Maine Coons are widely considered one of the most affectionate and loving breeds of cats around the world. However, the real question is are Maine Coon cats lap cats? They are often referred to as the gentle giants of the cat world and well-known for their friendly characteristics and traits. So does this mean all Maine Coons would be happy to clamber onto a human’s lap in order to sleep or relax?
Despite being such a friendly breed of cat, being a lap cat is not something that is associated with the breed or all Maine Coons in general. The way they have grown up, built trust, and actively socialize with those in their home environment will play the biggest role in determining whether or not they are comfortable being a lap cat.
While it’s true that many Maine Coon cats greatly enjoy the company of us humans. Whether or not they grow up to be affectionate and cuddly lap cats greatly depends on us as the owners creating a comfortable or relaxing and affectionate home environment for this behavior to occur.
We wish we could say that all Maine Coons would grow up to be lap cats, as there is nothing more adorable than a Maine Coon leaping onto their owner’s lap for cuddles or a well-deserved nap. While not all Maine Coons would be happy being lap cats, there are still some things you should know regarding the ways you can encourage this behavior by building trust over time and with patience.
Maine Coons by nature are super affectionate cats so teaching or enticing them to be a lap cat is not actually as hard as it may sound. Let’s take a look at what a lap cat really is and how you could help encourage your cat to be a lap cat.
What Is A Lap Cat?
A cat that can be truly described as a lap cat will often seek out and crave the affection or attention of their owners. A true lap cat will often be found waiting for their owners to get comfortable then pick the perfect opportunity to leap onto their lap for cuddles and affection.
So the real answer to the question “What is a lap cat?” is that they are cats that genuinely seek out and live for the affection they receive while sitting on their owner’s laps. Quite often this behavior has been learned from a young age, and despite the cat getting older or larger these adorable habits still remain.
Can A Maine Coon Be A Lap Cat?
Yes, some Maine Coons are more than happy to be lap cats. However, not every Maine Coon cat will be comfortable being a cute and cuddly lap cat.
While many owners do speak in great delight at their Maine Coons developing these affectionate habits. It’s believed that the larger majority of the breed are more comfortable staying relaxed or sleeping nearby their owners.
How Do Maine Coons Show Affection Usually?
There are many ways in which Maine Coons can show affection to their owners aside from being a lap cat. Here are a few ways Maine Coons may already be showing the signs of being affectionate, trusting, and loving towards you.
They Rub Their Body And Cheeks Against Your Legs.
Maine Coons will often rub their bodies, heads, and cheeks against their owner’s legs as a greeting, and also to show affection. This will often happen when you arrive home, or if your Maine Coon is waiting for you to prepare food or wants extra fuss.
It’s also a way that Maine Coons will often try to spread their scent. A Maine Coon rubbing their scent on your legs is a great sign of affection.
They Slow-Blink And Show You Loving Eyes.
Slow-blinking also referred to as ‘Eye kisses’ are when a Maine Coon blinks slowly while looking at you to show love and trust when being around you. They can also fully close their eyes which shows they are fully comfortable and at ease in your company.
They Nuzzle Or Gently Head Bop You.
When your Maine Coon cat nuzzles or gently head bops you, it’s a profound sign of affection. It shows they consider you as a true friend and a valued member of the pack.
They Show Their Bellies To You.
If your Maine Coon comes to greet you then rolls on their back to show you their belly. That’s your cat’s way of showing their full trust in you. They may not always want the fuss or a belly rub, but it’s a great sign they are comfortable being around you.
They Purr, Trill And Chirp Around You.
Maine Coons can be vocal cats. When they feel happy, comfortable, or are enjoying the fuss you are giving them. They will often purr loudly, or trill and chirp to show excitement.
They Lick Or Groom You.
Many cats will only lick or try to groom you or other pets if they feel truly relaxed or comfortable. Licking or grooming is a sign of affection and also a way that Maine Coons combine their scent with yours.
They Love Relaxing Near You.
Many Maine Coons absolutely love the company of us humans. So it’s no surprise that most Maine Coon cats will love and enjoy relaxing near us on the couch or around the home.
If your Maine Coons already shows you some of these signs of being very affectionate and trusting towards you. It’s much more likely that they would be comfortable or happy to be a lap cat.
Which Maine Coon Gender Is More Likely To Be A Lap Cat?
