Maine Coons are renowned for their affectionate and sociable nature. These cats, notable for their large size, possess a gentle demeanor and form strong attachments to their owners. Whether you’re an experienced owner or new to the breed, recognizing the signs of affection from a Maine Coon can enhance your connection with them. These expressions of love may be subtle or overt, yet each reflects their appreciation and trust. Here are twelve common ways your Maine Coon shows affection.

1. Purring When They’re Near You

Maine Coons are famous for their deep, soothing purrs. When they purr while sitting near you or during petting, it indicates they feel comfortable, happy, and relaxed. Purring is a clear sign of contentment, and Maine Coons are no exception. If your Maine Coon begins to purr as soon as they’re close, it expresses their affection and trust in you. A relaxed, happy Maine Coon will often snuggle up and purr, signaling their enjoyment of your company and sense of safety.

2. Following You Around the House

If your Maine Coon seems to follow you everywhere, it’s a sign they genuinely enjoy your company. This breed is known for its sociable nature, and trailing you from room to room indicates their desire to be near you. Whether you’re cooking, working, or simply moving about, your Maine Coon will likely accompany you, displaying curiosity and affection. This behavior reflects their strong attachment. Unlike more independent breeds, Maine Coons thrive on companionship and prefer being close to their human families. It’s a simple yet sweet way they express their love.

3. Head-Butting You (Bunting)

When your Maine Coon presses their head against you, they are expressing affection and marking you as their territory. This behavior, known as “bunting,” is typical in cats who feel a strong bond with their owners. Maine Coons have scent glands in their heads, and by rubbing against you, they share their scent, claiming you as part of their family. This intimate gesture signifies trust and love. If your Maine Coon frequently gives you these gentle head-butts, it shows they feel safe and connected to you, reinforcing your bond.

4. Bringing You ‘Gifts’

When your Maine Coon brings you a toy, sock, or even a dead mouse, they are expressing affection. In the wild, cats share food and prey with their families, and this instinct carries over to domesticated cats. Your Maine Coon may drop a toy or small object at your feet as a way of “sharing” with you. While these gifts might not always be what you desire, they come from a place of love and trust. This behavior reflects their desire to include you in their world and show they care.

5. Kneading You with Their Paws

Kneading is an instinctive behavior that cats develop as kittens and carry into adulthood when they feel content. When your Maine Coon kneads you with their paws, it indicates they trust you. This gentle pressing is a sign of relaxation and comfort, similar to how they kneaded their mother for milk. Kneading often accompanies purring, further reflecting their affection. When your Maine Coon kneads, it’s their way of expressing happiness and security in your presence.

6. Sitting on Your Lap or Near You

While Maine Coons are known for their independence, they also enjoy being near their owners. If your cat often sits on your lap or curls up next to you, it’s a sign of love and trust. Maine Coons may not always be lap cats, but when they choose to be close to you, it indicates they feel safe and appreciate your company. This proximity reflects a strong bond. Even if they are just sitting nearby, their choice to stay close signals that they enjoy spending time with you and consider you part of their family.

7. Staring at You with Slow Blinks

Cats communicate significantly through their eyes, and when a Maine Coon stares at you and slowly blinks, it’s a sign of trust and affection. In cat language, slow blinking is akin to a kiss or an expression of love. This behavior indicates they feel comfortable and relaxed around you. If your Maine Coon offers you these slow blinks, try returning the gesture—it can strengthen your bond. The slow blink is one of the most heartwarming signs that your Maine Coon is happy and sees you as a close companion.

8. Talking to You with Chirps and Trills

Maine Coons are very vocal cats, using chirps, trills, and soft meows to communicate with their favorite people. If your Maine Coon frequently “talks” to you, especially with chirps or trills, it signifies they feel comfortable and enjoy interacting with you. These distinct vocalizations serve to get your attention, greet you, or express excitement. A talkative Maine Coon is a happy one, and their wide range of sounds reflects their affection and appreciation for your companionship.

9. Including You in their Grooming Routine

When your Maine Coon licks you, they are treating you like family. Grooming is a social behavior in cats, often reserved for those they feel close to. If your cat takes the time to groom you, it’s a clear sign they consider you a trusted member of their circle. While the rough texture of a cat’s tongue might not always feel pleasant, this behavior is their way of caring for you. Just as they groom other cats they trust, grooming you is a way to show affection and strengthen your bond.

10. Showing Their Belly

For most cats, the belly is a vulnerable area, and exposing it signals ultimate trust. When your Maine Coon rolls onto their back and shows you their belly, it indicates they feel safe and secure around you. While not all cats enjoy belly rubs, the willingness to expose this sensitive area is a significant sign of affection. It demonstrates that your Maine Coon trusts you completely and feels relaxed in your presence.

11. Sleeping on You or Near You

Maine Coons feel safest when they are near those they love, especially while sleeping, as they are most vulnerable. If your Maine Coon chooses to sleep on you or snuggle close, it’s a strong sign of trust and comfort in your presence. Whether they curl up on your lap, at your feet, or by your side, their closeness during sleep reflects that they feel safe and loved. This bonding behavior is one of the most intimate signs that your Maine Coon values your companionship.

12. Rubbing Against Your Legs

When your Maine Coon rubs against your legs, they are marking you with their scent as a way of claiming you as their own. This behavior combines affection and ownership, as cats have scent glands on their cheeks and sides. By rubbing against you, your Maine Coon is expressing, “You’re part of my family.” It’s also their way of greeting you after time apart. This gesture of rubbing and weaving through your legs is a sweet and classic sign of love from your Maine Coon.