Maine Coons are known for their luxurious coats, furry paws, and charming personalities and are one of the most popular purebred cats in the world. If you’re curious about these gentle giants, one question you might have is how much do Maine Coons purr? As a breed, Maine Coons are fairly vocal, and purring is one of the sounds they make, but the frequency will vary among individuals.
In this article, we’ll discuss why Maine Coons purr and why it may seem like they do more than other cats. We’ll also let you know if you ever need to worry about how much your Maine Coon is purring.
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Why Maine Coons Purr
Like all cats, Maine Coons purr as a way to communicate how they’re feeling. Typically, we associate purring with a cat feeling happy and relaxed. This is often the case, although not always (more on this later).
As a breed, Maine Coon cats are often described as dog-like, thanks to their exceptional friendliness and good nature. Since purring is one way to communicate happiness and contentment, it makes sense that an affectionate breed like the Maine Coon might be prone to doing so more often than some others.
It also might seem like Maine Coons purr a lot because they’re constantly around. Not every cat needs to attach itself to its people the way Maine Coons do. They often follow their owners around the house, which makes any purring they do hard to miss.
Should You Worry About Your Maine Coon Purring a Lot?
As we mentioned, purring is often a sign that a cat is happy but can also indicate more troubling feelings. Cats who are stressed, sick, or in pain may also purr frequently.
Purring is thought to serve as a way for cats to calm themselves down. Scientists have also learned that cats purr at a frequency known to aid healing. Purring cats may use the sound to fix whatever is wrong with them.
Because purring is sometimes an indication of pain or stress, it could be a cause for concern if your Maine Coon is doing it a lot. Cats have a survival instinct to hide any signs of weakness, including sickness. This can make it hard for you to know when something is wrong with your Maine Coon, so paying attention to subtle signs like purring is a must.
If your cat is purring for a troubling reason, you’ll likely notice other signs as well, such as hiding, decreased appetite, and decreased activity level. Watch for abnormal physical signs like coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you’re concerned, take your cat to the vet for a checkup.
How Do Cats Purr?
So how exactly does your Maine Coon produce this mysterious purr that communicates many potential feelings?
Scientists believe that the actual sound is produced by the movement of air through the cat’s voice box, creating a rattling tone. Unlike many other sounds, purring can occur as the cat inhales and exhales air from the lungs. The cat’s brain triggers the purring behavior, but we don’t know the exact mechanism for this yet.
Some wild cat species can also purr, including bobcats and mountain lions. Kittens usually develop the ability to purr fairly early, which serves as a way for them to bond and communicate with their mother and littermates.
Conclusion
Besides purring, Maine Coon cats produce other sounds like meowing, chirping, and trilling to communicate with their humans. If you want a cat who will be seen and not heard, the Maine Coon isn’t the one for you! Fortunately, many humans find purring just as relaxing as the cats. The Maine Coon’s personality is one of its most significant charms, and plenty of purring is often part of the package.
Featured Image Credit: Remark_Anna, Shutterstock
