Maine Coons are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, but there are a lot of weird things Maine Coons do.
Instead of upsetting owners, however, these odd traits are what makes this breed so lovable in the first place!
The Maine Coon has become incredibly popular due to this breed’s many odd quirks. Unlike most cats, Maine Coons share a love of water and have many dog-like qualities such as the ability to walk on a leash or play fetch. Another odd trait among Maine Coons is their unique voice; rather than meowing, these cats typically chirp or trill instead.
Maine Coons are probably one of the strangest cat breeds out there!
These cats are just full of surprises, which is why so many cat lovers long for a Maine Coon of their own.
Read on to find out exactly why this unique breed has an uncanny love of water…
15 Weird Things Maine Coons Do
The Maine Coon breed is not just popular for its gorgeous appearance and incredible size.
These cats are a favorite among cat lovers for their quirky, unique personalities, which set them far apart from other cat breeds.
Here is a list of 15 bizarre things that Maine Coons are known to do:
1. Maine Coons Follow Their Owners Around
Many people, particularly those who have never owned a cat, assume cats to be aloof and independent.
It is quite common for cats to be pretty independent in nature, and they tend to show affection in subtle ways.
Maine Coons, however, are anything but aloof!
These cats have a tendency to follow their owners from room to room, but not in a clingy or obnoxious way.
Socially anxious or needy cats might follow their owners around while whining, and constantly demanding attention.
Maine Coons, however, quietly enjoy resting or playing in the same room as their owner without getting underfoot.
Maine Coons are incredibly social and feel most relaxed and secure when they are near their owners.
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.
However, if you fear your Maine Coon cat is suffering from Maine Coon separation anxiety, make sure you are aware of what causes this, by reading my guide.
2. Maine Coons Cross Their Paws
Some cats may relax or even sleep with their front paws crossed in front of them.
For some reason, though, many cat fanciers have noticed that certain breeds, particularly Maine Coons, are more likely to cross their paws than other breeds.
Here’s a cute video of our Maine Coon cat crossing his paws:
Unfortunately, there is no way to know for sure exactly why this happens.
Most cat owners posit that cats cross their front paws when they are especially comfortable.
If a cat’s paws are uncrossed, it can stand up to flee or fight more quickly. Whereas if their paws are crossed, meanwhile, it will take more time for them to activate their fight or flight instinct.
For this reason, one probable reason cats may cross their paws is because they feel especially relaxed and comfortable.
So, why does this behavior occur more often in Maine Coon cats?
Again, while we cannot know for sure, since this cat breed is so loving and gentle.
A lot of people believe Maine Coons cross their paws because they are more likely to feel relaxed around their owners.
3. Maine Coons Talk A Lot (But Never Meow)
One of the most incredible fun facts about Maine Coons is that these cats are quite vocal, but they do not meow like normal cats!
For some bizarre reason, these cats typically chirp or trill instead of meowing.
They make quiet, warbling sounds more similar to a bird than a cat.
Listen to this short video of our male Maine Coon cat talking:
While some cat breeds, such as the Siamese, are known to yowl and make all sorts of sounds constantly, Maine Coons tend to be more soft-spoken.
Not only do the Siamese have a quieter voice, but they also tend to speak less often.
By comparison the Maine Coon will engage in friendly “conversations” with their owner, where they may chirp or trill in response to their name, or they may become vocal if they need:
- Food
- Water
- Attention
- Playtime
Overall, they are rather quiet, but these cats are not afraid to use their adorable, unique voices when they want something!
4. Maine Coons Are Very Loyal
Many people think of cat breeds as sharing similar size, colors, and body shapes.
What they may not realize, however, is that many cat breeds also share common personality traits.
One incredible personality trait often seen among Maine Coons is their fierce loyalty toward their owners.
While Maine Coons are usually friendly and social to all humans, they develop a much closer bond with their owners.
You will not have to worry about any guests stealing the heart of your Maine Coon, because these cats’ first love will always be their families.
Whilst these cats tend to bond more closely with one family member, Maine Coons have massive hearts, and they still spread their love to everyone in their household that treats them with love and respect.
