4 Reasons Why Your Maine Coon Looks Angry
My three Maine Coon cats often look angry! Whilst I know they aren’t moody or angry, this thought did make me wonder are there reasons why Maine Coons look angry?
Maine Coon faces often look upset, but is this an accurate reflection of their emotions?
European Maine Coons look angry due to the shape of their eyes and muzzle. These Maine Coons have smaller eyes, and their brow bone is set at an angle so that they often appear to have narrowed eyes. Cats cannot use their faces to express emotions the same way as humans, though, so it does not mean they are really angry.
If your Maine Coon looks grumpy, it does not necessarily mean that is how your cat feels!
Read on to find out what causes your Maine Coon to look so upset, and how to find out how your cat is really feeling.
Why Do Maine Coons Look Angry?
The Maine Coon is a strong, majestic breed that originated on its own in the wilderness of Maine, in the United States Of America.
There, the Maine Coon developed wide paws to better walk on snow.
Their long, thick fur protected them from the moisture and the cold, and soon farmers and sailors were keeping them as ratters.
Nowadays, Maine Coons are kept primarily as companions, but the Maine Coon angry face can be a deterrent for some potential owners.
Many Maine Coons have small, narrowed eyes and large muzzles. They also have wide noses that look more like a wildcat than a domestic cat.
So, why do they look so angry?
Here is a list of reasons why Maine Coon facial features tend to make them look upset:
1. European Vs American Maine Coons
One of the biggest reasons why this cat breed looks angry is due to the two different Maine Coon face types.
American Maine Coons have larger, rounder eyes and smaller muzzles. This makes them look more like regular housecats.
European Maine Coons have smaller, slightly slanted eyes that make them look like an angry human.
Learn more similarities and differences between the European Maine Coon cat Vs. American Maine Coon cat, in this article.
2. Eye Size And Shape
The size and shape of a Maine Coons eyes can make it look upset even if it does not feel that way!
European Maine Coons have small, slightly slanted eyes that look similar to when humans narrow their eyes.
Have you heard that many people think Maine Coon cats look like the actor Ron Perlman? If not, read this amusing article showing 6 reasons why so many people think this.
Below is a picture of a Maine Coon cat that looks angry, but likely isn’t:
3. Brow Bones
Cats have strong brow bones that make them look more expressive.
Some cats look happy or even concerned due to the shape of their browbones.
Since Maine Coon brow bones slope into a gentle v-shape in the center of their foreheads, they sometimes make a Maine Coon grumpy face.
4. Wide Muzzles
Another reason why some Maine Coons look angry is their wide, powerful muzzles.
While American Maine Coons have smaller, gentler muzzles, European Maine Coon muzzles look similar to wildcats.
Their lips turn slightly downward, which almost makes them look like they are frowning.
The wide bridge of the Maine Coon’s nose can also make them look like a fierce wildcat (source 1).
Maine Coon Temperament And Personality
If you want to know what is the temperament of a Maine Coon, they are much friendlier than they look!
Overall, Maine Coons are:
- Loving
- Gentle
- Intelligent
Here are the most prominent personality traits of a Maine Coon:
1. Social
Maine Coons are one of the friendliest most social cat breeds in the world.
They tend to become closest to one owner, but they are incredibly loving towards their entire household.
They also tend to get along well with strangers and other pets.
2. Playful
Maine Coons are so playful that they often act like kittens even when they are fully grown!
These cats have a very high prey drive, so they love to chase after just about anything that moves.
3. Athletic
These cats are powerful jumpers and climbers. They need a physical challenge or else they can become bored easily.
Maine Coons need big cat trees and it is a good idea to install shelves along the walls for climbing.
4. Intelligent
Maine Coons are incredibly intelligent animals that pick up on tricks and commands easily. These cats are famous for playing fetch and even learning to turn on faucets or lights!
5. Patient
As friendly as Maine Coons are, they are also quite gentle and patient.
They are good sports to children especially, and do not mind being carried around or playing dress-up!
Why Do Maine Coons Look Like Humans?
