How Do Maine Coons Get Along With Other Cats?

Cats have a way of making a house into a home. They are wonderful companions! If you are expanding your feline family, you may be asking yourself "how do Maine Coons get along with other cats?"

two maine coons cuddlingDo Maine Coons Get Along With Other Cats?
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And if you have more than one cat, you may have experienced the challenge of getting new cats to get along with each other.

As territorial animals, some cats may display aggressive or defensive behavior towards other felines they perceive as intruders.

This can make introductions difficult and living in a multi-cat household stressful for both them and us, their pet parents.

In addition to managing feline interactions, choosing the right cat breeds for a multi-cat household can also help create a harmonious environment.

While Maine Coon Cats are known to be more sociable and friendly towards other cats, other kitties may be more independent and prefer to be the only cat in the house.

Here, explore effective strategies for introducing cats to each other and encouraging peaceful coexistence in a multi-cat household.

We also delve into the topic of cat breed compatibility and provide insights into which breeds may be more suitable for a multi-cat household.

With the right approach and knowledge, it is possible to create a happy and thriving home for all your feline friends.

This is such a friendly and easy-going breed. Usually, Maine Coons get along with other cats quite well. Here, our community discusses new cat compatibility:


From our Community:


black maine coon sleeping on top of cameo maine coon cat


Would My Maine Coon get along with a new cat?

by: L

Are two cats better than one, no matter what?

I feel more comfortable asking this question here, since more "rational" cat people (e.g. my coworkers at the SPCA) think I'm crazy for even asking:

I have a young, 1.5 year old Maine Coon mix who is the most amazing laid back cat and I am obsessed with him.

He is my baby boy - he follows me around chirping, helps me with all my tasks, and adores attention, constantly sleeping by my side or playing under my feet waiting to flop over for a tummy rub.

To put it simply, I feel absolutely awful every time I have to leave him when I go to work for more than 6 hours a day, which is about three times a week.

Knowing how playful and attached to me he is, and having seen him wandering around the house looking bored and mewing when I can't give him my full attention, I have been thinking that getting him another young cat to play with would be great for him so he could have a buddy and some company when I am gone.

Here are the things that I worry about though:

  • I worry that he'll hate me for it because he'll have to share my attention.
  • I selfishly worry that because he'll resent me he'll stop lavishing love on me and stop being my baby boy - detach from me somehow.
  • I worry that he won't get along or bond with the cat (even though he seemed fine with other cats at the shelter, and is fine with my neighbors dog when he comes over to play). I don't want to make it worse.
  • Am I crazy? Everything I've read and heard is that if you have a friendly cat, that two are better then one - that it's good for them psychologically and physically.
  • On the other hand, maybe I am over-anthropomorphizing my cat's boredom level when he is alone. It might be that he just doesn't need a companion and can entertain myself when I am away.

As you can tell, this is serious (and possibly silly) source of anxiety for me, and I would really appreciate any insights any of you might have!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this...


red maine coon hiding in a box

Reply:

Hi L,
Are two kitties better than one? It's a valid question!

I'll address your concerns one at a time. As for the first two, he won't resent you and he won't hate you. Cats may seem aloof, but they are not hard-wired with those emotions.

He'll love you no matter what you do. He may seem "off" during his adjustment, maybe even come around for less snuggling at first, but not out of resentment.

And, that may not even happen. Maine Coons tend to speak up for their share of affections.

Personally, I've never had just one cat. At our house, Leo is particularly bonded to my husband (though spends a fair amount of time on my lap as well).

Alice, on the other hand, is clearly my cat (although she visits with everyone in the family, too). So I can relate to the personal bond you have and your concerns about "sharing."

If you had two cats, you'd have to make the time for both of them when you are home. So, don't just do it for your first cat, think about yourself, too!

Next, no you're not crazy! No one feels good about leaving their pet alone for long periods of time. Here is my opinion: 6 hours a day, 3 times a week is not a whole lot of time for him to be alone.

He probably just plays, explores, and sleeps during this time. You have nothing to feel guilty about.

He sounds like a happy, healthy, well-adjusted cat who is nicely spoiled. If you are happy with the status-quo, then there is no need to change a thing.

But, if you can't stop thinking how nice it would be to find him a good friend, if you want to, then go for it!