5. Maine Coons Act Like Dogs
Perhaps one of the reasons Maine Coons are so popular is because they are incredibly similar to dogs in many ways.
While they still have the same feline mystique we all love cats for, they are also unusually:
- Intelligent
- Obedient
- Loyal
- Social
In fact, they are so similar to dogs that this breed has been nicknamed the “dog of the cat world!”
While many cats are incredibly playful as kittens, they usually outgrow this playfulness and become more calm and relaxed as they grow older.
Similar to dogs, however, Maine Coons retain a kitten-like love of play well into their senior years.
These cats will chase anything that moves, and some even learn to play fetch!
6. Maine Coons Grow Into Massive Sized Cats
When you look at a young Maine Coon, you may be shocked to find out that these cats actually grow up to be massive.
Oddly enough, this breed actually takes much longer to reach its full size than other cats.
While most cats reach a full weight at about 2 years old, Maine Coons do not stop growing until they are between three and five years old.
The average cat weighs between 7 and 11 pounds, but Maine Coons typically weigh between 8 and 25 pounds.
Some especially huge Maine Coons have even reached record weights of 34 pounds, making this breed nearly as big as medium-sized dogs!
But not all Maine Coons have followed this average weight range, take a look at these famous Maine Coon cats.
7. Maine Coons Are Fascinated With Water
One of the coolest things to know about Maine Coons is their uncanny love of water.
It is common knowledge that most cats hate water, and bathtime in a cat household is usually a nightmare.
Maine Coons, however, not only tolerate water but actively seek it out!
Maine Coons originated in the cold, snowy state of Maine, where they had to develop a thick coat to protect them from the weather.
Their coat is also semi-water-repellant, which is probably a factor in their love of water.
Some Maine Coons love water so much that they even learn to turn on faucets so they can play in the water!
Maine Coons that are introduced to water at a young age even become avid swimmers, and they can be bathed much more easily than most cats.
Since Maine Coons are so intelligent and playful, some owners find that they have a difficult time keeping their cats entertained. This is where their love of water can come in handy!
Even something as simple as filling up your bathtub with a few inches of water and some floaty toys can result in hours of fun for your cat!
8. Maine Coon’s Eye Color Changes
When a Maine Coon kitten first opens its eyes, it will be mesmerizing sapphire blue.
Over time, however, their eyes will undergo a magnificent change!
Between the ages of three and eight weeks old, their eyes will begin to change color, and you can expect them to reach their full coloration by the time they are three months old.
As adults, Maine Coons can have the following eye colors:
- Green
- Gold
- Green-Gold
- Copper
These are the most desirable colors, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, but it is also possible for them to have blue or odd-eye coloration, as well (source 1,2).
Learn more about the yellow-eyed Maine Coon cat here.
9. Maine Coons Get On Well With Dogs
Contrary to the age-old belief that dogs and cats are destined to be enemies forever, the gentle Maine Coon is famous for getting along well with dogs.
Perhaps it is their calm, gentle nature, or the fact that they tend to be so similar to dogs themselves.
Regardless of the reason why animal lovers all over the world have rejoiced to learn of the Maine Coon’s tolerance and even love towards dogs.
While dogs and cats should always be socialized very carefully to avoid fighting and potential injury, the easygoing, social Maine Coon is the perfect breed for dog owners who want a cat.
Since they are so friendly, Maine Coons often develop strong bonds with family dogs and are even known to play with them and cuddle with them.
10. You Can Train A Maine Coon
The Maine Coon’s doglike intelligence means these cats can even be trained to do a variety of tricks and tasks.
While many cats are similarly intelligent, their aloof, independent nature can make it tricky for owners to train them.
Maine Coons, however, obey more readily than the average cat, particularly if they are introduced to training at a young age.
These cats are especially famous for their ability to play fetch or learn to do tricks like:
- Sit
- Speak
- Roll Over
They can also be trained to walk on a leash and harness, so you can take your Maine Coon for an exciting walk around the block for some enrichment and exercise.
11. Some Maine Coons Are Lap Cats
Maine Coons originally became popular for their incredible hunting abilities.
