Are Maine Coons And Siberians Related?
Some feline specialists claim Maine Coons and Siberians are related since both breeds share ancestry from early European domestic cats and have roots in Russian and Scandinavian forests.
However, other cat experts claim the two breeds are unrelated since Maine Coons come from the state of Maine in America, whereas Siberians are from Russia.
Keep reading to explore the fascinating ties between these majestic breeds and uncover the secrets of their shared ancestry!
Are Maine Coons And Siberians Related?
The question of whether Maine Coon cats and Siberian cats share a genetic relationship is a matter of ongoing investigation in feline genetics (source 1).
I’ve never personally met a Siberian cat but would argue cats of this breed share a strong resemblance to our two huge Maine Coon cats, Mika and Bali.
Does that mean my Maine Coon pets are related to Siberian cats, or are their personality and physical similarities a result of their wild origins? Who knows!
Let’s take a look at two famous feline geneticists to understand their opposing viewpoints:
Dr. Leslie Lyons
Dr. Leslie Lyons, a renowned feline geneticist from the University of Missouri, conducted research indicating potential genetic similarities between the two breeds.
Her study, published in 2016, identified shared genetic markers and suggested a common ancestry due to historical trade routes between Maine and Russia.
Dr. Irina Sadovnikova
However, Dr. Irina Sadovnikova, a Russian geneticist specializing in Siberian cats, disputes this claim, pointing out distinct genetic profiles and differing historical backgrounds.
Despite these differing viewpoints, the issue remains inconclusive, requiring further research.
For more information, refer to Dr. Lyons’ study published in the Journal of Heredity in 2016 (source 1).
For a full comparison of Maine Coon Cat Vs Siberian Cat, read this guide.
How Are Maine Coons And Siberian Cats Similar?
Below are the striking parallels between Maine Coon and Siberian cats which highlight the similarities that bind these majestic feline breeds together:
Size
Both breeds are large, muscular cats, with Maine Coons typically weighing between 12 to 22 pounds and Siberians weighing between 10 to 20 pounds.
Coat
They both have thick, water-resistant double coats that help them survive in harsh climates.
Personality
Both breeds are known for their friendly, affectionate, and sociable nature.
Affectionate
Both breeds are extremely affectionate felines that thrive on attention from their owners and do not do well if they are left alone for long periods.
They develop incredibly close bonds with all of their family members and are filled with plenty of love for any family, no matter how large or small.
Intelligence
Maine Coons and Siberians are intelligent breeds that enjoy interactive play and puzzle-solving.
Adaptability
They are both adaptable to various environments and are generally good with children and other pets.
Love Of Climbing
Both Maine Coons and Siberian cats share a love for climbing.
Their playful and adventurous nature predisposes them to explore vertical spaces, such as:
- Trees
- Furniture
- Cat Trees
This behavior is instinctual for both breeds and provides them with mental stimulation and physical exercise.
Providing ample opportunities for climbing is essential for their well-being and helps satisfy their instincts.
Health
Both breeds are relatively healthy, with no significant breed-specific health issues, apart from these Top 7 Maine Coon Health Issues.
Grooming
While they both have long, dense fur, their grooming needs are manageable with regular brushing to prevent matting.
Prey Drive
Maine Coon and Siberian cats have similar prey drives rooted in their hunting instincts.
Both breeds are known for their keen hunting skills and love for chasing and stalking prey.
Origin
Both breeds have origins shrouded in folklore and are believed to have evolved naturally in their respective regions.
These similarities suggest that Maine Coons and Siberians share common traits despite their geographical and historical differences.
Differences Between Siberian And Maine Coon
When comparing these two impressive cat breeds, there are a variety of factors that support cat specialist theories that these big cats are not related:
Origin
Siberian cats trace their ancestry back to Russia, where they were revered for their ability to thrive in harsh climates.
Maine Coons, on the other hand, are native to the United States, particularly in the state of Maine, where they were cherished for their hunting prowess and companionship.
Physical Appearance
While both breeds boast impressive sizes, Siberians typically exhibit a more rounded appearance, with a sturdy build and a dense triple coat that offers protection against cold weather.
In contrast, Maine Coons are renowned for their long, muscular bodies.
They are often described as “rectangular,” and their shaggy, semi-water-repellent coats are longer around their:
- Neck
- Chest
- Tail
Facial Features
Siberian cats are known for their round, expressive eyes, which are often set wider apart, giving them a sweet and open expression.
In contrast, Maine Coons have slightly slanted almond-shaped eyes, adding to their alert and curious demeanor.
