Where Do Maine Coons Like To Be Pet?
These large cats from North America may look fierce and dangerous, but the reality is they make great family pets due to their gentle and loving temperament.
Petting them in the wrong place, however, can result in your furry friend becoming overstimulated and aggressive. So, where do Maine Coons like to be pet?
Where Do Maine Coons Like To Be Pet?
There is no one set place that Maine Coons like to be petted since every cat has its preferences, likes, and dislikes.
However, most Maine Coon cats, enjoy being petted on their back, chin, neck, ears, and base of tail. Avoid petting your cat’s belly as many cats feel threatened by this and may attack your hand to protect their vital organs.
Head and Ears
Maine Coons tend to love having their heads scratched and ears rubbed.
Cat lovers should start by gently stroking their cat’s head to determine the feline’s mood. If receptive to being stroked, pet parents can move on to massaging the base of their cat’s large ears.
Keep in mind that the tufts of fur on the tips of a Maine Coon’s ears are especially sensitive.
Chin and Neck
Slowly stroke under their chin and down their neck.
Long, flowing pets from head to tail will send most Maine Coons into a purring frenzy of contentment.
Shoulders and Back
Broad strokes down their shoulders and back are pleasing to most Maine Coons.
As they relax into the petting, you may feel their muscles release tension under your hands.
Base of Tail
The area where their tail connects to their back is a sweet spot for many Maine Coons.
Gently scratch and massage this area, especially the silky fur right above their tail.
Every cat has different likes and dislikes so never assume they will all enjoy being petted in the same area! Most Maine Coon cats, however, enjoy being petted on their:
- Chin
- Ears
- Neck
- Back
Pay attention to your Maine Coon Cat’s Body Language and the sounds they make, i.e. chirp, trill, hiss, or growl, to determine which areas are most sensitive and pleasurable for them.
How to Stroke a Maine Coon Cat
Each Maine Coons has unique preferences.
In general, the best way to stroke a Maine Coon cat is by making long, gentle strokes and scratches focused on:
- Head
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Base Of The Tail
The more you stroke a cat, the more you will notice their preference for being stroked in a certain area.
Immediately stop stroking your cat if they pull their head or body away from you while being stroked.
Always stroke your furry friends slowly and gently so they don’t get scared.
From experience, I have discovered that if you stroke Bali on the head, he likes that too, but will often turn around and put his bottom in your face so that you stroke the base of his tail!
On the other hand, my blue tabby Maine Coon cat called Mika prefers being petted on his head, ears, and under his chin.
Maine Coon Temperament And Personality
Maine Coons are known for being gentle, playful, and social cats. Their friendly temperament and dog-like personality make them such popular and beloved companions.
Here are Maine Coon personality traits:
Affectionate & Social
Maine Coons love being around people and bonding very closely with their owners.
They enjoy lounging in your lap, snoozing by your side, and following you from room to room.
While they can be quite playful and energetic at times, they are generally easygoing, mellow cats that thrive on human interaction and affection.
Intelligent & Trainable
With their high intelligence, Maine Coons can easily be trained and learn tricks.
They tend to be very communicative and will chirp, trill, and make other sounds to get your attention or express happiness.
Maine Coons also seem to understand what their owners are saying and often respond to commands and their names.
Playful & Dog-Like
Maine Coons retain a kitten-like playfulness even into their senior years. They love playing fetch, and learning tricks and puzzles that stimulate them mentally and physically.
Their playful, interactive nature plus their tendency to be loyal and bond very closely with their owners are qualities frequently compared to dogs.
Maine Coons have a wonderful temperament and personality that makes them ideal companions for individuals and families looking for an affectionate, social, and playful cat.
Their friendly, gentle, and dog-like nature means they tend to get along well with people of all ages, as well as other pets.
Do Maine Coons Like To Be Held?
If you buy a Maine Coon kitten and regularly socialize them to the feeling of being held and cuddled, they’ll likely enjoy the experience in later life.
As with any cat, it depends greatly on their personality and the level of positive handling they receive as kittens.
