Are Maine Coon Cats Dangerous?

by Bethany
(Athens, Georgia)

Hi there! I know this might sound like a weird question, but I genuinely want to know - are Maine Coon cats dangerous?

My fiancé and I are getting our first cat together, and we've been doing a lot of research. We both really love the look of Maine Coons.

They're huge, and honestly, they look kind of wild with those big lion-like heads and giant paws.

I know people call them "gentle giants," but I've also seen that phrase used to describe certain dog breeds, and they're still huge animals that can knock you over or get triggered if they’re not socialized right.

The reason I'm asking is... okay, it sounds totally dramatic, but we saw a news article about a woman who died and was eaten by her Maine Coons.

I know that's not something most people expect, and obviously that situation was extreme, but now I'm second-guessing whether these cats might be more aggressive than people let on?

Like, are they more territorial? Is their hunting instinct stronger because they’re bigger? I even saw someone say they "hunt like dogs" which is kind of intense.

I really don't want to write them off just because of one thing I saw on the internet, but we also want a calm, loving pet that's not going to make guests nervous or accidentally hurt a kid or something.

So, again: are Maine Coon cats dangerous? Or is the internet just being weird?

Reply:
Hi Bethany,
First of all, you're not weird for asking this. And you're definitely not alone.

That article has made the rounds in cat circles, and it really stuck with people - understandably! It's a sad story, and it got sensationalized in all the worst ways.

But I totally get why it would make someone pause, especially if you’re new to the breed and just trying to make a smart, informed decision.

You're doing the right thing by asking questions and thinking it through. I'm glad you wrote in.

Let's start with the news story. Yes, it's true that a woman passed away unexpectedly and was not found for a long time - and her cats, who had no access to food or water, eventually did what animals in extreme situations do.

As disturbing as it sounds, this has happened before with other pets too, including dogs. It's not about aggression or breed temperament - it’s about survival instincts.

In fact, many animal professionals agree it's one of the saddest things about unattended deaths.

These animals were hungry, scared, and left without care for two weeks. It's not a Maine Coon issue - it’s a heartbreaking circumstance.

Now, as for Maine Coons being "dangerous" - I can assure you they're not!

The nickname "gentle giants" isn’t just a catchy phrase.

These cats are large, yes, and they do have a wild look (which is part of the fun for a lot of owners!), but their personality is usually the opposite of intimidating. They’re known for being social, curious, and people-oriented.

Many of them are downright clingy in the best way. They follow their humans around like dogs, chirp instead of meow, and generally want to be involved in whatever you're doing.

Of course, any cat - just like any dog - can become aggressive if they’re mistreated, in pain, or not socialized.

But if you raise a kitten in a loving home, or adopt a well-adjusted adult, you're very likely to have a sweet, calm, and affectionate companion.

It sounds like you're already being thoughtful and responsible, which is a great sign. If you and your fiancé are drawn to the breed, don’t let the internet scare you off.

And if you're still unsure, you might even reach out to a local breeder or rescue to meet one in person! Sometimes just seeing their demeanor for yourself makes all the difference.

Let us know what you end up deciding - and if any of our readers have stories to share about their "big scary" cats being total mushballs, please chime in below!

5 Reasons Maine Coons Look Scary (But Aren’t)

• Their size. Males can reach 18–25 lbs, but they’re known for being gentle giants.
• That wild face. Their large heads and intense eyes give them a lion-like stare.
• Big paws. They have tufts between the toes - cute, not dangerous.
• Serious expressions. Some Coons just look mad - but it’s all fluff.
• Hunting instinct. Yes, they’re great mousers - but they’d rather play than pounce on you.

How to Tell if a Cat Has Aggression Issues

If you're ever unsure about a cat's temperament—no matter the breed—here are a few signs that might be cause for concern:

• Frequent growling or hissing, even in calm situations
• Sudden lunges or swats without warning
• Avoids touch or flinches when approached
• Tail constantly twitching or puffed up
• Staring with dilated pupils, followed by quick movements

None of these mean a cat is dangerous - but they can point to stress, fear, or a need for socialization. A well-raised, well-loved cat - especially one from a responsible breeder or rescue - shouldn't show these signs regularly.

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