Often called the “dogs of the cat world,” Maine coon cats are a style of breed known for his or her friendly and delicate demeanor. They’re one in all the most important domestic cat breeds and have large, sturdy bodies.
They’ll weigh between 8 and 18 lbs, and their height ranges from 10 to 16 inches tall. And from tail to nose, they’ll stretch as much as 40 inches. But apart from their larger body size, in addition they have an analogous personality as pups.
They’re lovers, not fighters, and just wish to be everyone’s friend — much like a well-behaved dog breed. In fact, there are some exceptions to this, but basically, Maine coons and dogs get along well.
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Maine Coon and Dogs | What You Have to Know
Are you planning on introducing a dog or puppy right into a house where a Maine coon already lives, or vice versa? This could be a nerve-racking experience. To make things run as easily as possible, here is all the pieces you have to know in regards to the integration process.
Maine Coon Personality Traits
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Maine coon cats are gentle and sweet-tempered by nature. They will not be territorial or aggressive, so that they do well with other animals living with them.
They’re affectionate towards their owners and react well to all environments so long as they feel protected. Since they’re a bigger cat breed, they need a little bit of exercise room where they’ll move around. These cats also need a quiet area, like a cat tower, where they’ll retreat to once they need a little bit of downtime.
The way to Introduce a Dog and Maine Coon | 9 Essential Steps to Take
Establishing a very good relationship between a Maine coon and dog is essential from the get-go. These steps will arrange the inspiration for bonding between the 2.
1. Assess the Dog Breed and Background
That is a crucial step to start out with. Certain dog breeds have a high prey drive and thus, probably won’t do well with cats.
You furthermore may need to think about your pup’s background. It’s vital that they were socialized as a puppy. And, you’ll need to know in the event that they were neglected or abused at any point of their lives, since this might make them crave more of your attention.
2. Create Two Different Spaces
Arrange two different spaces in your home, one for the Maine coon, and one for the dog. They have to be completely separated, so the 2 aren’t capable of meet until you’re ready for them to fulfill.
It’s vital that every animal knows that they’ve their very own private area and a protected place to return to that’s free from the opposite.
3. Introduce Their Scents
The ability of scent in animals is robust. Before a Maine coon and a dog meet, introduce them to one another’s scents first. This may be done by taking your dog’s blanket and laying it next to your Maine coon, after which taking your Maine coon’s blanket and laying it next to your dog.
Allow them to approach the blanket on their very own. Don’t force them to smell it or be next to it in the event that they don’t wish to be.
4. Let Them Explore Each Other’s Spaces, Individually
Once each pets seem content and relaxed of their separate areas, allow them to explore one another’s areas individually. Remove your dog from their area, and let the Maine coon in to smell it out and investigate. Then, remove the Maine coon from its area and let the dog in to analyze.
This process might have to be repeated several times until each appear relaxed in one another’s territory. Search for signs of stress and take away the animals and check out again at one other time in case you detect any hesitancy.
5. Let Them Observe From a Distance
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When these two animals are ready to fulfill, allow them to observe each other from a distance. This may be done by separating two rooms with a pet gate or putting them in separate cages or crates.
The animals will have the option to look at each other from a distance so that they can familiarize themselves slowly. Again, in case you notice hesitancy or stress, don’t rush this process. Separate them and check out again later.
6. Set Up a Cat Calming Pheromone Diffuser
To make the environment as stress-free as possible, install a chilled cat pheromone diffuser. This product plugs into your wall. It’s a drug-free solution that simulates a mother cat’s natural nursing pheromones to facilitate social connection and acceptance.
7. Monitor Them
If you first introduce a Maine coon and a dog, be sure that you’re there all the time to observe the situation and ensure all the pieces goes easily. Keep the interaction short at first, around 10 to quarter-hour. Repeat this several times a day.
During this process, it’s a very good idea to have some cat and dog treats readily available to present to them. This may make their interaction much more of a positive experience.
8. Don’t Sweat a Little bit of Rough Play
Most Maine coon cats don’t mind a little bit of rough play with dogs or puppies. Just regulate them at first to be sure that it’s not too rough. Be especially cautious in case you’re introducing a Maine cat to a much bigger dog breed that may unintentionally hurt them.
9. Give It Time
These two animals could be a bit unsure of one another at first; that’s normal. But so long as there aren’t any huge red flags, they’ll normally warm up to 1 one other over time.
Regularly Asked Questions About Maine Coons and Dogs
Now that methods to introduce a Maine coon with a dog, let’s go over some incessantly asked questions and answers that cover their relationship in additional detail.
Why Do Maine Coon Cats Get Along So Well With Dogs?
Maine coon cats and dogs get along so well because they share many similarities. Similar to dogs, they love human company and are very sociable. Also, these cats are trainable and are known to follow their owners across the house. You may even take them for a walk on a cat leash. They aren’t known for being territorial or aggressive, which makes it easy to introduce latest animals into the house. Further, Maine coons will not be very phased by loud noises, like a dog barking.
Do Maine Coon’s Get Along With All Dogs?
There are particular dog breeds which can be naturally more suited to living with cats. These include:
Beagle
Bulldog
Basset Hound
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Collie
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Papillon
Pug
Don’t panic in case you don’t see your dog breed on this list. So long as they’ve a fair temperament, there’s still a very good likelihood the 2 will get along.
What Dog Breeds Don’t Do Well With Maine Coons?
While a Maine coon’s personality makes it easy to get together with other dogs, this relationship must work each ways. If you’ve an aggressive dog breed that’s highly territorial or has a robust prey drive, the match may not work. They’ll be more susceptible to chasing your Maine coon across the house, which may cause them stress and anxiety. Although there may be exceptions to this list, you’ll wish to be extra careful in case you plan to introduce the next breeds of dogs to your Maine coon.
Afghan Hound
Australian Cattle Dog
Bedlington Terrier
Irish Wolfhound
Manchester Terrier
Samoyed
Siberian Husky
Smooth Fox Terrier
Standard Schnauzers
Whippet
Note: This list shouldn’t be extensive; it’s only a start line. There are other breeds which have a moderate to high prey drive. Ensure to research any dog breed that you just plan to maintain in the identical household as a Maine coon.
Do Maine Coons Get Along With Other Cats?
A Maine coon’s gentle and laid-back personality means it does well with just about all animals. This includes other Maine coons and cat breeds. They benefit from the company of animals and thrive in protected, social environments.
When you plan to introduce a brand new cat right into a household with a Maine coon, or vice versa, be sure that to also consider the above criteria and follow each one in all the steps.
Do Maine Coons Do Well by Themselves?
Maine coons are social by nature, they usually prefer to have a companion. Whether or not it’s one other animal or a human, they enjoy a number of interaction and stimulation.
Even though it’s not absolutely needed, your Maine coon will appreciate having another person around, especially in case you work long hours and are gone a lot of the day.
Maine Coon and Dogs | Final Thoughts
This huge cat breed is one in all the friendliest. Nevertheless, certain steps still have to be taken when introducing Maine coon and dogs. At all times remember to think about a dog’s personality, as each pup is different. And their personality may not do well with accepting other animals into the household.
Also, you have to consider a Maine coon’s history. In the event that they previously lived in a house where they were treated badly by their owner or with a dog that was allowed to bully them, they may not socialize well with other animals.
In fact, having one in all the least aggressive dog breeds will help. But that’s to not say these big friendly felines won’t get along great with other breeds too. When you follow the above steps, you’ll have the best likelihood of success.
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