Despite their laid-back nature, sometimes Maine Coons can act a bit weird, whether it’s howling, staring at you, or chirping around.
Most of the time, we tend to ignore their body language – after all, it’s normal for cats to display their weird antics, right? Wrong, because a majority of the time they’re trying to tell us something through their body language, and it’s always best to learn about your Maine Coon’s habits and demeanor to form a stronger bond and care better for them.
This post decodes the body language of Maine Coons and some common habits of this breed and why they might exhibit those behaviors. I’ll also discuss the physical signs of sickness in cats, which can often get overlooked by owners. So get ready to dive deep into the world of the feline language and how we can better understand them.
Contents
Why Learning the Language of Cats is Important
Body language is very important in the feline world. The way cats walk, vocalize themselves, and their facial expressions are the means of communication between them. Since most cats think we’re also cats who are just larger and a bit weird, that’s how they try to communicate with us too.
It’s essential to understand what some particular movements and vocals mean for three major reasons. For one, it helps us form a better relationship with our feline companions and set boundaries.
Oftentimes, owners don’t get the hint when their cats need to be left alone and don’t want physical interactions, which results in hissing and even swatting. Although this is a rarity among Maine Coons, it can still happen.
Secondly, understanding our cat’s body language can give us an insight into their emotional state. If they’re feeling particularly stressed out or unhappy, they will display signs of distress through their body language and vocals, which can help us provide a more stress-free and enriching environment for them.
Finally, comprehending a cat’s behavior and physical cues aids in assessing their well-being. Cats struggle to convey pain and discomfort effectively, leading to potential oversight of underlying health issues. This underscores the significance of observing your cat’s conduct and bodily signals to promptly address their needs.
Understanding 12 Body Language and Vocals of Friendly Coon
Here are 12 things your Maine Coon might do when trying to communicate their emotional state:
1. Chirping
Maine Coon cats are known for chirping, and they really do sound bird-like when they do it. Chirping is a series of quick, short meows without the ‘ow’ part. Here’s what it often sounds like:
You’ll usually find your Maine Coon doing this when you’re trying to play with it, talk to it, or you’re on your way to the kitchen to serve its meal. It simply means your cat is feeling excited and happy, and they want to express that.
You might also notice your Maine Coon making these sounds when it spots a prey, meaning it’s excited to catch it. It’s a trait unique to the Maine Coon breed, and it’s quite frankly very cute.
2. Trilling
Many people confuse this with chirping, but trilling is actually quite different from that. This is a sound most mother cats make when they’re trying to call their kittens towards themselves or when greeting them. They make this sound with their mouths closed, so it sounds like a very loud purr with lots of r’s in it, kind of like ‘mrrp!’.
You’ll notice your Maine Coon trilling when you come back home after many hours, or when they wake up from a long nap. It’s just their way of saying “Hi, I’m glad to see you, human!”
3. Chattering
Chattering is sometimes barely audible, but it sounds something like the clicking of the teeth. You’ll notice your Maine Coon rapidly opening and shutting its mouth, making it look like it’s shuddering. Here’s what it sounds like:
Many cats do this, but it’s particularly common in Maine Coons. They chatter when they notice prey and their hunting instincts kick in, especially when there are birds outside the window. Sometimes they may do it with you too, so it can also mean they’re super excited and interested in something.
4. Elongated Meow
The elongated meow isn’t just your average meow, it’s a very loud and insistent ‘meowww’. It means your cat is begging you or wants to bring your attention to something, most commonly towards their food bowls. “Hurry up, human! I’m starving!”.
Maine Coons are known for having enormous, never-satisfied appetites, so you’re sure to hear this incessant version of a meow quite often.
5. Howling
Cats usually howl at night when they’re looking to mate. But if your Maine Coon is de-sexed and still howling at night, it could mean two things.
Firstly, it could be that they’re feeling lonely. If you’re out most of the day with no one else at home, it can make your Maine Coon feel incredibly neglected. So when you go off to sleep, you’re gone again, causing them to howl and seek attention.
This is especially the case if you don’t have another cat to keep them company. Maine Coons don’t do well if left alone for too long.
The second reason could be that your Maine Coon is suffering from hyperthyroidism, as many studies suggest that night yowling is a common sign of this condition. It could also mean cognitive dysfunction due to old age.
6. Gazing into Eyes
Many Maine Coons just sit there and stare at you. While it may feel slightly uncomfortable to be stared at non-stop, they may do this for four reasons.
If they’re relaxed and all loafed up while gazing into your eyes, they’re simply feeling admiration towards you. They’re happy, and they’re looking at you just as you would look at your child – for all reasons good.
When they’re not exactly relaxed and are changing positions, coming closer, or following your movements closely as they stare at you, they’re most probably very interested in what you’re doing. Inquisitive little creatures, that’s what they are.
If you’re not doing anything interesting, they’re probably staring at you to get you to do something. Opening a door, leading you to their food bowls, playing with them – it could be many different things.
If your Maine Coon is gazing at you while slow-blinking, it means they’re showing immense affection and trust towards you. It’s like giving many tiny kisses but in their own weird way.
