Are Maine Coon Cats Like Dogs? 4 Ways To Train Your Maine Coon Cat To Do Dog Tricks

Are you a pet lover? You adore not only the soft fur, cute little paws, and the mystery of cats but also the friendliness and loyalty of dogs. How about having both of these characteristics in a pet? Maine Coon cat breed will be the best option for you! 

Maine Coon is a big cat bread hailing from New Englander. They were ship cats and considered one of the best hunters. However, Maine Coons are amiable, gentle, and affectionate. They are keen on playing fetch, stalking, and pouncing their toys like a dog. 

They also called the “dog-like” cat breed since they are smart and can be trained to learn some dog’s skills. 

Why are Maine Coons called the dog of cats?

First of all, Maine Coons are like dogs since they are curious and socialize greatly with both people and other animals. They also love to have their owner’s attention, warm snuggles, and be around favorite humans. 

Moreover, Maine Coons are very loyal and playful with children and other animals. They are least likely to hurt ordinary objects except for mice or pests. That makes Maine Coons become an excellent pet for the family.

Another reason for the nickname, the “dog-like” cat, is that Maine Coons are highly intelligent and protective. You can definitely train a Maine Coon cat to do tricks as they are pretty fast learners who always want to show their hunting skills. They are protective of their humans like dogs and can do whatever to protect you when seeing you in danger. 

4 ways to train your Maine Coon cat to do dog tricks

It is typical to train dogs to do tricks rather than cats since cats are independent creatures and will not do what they don’t want to do. Although it will take more time than dogs, it is actually possible to teach cats to do tricks.

Here are 4 ways you may need to train your Maine Coon cats to do dog tricks if you like:

1. Making your Maine Coon pay attention

First, you set up a clicker and a plate of treats. You will gain your cat’s attention, thanks to the food. He will try his best to persuade you to give him some treats. Please take advantage of this, then say his name, and wait until he looks at you. Click immediately since the click sound is distinctive and showing that he has done something right then give him a treat.

Repeat this at least five times and make sure if he never looks at you, he never gets a treat. Remember, you are aiming to have him look at you, not immediately look away, so extend the time between the look and the click. Maine Coons are fast-learners so they can figure out this trick within a day. Now call your cat’s name, and he will come to you!

2. Teaching your Maine Coon to sit

Just use some treats to get his attention. Hold a treat piece above his brows, then slowly trail it over his head and toward his back. Be careful and don’t go too far since you can make him turn around. Make him look up at the piece until he naturally sits down the floor.

Along with the trick, use the command “sit” with the hand gesture to let him familiar with it. Then give him a treat. This trick may need many tries, but be patient as your Maine Coon can do well!

3. Asking your Maine Coon for a high-five

You can totally teach you Maine Coon fancy tricks like paw-shake or high-five. Hover your hand over his paw. Cats will tap your hand to figure out what you are doing. If he doesn’t do, tap his paw first. Once he reacts actively to your hand, please give him a treat. Speak the word “shake” while doing this to create an association with tapping your hand. Or you face your palm towards his face, then say, “give me a five,” and he will tap his paw higher to your palm. Your smart Maine Coon will master this trick soon.

4. Walking your Maine Coon on a leash

First, show him the harness and let him sniff it. As soon as he sniffs the harness, give him a treat. When he seems not to be afraid of it, slip it over his head, then give him another treat to show that it is alright. Give him some time to feel comfortable wearing a harness.

Next, take your cat outside. It’s better to be a quiet place since it will not make your cat scared. You move away from your cat and crouch down to create a safe zone for him. Call your cat to come, pet him, and give him treats. He will not quickly respond at first, so repeat this several times.

Finally, give him time and space to explore the surroundings. When he starts to sniff everything, it’s a good sign that he feels comfortable. After that, you can slowly walk with your Maine Coon for s short distance. 

With a “dog-like” cat breed like Maine Coon, you definitely can teach them to do tricks easily since they are well-known for the intelligence. Don’t think he is just a cat and limit his abilities. Just love him and train him to become the most fabulous cat you can have.