It’s Your FAULT Your Maine Coon Howls – Here’s Why!

Maine Coons are known for being vocal, but if your cat has started howling like a distressed opera singer, you’re probably wondering why.

Howling is not a normal meow -it’s louder, longer, and more dramatic, often sounding like:

• A cat attempting to summon spirits!
• A siren that never stops!

Why Your Maine Coon Is Howling

Let’s dive into the many reasons behind their dramatic outbursts, and where possible explain how you (yes, you!) may have accidentally caused this chaos.

1. They Want Attention – You Have Failed As Their Loyal Servant

Maine Coons are incredibly social and affectionate cats. If they feel neglected, they will demand attention, and howling is one of their most effective ways to get it.

Signs that attention-seeking is the cause:

• Your Maine Coon only howls when you’re busy or ignoring them.
• They stop howling immediately when you give them attention.
• They follow you around the house, meowing or chirping in addition to howling.

How to Fix It

• Give them more playtime: Maine Coons need daily interactive play.
• Talk to them: They love “conversations” with their humans.
• Provide enrichment: Puzzle toys, cat trees, and window perches help keep them entertained.
• If they’re excessively needy, consider getting them a feline companion.

2. You Didn’t Neuter Them – Now They Yowl for Love!

If your Maine Coon is howling loudly, especially at night, and they haven’t been spayed or neutered, congratulations—you have a cat desperately looking for a mate. Unfixed cats howl to attract partners and will not stop until their romantic quest is either successful or medically “adjusted.”

Signs that hormones are the cause:

• Frequent, loud yowling at night.
• Restlessness and pacing around windows and doors.
• Rubbing against furniture excessively.
• Spraying urine to mark territory.

How to Fix It

• Spay or neuter your cat! This will significantly reduce (if not eliminate) the howling.
• If they’re already fixed, their howling may be habitual or caused by another issue on this list.

3. Cat Dementia – You Haven’t Invented Immortality Yet!

As Maine Coons age, they can develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), aka cat dementia. This condition causes:

• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Nighttime Howling

Your senior cat may forget where they are, who you are, or what they are doing.

Signs that dementia is the cause:

• Howling more at night when the house is dark and quiet.
• Wandering aimlessly around the house.
• Acting confused or startled in familiar places.
• Toileting outside the litter box.

How to Fix It

• Use nightlights to help them navigate in the dark.
• Keep their routine consistent to reduce confusion.
• Give them mental stimulation (gentle play, food puzzles).
• Talk to your vet about medication or supplements to support brain health.

4. They’re Stressed – You Ruined Their Perfect Life!

Maine Coons are creatures of habit. If something changes e.g. new furniture, a new pet, or even a different feeding schedule, they might express their stress by howling.

Signs that stress is the cause:

• The howling started after a big change (e.g., moving house, getting a new pet).
• Your cat is hiding more than usual.
• They’ve become more aggressive or withdrawn.
• They’re overgrooming or developing bald spots.

How to Fix It

• Identify the stressor and try to minimize it.
• Use pheromone diffusers like Feliway to create a calming environment.
• Give them extra reassurance – pet them, play with them, and talk to them.
• Keep their routine predictable to make them feel secure.

5. Separation Anxiety – You Left The House!

Maine Coons are known for being dog-like in their loyalty, which means some develop separation anxiety. If your cat howls when you leave, they might be missing you more than you realize.

Signs that separation anxiety is the cause:

• They howl when you leave the room or go to work.
• They become extra clingy when you return.
• They engage in destructive behavior (e.g., scratching furniture).

How to Fix It

• Leave interactive toys to keep them entertained.
• Use a cat TV channel or radio for background noise.
• Try gradual departures. Leave for short periods before increasing the duration.
• If their anxiety is extreme, consult a vet or feline behaviorist.

6. Medical Issues – You Didn’t Become A Vet For Them!

Sometimes, howling is a sign that your Maine Coon is in pain or discomfort. Cats are experts at hiding illness, so howling might be their way of telling you something is wrong.

Potential health issues that cause howling:

• Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid causes increased hunger and restlessness.
• Arthritis: Joint pain, especially in older cats, leads to discomfort and vocalizing.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Painful urination can cause excessive meowing.
• Hearing Loss: Deaf cats often vocalize more loudly because they can’t hear themselves.

How to Fix It

• Take your cat to the vet for a check-up.
• Monitor for other symptoms like weight loss, increased thirst, or litter box issues.
• If your cat gets a clean bill of health, congratulations! They’re just dramatic.

7. Loneliness – You Didn’t Dedicate Your Life to Them!

Maine Coons are highly social cats. If they’re alone for too long, they might start howling to call for company—even if you’re just in the next room.

Signs that loneliness is the cause:

• Your cat howls more when left alone.
• They follow you everywhere when you’re home.
• They refuse to engage with toys or activities by themselves.

How to Fix It

• Spend more quality time with them.
• Consider adopting a second pet if your cat enjoys company.
• Leave a blanket with your scent if they get anxious when you’re gone.

8. Hunger Or Thirst – You Forgot to Serve Them Like The Royalty They Are

If your Maine Coon howls near their food bowl, take the hint—your cat thinks they’re being starved (even if they were just fed an hour ago).

Signs that hunger or thirst is the cause:

• They howl right before mealtimes.
• They stare at their food bowl like it’s an empty wasteland.
• They drink more water than usual, indicating potential kidney or thyroid issues.

How to Fix It

• Stick to a consistent feeding schedule.
• Provide fresh water daily. Maine Coons prefer moving water, so a fountain might help.
• Don’t give in to unnecessary extra meals! (Or do—let’s be honest, they’ll probably convince you).

9. Territorial Howling – You Allowed Another Cat to Exist!

Maine Coons are territorial creatures. If they see another cat outside, they might start howling to warn them off.

How to fix it:

• Close the curtains to block their view of intruders.
• Use scent deterrents to keep neighborhood cats away.
• Provide more indoor stimulation to distract them from their territorial rage.