If you are able to establish what causes aggression in your Maine Coon, make sure you avoid those situations. Without stimulation this breed will become bored and destructive. Maine Coon Central is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, and Amazon.co.uk. If your cat suddenly becomes hostile and you know you’ve recently introduced a new smell around the home, it could be the cause. If you are concerned about the condition of a cat bite, seek medical advice. As long as you are always kind to a Maine Coon, it should always be kind and gentle towards you. The Maine Coon cat breed is known for being very hardy, with thick dense fur that keeps them warm, even during the harshest New England Winters where other cats struggle to survive. Cats are territorial by nature. That´s why you should always do your research thoroughly before getting a Maine Coon cat. If your Main coon feels threatened by another cat or animal, either inside the house or at the window, he may assert his dominance over everyone and everything in his environment. Eyes wide open with pupils partially, or fully dilated, Tail very stiff and held low, or pointing straight to the ground, Cat’s mouth is open, and they are spitting or hissing, Cat’s mouth will be open, spitting and hissing, Ears are flattened sideways, or point backwards, Ears point upwards, with the backs slightly rotated forwards, Cats body is positioned sideways towards the threat, rather than straight on, Cats body will be facing the threat, possibly with their body sloping down towards head, Piloerection – Cats hair bristles upwards, Cats suffering pain will often display signs of aggression. Have you made a change in the house? They are called the “gentle giants” and the “dogs of the cat world”. Maine Coon cats are not aggressive. If one becomes hostile it is generally for one of three reasons: When Maine Coon kittens are born, their mother is very protective of them. In the case of the Maine Coon cat though, the story is a little different because this breed are well known for getting on with other animals. It’s easy to understand how their sheer size and physical presence makes people ask this question though. They can be trained to fetch, walk on a lead and a myriad of other tasks. Instead, immediately stop grooming, stroking, or playing with your cat. They are Maine's barn cats of old. Thank you, Evan Lipschultz, for your A2A: Are Maine Coons aggressive cats? Assess what has changed in your home i.e. Maine Coon cats are not aggressive. For instance, if you cat has started dropping food whilst they eat, they may have painful gums, Ask veterinary professional to assess cat for signs of injury, or underlying illness asap. If the mother feels her babies are threatened in any way, shape or form, she will likely attack. This breed isn’t infallible though, since they are genetically prone to developing a few key health issues. Site adverts are served by Mediavine, an advertising platform. It will still happily play like a kitten and so you should still make time to interact with it every day (for 15 to 20 minutes at least). This is espe… To help you do this, owners can refer to our table below, which lists 14 possible causes of Maine Coon aggressive behaviour to occur: Now that you have scrolled through our 14 high level possible reasons, take a look at the more in depth explanations below, to help clarify which issues are definitely appropriate for your cat. Many cats have at least two owners or families in their lifetime: the breeder and the person or family who adopts them. However, these friendly felines exhibit Maine Coon aggressive traits if suffering from underlying health issues. This is wrongly perceived by humans as aggressive behaviour, when in fact this is simply the female Maine Coon protecting her offspring. Maine Coon cats are very friendly cats and … In cases such as this you will likely see a Maine Coon cat showing aggression towards the individual that argues with their primary owner. Remember to give your kitten plenty of attention every day and keep socializing it. This is not your kitten being aggressive, this is your kitten behaving like a kitten. Rubbing their scent glands against furniture, and their human family. Male Maine Coon cats are more territorial than their female counterparts, since they prefer to defend a larger territorial area than their female counterparts. Are Maine Coon cats aggressive as a result of their hormones? There's not much we can't tell you about them. No wonder, they got this nickname and give the impression that they are aggressive or scary. A Maine Coon can suffer from boredom. Take your Maine Coon straight to the vets if it becomes inexplicably vicious and hopefully you will get a diagnosis and some treatment to set it on the road to recovery. If this behaviour continues, the owner should repeat the command ‘NO’ firmly, then cease playing with their kitten, until later in the day. Hello! Correct socialization is key and this begins with the breeder or person who owns the kittens at birth. Have the kittens been socialized and will they be comfortable with children or other animals? Is a friendly and loyal animal. You