As one of the most loved cat breeds in America, it is not hard to see how this large cat has become so popular over recent decades.
So, if you are in the market for a Maine Coon, you might wonder are female Maine Coons affectionate? Or, would you be more suited to the male Maine Coon?
Female Maine Coons are affectionate on their own terms towards their owners. Despite being cautious around strangers, they happily bond with all family members and are not considered as needy or clingy as the male Maine Coon cat. Female Maine Coons are more ‘cat-like’, displaying strong independent behaviors and an aloof manner.
What with their family-friendly nature, laid-back personality, and docile mannerisms, the Maine Coon really does tick every box for cat breed of the year!
Keep reading to learn more about the female Maine Coon cat.
Are Maine Coon Cats Affectionate?
Originating from New England in the United States, the Maine Coon cat has a reputation for being extremely hardy, with the ability to survive even the harshest New England Winter climate.
Reaching up to 25 lbs in weight, and 40 inches in length, the Maine Coon cat really is a head-turner, in particular, because it dwarfs the standard-sized moggy (more information on this here).
The Maine Coon cat breed is one of the most friendly cats you will ever encounter.
They are naturally more friendly than the average cat you see walking down the street, and are easily recognizable by their sheer Maine Coon size, and long thick dense shaggy fur that must be the envy of the cat world!
Maine Coons have become increasingly popular over the years, and are known for their large personalities and affectionate nature.
If you have never met or owned a Maine Coon cat, you are missing out!
This large cat breed literally has so much love to give, that strangers to the breed may feel overwhelmed by how friendly and affectionate a Maine Coon cat can be.
Despite having a loving nature though, the female of the species may appear more aloof and less friendly, initially, since they tend to reserve their love for their family.
Once they accept you though, prepare to be nuzzled and licked repeatedly.
Those lucky enough to have a cuddly Maine Coon cat might even be lavished with non-stop cuddles and attention.
Are Female Maine Coons Good Pets?
Whichever gender you purchase, the Maine Coon cat will always be a solid pet choice.
Before you purchase a Maine Coon though, make sure that you are well equipped to stimulate their intelligent, curious minds.
A great place to start is by looking at my favorite Maine Coon toys, that our cat enjoys and thrives from.
Ranked in the top 3 cat breeds to own in the United States (2015), the Maine Coons popularity levels have soared in recent decades.
This is likely because both the male and female of the breed have won the hearts of millions of owners across the world, with these common Maine Coon breed characteristics:
- Playful
- Energetic and kitten-like
- Fun to be around
- Docile
- Gentle
- Family-friendly
- Very intelligent
- Loves water
- Highly sociable
Well known for their love of human company, the Maine Coon is most suited to individuals that spend ample amounts of time at home.
In fact, the more time you are able to spend with this affectionate cat breed, the better!
Known as the ‘dog of the cat world’, the Maine Coon is best suited to individuals that either work at home, spend lots of time at home, or have other pets.
This is mainly due to the fact that Maine Coon cats are very intelligent, and require regular mental stimulus, exercise, and companionship.
Maine Coons left on their own for too long may display signs of separation anxiety, which will have a negative impact on their mental health and well-being.
For more information on the Maine Coon breed, take a look at this amazing Maine Coon book:
Are Female Maine Coons Friendly?
Every Maine Coon cat is different, however, Maine Coons, in general, are considered to be a very friendly cat breed.
The female of the species is no different from the male in this respect, though may appear more reserved and aloof than their male counterpart.
For more information on how friendly the Maine Coon cat is, check out this article.
Comparing Female Vs Male Maine Coon
Whilst the Maine Coon cat breed is well known for being friendly, and affectionate, this does not necessarily mean that both sexes have identical temperaments.
For those of you uncertain which Maine Coon gender is more suited to your household, take a look at the table below. Discover the key differences between male and female Maine Coon cats.
I hope this comparison table will help you determine the best fit for you.
