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Maine Coon Personality Traits: The Ultimate Family Pet
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You'll want to know all about the amazing Maine Coon personality traits if you are just getting to know this awesome breed!
These friendly, affectionate, loving, goofy animals have a disposition that totally belies their formidable, large size. Think: Big body, soft nature.
Each one is an individual, of course - but curiosity, companionship, and constant presence are common.
Day to day, this can look like a cat who:
- shows up when you wake up and again at bedtime
- supervises chores, cooking, and computer work
- greets you when you come home, then settles close by
The gentle Maine Coon personality traits set them apart from the crowd. It is the reason they have so many loyal fans for life.
Here's a closer look into that awesome Maine Coon temperament.
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Learn About The Maine Coon Personality:
Maine Coons are known for being friendly, easygoing companions who do well with kids, dogs, and other cats.
A Maine Coon kitten typically arrives as a confident, curious explorer who settles into family life quickly.
Many greet you at the door, chirp or trill in conversation, follow you from room to room, love boxes, and "help" you as you go about your household tasks.
Willow is a great example: Julie shares: "She’s so gentle when we play regardless of the damage she can do with those huge paws. She loves to snuggle."
Many Coonies are fascinated by water! You'll find them splashing in bowls, watching sinks drip, and generally treating water like a toy instead of a threat.
This comes up often, and over the years readers have shared their stories about how Maine Coons and water go hand in hand.
And what is it about cats in sinks? Whether it's to play in the water, or just to use the sink as a bed, our community shares their experiences.
Sometimes, they like water play a little too much, and it becomes messy! On this water-themed Q & A page, we delve into some of these issues with owners of water-obsessed Coonies.
These friendly cats are very vocal, and boast a wide array of vocalizations.
They're famous for chattering, trilling and chirping sounds! They often walk about the house meowing, yowling, and more. There is so much to talk about!
Yes! And of course there's nothing like the sound of your beloved friend purring away.
Purring is a significant aspect of their communication. This breed is extremely loving and this shines brightest when they purr!
How Do They Get Along With Other Cats?
Maine Coons are a friendly and easy-going breed, typically getting along well with other cats.
In this Q & A page, we discuss tips and experiences on cat compatibility.
The Maine Coon's large, rugged appearance sometimes gives newcomers the wrong impression. Aggression is not a defining trait of the breed.
In fact, if your Coonie ever bites, it's most likely only going to be a "love bite." Learn what they mean, and why we love them.
Owners also occasionally wonder whether this breed would protect its owner from danger. Spoiler: it's unlikely!
Maine Coons are known for being physically affectionate, and many are genuine lap cats.
They seek closeness, contact, and shared space, often settling in for long, unapologetic cuddles.
Not every Coonie insists on a lap, but strong physical affection is more common than the internet gives them credit for.
Unique Maine Coon Cat Behavior
From their outgoing personality to their clown-like antics, there's so much to love about these special cats!
Nothing about them is average or ordinary. Let's dive into the unique traits and qualities that make them stand out from the crowd.
How would you describe them? Unique, funny, loyal, smart, boisterous, friendly... and that's just the beginning!
Maine Coon Personality Traits: Are They Friendly?
There's no doubt about it, they have huge character!
Some phrases that come to mind to describe a Maine Coon cat's nature are goofy, playful, loyal, intelligent, patient, loving, and so many more! They often have their own individual silly cat habits.
Vic and Bob having some cuddle timeMany people picture a very specific kind of affection when they think about Maine Coons:
Either a giant lap cat who wants to be draped across them all day… or a big, independent fluffer who keeps his distance and does his own thing. Then their actual cat shows up somewhere in the middle.
Many Coonies live in that in-between space. They aren't needy, and they don't demand constant touching.
But they're also rarely detached or off doing their own thing. Instead, they choose proximity, presence, and being part of whatever's happening in the house.
That can look like following you from room to room and settling just out of reach, sitting at the end of the couch instead of on your lap, or supervising dinner prep from the kitchen floor.
Many owners start calling this "orbiting." If you're used to more obvious, on-your-body affection, it can take a minute to recognize this as love.
But for many Maine Coons, affection shows up as presence. They tend to stay close, learn household routines, and make themselves part of the daily rhythm.
Some become lap cats later. Some never do. And neither means the bond is any less real.
Danielle in Ontario summed it up perfectly when she wrote, "My cat Hunter sleeps on his back like it’s the most natural thing in the world - sprawled out, belly up, taking over half the couch."
That kind of uninhibited, slightly goofy behavior is exactly what makes Maine Coons so lovable - and so unique.