While many of the traits, characteristics, and behaviors found in the Maine Coon cat breed are often not specific to their gender. It’s commonly believed that Male and Female Maine Coons do actually display some minor differences in how they approach being affectionate towards their owners and socializing.
Male Maine Coons
While being larger in size once they are fully grown adults. Male Maine Coons tend to typically demand more physical affection and fuss from their owners than their female counterparts.
They also appear to many owners to be a lot less guarded when it comes to playing or when meeting new people and new pets. Which in turn makes them much more likely to be accepting and comfortable with being a lap cat.
Female Maine Coons
Female Maine Coons can be just as affectionate and loving as the male cats. However, when it comes to getting fuss or attention it’s commonly believed that female Maine Coon cats are much more reserved than their male equivalents.
They tend to be a lot more cautious when it comes to meeting new people and are much more likely to need extra encouragement to play or be comfortable being a lap cat.
While both the genders of Maine Coon cats can easily develop the habits of being a lap cat. It’s important to know these subtle differences in characteristics and how they typically approach us humans or build trust with us.
How Do You Get A Maine Coon To Cuddle More?
If you are looking for your Maine Coon cat to be more affectionate. It’s first important to know the steps to take in order to allow your Maine Coon to feel fully relaxed and comfortable within your home. A Maine Coon that is fully at ease or familiar with its living environment will be a lot more likely to want to receive cuddles or extra affection.
Create A Calm & Relaxing Environment
Just like many other pets. Maine Coons will respond well to having a calm and relaxing home environment to live in. It’s much easier to build a strong bond with any cat when the environment they are roaming within is less chaotic or has fewer things going on at one time.
The environment should be calming, at a good temperature and should have all their home comforts like food and water nearby. It’s also a great idea to designate areas in your home for cat trees or places they can perch and escape any chaotic moments.
The bottom line is to create a chilled-out atmosphere. Many cats including Maine Coons will thrive when placed into a home where they can actively sleep and relax anywhere they choose. They should be treated just like any other family member and allowed their full freedom, own space, and home comforts.
Remove Distractions Or Loud Noises
When it comes to being affectionate or cuddly with your cat. Loud noises or distractions are one of the many things that can put your cat on guard or not feeling fully comfortable when being fussed over. If you are looking to have some bonding time with your cat, encourage them to a quieter area of your home away from all the TV noise, hustle and bustle, or loud noises coming from outside.
Maine Coons are curious cats by nature and they have seriously great hearing. So any unexpected noises from things like televisions or a knock at the door are bound to make them go from relaxed to on alert.
Start Building Trust When They Are Young
When a Maine Coon is a young cat or a kitten it’s much easier to develop a strong bond or build trust with them due to the way in which they learn habits or characteristics overtime. Many Maine Coon owners believe that engaging and making a fuss over their cats when they are young goes a long way to developing a great and loving companionship into the future.
It’s also believed that Maine Coons that are heavily socialized with new people or other pets like dogs when they are young are also a lot more accepting of these new encounters when they are older. Heavily socialized cats find it much easier to feel relaxed in new environments or with new people and other pets.
Be Patient With Older Cats
Being patient with older cats, especially adopted cats is very important when it comes to giving them cuddles or affection. The way in which the Maine Coon has grown up and developed will affect many of the ways they choose to be independent or seek the affections of us humans.
How your Maine Coon responds to being given affection or stroking may greatly depend on how independent or reserved they have grown up to be. You can still teach old cats new tricks, but it’s important to never force your cat to do something like receiving cuddles or petting that they are not comfortable with. Be patient, build a bond, and show your cat you can be a trusted and great relaxing companion.
Choose Your Cuddle Time Carefully
Many cats including Maine Coons will often develop a daily routine that they like to stick to. Using their internal body clock they will know the times they usually want to sleep, explore, and expect feeding time to be. It’s believed that the best time to cuddle with your cat or give them extra affection is when they are looking already looking to relax or sleep.
When a Maine Coon is sleepy they will often be a lot more accepting of the affections of us humans. They are at this time usually more accepting of us stroking their fur, giving them comfort, and perhaps even a lot happier to jump on our lap for a nap.
Be Receptive To Your Cats Needs Or Mood
Maine Coons cats justs like humans can also have changing moods, needs, or feelings which can be easy to spot due to their change in characteristics or mannerisms.
