Do Maine Coons sleep with their owners?
If you are curious about your Maine Coons sleeping habits or considering adopting one, keep reading to learn more about why these cats love to snuggle up with their humans.
Maine Coons are adored for their love of sleeping with their owners. These cats are social creatures and often seek out warm, cozy places to curl up and rest. Indeed, there is no cozier place than next to their favorite human. When pet parents welcome their fluffy friends into their beds at night, it opens the door to even more affection and bonding with their cats.
So, whether you are a seasoned Maine Coon owner or new to the breed, keep reading to learn more about these lovable cats.
Do Maine Coons Sleep With Their Owners?
Maine Coon cats are adored for their friendly and affectionate personalities.
These gentle felines were originally used as working cats in the harsh climate of Maine.
A couple of theories exist about their origin story:
Long-Haired Cats
One popular theory is that Maine Coons descended from longhaired cats brought over to America on European ships.
Marie Antoinette
Another theory proposes that Maine Coons are descendants of cats owned by Marie Antoinette, who sent her cats to America during the French Revolution.
Despite their former wild origins, Maine Coon cats are known for being loyal companions, and they form powerful bonds with their owners.
Maine Coons transfer their social, cuddly behavior to their bedtime rituals too!
Many Maine Coons will sleep on or next to their owners. They may sleep near their owners’ feet, on the side of the bed, or on the pillow.
However, every cat is different, and some Maine Coons may prefer to sleep alone.
They may sleep with their owners some nights but not other nights. Generally, though, most owners of these gentle giants find that their cats do love to snuggle up with them at night.
For more information about the Maine Coon cat origins, read this article.
Why Your Cat Loves To Sleep With You
There are many reasons why cats love to sleep with their owners, particularly when it comes to Maine Coons.
Here are the five most common reasons:
1. Bonding and Affection
Cats are social creatures. Sleeping with their owners is one way they show affection and form a close bond.
By sleeping close to or on their owners, Maine Coons portray trust and comfortability.
Starting in kittenhood, Maine Coons know that sleeping together is a special social bonding behavior.
Sleeping together is how kittens and cats form social hierarchies, and the ritual with their human parent is no different.
2. Warmth and Comfort
Maine Coons normally thrive in cooler climates.
Sleeping with their owners can provide them with the warmth and comfort they need to feel safe and cozy.
Curling up next to you can also help your cat feel more relaxed and calm.
3. Security and Protection
All cats are natural predators and have protective instincts. So, by sleeping with their owners, they feel more secure and protected.
Maine Coons may see their owners as protectors and feel safer knowing they are nearby.
On the bed, Maine Coons typically have a solid vantage point of both their owners and the surrounding room for maximum security.
4. Stress Relief
Just like humans, cats can experience stress and anxiety. Sleeping with their owners can help them feel more relaxed.
The sound of their owners’ breathing can soothe Maine Coons and help them fall asleep more easily.
5. Marking Territory
Cats are territorial. Their home – their owner’s home – is their territory.
Instinctively, they investigate every nook and cranny so they understand the depths of their home.
Maine Coons may have several napping locations around the home. Each has been carefully chosen as a special, safe place within their territory.
6. Attention and Play
Finally, sleeping with their owners helps Maine Coons get extra attention and playtime.
Many cats are more active at night, and by sleeping with you, they are more likely to feel stimulated and avoid loneliness.
Why Does My Maine Coon Sleep On My Head?
Sometimes, Maine Coons do not just sleep on their owners’ beds. They choose to sleep on or right next to their owners’ heads!
For every cat owner wondering, why does my cat lay on top of me when I sleep, the reasons for this behavior are listed below:
Avoiding Body Movement
Sleeping on or near the head may simply be a way for Maine Coon’s to avoid flailing legs and arms.
Maine Coons will determine the most practical sleeping spot to get restful sleep, which may be located on the pillow.
Warmth
One of the most common reasons why a Maine Coon loves to sleep on you is for warmth and comfort.
The head is the perfect warm spot for a kitty to cozy up to.
Marking Territory
Cats have scent glands on their paws and faces.
By sleeping on their owners’ heads, Maine Coons are able to rub their scent off, essentially marking their territory.
Notably, it is more common for male Maine Coons to do this, but females might do it, too.