According to Cat Fanciers' Association, the Maine Coon cat breed has "an essentially amiable disposition." [1]
This means it's right in the breed description, they are friendly. Unsurprisingly, they can even make great therapy cats!
This affable cat will greet you every morning, and every time you get home. And yes, they come when called!
As Kerri in Georgia shared about her own Coonies, Nick and Jake, "They are full of love unconditionally. And show you so much affection.
It's amazing to see how they want to be by your side and in your lap all the time. We can sit at home and watch them play for hours. Maine Coons are definitely the family loving breed."
Dogs of The Cat World
Alani going for a rideMyth: All cats dislike like car rides.
Fact: Some Maine Coons enjoy car rides.
It’s widely known that most cats aren’t fans of car rides - often finding them stressful experiences. But, as with so many other things, Maine Coons can break the mold!
Many of these kitties have a curious, adventurous streak and may be more open to the idea of riding in a car, especially if they're introduced to it in a positive way from a young age.
Some Maine Coon owners even report that their cats seem to enjoy watching the world go by through the window or exploring new places once they arrive. For example, Joni says of her boy Gunny, "He loves car rides and adventures."
Maine Coon Personality Traits in Action:
The following stories really show what you can expect with the Maine Coon personality.
You'll see a theme of friendliness, intelligence, charm and all-around lovability in these testimonials!
Ted's Maine Coon Personality Traits:
Always closeLaura, in Surrey UK shares her friendly Maine Coon, Ted:
"He is my big friendly giant in the making.. My family and friends often refer to him as the cat that wants to be a dog as he does all the things their dogs do.
Run to say hello the second I walk through the door, sit and whine at the door when he wants some time outside, brings me his food bowl if he has yet again finished it all.
He is incredibly sociable and curls up with anyone on the sofa, but being my shadow where I go Ted goes.
To anyone considering adding a Maine Coon to their household I would say DO IT! It will be the best decision you ever make."
Sweet Clair:
Calicoon Clair De LuneCandace in Cookeville, TN shares her lovely Clair:
"She has tons of personality and charm and is always the life of the party! She loves playing with her older brother, Bodhi, my 12 year old Maine Coon boy...
She's always into something and loves "helping" me do anything from cooking to working on my laptop to taking a shower! She doesn't actually get in the shower, just patiently waits on the floor beside it until I get out.
She follows me everywhere! She and Bodhi will both sleep on the bed with me. If I get cold at night, I just throw on a Maine Coon!"
Life With Tristan:
TristanPhoto credit:
Theresa Foucht
Mathilda R in Durban, KwaZulu Natal shares Tristan, her "champion and best friend:"
"He is such a darling and being the only guy in a home with three generations of ladies, you can imagine how much he gets spoilt.
Tristan just loves meeting new people and traveling, he knows when his harness comes out that it's time for a drive in the car, he doesn't mind where those wheels go as long as he can sit on my lap and snooze or watch traffic.”
Mr Buster Comes Home:
Mr. BusterLinda in Missouri shares Mr Buster: "He is the sweetest most laid back little guy you could imagine. He is funny and sweet and so loving.
Everything we had hoped. Our breeder spends a lot of time handling her kittens and plays with them. So he was completely socialized.
He and our 18 mo. old female MC Hazel chase each other all over the house and end up sleeping together. I can't imagine anything more fun than interacting with these darling animals."
Classic Chester:
ChesterSusan in Longmont, CO shares Chester:
"Although not a cuddle cat, he always has to be near one of us. And TALK!
Oh my, Chester meows like you wouldn't believe when he wants something and chirps and trills every time you pass by him, even in the dark.
He adds so much life to our home, especially since we are empty nesters. It's amazing how quickly they get into your blood. We couldn't imagine life without him now."
Would The Maine Coon Breed Make A Good Family Pet?
What makes this breed great family pets? A laid-back, patient nature that fits easily into real homes.
Maine Coons do well with singles, apartment dwellers, and busy families alike. They're known for being especially patient with children and often tolerate more attention than most cats, as long as there’s proper adult supervision.
That combination makes them a natural fit for households where kids are learning how to interact with animals and build lasting bonds.
The Maine Coons are great family pets
Maine Coons are so patient!The calm and patient Maine Coon disposition makes them well suited for just about any family.
They get along quite well with dogs. With thoughtful introductions and a well-trained canine companion, Maine Coons usually adapt without much fuss.
All of this adds up to a cat that feels comfortable in family life, rather than overwhelmed by it.
