Why Your Maine Coon Might Hate the Cold (Despite That Fluffy Coat!)
It’s no secret that many domestic cats enjoy toasting themselves by the fireplace or sunbathing in warm windowsills, but what about Maine Coons?
With their thick, shaggy coats and powerful build, these majestic cats look like they were made for snow. But do Maine Coon cats enjoy cold weather, or just tolerate it?
In this article, we explore whether Maine Coons love the cold, the science behind their winter-proof features, and how to keep them safe when temperatures drop too low.
Do Maine Coon Cats Like Cold Weather?
While Maine Coon cats don’t necessarily seek out cold environments, they are incredibly well-adapted to tolerate and thrive in them.
Thanks to centuries of evolution in the snowy climate of Maine (USA), these cats have developed remarkable cold-weather features that set them apart from other domestic breeds.
Here’s why Maine Coons are winter warriors:
- Multi-layered coat: Their fur has a water-repellent outer layer, a dense undercoat, and long guard hairs, designed to trap heat and keep snow from soaking in.
- Snowshoe-like paws: Maine Coons have large, wide paws that act like snowshoes, distributing their weight so they can walk across snow without sinking.
- Fur-covered paw pads: Their paws are heavily tufted with fur to insulate against frozen ground and ice.
- Long bushy tail: They often wrap their tails around their bodies or faces like a scarf when resting in the cold.
- Ear tufts and lynx tips: Their ears are well-insulated with inner ear tufts and outer lynx tips to protect against wind and frost.
While many Maine Coons enjoy playing outside in cold or snowy conditions, that doesn’t mean extreme weather is safe for them.
Can Maine Coons Be Left Outside In Winter?
Although Maine Coons are built to handle chilly weather better than other cat breeds, that doesn’t mean they can be left outside all winter.
According to ASPCA and PetMD, the following temperatures are too cold for a Maine Coon cat:
| Temperature (°F) | Effect on Maine Coon | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 60–70°F | Comfortable | No concern |
| 45–59°F | Tolerable | Monitor thin, elderly, or sick cats |
| 30–44°F | Risk zone | Limit outdoor time to 10–15 mins |
| Below 30°F | Dangerous | Risk of hypothermia or frostbite |
| Below 15°F | Life- threatening | Should not be outdoors |
Even the hardy Maine Coon should not be left outside for long if the temperature falls below 30°F (-1°C).
Short, supervised outdoor play is fine, but prolonged exposure can quickly lead to cold stress, frostbite, and even hypothermia, especially if your cat is wet or has a thinner coat.
14 Signs Your Maine Coon Is Too Cold
If you’re not sure how to tell if your Maine Coon cat is feeling too cold, take a look at the clues below:
1. Curls tightly into a ball to preserve heat
When a Maine Coon feels cold, they often curl into a compact, ball-like position, tucking their paws under their body and wrapping their tail around their face.
This natural posture helps minimize heat loss by reducing the surface area exposed to the air.
2. Cat’s ears, paws, or nose feel cold to the touch
If you touch your Maine Coon’s ears, paw pads, or nose and they feel noticeably cooler than the rest of the body, this could be a sign they are too cold.
These extremities have limited fur coverage and are the first areas to lose heat.
3. They frequently seek out warm areas in the home
A Maine Coon that is always lying on heating vents, radiators, or warm electronic devices like laptops may be struggling to stay warm.
If you notice your cat constantly moving to warmer areas, they are feeling cold.
4. Shivering or trembling
One of the most obvious signs of cold discomfort is shivering. A shivering Maine Coon is trying to generate warmth through muscle activity.
This is a critical warning sign that your cat is not warm enough, and immediate action is needed.
5. Cat appears more lethargic than usual
When cats are cold, they often become less active to conserve body heat. If your normally lively Maine Coon seems sluggish, sleepy, or uninterested in play, they could be feeling the effects of low temperatures.
6. Movement becomes stiff or hesitant
Cold weather can cause a Maine Coon’s muscles and joints to become stiff, especially in older cats.
If your cat is walking slowly, seems reluctant to jump, or appears to move with difficulty, cold temperatures may be to blame.
7. Their fur is puffed up or lies flat against their body
In cold conditions, some cats puff up their fur to trap heat, while others pull their fur close to their bodies to conserve warmth.
Both behaviors are ways cats adjust to temperature changes, and seeing this change could signal that your Maine Coon is trying to stay warm.
8. They are clingier than usual and want to snuggle
A Maine Coon that becomes unusually affectionate and constantly tries to cuddle on your lap, in bed, or under the blankets may be seeking out your body heat.
Increased clinginess is often a request for warmth.
9. They meow more often or make distressed sounds
Some Maine Coons become more vocal when they’re uncomfortable or trying to communicate a need, such as being too cold.