Habitual Behaviors
Maine Coons are creatures of habit, and they can even be trained on where to sleep.
If they have been allowed to sleep on their owner’s head in the past, they may simply continue doing it out of habit.
Hair Obsession
Some cats are enthralled with their owner’s hair!
This may be due to the scent.
Some owners report that their Maine Coons enjoy playing with, licking, or chewing their hair.
So, if a Maine Coon is particularly intrigued by their owner’s hair, they may enjoy being near it during sleep.
Social Instinct
Modern house cats, including Maine Coons, are descended from communities in desert environments.
In these original settings, cats engaged in synchronized behaviors as a method of social bonding.
Therefore, a Maine Coon’s sleeping habits may be fulfilling an ancient social routine. Also, this behavior means the cat views her owner as a part of her “pack.”
Maine Coon Sleeping Positions
Unique sleeping positions are one of the many fascinating and quirky behaviors of the beloved Maine Coon cat.
Every sleeping position reveals something about a cat’s mood and personality.
Here are some common Maine Coon sleeping positions and what they mean:
- The Loaf: In this classic position, a Maine Coon tucks her paws underneath their body and curls up in a loaf-like shape. This position implies feelings of relaxation and contentment.
- The Donut: In this position, these fluffy friends curl up into a tight ball with their tails wrapped around their bodies. The donut may indicate feelings of chilliness, anxiety, or a bit of unease.
- The Stretch: Sometimes, Maine Coons will stretch out their legs and body. This position is a sign they are feeling totally confident and comfortable in their environment. It can also indicate that your cat is feeling playful or ready to explore.
- The Flop: Flopping may just be the most beloved sleeping position Maine Coons have. In this position, a Maine Coon will lie on its back with their legs and paws up in the air. This position indicates that the cat is feeling relaxed, happy, and secure in its surroundings.
- The Perch: Maine Coons are known for their love of high places. Accordingly, this position involves perching on a high surface, such as a windowsill or bookshelf. It usually means the cat is feeling curious and observant.
- The Spoon: In this position, Maine Coons snuggle up close to their owners, often with their heads on the chest or shoulder. This position may suggest that the feline is feeling affectionate and content in her owner’s presence.
Do Maine Coons Sleep A Lot?
Maine Coons tend to sleep a lot, like most cats.
On average, a cat will sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours per day, and Maine Coons are no exception.
There are several reasons why Maine Coons and other cats sleep so much.
For starters, cats are “crepuscular” animals, meaning they are most active during the dawn and dusk hours. They tend to sleep both during the day and at night.
Further, cats are hunters by nature. So, they need plenty of rest to conserve their energy for hunting prey.
Maine Coons, in particular, are known for their love of napping. They will seek out cozy spots to rest and recharge. This can include sunny windowsills, soft blankets, or, as discussed, their owner’s lap or bed.
While it is natural for Maine Coons to sleep a lot, they also must have plenty of opportunities for play, exercise, and social interaction during waking hours.
Pet parents must be prepared to spend time engaging in play and providing love and attention when it is not nap time.
Conclusion
To answer the question – do Maine Coons sleep with their owners, the answer is a resounding yes.
It is common for these friendly, gentle felines to sleep with their owners.
This loving act provides Maine Coons with warmth, comfort, security, and the opportunity for bonding.
It is essential for pet parents to understand Maine Coon sleeping habits to ensure their health and happiness.
Click here to learn more about what it’s like to own a Maine Coon cat in the real world!
FAQs
Do Maine Coons Sleep With Their Owners? | Maine Coon Central? ›
Maine Coons are adored for their love of sleeping with their owners. These cats are social creatures and often seek out warm, cozy places to curl up and rest. Indeed, there is no cozier place than next to their favorite human.
Do Maine Coons pick one person? ›While Maine Coon cats are typically loyal to a single person, they have a charming friendliness that they extend to most people. They love meeting new friends, and they'll be happy to engage or interact with visitors to your house, unlike many cats who hide under the bed or otherwise avoid new people.
Do Maine Coons love their owners? ›Don't let their imposing size fool you—deep down, Maine coons are soft, gentle giants who love to spend time with their humans. They very much expect to be part of the family and aren't big on personal space or privacy. These cats are delighted at the thought of following you from room to room as you go about your day.