Temperament
While both breeds are known for their friendly and sociable nature, Siberian cats are often described as:
- Calm
- Gentle
- Affectionate
Siberian cats are known for forming strong bonds with their human families.
Maine Coons, meanwhile, are renowned for their outgoing and playful personalities, often displaying dog-like behaviors such as:
- Fetching toys
- Greeting their owners at the door
Ear Shape
Siberian cats typically have rounded ears, which contribute to their overall rounded appearance.
In contrast, Maine Coons have tufted ears with lynx-like tips, adding to their wild and majestic appearance.
Coat Colors And Patterns
Maine Coon and Siberian cats exhibit various fur colors and patterns, but there are differences between the breeds:
Fur Colors
- Maine Coons: Common colors include brown tabby, red, black, and white, with variations like tortoiseshell and calico.
- Siberians: They come in various colors, including brown tabby, silver, blue, and white, with rare colors like golden and color-point.
Fur Patterns
- Maine Coons: Typical patterns include tabby, solid, bi-color, and parti-color.
- Siberians: They also have tabby patterns but are known for their unique “lynx” pattern, characterized by distinct markings on their face and legs.
Both breeds share some common fur colors and patterns, however, Siberians are known for their distinctive lynx pattern.
Whereas Maine Coons exhibit a broader range of colors and patterns.
Recognition
Both breeds are recognized by major cat registries such as:
- The International Cat Association (TICA)
- Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA)
Siberian cats have a longer history of recognition and have gained popularity worldwide, whereas Maine Coons have a strong presence in the US registry systems.
Genetic Studies
Research conducted by renowned feline geneticist Dr. Leslie Lyons has shed light on the genetic differences between these two breeds.
Through DNA analysis, distinct genetic markers have been identified, indicating that Maine Coons and Siberians are not closely related genetically.
Size: Weight, Length & Height
Below we compare the size of the Siberian cat versus the Maine Coon:
Maine Coon Length
Maine Coons are renowned for their long, muscular bodies, with the
average length ranging from 19 to 40 inches (48 to 101 cm) from the
tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
Siberian Cat Length
Siberian cats also exhibit impressive lengths, with an average ranging
from 19 to 26 inches (48 to 66 cm) from the nose to the base of the tail.
However, some Siberians may reach lengths of up to 28 inches (71 cm).
Maine Coon Weight
Maine Coons are considered one of the largest domestic cat breeds,
with adult males typically weighing between 18 to 22 pounds
(8.16 to 9.97 kg), and females ranging from 12 to 15 pounds
(5.44 to 6.80kg).
Maine Coons tend to have a broader weight range, with some
individuals weighing significantly more than Siberian cats.
However, Siberians are still considered large cats, especially
for their muscular build.
Siberian Cat Weight
Siberian cats are a robust and well-built breed, with adult males
typically weighing between 15 to 20 pounds (6.8 to 9.1 kg), and
females ranging from 8 to 12 pounds (3.6 to 5.4 kg). However,
some Siberians can weigh slightly more or less depending on
various factors such as genetics and lifestyle.
Maine Coon Height
When standing on all fours, Maine Coons have a substantial height,
with their shoulders reaching up to 10 to 16 inches (25 to 41 cm)
off the ground.
Both breeds exhibit impressive heights, but Maine Coons may have
a slightly higher shoulder height on average.
Siberian Cat Height
Similar to Maine Coons, Siberian cats have a substantial height when
standing, with their shoulders reaching up to 9 to 11 inches
(23 to 28 cm) off the ground.
Health Problems
Maine Coon Cats and Siberian Cats share some health concerns, but each breed also has its specific issues.
Both breeds are generally considered healthy and hardy.
Maine Coon Cats
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A prevalent heart condition in Maine Coons, causing thickening of the heart muscles.
- Hip Dysplasia: Common in large breeds, Maine Coons can suffer from hip joint abnormalities.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): A hereditary condition leading to muscle weakness.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Some Maine Coons may develop fluid-filled cysts in their kidneys.
- Periodontal Disease: Dental issues are common due to their large jaw size.
Siberian Cats
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Siberians are prone to this heart condition as well.
- Hip Dysplasia: Though less common, hip joint abnormalities can occur in Siberians.
- Allergies: Some Siberians may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD): Conditions affecting the urinary system, including cystitis and urinary blockages.
- Dental Problems: Siberians may experience dental issues like gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Maine Coons and Siberian cats share some similarities in size, fur characteristics, and love for climbing, their differences outweigh these resemblances.
The lack of genetic evidence and distinct breed origins suggest that Maine Coons and Siberian cats are not closely related.
Further research may shed more light on their evolutionary history, but for now, it’s safe to say that these majestic breeds each have their unique heritage and charm.
