This post contains affiliate links.
Maine Coons are the prevalent domestic cat breed, and their distinct appearance and lively disposition make them easily identifiable.
Maine Coons are large cats that weigh up to 15 pounds, their long coats making them appear larger! They have a friendly and gentle demeanour and are noted for maintaining a kitten-like sense of wonder and vitality long into adulthood.
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, they’re also one of the most common cat breeds in the United States, ranking fifth in popularity. If you’re thinking of getting a Maine Coon, you may be interested in learning more about other cat breeds with similar characteristics.
We’ve compiled a list of 15 cat breeds that are similar to Maine Coons in some way. If it’s the Maine Coon’s size, fluffiness, or playful disposition that appeals to you, there are plenty of other breeds with similar characteristics. Who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love with one of them too!
Table of Contents
Cat Breeds Similar To The Maine Coon:
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- The Siberian
- The Savannah
- The Ragdoll
- Bengal
- Birman
- Burmese
- Manx
- Abyssinian
- Sphynx
- Turkish Angora
- Chartreux
- Bombay
- American Bobtail
- Ocicat
Norwegian Forest Cat:
The Norwegian Forest cat has a dense double coat and a long, bushy tail. These big cats are very muscular and strong. Norwegian Forest cats are friendly, outgoing and playful; they always search for human companionship and adventure.
Given their origins in the deep forests of Norway, it’s unsurprising that they enjoy seeking high vantage points from which to watch the world go.
This breed is often affectionately referred to as “Wegies” or “skogkatt” in Norwegian.
The Norwegian Forest Cat looks a lot like the Maine Coon at first sight, and it’s likely they’re linked back in the mists of time, but there are some physical distinctions between the two. The Maine Coon has a slight concavity profile, while the Norwegian Forest Cat has a more compact body and a straight shape. The eyes of Norwegian Forest Cats are almond-shaped, while the eyes of Maine Coons are oval and open. Norwegian Forest cats can weigh up to 22 pounds.
Norwegian Forest Cats are a caring, gentle breed of cat with a deep instinct for nurturing. The Norwegian Forest Cat is distinguished by her multicoloured and patterned double coat, tufted paws and ears, triangular head, plumed tail, and robust, heavily muscled body. They are self-sufficient and intelligent and adore their family without being demanding. It is one of those cats that get along with everybody, including other cats and dogs.
Norwegian Forest Cats are slow to mature and take a long time to achieve maximum physical and emotional maturity. Since a Norwegian Forest Cat loves climbing and being up high, get a ceiling-height cat tree and put it where she can keep an eye on her territory.
The Norwegian Forest cat requires grooming twice a week. There are times when they shed a lot, and you’ll have to comb them more often.
Although the Norwegian Forest cat is physically suited to harsh climates, it is recommended that they should be indoor cats. This is to avoid being hit by vehicles, contracting illnesses from other cats, or being attacked by other animals.
The Siberian
The athletic Siberian is a native breed that originated in Russia’s subarctic tundra. They’ve been around for at least a thousand years and were prized for their exceptional hunting abilities.
The Siberian’s thick and long coat is ideal for shielding them from the elements. This rambunctious breed adores its family and will enjoy learning tricks like fetch. They still enjoy swimming!
Siberian cats have big yellow-green eyes, tufted ears, and neck ruff also make her stand out. Siberian coats are available in various colours and patterns, but brown tabbies appear to be the most common. Siberian cats can weigh up to 17 pounds.
The grooming requirements for a Siberian cat need to combing at least twice a week to keep their beautiful coat in top condition. Depending on the time of year, Siberian cats can shed a lot, so you would need to groom them more during this time.
The Siberian can is physically suited to harsh climates. Still, they should be kept indoors to avoid being hit by vehicles, contracting illnesses from other cats, or being attacked by other animals.
The Savannah
The Savannah cat is a hybrid that was created by crossing a domestic cat with an African Serval. As a result, they’re distinct from many other cat breeds. They have distinctive tabby coats, which are often dotted with big spots.
Savannah cats enjoy learning tricks and playing games, but they may not be suitable for households with small pets such as hamsters because of their powerful prey drive. They are fantastic jumpers thanks to their long legs, and they enjoy sitting up high.
Savannah cats have big, tall ears that sit on top of the head, eyes set under a hooded brow, a long neck, and a short, thick tail is just a few of Savannah’s unique physical characteristics. His exotic appearance is a product of all of these characteristics. The Savannah cat can weigh up to 25 pounds.
