My Cat Hunter: The Coon Who Sleeps on His Back

by: Danielle Smith in Rodney, Ontario, Canada

Meet my boy Hunter. I’m so curious - does anyone else have a Maine Coon who regularly sleeps on his back?

I’ve owned cats my whole life, but I’ve never seen one who prefers this position.

Hunter stretches right out and takes up nearly half the couch! It’s adorable... but not exactly convenient for anyone else trying to sit down!

I’d love to hear if this is a Coonie thing - or just a Hunter thing?

Do Maine Coons Really Love Sleeping on Their Backs?

If you've ever walked into a room and had a moment of panic because your cat looked way too still laying belly-up like a little weirdo, you're not alone. Turns out, it's kind of a Maine Coon thing!

Gloria in the UK shares of Telulah: "She often lays flat out tummy up and loves a tummy tickle too!"

Danielle asked readers to tell us if their Maine Coon or Maine Coon mix loves to sleep on their back - and the stories came flooding in.

Alice

Some were sweet, some were funny, and a few were downright heart-melty!

Comments:

Maine Coon Sleeping on His Back
by: Leanna
My 11-year-old Coonie, Raffi, always sleeps on his back with his paws tucked in. He’s been doing this since he was a kitten, but I didn’t understand why at first - he’s my first Coonie!

My Boy
by: Community Member
My boy cat is a Maine Coon. He pulls the "dead cat" routine while he sleeps. Apparently, that’s a Maine Coon thing….

Our Zelda Sleeps on Her Back

by: Zelda's mom
Zelda, our Maine Coon mix, loves to sleep on her back. My daughter heard her screaming as a four-week-old kitten by our gutter during very heavy rains.

We planned to take her to a shelter because I had no experience bottle-feeding or caring for a kitten that young.

But when I brought her in, they told me she would likely be euthanized due to a respiratory infection - they were afraid it might spread to the other young kittens.

I wasn’t qualified to foster her, but I asked if I could take her to my vet, and if I got her well, they could take her in later.

My vet helped me care for her, and we introduced her to our older cat. She never went back to the shelter! Today, she displays all the traits of a Maine Coon. Now I understand why this breed is so loved. Zelda is wonderful.

Mine Only Sleeps on His Back
by: Chris
My Maine Coon is almost two, and he has always slept on his back. I don’t think it’s normal - when I had to board him once, the vet techs kept checking to make sure he was alive! They said it wasn’t something they saw every day.

Leo
by: Pam
Leo was a stray who showed up at our house one night about six months ago. He’s about a year old now and weighs 15 pounds! I’ve had many cats, but never one who liked to sleep on his back.

Frogwog, from our 2021 Albums

He stretches out completely, with his front legs extended way out. He loves belly rubs, too - and I swear he answers when we talk to him.

He’s the best! Pretty laid back and friendly, though sometimes he grabs my arm and gnaws on it like a dog with a bone.

Mine
by: Obi's mom
Obi, our rescue, always sleeps on his back. He’s one year old and 20 pounds.

Total bed hog when he sleeps with us! He’s the most adorable cat we’ve ever had.

My Maine Coon Sleeps on Her Back Too
by: Bella's mom
I adopted Bella as a kitten about a year ago, not realizing she was a Maine Coon at the time. But yes - she sleeps on her back all the time!

She’ll even sleep dangling off the bed, couch, or cat tree. She pushes her paws against me while she sleeps. They really do have their own unique personalities.

Maine Coons
by: Community Member
I have a Maine Coon and he sleeps on his back like he’s dead.

My Favorite Sleeping Position
by: Louise
I like to sleep with my paws up like a dying cockroach. I was brought home from the SPCA in Austin with my sister Thelma.

We look nothing alike - I'm part Maine Coon, and she’s a tuxedo. Maybe different dads?

Boots the Maine Coon
by: Lady MLW
We adopted a Maine Coon mix from our local shelter. He always sleeps on his back. He’s the sweetest big boy - 29 pounds!

When we got him, he was two and weighed barely eight pounds. Someone had thrown him in a USPS mailbox. He’s such a good boy and has the loudest mouth - such a talker!

