5 Things You Do That Annoy Your Maine Coon Cat

If your household is ruled by the whims of a Maine coon cat, then you've probably already figured out many of the actions that please or displease your fuzzy feline overlord. But if you're still trying to determine how to keep your majestic furball happy, then you'll want to avoid doing these five things.

First of all, barring Maine coons from playing in water annoys a lot of these cats. Maine coons, unlike most other domestic cats, often can't resist the allure of moving water, whether it's in a bathtub, a shower, a kitchen sink, or a bathtub basin (or occasionally a toilet). These cats like to play in their water bowls and dunk their toys. They sometimes bat at the water or splash around in their bowls before licking the water off their massive paws, instead of simply lapping up water straight from a dish.

@mountainpeakmainecoons

This is Dolores chilling in the tub. Most Maine Coons like water. #mainecoon #catswimming #catwater #cats #kitty

♬ Bathtub Vibin' – A Box of Beats with Yellow Music

Popular belief has it that this cat breed dates back to the long-haired cats brought over to North America on Viking ships. Seagoing cats would have had no choice but to become accustomed to wet weather and generally soggy conditions, and Maine coons have now developed thick, water-resistant fur. Some of these cats even enjoy swimming with their owners.

Maine coons tend to be strong, curious, outgoing, and smart, all traits that make them amenable to exploring parts of the outside world that dogs commonly get to see but not cats. Inquisitive and fearless, with a tendency to follow their owners around, these long-haired cats are so friendly and easygoing that many owners say they're more doglike than catlike. They're people-oriented creatures who don't appreciate being left alone for long periods of time.

@ragnar_the_mc

"Ragnar walking with his tail held high. 👑 Every step screams majestic!" #mainecoon #majesticcat #catsoftiktok #fyp #royalty

♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – ทียู' เอ็ม – Qwrdtgg

Hardy enough to survive in Maine's harsh winter weather, with their snowshoe-like paws and thick coats, these big, bold, hardy kitties can easily become adventure cats, given the right equipment and a bit of training in how to wear a harness and walk on a leash. As a quick perusal of adventure cats online will reveal, Maine coons are well-suited for everything from swimming in a lake to hiking on a trail to bounding along a snowy mountain. There's no reason to take just the family dog along on these types of excursions in the great outdoors — unless you really want to annoy your Maine coon.

Much of a Maine coon's regal appearance is due to the dramatic ruff, reminiscent of a lion's mane, along with the fluffy tail and the long, thick, double-layered coat. Guard hairs make up the outermost layer of the coat; this protective fur is water-resistant and repels dirt. A softer undercoat helps to hold in warmth, keeping the cat warm even in freezing weather. The undercoat thins out in the summer and becomes thicker in the winter, and all of this shedding can cause painful mats and tangles if a Maine coon cat isn't brushed on a regular basis.

@blackdiamondmainecoons

Brushing is SO good for their coat health #catsoftiktok mainecoons #cattok #mainecoonkittens #kittensoftiktok #cats mainecoons #mainecoonsoftiktok

♬ Love – Sillage

Most Maine coons have a surprising amount of long, fluffy fur on their bellies, which is especially useful for keeping the cat toasty warm when it's hunting outside on snow or ice. This luxurious belly fur is especially prone to tangles in the armpit areas. Although a Maine coon cat might seem annoyed at being brushed, it'll get even more annoyed if it has to contend with mats.

These gentle giants are huge — it's no surprise that the world record holder for the longest domestic cat ever was a Maine coon measuring an incredible 48.5 inches. Adult female Maine coons can weigh as much as 15 pounds, while males can tip the scales at an astounding 22 pounds. Along with that massive frame is, typically, an equally large appetite. Most Maine coons can eat a lot. And, since they often don't reach their full size until about 3 to 5 years old, their food intake can keep increasing for years.

@bublikshorthair

Wishing you good appetite! Maine Coons are known for their diverse palate, and some may enjoy soft-boiled eggs as a treat.😽#maincoon #cateating #catfeeding #жизнькота #мейнкун #foodcat #catfood

♬ original sound – coyumyum

In an entertaining Reddit thread, several owners of these majestic beasts shared just how food-motivated their pets are. Maine coons are notorious thieves of human food, everything from waffles to zucchini bread to short ribs, which can make it easy to train these cats. Food motivation also makes hiding a cat's pills and other medicine simple. But don't even think about putting a Maine coon on a restricted diet, not unless you want a seriously irritated cat who will resort to stealing the food right out of your mouth (something that these cats actually do, according to several Redditors' first-hand accounts).

Maine coons are intelligent and curious animals, which means they can become bored easily and get into mischief if they are left alone too much or don't have enough to occupy their attention. Many of these cats retain a kitten-like mischievousness well into adulthood. They often prove to be adept at learning tricks and playing fetch with their favorite human. These cats are so amiable that they usually get along well with dogs, other cats, and children, all of whom can help to keep a Maine coon cat content and entertained. Because they're big and strong, Maine coons can easily destroy toys designed for smaller, more docile cats. Puzzle toys that offer tasty treats as rewards can be especially appealing to them.

@giantmainecookittens

This Maine Coon is having a blast playing with water balloons! MaineCoon #MaineCoonKitten #MaineCoonCat #CatTok #kittensoftiktok

♬ original sound – Giant Maine Coon Kitten

Or, if you want to thoroughly annoy your cat, let it be bored and frustrated. Seriously, though, don't annoy your Maine coon (or any cat). Loving, loyal, and playful, these regal cats deserve all the love and attention you can shower upon them.

Want to read more stories about the gentle giants of the cat world? Check out this rare dilute tortie Maine coon who looks like a miniature Chewbacca, and these Maine coon kittens who turn breakfast time into a total mess.