Skip to Content

Maine Coon Personality: 12+ Things You Need to Know

These fluffy felines are really something special. Known to be real gentle giants, they’re often referred to as the dogs of the cat world thanks to their unique Maine Coon personality.

Maine Coons are friendly breeds. They are loveable and very vocal too. Their sizable bodies and heavy, double-layer long hair kept them well-protected against the brutal cold in Maine, which is the state they originated from.

With so much personality and love to give, you may soon find yourself leaning towards the Maine Coon breed. However, other than knowing how to properly care for your cat, it’s important to know the ins and outs of the breed you’re considering making a part of your family.

Here’s everything you need to know about the nature of Maine Coons and what makes these wonderful creatures tick.

dark ginger maine coon cat stares at camera showing maine coon personality

Contents

Maine Coon Cats: History

There are certainly many things that make these pawed furballs extra special. As previously mentioned, they were first recognized in the state of Maine. A popular myth is that the Maine Coon is the result of breeding between a cat and a raccoon but alas this is biologically impossible.

In fact, there are a few stories about the origins of Maine Coons, some even involving French Royalty and Vikings (which might not surprise you if you know about Norse Mythology).

But here’s the truth.

white maine coon cat

Maine Coon cats have a history that dates way back to when they were originally wild, outdoor cats. Later, they were domesticated to work in homes where they’d catch rodents and other pesky creatures. Maine Coons are known to be excellent mousers.

The first mention of a Maine Coon cat was in 1861. The cat was called Captain Jenks of the Horses Marines. Soon after, the breed started to appear in the newly popular cat shows in Boston and New York. In 1895 a brown Maine Coon won Best Cat at the Madison Square Garden Show.

The popularity of the breed dropped when other long-haired cat breeds came over from Europe. By the 1950s, Maine Coon cats were declared to be extinct. The Central Maine Cat Club was created in response to this, aiming to increase the awareness and popularity of the breed.

young-maine-coon cat lying down

interestingly enough, this breed happens to be the largest of the domesticated cats – from nose to tail, they come in at about 1m long (39.37 ″). If we’re talking Maine Coon weight, you should expect your feline friend to weigh in at anything between 8 – 25 lbs. 

They also boast the title of the oldest natural breed in North America. Because of their long-standing history and far-reaching popularity, they’re known as ‘America’s Cat’. However, you’ll find that there are both European and American Maine Coons, and they’re not much different from each other.

Are Maine Coons Good Family Cats?

The first thing to know about Maine Coons, is that they are the friendliest of felines. While not clingy or overly dependent, they are certainly people-orientated. This makes them, like Siberian cats, excellent additions to any family.

Maine Coons are friendly with their owners and strangers alike and are also very adaptable to their environment. In fact, they are rather perfect to have around young children because they’re super laid back and patient.

So whether you’re on a farm, in an apartment, or in a house in the suburbs, your Maine Coon cat will adapt and thrive excellently.Just be aware that all house cats are hunters, even friendly ones. To be kind to nature, get your Maine Coon a few interactive toys for mental stimulation and to burn off excess energy.

Maine Coon Characteristics & Lifestyle

maine-coon cat in window sill

Their chunky bodies don’t take away from their rather active and playful nature. It would be a great idea to invest in a cat toy to maximize on fun for you and your kitty. And make no mistake, they require some regular exercise and plenty of room to move.

It’s essential to accommodate their need for movement in order to avoid them becoming overweight. So while being an active and energetic owner will get first prize, getting a decent cat tree is a good idea for those times that you can’t be around to play fetch (yes, these little guys enjoy a game of fetch).

The Maine Coon cat breed is very independent, so playing alone isn’t a problem for them. This can be a relief if you find it bothersome to have a clingy cat. But bear in mind that their size makes them easily clumsy when it comes to knocking things over.

Grooming your cat is one way to spend time with them. To ensure a smooth coat and avoid nasty fur tangles, they should be brushed regularly with a good cat brush. If your kitty is well-trained, this grooming process should be easy and even fun.

Here’s a Tip: If you like the challenge (and beauty) of long-haired cats, take a look at the Maine Coon and Ragdoll mix.

Maine Coon Personality Male Cats

While no huge differences exist between female Maine Coon personality and male personality, there are one or two things you may want to keep in mind. Deciding whether to get a male or female Maine Coon can be a tricky task.

maine-coon-cat looking up

If it’s bubbly, outgoing, and charismatic that you’re after, Maine Coons are the perfect cat breed for your family, especially male Maine Coons. These little guys tend to be more playful than their female counterparts and often even display some rather comical behavior.

They love to make friends, show off, and be the center of attention, which can be thoroughly entertaining for you. The males tend to be more sociable and keener for attention than the females of the breed. They will be more likely to follow you around the house or to want to sit on your lap.

Males also tend to be very curious and won’t be able to resist an open door or climbing into a drawer or box.

