Maine Coon Cats: Are We Losing Their Natural Hunting Instinct?
Maine Coons are often praised as "gentle giants," but this label raises some concerns for me as a long-time cat owner. Having owned many cat breeds, I’ve found Maine Coons to be the best and smartest breed I’ve encountered. However, I’m worried that some breeders might be diluting the natural instincts of this incredible breed.
Unlike some other breeds, like my sister’s Persian or a Ragdoll I knew, Maine Coons traditionally possess both strength and confidence. Seeing a cat like a Persian or Ragdoll fail to defend itself against another cat’s attack is deeply unsettling. A cat that lacks confidence is at a disadvantage, not only with other cats but also with dogs and other animals. Even street cats can sense when a cat lacks confidence, which can lead to them being picked on.
Maine Coons have historically been natural hunters, bred for their skills in hunting and surviving in the wild. This breed, closely related to the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Siberian, was never meant to be overly docile or a lap cat like a Ragdoll. They were bred to hunt and survive in challenging environments.
Unfortunately, I’ve observed a decline in these traits. My two Maine Coons recently failed to react when a rat entered my home. Instead, my small, 7-pound Abyssinian, a much smaller cat, took on the rat with ease. This lack of hunting instinct in my Maine Coons is disappointing, especially given their background as natural hunters. They have an outdoor cattery and are regularly exposed to various challenges, yet they chose to sit back while the Abyssinian did all the work.
It seems that the "gentle giant" label might be leading breeders to favor temperament over the breed's natural abilities. While we all appreciate the Maine Coon's laid-back nature, it’s important not to breed out their natural instincts. If this trend continues, Maine Coon lovers like myself might have to consider other breeds like the Siberian or Norwegian Forest Cat, which still retain their wild instincts.
The original Maine Coon was a strong, independent cat with a keen hunting ability, traits that should not be lost in favor of creating overly docile pets. Let’s preserve the Maine Coon's true nature and not turn them into something they’re not. They were bred to be hunters, not just gentle giants.
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