Four Unique Maine Coon Cat Personality Traits That Set Them Apart From Other Kitties

One of the oldest native cats in North America and one of the largest domesticated cat breeds in the entire world, Maine Coons are nothing like your ordinary house cat. These gentle giants of the domesticated feline world are easily distinguishable by their enormous size (2-3 times bigger than the average domesticated cat), large pointy ears, fluffy fur featuring a mane-like collar, and big, bushy tails - not to mention their square-jawed, almost human faces. Visually, they're a cross between a lion, a lynx, and a long-haired house cat, with the countenance of Ron Perlman (seriously, look it up).

But it's not just the Maine Coon's unique appearance that makes them so distinctive. Past their imposing size and stern-looking expressions, Maine Coons have award-winning personalities that have won the hearts of animal lovers the world over. While all cats are unique individuals with their own personalities, there's a few things about the average Maine Coon's temperament that set them apart from your typical house kitty!

1. Maine Coons Are Total Waterbugs

Most house cats can't stand getting wet, much less submerging themselves in water, and most people who've tried to bathe a cat have the scars to prove it. Maine Coons, however, are a big exception. Not only do these cats seem to actually like playing in water, but some Maine Coons even enjoy swimming! That doesn't mean all Maine Coons like water, but overall, they tend to be way more comfortable around it than the average kitty.

In fairness to other cats, Maine Coons do have a biological advantage that most other domesticated cats don't when it comes to water. According to Catster, Maine Coons have three layers of thick fur, all of which have water-repellant properties that help keep them warm and insulated! This dense, water-resistant fur also shields Maine Coons from snow and ice, which comes in handy during cold winters in places like Maine, where the breed first originated.

2. They're the "Dogs" of Cats

Maine Coons are often described as being rather "dog-like" compared to their feline brethren. That's because Maine Coons are friendly, outwardly affectionate, sociable, and loyal to their owners, much in the way that many popular family dog breeds are! Their gentle, loyal, and playful demeanors make them excellent as family pets, and many Maine Coon parents claim that they get along well with other household pets, including other cats.

While no breed is a monolith (I've met plenty of non-Maine Coon cats with similarly playful, dog-like personalities), Maine Coons tend to not have the same aloofness and hyper-independence most people associate with cats. Even dog lovers who aren't typically fond of felines may find that Maine Coons share more in common with their favorite type of furry friend than they expect!

Related: Maine Coon Brothers' Treat Training Tricks Have Everyone Seriously Impressed

3. They're Easier to Train Than Most Cats

Beyond their friendly, sociable demeanors, Maine Coons are also similar to dogs in that they take well to training. Maine Coons are highly intelligent and fast learners, and because they're not so "aloof," they're generally much easier to train than most cats. so long as proper training methods are followed. In fact, some Maine Coon owners even leash train their cats, as Maine Coons are very active kitties that love to go on walks!

4. They're Chatty - Just Don't Expect a Lot of "Meow-Do-You-Dos"

As you might expect from their friendly, outgoing personalities, Maine Coons can be pretty vocal kitties, especially once their parents get home at the end of a long day! Just don't expect to be met with a chorus of meows from your Maine Coon - at least, not meows exclusively.

Of course, Maine Coons can and do meow, but according to Maine Coon specialist Ella Coleman, they're far more likely to chirp, trill, purr, or even squeak at you than outright meow. These chirps and purrs are generally "happy noises," although cats can also purr when they're sick or anxious, so context clues are important. Coleman writes that Maine Coons generally meow when they want attention or a food bowl top-off, while howling and growling can be a sign of frustration, anxiety, or even physical pain. Maine Coons use a diverse cat vocabulary to express themselves with, and their parents should take heed of what sounds their cat makes and when to decipher what they're trying to say.

Maine Coons Are Amazing

Once you've met a Maine Coon cat, you'll never forget them. With their large builds and even larger personalities, these friendly felines know how to make a big impression and enchant everyone they meet (even some formerly-avowed cat haters). Mixing the calm independence of a cat with the friendly, affectionate demeanor and playfulness of a dog, Maine Coons truly represent the best of both pet worlds. It's no wonder why they're one of the internet's most beloved cat breeds!

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