Bizarre Maine Coon Sounds Finally Decoded!
If you’ve ever lived with a Maine Coon, you’ve probably noticed they don’t sound like your average cat! Instead of the typical meow, these gentle giants chirp, trill, chatter, and sometimes even howl. It’s almost as if they’re trying to have a conversation!
But what do these strange and often surprising sounds mean?
In this guide, we’ll decode the unique vocal language of Maine Coons, explain what each sound sounds like, and help you understand what your cat is trying to tell you.
What Sounds Do Maine Coon Cats Make?
Here’s the ultimate guide to understanding the fascinating noises your Maine Coon makes – a rich resource perfect for new owners!
Chirping
Maine Coons are renowned for their “chirps” – short, high-pitched, bird-like sounds often repeated. They’re soft, rolling “brrrp” noises, sometimes laced with purrs or meows.
These chirps express:
- Curiosity
- Playfulness
- Greetings
- Invitation to follow them
- A friendly “hello”
✔ Excitement & Playfulness – They often chirp when chasing toys, watching birds, or engaging in play.
✔ Communication – Maine Coons “talk” to their owners with chirps, expressing curiosity or asking for attention.
✔ Hunting Instincts – Chirping at birds or small animals is common, mimicking natural wildcat behavior.
✔ Greeting & Affection – Some chirp when they see their humans, almost as if saying “hello!”
✔ Demands & Complaints – If a Maine Coon wants food, playtime, or to go outside, expect insistent chirps.
Trilling
Distinct from chirping but similar in tone, trills are longer, musical vocalizations – a cross between a purr and a meow.
They sound like a rolling “rrr‑up” and signal excitement, affection, or a desire to interact.
✔ Happiness & Excitement – Trilling is a sign of joy, often heard when they greet you or get attention.
✔ Friendly Communication – Unlike regular meows, trilling is a social sound, used to interact rather than demand.
✔ Encouraging You to Follow – Some Maine Coons trill while walking away, as if saying, “Come with me!”
✔ Motherly Instinct – In the wild, mother cats trill to guide their kittens, and Maine Coons keep this habit.
✔ Seeking Affection – If they want head scratches or cuddles, a Maine Coon might trill to get your attention.
Purring
Purring is a sound that most cat owners are familiar with, but Maine Coon purrs are particularly loud and rumbling – some owners describe it as a “motorboat” sound.
It’s a deep, rhythmic noise made in the throat and chest, and it generally indicates contentment.
However, it’s important to note that cats don’t only purr when they’re happy. Some cats also purr when they are frightened, injured, or in pain.
In those cases, the purring may serve as a self-soothing behavior or a way to request comfort from you.
If your Maine Coon is purring while curled up on your lap or during grooming, it’s safe to assume they’re comfortable.
But if your cat is purring in combination with other signs of distress (e.g., hiding, dilated pupils, or low appetite), a visit to the vet may be warranted.
Meowing (Rare)
Interestingly, Maine Coons are not known for frequent meowing. Unlike vocal breeds like Siamese cats, Maine Coons tend to use their other, more complex vocal sounds.
That said, they will meow occasionally – usually when they have a very specific need.
The meow from a Maine Coon tends to be soft, gentle, and quite deliberate.
If your Maine Coon meows at you, they might be hungry, bored, or asking for attention. They may also meow when they’re waiting at the door or anticipating an event they’ve learned to expect, such as meal times or play sessions.
New owners should treat meowing as a direct communication and try to figure out what is being requested.
Maine Coons are clever and quickly learn how to tailor their vocal behavior to get a desired outcome..
Howling / Yowling
A dramatic, loud, prolonged cry – some people would consider it nearly operatic!
More intense than a meow, this howling signals distress, loneliness, pain, or a desperate call for attention. It’s important to pay attention if you hear it.
✔ Loneliness or Separation Anxiety – Maine Coons are social cats and may howl when left alone for too long.
✔ Hunger or Demand for Attention – A howling Maine Coon might be demanding food, treats, or playtime.
✔ Pain or Discomfort – If howling is sudden or unusual, check for illness, injury, or conditions like arthritis.
✔ Old Age & Cognitive Decline – Senior Maine Coons may howl due to confusion, disorientation, or feline dementia.
✔ Mating Behavior – If your cat isn’t neutered/spayed, they may howl to attract a mate.
✔ Territorial Reasons – Maine Coons may howl at other cats outside or in response to unfamiliar scents or sounds.
When to be concerned:
🔹 New or excessive howling – Could indicate pain or illness.
🔹 Howling at night – May signal cognitive issues in older cats.
🔹 Paired with other symptoms – Lethargy, loss of appetite, or hiding could mean a vet visit is needed.
