Welcoming a new Maine Coon kitten is exciting, but you may have a few questions. As cute as they are, kittens can be high maintenance, and you may be wondering when do Maine Coon kittens calm down?
Maine Coon kittens will typically calm down by the time they reach six months of age. But Maine Coon cats are known to be a very playful breed and won’t completely grow out of it. Spaying or neutering you Maine Coon can help calm them down and avoid any spraying or aggressiveness towards other cats.
Today, we will teach you all about the Maine Coon breed and answer some commonly asked questions. We will also provide tips and information to help you better understand your new feline friend and help raise them right!
When Do Maine Coon Kittens Calm Down?
Maine Coon cats are one of the top breeds of cats in the United States.
They are admired because they are:
- Highly Intelligent
- Tremendously Playful
- Extremely Loyal To Their Owners
They are also popular because they are large in size and have long luxurious coats that come in colors that include white, black, cream, red, blue, tabby, and calico.
Maine Coons have unique personalities that are different than many other breeds of cats.
For example, they remain playful their entire lives, even when they get old, and are also protective of their human families. They may act shy or unsure of people they don’t know (this is more a trait of the female Maine Coon), but, after getting to know the Maine Coon, they will loosen up and become very friendly.
Maine Coon cats are extremely smart cats, and once they get adjusted, they will happily partake in your family’s daily routine.
They may want to cuddle up with you and watch TV as most Maine Coons are very affectionate, or they might even follow you into the shower to explore their fascination with water.
Maine Coons are truly the perfect companion for the whole family. Read why in this article.
Although the breed is one of a kind, just like any other kitten, they can be quite hyper when they are young. You may be asking yourself when do kittens calm down or will they calm down when they are an adult?
Maine Coons usually calm down at six months old, but since this breed of cat is very playful, they will always be active cats.
However, even with their playful side, they are typically calm cats that are great around children, other pets, and people. They definitely love to play around and have fun but also have no problem snuggling up in the bed and watching a movie with you.
Are Maine Coons Hyper?
If you asked a Maine Coon cat owner if their cat was hyper, they would tell you that Maine Coons are playful but not hyperactive.
These gentle giants might be large beauties, full of life, but they can be easily trained if the owners are prepared to make the effort. This is mainly because the Maine Coon is so bright.
Learn why ‘Maine Coon Cats Are The Smartest Cats‘ in my article.
Many people train their Maine Coons to do tricks, fetch a ball, or even come when you call their name.
Maine Coons love to run around and play with toys, but they won’t climb on top of things and be destructive in your home. As long as they have something to keep them entertained or someone to keep them company, you shouldn’t have any problems with them.
How To Calm A Crazy Kitten
At times kittens can be wild!
They are just young, curious, and getting used to their new home and human family away from their mama and siblings.
But there are some tips on how to calm a hyper kitten that will help your crazy little kitten calm down and make your home a little more peaceful:
1. Kittens Need Lots Of Playtime
If you find that your kitten is exceptionally hyperactive, then they might just want to play.
Playing with your kitten is excellent because not only will it keep them entertained and from getting into stuff, but it will also burn some of their energy so that they will be more tired and calm later.
It also will help the kitten feel more comfortable and build their confidence.
These are my favorite tried and tested Maine Coon cat toys.
2. Invest In A Cat Tree And Scratching Post
Cat trees and scratching posts are great for crazy little kittens!
A cat tree allows them to climb and see what is going on from all views, and the scratching post is not only great for their claws but allows them to burn their energy in a non-destructive manner.
These are the best extra-large cat trees on the market, you’re going to need one!
3. Relaxing Nighttime Routine
After a long day of playtime and exploring their new home, your kitten needs some to settle down for the night.
Once the last play session of the night is over, give them a few minutes to cool off, then give them some food.
Our Maine Coon loves this particular brand of dry cat food, which has been designed with the Maine Coon cat breed in mind.
Most likely, your kitten will eat, then find somewhere to snuggle up and go to sleep.
4. Consider Buying Your Kitten A Playmate
Having two crazy kittens in your home at once may seem overwhelming, but this can actually be a good thing.
They will play with each other, and you won’t have to entertain them as much!
