When it comes to affectionate cat breeds, Maine Coons are front and center. They are rarely distant and often want to cuddle their way to your heart. It’s a rewarding feeling. You may wonder if it’s possible for them to be more affectionate than they already are.
Do Maine Coon cats get more affectionate with age? Maine Coons can become more affectionate with age. As cats mature, they go through different stages of life. A Maine Coon kitten will likely be less affectionate in comparison to an older cat. But this is generalizing. All cats have unique personalities, so it cannot be certain their demeanor will change with age.
There’s no easy way to tell how your Maine Coon’s personality will change with age. However, becoming familiar with your Maine Coon’s life stages and behaviors will make it easier for you to recognize how they are feeling about you.
LIFE STAGES AND AFFECTION
Just like humans, Maine Coons change with age. They go through different life stages. Listed below are the various life stages and how it corresponds with Maine Coons’ affection.
- Kitten (Newborn to 6 months old) This is the baby stage for Maine Coons and a crucial time for socialization. If you are able to get your Maine Coon as a kitten, you can familiarize them with affection. They will grow up being comfortable around humans and open up more easily
- Junior (6 months to 2 years old) Think of junior cats as young, rebellious teenagers. Your Maine Coon will be extremely active and playful at this life stage. At this point you can notice their personalities shining through, making it easy to see if your Maine Coon will be a natural cuddler or will need some encouragement.
- Young Adult (3 to 6 years old) Your Maine Coon has now entered her prime years. At this life stage, your Maine Coon is physically and mentally mature. Your Maine Coon will be all for long play sessions followed by lots of cuddles and ear scratches.
- Mature (7 to 10 years old) At this life stage, your Maine Coon will not change much from the young adult stage. However, Maine Coons are sedentary cats and may be less interested in play and more interested in snuggling up to their favorite humans.
- Senior (11 to 14) Oh, the golden years- a term not only meant for humans. Your Maine Coon will start to show signs of aging, like growing gray or white fur, and losing luster to its coat. Your Maine Coon will be significantly less interested in play. This is the time in a Maine Coon’s life when they will be most affectionate.
- Geriatric (15+) In this final stage of a Maine Coon’s life, they will be looking to you for affection, so give your sweet Maine Coon all the love and comfort you can. Due to health-related issues that come with aging, your Maine Coon won’t be as spry as they once were. Always look for signs of illness in geriatric cats and take them for check-ups regularly.
HOW DO MAINE COONS SHOW AFFECTION?
Maine Coons are famous for being one of the most affectionate cat breeds out there. Mostly, they are straight forward with letting you know how they feel. Once you know the signs of affection that Maine Coons use, it will be easy for you to spot them.
- They follow you from room to room. Maine Coons are famous for trailing behind their humans. They always want to be near you, so if kitty follows you from place to place, consider it a sign of love.
- They go limp in your arms. Yes, this is where we get the name “Maine Coon”. When a Maine Coon is comfortable with its human, it will go limp when held.
- They lie in your lap. If your Maine Coon can’t get enough of your affection, they will look for your lap to take a snooze. Just like following you from room to room, this is a sign your Maine Coon wants to be as close to you as can be.
- They headbutt you. These headbutts, also known as bunting, are another way Maine Coons show their affection. Cats have scent glands around their faces. Rubbing their face on you is a way to pass the scent on to you. They do this to show they accept you as one of their own.
Despite Maine Coons having outgoing personalities, they could offer more subtle affectionate gestures if they are feeling shy. Listed below are some common behaviors Maine Coons use to return your love.
- They stick their tail straight up. A tail straight in the air is a sign of comfort and confidence. If your Maine Coon is very excited, you may even see its tail twitching.
- They slowly blink at you. A slow blink is a friendly gesture. Your Maine Coon is communicating that it fully trusts you.
- They chirp, trill, or purr. These sounds are not only adorable, but they serve as a friendly greeting for humans.
- They show you their belly. Your Maine Coon’s tummy is a vulnerable spot. Exposing this sensitive area is a sign of trust.
TIPS FOR HELPING YOUR MAINE COON BECOME LOVING
Perhaps your Maine Coon is not showing you as much love as you’d like. Don’t fear, as there is still hope. You can make the most progress in the kitten and junior stages. But at any point, you can help your Maine Coon become more affectionate towards you.
- Cover all bases. Make sure your Maine Coon is fed, has fresh water and a clean litter box. Have comfortable places for it to nap, and invest in some challenging toys. If you hit all these marks, you’re en route to a happy, relaxed feline.
- Pet them correctly. Maine Coons can’t resist a good petting session. Rub your Maine Coon in spots it loves, like by the ears and under the chin. Avoid areas they do not like, such as the feet and stomach. If you get the sweet spots, your Maine Coon will love you for it.
- Spend plenty of time together. Simply being present in your Maine Coon’s life is an excellent way to build your bond. Familiarity leads to trust, and trust will lead to lots of love.
Always remember that no two Maine Coons will have the same personality. While most will be affectionate cuddlers, some will be feisty, aloof, or plain crazy. But it is up to you to find their quirks and love them for the wonderful cats they are.
If you need more help with that, you should read this article: Why your Maine Coon cat is so mean!
RELATED QUESTIONS
Do Maine Coon cats need a companion? Maine Coons don’t necessarily need a cat companion to be happy if you are home almost all the time. They are good with other cats and even dogs so you can give them a companion if you wish to do so or if you are a working person.
More information on that here: Do Maine Coons need a companion?
What sounds do Maine Coon cats make? This breed is not the most talkative. Familiarizing yourself with the sounds they make can help you better understand your Maine Coon. Like most other breeds, they will meow, chatter and purr. They can also growl, yowl, and hiss if they are not in a good mood.
What health problems can Maine Coons have? Luckily, Maine Coons often live long lives without any major health issues. However, they can be predisposed to obesity since they are not very active cats. Maine Coons can also develop UTI’s, kidney disease, and heart disease. Always monitor your Maine Coon’s behaviors and contact a vet if necessary.
