15 Cat Breeds Similar To The Maine Coon

If the luxurious Maine Coon breed is not within your price range, or if you have trouble finding a breeder near you, you might be interested in cat breeds similar to Maine Coon cats, instead.

While there is no single breed that is truly like the Maine Coon, you can find breeds with varying similar characteristics.

If you’re interested in Maine Coons for their beautiful long fur, you may consider getting a Norwegian Forest Cat, Somali, or Birman, instead. If you’re searching for a cat with a similar personality, then you may want an Abyssinian or Chartreux. If you want a cat that rivals the Maine Coon’s size, then a Bengal or Savannah might be a good choice.

The Maine Coon is a truly unique breed, but there are plenty of other breeds that share some of their incredible traits, such as appearance, size, sociability, and intelligence.

Read on to find out which cat breed is the right fit for you!

15 Cat Breeds Similar To Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is an enormous, long haired breed with mysterious origins.

They developed naturally in the frigid state of Maine in the 1800s.

As nobody knows exactly how they arrived in Maine in the first place, a plethora of wild stories have surrounded this breed, including legends of the Maine Coon Viking cat!

Read more about this legendary story here.

While we may never know exactly how the Maine Coon came to be, most cat fanicers can agree that this breed is truly special.

Maine Coons have become increasingly popular for their enormous size; these gentle giants can reach between 8 and 25 pounds on average, though some have even reached 34 pounds!

Discover just how big a Maine Coon cat can grow in this article I wrote.

There is a lot more to the Maine Coon than its size, though. They are also beloved by cat owners for their:

• Intelligence
• Sociability
• Gentle Nature

While it is impossible to find another breed identical to the Maine Coon, there are still plenty of cat breeds that share one or two of the Maine Coon’s traits.

Below is a list of 15 cat breeds that are similar in:

• Size
• Appearance
• Intelligence
• Sociability
• Playfulness

Either scroll down to view the cat breeds similar to the Maine Coon, or click on the cat breeds you are particularly interested in to jump straight to that breeds description:

• Norwegian Forest Cat
• Siberian
• Somali
• Bengal
• Savannah
• Ragamuffin
• Turkish Van
• Birman
• Abyssinian
• Ocicat
• Siamese
• Burmese
• Chartreux
• Ragdoll
• Balinese

Below are 15 cat breeds that are similar to the Maine Coon cat:

1. Norwegian Forest Cat

The cat breed most similar to Maine Coons in both appearance and personality is definitely the Norwegian Forest Cat.

When comparing Norwegian Forest cats vs Maine Coon cats, there are of course a few key differences, but overall, they share the same fluffy, semi-water repellent coat, loving, playful nature, and both breeds are quite large!

Norwegian Forest Cats, like Maine Coons, developed naturally before they were established as a breed.

If you are wondering what cats look like a Maine Coon, then the Norwegian Forest Cat is the closest you will ever get.

These two cat breeds look so similar, you might even be wondering if there are different breeds of Maine Coon.

Or, you might even start completing an ‘is my cat a Maine Coon quiz’, just to make sure you did not purchase the wrong cat breed!

If you want to get the best of both worlds, you may even want to search for Norwegian Maine Coon cats for sale, although this rare combination will be difficult to find.

Similarities

• Long, Dense, Semi-Water Repellent Coat
• Strong Hunting Instincts
• Incredibly Social

Differences

• Not As Active
• Slightly More Shy
• Occasionally Territorial

Below are the average Norwegian Forest Cat, and Maine Coon cat dimensions, which you can then compare (source 1,2,3):

Average Norwegian Forest Cat Dimensions

• Weight: 10 – 20 lb
• Height: 9 – 12”
• Length: 12 – 18”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

2. Siberian

The Siberian cat is an ancient Russian breed that has been mentioned in folklore and fairy tales for hundreds of years, and the breed might even be thousands of years old.

After the end of the Cold War, trade began once again with other countries, and this wonderful cat was exported throughout the world, where it could finally be established as an official breed.

Out of the long-haired cat breeds, the Siberian is certainly one of the breeds most like Maine Coons.