Maine Coon Personality Female Cats

If it’s a smaller and less raucous cat that you prefer, then a female Maine Coon will be right up your alley. They still live up to the sociable reputation of the breed in general, but they tend to keep to themselves quite a bit more.

grey maine-coon cat with green eyes looking to side

When it comes to Maine Coon characteristics, female cats may be less socially inclined than males, although they are still playful and also highly intelligent.

Other Maine Coon Personality Traits

There are a surprising amount of unique Maine Coon cat personality traits that you might not know. So if you’re deciding what type of kitty to get, perhaps some of these may draw you in. 

Here are a few interesting facts about Maine Coons and their personalities.

1. Are Maine Coon Cats Vocal?

As a parent, I’m sure you appreciate your cat babies meowing answers back to you when you talk to them. However, incessant meowing can become really irksome.

maine coon tabby cat staring with very pointy ears

The good news is that while Maine Coons are considered to be vocal cats, they don’t meow very much. In fact, when you hear a meow, it can often be a rather endearing sign that they miss you. This might be one of the reasons why cats meow at night.

Their sounds are also rather kitten-like, which can be comical when escaping from such a large body.

They communicate mostly through gentle chirps. You’ll usually hear it when they are excited by a bird or when demanding a spot next to you on the couch. So be sure to listen out for a chirpy response to your question or possibly just a friendly headbutt from your cat.

2. Maine Coon Cats Are Loyal

If you spend lots of time at home or you could simply do with some company while you go about your human tasks, you’ll find a loyal companion in your Maine Coon kitty. They are particularly curious and observant creatures.

maine coon cat staring at camera from window sill

So whether you spend hours at the computer or you regularly engage in household chores like cooking and cleaning, you’ll have some excellent company. They love to remain close by, ready to lend a ‘helping hand.’

⇒ Getting a new kitty? Check out my guide to How to Look after a Kitten,  Best Kitten Wet FoodOptions, and the Best Kitten Dry Food Options

3. Maine Coon Temperaments Are Very Affectionate

If you’ve ever been led to believe that cats are cold or unaffectionate, then you’ll be very pleasantly surprised by the nature of Maine Coons. And while not lazy in the slightest, one can go as far as also categorizing these guys as ‘lap cats’ when it comes to their displays of affection.

You can expect regular bursts of love in the form of kneading and loud purring. They might even lovingly lick your nose. These felines are always happy to see you and will be sure to show you with regular chirps and nudges. 

Maine Coons are happy to be adored by any and all members of a household – and visitors. However, they will tend to have one particular person in a household to whom they bestow the most affection. Your lap might be permanently occupied by your Maine Coon curled up in one of its favorite sleeping positions.

dark-maine-coon cat showing maine coon personality

4. Maine Coon Behavior is Generally Gentle

These furry friends are not an aggressive breed of cat, which makes them excellent to have around kids. Even when they aren’t exactly happy campers, whether it be with humans or other animals, Maine Coons are one of the calmest cat breeds.

5. They’re Very Forgiving

It’s no surprise that cats can be moody, temperamental, and even hold grudges. Unlike other felines, your Maine Coon will rarely get violent or avoid you for days after an incident. They will always be ready for cuddles and love. 

Perhaps this is why Maine Coons and dogs get along so well.

6. They Use Their Paws a Lot

While all cats do, Maine Coons go as far as to use their paws when they eat. You’ll see them picking up dry food or treats and eating them out of their paws. This might just be the cutest of Maine Coon traits.

They also use paws to show signs of affection and stay in contact. While sleeping beside you, your kitty will likely touch you softly to make sure you’re still there.

dark grey maine coon cat on grey couch

7. They’re Very Intelligent

Maine Coons learn quickly, which makes them ideal for training. You can even go as far as to teach them little words or sounds like ‘come’ or ‘stop,’ and they’ll obey. So if you want a cat to train or even travel with, then a Maine Coon is the way to go.

But this type of intellect comes with responsibility. Their stimulation should never be neglected, or they risk becoming restless, unhappy, and bored, which may lead to troublemaking.

Here’s a Tip: If you plan on traveling with your cat, take a look at these purrfect cat carriers.

8. They Get on Well with Other Animals

As Maine Coon cats are generally gentle and one of the most affectionate cat breeds, they usually do well with other animals and small children. Maine Coons also tend to get on well with other cats – of the same breed as well as different breeds.

Remember that cats are generally pretty territorial, so introducing a new animal to your cat-run family can be tricky, even with gentle breeds.

tabby maine coon cat

9. They Love to Play

Maine Coons just love to play. They will happily play by themselves, but they will love it if you come and play games with them. They just love to clown around. 

Make sure to have plenty of stimulating toys and enough room for your Maine Coon to play around. These are big kitties who can do a lot of damage to your home if they are bored.

10. They Are Very Adaptable

Maine Coons adapt well to different environments. They can live in apartments, houses, or farms – they don’t mind as long as they are getting a good level of attention. Not much else hassles them. 

This also means they can be a great breed for living with small children. Their laid-back personality means they are very patient, so they can deal with having their tail pulled multiple times by small people.

