Maine Coon cats are known to be one of the most popular cat breeds in America. With their luxurious coats and friendly personalities, it’s no wonder why so many people have fallen in love with this breed. But are Maine Coon cats good family pets?
Maine Coon cats make great family pets because they are friendly, playful, smart, and loyal. These “gentle giants” are good with kids, other cats, dogs, and people, and are relatively low-maintenance. They enjoy spending time with their human companions and are generally good-natured and affectionate.
In this article, we will explore all that you need to know about Maine Coons as family pets. By the end of this article, you should feel confident about whether or not adding a Maine Coon kitty to your household is the right decision for you.
Maine Coon Cats Make Great Family Pets
Anyone who has owned a Maine Coon cat will certainly tell you that these cats make perfect family pets. Their intelligence, their social nature, and their loyalty and affection towards their owners make them an ideal fit for many households.
Maine Coon Intelligence
Maine Coon cats are very smart. Because of their intelligence, Maine Coons can be trained easily with consistent reinforcement. They can learn things quickly and understand what you want them to do. With some practice, they can even do tricks like shaking hands or giving high-fives!
Maine Coon Temperament
Maine Coon cats are also known for being incredibly social and affectionate towards their owners. They love attention and will gladly seek it out when given the opportunity. The breed is also known for its laid-back yet playful personality, making them a perfect fit for families with children.
Compatibility with Other Pets and Children
Maine Coons are generally very tolerant of other animals and even young children, making them an ideal pet for a family that has other pets or small kids. They can be just as gentle and loving towards cats, dogs, and kids as they are to their owners.
Maine Coon Social Nature
Maine Coons are known for their social nature and love to be around people. They get along well with other cats, dogs, and children. Maine Coons love attention and will often “talk” back when spoken to!
Maine Coon Loyalty & Affection
Their outgoing personalities allow them to bond deeply with their people. Maine Coons love to play and interact with their owners and will often follow you around the house or curl up in your lap so they can be close to you.
Are Maine Coon Cats High Maintenance?
Maine coons have a reputation for being high-maintenance cats, but this isn’t necessarily true. Maine Coons are fairly easy to care for and don’t require any more effort than most other breeds of cats.
Grooming
They do need regular grooming to maintain their long coats, which can take up some time. However, grooming a Maine Coon cat does not take significantly more effort than what you would be doing with any other long-haired cat.
[You can learn more about grooming long-haired cats here]
Exercise
Maine Coons are, however, very active cats and need plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They need an environment where their curiosity can be explored without getting them into too much trouble.
This can include things like puzzle toys, interactive laser pointers, or window perches so they can watch activity outside. Additionally, you should have scratching posts set up around your home to allow your Maine Coon to scratch in a safe environment.
Big Cats, Big Cat Supplies
Maine coons are one of the largest cat breeds, so it is true that you will need bigger things for them because of their size.
For example, a larger litter box will help them move around more comfortably and prevent them from making a mess outside the box. A bigger cat carrier will also help them move around more comfortably during travel. And since they are bigger than other cats, they will need more food.
Maine Coon Cats Are Prone to Certain Health Problems
Maine Coon cats are generally healthy and robust but they may develop certain health issues. Some of these health issues are hip dysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy, polycystic kidney disease, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Maine Coon cats are also prone to obesity which can lead to other health problems like diabetes, arthritis, joint damage, cancer, and constipation. Owners should monitor their cat’s weight, calorie intake, and exercise level to prevent obesity.
Another common health concern for Maine Coon cats is hairballs which are caused by their long thick fur. Owners should groom their cats regularly to remove loose fur and provide hairball remedies to help them pass hairballs.
Finding a Reputable Maine Coon Breeder
If you are thinking about bringing a Maine Coon kitten into your home, it is important that you find a reputable breeder who has experience breeding these cats.
Buying a Maine Coon cat from a reputable breeder is important because it ensures that the cat is healthy and has been checked for genetic diseases. Registered reputable breeders are knowledgeable and care for their cats and kittens, and ensure that a standard of care and expertise is enforced.
A reputable breeder will answer any questions you have about taking care of your new pet. Be sure to ask questions about the cats’ background and health history so you can be sure they are coming from an ethical source. A reputable breeder should also provide follow-up advice on how to properly care for your new pet once you have brought him or her home.
On average, a purebred Maine Coon cat will cost you between $1,000 and $3,000. Keep in mind that breeding and show-quality cats usually come with a higher price tag.
Here are some tips on how to find reputable Maine Coon cat breeders:
- To begin, you can ask friends, family, or other Maine Coon owners for recommendations on reputable breeders in your area.
- Search online: look for breeder directories, Facebook groups, and forums, but be sure to do your due diligence and research to make sure they are a reputable breeder.
- Find a registered Maine Coon cat breeder.
- Look for a breeder who offers a health guarantee.
- Look for a breeder who socializes their kittens.
- Visit the cattery to see how the cats are kept and cared for.
- Read reviews of the breeder online.
Consider Adopting a Rescue Cat
Maine Coon cats are very popular and have become widely available throughout the United States and other countries. There are many reputable breeders who specialize in this breed, but there are also many unregistered cats to be found.
We always recommend adopting a rescue cat wherever possible. Visit your local shelters or rescue groups – you never know where you might find a Maine Coon that needs a loving home.
[TIP: To learn more about the cost of owning a Maine Coon cat, check out our article on pricing and costs here.]
Conclusion
So, are Maine Coon cats good family pets?
Overall, Maine Coon cats make great family pets due to their intelligence, loyalty, and low-maintenance nature. They get along with people of all ages and other animals, making them an ideal pet for a family with other pets or young children.
The decision of whether or not a Maine Coon cat is the right pet for you comes down to lifestyle and personal preference. But if you’re looking for an intelligent, loyal companion who loves spending time with their family — then look no further than the Maine Coon!
[For complete information on this wonderful breed, head on over to our article MAINE COON CAT: BREED INFORMATION AND CARE]