A good choice is a laid-back young cat or kitten to get the best chances at friendship. This is not guaranteed, unfortunately. After all your trouble, they may be best buds, they may not. (But I'm leaning toward the friendship route.)

They would both be fine with it, if you are too. The bottom line is that companionship is good, but he doesn't need it. He is doing just fine.

Your bond would have to change a bit, just as it does when we add human children to a family. It's ultimately up to you!

I hope this helps!
~Carrie

Comments:

A tough transition but worth it...
by: L

It's been a little over a week since we got our new cat, and I'm amazed how quickly things have resolved.

The transition was actually hardest for me I think - when we brought the new kitty home, our resident cat D was really aggressive towards him and very territorial even spraying the walls.

He also stopped being snugly with me and talking to me and spent a lot of time sitting in the corner glaring.

That really made me upset and I unfortunately transferred all of that disappointment to the new cat who I resented for destroying the bliss of our family.

I was especially panicking that my bond with D, who was my best friend, would disappear. And I didn't feel like I could love this new cat in the same way.

I had really been hoping they would get along like brothers and I was dismayed at the aggression.

Up until the last few days I continued to have heart palpitations at every hiss and swat - I wish I wasn't so anxious about everyone getting along - the process has been excruciating.

But, it has been so worth it. As I write, D is wrapped around little Otto, grooming his face while Otto purrs.

And they have been chasing each other around all day. And D has been curling up next to me and begun chirping to me again. And I feel so much better about leaving them home while at work. So all's well that ends well!

Amazing!
by: Maine Coon Cat Nation

I'm so, so happy to hear your adoption was a success!

It's a terrific example of how there can be aggressive behavior and difficulties at first, but wow, they are best buddies already! I'm smiling ear to ear!

Thank you so much for the update on your two boys and the strong bond they are beginning to develop!

Carrie




Best Breed Compatibility For My Male Maine Coon

by: Juan Cronje in Cape Town, South Africa

fluffy brown tabby catBig Boy

We have a 1yr old male and he is the only pet. We are considering getting a second cat but want to ensure we get a breed that is compatible with the Maine Coon characteristics.

He is a very dominant cat and displays extreme dominant behavior when confronted by other cats. Obviously we need to get a female but want to ensure we get a breed that is not too timid or strongly opposite.

Please advise which breeds to consider.

Reply:

Hi Juan,

Your boy looks very handsome! What is his name?

I'm not quite sure how to answer. On the one hand, you want a breed that is compatible with the Maine Coon characteristics, and on the other, you want a cat who will be compatible with your boy.

They are two different things! The Maine Coon personality traits are easy-going and laid-back. A typical male is not dominant, but a gentle cat who gets along with most other pets. It's a common myth that they "should be" a rough and tough cat.

Actually, it is actually written into the Maine Coon cat breed description that they are to have an "amiable" (or friendly) disposition.

brown and white maine coon sitting on back of couch

So the best breed compatibility for a Maine Coon is any breed!

However, your boy has some dominance. And the bit about displaying "extreme dominant behavior when confronted by other cats" worries me.

It is very possible that he does not want another cat in the house. That is normal for some cats. It's just the way they are.

In that case, it wouldn't matter what gender, age or breed of cat you get. He will display this "extreme dominant behavior" which will create household stress, and possibly leave a new cat injured, definitely terrified.

The short answer to your question is that either a Maine Coon or a Ragdoll from a reputable breeder should be easy going. And a Siamese might be likely to leave him on his own, yet stand up for herself if needed.

Also, kittens are the easiest to transition into a new home. She would not be threatening to him.

I would definitely not recommend this, though, because a young kitten would also be very delicate and vulnerable. She could be injured or worse if ever attacked, even once.

I would recommend a few "practice sessions" where you monitor for signs of stress, aggression or other behavior problems and see if he could possibly accept the presence of another cat.

And since I'm not sure what the "extreme behavior" is, or how or when it was displayed, some of this may or may not apply to you.

So my advice is to proceed with caution! And have a back-up home planned out so that if it doesn't work, she won't go to a shelter.

Some kitties prefer to be the only one, the household cat. I wonder if he is one of them. Perhaps others with experience adding cats and having an aggressive cat will add their advice, too!

All The Best,
~Carrie

Comments:
Further Clarification
by: Juan Cronje

Thanks Carrie, to give more info on the behaviour. It was displayed whilst at a cat hotel in which he immediately stormed and stalked the cats he saw in the surrounding pens.