11. They Love to Be the Center of Attention

You can’t give a Maine Coon cat too much attention. They love being involved with everything going on in their home (they are also quite curious) and want to be at the center of things. After all, Maine Coon cats exist in a variety of colors and patterns. From white to black and even calico Maine Coons, it’s no surprise that these beautiful cats have star-like qualities.

As a cat parent, you’ll know that you shouldn’t leave cats alone for too long. Especially social breeds like Maine Coons. This affectionate breed can quickly become lonely.

smoke maine coon cat

12. They Enjoy Quirky Things (for Cats)

Unlike most other cat breeds, Maine Coons are fascinated by water and will be keen to be in the bathroom when you are showering or in the tub. They can actually find a dripping tap quite fascinating and stare at it for hours. It is speculated that their fascination with water comes from their ancestors who were on board ships.

They also like to sleep in very odd places and positions – even more so than most cats. This is probably due to their history of living in barns. They will also come when their name is called, will play fetch, and are often willing to learn to walk with a lead. And they love to greet guests.

Maine Coon Personality: Final Thoughts

maine coon cat tabby on white background
maine coon cat

The bottom line is, no one ever got a Maine Coon and later said, “It was nice but I think I’ll get a different breed next time.” Once a Maine Coon parent, always a Maine Coon parent. In fact, some may say that even non-cat-lovers will be converted once exposed to these endearing cuties.

They’re extremely loyal, especially to their primary caretakers. They’re happy to be handled, which has made many cat owners loyal fans of them.

cream maine coon cat

If you’re considering it, then take the leap and bring home a Maine Coon cat, one of the most unique feline breeds that the world has to offer. Having one of these kitties will keep your home lively, fun, and full of love.

tabby cat with green eyes and green colour being held by man in tartan shirt

Like this Maine Coon Personality Post? Why Not Pin It?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Linda S

Monday 7th of March 2022

We acquired a rather large cat, when she refused to move peaceably with my daughter when my daughter moved out of the house. Princess is now mine. I just though she was an abnormally large kitty. After some investigation, I decided she was a black & white Maine Coon. When I told my sis, (our family animal expert), she said "Of course she is. Didn't you know?" Well, Princess is sweet & very tolerant of our Papillon mix. In fact, she weighs almost twice what the dog weighs. She is kind & gentle, for the most part. She loves to play with her water bowl & "hunt" the birds in the outside bird bath. Princess is an inside cat so we placed her "kitty condo" at the window by the bird bath. Kinda like Kitty TV! It's strange having a cat twice the size of our dog, but so far, so good. I never thought of having a cat this big, but it's been a really positive experience.

thediscerningcat

Sunday 3rd of April 2022

thanks for sharing Linda. We have siberian males and they are big cats! I love it!

Ginger

Thursday 21st of January 2021

I was never a "cat" person until I moved into a house that have a coon cat. He is so affectionate and trusting. Waited for me to approach him and rolled on his back allowing me to pet him. Loud purrs. After that day he meets me when I'm in his area. Love, love this gentle giant.

thediscerningcat

Thursday 21st of January 2021

Thanks for that comment Ginger - Maine Coons are just lovely animals

Dancie

Thursday 21st of January 2021

I have a male Maine Coon and everything in this post is exactly him except the friendly part. He is good with my husband and myself. I am his person. He loves me and is very affectionate with me but that’s it. I love him to pieces, he’s so sweet to me. I have even taught him tricks and he will let me do anything with him, but only me. He hates my grandchildren and has even gone after them. They are afraid of him. Sometimes it’s so bad I have to close him in a room when they come over which I think makes him dislike them more but I have no choice. He also growls and hisses at anyone else who tries to come near him. Any thoughts or suggestions? He was a rescue but he was weeks old when my daughter adopted him and then a few months later she had to give him to me. I’ve had him ever since and he is 3 now. He also tends to be jumpy. I wonder sometimes if it’s insecurity from being passed around?

Becky

Saturday 26th of March 2022

@Dancie, my Bentley is exactly the same way !!! Please tell me if you have found a cure for the being unfriendly to others !!!

thediscerningcat

Thursday 21st of January 2021

Oh he does sound like a lovely kitty! Alas I am not a vet so am not qualified to provide a view but perhaps ask your vet about it and do some online research? All the best Dancie!

Marie

Thursday 21st of January 2021

Great insight! We recently adopted a Maine coon and this all sounds like our Malcolm! I didn't realize the breed made such as difference. Thanks for the information!

thediscerningcat

Thursday 21st of January 2021

thanks so much Marie - glad that you enjoyed the article and that it fits with Malcolm

Jessica Smith

Wednesday 20th of January 2021

Really good article with complete information about maine coon breed. I learned new points of maine coon personality from your blog. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. I’m going to bookmark this blog. Thanks again. This is my cats guide blog; THE CATS GUIDE

thediscerningcat

Thursday 21st of January 2021

thanks Jessica!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.