Why Don’t Maine Coon Cats Meow?

Cats are generally known for being quiet, independent, and even aloof creatures, only seeking attention by meowing when required, which is not often.

By comparison, the Maine Coon makes lots of sounds (like these) except the usual cat meowing sound we all know. So, why don’t Maine Coon cats meow? Keep reading to discover the surprising truth!

Why Don’t Maine Coon Cats Meow?

Maine Coon cats do meow, but their meow does not sound like the meow we are used to hearing from cats. Instead, Maine Coons will purr, chirp, trill, chatter, hiss, or howl. These cats are known for being more dog-like in their behavior, and dogs do not meow!

Cats’ meowing is the way felines communicate with humans, so when a Maine Coon vocalizes (which is often!), it is your cat’s way of communicating with you.

Maine Coons are known for their very vocal natures, however, they are unique in the feline world because they do not meow. Instead, they use other cat noises due to their breeding evolution.

These gentle giants do not meow the kind of meows we are used to hearing from other cat breeds because they are more in touch with their wild, non-domesticated natures.

Maine Coon Sounds

Below are the different Maine Coon noises this giant cat breed makes, and what each sound means:

Chattering

This sounds like a quieter cackle. Your Maine Coon usually does this when watching birds outside.

Chirping

Sounds like a cross between a conventional cat meow and a purr. It is high-pitched and comes in short bursts.

It is often an expression of happiness and contentment. Chirps, like trills, also indicate hunger, distress, or need for attention.

Hissing

A Maine Coon hiss sounds like a low, throaty sound combined with low growls. It indicates feelings of insecurity and fear, as well as anger.

Howling

A Maine Coon howl is like the sound of a dog’s howl, only softer. It is usually a learned behavior whereby their owners have accidentally trained their cats to howl by instantly responding to their every cry.

These cats also howl when feeling sad, lonely, hungry, physically hurt, or sexually in heat.

Purring

The purr of a Maine Coon cat sounds like long drawn-out soft snores. It indicates contentment and satisfaction. However, it can also mean they want something and are asking you to get it for them!

Trilling

Trilling sounds like extended purring. Like the chirp, it is also high-pitched but comes in long, drawn-out soft “brrrrrr” sounds.

Trilling often indicates happiness, contentment, and even excitement, as well as hunger, distress, or a need for your attention. You have to check the contexts of their chirps and trills to better understand what they are trying to communicate to you.

Why Maine Coons Are So Vocal

The Maine Coon cat breed is known for being vocal and chatty. Their sociable nature means they want to engage with their human family, often, so expect various chirps and trills throughout the day!

If you’ve noticed your cat being extra chatty, here are some reasons why this might be:

• Chatty: Your cat simply wants to talk with you!
• Boredom: The cat is looking for entertainment.
• Playtime: Your Maine Coon might want to go out and play.
• Treats: The Cat wants a treat.
• Cuddles: Maine Coon cats love a cuddle.
• Attention: The cat simply wants attention.
• Missing You: Maine Coon cats have an inbuilt desire for companionship.
• Pain: Check that your Maine Coon is not in pain, or ask a vet to, if your cat will not stop meowing.
• Manners: The cat is saying good night.
• Sexual Maturity: Maine Coons may how regularly if they have reached sexual maturity, and have not been neutered/spayed. Especially if they have reached 6 to 8 months.
• Birds: They’ve seen a bird and will be chattering away to it!

Is Your Cat Meowing At Night?

When your Maine Coon cries at night, it often means they miss you.

If you have sufficiently fed and cared for your cat during the day, try not to panic. Let your Maine Coon get used to time on their own during the nighttime, or let them sleep with you!

Avoid creating a habit of immediately comforting and cuddling your cat, to quieten them in the night as you are training them to become night howlers.

Learn more about Maine Coon howling in this article.

However, if you have an older Maine Coon, cat howling may be a sign of sight or hearing deterioration and they may be feeling scared or confused because you are not there.

Howling can also be a sign of cognitive dysfunction leading to dementia. Talk to your veterinarian about this, especially if you notice Maine Coon howling becoming a nightly pattern.