Why does my Maine Coon meow so much?
If this is a question that has interested you for some time, make sure you keep reading to discover the top 14 reasons why your Maine Coon is meowing at you non-stop.
Maine Coons are a very vocal cat breed. They chirp and trill to get an owner’s attention, but rarely meow. These highly intelligent felines use a selection of Maine Coon sounds to communicate their needs. However, a Maine Coon will meow excessively if taught to, in pain, feeling lonely or hungry. Old Maine Coons with dementia meow regularly.
Does it ever feel like your Maine Coon will not stop meowing at you?
If this sounds familiar, check through our list of reasons below which detail why your Maine Coon might be talking so much, to make sure you have met all their physical, social, and mental needs.
Whilst the Maine Coon cat breed is well known for being talkative, they do not characteristically ‘meow’ incessantly.
In fact, they do not actually meow at all, instead preferring to chirp and trill as they communicate with their owners.
14 Reasons Why Your Maine Coon Meows So Much
Maine Coons do not meow.
Instead, this large cat breed chirps and trills at its owners, but not usually to excess.
Over time you will start to learn your individual Maine Coons needs and requirements.
Use our simple tips and advice to guide your thoughts and determine why does my Maine Coon meow so much.
The table below highlights the top 14 reasons why your Maine Coon cat meows a lot:
| Reason |
|---|
| Boredom |
| Hunger |
| Thirst |
| Lonely |
| Wants Attention |
| Cat Needs To Be Neutered |
| Cat wants to go outside |
| Your cat wants to play |
| Maine Coon is asking for treats |
| Wants and needs company |
| Medical Issues i.e. pain |
| Stressed and frustrated |
| Old Age |
| Learned Behavior |
In general, cats are known for their independent aloof natures, only seeking attention from an owner on their own terms.
They are usually happy to entertain themselves during the day and night and are not considered high-maintenance pets.
If this is your expectation of what owning a Maine Coon cat is like however, you are in for a shock since this breed differs substantially from other cat breeds.
For starters, the Maine Coon is very dog-like in its mannerisms, and as a breed, they require high levels of attention.
For those of you with limited experience of the Maine Coon cat breed, read on to discover 14 explanations that might explain why does my Maine Coon meow so much?
1. Is Your Maine Coon Bored?
Maine Coon cats are highly sociable felines, who require a lot of attention from their owners.
You do not have to be entertaining them all the time via play etc, however, they will want to be sat next to you, simply watching what you are up to.
These curious cats like to be involved in the action since it stops them from becoming bored and potentially destructive.
Therefore, if the door to a room you are working in is closed, your Maine Coon will likely meow a lot (a.k.a. chirp or trill) until you let them in.
TIP: If you value your household carpets, make sure to leave internal doors open so that your Maine Coon can get through. Our curious Maine Coon cat will meow a lot, whilst scratching the carpets up next to the door if he is unable to get in the room.
As one of the more highly intelligent cat breeds, the Maine Coon requires mental stimulation throughout the day, to keep them entertained.
Owners should therefore purchase a decent cat tower that will offer the Maine Coon mental stimulation and play whilst you are unavailable.
I particularly love this Maine Coon sized cat tower on offer at Amazon, since it is sturdy enough to support this heavier and larger cat breed and does a great job of preventing boredom, and therefore incessant Maine Coon meowing.
For other smaller, but mental and physical stimulation, take a look at my other article on the 5 best toys for Maine Coon cats.
2. Check Your Maine Coon’s Food Bowl
Maine Coon cats are significantly more vocal when they are hungry!
Therefore, if you notice that your Maine Coon is meowing at you non-stop then it would be wise to check that they have enough food.
Just like us, cats also tend to get bored of eating the same repetitive food all the time.
Therefore, make sure that you are switching their dry and wet food on a regular basis so that they get variety at mealtimes.
Maine Coons are obligate carnivores, so should only be eating meals that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, such as these dry cat foods.
Owners should also check that their cat’s dry food is:
- Grain-free
- Contains a medium amount of fats and fatty acids like Omega 3 and 6.