Is a Maine Coon Kitten Friendly?
Absolutely! A Maine Coon Kitten is confident, curious, affectionate, cheeky, and everything you could want in a kitten.
They adjust to their new home easily, and quickly become a star family member. For more, check out our page on that awesome kitten personality!
Playful ginger Maine Coon kittenFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
How can I ensure I get a cat with these Maine Coon personality traits?
How can I ensure I get a cat with these Maine Coon personality traits?
Working with a reputable breeder matters. Ask questions, spend time with the adult cats, and pay attention to how kittens are handled and socialized early on. A good breeder prioritizes temperament right alongside health.
Is there a difference between male and female Maine Coon personality traits?
Is there a difference between male and female Maine Coon personality traits?
Any differences between males and females tend to be subtle, with far more overlap than contrast.
Some owners find males a bit goofier or more openly affectionate, while others say their females are just as loving and playful. Individual personality almost always matters more than gender.
More From our Community:
Brian from NY, NY shares:
"Stinky is the best cat. You hear that all the time, but she is special. Stinky single-handedly has converted cat-haters into believers.
She is smart, funny, impossibly cute, and the best friend and companion you could ever wish for... We love Stinky!"
LuigiThilda South Africa shares Luigi:
"My special "Velcro" boy. Luigi's a loving clingy Black Van MC that loves being around people. A true social butterfly"
AtticusHeather in MI says of Atticus: "We've never had a cat with so much personality.
Atticus.. thinks he's a dog. He has to be right in the middle of everyone’s business, constantly.
He insists on drinking water from our faucets ... He's very vocal, and loves to play."
Deborah in Perth, Australia says of 6yr old brothers Rex and Quinn:
"Extremely affectionate, follow us everywhere. .. They bring us so much joy."
KarrotTruly in Nevada shares that Karrot, who is already 20lbs, "purrs non stop.
He follows me room to room... Every morning he jumps on our bed and sits on my chest to say good morning with his chirping ...
He is extremely lovable and loves our two golden retrievers. We love him and are so glad to have our Maine Coon Karrot."
Centauri BluDenny in MI shares his boy Centauri Blu:
"He is just a big baby boy, love his morning massage and treats, always greets us at the door. He is a fast learner.
He rolls over, does the high five, shakes hands, and comes when you whistle. He is just a great little friend."
TimmieBecky CA says "Timmie is truly the epitome of the saying that a Maine Coons is a dog in a cat suit.
Not only is she so very outgoing, friendly and playful, fetch being just one of her favorite games, but she is a pro at the fist/paw bump and head to head butts.
She loves my grandsons, getting down and playing with them whether they are building with Legos or the Erector Set, or when playing video games on the iPad."
As a lifelong animal lover, I have had domestic cats my entire life, starting at around age 10. I have adored each and every one.
My domestic medium haired (DMH) ginger boy named Clyde was very Coonie-like in character which eventually led to many loving years with our own Maine Coons.
Looking back, there is an ineffable quality to the Maine Coon personality traits.
They are in a league of their own, and something one must experience for themselves to fully understand.
These intelligent pets claim a special place in your heart, and there's no turning back!
All in all, this loving, patient, intelligent cat make a magnificent family pet. And the gentle Maine Coon disposition makes them unforgettable!
Ask a Question!
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Questions By Other Visitors
Click below to see questions and answers from other visitors to this page...
Are Maine Coon Cats Dangerous?
Hi there! I know this might sound like a weird question, but I genuinely want to know - are Maine Coon cats dangerous?
My fiancé and I are getting our …
Are Maine Coons Cuddly?
Hi! I’m thinking about getting my first cat, and I’ve been looking into different breeds. Maine Coons seem amazing - big, fluffy, and beautiful!
But …
Why Does My Cat Lick My Face?
How Do I Get Him to Stop?
My dearest Maine Coon, Biscuit, used to do this wonderful thing of getting on top of me, putting his paws around …
Can You Teach a Maine Coon Tricks?
Hi there! I have a playful one-year-old Maine Coon named Mungo, and he’s always surprising me with how smart he is.
Lately, he’s been bringing me his …
Maine Coon Cat Breed Standard - The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. (n.d.). Cat Fanciers’ Association. Retrieved February 18, 2022, from https://cfa.org/maine-coon-cat/maine-coon-cat-breed-standard/
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Hi, I'm Carrie! As a native Mainer, Coonie mom and author, I've spent over 14 years helping cat owners understand their Coonies and mixes. Real experience, research-backed insights - that's my approach. Happy, healthy cats - that's the result!
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