will only frighten it and teach it a form of aggression. Article bypetsKB: The No.1 guide to cats, dogs and other pets 74 Let’s cover the 14 key reasons why this might have happened in greater detail, and what you can do about it: One of the big issues for cats is that they cannot talk (in human language, anyway). Their popularity levels have likely soared since purebred Maine Coons often display similar characteristics e.g. Common causes why Maine Coon cats tend to become aggressive not known for being naturally aggressive. Instead, you likely conjure up a picture in your head whereby the felines are extremely independent, preferring to spend time in their own company, rather than their owners. They make you work for their love unlike any other cat, and you will truly appreciate having one in your home. It may also chew at your hands. Maine Coon cats are not aggressive. Therefore, if it feels like your cats personality has become aggressive overnight, follow the tips below. One unique ability they have is that they can process emotions, including stress, much as human beings do. Maine Coon cats can cost over $1000. I am not an expert in Maine Coon Cats, I am not a breeder of Maine Coon Cats and do not hold any qualification relating to cats or animals. Cats are creatures of habit. Also referred to as “soft and tender giants,” they are known for their gentle, friendly and loving personalities, despite their size. In scenarios where family arguments are occuring, the Maine Coon cat is likely to sense that family tensions are prevalent. This is because their hormones will fluctuate from time to time, just like human hormones do. It is important that owners learn the warning signs in advance, since their cat will display these behaviour traits BEFORE attacking. Management methods for cat aggression include: Spay or neuter your cats. Never ignore these over stimulated signs, as Maine Coon aggression will inevitably follow. I've never known or been around a Main Coon cat that was ever aggressive or mean. Never punish an aggressive cat as this will only serve to make matters worse. They tend to be very curious, into everything, are very forward (not scared of much), and energetic. All of our articles draw on the extensive pet knowledge base we've built up throughout our lives as pet lovers. The Main coon has bitten the Siamese on the butt twice one year apart. This is a chemical copy of the pheromone that a cat’s face produces when it rubs against things and most cats find it reassuring. Ambushing or fighting with cats and humans that enter their territory. Will you cover the cost of health problems for any period after the sale or can a kitten be returned if it becomes ill? aggressive behaviour, excess shedding, unexplained weight loss etc. Get to know these signs and leave your cat alone for a while to calm down. They define their territory by: Cats will defend an area that they deem to be ‘theirs’, though this form of aggression is usually only focused towards other cats entering their territory. We offer valuable insights based on our own first-hand experiences. We called him 'Pippin', but he also goes by the names ‘Pipsteroo’, and ‘Pippikins’! Most Maine Coons will eventually accept another cat. Cats will exhibit aggressive behaviour towards all perceived threats. But are their lives as rosy as they first seem? During the socialisation process, an owner teaches their kitten which behaviours are acceptable and which are not. Maine Coons are unique cats. It is safer for you to shoo the strange cat away than it is for you to try to remove your cat from the window ledge. Adult cats also have social needs despite the fact that it is believed that they are creatures who prefer to be alone. Some cats can have adverse reactions to the fragrances of air-fresheners, polishes, and perfumes. Aggressive mannerisms do not necessarily mean your cat has picked up some bad habits, nor does it immediately signal naughty behaviour. The trouble is it may well need your intervention and a trip to the vets. They are naturally gentle and friendly as long as they are raised properly. If you need to retrain an angry cat to take it to the vets, use a thick bath towel to wrap it in – be gentle and still watch out for those teeth or escaping paws full of claws. Changes to their environment i.e. (If the answer is less than 12 weeks this should cause you some concern). Cats seem to remember things from their past. Aggressive behaviour is far more likely in a bored Maine Coon cat. A cat’s body language forwarns of aggression. Owners should therefore keep watch for signs of the following health problems in their Maine Coon, since pain and disease are one of the most likely reasons why Maine Coon cats become aggressive. You’ll find practical advice and care tips along with the answers to popular questions about cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, hamsters, and other pets. Therefore, when they play with another cat (using their claws and biting) neither cat gets hurt. The majority of Maine Coon cats love to be stroked, and petted. But if your cat does seem off with you in a new home, try a Feliway Diffuser or Spray. […] Take a look at my article ‘Why Do Maine Coon Cats Howl?