Maine Coons are usually gentle, placid creatures. So if yours is displaying aggressive behavior, you might be surprised – and it’s essential to try and find out what’s wrong so you can deal with the problem and repair your relationship with your cat. Maine Coons are very large and robust, so aggression is a big problem!
Why Is My Maine Coon So Aggressive?
Several things, such as; territorial issues, boredom, loneliness, etc., can cause aggression in a Maine Coon, either against people or other pets. On the whole, these cats are calm and gentle, but they can attack if they are put under pressure, so if your Maine Coon is showing signs of stress or unhappiness, pay attention.
What Are The Potential Causes Of Aggression?
It may help to understand what prompts aggression in these cats. Because they are usually gentle, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong – and if so, you need to take action to address the problem. So, what makes Maine Coons aggressive?
Territory Issues
On the whole, Maine Coons are not particularly territorial cats, but like any creature, if they feel their place is being threatened, they will try to defend it.
If you have recently introduced a new family member, particularly another cat, your Maine Coon might respond by trying to assert its dominance. This could involve attacking the other cat or you because your Maine Coon wants to cement its position and make sure it isn’t being threatened.
This could be particularly an issue if your Maine Coon is jealous of the other cat. So make sure you spend plenty of time with both felines and give your Maine Coon some extra love and attention to reassure it of its place.
Males are more aggressive for territorial reasons than females, but they can be fiercely protective of their home.
Loneliness
Logically, it wouldn’t seem that a lonely cat would make a habit of being aggressive toward its people – after all, this isn’t going to want to make people spend more time with it. However, your cat isn’t thinking logically about this. It is just responding to its own sense that something is amiss and taking it out on a nearby creature.
Suppose the aggression is particularly prominent when you have just returned to the house after running errands or from a vacation. In that case, this is the most likely explanation – and indeed, it is one of the most typical causes of aggression in Maine Coons.
Try spending a few days with your cat, giving it extra attention, and minimizing how often you leave it alone. If this reduces the aggression, your cat is lonely, and you need to find a long-term solution.
Pain
If your cat is not feeling good, it may attack you because it doesn’t know what else to do. It is suffering and cannot tell you that, so it responds with general anger toward the world.
It is vital to get your Maine Coon checked by a vet if it is suddenly aggressive or angry with the world. It is possible that the cat has injured itself or is suffering from a health issue that you can’t see.
Don’t hesitate; take your cat to see a vet if there is no other clear reason for the aggression.
Boredom
Cats suffer from boredom just like people do, and if your kitty is not getting enough stimulation, it is likely to engage in rough or destructive play because it is frustrated.
Remember, Maine Coons are highly intelligent cats, and they need a lot to do if they are to stay happy.
Try to provide your cat with games and toys, especially when you are out of the house for long periods. Your kitty should have plenty to occupy itself with, and this is even more important if you don’t have other pets – it won’t have anyone to play with and will need lots of stimulation.
A bored Maine Coon can destroy things even if they aren’t aggressive toward you, which is obviously not good for your cat or home. It could also develop into aggression later. So if you regularly come home to torn-up furnishings, take action to keep your cat happy and occupied while you are out.
Stress
Cats can get stressed just like people can and may show this stress by lashing out at you. If you have recently had any life changes that affect your furry friend, this kind of aggression may not surprise you.
Things like moving house, the addition of a family member or pet, health problems, or even a slight change in the home can contribute to stress. A new neighborhood cat could also make your kitty unhappy. You need to try and find and remove the source of the stress.
If it’s something big like a house move, this can be very difficult. Talk to your vet about how to minimize the stress on your cat. So you keep them happier during the transition period.
According to CatClimbingStructures, Maine Coons are predisposed to being overweight, and this can also make them stressed and angry.
How Do I Know If My Maine Coon Is Feeling Aggressive?
Usually, aggressive behavior will be preceded by body language that warns you your Maine Coon is unhappy. Paying attention to this body language may help you adjust your behavior to minimize the confrontation. For example, you may stop petting your cat or move out of the room.
Monitor your cat’s behavior and watch out for things like:
- Hissing and spitting
- An arched back
- A warning nip (not to be confused with an actual bite)
Other warning signs could include a lashing tail, a hard stare, flattened ears, and growling. These all show that your cat is unhappy about something, although they don’t necessarily tell you what!
How Can I Discourage My Maine Coon From Being Aggressive?
Aggression is not a desirable trait in any cat, but it can be a big problem in a cat as large as a Maine Coon. So, it’s crucial to stop your cat from being aggressive.
The most effective way to do this is to remove the thing that is upsetting them if you can. Improving your cat’s mood with lots of love and reassurance may help.
Give them new toys, find activities they like, and make sure they get enough attention from you. Check out any potential health problems.
Bad behavior also needs to be actively discouraged. If your cat is showing the warning signs listed above, walk away from your cat and leave it to calm down. If necessary, close the door to the room, so your cat is separated from other household members and pets.
If your cat does attack you, don’t shout at it. Instead, tell it “no” very firmly, and then remove it to a room where it can calm down. Losing your temper and hitting or shouting at your cat may break its trust in you, possibly permanently.
You need to take action quickly if your Maine Coon shows signs of aggression. Pinpoint the cause, and talk to your vet if you need help addressing it. Then, don’t wait, but deal with the issue for your cat’s sake and your own!
Final Word
There are many reasons for aggression in Maine Coons, but it almost always stems from a problem. Finding the cause and solving the issue will turn your kitty back into a cuddly, purring, gentle giant.
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