Are Maine Coons Cuddly?

by Lauren
(Illinois)

Hi! I’m thinking about getting my first cat, and I’ve been looking into different breeds. Maine Coons seem amazing - big, fluffy, and beautiful!

But I love snuggly pets, and I keep seeing mixed opinions on whether they like to cuddle. Are Maine Coons cuddly?

Do they like being held and sitting on laps, or are they more independent? I just want to make sure I pick a cat that matches my personality!

Reply:
Hi Lauren, that’s a great question! When you’re thinking about bringing home a new cat, it’s natural to wonder how affectionate they’ll be.

Some people want a velcro kitty that’s always in their lap, while others prefer a more independent companion. So, where does the Maine Coon fall on the cuddly scale?

The quick answer: Yes, Maine Coons are affectionate - but they are also individuals! These cats are incredibly social and love being around their people, and some (like my Leo), can't get enough touching and lap time.

As Charles in San Antonio tells us of his boy Sergiy: "He sleeps in bed with us each night and loves to cuddle." You'll find this to be a common theme in our community!

But others don’t always express it through constant snuggles. Instead of being glued to your lap, they’re more likely to follow you from room to room, sit beside you, and chirp at you as if they’re part of the conversation.

Chester is a good example of this, with his mom Susan saying: "Although not a cuddle cat, he always has to be near one of us."

If you’re looking for a cat that craves attention but also respects your space, a Maine Coon could be the perfect match.

Let’s dive deeper into what their version of “cuddly” looks like and what you can expect if you bring one into your home!

Maine Coon Cuddles, Snuggles & Affection

These cats are friendly and social. They love being near their people!

Some enjoy curling up in your lap, and others prefer to sit beside you. They follow you from room to room, always curious about what you're doing.

Many owners say they act more like dogs than cats. They greet you at the door and want to be part of the action.

Some even play fetch or come when called. They like attention but don’t always need to be held.

If you want a loyal, affectionate cat that isn’t overly clingy, they’re a great choice. They show love in little ways such as gentle head bumps, chirps, and staying close.

Lap Cats or Close Companions?

Some of these cats love being held, while others prefer to stay close without being picked up.

Their size plays a role, too. Many are large and heavy, making long cuddle sessions uncomfortable for both of you. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t affectionate.

Plenty of owners say their cats enjoy lap time. Some like stretching across a lap, while others prefer perching beside you.

Your kitty's unique personality matters, too. Some are snuggly from kittenhood, while others grow more cuddly with age.

If yours isn’t a fan of being held, patience helps. Start with short, gentle lifts and reward them with treats.

Let them come to you on their terms. Many warm up over time and enjoy being carried or sitting in a lap.

These cats love their people. They show it by following you, chirping at you, and staying close. Whether on your lap or beside you, they find ways to be near.

Are Maine Coons Cuddly Compared to Other Breeds?

Compared to breeds like Ragdolls, which are known for going limp in your arms, these cats have a different style of affection.

Ragdolls often seek out laps and love being carried. In contrast, this breed is more independent but still incredibly social.

They form strong bonds with their people. Instead of demanding constant physical contact, they follow you, talk to you, and settle nearby.

Many owners say their Coonie greets them at the door and sticks close throughout the day.

Even if they aren’t always in your lap, their devotion makes them feel just as affectionate as clingier breeds.

Some become more cuddly with age, while others show love in their own unique ways.

And while they aren’t famous for being clingy, many are just as cuddly as any Ragdoll.

This isn’t something you see mentioned much in breed descriptions, but countless owners say otherwise.

My own cats, Alice and Leo, both adored lap time every day. Plenty of these gentle giants seek out snuggles, curl up on laps, and even nuzzle into their humans at night.

Their affectionate nature varies by personality, but if you’re hoping for a cuddly companion, you just might get one!

Affection on Their Terms

If a Maine Coon only seeks closeness when he initiates it, this usually isn't a sign of distance or lack of bonding. It’s about feeling safe, predictable, and in control of the interaction.

Many highly social, intelligent cats prefer to choose when physical contact begins and ends, and that choice is what allows them to relax.

Affection doesn't always start with touch. Sitting nearby, following you from room to room, sleeping close by, or quietly sharing space are all meaningful signs of connection.

These behaviors often come before a full cuddle or settling into your lap, and they count just as much.

Consistency matters more than persistence. Familiar routines, calm responses, and respecting "not right now" moments help build trust over time.

When an animal learns they won't be scooped up, restrained, or pressured, they often become more open to closeness on their own.

This is why Maine Coons with clear boundaries are often described as deeply cuddly companions in the long run.

Their affection tends to grow gradually, shaped by comfort and trust rather than force.

"Are Males or Females More Cuddly?"

This question has been around for quite some time, in the male vs female debate!

Most people will say it doesn't matter, although there is also the idea that males are more affectionate.

Much of this is probably from anecdotal examples. For example, Kathy in Indiana says of her two Maine Coon kittens: "Boris is my male who is so sweet, loving, and loves cuddles. Grace is my female and she cuddles when she wants to and on her terms."

Then there's feisty ginger girl Indi. Donna say that "in early hours of the morning she's a cuddly smoochy kitten."

"Do Maine Coons Like to Be Picked Up?"

Many do! Others prefer to stay close without being held. Their large size can make it uncomfortable.

But they stay true to their gentle giant reputation, and even those big ones might squirm, wriggle and meow, but never use their claws to get down.

"Do Maine Coons Sleep With Their Owners?"

Oh, yes, with very few exceptions you can expect your Coonie to spend the night with you! They love to join their family in bed, purring and snuggling the night away.

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Maine Coons are affectionate but not always in a clingy way. They love being near their people, but some prefer sitting beside you rather than on you.

If you’re looking for a velcro cat that constantly demands attention, you might need to be patient. Many become more cuddly with time, and their loyalty is undeniable.

No matter their cuddle level, they form strong bonds and love their families.

If you have a Maine Coon, is yours a cuddly lap cat or a sidekick? Share your experience in the comments!

About this site: 

MCCN has been online since 2010, following the breed through kittenhood, growth spurts, coat changes, health questions, and everything in between.

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