7. Dilated Pupils
This usually indicates that your Maine Coon is super excited and is in play/hunt mode, ready to pounce at the first thing that moves past it. It’s a bad idea to try to groom cats when they’re in this mood because they simply won’t relax until they’ve released their energy.
Dilated pupils may also mean your cat is scared or anxious, especially if they’re crouching and hiding under furniture.
8. Drawn Back Ears
One of the most significant indicators of an irritated and angry cat is when their ears are drawn back. This is a cat that’s defensive and may attack if provoked, so approach them with caution. Maine Coons typically display such behaviors when they’re feeling territorial around other pets in the house or when they’re introduced to something new and strange.
9. Tail Language
Tail positioning is very important when it comes to determining your cat’s emotional state. It can either be upright, low, swishing, or all puffed up:
Upright
If your Maine Coon’s tail is upright or vertical, it indicates that your cat is feeling happy and is glad to see you. It also shows that they’re confident in their approach and aren’t nervous or scared of anything.
If it’s coupled with some quivering or you can see the tail vibrate a bit, it means they’re feeling very, very excited about something.
Puffed Up
Maine Coon tails are naturally fluffy and puffed up, but if all the hairs on it are raised while the tail is upright, it means that your cat is in an aggressive mood and is trying to pose itself as a threat.
Low and/or Between the Legs
A tail that’s low and almost touching the ground means that your cat is either anxious or scared, or not feeling very confident.
Swishing
When your Maine Coon initiates a side-to-side tail swish, take it as a cue to step back. It signals irritation, indicating they’ve reached their limit and prefer you cease your actions. Give them space to avoid potential fleeing or hissing reactions.
10. Baring Teeth
Cats don’t always have to hiss at you loudly to express their anger. Sometimes, they may just show you their teeth without any sound to express their disapproval of something. If your Maine Coon is doing this, stop doing whatever you’re doing and try to offer some treats instead.
11. Arched Back
This is commonly termed the ‘Halloween cat pose.’ It involves an upward arching of the back, a low and tucked tail, and raised hair on the back. It’s the feline signal indicating fear and perceived threat, a warning for approaching individuals to retreat.
On the other hand, a back that’s arched inwards so that the cat is stretching in front of you simply means they’re relaxed and feel safe around you.
12. Rolling Over
A cat exposing their belly to you is a huge deal – it means they trust you a lot. Sometimes it can also mean they’re in a playful mood, but beware – their bellies are sensitive and they might just give you a playful bite or two to drive your hand away.
Distinctive Habits: Decoding 5 Common Behaviors of Maine Coons
Apart from body language and vocals, Maine Coons also exhibit some unique behaviors at times, which often need further investigation into why they’re acting that way.
1. Following You
A prevalent behavior in this breed is their inclination to follow their human companions. Maine Coons shadow your every move – from the bedroom and kitchen to the laundry room and even the restroom. They persistently stick by your side, and while some may find it endearing, others might perceive it as slightly bothersome, especially when their privacy in the restroom is compromised.
It’s an open secret that Maine Coons are social beings yearning for human companionship, explaining this behavior. It could also signal loneliness, suggesting it might be time to introduce another feline companion for your Maine Coon.
2. Begging for Food
While many cats and dogs may request additional food, for Maine Coons, this behavior is a significant aspect of their character. Post-meal, numerous Maine Coons persistently meow, soliciting extra portions. Some may interrupt your dinner by standing on hind legs, hoping for table scraps.
Though it may seem like intense hunger or even starvation, don’t be deceived; it’s just their penchant for indulgence. Succumbing to their requests and continually offering treats can lead to excess weight gain, a common occurrence among Maine Coons.
Try diverting their attention with toys or offering chin scratches to distract them instead.
3. Sleeping with You
Maine Coon cats are renowned for their physical affection, and one of their displays of love is sharing your bed. This signifies their deep connection with you, signifying you as a cherished and reliable companion.
Numerous owners assert that their Maine Coons not only share the bed but also ascend to rest on their chests. Picture a cozy little presence cuddling with you as you sleep – undeniably heartening!
4. Jumping on Counters
Not all Maine Coons do this, but many of them love jumping up on counters, cabinets, and any furniture that’s high up. This may just be a cat thing, but it can also indicate the lack of a cat climbing tree.
Maine Coons require lots of physical exercise, and climbing up toward high spots is one of their favorite things in the world. Whether it’s jumping or resting there, it depends on their mood. So if you don’t have a cat tree, consider getting one to prevent them from turning your counters into their personal playground.
5. Chewing on Stuff
Maine Coons commonly engage in chewing behavior, targeting various items such as cords, plastic objects, shoes, and furniture. This behavior is often a result of insufficient physical activity.
Maine Coons demand daily exercise, and their requirements surpass those of most breeds. Without adequate play or interactive toys to engage their intelligent minds, they may resort to biting objects for amusement. Boredom and frustration can also lead to furniture scratching.
Final Thoughts
Certain behaviors are endearing, but others could indicate neglect or potential health issues. It’s crucial to observe your Maine Coon’s vocalizations, body language, and actions. This way, if they’re experiencing any distress, you can promptly address the issue.
