Do Maine Coons Sleep With Their Owners?
Do Maine Coons sleep with their owners?
If you are curious about your Maine Coons sleeping habits or considering adopting one, keep reading to learn more about why these cats love to snuggle up with their humans.
Maine Coons are adored for their love of sleeping with their owners. These cats are social creatures and often seek out warm, cozy places to curl up and rest. Indeed, there is no cozier place than next to their favorite human. When pet parents welcome their fluffy friends into their beds at night, it opens the door to even more affection and bonding with their cats.
So, whether you are a seasoned Maine Coon owner or new to the breed, keep reading to learn more about these lovable cats.
Do Maine Coons Sleep With Their Owners?
Maine Coon cats are adored for their friendly and affectionate personalities.
These gentle felines were originally used as working cats in the harsh climate of Maine.
A couple of theories exist about their origin story:
Long-Haired Cats
One popular theory is that Maine Coons descended from longhaired cats brought over to America on European ships.
Marie Antoinette
Another theory proposes that Maine Coons are descendants of cats owned by Marie Antoinette, who sent her cats to America during the French Revolution.
Despite their former wild origins, Maine Coon cats are known for being loyal companions, and they form powerful bonds with their owners.
Maine Coons transfer their social, cuddly behavior to their bedtime rituals too!
Many Maine Coons will sleep on or next to their owners. They may sleep near their owners’ feet, on the side of the bed, or on the pillow.
However, every cat is different, and some Maine Coons may prefer to sleep alone.
They may sleep with their owners some nights but not other nights. Generally, though, most owners of these gentle giants find that their cats do love to snuggle up with them at night.
For more information about the Maine Coon cat origins, read this article.
Why Your Cat Loves To Sleep With You
There are many reasons why cats love to sleep with their owners, particularly when it comes to Maine Coons.
Here are the five most common reasons:
1. Bonding and Affection
Cats are social creatures. Sleeping with their owners is one way they show affection and form a close bond.
By sleeping close to or on their owners, Maine Coons portray trust and comfortability.
Starting in kittenhood, Maine Coons know that sleeping together is a special social bonding behavior.
Sleeping together is how kittens and cats form social hierarchies, and the ritual with their human parent is no different.
2. Warmth and Comfort
Maine Coons normally thrive in cooler climates.
Sleeping with their owners can provide them with the warmth and comfort they need to feel safe and cozy.
Curling up next to you can also help your cat feel more relaxed and calm.
3. Security and Protection
All cats are natural predators and have protective instincts. So, by sleeping with their owners, they feel more secure and protected.
Maine Coons may see their owners as protectors and feel safer knowing they are nearby.
On the bed, Maine Coons typically have a solid vantage point of both their owners and the surrounding room for maximum security.
4. Stress Relief
Just like humans, cats can experience stress and anxiety. Sleeping with their owners can help them feel more relaxed.
The sound of their owners’ breathing can soothe Maine Coons and help them fall asleep more easily.
5. Marking Territory
Cats are territorial. Their home – their owner’s home – is their territory.
Instinctively, they investigate every nook and cranny so they understand the depths of their home.
Maine Coons may have several napping locations around the home. Each has been carefully chosen as a special, safe place within their territory.
6. Attention and Play
Finally, sleeping with their owners helps Maine Coons get extra attention and playtime.
Many cats are more active at night, and by sleeping with you, they are more likely to feel stimulated and avoid loneliness.
Why Does My Maine Coon Sleep On My Head?
Sometimes, Maine Coons do not just sleep on their owners’ beds. They choose to sleep on or right next to their owners’ heads!
For every cat owner wondering, why does my cat lay on top of me when I sleep, the reasons for this behavior are listed below:
Avoiding Body Movement
Sleeping on or near the head may simply be a way for Maine Coon’s to avoid flailing legs and arms.
Maine Coons will determine the most practical sleeping spot to get restful sleep, which may be located on the pillow.