Fraser, My Maine Coon Mix Cat
by: Kathy
We rescued Fraser from our local shelter. He’s a Maine Coon mix and has all the characteristics of the breed. And yes - he loves to nap on his back!

It’s the cutest thing. I’ve had cats all my life, but never one who loves sleeping like that. We love him so much. I’d love to get a full-blooded Maine Coon one day.

Fraser also loves to play catch! He has a favorite mouse toy or sometimes a ball. But he hides the mice, and we never find them - so we keep buying more. One day we’ll probably uncover a giant stash!

Cats on Their Backs
by: Sue
I wish I could share a pic of my Zena - she frequently sleeps on her back. I got a great video yesterday, tail swishing at nothing. She looks just like your boy!

Opie, from our 2022 Albums

Always on Her Back
by: pmg
Our cat, Fluffy, is three. We got her a year ago, and ever since then, she has only slept on her back. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her on her tummy!

She just plops in the middle of the floor. We also adopted a kitten at the same time, and she never sleeps on her back. Both are Maine Coons.

My Maine Coon Spirit Sleeps on Her Back
by: Spirit's mom
My nine-year-old Maine Coon, Spirit, loves laying on her back.

Back Sleeping Cat
by: Robert
My Maine Coon sleeps on his back half the time, and the rest of the time he finds a corner and props his head against the wall. This is my first time being around a cat 24/7. I love Maine Coons!

Marusya, from our 2024 Albums

Our Maine Coon Loves Sleeping on His Back
by: KBVickers
Yes! Our Maine Coon, Max, stretches out on his back wherever he pleases - the floor, the couch, you name it. He's 9 years old, and we rescued him just three months ago. He’s already stolen our hearts. ❤️

Rhett
by: Marisa
My Coonie loves to sleep on my lap on his back - and he snores!

Sebastian Always on His Back
by: Sebastian's mom
Our Coonie, Sebastian, always sleeps on his back. He sometimes shivers while doing it, but the vet says he’s completely healthy - just a big, sweet 30-pound boy.

Maine Coon Who Sleeps on His Back
by: Michelle
My Coonie, Tiger, has always slept on his back. He sprawls out on the couch and takes over a cushion and a half. He’s 3 and still growing - I love that little boy!

Toby Loves the Ceiling Fan
by: Toby's mom
Toby loves sleeping on his back under the ceiling fan. He cools his belly and looks like he’s in absolute bliss. He also adores belly rubs.

Sampson Chumleigh
by: Jeff
Our five-year-old Maine Coon, Sam, loves to sleep on his back. It’s quite a sight!

Einstein as well!
by: Davis Family
Einstein came to us from a relative in CA who had too many cats. The first time I saw him sleeping on his back, I thought something was wrong - until he opened one eye like, "Excuse me...I’m sleeping here!"

He loves everyone but especially our 17-year-old son, T. He follows him around like a puppy.

Einstein even sits on newspapers we’re trying to read and starts purring. I think he’s in denial that he’s too big for window ledges now. They say they grow until 3 years old - yikes!

Phoebe, from our 2023 Albums

Be More Dog
by: Gill
We got our first Maine Coon, Marmaduke, after losing our three Siamese and Tonkinese cats. He’s 5 months old and already 2.3 kg.

He loves to sleep on his back with his head hanging off the sofa - sometimes he even slides off!

We started rolling a power ball on the floor, and now he jumps to catch it and brings it back like a dog.

At night, he brings the ball to bed so we can throw it around. He’s more affectionate with my husband than any of our past cats. We think he’s going to be very big - and very smart!

Too Cute
by: Pam
We adopted our 5-year-old Maine Coon mix, Joey, seven months ago. He’s always laying on his back with his front paws crossed, just watching us.

The best was one night at dinnertime - he was lying upside down next to his bowl, front paws crossed, waiting. He looked so pathetic, it was hilarious.

When he's not in bed or in his cat tree, he’s upside down against the door or wall, big fluffy belly in the air. I can’t resist giving it a few kisses. We just love him - he makes us laugh every day. So lucky to have him.