Savannah cats develop close relationships with her family, and they go out of their way to be with them, including learning to walk on a leash and grab toys. Surprisingly, Savannah cats like water!
They are entertaining cats who thrive in an environment where they can play and engage with others. Savannah cats get along with kids, other cats, and friendly dogs if raised with them.
With weekly brushing or combing, Savannah’s short coat is easy to maintain. Depending on the toys and enrichment given to them at home, their nails might need to be trimmed.
The Ragdoll
The Ragdoll breed gets its name from how floppy they are when carried or held. They have a fluffy coat that comes in a variety of beautiful pointed colours.
When you combine this with their striking blue eyes, you have a cat breed that is as beautiful as it is lovely. These cats adore being around people and will constantly seek you out for a cuddle. They’re playful and sweet-natured, making them ideal for children. Because of their intelligence, you will have a lot of fun teaching your Ragdoll tricks.
With stunning baby blue eyes, the Ragdoll looks up at you, ready to follow you everywhere you go. She’s a sweet cat who will happily greet you at the entrance, play fetch with you, and sleep with you at night. She can be a child’s best friend, sturdy and forgiving, dressed up in doll clothes, and pulled around in a baby buggy. Just make sure your child does not take advantage of her pleasant disposition.
The laid-back Ragdoll gets along well with dogs and can learn to walk on a leash just like them. If you fly often and want to bring a feline friend with you, she’s a perfect pick.
The Ragdoll belongs in a home with people who will love her and groom her beautiful coat weekly. Keep her indoors to avoid being hit by vehicles, contracting illnesses from other cats, or being attacked by other animals. Ragdoll cats can weigh up to 15 pounds.
Bengal
The Bengal is a cross between a domestic cat and the Asian Leopard Cat, a wild breed. This breed is renowned for its amazing coats, which feature a unique pattern of rosettes and marbling. Bengals with colour patterns like seal sepia, seal lynx, and seal mink on a pale white or cream background are known as “snow” Bengals.
Their coats can also shimmer in the sun and have a velvety texture, unlike any other domestic cat breed. They aren’t a low-maintenance choice because they need a lot of care from their owners.
The Bengal is a very active, intelligent, and curious creature. They thrive best when she has access to a large outdoor enclosure where she can indulge in her favourite feline hobby of bird-watching. Bengal cats enjoy climbing to high places, playing fetch, and going for leash walks, and she thrives best when she has access to a large outdoor enclosure where she can indulge in her favourite feline hobby of bird-watching. Bengal cats weigh up to 18 pounds.
Some Bengals like playing in the sea, and if you’re not careful, you might find your Bengal fishing out of your home aquarium. They are a fun-loving cat who craves a lot of love. Bengal cats thrive in the company of someone who spends a lot of time at home and enjoys playing and engaging with him. With weekly brushing, the short coat is simple to maintain. As required, trim the nails.
The Birman
The sociable Birman is an excellent alternative for households with many pets. They aren’t a loud breed, but they have an endearing habit of “chirping” to get your attention.
According to legend, the Birman was descended from Burmese temple cats raised by Kittah priests.
Birman cats have a medium to long coat, with various pointed colours and bright blue eyes. Birmans enjoy playing with humans and other animals. They don’t like being left alone in the house all day without being entertained or cuddled because they are a friendly breed. With this being said, the Biman would not be a good choice for a busy family or working professionals.
The Birman is a relaxed, affectionate feline who enjoys spending time with her family. Children and other pets get along well with Birmans. Your Birman will answer in a gentle, pretty voice if you speak to him, but he isn’t as articulate as the Thai Siamese.
Despite being less active than other breeds, Birmans have a very playful side. When they’re not curled up in your lap, they’re likely to fetch or chase a puck. Birman cats can weigh up to 15 pounds.
The Birman’s silky coat doesn’t shed much, and twice-weekly combing keeps it looking great. Routine nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing are also needed. Since the Birman may acquire the periodontal disease, veterinary cleanings are also recommended.
The Burmese
Burmese cats are vocal and playful, demonstrating their Siamese heritage. Wong Mau was a single cat brought back from Burma by a sailor and crossbred with seal-point Siamese, the Burmese’s ancestor.
Burmese cats enjoy conversing with their owners and are outgoing and playful with strangers. Burmese cats have short coats in various beautiful colours, such as blue, champagne, and platinum. They can weigh up to 12 pounds.
These frisky felines enjoy playing and learning new tricks. Burmese love playing with children, even allowing themselves to be dressed up and pulled around in a doll buggy.