Warmth
One of the most common reasons why a Maine Coon loves to sleep on you is for warmth and comfort.
The head is the perfect warm spot for a kitty to cozy up to.
Marking Territory
Cats have scent glands on their paws and faces.
By sleeping on their owners’ heads, Maine Coons are able to rub their scent off, essentially marking their territory.
Notably, it is more common for male Maine Coons to do this, but females might do it, too.
Habitual Behaviors
Maine Coons are creatures of habit, and they can even be trained on where to sleep.
If they have been allowed to sleep on their owner’s head in the past, they may simply continue doing it out of habit.
Hair Obsession
Some cats are enthralled with their owner’s hair!
This may be due to the scent.
Some owners report that their Maine Coons enjoy playing with, licking, or chewing their hair.
So, if a Maine Coon is particularly intrigued by their owner’s hair, they may enjoy being near it during sleep.
Social Instinct
Modern house cats, including Maine Coons, are descended from communities in desert environments.
In these original settings, cats engaged in synchronized behaviors as a method of social bonding.
Therefore, a Maine Coon’s sleeping habits may be fulfilling an ancient social routine. Also, this behavior means the cat views her owner as a part of her “pack.”
Maine Coon Sleeping Positions
Unique sleeping positions are one of the many fascinating and quirky behaviors of the beloved Maine Coon cat.
Every sleeping position reveals something about a cat’s mood and personality.
Here are some common Maine Coon sleeping positions and what they mean:
- The Loaf: In this classic position, a Maine Coon tucks her paws underneath their body and curls up in a loaf-like shape. This position implies feelings of relaxation and contentment.
- The Donut: In this position, these fluffy friends curl up into a tight ball with their tails wrapped around their bodies. The donut may indicate feelings of chilliness, anxiety, or a bit of unease.
- The Stretch: Sometimes, Maine Coons will stretch out their legs and body. This position is a sign they are feeling totally confident and comfortable in their environment. It can also indicate that your cat is feeling playful or ready to explore.
- The Flop: Flopping may just be the most beloved sleeping position Maine Coons have. In this position, a Maine Coon will lie on its back with their legs and paws up in the air. This position indicates that the cat is feeling relaxed, happy, and secure in its surroundings.
- The Perch: Maine Coons are known for their love of high places. Accordingly, this position involves perching on a high surface, such as a windowsill or bookshelf. It usually means the cat is feeling curious and observant.
- The Spoon: In this position, Maine Coons snuggle up close to their owners, often with their heads on the chest or shoulder. This position may suggest that the feline is feeling affectionate and content in her owner’s presence.
Do Maine Coons Sleep A Lot?
Maine Coons tend to sleep a lot, like most cats.
On average, a cat will sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours per day, and Maine Coons are no exception.
There are several reasons why Maine Coons and other cats sleep so much.
For starters, cats are “crepuscular” animals, meaning they are most active during the dawn and dusk hours. They tend to sleep both during the day and at night.
Further, cats are hunters by nature. So, they need plenty of rest to conserve their energy for hunting prey.
Maine Coons, in particular, are known for their love of napping. They will seek out cozy spots to rest and recharge. This can include sunny windowsills, soft blankets, or, as discussed, their owner’s lap or bed.
While it is natural for Maine Coons to sleep a lot, they also must have plenty of opportunities for play, exercise, and social interaction during waking hours.
Pet parents must be prepared to spend time engaging in play and providing love and attention when it is not nap time.
Conclusion
To answer the question – do Maine Coons sleep with their owners, the answer is a resounding yes.
It is common for these friendly, gentle felines to sleep with their owners.
This loving act provides Maine Coons with warmth, comfort, security, and the opportunity for bonding.
It is essential for pet parents to understand Maine Coon sleeping habits to ensure their health and happiness.
Click here to learn more about what it’s like to own a Maine Coon cat in the real world!