Otter
by: Deborah
My 7-month-old female kitten loves to sleep on her back wherever, whenever. I call it "ottering" because she looks like an otter!

It's catchy
by: Jasper’s person

Telulah, from our 2023 Albums

I have a Maine Coon, Jasper, and a mixed breed named Mango. They're about the same age, but Jasper totally towers over Mango.

From the day we brought her home, Jasper took Mango under his wing. Jasper always sleeps on his back - it cracks me up. Now that they’re inseparable, Mango sleeps on her back too, right next to him.

Chewbacca
by: Mo
My cat Chewbacca sleeps in a similar position to Hunter, except he stretches out on his side from head to tail as long as he can get.

It must be comfortable for him... even though it doesn’t look comfortable at all!

Same here!
by: Kimberly
My Sophie (who I suspect is part Maine Coon based on her... let’s say "quirky" personality) does the same thing.

But only in two places: the foot of my bed and one specific multi-level table. Otherwise, she curls up in a ball. She looks so darn cute.

Mine, too!
by: Leslie
Why do Coonies love laying on their backs? I’ve had many cats, but never one who chooses this pose again and again.

My cat Henry doesn’t actually fall asleep that way, but he lies on his back just watching the world go by.

With those furry legs that look like pantaloons and his gorgeous tawny belly, it’s the cutest thing ever.

I don’t think he wants a belly rub - sometimes I give in, and he flips over like “Nope!” So I just let him chill and enjoy the view.

Another Back-Sleeping MC
by: Ken
We have a 12-year-old Maine Coon who started doing this just in the past year or two.

I wonder if it helps with his hip dysplasia. But maybe it's just a Maine Coon thing - I sure hope so!

Yup!
by: Iggy’s person
Iggy does the same thing! He’s part Maine Coon. I adopted him and his brother Bowie from a shelter a year and a half ago.

Bowie’s a short-haired tuxedo from the same litter, and I’ve never once seen him on his back. But Iggy? Flat out, spread eagle in the middle of the living room!

Sometimes I rub his belly (which he loves), other times I leave him be and he stays like that.

I didn’t know he was a Maine Coon when I adopted him - or how special they are. But the more quirks he reveals, the happier I am to have both Iggy and Bowie in my life.

Missy
by: Missy's person
Missy sleeps on her back and upside down all the time. She’s only five months old but already the size of a full-grown cat!

Like Twins
by: Oirish
My boy Roscoe looks just like Hunter. He mostly sleeps on his back, all stretched out like he wants a belly rub - but don’t fall for it!

If you so much as brush that tummy fur, he’ll try to take your hand off.
Roscoe is huge, over 20 lbs, and was feral when we found him as a kitten.

He tolerates being petted but isn’t super affectionate. Still, we’re thrilled he feels safe enough at home to sprawl out like that in the middle of the floor.

Maine Coon That Sleeps on Back
by: Sonya
I was happy to see your Maine Coon sleeping on her back - ours does it, too.
We adopted her from the Humane Society about 10 months ago.

At first, I thought she was asking for belly rubs (which she loves), but now I find her laying that way even when no one’s around I think it’s just her favorite position!

Whiskers, from our 2024 Albums

On His Back
by: Andrew
Ours spends most of his days on his back. Even when he's awake, he stretches out and looks up at us upside down. He's a big boy - 20 pounds - but very agile.

He’ll jump two feet in the air when playing with toys, and he lets us pick him up like a baby, which I thought was unusual for such a large cat. But I see others mentioning the same!

Sookie
by: SD Cat Lady
I had to look this up - Sookie has been sleeping on her back since we brought her home.

She’s a beautiful Coon/Tabby with a stripe running down her back from neck to tail. She sleeps belly-up on the staircase, kitchen floor, or bed.

She’s just so comfortable in her environment, it makes me relax too. One of the best cats I’ve ever had!

Pedigreed 10-Month-Old Named Archie
by: Jay
Mine does the same thing! He usually puts his paws up close to his face. It’s such a quirky trait, but so cute.

