13 Reasons Why Your Maine Coon Isn’t Affectionate

If you have been trying to bond with your cat, but it doesn’t seem to be working, you are probably asking yourself, why is my Maine Coon not affectionate?

Maine Coons are not affectionate towards owners that are too loud around them. Sudden movement and loud noises e.g. clapping and yelling will frighten the sensitive Maine Coon cat. Lack of affection can also be due to environmental stressors, underlying health issues, lack of socialization whilst a kitten, or not giving your cat personal space.

We all want our cats to love us, but it can be hard if your cat doesn’t seem to want you to pet it. Even worse, you may be struggling because your cat is hissing at you or even biting you!

Having adopted two Maine Coon boys, I quickly learned first hand that incorrect socialization during the first 10 weeks of life clearly impacts how long it takes for a cat to adjust in later life.

Why Is My Maine Coon Not Affectionate?

While Maine Coons are known for their affectionate nature, some may exhibit less overt affection due to various factors.

Early socialization and upbringing greatly influence a cat’s demeanor. A lack of positive experiences or interactions during kittenhood can lead to shyness or aloofness.

Environmental factors, such as stress or changes in routine, can also affect a cat’s behavior.

1. Its Boundaries Are Not Respected

One of the most common reasons a cat is not affectionate towards its owner is that it does not feel its boundaries are being respected.

Cats are very picky about their personal space, and won’t stand for constant poking, prodding, or cuddling when it does not want to be touched.

Try and give your cat more space, and let it interact with you on its terms.

2. Personality

Unfortunately, not all cats are super affectionate.

Some cats are more solitary and prefer to go through life without constant cuddling.

3. Jealousy

If you have recently brought a new cat, baby, or romantic partner into your life, your cat might be feeling neglected.

Jealousy is a very common emotion in cats, and if your cat is feeling left out, it could become reserved and even aggressive toward you.

One of my adopted cats gets very jealous when we stroke his brother. It’s like he KNOW’s Mika is being stroked, and literally appears out of nowhere! Then, barges his way into the petting arena and pushes his brother out! How rude!

Obviously, we cannot let him bully his brother so we ensure both cats get the same level of affection and attention.

4. Improper Socialization

Kittens should be handled with multiple people while they are very young.

If the cat you brought home was not properly socialized early in life, it might be:

• Skittish
• Aggressive
• Reserved

It will take some time for an improperly socialized cat to warm up to you, but with time and patience, even the most fearful of cats can someday become cuddly and affectionate!

5. Past Abuse

Did you adopt your cat from a shelter, or rehome it from a different owner?

Sadly, not everyone is loving towards their pets, and you may have adopted a cat from a bad situation.

If your cat has had mostly negative experiences with humans before you, it will almost certainly be fearful and distrusting.

6. Stress

If your cat has stopped being affectionate and spends more time hiding under the couch or bed, it’s most likely stressed.

Loneliness, a loud or stressful environment, or too much touching and stimulation can all cause a cat to experience stress.

7. Illness Or Injury

If your cat has suddenly become less affectionate than usual, it could be sick or in pain.

If your cat’s lack of affection is coupled with worrying symptoms like lethargy or lack of appetite, you should take it to the vet right away.

Watch out for these ‘Top 7 Maine Coon Health Problems‘.

8. You Are Reading Your Cat Wrong

A lot of people are surprised to learn that their cat actually is affectionate – it just has a different way of showing love!

Cats are far subtler creatures than dogs and have quiet ways of showing that they care.

If you think your cat does not like you, there is a chance that you’re simply misreading its body language and behavior.

9. Your Are Too Loud

Maine Coons are naturally skittish felines that dislike loud noises e.g. shouting, clapping, and yelling.

Sudden loud noises will frighten a Maine Coons naturally sensitive demeanor, making them fear being around you.

10. Lack Of Socialization

The socialization a kitten receives whilst young plays a major role in how affectionate they will be in later life.

If Maine Coons are not socialized from the beginning to loud noises i.e. the hoover, or children running around making noise, they will find such noises frightening.

A scared or fearful Maine Coon will be less affectionate until they feel safe to trust their owners.

11. Sudden Change

Cats love routine and habit. Even something as simple as moving around your furniture can cause a cat to become stressed!

If you’ve moved to a new house or apartment or made some other big change in your life, your cat might take a little while to adjust and become affectionate again.