‘ for more information. But he has it out for our oldest pet, a 12 year old cat named Sassy. A cat can have all the same personality traits of a Maine Coon, and even some physical resemblance and not actually be a Maine. Hi. However, a breed standard is only a guideline. This occurs because they are ultimately more loyal to their key owner. If you’re considering one as a pet, it’s a perfectly natural consideration, especially if you have young children or other pets. How to stop undesirable behavior in your Maine Coon cat. 2. If so, make sure you read our Maine Coon vs Persian cat guide straight away! After all your home is its territory and it won’t appreciate you introducing a stranger into it. Are Maine Coon Cats Aggressive Maine Coons are not naturally aggressive, but like any animal, they can be driven to unwanted behavior due to external or internal conflict. It’s not because these large cats display instant signs of aggression towards them, but simply because most people are not sure what to expect, since the Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds in the world. The cat won’t understand and by acting aggressively, you will scare it and possibly drive it to act even more aggressively. The simply truth of the matter is that they are not naturally aggressive natured felines. Have any recent kittens suffered from any illnesses? Maine Coon cats are highly intelligent creatures. There are lovely look-alikes and mixes. If you notice a change in your cat’s behavior after you’ve had a reorganization session it could be the cause of it. Though Maine Coons are exceptionally tolerant they do have a point at which they will lose patience. Maine Coons are large cats and people do wonder if they can be aggressive. When this happens, owners might find their cats display aggressive behavioural traits that become difficult to manage. Cats that feel threatened take on one of two posture types: If you are keen to identify why your Maine Coon is acting aggressively, learn how to spot the difference between these two postures, using the table below (source): Whilst Maine Coon cats are not generally known for having aggressive tendencies, there may be times when you find your usually loving and affectionate Maine Coon cat acting in an aggressive manner. If a cat comes from a shelter, rescue, friend or acquaintance and you have been told it's a Maine your cat might have the sweet docile Maine Coon temperament we talked about here! If your cat is making those awful caterwauling noises at it through the glass and getting more and more wound up there is a possibility of it redirecting its aggression at you. Can I see the living conditions of the mother and father? They might have adult cats that happen to be black. A cat also receives the social attention they crave from their human family. There are many things we can blame on hormones and one of them is aggression in cats. Seek veterinary professional advice if you are concerned your cat might be sick, Hormonal changes can cause aggressive behaviour in a cat, Maine Coon cats suffering from mental health conditions may display aggressive behaviour, Cats that feel threatened, will act aggressively towards a perceived threat, Over stimulating your cat with too much play can make a Maine Coon temporarily aggressive, A bored cat might become destructive, and display signs of Maine Coon aggression, Maine Coons require high levels of social interaction. If you don’t intend to breed your Maine Coon, it’s always recommended to get them neutered or spayed at the right age (when they’re 6 to 8 months old). If you're considering one as a pet, it's a perfectly natural… If you are planning to get a Maine Coon Cat as a pet, you need to know their personality and discover if they can fit in your home. It is far more likely to be in discomfort and in need of some medical attention. Maine Coon Cat Care and Features. Of course, you should resist this urge at all costs. For humans, stroking a cat is therapeutic and stress relieving, whereas for a cat the stroking motion stimulates their senses. A cat bites their owner for four different reasons: Before automatically assuming that your Maine Coon cat is mean when they bite you, instead consider your cats actions more closely. In-tact male cats, notoriously, spray urine as a primal way of claiming "dibs." Therefore, it is important not to ignore the 14 key factors above that may cause a Maine Coon cat to act aggressively towards you. If this happens to you, stop wearing it. Be extremely careful when approaching a cat who is warning you off vocally as it may lash out or bite. Now, early neutering is recommended for Maine Coons. Click here to see the price, on Amazon #Ad. Petting can be a very repetitive motion though, which will excite a cat senses, yet if it goes on for too long, it can quickly become uncomfortable  for a cat since static electricity builds up in their fur as they are petted. Discourage chewing and scratching in a gentle manner and avoid play that causes your kitten to scratch or bite you. So watch your Maine Coon carefully for signs of stress i.e. You should never just ignore sudden aggression in a Maine Coon as the earlier you intervene the more chance you will have of getting to the root cause and putting a stop to it. Try not to leave a kitten alone. Do you own the father? Can you guarantee he has always had good health? Bathing, grooming, and nail trimming can also give rise to this type of aggression. Females are calmer and males are more mobile. 