noticed a rather scruffy looking little cat. When I stopped and said hello kitty, Bit jumped up on all fours and started meowing at me. Took him out and that was it. He had been quite ill and was on the verge of being put down when Best friends got him. Had almost no hair except a streek of black fur down his back and only weighted 6 1/2 pounds. He now weights 11 lbs and is one of the best cats I've ever had. Fits all the traits listed above but doesn't exibit any mean traits at all. Very playful and loveable. He'll sit at your feet and talk to you until you pick him up. Loves to be held an cuddled and is truly one of the smartest cats I ever had. Bit has been quite expensive health wise mostly as a result of the time he spent in Pahrump. Dental problems ear infections and a host of others. All have been resolved and he's a healthy and happy boy. MC's are my new fav breed.
Patti, Palm Springs, Ca, 25 Apr 2010 01:49
I adopted Tobi Wan Kenobi from Animal Samaratians in March of 2005, he was 9 weeks old. I had no idea what he was, except beautiful! He kept getting bigger and bigger, and fluffier, then I found out he was a Maine Coon. He is tabby, but his ruff is white as are his front legs, back paws, lower part of his face, and his tummy as well. Tobi Wan is the smartest cat I have ever seen, EVER!!! He remembers everything!! He knows not to get on the kitchen counters, and I taught him not to jump at the window at the humming birds. I was shocked when he started playing ball with me! He can and does say mama. He follows me from room to room, but if I leave him behind with the door closed, he cries terribly. He is an indoor cat only. When I come home with packages he knows to go and sit in the hallway until the front door is closed, I never taught him that!! He is a real MC all the way water and all! He demands that I sit with him while he eats, if I leave he stops eating. At night before bed I carry him into the bathroom and put him in his box and tell him to go wee wee cuz it's time to go to bed and he does go!! He cracks me up because he INSISTS on tummy rubs!! If we are on the bed watching TV he come up and flops on his back next to me for a tummy rub. If I take a nap, same thing. At night I have to position myself just right on the bed so that he can lie down right next to me for his tummy rub, but at night he demands that I sing to him, if I don't he becomes impatient with me and nips at me. With my terrible voice I sing rhymes to him, while he purrs and trills until he falls asleep. He is 30 pounds, and he is absolutely georgeous!! A mane and cowl just like a lion. When I am on the computer, as now, he either sits on the desk or right behind me on the pillow on the chair. Deep desk chair so I put a pillow behind me for comfort. I love him soooo much and he is the greatest companion, but he thinks he is a dog!! Also he is VERY talkative!! I think he likes the sound of his own voice!! For anyone who has never had a cat before, A Maine Coon is a real treat!!
Sue, London, 11 May 2010 10:59
Unfortunately our fantastic MC Bruno just passed away at the weekend. He was only 3 years old but huge and an enormous personality. He would have incredible conversations with us and was very cheeky. But also extremely affectionate. He died of pneumonia, very suddenly with no obvious symptoms until it was too late. Luckily we have his sister, Sparkle (a silver) still with us who very pretty and talks a lot too, but not as mischievous
cronopulos@gmail.com, 29 May 2010 06:33
We own a Maine Coon Cat named Porky he is eighteen months old and cries to be outside, will this pass and he is peeing indoor will this pass?
TC, 09 Jun 2010 05:45
My Maine Coon, Maxxie is my favorite of all of the cats I have ever owned. Fits the profile to a T, and is extremely dog-like. He growls at the mailman! One morning as I sat at my computer, I saw the neighbor's smallish dog making the rounds of the yard. From under the house, Maxxie dashed and bowled this dog over in a hit and run. You have never seen a more confused look on a dog's face. We have a rubber duck on the edge of the bathtub, and for a while, Max would go into the bathroom, get the duck and carry it to his water bowl to float there while he ate. I don't think I'll ever adopt another cat that isn't a Coon.
Bug Bruenning Pine River WI, 12 Jun 2010 03:51
Sam came from a neighbor...his mother was very tiny and all the sisters had short hair, he was fluffy. He exhibits most of the same traits, except that we travel for business etc. Sam gets next to his carrier and waits for his harness when he realizes we are dressed to go away, gets in the carrier and into the car. Once there we let him out..has food and litter box and his water HAS to be in a cup in the cup holder. He knows MickyD's and watches for his ice cream cone to come through the window. Sam comes upstairs when we go to bed and wants his collar off, won't go down until it is on in the morning. Brushing is a 8:00 when we watch V every night...brings his brush. He is nine months and 11-12 lbs. Over three feet long when he stretches out, usually on his back.
