Do Maine Coons Purr?
Maine Coons are known to be a very vocal cat breed, and, with their unique vocalizations, it’s not surprising that many potential owners ask do Maine Coons purr? Or do they simply chirp and trill?
Maine Coons purr as well as chirp and trill. They are an extremely vocal cat breed and will likely purr when they are content, happy, satisfied, or want something. Purring sounds are one of the ways through which Maine Coons express their feelings to their human family and communicate with other household cats.
If you are purchasing a Maine Coon cat for the first time, it is worth noting that, while Maine Coons are a very vocal cat breed, they are definitely not too loud.
This post will discuss everything you need to know about Maine Coon purring.
Do Maine Coons Purr?
The Maine Coon cat is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds in the world.
Despite their large size, Maine Coon cats have a well-known gentle temperament and dog-like disposition.
Their incredibly affable nature makes them great for families with other pets and kids since they get along with almost all household pets (except small rodents or birds), and are patient with kids.
While the breed attracts many people with its impressive appearance, it is also known to have a personality that sets it apart from the rest, and a physical appearance that is second to none.
There are quite a few things that differentiate the Maine Coon from other cat breeds, and one of their distinguishing traits is their vocality.
Maine Coon cats are extremely vocal and have a range of vocal talents that they use to express their:
- Feelings
- Emotions
- Desires to their owners
Purring is a well-known sound Maine Coon cats make.
If you are adopting a Maine Coon for the first time, be aware that being vocal does not confer loudness in the world of felines.
Although the Maine Coon cat can certainly be loud if it wanted, there is no evidence that Maine Coons purr louder than other cat breeds.
Each cat purrs differently, for instance, a Maine Coon kitten purring can be quieter, considering that their lungs have not developed to be very loud.
The only known fact about cat purring is that wild Maine Coons will purr less loudly and less often than domesticated Maine Coons (source 1).
Maine Coon Purring is triggered by the cat’s brain and often occurs when your Maine Coon is feeling relaxed.
While it is thought that purring is a sign of sheer contentment, it is not crystal clear what actually triggers Maine Coons’ brain to activate this behavior. As such, don’t assume that your Maine Coon will purr only when it is happy.
So if you are wondering why do Maine Coon cats purr then, the simple answer is that your Maine Coon purrs for a number of reasons.
Here are the potential reasons why Maine Coon cats purr:
1. Happiness
Happiness is by far the most common reason for a Maine Coon to purr.
When your cat is in a blissful state of relaxation, it will likely purr loudly to tell you that it is happy and content.
Maine Coons love talking to their owners and will almost always communicate when they are satisfied. They can even purr because of the love they feel from their humans.
2. Hunger
Sometimes you will see your Maine Coon cat rubbing against you while purring or making other noises. In many cases, your cat is simply asking you for something e.g. food.
When your cat is purring because it is hungry, the purring noise feels as though there is a small cry embedded in it. Whether it comes out like a purr or a baby cry, your cat is hungry or needs your attention.
3. Maine Coon Mother Talking To Her Kittens
Maine Coon cats make a special purr sound intended for communication with other cats.
In most cases, the mama cat will purr to guide her babies to feed and litter.
Purring in such instances is very important, considering that Maine Coon kittens are born blind and deaf with minimum senses.
4. Pain
In the complete converse of purring when satisfied, Maine Coon cats also purr when they are feeling uncomfortable or in pain.
It is thought that purring might be a low-energy technique that Maine Coon cats deploy to stimulate their muscles and bones without loss of much energy. As such, your Maine Coon purring could help an injury heal faster.
What Does A Cat Purr Sound Like?
Your Maine Coon cat’s purr sound is triggered by their brains, especially when your cat is feeling relaxed.
While it is a little difficult to tell what triggers the Maine Coon cat brain to activate this behavior, purring starts when the feline’s brain sends messages to the laryngeal muscle (larynx) to vibrate.
The larynx oscillates, causing the vocal cords of your Maine Coon to move apart whenever the cat exhales or inhales. The result of the movement is the purr we hear.
Although each cat purrs differently, a Maine Coon cat purring tends to sound like a rumble and is usually low in tone. It sounds like a soft buzzing noise, similar to a rolled r’ with a fundamental frequency of around 25 Hz (source 1).
Do Maine Coons Purr A Lot?
It is true to say that the Maine Coon cat is an extremely vocal cat breed, but does this mean that Maine Coon purrs all the time?
If you have just purchased a Maine Coon and are wondering do Maine Coon cats purr a lot, the truth is that Maine Coon cats have a wide range of vocal talents, and purring is just one of them.
