Can You Train a Maine Coon? Yes, and Here’s How to Do It!

Maine Coons are often called the “dogs of the cat world” for their loyal, friendly, and highly trainable nature. Unlike some independent-minded cats, Maine Coons are curious, clever, and eager to engage with their human companions. With a bit of patience and the right approach, you can teach your Maine Coon a range of fun tricks—from fetching toys to sitting on command. Ready to turn your Maine Coon into the smartest (and cutest) cat on the block? Here’s how to get started!

1. Start with the Basics: Building Trust and Patience

Training your Maine Coon begins with building a solid foundation of trust. Maine Coons love interacting with people and are motivated by affection, so approach training as a bonding experience. Keep training sessions short and positive to avoid overwhelming them, and always have treats or their favorite toy handy as a reward!

Training Tip: Maine Coons respond well to positive reinforcement. Reward good behavior with treats, affection, or praise—anything that lets them know they’ve done a great job.

2. Teaching Basic Commands: “Sit” and “Stay”

Yes, you can teach your Maine Coon to sit and stay—just like a dog! Start with the “sit” command:

• Hold a treat above their head and slowly move it back. This will encourage them to naturally sit as they look up.

• As soon as they sit, say “sit” and give them the treat along with lots of praise.

• Repeat this process a few times per session, keeping it short and rewarding. Maine Coons love the attention, so make it fun!

Once they’ve mastered “sit,” you can move on to “stay”:

• After they sit, hold your hand up (like a stop sign) and say “stay.”

• Take a step back and, if they remain seated, reward them with a treat.

• Gradually increase the distance as they learn the command.

3. Fun Trick: Teaching Your Maine Coon to Fetch

Many Maine Coons love to play fetch, and it’s a surprisingly easy trick to teach:

• Start with a small, lightweight toy that your Maine Coon likes, such as a crinkly ball or a feathered mouse.

• Toss the toy a short distance and call them back excitedly as they grab it.

• When they bring the toy back (or even come close with it), reward them with a treat and lots of praise.

With repetition, your Maine Coon will associate retrieving the toy with treats and attention, turning fetch into a fun and interactive game.

4. Leash Training for Outdoor Adventures

Believe it or not, you can leash-train your Maine Coon, allowing them to explore the outdoors safely:

• Choose a comfortable, secure harness that fits snugly but isn’t too tight.

• Let them wear the harness indoors first, giving treats and praise as they adjust to it.

• Once they’re comfortable, attach a lightweight leash and let them wander around indoors.

• Gradually progress to outdoor sessions in a quiet, safe area where they won’t be overwhelmed.

Leash training is an excellent way for Maine Coons to safely enjoy the sights and smells of the outdoors, especially since they’re naturally curious and love to explore.

5. Puzzle Feeders and Interactive Toys for Mental Stimulation

Maine Coons are highly intelligent, so keeping their minds engaged is key to preventing boredom. Puzzle feeders and interactive toys are fantastic for stimulating their curiosity:

• Try a puzzle feeder that requires them to work for their food. These toys engage their natural hunting instincts and keep them entertained for longer.

• Interactive laser pointers or feather wands are also great for challenging their mind and body, especially during solo playtime.

• For a real brain workout, consider training them to solve easy puzzles or learn tricks like rolling over. Maine Coons enjoy learning, so the possibilities are endless!

6. Potty Training: Yes, It’s Possible!

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even train your Maine Coon to use the toilet! Although it requires patience and commitment, some owners have successfully potty-trained their cats:

• Begin by placing the litter box near the toilet and gradually elevating it over time, using stacked books or a platform.

• Once your Maine Coon is comfortable, move the litter box onto the toilet seat.

• Eventually, transition to a litter-filled toilet training kit, which can guide them in using the toilet itself.

While this isn’t for every cat (or cat owner!), Maine Coons’ intelligence and adaptability make them prime candidates for advanced training.

7. Using Clicker Training for Precision

Clicker training can be a fantastic tool to teach your Maine Coon specific actions. The “click” sound helps mark the exact moment your cat performs a desired behavior, making it easier for them to understand:

• Introduce the Clicker: Start by clicking and immediately giving a treat. Repeat until your cat associates the click sound with a reward.

• Reinforce Commands: Use the clicker along with verbal commands like “sit” or “fetch.” Click as soon as your Maine Coon performs the behavior, then reward them with a treat.

• Consistency is Key: Practice regularly and keep sessions short. Maine Coons are quick learners, and clicker training can sharpen their responses over time.

8. Patience and Persistence: Every Cat Learns at Their Own Pace

While Maine Coons are intelligent and trainable, every cat is unique. Some may pick up tricks faster, while others may need a little more time and encouragement. The key is to remain patient, have fun, and celebrate small victories. With consistent practice, you’ll be amazed at how many tricks your Maine Coon can learn!

9. Are You Sure They’re Not Training You?

In true Maine Coon fashion, you might start to wonder who’s really in charge of this training process! Many Maine Coons quickly learn that sitting, fetching, or “staying” earns them treats and attention, leading them to “train” you to keep the rewards coming. It’s all part of their charming personality, and you’ll probably find yourself happily indulging them.

Training your Maine Coon is a fantastic way to build a stronger bond, keep their mind sharp, and give them an outlet for their intelligence and curiosity. From simple commands to leash training and advanced tricks, Maine Coons are more than capable of mastering a variety of skills. So grab those treats, practice patience, and enjoy watching your Maine Coon impress you with their talents—and maybe, just maybe, realize they’re not only trained but have trained you in the process! Happy training!