Do Maine Coons like to be picked up? ›Fortunately, most Maine Coons are of a happy-go-lucky disposition. This means they do not tend to mind being picked up for a short period, or longer if they were trained to cuddle as a kitten.
Can Maine Coons be clingy? ›If your cat is constantly asking for attention, it might make you wonder, why is my Maine Coon so needy? Maine Coons are loving, affectionate cats, but if they become clingy, it might mean they are not getting enough attention. Maine Coons are social, loving animals that thrive on companionship.
Do Maine Coons get jealous? ›The truth is, however, that Maine Coons are capable of feeling a range of emotions just like humans. Maine Coons are highly affectionate cats, but if they feel that their owner has begun to give more attention to someone else, they can become very jealous.
How long can you leave a Maine Coon alone for? ›Yes, a fully grown adult Maine Coon cat can be left alone overnight, provided an owner does not leave their cat for longer than 12 hours at a time.
Should my Maine Coon sleep with me? ›To answer the question – do Maine Coons sleep with their owners, the answer is a resounding yes. It is common for these friendly, gentle felines to sleep with their owners. This loving act provides Maine Coons with warmth, comfort, security, and the opportunity for bonding.
Will my Maine Coon sleep with me? ›More than other cat breeds, Maine Coons are social creatures. They love to sleep in a pile with their humans because it means they're getting to spend time with the other beings in their home, which makes them feel like part of the family.
Why is my Maine Coon so attached to me? ›The Maine Coon cat breed is known for being extremely sociable, craving higher levels of attention than the standard cat breeds, which are characteristically more aloof. They adore human company, and may just want some attention!
How do you know if your Maine Coon loves you? ›
Maine Coon cats show they love their owners in numerous ways, including making eye contact, raising their tails when approaching you, or opting to sleep on you. Additionally, if your Maine Coon brings you unwanted gifts, head bumps you, or licks you, these are also signs of Maine Coon affection.
How intelligent are Maine Coons? ›Maine coons are a playful breed
They love to play with people, so be prepared for lots of interaction. Maine coons are also highly intelligent pets, and they can be trained to perform simple tricks on command. They like to play fetch, making them ideal for the more active pet owner.
Genetic testing suggests the Maine Coon is a descendant of both the Norwegian Forest cat and a mysterious extinct domestic breed, so it's likely the Vikings are responsible.
Do Maine Coons have separation anxiety? ›Maine Coon separation anxiety can be very distressing for a cat. It is important that owners, therefore, know how to spot potential signs that it is happening, and know the best course of action. Maine Coon cats suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.
Are male Maine Coons needy? ›The good-natured and affable Maine Coon adapts well to many lifestyles and personalities. They like being with people and have the habit of following them around, but they aren't needy. They're happy to receive attention when you direct it their way, but if you're busy, they're satisfied to just supervise your doings.
Why is my Maine Coon always crying? ›Maine Coons are a very vocal cat breed. They chirp and trill to get an owner's attention, but rarely meow. These highly intelligent felines use a selection of Maine Coon sounds to communicate their needs. However, a Maine Coon will meow excessively if taught to, in pain, feeling lonely or hungry.
How do you bond with a Maine Coon? ›Encourage bonding by spending quality time with your cat, respecting their space when needed, regularly playing with your Maine Coon, being affectionate, grooming and petting them, and creating a safe loving environment. Cats have very distinct personalities and traits.
Do Maine Coons have attachment issues? ›Maine Coon cats suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Signs of Maine Coon separation anxiety include overgrooming, loss of appetite, vomiting, biting, excessive meowing, destructive behavior, and litter box issues.
Do Maine Coon cats like strangers? ›Family friendly – Maine Coons are super sweet. They love a good nap on a lap, but they aren't highly demanding of your time and attention. Generally speaking, Maine Coons are not flustered by dogs, strangers, children, or other animals. They're one cool, collected breed.
Do male Maine Coons like to cuddle? ›Do Maine Coon Cats Like To Cuddle? A lot of cat owners wonder “Are Maine Coons cuddly?” especially if their own cat isn't very cuddly. Maine Coons are known for being affectionate, and most Maine Coons love to cuddle! Their patience and loving nature mean they typically enjoy being held, scratched, and loved.