Do Maine Coons Get Along With Other Animals?

Best Friends

I want to buy a Maine Coon but will it get along with my other animals? We have a lot of people ask that question. Lets first look at the Maine Coon's temperament.

Maine Coon's Temperament

With a reputation as "gentle giants," Maine Coons are known for their sweet, sociable, and easy-going temperament. Their personality is often described as "dog-like" because they are loyal, affectionate, and enjoy being with their human companions. 

Key temperament traits

• Affectionate and companion-oriented: Maine Coons thrive on human company and are known for following their owners from room to room. While some enjoy being lap cats, many prefer to remain close by, sleeping at the foot of the bed or lounging on the couch beside you.

• Intelligent and curious: These intelligent cats are naturally inquisitive and love to be involved in whatever is going on in the house. Their smarts make them highly trainable; many can learn tricks like playing fetch, walking on a leash, or responding to commands.

• Playful: Maine Coons maintain a kitten-like playfulness well into their adult years. They enjoy interactive toys and can be quite mischievous in a good-natured way.

• Social and good with families: Their patient and mild-mannered nature makes them an excellent fit for families with children and other pets. They tend to get along well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs when properly introduced.

• Adaptable: Due to their laid-back and confident disposition, Maine Coons take new situations in stride and adapt well to many different lifestyles and environments.

• Not aggressive: By nature, Maine Coons are not aggressive. If aggression does occur, it is often tied to environmental stress, poor socialization, or an underlying health issue.

• Vocal, but not loud: Maine Coons are talkative cats but don't typically have a loud, insistent meow. They communicate with a unique variety of soft and melodic chirps, trills, and purrs.

• Dog-like traits: Some of their most endearing "dog-like" traits include a fascination with water and a penchant for playing fetch. 

Denver and Goose got caught!

How to introduce the Maine Coon to Other Animals

Introducing a Maine Coon to other animals

requires a gradual, patient, and controlled process, built on their naturally friendly and adaptable temperament. A rushed introduction can cause stress or aggression, so it's essential to allow all animals to adjust at their own pace. 

Phase 1: Preparation and scent exchange

Before the new Maine Coon arrives, you must prepare the home and begin the critical process of scent swapping. 

Preparing The Home

• Create a sanctuary room:

Set up a separate, quiet room for the new Maine Coon with its own food, water, litter box, scratching post, and toys. This gives the new cat a safe space to decompress and acclimate without being overwhelmed. However, do NOT leave the Maine Coon alone for extended periods of time! They want to be part of the family. Make sure they have plenty of socialization!

• Provide ample resources: Ensure you have enough resources for every pet to prevent competition. This means multiple litter boxes (one per cat plus one extra), food bowls, water dishes, cat trees, and resting spots.

• Give vertical space: Install cat trees, shelves, or window perches. High places are essential for cats to feel secure and can provide an escape route from a boisterous dog.

• Maintain existing routines: Keep the resident animals' schedules consistent for feeding, walks, and playtime to minimize their stress. 

Scent swapping

Scent is the most important sense for cats. Getting them used to each other's scent is the first step to a calm introduction. 

• Swap bedding and toys: Swap blankets, bedding, or toys between the new Maine Coon and the resident animals. This allows them to become familiar with the other's scent without direct contact.

• Brush and swap scents: Brush each cat with the same brush (or rub them with the same towel) to mix their scents together.

• Doorway feeding: Feed both animals on opposite sides of the closed door to the sanctuary room. This helps them associate the new animal's smell with the positive experience of eating. 

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Phase 2: Visual and face-to-face introduction

Once the cats are eating calmly at the door, you can move to supervised, visual introductions. 

For other cats

• Use a barrier: Use a tall baby gate or crack the door open and secure it so the cats can see and sniff each other without making full contact. You can also use a large playpen tent to give the new cat a safe space to play while the resident cat investigates.

• Provide positive reinforcement: During these sessions, offer high-value treats to both cats to create positive associations.

• Increase exposure: As long as both cats remain calm, gradually increase the duration of visual meetings. If either cat hisses or shows signs of stress, separate them and repeat the previous step more slowly.

• Allow supervised freedom: Once they are comfortable with the barrier, allow brief, supervised, face-to-face time in a neutral space. End the session on a positive note before either cat shows stress. 

For dogs

• Ensure basic obedience: Make sure your dog knows and responds reliably to basic commands like "sit," "down," and "stay".

• Use a leash: For the initial visual meetings, keep the dog on a leash so you can easily manage their behavior.

• Keep calm: When the dog first sees the Maine Coon, ask for a "sit" or "down" and reward their calm behavior with treats. If the dog gets too excited, separate them and try again later.

• Allow the cat to explore: Let your Maine Coon come and go as they please during supervised meetings. Never force the cat to interact.

• Introduce loosely: When both animals are consistently calm, allow the dog to drag their leash, which allows you to intervene if necessary.

• Never leave unsupervised: Continue to separate the pets when you are not there to supervise until you are completely confident the cat will be safe. 

Phase 3: Long-term harmony

Achieving long-term peace requires ongoing management and attention. 

• Reward positive interactions: Continue to reward calm and friendly behavior with treats and praise.

• Address conflict promptly: If fights occur, distract the animals by making a loud noise or tossing a blanket over them. Don't use your hands to separate them.

• Be patient: Remember that building a trusting relationship takes time. Some pets may become best friends, while others may simply learn to tolerate each other.