Top 10 Genius Ways to Keep Your Maine Coon Cat Active (You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner!)

Have you got a gentle giant in your family, and aren’t really sure “How To Turn Every Day Into An Adventure for Your Cat.” Trust me, if you’ve ever seen a Maine Coon stretch out those long legs, jump onto a windowsill, or chase a dust bunny across the floor, then you know they were made for action. 

Keeping your Maine Coon cat active is not just simply a means to burn off excess calories – it’s about feeding their wild side, helping to keep their minds busy, and forming a better bond between you and your cat. 

Here’s my deep dive into the most rewarding, creative, and sometimes surprising ways to keep your Maine Coon active, with plenty of details, personal experience, and answers to the “why” and “how” questions you might have.

1. Interactive Play with Feather and String Toys

Why do Maine Coons love these toys?

Maine Coons are instinctively hunters. When you wave a feather or drag a string in front of your Maine Coon, you are not just entertaining your cat, but allowing them to enact the ancient play of predator and prey. 

My Maine Coon, Willow, goes nuts for a feather on a stick, crouching low, tail twitching, eyes locked on the “bird” in my hand. 

How to make it interesting:

• Vary your movements: sometimes I slowly drag the feather behind a chair, sometimes I flick it up in the air so that Willow has to leap.

• Hide the toy under a rug or blanket so that only the tip peeks out, and you’ll send her curiosity through the roof. 

• Let your cat “catch” the toy every once in a while. I always stop and let Willow pounce and “kill” the feather, which seems to fulfill her hunter’s pride.

Bonus Tip: 

Rotate the toys every few days. I keep half of our toys in a drawer and rotate them weekly – it’s like every time Willow discovers a brand new game.

2. Laser Pointer Chase

Why is the laser pointer so effective? 

That tiny red dot has pure magic for Maine Coons. It moves quickly and disappears, just like prey in motion. Laser play days are where my cat excels at her athletic prowess—sprinting down the hall, skidding around corners, and even trying to climb up the wall to “catch” the dot.

How to maximize fun:

• Create a safe area free of breakables.

• Move the laser in unpredictable ways: jog around the house, zig and zag, and stop short.

• Occasionally, I will lead the dot up the cat tree, which allows Willow to jump and climb as well as run.

The most important part: 

Always end on a real reward! I finish by “catching” the dot on a treat or favorite toy, ensuring that Willow does not feel angry or frustrated that the game came to such an abrupt end; instead, she feels victorious!

If you use the laser as a quick, daily energy-burner and always let your cat “win” at the end, it stays a healthy, fun game.

3. Climbing and Cat Trees

Why do Maine Coons need to climb?

Maine Coons are large, muscular, and agile cats. In the wild, a Maine Coon’s ancestors would have climbed up onto trees to escape danger or simply to survey their territory. Indoors, cat trees are comparable to jungle gyms or lookout posts.

Take advantage of cat trees:

• Select a large, sturdy cat tree that stands tall (at least 5.5 to 7 feet), has levels and ramps for different climbing options, and has scratching posts.

• Place it near a window for bird-watching. For example, Willow can often be found perched in the sunny spot, chatting away at the squirrels outside for hours.

• Sprinkle a bit of catnip on the platforms to entice them to explore the tree.

Personal tip:

If your Maine Coon is not venturing onto the tree at first, dangling a toy from one of the upper levels might work or hiding treats on a different platform may encourage climbing. I even draped a fleece blanket over one side to create a cozy cave, which was a huge success!

4. Puzzle Feeders and Treat-Dispensing Toys

What do puzzle feeders do for Maine Coons?

To keep your Maine Coon active, you need to understand that they’re smart, easily bored cats. A puzzle feeder takes mealtime and makes it a thinking game — it’s a way for your Maine Coon to earn every bite.

This style of food dispenser keeps your cat active and slows down fast eaters.

How to introduce puzzle feeders? 

• Start simple with a treat ball or ball-shaped feeder that dispenses some kibble as it rolls.

• Then, gradually introduce more complex puzzles, including sliding tiles, spinning wheels, or treat mazes that require multiple moves. 

• I regularly use puzzle feeders for Willow’s breakfast, and it keeps her busy and out of trouble while I’m getting ready for work. 

Bonus:

Change the feeder location regularly, or hide it behind furniture and make a mini scavenger hunt.

