Maine Coon vs Dog?

Dogs of the Cat World

When you look at a Maine Coon vs dog, you'll notice a surprising number of similarities. That's why they've earned the nickname "dogs of the cat world!"

And it's not just about their size, either!

Many of our community members have shared in their stories that their Maine Coon "turned" a family member from a "dog person" to a "cat person."

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come see what is inside our membership.

It's that enigmatic quality that makes these cats so "different" -  and so beloved!

If you've ever wondered why so many people compare these gentle giants to man's best friend, here are 10 ways they behave more like dogs than cats.

They Stick With the Pack

Whether you're cooking, folding laundry, or relaxing on the couch, expect them to follow you from room to room, and make themselves part of whatever you're doing. 

This personality trait is almost universal. You would be hard-pressed to find a Coonie owner who won't say that their Maine Coon, like a dog, is their buddy, pal, or best friend at home.

red maine coon resting his head on a laptop keyboard on a lap.

Wrapping a gift? They're on it (literally). Painting a wall? Built-in supervisor. Watering plants? They'll make sure you get every one.

Do you work from home? You'll never be lonely at your computer!

As Caoimhe's mom, Jenny in Kenosha, WI shares: she "insists on being right with me - talking, supervising and looking for loves and attention almost all the time."

They Greet You at the Door

They give the best doorman greetings. Almost exactly like a dog (minus the barking), your Coonie will either be at the door when you get in, or come trotting from around the corner - often talking to you with a chirp or a trill!

They'll Walk on a Leash

It's true! If you can find a secure harness that fits, many Maine Coons are leash-trained. It's the best of both worlds.

They remain safe from predators and vehicles, and they get to explore the sights and sounds of the outdoors.

Walking with a Maine Coon vs dog is quite a different experience, of course. This is more about exploring.

From bird-watching to bug-chasing, leash walking is easier than with most breeds due to their intelligence and desire to "be part of the pack."

maine coon cat in a harness laying on a pile of fall leavesJack, wearing his harness in our 2022 Album

Water Play is Fair Game

From splashing in a bowl to joining you at the sink, they're one of the few cat breeds that truly like water.

This trait of liking water is famous, but not universal. Like all creatures (humans included), they are not all the same!

But, as a trend, this breed is more likely than others to swat and spill the water in their drinking bowl, sit outside your shower or maybe even paw at it, and drink from a faucet while also drenching their head!

As Denise in Glasgow, Scotland says of her boy, Alfie: he "enjoys sitting on the end of the bath and slapping the water with his paw." Many, many Coonies share this water fascination!

two purebred maine coon cats sitting together and posing.Alfie and his sister, Poppy

Fetch is a Real Thing

Fetch is a favorite in many Coonie households! Toss a favorite toy and they might just bring it back - and expect you to throw it again.

This intelligent breed is always coming up with new ways to play and interact.

On our Thankful Coonies page, Cindy in Alexandria, Ontario says of her girl: "Maze is thankful for mom learning to play fetch with her!! Maze brings balls for mom to find in bed when she wakes up. We can play as soon as the alarms go off!!"

They're Easy to Handle

Why do dog lovers love dogs? For the pets and cuddles, of course! When it comes to cats, you don't always know what you are going to get.

Your future kitty might be aloof, prefer not to be snuggled, or spend most of her time atop her cat tree (or even in a hiding spot).

Not so with the Maine Coon breed! This is one reason people choose purebred cats - they have a good idea of the personality they're bringing home.

Maine Coon breeders strive to produce family cats who are not only beautiful, but easy to handle.

This means they love to be touched, and you shouldn't have to struggle to clip their claws, give them a bath, or even a pill. Of course there are exceptions! All animals have their own preferences and personalities.

They’re Good With Kids

Their gentle, patient nature makes them a great match for families with respectful children. A common theme in our community pages is around Coonies and the kids they are bonded with.

Personally, I raised my two Coonies and two children side by side, and this made for memories I (and my human children) will treasure forever.

Wendy shared the story of Hope, her beautiful 14-year-old Maine Coon who was given to her granddaughter Aila as a 3rd birthday present.

little girl holding a maine coon cat on her lap.Hope and Aila

The two have been inseparable ever since. "Wherever Aila is, Hope is there too," Wendy says. Hope has even been known to call Aila by name, "Eye-ya," when she’s looking for her.

And in true Coonie fashion, while other cats might scatter at a sudden noise, Hope will simply look up and yawn.

red silver maine coon cat sitting on the lap of a little girl in an armchair.Ruby and her girl

Sara in Australia tells us of her beautiful Red Silver girl, Ruby Tuesday:

"We brought Ruby home as a whole-family pet, but she quickly decided that our five year old daughter was her long-lost soulmate, and they've been inseparable from day one. ... 

Every morning she's found sleeping on the pillow next to our daughter, and waits at the window for her to come home from school."

They Communicate Openly

Like a loyal pup, they are interactive - often "talking" back when you speak to them. This talkativeness is one of their most famous personality traits.

If you've ever wanted to know more about what it's like to have a full back-and-forth with a Maine Coon, we've covered it in detail - right down to their famous chirps and trills!

They’re Loyal Companions

These cats often form a deep attachment to their favorite human, following them like a shadow. Many Coonie parents say that their feline friend loves everyone in the home - but seems to have a special bond with one. So sweet!

They’re Intelligent, True Companions

When it comes to a Maine Coon vs dog, this is the big one. Part of what makes them so dog-like is their ability to really connect with us.

You can talk to a Maine Coon and feel like they’re listening. They respond with body language, sounds, and a look in their eyes that says they understand.

Over time, you develop a whole repertoire together, just like you would with a dog.

So, what do you think? When you look at Maine Coon vs dog, are these personality traits part of why you fell in love with the breed - or are you just now realizing your Coonie is basically a big, fluffy dog in disguise?

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