When you’re at home, the Burmese thrives on affection and will follow you around. She despises being left alone for long periods and, of course, prefers to get her way. Be wary of her golden eyes’ hypnotic influence!
Any home with people who will adore her and give her the attention and love she craves is ideal for the Burmese. Keep her indoors to avoid being hit by vehicles, contracting illnesses from other cats, or being attacked by other animals. The Burmese’s silky coat sheds little and is quick to groom with weekly brushing.
The Manx
The Manx cat got its name from the Isle of Man, where the inhabitants are also known as Manx.
Most Manx cats are devoid of a tail, but some have a short tail, and some have a full-length tail.
This breed comes in a wide variety of colours in almost any hue except for a pointed colouration.
Manx cats are intelligent, affectionate, and playful creatures. They like going on road trips and playing in the sea, and they enjoy going on adventures.
Manx cats can weigh up to 13 pounds.
The Manx is a gentle and amusing creature. It’s not uncommon to see her playing fetch or lugging her toys around. Manx cats are intelligent and dexterous, with the ability to open cabinets and doors with their paws.
Manx cats enjoy being around people and will carry on a conversation in a sweet, thrilling voice. Some Manx devote their entire love to a single person, while others adore their whole family, including their children.
The Manx belongs in a home with people who will love and groom her beautiful coat every week. Owners should keep Manx cats indoors to avoid being hit by vehicles, contracting illnesses from other cats, or being attacked by other animals.
The Abyssinian
Although the Abyssinian cat is tiny, it is incredibly playful and enjoys learning new tricks. They’re known as “Aby-grabbys” because they like to take stuff they like the look of! Keep an eye out for any small gleaming objects, as they’re likely to be taken.
The hairs on these cats are individually striped and have a ticked coat. Abyssian cats can weigh up to 10 pounds. They like to climb up, so make sure you have perches and cat trees so they can keep an eye on you from above.
The Abyssinian is a highly involved and athletic young cat who is intelligent and curious. She spends her days climbing to the tops of buildings, exploring every nook and cranny of your house, and meticulously supervising everything you’re up to.
Because of their playful temperament, the joyful Abyssinian is often referred to as the Aby-silly-an. Abyssinian cats are better suited for someone who spends a lot of time with her at home. They also like to be the only cat in the house to receive all of the attention.
Sphynx
Their hairless bodies and large ears easily identify Sphynx. Their skin is a variety of shades, including red, blue, cinnamon, and lavender, although they don’t have fur.
The Sphynx are gregarious felines, are outgoing and enjoy spending time with their friends. Sphynx cats weigh up to 12 pounds.
Sphynx cats are very social, and they don’t like to be left alone for long periods. They are not an ideal match for a working or busy family.
Sphynx are adorable cats who are curious and playful, but their favourite thing is getting plenty of cuddles and attention.
The Sphynx investigates something that piques her curiosity with her toes acting as fingers. They have a wrinkled face, wide ears, and lemon-shaped eyes that give them the look of a wise and kind alien, and her rounded belly gives her the appearance of having recently consumed a large meal.
Owners should keep sphynx cats indoors to avoid problems with their skin, such as sunburn. As Sphynx cats are very expensive, they would be at high risk of being stolen if they were allowed out.
Sphynx may be hairless, but they are not hypoallergenic because dander, or dead skin cells, is still produced. There is no scientific evidence that any particular cat breed or crossbreed is more or less allergenic than another.
Even though Sphynx cats do not have any hair, they still have grooming requirement. Cat owners looking to get a Sphynx should be aware that they will need to dedicate a fair bit of time to help maintain healthy skin.
Turkish Angora
We think the Turkish Angora is the most outgoing cat breed we’ve ever seen. They thrive in a busy household with many pets, where there is always someone to entertain them or be amused by their antics. They love being goofy, but they are still very graceful.
Turkish Angora cats enjoy learning new tricks and will gladly complete a mini agility course with jumps and tunnels if rewarded with plenty of praise. They can weigh up to 10 pounds.
Turkish Angora cats may appear elegant and sophisticated, but they are tricksters with a wicked sense of humour underneath the surface. The Turkish Angora will welcome visitors at the door and play hostesses with ease. They can get along with other animals, including dogs until they establish that they are in charge. Similarly, she will gladly supervise everything you do, preferably from a high vantage point.
Turkish Angoras are fast learners who can open cabinet doors and switch on faucets (or teaching you to do it for her). Turkish Angoras are aggressive, demanding, and obstinate cat, breed but her beauty more than compensates.