Siberians have long, dense coats, and they even have a similar fluffy Maine Coon tail!

They have a triple coat like Maine Coons, and they are also semi-water repellent.

Similarities

• Ruff of fur around the neck
• Lynx tip ears
• Gets along well with children
• Gets along well with other pets
• Doglike intelligence and personality

Differences

• Fearless, which can sometimes get them into trouble!
• Round body shape
• Potentially hypoallergenic

Below are the average Siberian cat and Maine Coon Cat dimensions, to enable you to compare them (source 1,2):

Average Siberian Dimensions

• Weight: 10 – 20 lb
• Height: 9 – 11”
• Length: 15 – 18”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

3. Somali

Similar to the Balinese, the Somali emerged as a long-haired mutation of Abyssinian cats.

At first, some viewed this mutation as a disappointment, but a few dedicated fanciers managed to bring it into popularity by the 1960s until a distinct breed was finally established.

Like the Abyssinian, the Somali is incredibly playful, intelligent, and doglike, just like the Maine Coon.

Their long coat makes them resemble the Maine Coon even more, and while they may not be as popular as Abyssinians, they are a gorgeous breed in their own right.

Similarities

• Long, silky coat
• Intelligent
• Playful

Differences

• Lithe body shape
• Slightly less patient with children (though they still make great family pets).
• Resists being picked up

Below are the average Somali cat and Maine Coon cat dimensions (source 1):

Average Somali Dimensions

• Weight: 9 – 12 lb
• Height: 8 – 10”
• Length: 11 – 14”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

4. Bengal

Humans have always been captivated by wild cats, and in the 1960s, some fanciers began cross-breeding domestic cats with Asian Leopards.

Known as Felis bengalaris, the first successful hybrids were dubbed Bengals.

The first Bengals were much wilder, but over time, they have become more domesticated.

Bengals, along with other hybrid wild cats, can be quite controversial among cat fanciers.

It is usually best to get a Bengal that is several generations removed from the wild because otherwise, their enrichment and attention needs are simply too high for the average person to reasonably care for.

Bengals have short, somewhat rough coats with gorgeous spotting that resembles leopards and other wild cats. They are incredibly active, with a desperate need to run, jump, and climb.

These active cats are not for inexperienced or fainthearted owners!

Similarities

• Size
• Wild Appearance
• High Activity Level

Differences

• Appearance
• High Strung Personality
• Vocal

Below are the average Bengal and Maine Coon cat dimensions (source 1,2,3):

Average Bengal Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 15 lb
• Height: 8 – 10”
• Length: 14 – 18”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

5. Savannah

Savannah cats, like Bengals, resulted from a hybrid of domestic cats and wild cats.

The very first kitten of this breed was born from a domestic cat and African Serval. She was named Savannah, and the breed has shared her name ever since.

Again, like any other wild cat hybrid, these cats make better pets if they are at least four generations removed from the wild.

Savannahs are incredibly tall cats with lean proportions that only make them look bigger.

They have short, glossy coats with black or brown spots and incredibly large ears.

Savannahs are extremely intelligent and active, and while they can make great pets, they do best with an experienced owner who can handle their mischievous personality.

Similarities

• Large Size
• Intelligence
• Love of Water

Differences

• Appearance
• Mischievous Personality
• Difficulty Training

Below are the average Savannah and Maine Coon cat dimensions (source: 1,2,3):

Average Savannah Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 13 – 15”
• Length: 20 – 22”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 12 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

6. Ragamuffin

Ragamuffins and Ragdolls are closely related, but distinct, breeds.

Before Ragamuffins were developed, fanciers of the Ragdoll breed were divided, and some felt that the guidelines were too strict.

The fanciers went their separate ways and some started cross-breeding Ragdolls with various other longhaired cat breeds, resulting in the Ragamuffin.

Ragamuffins are larger than Ragdolls and also have more varied coat patterns.