Most cats with high prey drives, such as Siamese or Abyssinian, are very dog-like and active, but not necessarily cuddly.
Maine Coon owners, however, often get the best of both worlds!
While not all Maine Coons are lapcats, an incredible amount of cats from this breed love to be held and snuggled.
Even less cuddly Maine Coons still love to follow their owners around from room to room and usually enjoy pets for a little while each day.
The cuddliest Maine Coons, though, would spend all day on your lap if they could!
12. Maine Coons Wag Their Tails
If you consider yourself an expert in cat behavior, you may assume that Maine Coon tail wagging is a sign of aggression.
Many cats, when angry or aggressive, will lash their tail back and forth.
However, cat behavior is complex, and a single behavior can have many meanings.
While cats most commonly wag their tails when they are angry, they can also engage in this behavior any time they experience a strong emotion.
A cat that is incredibly playful or excited will also wag its tail, and the incredibly social Maine Coon may also wag its tail when it is excited to see its owners!
Learn more about the Maine Coon cat tail here.
13. Maine Coon Cats Are Good Travelers
Cats are creatures of routine, and major changes to their schedule or environment can cause a lot of anxiety.
Maine Coons are incredibly easy-going cats, though, and many can be trained to enjoy exploring.
By introducing your Maine Coon to adventure and travel at a young age, you may be able to bring your beloved cat with you on all sorts of trips, including camping or hiking!
By training your Maine Coon to use a leash and harness, you can allow your cat to safely explore the great outdoors, so you will never have to part during a vacation.
14. Maine Coons Rarely Bite Or Scratch Owners
The Maine Coon’s incredible personality means these cats have historically been nicknamed the “gentle giants of the cat world.”
These cats are incredibly easygoing and are especially popular among families with children or other pets.
This is because Maine Coon cats are famously patient, and do not mind tolerating a bit of extra noise or excitement.
However, some cat owners wrongly assume that the Maine Coon’s easy-going personality means they can do whatever they like to their cat without consequence.
This could not be more wrong!
While Maine Coons are social and patient with loving families, they will not stand for disrespect.
Just like any human, Maine Coons have their boundaries, and they will not appreciate being harassed or picked on.
It is important to keep an eye on your Maine Coon’s body language.
If you notice your cat’s tail twitching grumpily, or that its ears are flat against its head, then your cat is probably trying to tell you that it needs some more space.
Maine Coons rarely resort to violence, but if they feel any of the following they may bite and scratch, just like any other cat:
- Scared
- Threatened
- Disrespected
If you have young children, your Maine Coon will have more patience for their antics, and probably will not mind a bit of dress-up.
However, children should still learn to handle any pet gently and with respect.
Even the gentlest Maine Coon will set boundaries, usually with a few soft smacks while their claws are safely tucked away.
15. Maine Coons Often Sleep On Their Back
Another odd behavior many Maine Coons engage in is sleeping on their backs.
If your Maine Coon sleeps on its back, then you will know 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. As a result, cats instinctively protect their bellies whenever they can.
Only when a cat is truly relaxed will they show you their stomach.
Many cats will flop over and show their tummies, as a way of indicating just how much they love and trust you.
While some cats do this as an invitation for belly rubs, many cats prefer to not have their bellies touched.
If your Maine Coon shows you its tummy, you can gently try to pet it, but if your cat flinches away, this is a good sign that they prefer to not have their bellies touched.
Maine Coons are so gentle and patient that, if they feel a deep bond of trust with their owners, they might go even further than just showing you their bellies.
The happiest Maine Coon might even fall asleep on their backs, knowing they are truly safe among their owners.
Conclusion
While it may sound unusual, many of the weird things Maine Coons do are the reason these cats are so popular in the first place!
Fanciers of this breed have fallen in love with their unique, doglike personality which sets them apart from other cats.
The Maine Coon’s soft, unusual voice, and its love of water are just a few traits that make them wildly different from the average cat.
This breed is full of surprises, and if you get a Maine Coon of your own, you are sure to discover many more incredible behaviors.