One characteristic we often associate with young kittens is hyperactivity, as any cat owner will tell you. But are Maine Coons overexcited even when mature?
This quick article will cover everything you need to know about the relationship between Maine Coons and hyperactivity. We’ll also divulge some lesser-known tips and tricks for dealing with an overly hyperactive kitty.
Maine Coons can be very playful and energetic but are generally not considered to be hyperactive by nature, just playful and curious. Hyperactivity is a possibility in individual cats, but is not a common trait of the Maine Coon cat breed.
In this article, you will find everything you could want to know about Maine Coon hyperactivity.
Whether you want to know how to deal with it, how to avoid it altogether, or what to expect with your very own Maine Coon as it grows and matures, this article has the information you need.
Are Maine Coons hyper?
The Maine Coon is well known for being the largest and most loving domestic cat breed, not just in the United States, but around the world.
These extra large, overly fluffy and oddly playful creatures charmed us all with their endearing spirit and warm, loving personalities. But how hyperactive are they?
Maine Coon cats have a reputation for being childish and clumsy well into adulthood.
Their activity levels (and of course their hyperactivity) will vary throughout their development, from a very young kitten to a fully mature cat (at about five years old).
You would be right to assume that a size of Maine Coons and how pervasive their hyperactivity will go hand in hand.
Fortunately, if you are new to Maine Coon ownership, you will be relieved to learn that as Maine Coons grow and increase in size, their propensity for hyperactivity begins to decrease. Note, we didn’t say it completely disappears!
If you’re wondering if Maine Coon kittens are hyperactive, the simple answer is yes. But rest assured, they are no more hyper kittens than any other breed of cat.
Maine Coon kittens have been known to be a bit wild for some time, but they quickly settle into a wonderfully relaxed couch potato if given the chance.
Are Maine Coons high energy?
Maine Coons might not be known for being obscenely hyperactive, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still packs of energy just waiting to explode.
Keep in mind that Maine Coons can be very energetic, especially when their needs aren’t being met.
To make sure you are meeting all of their needs and not creating an overactive Maine Coon kitten or cat, here are the most common causes of an overly energetic Maine Coon:
1. Lack of stimulation
Lack of stimulation is one of the main causes of an overly energetic Maine Coon.
If he can’t use his stored energy by playing games with you for about 30 minutes a day, your Maine Coon cat will likely display hyperactive behavioral traits.
They will end up spending hours every day catapulting around your house and potentially being very destructive.
2. Not enough space
If Maine Coons don’t have enough room to roam around, especially males, they can become quite energetic and hyperactive in overcompensation for the lack of room to move.
If you’re hoping to leave a Maine Coon alone in a small apartment all day, well, that just won’t work for this breed of cat. Your Maine Coon cat will quickly let you know that he is unhappy and nervous.
3. Unmet social needs
If your Maine Coons social needs are not met, they will likely become overactive and potentially destructive.
You shouldn’t leave a Maine Coon alone for more than 5-6 hours on a regular basis to ensure that your Maine Coon doesn’t become stressed and lonely.
If your Maine Coon becomes stressed, that’s what you have to do.
4. Lack of toys and equipment
Maine Coons love to play with cat toys and climb.
If your Maine Coon struggles with a lack of access to toys like balls and feathers as well as cat trees or other climbing gear, he will need to spend his energy in other ways. .
These are my favorite Maine Coon cat toyswho have been tremendously successful in keeping our male Maine Coon cat stimulated throughout the day.
If you haven’t invested in an extra large cat tower yet, those cat trees have been highly rated by the cat lover community.
At What Age Do Maine Coons Calm Down?
Maine Coons are well known for being active cats and although they may not always be hyperactive adults, they will always enjoy a good game or a quick sprint around the house.
Like all kittens, they tend to be quite energetic which will naturally leave you wondering when will my Maine Coon calm down?
Energetic kittens are cute and entertaining, no doubt, but they can also be very mentally draining.
You will be relieved to learn that the Maine Coon’s growth stages are often way ahead of other cat breeds (mentally, not physically).
