A distinctive feature of cats is considered to be a love of freedom and independence; the upbringing of Maine Coons is questioned by the owners of the breed. The arguments are based on a common myth - cats cannot be trained. “Cat-dogs” is the name given to the breed among Maine Coon breeders by adherents of the idea that a cat can be trained. A cat is unusually similar to a dog; he is even taught the command “fetch” (bring what you asked for).
Recommendations for education
To teach a cat something well, you need to start training the kitten early. Adult cats are already individuals who have difficulty learning new things.
The breed is willful, so any orders will be ignored. All new skills should be spoken in a soft and calm tone.
Training should not exceed 20 minutes per day. To consolidate the result, you need to give your pet a treat.
If the pet reacts negatively, then it is better not to continue the training. If the entire training takes place in a game format, this will increase efficiency many times over.
Breed Features
Features of Maine Coons are:
- playfulness;
- accuracy;
- peacefulness;
- sociability;
- learning ability;
- adaptability;
- unpretentiousness.
It is worth noting that these qualities are both enhanced and suppressed in the process of education. It is necessary from the first days of moving the pet to a new place of residence.
The main disadvantages include the large size and weight, which can cause the animal to break something fragile. Maine Coons have very thick fur, so they can leave clumps all over the apartment, and the carpet will have to be washed more often than usual.
Maine Coons are very careful with children and will never offend a child/Yandex Collections
Common problems
In order for your pet to grow up affectionate, kind and obedient, it is recommended to educate him from the first days. In the first days, maximum care and love should be shown; starting communication with punishment is not recommended.
Maine Coons are quite intelligent creatures that can do what is asked of them, it is important to convey information to them in a way that they understand.
Common problems and solutions:
- He goes to the toilet past the tray - sit the kitten next to the puddle, say in a serious voice “You can’t!” and move the pet to the place where the tray is.
- Jumps onto the table and other inappropriate places - spray water from a spray bottle into the face, the action is unpleasant for the animal and is perceived as a “Stop” signal.
- Pulled loops on curtains, scratched furniture - when trying to repeat it, the same spray bottle will help.
- If they are chewing on wires, spray them with citrus juice and the animal will avoid the source of the unpleasant odor.
What is prohibited to do
If problems arise, the following rules should be followed:
- do not use force, it is under no circumstances recommended to hit the kitten with your hand or a slipper, otherwise the pet will grow up timid and will perceive the owner as an enemy;
- retroactive punishment - if you discover the consequences of a cat’s pranks after coming home from work, it is not recommended to scold him; the kitten will not understand the reason for the punishment;
- more praise - the animal should be rewarded for even small successes and mistakes should be forgotten.
Tricks
Cats are not dogs at all, but the Maine Coon breed can be trained to give a paw. To do this, you need to take the kitten’s paw several times a day, saying the command “Give me your paw.”
After completing a specific task, the pet must be rewarded with a treat. Using the same technique, you can teach a kitten to approach its owner.
If the owner gives the kitten medication, it is important not to reward it with treats afterwards.
You should not overwork your animal with long-term training, as this causes fatigue and irritation. If your pet has learned a trick, you don’t have to constantly ask him to repeat it.
Even if the animal already responds well to commands, you need to reward it every time. But if he comes up and does something on his own, trying to beg for a treat, the owner should reward him in a different way.
You can pet it. Otherwise, the animal will decide that it can perform tricks only when it wants to receive a reward.
If a Maine Coon kitten has learned a trick, don’t constantly ask him to repeat it/Yandex Collections
Training and communication
Representatives of all cat breeds do not like to obey; at all times, training a Maine Coon was considered impossible. Representatives of this breed, however, can be taught to follow simple commands; the skill is best developed and reinforced during play. Each cat has its own inclinations and activities, which can be identified by observing the pet.
The video shows the process of training a Maine Coon:
Maine Coon training process
It is necessary to identify what the pet likes to do and develop this skill; Maine Coon should perceive its own name as something pleasant. To reinforce a positive skill, it is recommended to use affection, treats or games. It is recommended to start training during feeding; you need to call the pet by name and put food on the plate. The technique can be used in other situations; compliance with the principle of encouragement is a prerequisite.
How to train cats? Maine Coon games often boil down to hunting for objects; they love to carry various toys in their teeth. This behavior is quite easy to develop and reinforce; the cat can be taught to bring back an thrown object.
The Maine Coon can also give a paw; to do this, it must be carefully taken by the paw; the action must be accompanied by the command “Give paw” and rewarded with a favorite treat. The owner must offer his palm until the animal begins to respond to the command; if there is no reaction, the algorithm of actions is repeated; if the outcome is positive, the pet receives a treat.