Plus, this helps them burn energy, and you are giving two cute kittens a great home!
5. Why Is My Kitten So Hyper At Night?
It is very normal for your kitten to be more hyper or active in the nighttime.
This is because Maine Coon cats are crepuscular creatures which means they are usually active around dusk and dawn. This isn’t the same as nocturnal, where the animal is active at night and sleeps during the day, but if your cat is outside a lot or a former stray, they may be more awake during the nighttime.
So what should you do if your feline friend keeps waking you up throughout the night?
Some tips on calming a kitten down at night include:
Stimulate Your Kitten Throughout The Day
To avoid your kitten sleeping all day and staying up all night, you want to ensure they have plenty of stimulation throughout the day.
This is where toys, cat trees, scratching poles, and maybe even a companion comes in handy!
Train Your Kitten
You can actually train your kitten to stop this behavior by using a cat clicker.
Not only does it reinforce positive behavior, but it also helps strengthen your bond with your kitten and build confidence.
Do Not Interact
When Maine Coon kittens are crazy throughout the night, try not to interact or give them any attention.
Giving crazy kittens attention at this point will only make them think it is normal, and they will continue to do it.
Try to ignore the crazy behavior and set up a cozy area for them that is not in your bedroom.
Take Them To The Vet
If you have had your kitten for a while and are just noticing a sudden increase of hyperactivity in the night, you may want to take them to the vet.
A significant change in attitude or behavior could mean a medical problem that needs to be addressed.
These are the ‘Top 7 Maine Coon Health Problems‘ to be aware of.
Does Neutering Calm Kittens Down?
There are so many benefits of spaying and neutering your animals, including:
- Eliminating the risk of getting pregnant
- Your cat cannot make another cat pregnant
- Kitten will be healthier
- You will avoid messy spraying throughout your home
- Neutering and spaying helps to significantly calm a kitten down
It only takes about 1-2 months for your kitten to calm down after being spayed or neutered if they are under two years old.
Cats that are older than two may still be hyper after spaying or neutering.
They can be spayed or neutered when they are just six weeks old, so getting it done as soon as possible can be beneficial and help calm them down earlier.
For more information, read my article ‘Best Age To Neuter A Maine Coon Kitten‘.
Why Is My Kitten So Hyper And Aggressive?
More often than not, your Maine Coon kitten will be very loving and not show signs of aggression.
But, if they feel threatened or begin to get stressed out, you may see some aggression in the form of biting, hissing or scratching.
There are a few reasons that your Maine Coon may be acting aggressively, such as:
1. Inadequate Amount of Socialization
If your Maine Coon isn’t used to being around other people, they may show some aggression as they get older. This is because of fear and feeling threatened, so it is essential to socialize them when they are young to avoid this.
2. They Are Overstimulated
Cats can be annoyed by too much stimulation, just like humans.
If your cat starts to become aggressive during playtime, then you should take a break and let your cat cool down before continuing.
3. They Are Bored
If your cat doesn’t have enough stimulation, then they may also be aggressive out of boredom.
This is why they must have plenty of toys like these to play with or another cat.
Also, showing your cat plenty of attention can help with this too.
4. They Are Being Territorial
Just like dogs, cats can be territorial too.
Signs of being territorial include spraying and howling.
It is more common in un-spayed or un-neutered cats to be territorial; this is why you should fix your kittens when they are old enough.
Read our full guide on ‘Reasons Why Your Maine Coon Howls‘.
5. A Medical Issue Or Injured
Sometimes if your cat is hurt, they can act aggressively. They may have a surface wound that you can see, or it might be a problem internally.
If aggression is out of the ordinary for your cat, you may want to take them to the vet for an inspection to ensure there isn’t anything wrong with them.
Here are 14 of the most common reasons why Maine Coon cats are aggressive.
Hyperactive Kitten Syndrome
Hyperactivity in cats isn’t out of the ordinary, but some cats are more hyperactive than others.
If your cat is bolting around the house, being extra vocal, chasing people or other pets, jumping across furniture, or licking themselves constantly, then you may have a hyperactive kitten on your hands.
This is known as hyperactive kitten syndrome.
You can use the methods previously discussed to calm a hyper kitten, such as:
- Playing with them.