Sometimes you may notice your cat seems to be restless which can usually mean something is happening that they are not fully familiar or comfortable with. Quite often you can spot Maine Coons feeling this way when something has changed or is different in the home.
Perhaps you may have purchased new home furnishings & decor they are unfamiliar with or have changed their feeding times and routines which they may have grown accustomed to.
Maine Coons cats especially older cats are creatures of habit and will easily spot when something is different around the home or with you personally as the owner. This is in part due to their intelligence and ability to be highly receptive to the environment they are living in.
Here is a small list of a few things that may effect a Maine Coons mood:
- Changes in feeding times. (Late or early feeding)
- Changes in food or diet.
- Medicine or spot-on treatments.
- Illness / Matted fur / Fleas / Bug bites.
- Being hungry or thirsty.
- Lack of sleep.
- Changes for home layout or furnishings. (New furniture, plants or decor)
- Changes in their owner’s daily routine.
- Smells or odors.
- Loud noise in the home or outdoors.
- New pets.
- Unfamiliar guests in the home.
While Maine Coons are known for being friendly and social cats that are never typically considered to be grumpy felines. Spotting changes in your cat’s mood or needs is especially important when it comes to knowing the times and circumstances under which they are comfortable to receive extra affection.
As the owner, you can overtime learn your cat’s behavior and know just the right times to approach them or attempt to give them extra fuss and attention. This will take time but it will make it much more likely that your cat considers you a trusted companion and someone they are happy to cuddle and be affectionate with.
How To Encourage A Maine Coon To Be A Lap Cat?
Now that you have established the ways in which to make your Maine Coon feel more comfortable within the home. You can now discover a few of the ways in which you can gently encourage a Maine Coon to be a lap cat.
For some Maine Coons being a lap cat will come naturally. If they are already fully happy to receive lots of affection and fuss they will most likely be happy to sit next to you when you relax or leap onto your lap seeking extra attention.
Here are some of the ways in which you can gently help encourage your cat to be a lap cat. Including a few key takeaways for us owners that can make us far more approachable and comfortable for the cats on our laps!
Pick A Good Spot For Your Maine Coon To Be A Lap Cat
Picking a good location or spot in the home can be one of the most important factors when encouraging a Maine Coon to seek your affections while you are sitting down. The places you choose to sit down and encourage your cat to sit on your lap should be comfortable and give them plenty of options for relaxing or sleeping nearby. Usually, the lounge or living room is by far the best place to encourage your Maine Coon to be a lap cat.
Sit Quietly And Build Your Cats Trust
A cat will feel you are a lot less approachable if you are making loud noise or making sudden movements. They may feel getting close to you will make them vulnerable and will be less likely to approach, and a lot less likely to go anywhere near resting on your lap.
You will be looking for your cat to associate seeking affection from you with a calm or soothing atmosphere. So try your best to keep a calm or peaceful environment. If you do this you will seem a lot more approachable and your cat will often come in for a closer look to see what you are up to.
Use Treats To Your Advantage
Healthy treats can be yet another great tactic when encouraging a Maine Coon to be a lap cat. Once your cat trusts you and the environment you are sitting in. Persuade them onto your lap to eat the healthy treat which will help them get more familiar with sitting on your lap.
Once they have finished the treat sit quietly and remain still and see if they feel relaxed enough to remain sitting on your lap or want to move. Do not force your cat to stay on your lap and allow them to move off if they are done. This is all part of building trust and a strong bond with your cat.
Be A Warm & Comfortable Human
What you are wearing can also play a part in how likely your Maine Coon is to want to sleep or relax in your lap. If you a wearing a nice warm jumper and comfy bottoms then a cat is much more likely to notice the added level of comfort to be had when laying on your lap.
How warm you feel will also play a pretty big role. If your Maine Coon is looking for somewhere warm to sleep and relax. Being a warm and cozy human will make you the ideal snuggle companion.
Don’t Get Too Excited If Your Cat Chooses To Be A Lap Cat
If your cat decides to leap or clamber onto your lap to relax. Try to resist the temptation to show excitement at how adorable they look and are being. Any unexpected excitement or sudden movements may immediately lead to your cat into wanting to move away. Try to let them settle and begin to gently stroke your cat on its chin and cheek.