Important: Actions should not cause rejection in the animal or be unpleasant for it; training is just one of the elements of communication, and not an end in itself.
Bad behavior
The Maine Coon is a calm breed with which there are usually no problems; they live quietly with people.
A kitten cannot behave badly for no reason; the following reasons are usually identified:
- An unpleasant encounter with another cat;
- Fright;
- Illness, fatigue;
- Attention on another object;
- Irritation;
- The owner is detached, the kitten is trying to attract attention.
Thanks to regular training, all these problems can be solved. If you become ill, you must take your pet to a veterinarian.
Do not confuse a playful mood with anger. The kitten may try to rush at the owner. He needs to be given time to calm down, about 25 minutes alone. It's okay to spray him with water a little if he doesn't stop.
Toys for cats will help cope with bites; Maine Coon bites during puberty and changing teeth. Excessive aggression may stem from the fact that the animal’s body does not have enough vitamins.
You can’t react negatively to a kitten’s meow, as it tries to attract the owner’s attention. Maybe he doesn't have enough water or food, or he's showing that he's in pain.
It is quite possible to raise a Maine Coon at home / Yandex Collections
Gingerbread and spray method
Maine Coons have a stable psyche, are sociable, and thrive in the company of people. They also share the traits of all cats - they are self-sufficient, do not like to gather in packs and obey the leader, so they will not carry out anyone’s commands. For a comfortable coexistence, the animal owner must show attention and be patient.
The most effective methods are the owner’s voice and timely encouragement.
Education begins from a very early age in the nursery, the kitten is gradually accustomed to the tray and scratching post, he learns to live in the company of people, and gets used to the house. Growing cats are easier to socialize, so it is recommended to teach your pet manners as early as possible. The task is made easier by the nature of the Maine Coon; representatives of this breed are not hysterical, obstinate, and they are not vindictive.
Important: Rewards and prohibitions will help you find a common language; in this case, education can be turned into an instructive and exciting activity.
What not to do
Some actions should never be allowed, namely:
- Leaving a kitten alone with open windows may cause injury or escape;
- Scolding for actions, after a significant amount of time has passed, the pet simply will not understand why they are scolding him;
- Leave cords on the floor; your pet may chew them;
- Leave household chemicals within easy reach;
- Yelling at an animal; loud noises cause fear in a pet;
- Cause pain to the kitten.
Cats are headstrong animals; if you beat them, they will not forgive it.
Appeal word
In order for your pet to understand that you are calling him, be sure to pat your hand on the place where your pet should be. For example, on an armchair or sofa.
“Come to me” or “come here” should cause the correct reaction, namely the pet’s approach to the right place.
You can call a cat to give him food, pet him or communicate, but not to give him a tasteless medicine or punish him.
Give your pet as much attention as possible, talk to him, educate him. Then your communication will bring you only pleasure.
Problems in training Maine Coons
The following parameters should be taken into account when training an animal:
- It is difficult for a cat to master commands such as “Lie down” and “Sit”. They are more suitable for dogs;
- When jumping, you need to understand that it is easier for a cat to jump from bottom to top;
- The pet can get distracted during training, there is no need to force it, you need to find out what factor attracts its attention;
- If the Maine Coon refuses to perform the trick or reacts negatively, the training must be stopped.
When raising, the owner must take into account the individual characteristics of the cat. But Maine Coons are called quite pleasant, they rarely have problems with their owners. If you follow simple instructions, you will not have any problems raising Maine Coon kittens at home.
Absolutely forbidden
When raising a cat or Maine Coon cat, the following is prohibited:
- If you leave open windows unattended or let your Maine Coon out onto an unglazed balcony, the animal may be injured or simply run away from the house.
- Keeping poisonous plants in the house - if a pet decides to try such a flower, this will negatively affect its health and can even lead to irreparable consequences.
- Household chemicals, sharp objects and small parts should be kept out of the reach of the animal - small eaten objects can often only be removed surgically.
- Electrical appliances should be unplugged from the sockets before leaving the house, and it is recommended to hide the cords so that the cat does not chew them.
- Raise with scolding for long-standing misdeeds - the cat will not understand the reasons for your dissatisfaction.
If a Maine Coon has done something wrong, you should not hit him - this can lead to hidden resentment, and, as a result, revenge on the part of the animal in the near future. It is also not recommended to take away your Maine Coon’s favorite toys or restrict food. You need to communicate with your furry pet and point out his mistakes without aggression or excessive rudeness.
Note! Maine Coons are a breed that values their independence, so they should not be held against their will or forced to do anything.
Having correctly and tactfully pointed out the kitten’s incorrect behavior, most often you don’t have to do it again - pets are very smart and understand everything the first time. Proper training, patience and regular friendly contact will help raise an affectionate and loyal Maine Coon cat.
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