A happy, healthy Maine Coon rarely howls unless it’s trying to tell you something important.
Crying
Shorter than a howling session but more mournful than a chirp, crying can express discomfort, anxiety, or a need that’s not being met, such as hunger or fear.
✔ Loneliness & Separation Anxiety – Maine Coons form strong bonds and may cry when left alone for too long.
✔ Hunger or Attention-Seeking – Some Maine Coons dramatically cry when they want food, cuddles, or playtime.
✔ Pain or Illness – Sudden excessive crying can indicate injury, arthritis, or an underlying health issue.
✔ Old Age & Cognitive Issues – Senior cats may cry due to confusion or feline dementia, especially at night.
✔ Stress or Anxiety – Changes in routine, a new pet, or loud noises can cause crying.
✔ Mating Calls – If unspayed/unneutered, your Maine Coon may cry to attract a mate.
When to be concerned:
🔹 Crying at night – This could be due to confusion, boredom, or loneliness.
🔹 Excessive or sudden crying – Might indicate pain or illness—consider a vet check.
🔹 Paired with other symptoms – If your cat is also lethargic, hiding, or not eating, something could be wrong.
Hissing, Growling, And Spitting
Defensive sounds are used when your cat feels:
- Threatened
- In pain
- Uncomfortable
A hiss is a sharp warning to stay away; a growl adds low vibrations to emphasize irritation or fear.
Look for warning body signals, including:
- Flattened ears
- Arched back
✔ Fear or Feeling Threatened – A Maine Coon may hiss when startled, cornered, or confronted by a stranger, another pet, or an unfamiliar situation.
✔ Pain or Illness – If a normally friendly Maine Coon suddenly starts hissing when touched, it might be in pain from an injury or medical issue.
✔ Defensive Behavior – If another pet or human invades their space too aggressively, they may hiss as a warning to back off.
✔ Play Gone Too Far – Some cats hiss if playtime gets too rough, signaling that they need a break.
✔ Territorial Aggression – Unneutered males or cats introduced to a new environment may hiss to assert dominance.
✔ Maternal Protection – A mother Maine Coon may hiss or spit to protect her kittens.
When to be concerned:
🔹 Frequent, unprovoked hissing – This could indicate pain, stress, or an underlying medical issue.
🔹 Hissing at a new pet or person – Give them time to adjust, using slow introductions.
🔹 Paired with growling or swatting – Your cat is serious about their warning – proceed with caution!
Clicking / Chattering
A buildup of short, sharp clicking sounds made with the mouth, often when watching prey (like birds). It’s excitement and hunter’s anticipation rolled into noise.
✔ Hunting Instincts Kicking In – Chattering is most commonly heard when a Maine Coon spots birds, squirrels, or other prey through a window. It’s their way of expressing frustration at not being able to pounce!
✔ Excitement & Anticipation – Some cats chatter when they’re excited about playtime, especially if they see a moving toy that mimics prey.
✔ Mimicking a Kill Bite – Some theories suggest that chattering mimics the motion of delivering a fatal neck bite to prey, a behavior seen in wild cats.
✔ Communication – In multi-cat households, chattering can sometimes be a way to signal interest or excitement to other cats.
What chattering sounds like:
🔹 A fast, clicking or chirping noise
🔹 Often combined with whisker twitching and tail flicking
🔹 Usually directed at something just out of reach
Bark-like / Wheezing Noises
Occasionally, Maine Coons mimic dog-like “barks,” or create wheezing sounds.
These unusual noises may be playful or indicate health issues if persistent. Consider a vet check if concerned.
Why Maine Coons Are So Vocal
- Social Nature
These “gentle giants” love company and will talk to connect with owners and other pets. - Intelligent & Curious
Their vocal range reflects their playful and inquisitive personalities – they’ll express excitement or ask questions about their surroundings. - Attention Seekers
Want food, play, affection? Expect chirps and trills as reminders you’re needed.
Tips For New Owners
- Tune in to patterns
Note which noise coincides with which need – soon you’ll know a chirp could mean, “Time to eat!” - Look beyond the sound
Body language matters – ears, tail, eyes, and posture all provide context to a noise. - Respond, but don’t reinforce misbehavior
If your Maine Coon yowls at night for attention, don’t encourage it – stay calm and address the cats real needs at appropriate times. - Check Health Issues
Abnormal vocal patterns like sudden hissing, wheezing, or prolonged howling may indicate pain or illness. Seek vet attention. - Keep Them Engaged
Provide toys, window perches, and climbing spaces to channel their intelligence and curiosity and reduce attention-seeking cries.