Similarities

• Size
• Loving Personality
• Fluffy Coat

Differences

• Lower Intelligence
• Low Activity Level
• Lap Cats

Below are the Ragamuffin and Maine Coon cat dimensions (source 1,2):

Average Ragamuffin Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 20 lb
• Height: 9 – 12”
• Length: 12 – 18”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

7. Turkish Van

Turkish Vans originated thousands of years ago in what was once considered Turkey, and they are considered one of the oldest and rarest breeds.

It was not until 1955 that two British photographers were given two cats of this breed, and their offspring formed the basis of the breed we know today.

Turkish Vans are incredibly playful and loving cats, although they prefer to be petted rather than picked up.

Instead, they prefer most of their attention to be through playtime.

Similarities

• Fluffy, Semi-Water Repellent Coat
• Playful Personality
• Love of Water

Differences

• Not Very Cuddly
• Mischievous Personality
• Clingy

Below are the average Turkish Van and Maine Coon cat dimensions (source 1):

Average Turkish Van Dimensions

• Weight: 7 – 18 lb
• Height: 9 – 11”
• Length: 14 – 17”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

8. Birman

Birman cats have rather mysterious origins.

They were imported to France and England during the early 1900s and were established as an official breed in 1967.

Before that, it is possible this breed originated in Burma, or what is today known as Myanmar, although we may never know its true origins for sure.

Birman cats have long, luxurious white fur with colorpoint markings of various colors.

Similarities

• Fluffy Coat
• Patient Personality
• Playful

Differences

• Lower Intelligence
• Less Active
• Need For Attention

Below are the average Birman and Maine Coon cat dimensions (source 1,2):

Average Birman Dimensions

• Weight: 6 – 12 lb
• Height: 8 – 10”
• Length: 15 – 18”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

9. Abyssinian

The Abyssinian cat is a breed with incredibly mysterious origins.

Some believe they may have descended from the cats of Ancient Egypt, while more recent genetic studies suggest they may have come from parts of Southeast Asia.

Abyssinian cats have short, ticked tabby coats, and intelligent, doglike personalities.

Similar to Maine Coon cat personalities, they are very active cats that crave physical and mental stimulation, and they can easily become bored and destructive if these needs are not met.

Similarities

• Extreme Intelligence
• Highly Active
• Doglike Personality

Differences

• Short Coat
• Not Very Cuddly
• Need to Be the Center of Attention

Below are the average Abyssinian and Maine Coon cat dimensions (source 1,2):

Average Abyssinian Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 12 lb
• Height: 8 – 10”
• Length: 12 – 16”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

10. Ocicat

At first glance, the Ocicat looks strikingly similar to wild hybrid cats such as Savannahs or Bengals.

However, the Ocicat is purely domestic and was developed from a variety of other breeds, including:

• Abyssinians
• Siamese
• A Few Others

Ocicats have short, dense coats covered in lovely spots.

These are highly intelligent, active cats that are known for being quite vocal.

Unlike the independent Abyssinians, however, they love being picked up and carried around, and some even ride on their owners’ shoulders!

Similarities

• Highly Intelligent
• Playful and Active
• Easy to Train

Differences

• Love Being Carried
• Very Vocal
• Short, Spotted Coat

Below are the average Ocicat and Maine Coon cat dimensions (source 1,2,3):

Average Ocicat Dimensions

• Weight: 6 – 14 lb
• Height: 9 – 11”
• Length: 13 – 16”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

11. Siamese

Perhaps one of the most famous and easily recognizable cat breeds out there, the Siamese is a small breed with a huge personality!

These cats are believed to originate in Thailand, and they are one of the oldest cat breeds in the world.

For a long time, these cats were only kept by royalty, but today, anybody can have the luxury of a Siamese companion.

Siamese cats have short coats with a famous colorpoint pattern.

If you are looking for cats like a Maine Coon, you may not think of the Siamese at first, but while they may differ in appearance, they share a lot of personality traits.

These are playful, doglike cats that need constant action, but they also need a lot of attention from their owners.

Similarities

• Highly Intelligent
• Extremely Active
• Need for Attention

Differences

• Highly Vocal
• Small Size
• Tendency to Bond Closely With One Person

Below are the average Siamese and Maine Coon cat dimensions (source 1):

Average Siamese Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 10 lb
• Height: 8 – 10”
• Length: 11.5 – 14”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

12. Burmese

The Burmese cat began with a chocolate brown cat originating from Burma. The man who found her, Dr. Joseph Thompson, decided to breed her with Siamese cats.