Never Force Your Cat To Stay On Your Lap
Never force your cat to stay on your lap if they want to move or become uncomfortable. You should avoid wrapping your arms around your cat in an effort to keep them there. Maine Coons will often show discomfort by twitching their tails. So keep a keen eye on your cat’s body language and avoid making them do anything they are not comfortable with.
Avoid Associating Being A Lap Cat With Anything Bad
When you want to encourage your cat to be or continue being a lap cat. You should never associate lap time with anything bad that provides discomfort. For example, deciding to give your cat flea treatments, heavy grooming, and the clipping of nails should all be avoided while they are sat in your lap.
Of course, this might seem like the perfect opportunity to do these things if they are needed as your cat is sitting still and is relaxed. However, it will only serve to break any of the trust your cat has for sitting in your lap and make them hesitant to do it again.
Spot The Signs Of Unwanted Stroking Or Grooming
Unwanted stroking or grooming of your cat can play a pretty big part in your Maine Coon not wanting to hang around in your lap for an extended period. Sometimes your cat just wants to relax in your company and doesn’t want to be fussed over or receive unexpected belly rubs for example.
If you keep an eye on your cat’s body language and how responsive they are to gentle head and neck stroking this will go a long way to telling you whether they want to be stroked and groomed more or left alone.
Make Being A Lap Cat A Relaxing Experience For Your Cat
Overall, the whole experience of being a lap cat should only ever be a fully relaxing encounter for your cat. Both you and your cat should feel calm and relaxed on these occasions. It’s all about building trust, bonding, and enjoying a great opportunity for you to show your cat just how much you love and cherish them!
Why Won’t My Maine Coon Cat Sit On My Lap?
To answer this query fully depends entirely on the cat in question. Maine Coons are highly intelligent and receptive cats which can make them very susceptible to having slight changes or differences in characteristics to their feline cousins and other breeds.
It is not believed that Maine Coons are born to be lap cats. Instead, it is something they will actively pick up when becoming familiar and socializing with humans. The same can be true for many other breeds of cats.
So to answer the question “Why Won’t My Maine Coon Cat Sit On My Lap?”. This will fully depend on your cat’s home environment, how you help to socialize your cat, and also how affectionate and loving you are to your cat.
By getting them used to love and affectionate behavior at a very early age they are a lot more likely to grow up seeking further affection and potentially developing into adorable and loyal lap cats.
Where Do Maine Coons Usually Like To Sleep?
Maine Coons just like many other breeds of cats can do their fair share of sleeping throughout the day. Quite often they will find all kinds of unusual (and sometimes uncomfortable looking) places to sleep or take a nap around the home. It can be pretty amusing and funny seeing some of the places you can find them curled up having a snooze.
While you can encourage or promote them to sleep in specific cat beds or comfy areas like on your lap. You will still be surprised by some of the places Maine Coons are more than happy to curl up and go to sleep.
Here are just of a few of the places you might end up finding your Maine Coon taking a nap around the home.
- On beds in bedrooms
- Inside bedside drawers
- Hidden in laundry baskets
- On top of cat trees
- Tucked inside shopping bags & baskets
- Perched on piles of paper and clutter
- Squeezed into fruit bowls
- On top of kitchen counters and surfaces
- Curled up in washbasins
- Hidden inside cardboard boxes (Probably their favorite!)
- Their owner’s laps, of course!
These are just some of the many creative and wonderful places Maine Coons find to be good sleeping spots.
The good news is that if your Maine Coon is more than happy to curl up in these unusual sleeping spots around the home. It a good indicator that they are fully comfortable with their surroundings. Which makes the likelihood of them wanting to be a lap cat a lot more likely.
Are Maine Coon Cats Lap Cats? – Conclusion
So are Maine Coon Cats lap cats? The simple answer to this question is that some Maine Coons are and some just aren’t. You can do many things to help encourage your cat to be a loyal lap cat by following our suggestions and advice. However, the key factor for persuading your cat to be comfortable being a lap cat is to have patience and never try to rush things.
As the owner, you should do everything you can to create a relaxing and comfortable home environment for your cat. Even if your Maine Coon still decides to never become a lap cat, this is fine! They will still hopefully provide you with lots of enjoyment, affection, and love in many other ways.
One thing is always guaranteed when owning a Maine Coon cat as a pet. You will never be without the pleasure of owning one of these beautiful gentle giants as a household companion. They are simply delightful pets to own all with their own unique quirks, habits, and characteristics.