If your cat is meowing frequently while looking toward windows, doors, or heat sources, they may be cold and asking for help.
10. Cat hides in confined, warm spaces
If your cat suddenly starts burrowing under blankets, hiding in small cupboards, or curling up in laundry baskets, they’re likely trying to find a warm, enclosed space to retain body heat.
This instinctive behavior should be taken seriously in colder months.
11. They are sleeping more than usual in warm spots
While Maine Coons enjoy sleep by nature, excessive or increased sleep in warm areas may suggest they are trying to conserve energy due to the cold.
If your cat is sleeping far more than normal during colder periods, this could be a red flag.
12. They avoid walking on cold floors or icy outdoor surfaces.
Maine Coons are known for being adventurous, but if your cat suddenly avoids tile, hardwood, or other cold surfaces, or hesitates to step outside in winter, they may be experiencing discomfort from the temperature underfoot.
13. Their paw pads look dry, cracked, or irritated
In cold, dry environments or when exposed to snow or salted paths outdoors, a Maine Coon’s paw pads can dry out and crack.
If you notice redness, flaking, or signs of discomfort when they walk, it could indicate that the cold is affecting their paws.
14. They lose interest in food or begin eating less
In severe cold, a cat’s body may divert energy away from digestion to preserve core temperature.
If your Maine Coon suddenly stops eating or has a significant drop in appetite during a cold spell, you should warm them up and consult your veterinarian immediately.
When To Take Action
If your Maine Coon shows several of these symptoms at once, especially cold extremities, shivering, extreme lethargy, or hiding, it’s important to warm them up gently and immediately.
Take them into a warm, draft-free room, provide a cozy blanket, and avoid placing them near direct heat sources like heaters or fires, which can cause burns.
If the symptoms persist or worsen, seek veterinary advice to rule out hypothermia or other underlying health issues.
Can Maine Coon Cats Get Hypothermia?
Despite their cold-weather features, Maine Coons can still develop hypothermia or frostbite if left in freezing temperatures too long, especially if they’re wet or wind-exposed.
Symptoms of Hypothermia
| Symptom | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Weakness or lethargy | Unusually slow movements or low energy |
| Shivering | May be subtle or stop completely in severe cases |
| Slow, shallow breathing | A dangerous sign of cold-induced shock |
| Unresponsiveness | Fails to react to noise, touch, or movement |
| Stiff muscles | Difficulty walking, or walking rigidly |
| Fixed, dilated pupils | A sign of advanced hypothermia |
Emergency Tip: Never warm a cold cat too quickly. Avoid hot water bottles or baths. Instead, wrap them in warm blankets and contact your vet immediately. Vets may use warm IV fluids or heating pads to stabilize core body temperature.
How To Keep A Maine Coon Warm In Winter
Even though Maine Coons handle chilly weather better than most breeds, they still benefit from extra warmth, especially if they’re indoor cats or live in cold homes.
Here are 8 quick ways to keep your Maine Coon cozy:
- Maintain a warm indoor temperature
Keep your thermostat between 70–75°F (21–24°C) during the coldest months. - Buy a heated cat bed
These are especially helpful for elderly or thin Maine Coons who struggle to retain heat. - Provide thick blankets and fleece throws
Place them in your cat’s favorite spots, especially near windows or on hardwood floors. - Raise their bed off the ground
Heat rises, so placing your cat’s bed on furniture, a window perch, or shelves helps keep them warm. - Let the sunshine in
Keep curtains open during the day to give your Maine Coon access to warm sunbeams. Close them at night to block drafts. - Monitor body condition
Thin or senior cats may need sweaters or extra calories in winter. Maine Coons with less undercoat may also feel the chill more. - Feed slightly more food
Cats burn more energy to stay warm in cold weather, so an extra spoonful of high-quality food may help support their metabolism. - Encourage movement.
Play increases body temperature, so daily interactive play helps your cat stay physically and thermally active.
Do Maine Coons Like Snow?
Many Maine Coons do enjoy playing in the snow! Their thick coat keeps them dry and warm, and their snowshoe paws make them agile in the white stuff.
Some Maine Coons even appear fascinated by falling snowflakes and love to chase them around.
But remember:
- Not all Maine Coons love snow. Some dislike wet paws or cold winds.
- Always supervise snow play. Limit outdoor time to 10-15 minutes, especially in deep snow.
- Dry your cat’s fur and paws when they come inside to prevent chilling.
Can Cats Get Cold From Air Conditioning?
Absolutely! If you keep your air conditioning set below 65°F (18°C), your Maine Coon might start to feel chilly especially if they sleep on cold tiles or by vents.
Always provide warm resting spots like fleece beds or blankets.