Eventually, this led to a distinct breed with a flattened muzzle, rich-colored fur, and a huge personality.

Burmese cats are intelligent, doglike, and incredibly affectionate.

While they are quite soft-spoken, they love to be the center of attention, and females especially tend to rule the house.

Similarities

• Intelligence
• Curiosity
• Playfulness

Differences

• Short Coat
• Fearless and Headstrong
• Small Size

Below are the average Burmese and Maine Coon cat dimensions (source 1,2):

Average Burmese Dimensions

• Weight: 6 – 14 lb
• Height: 10 – 12”
• Length: 15 – 18”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

13. Chartreux

The Chartreux is a rare, gray cat breed originating from France.

Nobody knows exactly how this breed came to be, but there are many fanciful legends surrounding their origin stories.

Chartreux have expressive amber eyes, a dense, short, blue coat, and a powerful, muscular body.

These cats are quiet, gentle, and loyal to their owners, rivaling even the Maine Coon in their loving personalities.

They are creatures of habit and enjoy following their owner around through their daily schedule.

Similarities

• Intelligence
• Ability to Learn Tricks
• Affectionate
• Powerful, Muscular Body

Differences

• Short, Dense Coat
• Tend to Have a Favorite Person
• Short Legs
• Smaller Size

Below are the average Chartreux and Maine Coon cat dimensions, to enable you to compare these cat breeds (source 1,2):

Average Chartreux Dimensions

• Weight: 9 – 11 lb
• Height: 9 – 11”
• Length: 15 – 18”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

14. Ragdoll

The Ragdoll breed was developed by a woman named Ann Baker in the 1960s, who almost exclusively bred cats that she found outside, roaming around her property.

She carefully selected which cats to breed until she developed the beautiful Ragdoll.

Ragdolls got their name from their habit of going completely limp while they are being held, but do not worry, they do not do this out of fear!

Ragdolls are so loving that they would rather be carried or held in your lap all day.

Similarities

• Incredibly Affectionate
• Long, Fluffy Coat
• Laidback

Differences

• Less Intelligent
• Not Very Active
• Less Interested in Climbing

Below are the average Ragdoll and Maine Coon cat dimensions, to enable you to compare these cat breeds (source 1,2):

Average Ragdoll Dimensions

• Weight: 10 – 20
• Height: 9 – 11”
• Length: 17 – 21”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

15. Balinese

Balinese cats were developed after a surprise genetic mutation in Siamese cats, which resulted in a longer coat.

While fanciers of the breed are determined to show that the Balinese are a distinct breed from the Siamese, they are quite similar in personality.

Balinese cats are incredibly active and intelligent, but they are also highly affectionate.

Despite their graceful appearance, however, they have a distinct sense of humor and love to joke around with their owners.

Similarities

• Active
• Intelligent
• Affectionate

Differences

• Demanding
• Loud
• Mischievous

Below are the average Balinese and Maine Coon dimensions (source 1,2):

Average Balinese Dimensions

• Weight: 7 – 15 lb
• Height: 8 – 13”
• Length: 15 – 18”

Average Maine Coon Dimensions

• Weight: 8 – 25 lb
• Height: 8 – 16”
• Length: 40”

The Three Breeds Most Similar To Maine Coons

The three cat breeds that are most similar to Maine Coons, are:

• Norwegian Forest Cat
• Siberian
• Somali

Conclusion

If you are having difficulty finding Maine Coon cats for sale, you may want to search for cat breeds similar to Maine Coon cats.

Even though this breed is incredibly unique, there are lots of types of cats like Maine Coon cats.

Some cats share the Maine Coon’s extreme intelligence, such as Abyssinians and Siamese cats, while others share their gentle and affectionate personalities, such as the Ragdoll, Chartreux, or Balinese.

Overall, the three cat breeds most similar to Maine Coons are the Somali, the Siberian, and the Norwegian Forest Cat.