12. Hormonal Changes

As cats grow older and reach their “teenage” stage, they tend to become more independent and possibly even grumpy at times.

Thankfully, this behavior is usually only temporary, and your cat will likely become more affectionate as it matures.

13. Your Cat Feels Comfortable

While this may seem contradictory, some cats become less affectionate when they start feeling safe in a new environment.

If you adopt or rehome your cat from a situation where it felt unloved, it will likely be extremely clingy at first.

Over time, however, it might become less affectionate as its needs are being met.

How Do Maine Coons Show Affection?

Cats don’t often display affection in the same obvious ways that dogs or even humans do. Instead, cat body language is often far subtler.

Here are the different ways that cats are known to express their love.

Cuddling

The most obvious way that cats show affection is by cuddling.

Whether your cat sits on your lap while you are watching television, or just really enjoys getting scratches on its chin, a cuddly cat is very clearly saying that it enjoys being around you.

Purring

Cats are born both blind and deaf, and purring is a mother’s way of telling her kittens where she is through vibrations.

As adults, though, purring is also a way that cats show they are deeply content.

If your cat purrs while you cuddle it, it means your cat is extra happy to be around you.

Slow Blinking

Slow blinking is one of the cutest ways that cats say “I love you”.

While making eye contact, a cat will slowly close one or both eyes, often repeatedly.

This is a huge display of trust, as it’s a cat’s way of signaling that it knows you will not attack it while its eyes are closed.

Mirroring

Cats are communal creatures who will often attempt to “copy” their humans.

If your cat sits on your keyboard every time you try to work at your desk, or even eats meals at the same time as you, then it is trying to match your routine.

This shows that your cat not only loves you, but feels safe around you, and wants to share its life with you.

Head Butting

Head butting, also known as head bunting, is an adorable behavior where a cat butts its head up against your hand, legs, and even face!

This is a display of affection and respect, and it’s also a way for cats to rub their scent glands on you.

Following You Around

Does your cat always seem to be in the same room as you?

This is a great sign!

It means that your cat enjoys being around you, even if it doesn’t necessarily want to cuddle you all the time.

Simply existing in the same space as you is one of the main ways your cat shows affection.

Licking

Cats groom each other when they love and trust one another.

Cats will also lick and “groom” humans as a display of affection.

Greeting

If your cat rushes to the door whenever you return home from work or running errands, this is a great sign that your cat missed you while you were away, and is happy to see you!

Lifted Tail

Believe it or not, the position of a cat’s tail can tell you a lot about its mood.

If your cat approaches you with its tail lifted high and curled over just at the end, this is a subtle way of showing it’s happy to see you.

Kneading

While suckling, kittens knead their mother’s belly with their paws to stimulate milk flow.

As adults, cats knead to show that they are content and comfortable.

It’s essentially a cat’s way of recreating just how happy they were as a kitten.

While it can be painful to endure, especially if your cat’s nails haven’t been recently trimmed, if your cat kneads your belly or some other part of your body, it’s the ultimate show of affection!

Exposing Their Belly

Cats naturally protect their belly because it’s the most direct way for a predator to cause injury to its vital organs.

If a cat lays on its back and shows its belly to you, it’s showing you that it trusts you deeply!

Watch my funny video of a Maine Coon cat laying on his back below.

Sleeping Near You

Cats who are distrustful will hide under the bed or couches to sleep because they are incredibly vulnerable while they’re sleeping.

Cats will sleep near you and in plain sight when they trust you.

Giving ‘Gifts’

If you have an outdoor cat, you may be unpleasantly surprised to find that it brings you dead animals.

As gross as this may be, this is a way that cats show they care about you!

Playing

A loving cat will enjoy playing with you.

Whether that means your cat surprises you with a pounce when you’re least expecting it, or your cat is simply engaging fully in playtime, it’s a sure way to tell that your cat is affectionate.

Watch this Youtube video by Maine Coon Central, to watch our adorable Maine Coon cat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Maine Coons are generally known for their affectionate nature, individual differences exist due to genetics, upbringing, and environmental factors.

If your Maine Coon seems less affectionate, consider these factors and take steps to provide a nurturing environment.

Patience, positive reinforcement, and understanding can help strengthen the bond with your beloved pet, fostering a deeper connection over time.

Remember, every cat is unique, and with care and attention, your Maine Coon can thrive and show affection in their special way.