So, are female Maine Coons affectionate?
| Factor | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Often smaller than males. Weighs 8-12 lbs. Grows between 19-40 inches long | Larger than female. Weighs 15-25 lbs. Grows between 19-40 inches long |
| Sociable | Less sociable than males. More aloof and ‘cat-like’ | Highly sociable. More dog-like nature. Needs company |
| Personality | Calm, but friendly and outgoing personality | Large outgoing personality. Less calm than female |
| Independence | Very independent nature often considered more aloof and ‘cat-like’ | Independent nature |
| Attention | Requires less human interaction and attention, than males | Needs lots of human attention |
| Exercise | Needs daily exercise. Tends to be more active during nighttime hours | Needs daily exercise. Tends to be more active during daylight hours |
| Bonding | Will bond with multiple family members | Prefers to bond closely with one owner |
| Playtime | Plays with the owner on their own terms, and timescales | Happy to play with owners at anytime |
| Stubborn | Less stubborn | More stubborn |
For more information on the differences between the male and female Maine Coon cat, take a look at my article: ‘Male vs Female Maine Coon‘.
Are Male Or Female Maine Coons Better?
Ultimately, the answer to this question will be down to personal preference.
There is no right or wrong answer, but, depending upon your own personal situation, you may find that one of the genders is more suited to your family dynamic and lifestyle.
Ask yourself the following questions, before opting for a male or female Maine Coon cat:
- Will your ideal cat have dog-like qualities?
- Do you spend your days at home?
- How affectionate do you want your cat to be?
- Are you after an independent cat?
- Do you prefer cats with big personalities?
- Does your cat need to be good around strangers?
a) Size
Generally speaking, the male Maine Coon is usually larger than its female counterpart, so if you are looking for a larger cat then the male of the species is the one to go for.
b) Sociable
Are you looking for a confident, sociable cat?
If so, the male Maine Coon is more suited to your needs since they are extremely confident with strangers, and love human attention at all times.
The female Maine Coon by comparison is more independent, and ‘cat-like’.
She loves human company, but will never be dependent upon you like a male Maine Coon is.
Females also tend to stay clear of strangers, saving displays of affection for their human family, only.
c) Personality
The personality traits of the male and female Maine Coon cat differ slightly.
Whilst male Maine Coons tend to have large personalities, the female Maine Coon tends to be calmer, less attention-seeking, and more independent.
d) Playtime
Maine Coon cats are prone to obesity, so will need regular exercise and playtime.
If you prefer cats that like to play and have fun at any time of day, consider buying a male Maine Coon.
For those of you who appreciate calmer, more ‘cat-like’ cats, then the female is more suited to you, since they enjoy playing on their own terms, rather than on-demand.
e) Bonding
Maine Coon cats make great family pets, whichever gender you purchase.
However, if you would rather your cat was not dependent upon any one family member, select a female Maine Coon.
In general, female Maine Coons prefer to bond with all family members, rather than just one.
Female Maine Coon Names
The world is your oyster when it comes to naming your cat since pretty much any name goes!
Select a name that you instantly bond with.
Make sure that you love the name though, as you will have to say it many times over the years!
If you think you have found the right name for your precious Maine Coon kitten, it’s time to test it!
Therefore, before committing to a name, determine if you have followed my golden rule:
“Are you prepared to call your Maine Coons name out, in the street?”
Never forget this simple rule, even if you plan on keeping an indoor Maine Coon.
For starters, what would happen if your Maine Coon escaped somehow, and you had to search the nearby streets for them.
Will it be at this point that you regret naming your gorgeous female Maine Coon ‘fluffy-bumkin’?!
12 Female Maine Coon Names
With so many Maine Coons in existence, you can only imagine just how many varied, funny, and cute names have been picked for this impressive, regal feline breed.
Remember, no name is right, nor wrong. Ultimately, your female Maine Coon will respond to any name you give her, and more.
To start you off, here are some possible female Maine Coon names that I’ve found across the internet:
- Luna
- Queenie
- Iris
- Grace
- Maggie
- Anya
- Maddie
- Lyra
- Carlita
- Gypsy
- Phoebe
- Misty
If you cannot find the perfect name in this list, here are 73 other cat names ideally suited to the Maine Coon cat breed.
Conclusion
So, are female Maine Coons affectionate, or not?
As you will have read, their reserved nature makes them more cat-like, than dog-like, but this does not take away from the fact that the females are still very affectionate cats.
If you are prepared to wait a little longer and win your female Maine Coons trust and loyalty over time, then you will be rewarded with a very affectionate, loving Maine Coon cat.
Before you go, it’s never too late to buy your 2022 Maine Coon calendar!
Check out this irresistible Maine Coon calendar.