Moochie
by: Jeretta
My Maine Coon, Moochie, loves to lie on his back with his paws in the air. He’s absolutely beautiful and loves to cuddle on the couch. He also enjoys being cradled like a baby.

Awwww
by: Community Member
I have a brother and sister Maine Coon/Manx mix. They’re just a year old, and I have so many photos of them belly-up with their paws splayed - like furry little Xs. They’re always adorable!

:)
by: Stacey
Mine does this too - that’s actually why I looked it up! It’s so cute catching him with his back legs in the air, showing off all his fluff.

This is my first Maine Coon, and he’s such a sweetheart - super friendly. His name is Stryker, and he’s a year and a half old.

Angelo
by: Angelo's Person
My Angelo loves to sleep on my back - hehe.

My Baby, Tiberius, Does This Too :)
by: Wanda
My Maine Coon mix, Tiberius, sleeps this way all the time. I think he just loves showing off his big, fluffy tummy! He’s almost 18 months old and weighs just under 13 lbs.

His vet says he might reach 15 lbs. He’s such a sweet baby. I got him from a local rescue - his foster mom said he’d been abandoned and possibly attacked by feral cats.

He’s an only child now, since he doesn’t do well with other kitties. He has his own chair and likes to sleep there, belly up, all four feet in the air. Sometimes he stretches across half the couch, showing off that glorious tummy!

My Cat Harley... The Coon Who Sleeps on His Back!
by: Justine Geer
My cat Harley is 10 months old and always sleeps on his back, twisted in all kinds of ways. He even falls off the chair sometimes! One of the many funny quirks of our Maine Coon mix.

Prince
by: Prince's Person
Prince is only half Coon, but he sleeps on his back every day and takes up the entire queen-sized bed… or cat tower… or floor space!

He’s very talkative, and we’ve noticed he uses different sounds depending on what he wants. Sometimes he’s so relentless, we just want to tell him to hush!

But when he’s on his back, he looks like he’s smiling from pure joy - lol.

My Feller
by: Community Member
My Coon always sleeps on his back. When I call him, he always has something to say back!

He weighs 29 lbs and doesn’t like to be picked up - I think it’s uncomfortable for him at that size. But he’s a wonderful pet and loves belly rubs, too.

Luvs Belly Rubs Too
by: Robin
Our Maine Coon sleeps on his back every single day! Maybe it’s a genetic thing?

Sleep Monster - Maine Coon?
by: Kristy Abbott
Simon’s favorite sleeping position is on his back with his legs splayed out. I keep thinking, “What if he were in the wild sleeping like that?”

We adopted Simon from a Minnesota shelter in January. They said he’d been out on the road for weeks. I’m not sure he’s a purebred (probably not), but he’s definitely the best “dog-cat” we’ve ever had.

He comes running when we whistle from across the yard - our farm is several acres. He greets us with chirps and meows every time we come home and gently pats our faces (at 5 a.m.!) to let us know it’s breakfast time.

If I try to sleep in, he’ll sprawl all 17 pounds of fluff across my face to make sure I wake up! He’s also a fantastic mouser, chipmunker, and birder - maybe that’s part of the breed profile?

He was a bit of a mess at the shelter - matted fur and all - but he wrapped around us with the loudest purrs when he came out of the cage, and we were instantly smitten.

I really believe he’s got some Maine Coon in him. But even if he doesn’t, who cares? He fits the profile perfectly. We couldn’t be luckier to have him.

So here’s to all the cat lovers who think they’ve got a Maine Coon (even if they’re not sure). If your kitty walks the walk and talks the talk, that’s all that matters. We’re blessed to have them love us.

Go Coons!

Mine too!
by: pcole
My cat Jack was wandering the streets, starving. I picked him up, and he’s been mine - or rather, I’ve been his - for almost a year now.

He almost always sleeps on his back. He also snores, plays fetch, and is very large with tufts between his toes. Pretty sure he’s a Maine Coon!

My Coon does the same thing
by: Laura
His favorite position is on his back with all four paws dangling. Your Coon isn’t weird - lol!

