Thread: Why Does He Do That?

Medium sized 7-10 yo neutered male Maine Coon; are there studies or definitive reports why he does these things?

1. Loves to have his head and, in particular, face scratched, petted, rubbed, touched, etc. When we stop, he presses his head against your hand demanding more. Why?
2. When touching his face, he typically - though not always, raises his rear end. Why (remember, this is a guy, not a female cat)?
3. He hasn't yet, but can we expect this neutered male to spray inside the house?
4. Often when petting him - which he loves, we find he turns his back on us and then slowly moves away. When we no longer can reach him without chasing after him, he turns and comes back for more attention. It's like he's playing hard-to-get.
5. He will lap up all the liquid from tuna, but eat very little, if any, of the tuna meat we give him. He refuses all the canned food - opting instead, for dry (including Meow Mix). Frankly, it's cheaper, but we would like to provide him some variety, but he doesn't seem to care. Why? We thought all cats like canned food and especially tuna. Are there alternatives?
6. When he's being petted/scratched, he often turns on his back to expose his stomach. We understand this means submission, but does it?
7. His tail is short. The doctor believes he was born this way. Has anyone noted a trend with some Maine Coons with such a condition or was this just something in this guy's case?
8. We suspect it's his age, but while he does a bit of playing (e.g., sometimes playfully runs the length of the yard, climbs up a tree part way, looks at you, then jumps down, etc.) he seemingly is too important/cool to play with purchased toys like a small motorized mouse that he views with disdain, opting instead for a bit of rope. It's like purchasing expensive toys for grandchildren only to have them prefer the box in which they came.
9. When he chooses to talk - which is rare, his meow often lasts for some time - perhaps 5+ seconds, rather short phrasing. Is this characteristic of Maine Coons or just another idiosyncrasy of this guy?

Love this guy. He's loving, quiet and has a terrific personality.