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5. Leash Walking and Outdoor Adventure

Why give leash walking a try? 

Maine Coons are a curious and fearless breed. One of the advantages of going outside with your cat is that it provides a safe way to experience new sights, smells, and sounds.

At first, I was a little nervous, but after a bit of patience, Willow learned to enjoy her harness and now she waits by the front door for our daily stroll.

How to get started:

• Use an escape-proof no-escape harness that is fitted properly.

• Allow your cat to wear the harness indoors for short amounts of time and reward them with treats.

• Begin in a quiet, fenced-in yard or garden. Let your cat take the lead – sometimes Willow just wanted to sniff the air, and other times she wanted to explore the whole yard.

My Story:

The first time Willow heard a bird sing up close, she went wide-eyed with wonder. Now she is more confident outside and is getting tons of exercise exploring.

6. Water Play

Why do Maine Coons enjoy water?

Maine Coons typically have an affinity for water, unlike most cats. Even though their long and thick coat is water resistant, their affinity for water may simply be part of their quirky disposition.

Ways to make water play fun:

• Fill a shallow tub or sink with an inch of water and float some ping pong balls or little rubber ducks! 

• You could also let your cat bat at a slow-running faucet or chase drips! 

• On hot days, I always freeze treats in an ice cube and then let Willow try to bat at it while it melts!

Pro Tip:

Always supervise water play. And have towels handy for any splashes!

7. Clicker Training and Learning Tricks

Why teach your Maine Coon?

They are so intelligent and love to have challenges. Clicker training subjects Maine Coon’s intelligence and provides a sense of accomplishment. It is also, wonderful bonding time together making it the most effective way to train and keep your Maine Coon cat active.

How do you begin?

• Use a clicker and small treats. 

• Start by teaching easy commands like “sit” or a “high five”.

• Click and treat every time your cat gets the command correct. Since I started just a couple of weeks ago, Willow caught on after only a few days, and now, we are working on “spin” and “jump”!

Fun spin:

Set up a mini obstacle course complete with hoops and tunnels. Training sessions are short (5-10 minutes) and, of course, always end in cuddles.

8. Fetch and Retrieve Games

Why fetch?

Some Maine Coons, some like my Maine Coon, like to fetch. Fetch is a great way to keep your Maine Coon cat active and mentally engaged.

• Toss a soft ball or plush mouse down the hall.

• Encourage your cat to bring it back, and reward them by praising or giving them a treat.

• My Maine Coons will fetch for 10-15 minutes and then flop down next to me, purring, completely satisfied with the game.

Tip:

Not every cat will fetch immediately, but most Maine Coons will with a little patience and the right toy.

9. Interactive Electronic Toys

Why need electronic toys?

When you are busy, battery powered toys will keep your Maine Coon cat active and entertained by moving in unpredictable patterns like real prey. It’s great that you always try playful and fun activities to keep your cat active!

How to use them:

• Use toys that scurry, wiggle, or spin on their own.

• Set up in an open area and watch your cat chase, pounce, and stalk the toy.

• I swap between a robotic mouse and a feather toy that spins to keep Willow’s interest high.

Pro Tip:

Don’t leave these toys out all the time—bring them out as a special treat to keep the excitement alive.

10. Socializing Play with a Companion Cat

Why are you considering a second cat? 

Maine Coons typically have a social nature and enjoy the company of other animals. Watching two cats chase each other, wrestle, and groom one another is not only very cute, but also the easiest way to keep your Maine Coon cat active throughout the day. 

How to make it happen:

• Select a companion with a similar energy level and temperament.

• Introduce them gradually, starting with scent swapping and supervised introductions.

• Provide plenty of toys, beds, and litter boxes so they don’t compete with one another.

My personal experience:

When I welcomed home my second Maine Coon, Willow’s world brightened. They play tag, share spots in the window, and even work together to “hunt” feather toys.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your Maine Coon cat active and playing isn’t all about exercise. It’s about giving them a life full of adventure, curiosity, and love! 

Try out some of these play ideas, and see what lights up your cat’s eyes, and don’t be afraid to get creative! Every Maine Coon is unique, but the one thing we know for sure is that if you keep your Maine Coon cat active, you will have a happy and healthy cat! 

Additionally, the memories you create will last a lifetime.