Maine Coon cats, known for silky fur, and dog-like personalities, make excellent family pets. So if having one Maine Coon kitty is great, two must be even better, right? I decided to find out for myself.
Should you get a companion for your Maine Coon cat? In short, yes. It’s always best for your Maine Coon to have a friend, especially if you’re away from home a lot. They’re incredibly social animals, so they require a lot of attention. Having a companion for your Maine Coon not only prevents loneliness but can actually keep your Maine Coon healthy and happy.
Despite the stereotype that cats prefer to be alone, Maine Coons actually crave companionship and attention from both people and other cats. However, there are multiple factors you need to consider before introducing another four-legged friend into your home.
Getting a second cat goes far beyond making sure your Maine Coon has someone to “talk” to.
Because Maine Coons are extremely social, companionship is something they need. Without it, they may become depressed or lonely.
So how do you know if your Maine Coon is lonely? Maine Coons do not voice their opinion too often and are easy going, so it can be hard to tell if your kitty is depressed.
Signs your Maine Coon needs a companion:
(Of course, it’s always advised to see your veterinarian for any of the above as they can also be signs of an illness.)
Even if your Maine Coon isn’t displaying any of the above signs, there’s a great chance your Maine Coon would benefit from having a feline friend. It’s always better to prevent loneliness than treat it.
One thing to consider is that Maine Coons are incredibly docile and get along with most people and family pets – yes, even dogs!
So choosing a friend for your Maine Coon is relatively easy, but there’s still a lot to consider. Also, read our article: Do Maine Coon Cats Get Along With Other Cats? to learn more about that!
Before you run down to the animal shelter or contact a local breeder, make sure you know what type of cat is best suited for both you and your resident cat.
You’ll want to consider the temperament and age of the prospective cat.Do Maine Coons Like To Be Alone?
Since Maine Coons are typically calm, friendly, and like to stay low to the ground, a low-energy cat would make a great friend. Just be careful not to mistake easy going for timid.
A timid cat is usually laid back, but not nearly as friendly, which may cause issues later on. Also, make sure you don’t choose a cat that’s too outgoing, or this may overwhelm your Maine Coon. Balance is key here!
Also, try to pick out a cat that is similar in age and activity level. If your Maine Coon is not as active and playful as the second cat, it may cause tension that could lead to aggression.
However, when in doubt, a kitten is always the best option. Most cats, males included, take extremely well to kittens.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with getting another Maine Coon, but here are five friendly yet laid-back cat breeds that would likely make a great companion for your kitty.
There are a few things you might notice once you pair your Maine Coon with her perfect pal, including:
You might be thinking that since you have one cat, they can just share everything, right? Well, not exactly. Because of the introduction process, which I’ll cover in a bit, you’ll need another set of supplies for your new cat.
Plus, giving each cat their own things will help reduce tension during this transition.
Here’s a list of supplies you’ll need to welcome your new kitty:
Now that you have chosen your new cat and purchased all the necessary supplies, you can bring her home and begin the introduction process!
It may be tempting to bring the new cat home, put her in the same room as your Maine Coon and wait for a happily ever after ending.
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works in the cat world. Even though Maine Coons are docile and friendly, they do best with slow introductions.
Follow these steps to make introducing your Maine Coons as seamless as possible:
This process can take anywhere from two weeks to six months. If you experience a setback, simply go back to step one. Each cat will respond differently to this huge change, so your patience and perseverance are important.
Rest assured that the time is well worth the result!
While some Maine Coon cats can live happily as the only animal in the home, most of them will become lonely, especially if you are away for extended periods of time. It’s always best to have a companion for your kitty.
Yes, they make amazing pets! They’re generally very easy going and love to be around people, including children. Their personality has earned them nicknames like puppy cat