This majestic cat breed is actually known more for these sounds:
- Chirping
- Trilling
Your Maine Coon will most likely purr when they are feeling happy, so expect to hear your Maine Coon purring when they are being stroked, fed, or getting some attention.
Do Maine Coons Purr Loudly?
If you own a Maine Coon then you have probably noticed that Maine Coons talk a lot!
Maine Coons are also known to produce a variety of other sounds too, and of course, purring is one of those sounds.
You will likely hear your Maine Coon cat purring loudly whilst they are:
- Sleeping
- Happy
- Relaxed
However, this does not mean they purr loudly every time.
For some owners, a Maine Coons loud purr may feel like a nuisance, whereas for other owners it is the most enjoyable thing they have ever heard. This is ultimately down to each individual’s preferences.
Typically, no one likes loud noises. If a Maine Coons purr bothers you though, it is likely because these cats often make a loud purring sound when they are laying down next to a sleepy person. Whilst they are not purring loudly to irritate you, a loud purr sound may prevent you from experiencing a peaceful night’s sleep.
Why Doesn’t My Maine Coon Purr?
Maine Coons have different sounds that they use to communicate with their owners and other animals.
If your Maine Coon does not purr then try not to stress too much unless your Maine Coon is showing signs of discomfort or pain. If you suspect your Maine Coon cat is in pain, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Different Maine Coons will exhibit personalized characteristics, and chances are, purring is not one of your Maine Coons characters.
Here are some other reasons why your cat is not purring:
Developed Other Ways Of Communicating
If your Maine Coon kitten does not produce a purring sound, the chances are high that it has a better way of communicating with you.
You may realize that your cat produces a different sound when relaxed, even though you expect it to purr.
In other instances, your Maine Coons may use their facial expressions to pass a message to you that could have been shared via purring.
Purr Is Too Soft To Be Heard
Maine Coon cats are not generally not loud felines, and so, your cat may be producing a purr, but it is not loud enough to be heard unless you are listening keenly.
Try and feel the chest of your relaxed or sleeping Maine Coon cat or kitten to confirm if it doesn’t purr at all.
Stress Or Injury
Your cat may not be purring because it has some kind of stress or injury.
An injury in the vocal cords of a Maine Coon cat will force it to stop purring.
Old Age
Aged cats are generally inactive cats.
For this reason, they may stop purring and just opt to relax silently.
Satisfaction
Most cats purr when seeking attention.
They will stop purring when they are given the attention and feel satisfied.
Other Maine Coon Sounds
Maine Coons are very friendly felines and often try hard to get their owner’s attention every time they are at home.
Are Maine Coons vocal?
The simple answer is yes; the Maine Coon is a very vocal cat breed that will talk a lot with its humans and other animals. Understanding the different sounds that Maine Coons produce is very critical for a Maine Coon cat owner, as it helps you tend to your cats social, mental, and physical needs.
Some of the sounds a Maine Coon cat produces include:
Chirping Sounds
The Maine Coons chirping sound distinguishes them from other cat breeds. This is the most common sound your Maine Coon cat will produce when talking to its owner.
A chirp is a short but high-pitched sound that your feline will produce when happy. The sound is almost similar to that produced by small adorable birds early in the morning.
A chirp is literally a hello sound to its owners; additionally, Maine Coons produce a chirping noise when feeling extremely:
- Happy
- Excited
- Seeking Attention
Cry Or Moan
The Maine Coon crying or Maine Coon moaning sound is quite different from its natural chirps and trills.
Maine Coons mostly cry when they miss the owner. Learn more about this in my article 10 Causes Of Maine Coon Crying.
Try to avoid responding to some of the Maine Coons cries so that your cat does not make a habit of crying every time you are not around.
Howling
This is the most frustrating and unwanted sound that a Maine Coon can produce.
Maine Coon howling is often disliked because some Maine Coons howl during the wee hours of the night when most people are asleep.
Unsprayed and unneutered Maine Coons are more likely to howl.
Here are some other reasons why your Maine Coon howls.
Trills
This is a familiar noise among Maine Coon cats.
Maine Coons trilling is a sound similar to a purr or meow. It comes out like a question when a chirp and a purr are produced simultaneously.
Growl
A Maine Coon growling indicates that your cat is trying to be aggressive or is protecting itself.
Conclusion
For first-time owners wondering do Maine Coons purr, the simple answer is that Maine Coons do purr.
It is worth noting though that this regal cat breed has a wide range of vocalizations that they use to communicate to their owners.
Ultimately, Maine Coons are adorable cats who talk a lot.
