13 SHOCKING Truths Behind The Maine Coons Bottomless Appetite

Is your Maine Coon constantly begging for food, stalking the kitchen, or devouring every meal like it hasn’t eaten in days? You might think they’re just greedy, but there’s often much more going on beneath the surface.

Let’s uncover the real reasons your Maine Coon always seems to be starving, from sky-high calorie needs to hidden medical issues, and what you can do to keep them happy, healthy, and full.

Why Maine Coons Eat A LOT

Maine Coons aren’t your average house cats. According to the International Cat Association (TICA):

• Males typically weigh 18–22 lbs (8.2–10 kg)
• Females average 12–15 lbs (5.4–6.8 kg)

That means their calorie needs blow smaller breeds out of the water.

So, how much should a Maine Coon eat?

If you feed based on “typical cat” guidelines (usually for 8-10 lb cats), you’re severely underfeeding your Maine Coon cat.

Why Maine Coon Are Always Hungry

Sometimes it’s not about health problems or poor food choices, your cat might simply have a very valid reason for being extra hungry.

Let’s explore the obvious yet often overlooked reasons why your Maine Coon keeps asking for more food, even when they appear well-fed.

1. You’re Simply Not Feeding Enough

Maine Coons are one of the most energy-hungry breeds out there.

If you’re relying on the back of a generic cat food label or using portions meant for standard-sized felines, your Maine Coon will always be ravenous.

Owners should:

✅ Adjust portions based on your cat’s weight and lifestyle
✅ Use a calorie-based approach, not a scoop-based one

2. You’re Feeding The Wrong Kind Of Food

Some foods fill the bowl but leave your cat empty. Cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy offer calories, but not nutrition.

Your Maine Coon may eat enough volume-wise but still feel constantly unsatisfied.

What to look for in quality cat food:

• High protein content (ideally 40 %+ for dry food)
• Real meat is listed as the first ingredient
• Low or no grains
• No artificial colors or preservatives

Cats are obligate carnivores – protein isn’t optional, it’s essential!

3. Hunger Could Be A Symptom Of Disease

Is your Maine Coon eating more than ever but losing weight or acting strange?

Certain medical conditions make cats feel like they’re starving, regardless of how much they eat.

Watch for these signs:

• Sudden weight loss
• Increased thirst or urination
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Hyperactivity or restlessness

Possible causes include:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Diabetes mellitus
• Worms or intestinal parasites

What to do:
Schedule a vet appointment ASAP if you notice any of these red flags.

4. Your Maine Coon Might Be Bored Or Lonely

Maine Coons are brainy, social, and historically were bred to be working cats. If they’re under-stimulated, they may start obsessing over food out of boredom.

Ask yourself:

• Are you playing with your cat daily?
• Do they have scratching posts, cat towers, or window perches?
• Do they seem restless, vocal, or destructive?

Enrichment ideas:

• Food puzzle toys and slow feeders
• Interactive play (wand toys, laser pointers)
• Rotate toys every few days to keep them fresh
• Consider getting a companion cat if yours is often alone

5. Is Your Female Maine Coon Pregnant Or Nursing?

During pregnancy and lactation, calorie needs skyrocket. If your cat is unspayed and suddenly eating double, this could be why…

• Pregnant cats may need 25–50% more calories
• Nursing mothers may need up to 2x their usual intake

Don’t restrict food during this stage, free feeding may be appropriate under vet guidance.

6. They’re Naturally More Active Than Most Cats

Maine Coons are playful, athletic, and curious by nature. If your cat is zooming around the house, climbing furniture, or constantly engaging with toys, it’s burning a lot of energy.

• Active cats need more calories to support all that movement.
• If your Maine Coon has access to outdoor adventures, the calorie burn increases even further.
• Just like a human athlete, a highly active Maine Coon may need more frequent meals or higher-calorie food to stay satisfied.

Tip: Monitor how often your cat plays, jumps, or explores to gauge their energy output.

7. They Have A Naturally High Metabolism

Even within the same breed, metabolism can vary. Some Maine Coons just have a genetic predisposition to burn calories faster.

• A fast metabolism means your cat digests and uses food energy more quickly.
• This can cause hunger to return sooner, even after a decent meal.

How to tell: If your cat eats a lot, stays slim, and is full of energy, they might just have a super-efficient metabolism.

8. Feeding Times Are Too Far Apart

Maine Coons thrive on routine. If you’re feeding just once or twice a day, long gaps between meals can leave your cat genuinely hungry for hours.

• Larger cats do better with smaller, more frequent meals to stabilize their appetite and energy levels.
• Hunger between meals may cause them to beg, whine, or hover near the food bowl more often.

Solution: Try dividing daily portions into 3–4 small meals spread throughout the day.

9. They Eat Too Fast To Feel Full

Cats that gobble down their food in seconds often don’t give their brain enough time to register that they’re full.

• This is especially true for Maine Coons who were rescued from food-scarce environments or have a competitive feeding history.
• The result? Your cat may act hungry immediately after eating, simply because they ate too fast to feel satisfied.

Tip: Use a slow-feeder bowl or a puzzle feeder to make meals last longer and reduce post-meal begging.

10. They Prefer Food At A Certain Temperature/Texture

Cats, including Maine Coons, are surprisingly particular about how their food is presented. Sometimes, they’ll leave food untouched only to act hungry later.

• Cold, wet food straight from the fridge may be unappetizing.
• Dry kibble that’s too crunchy or bland may be ignored.
• If they refuse a meal, they’ll still come back meowing as though they haven’t eaten.

Fix: Try warming wet food slightly or adding a splash of warm water to kibble to enhance aroma and palatability.

11. They’ve Associated Your Behavior With Food

Maine Coons are extremely intelligent and observational. If your cat has learned that walking into the kitchen, opening a cupboard, or sitting on the sofa = treat time, they’ll start “asking” for food every time you do these things.

• This behavior isn’t driven by hunger, but by conditioning.
• It can become a habit where your cat appears hungry multiple times a day, when really, they’re just anticipating a reward.

What to do: Set structured meal and treat times, and avoid giving food when your cat begs outside of those times.

12. They’re Competing With Other Pets

If you have multiple cats (or dogs), your Maine Coon might feel pressured to eat quickly or may not get its full share of food.

• Even if food is provided equally, competition can lead to food insecurity, especially in timid or formerly stray cats.
• This causes them to act ravenous or overly protective of their meals.

Tip: Feed cats in separate rooms or use microchip-activated feeders to eliminate stress and ensure fair access.

13. They’re Addicted To Treats Or “People Food”

If your Maine Coon has tasted bits of roast chicken, cheese, or your dinner leftovers, they may become fixated on getting more.

• Human food is more flavorful and aromatic, which can make cat food seem less appealing.
• Cats may start rejecting their food and begging for yours, which looks like hunger but is often preference-driven.

Warning: Frequent access to “people food” can cause long-term nutritional imbalances and bad habits.

What You Can Do Today

✔️ Recalculate your Maine Coon’s calorie needs
✔️ Switch to a high-quality, protein-rich diet
✔️ Invest in interactive feeders or toys to slow down eating
✔️ Observe behavior closely for any changes
✔️ Book a vet checkup if weight loss, vomiting, or behavior shifts occur