- Letting them cool down after playing and then giving them food.
- Spaying or neutering your cat.
- Giving them lots of attention.
- Adopting another feline friend.
- Ensure they have various toys to keep themselves entertained.
Kitten Calming Treats
Did you know that there are actually treats that you can give your cat to calm them down?
Kitten calming treats are ideal for relieving:
- Hyperactivity
- Stress
- Anxiety
Additionally, their area vegetarian treat options, and the formulas should not affect your cat’s personality.
Many people like to use these treats when they have to their cats somewhere, like to a vet appointment or on a long car or plane ride.
Some people also give them to their cats if they have social anxiety and they have guests coming over or for any other occasion or activity that may cause your feline friend stress or anxiety.
They have plenty of over-the-counter kitten calming treats that typically range from $7 to $15 and can be bought at numerous stores in person or online.
Kitten calming treats usually take between 20 to 30 minutes to work and will help your cat feel calm and relaxed after they do.
You can also use these treats as a positive reinforcement when your cat is behaving well or if they have an upset stomach, as they will help relieve it.
Are Maine Coon Cats Skittish?
People often compare Maine Coon cats to dogs because they have an affectionate personality and love spending time with their human family.
But, sometimes Maine Coons (usually just the females of the species) can act shy around people they don’t know well or are uncomfortable around. They have an instinctual feeling when someone not a part of their family is around and often becomes reserved.
However, once the female Maine Coon cat gets used to more people coming around, they should open up a bit and become the sweet and friendly cat you know them to be.
Finally, if you notice that your Maine Coon is a lot shyer than you expected, there may be a few things that you should consider:
Nervous In A New Home
If you just recently adopted your Maine Coon kitten, it may take some time for them to adjust. They are getting used to a whole new life, new people, and a new environment; it can be a lot.
Try to be sympathetic and respect their boundaries in this process; they will come to you when they are ready.
Unsocialized
If you haven’t brought many people around them from a young age, they can become a little anti-social as they get older.
The only way to get them used to other people and animals is to bring them around to your home, so why not try having some guests over and see how your Maine Coon kitten reacts.
Again, respect their boundaries and don’t push them because this might give them a bad impression of people they don’t know. Instead, take it slow and let them come to your friends and family. They will eventually get used to them and feel more comfortable.
They Could Be Mixed Breed
If your Maine Coon is a lot different from a typical Maine Coon they may be mixed with another cat breed. If it is something very concerning to you, you can get a DNA test to see your cat’s breed. This test might help you understand your cat better and why they act the way they do.
For a more detailed guide to deciphering if your cat is a part-Maine Coon (or not) make sure you read this article.
Do Maine Coon Kittens Sleep A Lot?
Even though Maine Coons are known for their playfulness, they also love to sleep.
Maine Coon cats can sleep for anywhere from 16 to 20 hours a day! Sometimes it can be broken up over numerous naps throughout the day, or it can be all at once.
This is a little bit longer than the average cat, who sleeps around 15 hours a day.
Maine Coon kittens usually sleep longer than adults because they are still growing. Pregnant or senior cats may also sleep more for obvious reasons.
Weather can also affect how much your Maine Coon sleeps. If it is raining, snowing, or just col outside, your cat might just feel like curling up and sleeping more than usual.
Your cat also might sleep more if they are bored as well.
But you want to make sure you observe the amount your Maine Coon sleeps. Significant changes in their sleep pattern can mean they have some health issues that need to be inspected by a vet.
Are you worried that your Maine Coon kitten sleeps too much? If you are, make sure you read this article.
Conclusion
Maine Coons are great pets for the whole family. They are loveable, playful, and so sweet!
Like with any animal, it is vital to understand the breed, behaviors, and temperament.
Asking and researching questions that you have, such as when do Maine Coon kittens calm down, will help you to have a better understanding of your cat and allow you to raise them appropriately.
Just remember that kittens are just curious and playful and will naturally have more energy than an adult or senior cat.
Giving them lots of love and attention plus, getting them fixed, and socializing them, will all help. If you notice some hyperactive tendencies, then treat out some calming treats or other techniques that we discussed.
Maine Coon cats are a joy to have, and your whole family is sure to love your new feline friend.