Avoid overfeeding your Maine Coon on wet food, since this can lead to periodontal disease, as discussed in my article: ‘How to avoid Maine Coon tooth loss‘.
Finally, you might notice that your Maine Coon meows repetitively whilst you are preparing their meal, particularly if you are opening up a tasty can of tuna fish for them.
Don’t worry about these continual Maine Coon sounds, the smell of the food is obviously just amazing for your cat’s senses, and they are unable to contain their excitement!
In this quick video, you will see our Maine Coon eating some tuna. You wouldn’t believe that just seconds before he was so incredibly vocal about getting his fish:
TIP: If your Maine Coon is struggling to eat food from their bowl, tip the bowl at a slight angle so that they can scoop the food into their mouth more easily.
3. Does Your Maine Coon Have Enough Water?
Maine Coons drink a lot of water every day, to stay hydrated.
Therefore, if your Maine Coon is driving you crazy by meowing so much, make sure you have checked their water bowl is full and clean.
This is a simple, yet very important factor to consider since dehydration in cats is very dangerous.
One easy way to make sure that your Maine Coons water supply is always at optimum levels, is by investing in a cat water fountain, with a large water capacity.
These are very useful devices since you can fill them up just once a day, then know your Maine Coons thirst requirements are satisfied.
I personally love this cat water fountain on Amazon, since it has a triple filtration system to keep the water clean. If you act fast, there’s a great offer on it at the moment!
TIP: Maine Coons are fussy drinkers, so will pat the water in their bowls first before drinking it.
They instinctively do this to remove dirt or dust laying on the top of their water.
Owners should therefore make sure that the bowl is sat on a waterproof surface since water will be splashed in every direction!
Maine Coons are well known for being fascinated with all things related to water, not just the water in their water bowls e.g. dripping taps, puddles, baths, and swimming pools!
For more information on this fascinating subject, read my article: ‘Why do Maine Coon cats love water?‘.
4. Is Your Maine Coon Feeling Lonely?
Maine Coons love companionship, which is why they are often found to be following their owners all over the house.
They will likely talk to their owners as they do so as well like they are literally having a conversation with you!
These intelligent and curious cats just want to know what you are up to since your actions are fascinating for them.
In the majority of cases, Maine Coons repeated chirps and trills are simply your cats conversing with you.
Owners that do not allow their Maine Coon to spend ample amounts of time with them, however, will likely find that their Maine Coon feels lonely.
Loneliness is a very damaging experience for your cat’s wellbeing and mental health and can cause irreversible damage to your Maine Coon.
This is because this breed is naturally very social, and finds loneliness very hard to handle.
A lonely Maine Coon might therefore meow non-stop until they get attention from their owners.
Due to their dog-like nature, the Maine Coon relates closely to a pack mentality, and they feel happiest when around their family.
Therefore, if you are out all day working it would be wise to consider purchasing a second Maine Coon, to keep your first one happy and entertained.
TIP: If your Maine Coon will not stop meowing at you, spend some time playing with them.
This breed is prone to obesity, therefore encouraging your Maine Coon to exercise will help to keep them both fit and healthy, whilst also giving them an opportunity to spend time with you.
5. Your Maine Coon Wants Attention
Maine Coons are well known for wanting to spend all their time with their owners, however, in general, they are not a very demanding feline to be around.
Instead, they will happily sit next to you whilst you work, watching your every move, or sleeping.
From time to time though, you might find that your Maine Coon will not stop meowing at you.
If this sounds familiar, your Maine Coon is after attention, and is unlikely to take no for an answer!
In their view, they’ve waited patiently all day, watching you work, and now it is time that an owner gives them their undivided attention.
If our Maine Coon wants attention, he will literally look up at us and meow over and over, whilst also headbutting us with kisses, and nipping our socks.
This non-stop meowing only stops when he gets our full attention.
TIP
Do not forget to just get down on the floor and spend quality time with your Maine Coon each day, even if it’s only for 15 minutes.
This will build a solid bond between you both, and your Maine Coon is less likely to meow non-stop.
6. Is It Time To Neuter Your Cat?
For those of you wondering why does my Maine Coon meow so much, have you had your Maine Coon neutered or spayed yet?