Dot Derewicz, 24 Jun 2010 03:37
Simon is my mc's name. He really fits the name. We named him after Simon Cowel. He is very much like Simon Cowel in that he is arrogant, very self confidedent and very outspoken. He will sit on your lap, but only on his terms, in his time. He does the bird sounds whenever he wants something. He can tell time and when it is four o'clock he knows it is dinner time and will come harrass you until you feed him. He has a bedtime also. Come ten o'clock and you better get up and take him to bed. He will not go by himself, you must physically take him to bed. He has his own room. He will sleep until he hears you make a sound and then you better get up or he will knock things over and meow until you get up. The vet is the one who told me he was a maine coon. I just knew I loved him not knowing what a special cat he was. They all called him handsome. That made me really want him was that he was the first kitten to crawl out of his box when he was brought in for me to see. He had great big paws and great big beautiful eyes. That was it I was in love. He is particular about whom he warms up to. I am his cat momma. He does the kneading thing on my lap and when he is done, he lays and looks up at me with adoring eyes. He definitely has all the mc traits and is about 16 pounds about now and lots of beautiful coat. He has the tabby coloring and has all the purebreed features to the tee. Of course, I would love him no matter what he was. So much personality and so smart and yes much like a dog in his antics. Could go on and on about this wonderful breed. He loves being up high and tries to get up as high as he can. I guess that has to do with the mountain thing of his ancestors. If you don't have one of these cats get one you will love, love it.
Selfridge, 04 Jul 2010 07:47
I am thinking of adopting 2 MC kitten, they are a year old. I am worried about any behaviour problems they may have though. I had previously adopted a persian, but had to give her up due to her bad toilet habits, and I don't want to have to go through that heart break again.
Julie, 06 Jul 2010 06:56
I have a Maine Coon mix who looks and acts exactly like any purr blood Maine coon. He likes to sit next to me on the couch, never on my lap. He makes two odd noises instead of the normal meows. One is a high pitched, squeaky meow that seems inappropriate for such a big boy, and the other is a low, almost groaning noise which he makes while wandering around the house that makes him sound almost like he's in pain. He's tough, and likes to be treated roughly including getting tight hugs and kisses. He also is fearless. My neighbor's pit bull got loose while they were out one day and I tried to bring her into the house. While the other cats ran and hid my big, fluffy baby stood his ground, right in the doorway, and tried to fight the dog! I had to pick him up and shut him into the bedroom.
Stefania, 07 Jul 2010 01:17
My Maine Coon Bella is almost rediculously gorgeous. I've never quite seen a cat with such stunning looks before. Her main is exactly that of a lions and is larger than the rest of her body. She loves drinking water from the tap and begs for it 3 times a day despite the water bowl provided for her. She soaks her face in it everytime. She howls (sings) in the most lengthy, awful sound i've ever heard come an animal, let alone from a cat. She fetch's like a dog and doesn't know the meaning of the word "No." She craves attention alot and won't let you rest until she gets what she wants. She has a heart defect and is hyper frequently, which leads to her throwing-up alot. She will jump on you when she's ready to sleep pawing your stomach for 2-5 minutes until she falls asleep on your lap and 1 arm, until your arm is far past numb. She hates my boyfriend with a passion, him and him only, and no he doesn't own any other animals. My cat is dumb as hell 90% of the time but oh so pretty. I love her to death.
Debbie, 09 Jul 2010 05:56
WOW! So many m.coon stories. I guess I will add ours. I have a female blac/white who is absolutly HUGE. She weights in at 26 plus. She is approx. 7 years old (rescue so not sure) and is very private not coming out when company comes. She is not affected by the dogs and is most demanding and vocal for food. If you ignore her in a food quest she will dash in front of you almost knocking you down, at least bruising your leg. Her favorite thing to do is lie on her back, all fours in the air. She is a wonderful cat and folks love seeing her great size and hair tuffs in her feet and ears. They also find her name to be rather fitting....MINISOTA PHATTS..known as FATTS
joe h, 10 Jul 2010 04:38
my co worker found my cat one day in the parking lot,, i thought he was a tiger cat,, come to find out hes a main coon,,after the first nigh at home,,i named him caddy,,caus hes the caddlic of all the kitty cats!!!! to many cool things he does to list!!!!! thanks john!!!!!
Peggy, 11 Jul 2010 06:14
I inherited this wonderful cat from my deceased father in law. A friend told me she might be a Maine coon. OMG! I"m so glad to read this website. She travels with us, outsmarts the cayotes and bears. No question...Moon is a keeper.
jenna Cheeseman, 13 Jul 2010 07:49
my mc cat name is Peter, he eats peas and hes the shit!:)