Have you ever looked at a Maine Coon and thought it looked eerily human? You are not alone!
Here are some reasons why people believe Maine Coons look similar to humans:
Selective Breeding
Some people selectively breed Maine Coons to look as close to humans as possible. Other breeders think it makes the Maine Coons look more charming or desirable.
Cat Face Shape
All cats have faces that are somewhat similar to humans.
Their forward-facing eyes are sunken behind their noses and cheekbones, which are shaped similarly to humans.
Maine Coon Features
Even regular cats can look a lot like humans due to the shape of their faces.
Since Maine Coons have smaller, slanted eyes and longer, wider noses they tend to look even more similar to humans (source 1).
Why Do Some Maine Coons Have Different Faces?
While all Maine Coons are part of the same breed, there are two distinctive Maine Coon looks. The two Maine Coon looks are:
- American
- European
American Maine Coons have softer expressions and larger eyes. Their noses are slightly narrower and their muzzles are less defined.
The extra tufts of fur on their ears and paws are shorter, and their coat is smoother.
By comparison, European Maine Coons have smaller, slanted eyes and large, square muzzles that make them resemble a lion or a tiger.
They also tend to be larger with more defined muscles and larger ears and paws (source 1).
Are Maine Coon Cats Moody?
If you have ever looked at a Maine Coon kitten’s grumpy face you might wonder, do Maine Coon cats have a temper?
Overall, the Maine Coon temperament is pleasant and friendly. While they are often attuned to the emotions of their family members, they are not known to be moody or quick to anger.
Many intelligent cat breeds are difficult to train because, as smart as they are, they are also quite stubborn.
You are unlikely to see much Maine Coon attitude, though, as they are eager to please and quite mellow (source 1).
Are Maine Coons Aggressive To Other Cats?
Maine Coons are typically known to be friendly and loving towards others, including cats and dogs.
This breed is so social that they often form fast friendships, but improper socialization or inadequate space can cause your cat to become hostile.
If you brought a new cat home without introducing them slowly, your Maine Coon might feel frightened and threatened, and behave with hostility towards your new cat.
Even if you introduce your Maine Coon slowly to its new companion, if you do not have enough space in your house your Maine Coon might feel crowded and overwhelmed.
Can A Maine Coon Kill A Human?
If you want a Maine Coon but their size makes you nervous then you might wonder if Maine Coons are capable of killing people.
Due to their gentle and loving nature, Maine Coon attacks are incredibly rare. When Maine Coons do attack though, it is out of self-defense.
Most cats have a bite force of about 70 PSI, but the Maine Coon bite force is slightly more powerful at about 75 PSI.
Their larger size and superior hunting abilities might make them more challenging to fight, but a Maine Coon is no match for an adult human.
However, there are two ways that Maine Coons can lead to death in humans:
Suffocation
The first way is suffocation, though this is not intentional.
Maine Coons often form strong bonds with human children and babies, and many even like to cuddle with them as they sleep.
If you have an infant, however, it is important to keep your Maine Coon separated from them unless under supervision, as their cuddly nature might cause them to lay directly on your baby’s face.
Infection
Maine Coon bites can also cause death through infection.
If you get bitten by a Maine Coon or any other cat, make sure to clean the affected area thoroughly and as quickly as possible.
This is because if left untreated, Maine Coon bites can lead to (source 1):
- Sepsis
- Amputation
- Death
Conclusion
Some owners cannot help but wonder why do Maine Coons look angry?
However, the Maine Coon’s furrowed brow and serious expression are not actual indicators of its mood.
Overall, Maine Coons are gentle, sweet creatures that are sensitive to the moods of their owners. They are loving, and friendly, and prefer to cuddle in peace rather than fight or start spats.
Related Questions
Do Maine Coons Get Jealous?
Maine Coons can become jealous of other pets or people if they are suddenly receiving less attention or playtime due to a recent change.
Are Maine Coons Well Behaved?
Maine Coons are among the easiest cat breeds to train. Once trained, Maine Coons tend to be obedient and well-mannered.