19 Hilariously Odd Habits Of Maine Coons!
Everyone wants to own a Maine Coon, but few truly understand the quirky characteristics of these gentle giants… until now!
Continue reading to learn more, but be prepared for the unexpected!
Weird Things Maine Coons Do
The Maine Coon has become incredibly popular due to this breed’s many odd quirks. For instance, their love of water is unparalleled! Plus, their many dog-like qualities make them stand out from the crowd.
1. Follow Their Owners Around
Many people, particularly those who have never owned a cat, assume cats to be aloof and independent. But Maine Coons are anything but aloof and feel most relaxed and secure when they are near their owners.
These cats love to follow their owners from room to room, but not in a clingy or obnoxious way. They tend to engage in “parallel play,” meaning they are content to do their own thing while you work or clean, so long as they can hang out nearby.
2. They Cross Their Paws
Maine Coons are more likely to cross their paws while lounging than any other cat breed. Here’s a cute YouTube video I made of my Maine Coon cat crossing his paws!
This relaxed posture slows their fight-or-flight reflex and signals a cat that feels both physically and emotionally safe in their environment.
3. Communicate With Trills & Chirps – But Never Meow
Rather than typical cat meows, Maine Coons chirp, trill, and even warble like birds.
These gentle sounds serve as expressive conversation notes – whether:
- Asking for attention
- Greeting you
- Checking in
They tend toward soft rather than loud or urgent vocals.
Listen to this short YouTube video I made of our male Maine Coon cat talking:
4. Retain Playfulness Into Adulthood
While many cats settle into calm adulthood, Maine Coons retain kitten-like playfulness year after year.
They enjoy interactive games like fetch and even walking on a leash, traits often associated with dogs.
5. Fascinated With Water
Unlike most cats, Maine Coons often seek out water. They’ll happily bathe paws in bowls, splash faucets on purpose, and may even enjoy swimming if introduced early.
Their semi-waterproof coat and snow-adapted heritage make this behavior both natural and entertaining.
Tip: Try offering a shallow bowl of water with toys to safely channel this behavior.
6. Giant Snowshoe – Like Paws
Maine Coons have massive paws, often with furry tufts between toes, which act like built-in snowshoes in cold climates. Unlike ‘normal’ cats, your furry feline will enjoy walking along snowy terrain with you!
These extra-long digits may also explain their fascination with water:
- Scooping
- Pawing
- Exploring with ease
Learn more about your feline friends’ extra-large paws.
If you need to trim the tufts of fur around their paws, follow these tips.
7. Wag Their Tails
Unlike most cats, Maine Coons sometimes wag their tails when excited or playful. It’s a rare expression (similar to dogs) and a tip that you’re dealing with high arousal or anticipation.
Learn more about the Maine Coon cat’s tail here.
8. They Love Belly Exposure (Trust Personified)
Many Maine Coons will lie on their back, belly exposed. Unlike wary cats, this posture suggests utter trust and confidence. Some even enjoy belly rubs, though preferences vary by individual personality.
If your Maine Coon sleeps on its back near you, your cat trusts you completely. This is because cats’ bellies are incredibly vulnerable; the skin on their bellies is thinner, and it is the easiest way for predators or enemies to damage vital organs.
9. They Can Be Trained – Like Dogs!
With intelligence matching their playful personality, many Maine Coons respond to training because they obey more readily than the average cat, particularly if introduced to training at a young age.
From learning tricks to fetching toys or walking on a harness, they enjoy structured mental engagement.
10. Sneaky Sleep Positions That Inspire Awe
Big and fluffy Maine Coons still manage to contort into odd nap formations, e.g., belly up, sprawled across laps or heads, even upside down, with utmost comfort.
Their bodies are flexible and confident in any position.
11. Strategic Climbing (Sometimes Too Much!)
If your home lacks tall, sturdy climbing structures, Maine Coons will create their routes upwards using furniture, shelves, or counters.
They need vertical enrichment; without it, they find their own.
12. Extremely Loyal But Sometimes Needy
Maine Coons develop deep bonds with humans. They may “greet” you at the door, follow you from room to room, and prefer being in the center of activity.
This makes them socially affectionate and perhaps slightly needy, but in a loving way.
13. They Flop On The Floor With A Thud!
A Maine Coon flop is not accidental! They will often walk up to you to be petted, then flop and land on the floor with a super loud thud.
You’ll immediately panic that they’ve hurt themselves – but, no, they haven’t!
14. They Enjoy Leashes… Yes Really!
Many Maine Coons walk on a leash, and with pride. They’ll stroll, sniff, and politely ignore squirrels like seasoned explorers.
This is because they are social, confident, and curious. They treat a harness like their ticket to freedom.
15. Toys Are For Throwing Around!
Leave a toy in reach, and they’ll toss it off surfaces or across the room. It is the most bizarre thing to watch!
They treat toy mice like prey being hunted, tossing them into the air and then leaping to attack them.
16. Sink Surfing Champions
If you leave a wet sink, expect your giant floof to surf it. Maine Coons love to stretch in the basin and chill in cold water on a hot day.
17. They Groom You (Literally)
Your Maine Coon might groom or knead you, like an affectionate mother. It’s like a fluffy massage with gentle love marks clawed in.
They reciprocate touch, imitate social grooming, and express belonging. You’re part of their safety group.
18. Get On Well With Dogs
One of the weirdest and most wonderful traits of Maine Coons is how well they often get along with dogs.
While many cats hiss, hide, or act territorial around canines, the Maine Coon’s dog-like personality helps them bond with dogs instead of fearing them.
Most cats are independent and cautious, especially around larger animals like dogs. But Maine Coons? They tend to:
- Greet dogs confidently rather than running away.
- Socialize easily, thanks to their calm, laid-back temperament.
- Match energy levels, especially with similarly playful or gentle dogs.
19. Good Travelers
Maine Coons are known for being excellent travelers compared to most cat breeds, thanks to their calm, confident temperament and strong bond with their humans.
These gentle giants are naturally more adaptable and less skittish in unfamiliar environments, which means they’re less likely to panic during car rides or when exposed to new sights and sounds.
Their dog-like personality also makes them more tolerant of routines like leash training or staying in a travel carrier.