Any home where the Turkish Angora is cherished, respected, and given the care and attention she requires is ideal. They should be kept indoors to avoid being hit by vehicles, contracting illnesses from other cats, or being attacked by other animals.
Chartreux
The exquisite French Chartreux cat breed comes in various blue colours, ranging from dark slate to light ash blue. When they decide to rest, these cats are playful and curious yet gentle and caring.
According to legend, the Chartreux got their name after the monk-brewed Chartreuse drink, and the original cats were selectively bred, with quiet cats being preferred over noisy cats. It was done to prevent meowing from disrupting the monk’s meditations!
The affectionate Chartreux will follow her people from room to room, smiling. She gets along to fit with other pets and is suited to homes with children who can gently pet her because of her soft, personable personality.
The Chartreux is silent, with just a few people making a racket, but don’t be fooled. She has a sharp mind and can figure out how to break into cabinets or out of louvred windows to explore. Chartreux cats can weigh up to 15 pounds.
Brushing the Chartreux coat twice a week makes grooming a breeze. When they shed their winter coat, you’ll need to brush them more often. As required, trim the nails.
The Chartreux will be at home in any home with people who would love her and groom her beautiful coat every week.
The Bombay
The Bombay cat enjoys being the focus of attention, so make sure you have the time to devote to them! If these noisy cats think you’re ignoring them, they’ll let you know right away. They’re lively and playful, but when they’re tired of playing, they’ll curl up and take a nap in the sun.
Bombay cats are usually only available in one beautiful coat colour: jet black. Sable kittens are sometimes born due to a recessive gene, although not all breed associations recognise them.
Bombay cats love meeting new people, and they get along well with children, dogs, and other cats, though they are dominant and expect to be in control. They not afraid to walk on a leash or play active games like fetch, but they also have a reputation for being a lap cat.
If you don’t have the time or inclination to engage with a Bombay regularly, it might not be the breed for you. They will want to be a part of everything you’re doing. Bombay cats can weigh up to 11 pounds.
To keep Bombay’s thick coat shiny and healthy, brush her once a week. The only other grooming he needs is nail trimming and ear cleaning daily.
The American Bobtail
The American Bobtail cat is a chunky, longhaired cats that resemble bobtailed wildcats in appearance. But don’t be fooled; this breed is faithful to its owners and has a dog-like personality, so they enjoy games like hide-and-seek and fetch. They’re usually happy to accompany you on walks and, if possible, can be taught to walk on a leash.
American Bobtail coats are available in a variety of colours. The American Bobtail cats can weigh up to 16 pounds.
The American Bobtail may have a wild expression. Still, they are a confident, affectionate cat breed who loves their family and is polite with visitors if she has been well socialised. American Bobtail cats are a good fit for families of older children who can treat her with respect, but toddlers should be kept under supervision not to pull their whiskers or what little tail they have. American Bobtails are completely capable of getting along with the family’s cat-friendly pets.
Playing fetch, going for leash walks, and stealing shiny things are among some of the favourite pastimes for American Bobtail cats. They make great travellers and fantastic therapy cats.
Any home with people who will love and care about her is ideal for the American Bobtail. It would be best if you kept American Bobtails indoors to avoid being hit by vehicles, contracting illnesses from other cats, or being attacked by other animals.
The Ocicat
The Ocicat is the only household cat breed with distinguishing spots, and it was purposefully designed to resemble a miniature wild cat. Cinnamon, blue, chocolate, and silver are only a few colours available for their coats.
Since this friendly breed craves human interaction, they should never be separated from their owners for long periods. For these reasons, the Ocicat is not a good cat breed for working professionals.
Ocicats can learn to perform tricks, walk on a leash, and even fetch. They can weigh up to 15 pounds.
The Ocicat is self-assured, talkative, and very busy. They love meeting new people and gets along with kids, pets, and other cats.
Ocicats are not afraid to walk on a leash or play active games like fetch, but they also have a reputation for being a lap cat.
Ocicats are extremely social and want to be a part of everything that you are doing. They are best suited for people who have a lot of time to give them all the attention they want and need.
The Ocicat’s thick coat should be brushed once a week to keep it shiny and healthy. The only other grooming she needs is nail trimming, ear washing, and tooth brushing daily.
Conclusion:
All the cat breeds mentioned above are similar to Maine Coon in one or another character. Some are similar due to their huge physical appearance; others are due to the same behaviour and personality traits.