Fortunately, by the age of 6 months, Maine Coon kittens tend to have passed the manic kitten phase and are well on their way to becoming beautiful, slightly calmer and collected adult cats.
Keep in mind, however, that Maine Coons often start to get a bit more energetic and territorial around 9-12 months of age, for a few weeks/months as they adjust to adulthood. .
There is nothing to worry about and it is perfectly normal for both male and female Maine Coon cats, although it is more common in males.
Best Toys for Maine Coons
Maine Coons need to play around 30 minutes a day or they will quickly become stressed and anxious.
Here are four great toys available on Amazon that are perfectly suited to your Maine Coons needs:
1. Interactive toy for catching butterflies
This 360 degree rotating interactive cat toy is ideal for Maine Coon cats as it encourages these large cats to play. It also stimulates their hunting instincts in a safe and controlled manner.
This toy comes with two butterfly refills, which can be easily replaced if your big cat is a successful butterfly hunter!
2. Interactive Ball
This interactive ball is battery powered and designed to roll on itself mimicking live prey for your Maine Coon to chase.
It’s a great device that allows an owner to play with their Maine Coon while doing other things, like cooking dinner or doing laundry.
3. Laser pointer
A laser pointer is a perfect toy for your Maine Coon cat because you can play the game without ever getting off the couch!
This laser pointer is exceptionally good for kittens as they are naturally more curious.
Warning: You should NEVER shine the laser pointer directly at your cat or its eyes.
4. Chat tracks
Cat track toys are great for Maine Coon cats, especially since they stimulate the highly intelligent brain of this breed of cat.
This toy is great fun for your cat and also ideal for single-pet households since the cat can play with this toy for as long as it wants on its own. Owners are not obligated to participate!
When to neuter a Maine Coon
If you’re considering neutering your Maine Coon (and the consensus is that unless you’re a breeder, you probably should), the best time to do so is between four and six months.
Anything younger than that will leave your Maine Coon kitten at risk for anesthesia-related complications and no reputable veterinarian will perform the procedure.
Although it is possible to wait until your Maine Coon is older than six months, you should take into account that your Maine Coon will begin to enter puberty shortly after 6 months. It is generally considered best to perform the procedure before puberty.
If you don’t know when to sterilize your Maine Coon kitten, read this article. Otherwise, talk to your vet about what’s best for you and your cat.
Are Maine Coons High Maintenance?
The Maine Coon is generally not considered by most cat lovers to be high maintenance. Especially compared to other breeds of domestic cats.
Owners will find, however, that Maine Coons require constant grooming and a decent amount of love and attention.
In terms of actual exertion per day, a Maine Coon cat probably only requires about 30 minutes to an hour of your attention each day.
They’re happiest when you spend a lot of time with them, but for a Maine Coon cat, spending quality time with you is simply about existing in the same space you work in!
These big cats love to sit on your lap while you’re on the couch or hang around while you do chores.
As long as you don’t mind a Maine Coon following you around the house, you should be perfectly fine in the janitorial department with minimal effort.
Conclusion
So, are Maine Coons hyper?
Although they have the potential to be hyperactive on an individual basis, they are far less hyperactive than most other cats as a breed, as their owners will attest.
Maine Coons love to laze around and are quite happy to spend most of the day doing nothing, as long as they are around you.
Of course, they can sometimes display an outburst of enthusiasm or develop an acute case of zooming. But overall, you’re unlikely to come across many hyperactive Maine Coons.
If your Maine Coon is hyperactive, it can often be the result of a lack of living space or poorly met social needs, such as one-on-one time with you, its owner.
related questions
Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic refers to a lack of allergens or massively reduced allergens produced by an animal. Maine Coons are not hypoallergenic but produce less Fel d1 protein than other cat breeds, making them more hypoallergenic than most cats.
Why are Maine Coons so gentle?
Maine Coons secrete slightly more oil from their skin into their fur than most other domestic cat breeds. This ultimately allowed them to have soft and luxurious coats when properly cared for.