If you haven’t, this is one of the most likely reasons causing your Maine Coon to meow excessively.
Maine Coons reach sexual maturity between the age of 5-8 months. At this stage, owners with Maine Coons that have not been neutered will likely notice the following cat behavior:
Non-Neutered Female Maine Coon
- Increased Maine Coon meows
- Repetitive yowling and howling, for up to 7 days
- More territorial
- Restless and paces home.
- Either more affectionate or unusually aggressive.
- Increased urination
- May fight with other female cats
- Will want to get outside, to male cats that can impregnate her.
- Rolls on the floor and offers affectionate displays to people, and male cats.
- When in heat, the female will shake her rear end and place her tail to one side so that a male cat can impregnate her. You can also expect to see her kneading her rear paws as she waits for the male.
- During the ‘estrus’ stage your Maine Coon may have discharge, though this is often not noticed because cats groom themselves regularly.
Non-Neutered Male Maine Coon
- Becomes massively territorial.
- The cat will spray your home with smelly urine.
- May fight with other male cats.
- Will show signs of stress if unable to breed.
- Non-neutered male Maine Coons may meow more if they can smell a non-neutered female nearby.
- Paces around, whilst females are in heat.
Whilst your kitten might still seem pretty young to you, owners that do not plan to breed their Maine Coons should speak to a veterinary professional, to arrange for their cat to be neutered.
Failure to do this in time for a male Maine Coon might result in the male continuing to spray your home since the habit has been learned.
7. Does Your Maine Coon Want To Go Outside?
Maine Coons might be pretty smart creatures, but one thing they cannot do is open an external door.
Therefore, when they want to go outside, some Maine Coons will meow over and over, until the owner opens the door.
Our Maine Coon will chatter to us endlessly each morning until he is allowed to walk into our inner courtyard.
As soon as the door is opened, however, he races out and takes a pee in our currently empty flower beds. It’s almost always the same spot too. Nice!
This video shows our Maine Coons meowing to go outside:
Here’s a quick video of our Maine Coon taking a walk in our walled courtyard:
TIP: Consider installing a cat flap in your door, or glass window/door, to enable your Maine Coon to access the outside without your help.
We installed this cat tunnel from Amazon and then used about 4 of these additional cat tunnel extenders to reach through the incredibly thick external walls of our property.
Our Maine Coon is now able to reach the garden outside, with no assistance from us, which was worth every penny in my view!
I love how the cat flap tunnel uses a microchip sensor that only permits our Maine Coon in and out.
8. Does Your Maine Coon Want To Play With You?
This playful kitten-like breed adores playing, whether it be on their own, with another household pet, or with their human family.
Whereas other cat breeds tend to calm down with age, your Maine Coon will still enjoy racing around your home, playing late into their adult lives.
If your Maine Coon won’t leave you alone and seems to be nagging and meowing non-stop, it is likely that they just want you to play with them.
Therefore, stop what you are doing (if you can) and give your Maine Coon a minimum of 5-10 minutes of play and undivided attention.
Not only will this exercise tire your Maine Coon out, your Maine Coon will likely stop meowing so much since they will have been entertained.
TIP: If money is tight right now, why not grab a piece of a thick piece of string and tie some knots at the end of it?
Your Maine Coon will love chasing the string around your home. Just remember to not let your Maine Coon chew the string, in case they ingest some of the fibers.
9. Is Your Cat Asking For A Treat?
As you already know, Maine Coon cats are pretty smart felines. It doesn’t take them long to learn their human’s daily habits, such as when they get up and when they go to bed.
Another thing that they are quick to learn, is how and when they are able to get their treats!
A Maine Coon never forgets that their owners usually feed them treats at a certain time of day, just like a young child never forgets when mummy owes them chocolate!
Therefore, if I accidentally forget to give our Maine Coon some of his favorite cat treats as soon as I wake up, he will meow at me non-stop until he gets them.
Continual meows can be a little annoying if I haven’t yet had my first coffee, so I always give him treats straight away!