At the same time he loved any passing dogs and wanted to play. He once escaped through the window (he is an indoor kitty) and on sight of another cat stormed.

When placed with another male 9 months his senior he took over the males sleeping quarters hehe.

He is extremely well bred and bought from a well known breeder with excellent credentials. Hope this clarifies.

Maybe I'm just over worried but better save than sorry. Juan


collage of three beautiful maine coon cats

New Cat Compatibility

by: Marty in Shipshewana, Indiana, USA

We have a 18 month old female Maine Coon. She was our only cat and we recently got another young female domestic short hair, 10 weeks old. They seem to get along ok.

Sometimes the Maine Coon gets a little irritated when the young one wants to play and lets out a loud hissing sound and runs off.

Do Maine Coons get along with other cats? Will they ever get to be friends?

Reply:

Hi Marty,

I think they will. If they are doing this well already, it's a sign that all will be well.

A little irritation when getting tackled or having your tail bitten is to be expected :)

If your Maine Coon seems stressed, consider putting one of them in a separate room for a bit.

It is also a good idea to be generous with treats and affection during this time so she has positive associations with the kitten.

There's a good chance you'll soon find them sleeping together and grooming each other!

All The Best,
Carrie


collage of kitties

Comments:
Soon to be best friends!
by: Danielle

My Coon Hunter HATED his buddy Tommy when we first welcomed him into our home. Tommy was about 4 months old when he joined the family and the behaviour your cat is displaying is COMPLETELY NORMAL!

The adjustment period is different for everyone, but it will probably be around a good solid month after the initial introduction before you see the two of them really starting to bond. They are an adaptable breed.

The kitten needs to learn it's place in the pecking order and the laws of the land set by your older cat. Of course as the kitten gets older, it will test your other cat, but it's all about establishing territory.

One day you'll just turn around and the two of them will be wrestling together, grooming each other, sleeping together and it will seem like they've become BFF's overnight.

Your new kitty has the advantage of learning proper feline behaviour from your older cat, and from my experience this usually forms a tighter bond than two young cats growing up together.

The older cat has already learned the rules of your house and has established itself and will teach the younger one for you.

When I've had two young cats raised together, they eventually started to test my rules and each other, and sometimes resulted in some serious squabbles.

Having the situation you have, with unrelated cats, I've found that my cats never squabbled over anything and were absolutely content to be in each other's company! GOOD LUCK!


ginger maine coon laying with paws cossed

How Well Do Maine Coons Get Along With Other Cats?

by: Joanne in Boston MA

Would A Maine Coon Integrate Well With My 3 Persian Exotics, Ages 4, 5 and 6 ?

I have 4 Persian Exotics and am about to lose the 7 year-old to FIP.

My husband and I are devastated, and he is such a dog-like cat it will leave a gaping hole in our home.

He is/was the alpha, and he is not only my husband's favorite, but honestly the first animal he's ever loved. How sad is that?!

While he can never be replaced as such, we are thinking of backfilling, if you will, not with another Exotic since that's too close for comfort and frankly feels disrespectful.(!)

What are thoughts as to how a Maine Coon kitten might integrate with existing cats, not kittens themselves but young enough to be playful still.

I appreciate your thoughts, both on getting a new Maine Coon, and other breeds sure to appeal to a man who is not an innate animal lover.

Thanks very much,
Joanne

Update:

We lost Nigel yesterday, hardest thing we've ever done but the right thing for him. SO SAD.

Agreed we aren't rushing into a new kitten lightly, but it's a matter of time and appreciate the insights on the Maine Coons, looking to ensure a friendly and vocal pet & companion.

I'm thinking/hoping my cats are still young enough to welcome a kitten, as I'm very aware that adult cats do not welcome kittens easily, and that's why it's advisable to get two instead of one.

I'm also aware that a Maine Coon would dwarf my cats in size when full grown, so hoping that's okay?!

Reply:

Hi Joanne,
I'm so sorry you are facing the loss of your boy. That is just so hard.

I think a Maine Coon kitten would certainly integrate well with your other cats. The Maine Coon breed appreciates the company of other animals in the home.

I have a couple of thoughts:
Your cats may re-sort their pecking order, and even display some signs of aggression.