Two Maine Coons here that do that!
by: Community Member
Hey there! My two Maine Coons totally sleep on their backs. I wonder why - none of my other cats ever have. These two are always belly up!

One’s a mix, the other full-bred, so I think it might be a breed trait.

Hi
by: Norma
Yes, my husband and I have a Maine Coon who also loves sleeping on her back. She even has her own big, comfy chair.

Tintin

Hi Danielle!

by: Intan
Like you said on CHI’s page, Hunter looks just like CHI! She loves to sleep like this too - haha. I even have a photo I might upload sometime.

Chi actually prefers sleeping on the floor over the bed. By the way, how old is Hunter now?

Stan
by: Danielle
My sympathies, Stan. I know how hard it is to lose one of these guys. Hunter and I lost his buddy Tommy a few weeks before Christmas.

It's been tough. He still caterwauls around the house looking for him - absolutely heartbreaking.

As for Hershey... GOOD KITTY! That just shows how deeply animals bond with their humans. Must’ve driven your ex a bit crazy when Hershey ran to you like that. I assume you had to leave her behind for the kids?

Do you have any animals now? They're the best therapy during hard times. Mine have seen me through more rough patches than I can count.

I grieve harder for pets than for most people - some folks don’t get it, but the bond is pure and full of unconditional love.

Honestly, I think cats are more evolved than us - no stress, no work, just comfort (with a good human, anyway). If reincarnation is real, I definitely want to come back as a cat!

Hey Danielle
by: Stan
Sadly, Jake passed away years ago. He’s the reason I became a cat person - Maine Coons only.

He did great dog impressions: shake, roll over, even “play dead.” I’d say "Pow!" and he’d flop onto his back with all four legs in the air.

After the divorce, my ex kept our next cat, Hershey. But she changed after I left - wouldn’t come when called or tolerate petting.

Once, I visited and called her name - she came running and laid in my arms for ten minutes. My ex was not amused. I told the kids she's mine if their mom ever decides to give her up.

Bodhi

Hey Stan
by: Danielle
That’s hilarious! Jake sounds like he had a killer roadkill impression. Did he do any Jim Carrey routines? Lol!

Hunter... The King of Cats?
by: Danielle
Did you know the back-sleeping pose is called the "King Position"?

My boy definitely rules the roost - always checking in on the house and keeping an eye on the neighborhood from the windows. You can't miss him - he’s huge!

I’ve seen lions lay on their backs like that too. Apparently, females use that pose to attract males or show submission when breeding.

When I see my boy like that, especially with his summer lion haircut, he looks like a mini lion!

What I love about this breed is their dog-like personality and that wild, big-cat look - like a lion or lynx. It’s kind of like how Siberian Huskies resemble wolves (which I’ve also had - fantastic dogs!).

Backsleeping
by: Stan
Jake always looked like a rounder, fluffier raccoon sleeping on his back - like roadkill, but cute.

Sleeping on Back
by: GinniP
My Coonie, Lola, sleeps on her back too - sometimes with her front legs on one side and back legs on the other. So cute!

Totally Relaxed!
by: Lani
Any cat who feels completely safe and relaxed will sleep like this. You’ll see the same behavior in big cats on wildlife shows. Even my old Persians used to sleep this way.

Sleeping on Back
by: Emily
That’s funny - my Coonie, Hobbes, loves laying on his back, sometimes asleep, sometimes just hanging out. He even rocks side to side a little, like he’s making sure everyone’s watching him!

Hi Brenna and Denise!
by: Danielle
Hunter usually sleeps on his back most of the night... I honestly can’t imagine how that’s comfortable! Maybe it’s due to their big, dense bone structure? I'm half-expecting him to ask for a sleep number bed!

Back Sleeping
by: Denise
Just wanted to add - my Maine Coon and my Ragdoll both love sleeping on their backs. They look so comfy and will sleep like that for hours!

Sleeping on Back
by: Brenna V
Hiya!
Hunter’s adorable. My cat, Harry, does the same thing! He’ll lie on one side, then when both sides get warm, he flips over onto his back. So cute!

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