Teaching Your Maine Coon to Fetch: A 5-Step Training Guide#

People often ask me, “Why get a Maine Coon? Why not just get a dog?”

My answer is usually to pick up a crinkle ball, throw it across the living room, and watch Atticus thunder after it, drift around the corner, snag it in his mouth, and trot back to drop it in my hand.

“That’s why,” I say. “No barking, no walks, but they still play fetch.”

Fetching is a natural instinct for many Maine Coons. They are tactile, object-oriented cats who love to carry “prey” in their mouths. However, while many will chase a toy, bringing it back is the part that usually requires training.

Here is my 5-step guide to unlocking your cat’s inner Golden Retriever.

Step 1: Find the “High-Value” Prey#

You cannot force a cat to fetch something they find boring. You need a toy that fits easily in their mouth and has a satisfying texture.

Top Contenders:

• Crinkle Balls: The noise triggers the hunting instinct.
• Springs: Cheap, bouncy, and easy to carry.
• Fur Mice: Realistic texture.
• Hair Ties: Warning: Do not use hair ties. They are the #1 cause of intestinal blockages in cats. Stick to cat-safe alternatives.

Test different toys. Throw them and see which one your cat naturally chases and puts in their mouth. That is your training tool.

Step 2: The “Short Toss” (Building the Association)#

Don’t throw it across the room yet. Sit on the floor with your cat.

1. Toss the toy just a few inches away.
2. When the cat grabs it, immediately say “Yes!” (or click a clicker) and offer a high-value treat (like Churu or freeze-dried chicken).
3. Repeat this until the cat realizes: Mouth on toy = Treat.

Step 3: The “Bring Back” (The Hard Part)#

Now, toss the toy a few feet away.

1. The cat will run and grab it.
2. Do not show the treat yet. Wait.
3. Call their name or tap the floor.
4. If they walk toward you with the toy, say “Yes!” and reward heavily.

Troubleshooting: If they drop the toy halfway, do not reward. Walk over, pick it up, go back to your spot, and try again. They must bring it to you (or close enough) to get the payout.

Step 4: Adding the Verbal Cue#

Once they are consistently bringing it back, add the word “Fetch” or “Bring it” right as you throw the toy. Maine Coons are smart; they will link the word to the action quickly.

Step 5: Increasing Distance and Duration#

Gradually increase the distance. Throw it down the hallway. Throw it onto the cat tree so they have to climb down with it.

Keep sessions short—5 to 10 minutes max. You want to stop before they get bored. If they walk away, you pushed too long.

Why Training Matters#

Teaching fetch isn’t just a party trick. It provides crucial physical exercise for a breed prone to obesity. It also provides mental stimulation. A tired Maine Coon is a well-behaved Maine Coon who is less likely to wake you up at 3 AM.

Speaking of which…

Resources & Further Reading#

• Karen Pryor Clicker Training. (2023). Clicker Training for Cats.
• Journal of Comparative Psychology. (2021). Object Play in Felines.