I'm not sure how a little kitten who's just being introduced will do during that time. You might want to add a kitten well before or well after the changes occur.

And if a primary goal is to get a new cat that will bond with your husband, see what he thinks about the timing.

Some people always have room, emotionally, for another feline friend. Others will feel a bit like they are "cheating on" the passed pet by loving a new one too soon.

As for the breed, and the topic of whether Maine Coons get along with other cats; they are doglike, friendly and congenial.

He should become great friends with your resident cats. I can't think of a better fit. To guarantee this kind of personality you'll want a purebred Maine Coon.

You are right about their large size, but these are gentle giants. I have no concerns there. These amazing cats are known as the dogs of the cat world, and have an affectionate nature.

Again, I'm so sorry about your boy. Seven is young.

All The Best,
~Carrie

Comments:

New Furry Family Member
by: Heather

Hi
Sorry about your loss.

When I lost my beautiful girl at 18 1/2 years ago I got my first Maine Coon Sarah. The house was in upset over Bitty passing but I think that actually helped.

Timmy, my 8-year-old domestic shorthair was particularly out of sorts and I think Sarah took his mind off it and he recovered just in time for my other 18 yr old to pass with a brain bleed.

He was much slower to recover from her passing without the distraction of a new house member. When Zack ( MC No 2) arrived 6 months later he seemed better again.

Now I also have Boris ( MC 8 months ) and they all get on like a house on fire. I think the MC's mix well and they sleep together in all sorts of combinations.


maine coon looking out glass doors to snowy landscape

Help With Adopting Out A Maine Coon

by: Jean in Dedham Mass

I have a semi feral colony of cats that I care for, at least four of them are Maine Coons. Two years ago I took 2 of them home to live with me.

Maxwell is a black and white Maine Coon, he is very very gentle, loves to sit on your lap, and he touches your face, and endlessly purrs.

Maxwell was part of the colony of semi feral cats that I have been caring for.

I ended up taking him home because he followed me all over the yard that he was living and he never wanted me to leave, he would follow me to my car.

Max has adjusted to the new environment and living in a home. He trusts other people, and everyone loves him. Max is a lap cat and he is very talkative.

I would like to try and find a home for him. He has no behavioral issues and would be a wonderful feline companion for an older person.

Wondering why I would want to adopt him to someone else? I am very dedicated to my semi feral colony.

Max and his colony were being cared for by a senior citizen whose yard that they lived in. This senior passed away and I have been caring for this colony ever since.

I was also wondering if there are any Maine Coon cat lovers in my area they would just love this colony of them. You can pat them and they will trust you if you know their names.


stunning black maine coon kitten

Introducing Older Cats to Young Kittens

by: Melanie in Louisville, KY

I have 2 cats that are 16 years old and have special needs.

One is on thyroid medicine and iron drops and IV fluids for the kidneys. The other one in on kidney medicine and IV fluids.

Both are fairly active for their age. We also have 2 other cats that are 8 years old. They are in good health.

My main question is would kittens upset my older cats in a very negative way? How do Maine Coons get along with other cats?

I know one will need extra attention because he is very spoiled, but the other one I worry he might strain himself keeping up with the kitten.

Reply:

Hi Melanie,

It sounds like you have a full, and happy house! How lucky for your kitties that they have someone so attentive to look after them in their golden years, keeping them as healthy as possible.

As for how they would react, or interact with new kittens, I think no one is better than you to make that guess.

If he is fairly active and you are worried about him straining himself during rough play or chasing, you could either make plans to keep them separate, get older kittens or young cats, or wait.

In my opinion, I would think that he would enjoy a young playmate and instinct would tell him when it's time to slow down.

Plus, you mentioned "kittens" so if you got two, they would entertain each other. But this is just a guess, as I don't personally know your kitties!

It would be a good idea to have scratching posts and/or a cat tree if you don't already. This will give energetic young cats an outlet that doesn't involve the older ones.

I hope everything works out,
~Carrie

Comments:

Range Wars
I found that even with a large house, five cats were too much. Even four cats were pushing it.

Thing is, cats need a lot of their own territory, in proportion to the space they take up.

They are solitary creatures and need separate areas. You could get spraying, even with spayed female cats. We did.

Re the issue of age differences: I had one kitten who simply refused to be disliked.

Who, me? You must be kidding! How could anybody dislike cute little me? She eventually wore the older cat down.


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