12 Reasons Why Your Maine Coon Follows You
Why Maine Coons Follow You
Maine Coon cats often exhibit the behavior of following their owners closely, a phenomenon that stems from a combination of factors including:
- Hunger
- Thirst
- Seeking Attention
- Companionship
- Loneliness
- Illness
- Learned Behaviors
Feline studies highlight the evolutionary, social, and cognitive aspects underlying this behavior, and emphasize the deep bond between Maine Coons and their owners.
Understanding these reasons enables Maine Coon owners to strengthen their strong bond with their Maine Coons, fostering mutual trust and companionship.
1. Hunger
The Maine Coons primal instinct to hunt and forage for food is deeply ingrained in their feline DNA.
These large cats are descendants of skilled hunters, so they may trail their owners for sustenance, especially when hunger strikes.
Research conducted by Bradshaw et al. (2018) elucidates the evolutionary basis of this behavior, emphasizing cats’ reliance on humans for food provisioning.
To resolve this issue and ensure my cat never goes hungry, I decided to install a pet feeder that dispenses high-quality dry cat food at regular intervals.
2. Thirst
Adequate hydration is vital for feline health, prompting Maine Coons to seek out water sources, even if it means shadowing their owners.
Studies by Ellis et al. (2013) underscore the importance of providing clean, accessible water to prevent dehydration-related health issues.
The easiest way to do this is by installing a pet water fountain so that your beautiful cats have access to fresh running water.
3. Attention
Maine Coons, are affectionate cats renowned for their sociable disposition and desire for human interaction and affection.
They may seek the company of their owners by following them closely, yet not in a needy manner. They are overly curious so will want to watch what you’re doing!
Leyhausen’s seminal work (1979) delves into the human-cat relationships and finds that cats may seek interaction with humans through vocalizations, body language, and proximity, which could be seen as a way of seeking attention or companionship.
If you suspect your Maine Coon is after attention, give them an interactive play session that involves plenty of social interaction between owner and cat.
4. Loneliness
Despite their independent nature, Maine Coons are not immune to feelings of loneliness.
When left alone for extended periods, they may seek solace in the presence of their owners, preferring companionship over solitude.
To avoid this we adopted two Maine Coon cat brothers so that they always had each other for attention.
5. Sickness
Cats are masters of stoicism so will often conceal signs of illness until symptoms become severe.
However, whilst they may hide their sickness, don’t assume they will not want to be around you!
Instead, when our first Maine Coon was sick he exhibited clingy behavior, seeking comfort and reassurance from all of us.
Here are 7 Common Health Issues that Maine Coons are prone to suffering from:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Stomatitis
- Periodontal Disease
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Obesity
6. Company
Maine Coons feel more secure and happy in the presence of their human family members.
To them, being close to their owners symbolizes safety and warmth, prompting them to follow their owners around the home diligently.
In this YouTube video on Maine Coon Central’s YouTube channel you can see a funny video of my giant Maine Coon following me EVERYWHERE!
The Maine Coon breed is ideally suited to families, especially those with young children because they love being around people, and are not phased or frightened by noisy children running around them.
In this YouTube video on Maine Coon Central, you’ll see our first Maine Coon cat cuddling our 5-year-old daughter. Their close bond is clear to see.
7. Curiosity
Maine Coons have an insatiable curiosity and love to observe their surroundings, so don’t be surprised if your cat follows you from room to room!
These large cats are the perfect example of a curious cat breed. They want to know what their owners are up to at all times!
Therefore, expect to see your Maine Coon following you around the home since they are interested in what you are up to.
8. Learned Behavior
Maine Coons possess remarkable cognitive abilities, which enable them to learn and adapt to their owners’ behaviors.
Through positive reinforcement and associative learning, they develop patterns of behavior, including following their owners, to elicit desired outcomes.
For instance, I’ve taught my cat that if he comes and sits next to me on the bench as I work, he gets two cat treats!
Consequently, even if I don’t give him treats he still comes and sits beside me as I work! This is an example of learned behavior.
9. Separation Anxiety
Maine Coons are hugely sociable felines that form deep attachments to their human companions and may experience distress when separated for prolonged periods.
Although very independent, these felines require high levels of interaction with their owners, more so than other cat breeds.
Therefore, if you’ve spent more time away from home than usual, your Maine Coon may follow you everywhere, simply because they’ve missed you.
In general, individuals that spend large amounts of time away from home (i.e. due to work) are not best suited to owning a Maine Coon cat.
McMillan et al.’s study (2019) found cats experience separation-related distress when separated from their owners, manifesting in various behavioral changes like:
- Increased Vocalization
- Destructive Behavior
- Changes In Eating Habits
This is particularly true of the Maine Coon cat breed because these gentle-natured cats are prone to suffering from separation anxiety.
Learn how to prevent Separation Anxiety In Maine Coon Cats.
10. Safety
Despite their innate resilience, Maine Coons may seek refuge in the presence of their owners, perceiving them as guardians of safety and security.
This makes sense since humans have been feeding this former wild cat food for decades and they are now conditioned to EXPECT humans to give them food!
11. Sixth Sense
Cats, known for their keen perceptiveness, may detect subtle cues and changes in their environment or owners’ well-being.
Anecdotal evidence and personal accounts abound with instances of cats displaying intuitive responses to human distress, suggesting a sixth sense at play.
I experienced this firsthand when I collapsed on the kitchen floor with intense stomach pain almost a decade ago.
Pippin my male Maine Coon sat next to me for 15 minutes until I was able to stand up again, but it felt more like he was guarding me!
12. Treats
The promise of rewards in the form of treats can serve as a powerful motivator for Maine Coons to stick close to their owners.
Leveraging learned associations and positive reinforcement, cats may engage in following behavior in anticipation of coveted treats.
Behavioral studies by Casey et al. (2008) elucidate the role of rewards in shaping feline behavior and fostering human-animal bonds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the behavior of Maine Coons following their owners is a multifaceted aspect of their unique personalities.
Whether it’s a desire for food, water, attention, companionship, or even a response to learned behaviors, Maine Coons exhibit a range of motivations for sticking close to their human companions.
Understanding these reasons can deepen the bond between owner and cat, fostering a more enriching and fulfilling relationship.
By paying attention to their Maine Coon’s behavior and needs, owners can ensure a happy and harmonious coexistence with their beloved feline friends.
