Maine Coon Chuffing
Cats make all sorts of odd vocalizations, and they can be quite difficult to interpret if you do not know what to look for.
Maine Coons do not chuff in the same way that wild cats, particularly tigers, are known to do. However, some people refer to various Maine Coon vocalizations as chuffing. If your cat quickly exhales, this may be considered a chuff. It can mean many things from annoyance to contentment.
The behavior known as chuffing was originally used to describe a behavior found in wildcats, but the word can also apply to the soft snort that cats make on occasion.
Do Maine Coons Chuff?
Maine Coon cats are known for making many unique vocalizations, e.g. chirps, and trills.
Typically, the word chuffing only refers to behavior found in wildcats. Also known as prusten, chuffing is the sound wild cats make when they are happy, and it has been compared to purring in domestic cats.
When wild cats chuff, they blow air through their nostrils to make a kind of snort or snuffling sound. They typically bob their heads while doing this.
Many big cats chuff when greeting others of their kind, indicating they are feeling content and friendly. However, many people use the word chuff to refer to a variety of sounds that domestic cats make, as well.
Although Maine Coons do not chuff in the way that wild cats do, they may make chattering or snorting sounds that some owners and even vets describe as chuffing (source 1).
Why Do Cats Chuff?
Interpreting all the sounds and movements your cat makes can feel next to impossible, especially if your cat starts making bizarre sounds you have never even heard before.
When it comes to chuffing, this sound could have many possible interpretations.
Here are some possible reasons why your cat is chuffing (source 1):
Annoyance
Have you ever tried to pet your cat after it shied away, or pulled away just as your cat has tried to bite you? If so, you may have heard a sound between a snort and a sigh.
Cat chuffing sometimes refers to the way cats exhale when they are frustrated or grumpy.
Sighing
Just like humans, cats occasionally sigh. This is a natural behavior that usually occurs multiple times a day.
Sometimes, sighing can indicate emotions like:
- Sadness
- Boredom
- Contentment
Other times, it is the body’s way of providing more oxygen or releasing tension after a change in activity.
Playfulness
Some cats end up snorting or chuffing in the middle of an exciting play session.
This could just be a sign that your cat is a bit out of breath, or that they are breathing a lot through their nose as they try to catch their favorite toy.
Hunting
If you are wondering why does my cat chuff at me, it could be a sign that your cat wants something from you.
If your cat makes an odd chattering sound while staring out the window, it usually means that your cat wishes to catch something it sees outside.
Here is a video on Youtube of our two younger 4-year-old Maine Coon cats chattering at the birds in the back garden:
Some cats even do this when they cannot reach a toy they like.
Cat behavior specialists posit that this sound expresses the particular frustration cats feel when they wish to hunt something that is out of reach.
Underlying Medical Problems
If your cat makes a chuffing sound frequently, it could be a sign of respiratory problems, asthma, or an infection.
If your cat’s chuffing happens for long periods or is accompanied by any other worrying symptoms, you should bring your cat to the vet to rule out any underlying medical issues.
What Does Cat Chuffing Sound Like?
If you have heard of cat chuffing but are having a hard time imagining what it sounds like, do not be dismayed to learn that the cat chuffing sound can have a lot of different variations.
A chuff of annoyance typically sounds like a:
- Sigh
- Snort
- Huff
If your cat is chuffing at a bird or something it views as prey, it will sound more like chittering or chattering, like a squirrel.
To hear what it sounds like when a cat is frustrated because it cannot catch prey, watch this cat chuffing video on YouTube. Credit for the video goes to the YouTube channel @kisspurr.
Of course, the original meaning of chuffing refers to the sound that wild cats make when greeting one another.
Click here for a one-minute compilation of wild cats chuffing, on Youtube! Credit for the video goes to the Youtube channel @ForTigers-dk1zp.
Is Cat Chuffing Normal?
If your cat has suddenly started chuffing, it is probably not a cause for concern. In most cases, cats chuff to communicate how they are feeling. E.g. cats snort or chuff while annoyed, and some cats chatter when they want to catch prey.
If your cats’ chuffing sounds more similar to sneezing or coughing, however, it could be a sign of respiratory distress.
Monitor your cat’s symptoms, and take videos to show your vet if you are concerned.
Do House Cats Chuff?
Cats do not chuff in the same way that wild cats do. This behavior, also known as prusten, is a very specific vocalization that is only found in wild cats.
However, domestic cats make all sorts of odd noises, including chattering and huffing sounds, which people sometimes refer to as chuffing.
Do Maine Coons Chuff In The Morning?
Chuffing is a behavior unique to every cat, but it tends to occur based on a cat’s mood rather than the time of day.
If your Maine Coon only chuffs in the morning, it could be a sign that your cat is frustrated that it has not eaten yet, or it may be asking for attention.