If you are an animal lover, the chances that you would like to have both a cat and a dog as pets are highly possible. However, while sometimes these two can act as best friends, other times, just a simple look between the two can be a cause for conflict of great proportions. What this tells us is that pairing can be tricky, which is why you need to do your research ahead of time.
Some animals tend to be territorial, so they do not adapt well to other pets. But what about Maine Coons? Are Maine Coon cats good with dogs, and can they happily live together?
If you consider keeping a dog and a Maine Coon cat together, you should know what to expect. In other words, you should acknowledge the probability of these two animals getting along. Being prepared is a must when introducing two types of pets in the same environment.
Are Maine Coon Cats Good with Dogs? – Important Information To Read
Here we have included everything you need to know about Maine Coons and their nature with dogs.
Do Maine Coon Cats Get Along with Dogs?
Maine Coons are cats with unique features. If you have never looked after this cat breed, you might not know what to expect. In general, cats have distinguished behaviour, and they tend to have peculiar needs. If you love both cats and dogs, you have probably asked yourself whether Maine Coon and dog friendships are possible. You need to know the answer to this question before introducing these two animals.
Luckily, Maine Coon cats are quite friendly, meaning they can get along with dogs. They are laid-back and quite gentle, so caring for them is easy. In addition, Maine Coons, in general, are not territorial, so they can adjust to living with other animals in the house, including dogs. Plus, they are not aggressive but rather playful. So, if you are thinking about keeping a Maine Coon and dog together, it is manageable, when done slowly.
However, you should take into account that the first encounter can get tricky. While Maine Coon and dogs can live together, their first meeting should not be abrupt. Therefore, you need to consider how you introduce them for the first time.
How to Safely Introduce a Maine Coon to a Dog
Since we established an answer to the question ‘Are Maine Coon cats good with dogs?’, now it is necessary to learn how to introduce them for the first time. Remember, even though they can both be friendly, being careful is still a must. Maine Coon and dog friendships do not happen instantly, so you must be considerate.
If you already have a dog at home, the first step to introducing a cat to them would be to anticipate their behaviour. Keep in mind that your Maine Coon would be nervous about changing their environment since they’re naturally timid, we would always encourage the use of Feliway before first interaction.
With that in mind, an enthusiastic dog running and jumping around them might be a recipe for disaster. Although Maine Coon cats do not tend to get aggressive, giving them space to adapt is crucial.
So, keep your dog under control until your Maine Coon adjusts to the new environment. Allow them to get comfortable, and do not force the first encounter instantly. Moreover, remember that the body language of cats and dogs is not the same. Dogs tend to wiggle their tails when excited. On the other hand, cats do that when they are irritated. Monitor their behaviour closely until both pets settle in their new living conditions.
Also, do not rush anything because Maine Coon and dogs will eventually find themselves in good co-habitat terms. This cat breed is quite friendly and gentle, so you will probably have them become friends in no time.
Dog Breeds That Are Best with Cats
When answering ‘Are Maine Coon cats good with dogs?’, we mentioned that this cat breed is amiable. However, Maine Coons being friendly does not mean that every dog will accept them without issues.
Namely, some canine breeds have territorial issues and do not like cats in their proximity. So, you should not only worry about your Maine Coon, but rather the dog breed that will be compatible with them. In other words, you should look into the best dog to get with cats.
Among the friendliest dogs that can get along with cats are the following:
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Pug
- Beagle
- Basset Hound
- Bichon Frise
These dog breeds are seen to be the least territorial, but they still need time to adjust. Once they do, you will not have any issues with them living with a Maine Coon cat. Nonetheless, you should know that dogs have different personalities, so sometimes, even if they are friendly by nature, they might not like another companion with them in the house.
So, even if you choose the best dog to get with cats, close monitoring of their relationship is crucial.
Dog Breeds That Are Not Good with Cats
Even though the answer to “Do Maine Coons like dogs?” is generally yes, on the other hand, some dogs might not feel the same. In other words, some dogs do not like cats, hence not wanting to share the same living space. With that in mind, trying to get some dog breeds to become friends with your Maine Coon will be impossible.
Some canine breeds that may find it more difficult to live with a cat are the following:
- Australian Shepherds
- Siberian Husky
We are not saying it will be impossible, however, due to their personality traits, you may find it slightly more challenging. However, just like cats, all dogs are individuals. Every dog will act differently to a cat in their home, therefore it is important to monitor the situation very closely.
Buying a Maine Coon to add to your family can be fun and exciting, as these furry friends tend to make our lives better. However, when you intend to keep cats and dogs together, you need to be extra careful. Before you make your purchase, ensure that you are knowledgeable about the question, ‘Are Maine Coon cats good with dogs?’. When you have this figured out, you will be sure what pets will be friends in your home.