After adopting two Maine Coons at 4 years old, I’d hope they would enjoy cuddles like Pippin (shown in the picture) did. Sadly, they weren’t comfortable with being held. I suspect this is due to a lack of socialization while kittens.
However, with patience and positive reinforcement training, many shy Maine Coons CAN become more accustomed to being held and cuddled over time.
Watch Pippin on the Maine Coon Central YouTube channel.
Tips for those of you wanting to hold your cats!
For many owners, bonding closely with their Maine Coon and earning their trust is one of the most rewarding parts of living with these gentle giants.
Let Them Decide
It is best to let a shy cat come to you, rather than picking them up uninvited.
Start Early
The key is to start handling and holding a Maine Coon from an early age so they associate it with positive experiences.
Offer Treats
Offer treats, praise, and belly rubs while gently picking them up to help build their confidence and enjoyment of being held.
Be Patient!
While not all Maine Coons may like prolonged cuddling, with time and patience, many can become quite affectionate and social companions.
Affectionate Maine Coon Behaviors
Head Bumps
Maine Coon bumps their head against you
Purring
Loud, loving purrs
Grooming You
They might lick you!
Kneading You
They might knead your body
Playfulness
Bringing toys or initiating playtime
Slow Blinking
Making eye contact and slowly closing and opening their eyes.
Follow You
Your cat follows you from room to room
Gentle Nibbles
Light, non-aggressive nipping at your fingers or toes
Head Bumps
My first Maine Coon loved to bump my head, with his, to get my attention and show he cares. As a sociable, friendly breed, interacting with humans is very important for them.
Take a look at the Maine Coon Central YouTube channel to watch Pippin our loveable big friendly giant head bumping my husband’s head!
Purring
A content, happy Maine Coon will purr, some more loudly than others! They purr not just when being petted, but also when resting nearby or playing. Their rumbling purr is a sign that they feel loved and secure.
Grooming You
It’s not uncommon for Maine Coons to groom their human family, by licking your hands, face, or hair. This behavior is a way your cat tries to bond with you.
While the licking may tickle, or feel like sandpaper, try not to discourage this Quirky Maine Coon Behavior as it is a sign of a close human-cat connection.
Kneading You
Your Maine Coon may knead you with its front paws, especially if you are laying down. They do this to bond with you and show contentment, often purring while they do it.
Playfulness
Playfulness in Maine Coons is a sign of affection as it indicates:
- Trust
- Comfort
- Happiness
Engaging in play shows they feel safe, seek your attention, and enjoy bonding with you.
Playful behavior also mimics natural hunting instincts, inviting you to share their joy and contentment.
Slow Blinking
Slow blinking in cats, including Maine Coons, is a form of communication that signals trust and affection.
When a cat slowly blinks at you, it’s like a kitty kiss, conveying feelings of relaxation and contentment.
Responding with a slow blink in return is akin to saying “I love you” in cat language, fostering a deeper bond between you and your feline friend.
Following You
When a Maine Coon follows you around, it’s a clear sign of affection and attachment. This behavior indicates that your cat enjoys your company and wants to be close to you.
Maine Coons are known for their friendly nature, and they often form strong bonds with their human companions.
By following you, your cat is seeking attention, companionship, and security, all of which are expressions of love and affection.
Gentle Nibbles
When cats engage in light nibbling or mouthing, they are affectionate and try to bond with their human companions.
This behavior is similar to grooming or licking, which cats use to express their fondness and establish social bonds.
It’s important to note that these nibbles should be gentle and not painful. Your cat’s aggressive biting behavior may indicate discomfort or stress rather than affection.
Summary
In conclusion, understanding where Maine Coons like to be pet can deepen the bond between you and your feline friend.
Paying attention to their body language and preferences can give them the affection they crave while ensuring their comfort and happiness.
Whether it’s behind the ears, under the chin, or along the back, knowing where to stroke your Maine Coon can lead to many joyful moments together.
So, remember to tune in to your cat’s cues and enjoy the special connection you share.