1. Maine Coon cats are not aggressive. Maine Coon Central also participates in affiliate programs with other sites. So it is essential for it to have lots of positive experiences with as many people and children (and other animals) as possible to ensure that it grows into a sociable, confident, well-adjusted adult. Therefore, if your loving Maine Coon has suddenly turned into an aggressive large cat, it is vital that you address this straight away. This means that even if you are not always available (for example, whilst out at work) your Maine Coons will always have a companion to play with that mentally stimulates them. This is advisable since medical surgery prevents the reproduction of unwanted kittens. Like a lot of cat breeds, there could be many reasons why your Maine Coon is showing aggression since it is not inherent in their kind. How long have you been breeding Maine Coons? So if it is suddenly left alone more or you are busier at home and not devoting the usual amount of time to it, your Maine Coon may resort to ‘violence’ to attract your attention. A child should not be allowed to pull a Maine Coon around and should definitely not attempt to pick a one up as they often do this incorrectly. If she trusts her owner (a sign they are kind and caring) she will allow that person to handle her kittens almost immediately. Whatever a cat learns during this short window will shape its whole life. link to Do Cats Remember Their Old Owners? and not overweight! Both times the bite required vet visit for the Siamese. And, it is quite a frustrating situation for the owners. Here are 9 signs a Maine Coon may become aggressive: If you are a loving Maine Coon owner who is nothing but gentle and kind to their cat, it is upsetting if it suddenly acts uncharacteristically aggressively towards you or any member of your family. However, bad husbandry or undiscovered diseases can cause unwanted aggressive behavior in Maine Coon cats. With kittens being most in-demand, older cats in a cattery are often available for rehoming. Also, this cat breed is known to have developed outdoors, in nature. Always use positive discipline methods. It will be making growling or other ‘scary’ sounds. Several underlying diseases are often related to unusual behaviors in cats. This biting process is not them being aggressive, it is simply that they do not understand they are hurting their human. Young children can be quite annoying to cats, which is why it is important to supervise them around Maine Coons and teach them to be gentle towards them at all times. Maine Coon is considered as the largest cat breed and these felines are renowned for their regal looks, lush fur and affectionate nature. At what age can I take a kitten home? Occasionally, Maine Coons can suddenly become aggressive when being stroked and fussed over. When answering this question I would generally argue that they are not, since this breed is well known for being overly affectionate, loyal and loving towards their human families. Owners can also accidently encourage aggressive behavioural traits through lack of socialisation, overstimulation or if the cat feels threatened. Here are a few suggestions: 01. Even kittens from different litters will bond well if adopted at the same time. Click the pin to see a full list of these #mainecoons #mainecooncats Saved by petsKB: The No.1 guide to cats, dogs and other pets If you want to introduce another cat into your home you will have to do this slowly. However, this is far from the truth. The world is packed full of differing points of view, therefore you should never expect one individuals interpretation of aggressive behaviour, to be the same as another’s. Once your kitten is living in your home you are responsible for the way its personality develops. Without this, they may become aggressive, Territorial Maine Coons will hiss and make loud irritated noises if another cat enters their territory, Cats feel stress, like we do. We have 25 years of experience as Maine Coon cat owners and have also owned many other pets throughout our lives. This is probably due to a couple of factors: They are large in size and rugged in appearance, which can convey a certain dominance, physically. Aggressive cats might bite, hiss, or scratch different pets. Rearranging your furniture can really put a Maine Coon out, especially if you are one of those people who like to do this all the time. They see this individual as their primary owner, that will meet there needs. The first is, that they are pretty expensive. Whilst this image might be the case for many cat breeds, not all cats are the same. If it scratches you, place it on a scratch pad and use praise to encourage it to scratch there. 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