Here’s a quick video of our male Maine Coon asking for some treats … the video takes place in the evening, so Pippin is being less vocal than he would be first thing in the morning!!
TIP: Give your Maine Coon treats at certain times during the day. Your Maine Coon is then less likely to meow throughout the day, requesting treats.
10. Are You Working Later Than Usual?
Maine Coons can differentiate between the different times of day, and quickly learn their owner’s daily rituals e.g. when an owner will sit down and rest in the evening.
Therefore, if you have to work late one evening and haven’t had time to sit down and watch TV like normal (with your Maine Coon), expect your cat to come and find you.
If your Maine Coon is anything like ours, it will then meow loudly at you, as if they are asking you to join them like normal.
Here’s an example of a typical conversation that you are likely to have with your Maine Coon cat:
TIP: If you have to work late at home, encourage your Maine Coon to sit down next to you whilst you finish up.
11. Watch Out For Underlying Medical Issues
Maine Coons will meow a lot more than usual, if they are in pain, or are suffering from an undetected medical issue i.e. periodontal disease.
Cats obviously cannot talk to their owners, and tell them what they are feeling, so repetitive Maine Coon meows is a possible warning sign from your cat that there is an issue.
Owners should always be alert to changes in their Maine Coons behavior, and sounds, particularly if their cat is getting old.
Despite being a hardy cat breed, there are still 7 key health issues that Maine Coon cats are prone to.
Take a look at my article for in-depth details on this subject matter: ‘Top 7 Maine Coon Health Issues‘.
TIP: If you suspect that there is an issue with your Maine Coon, ask a veterinary professional to assess your cat asap. The sooner you act, the better.
12. Signs Your Maine Coon Is Stressed And Frustrated
Cats become stressed or frustrated for many reasons.
Whilst some factors are easy to predict, sometimes our cat might get stressed by things we don’t even consider to be a problem.
Therefore, whilst it is not always possible to spot signs that your cat is stressed, a Maine Coon that never stops meowing is potentially experiencing a degree of stress.
Factors that can cause a Maine Coon cat to become stressed, include:
- Moving Home
- Family Tensions
- New Baby
- Visitors To Your Home
The best way to calm a stressed Maine Coon, is to give your pet lots of attention and love. Let them know that you are still there for them with lots of cuddles.
If extra attention doesn’t seem to be doing the trick to calm your Maine Coon, use a few of these cat pheromone plugins throughout your home to calm your cat.
Whilst there might be a variety of different cat pheromone plug-ins for sale, we personally find these ones on Amazon to be the best, and also great value for money.
TIP: If you know changes are occurring, spend some extra time with your Maine Coon to keep them calm. This will help them to transition more easily.
13. Is Old Age Affecting Your Maine Coon?
As sad as it is, older Maine Coons are more prone to suffering from mental health issues than their younger counterparts.
This often takes the form of confusion, and disorientation, which understandably then causes a cat to become distressed and upset.
For example, do you own an older Maine Coon that seems to suddenly meow more at nighttime?
If this sounds familiar, maybe they are mistaking nighttime for daytime, or vice versa.
14. Have You Accidentally Taught Your Maine Coon To Meow?
Learned behavior is one of the biggest reasons for excessive Maine Coon meowing, and is usually the result of an owner responding to every single Maine Coon sound that they hear.
Whilst the owner thinks that they are attending to their cat’s needs, what they have actually done is teach their Maine Coon from an early age that ‘meowing’ will get them attention, every time they want it.
It is quite difficult to unteach your cat’s habits that they have picked up in response to their human behavior.
You may have to ride the storm on this one, and gradually re-teach your Maine Coon the accepted behaviors, which don’t involve meowing all the time.
Please note however that this process is unlikely to be easy, or quick.
TIP: Avoid responding to every single meow and chirp from your Maine Coon cat. This isn’t being nasty but instead teaching your cat that every sound they make will not get a response.
Conclusion
Why does my Maine Coon meow so much?
As you can see, there are a variety of reasons that could be causing this.
Owners should therefore access their behavior and that of their cats, in an attempt to identify the root causes of the non-stop Maine Coon sounds.