How do I introduce a Maine Coon to a new cat tree?

Place the cat tree in a spot your Maine Coon already frequents, like near a sunny window or their favorite lounging area, and rub a soft cloth on their scent glands (cheeks, chin) to transfer familiar smells onto the sisal posts and platforms. Let them investigate at their own pace-toss a few treats on the lower perches or dangle a wand toy from the top tier to encourage climbing, but never force them up; most Maine Coons will claim it within a day or two if it feels safe and strategically positioned in their territory.

Dismantle the tree and scatter the parts around the room for a few days first. Let your Maine Coon sniff the platforms and posts like puzzling treasure pieces before you assemble it - it builds curiosity without the intimidation of a looming structure. Once built, dangle a feather toy from the top and let them stalk it like prey, turning the introduction into a game they solve themselves.

Putting a cat tree together and just expecting your Maine Coon to jump right up is setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, leave the tree unassembled on the floor for a day or two and let them sniff and bat at the pieces like a giant cardboard fort - that way the unfamiliar scent and shape become boring and normal before it even looks like a tree. When you do build it, don't bother with treats or toys near it, just ignore the whole thing completely. Maine Coons love being contrary, so they'll get suspicious and climb it out of sheer nosiness when you stop paying attention to it.