Maine Coon Guide

Do Maine Coon Cats Like Water?

Many Maine Coons do like water, or at least find it fascinating. They paw at a dripping tap, dunk their toys in the bowl and sit on the edge of the tub to watch you shower. That is more than you can say for most cats, and it is part of the breed's lore.

Fascinated is not the same as keen to be bathed, though. Here is what to expect from a Maine Coon and water, whether you need to bathe one, and how to keep a big, curious cat safe and busy at home, inside or out.

Do Maine Coon cats like water?

Plenty of them do, in their own way. A lot of Maine Coon owners describe a cat that paddles in its water bowl, turns up in the bathroom to watch, or tries to drink straight from the faucet. Breed descriptions often mention that the coat is dense and somewhat water resistant, a legacy of the cold, wet climate the cats come from. If you want the background, read what a Maine Coon is.

But it varies by cat. Some are happy to play in an inch of water, and others leave the room at the sound of a hose. Early, calm experiences help, which is one reason we like kittens to grow up in a busy family home.

If you want to find out whether your cat is one of the water lovers, offer it a shallow dish of clean water with a ping-pong ball or a floating toy and see what happens. A cat that bats the ball and wets its paws is telling you something. A cat that stares and walks away is telling you something else, and both answers are fine.

Can Maine Coons swim?

Like all cats they can swim if they have to, and some enjoy shallow water. That does not make a pool or pond a safe place. A heavy, long-coated cat that falls into deep water tires quickly, and a wet coat gets heavy. Keep pools covered or fenced off and put a ramp or steps in any water feature, and do not make the cat swim for fun.

The tale that Maine Coons are natural swimmers is cute, but a safe splash in a shallow tray or the kitchen sink is as far as we would go.

Do Maine Coons like baths?

Most do not, so do not expect a cat to enjoy its first one. A Maine Coon that was introduced to a bath as a kitten, calmly and with treats, is far more likely to tolerate one than a cat that is surprised at the age of five.

If your cat does take to water, keep sessions short, use lukewarm water, hold the cat securely without restraining it too hard, and finish with a warm towel and a quiet space. Never get water into the ears, and never use human shampoo, which is the wrong pH for cat skin.

Water also matters for drinking, and a cat that plays with its bowl is often just as likely to be a good drinker. You will find tips on keeping a cat hydrated in our guide to what Maine Coons eat.

How often should you bathe a Maine Coon?

Not often. A healthy Maine Coon grooms itself well, and most never need a bath more than a few times a year, if at all. Brushing does far more for the coat than washing. Over-bathing strips natural oils and can leave the skin dry.

Reasons to bathe include a sticky or dirty coat the cat cannot clean, something unsafe on the fur, a skin problem your vet has asked you to treat, or a show. The tools, the routine and the tricky spots like the britches and belly are covered in our Maine Coon grooming guide.

Are Maine Coons indoor or outdoor cats?

The breed is hardy and was developed as a working barn cat in a cold climate, and that is where the idea that they need to roam comes from. In a modern home a Maine Coon is perfectly happy indoors, provided it has enough to do. We would keep any Maine Coon inside, with supervised outdoor time.

The risks of roaming are real: traffic, other animals, parasites, infections, theft because of the breed's appeal, and for our region, coyotes. Indoor cats also tend to live longer, as we explain in our guide to Maine Coon lifespan. Every kitten from Cass Coon Cats is microchipped before going home, which is a safety net for any cat that slips out.

How do you keep an indoor Maine Coon happy?

Maine Coons are big, curious and bright, so an indoor cat needs plenty of outlets:

A tall, sturdy cat tree, rated for a heavy cat, with a platform wide enough to lie on.
A window perch with a view of birds, trees or the yard.
Daily play with a wand toy, ideally two short sessions of 10 to 15 minutes.
Puzzle feeders and food toys that make the cat work for a meal.
A scratching post tall enough to stretch against, and several litter boxes of a generous size.
Company, whether a person at home or a second cat.

Our Maine Coon personality guide describes why they thrive on this sort of attention.

Can you walk a Maine Coon on a leash?

Yes, many owners do. It works best when the cat starts young, and when you accept that it is more of a slow stroll than a walk. Use a well-fitted, escape-proof cat harness, never a collar, and let the cat get used to wearing it indoors first, with treats and play.

Start inside for a few days, a few minutes at a time.
Move to a quiet, enclosed outdoor spot, and let the cat lead.
Carry a carrier or a towel for a fast retreat if a dog or a loud noise appears.
Keep your cat up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention.

Some cats never take to it, and that is fine. Forcing it is not worth it.

If you do walk your cat, pick your times. Early morning and evening are cooler and quieter, and a San Diego County summer afternoon on hot pavement is no place for a cat with a thick coat. Watch for panting, which is a sign of overheating in a cat and means it is time to head home.

What is a catio, and is it worth building?

A catio is a secure, enclosed outdoor area, from a window box to a full walk-in run, that lets the cat enjoy fresh air without the dangers. For a Maine Coon, the main points are size and strength. Choose sturdy wire or mesh, a roof, a secure door, and room for a tall perch, since this is a cat that will climb everything.

A catio can be a modest project or a big one, and a lot of owners attach it to a window or a cat flap. It is the best answer we know to the question of how a big, curious Maine Coon can enjoy the outdoors safely. If you are thinking about adding a Maine Coon to the family, you can browse the available Maine Coon kittens or read how a kitten gets home.

Quick Answers

Why does my Maine Coon play in its water bowl?

It is a common habit and usually harmless, driven by curiosity and play. A wide, heavy bowl or a pet fountain gives them something to splash in with less mess.