How To Tell If Your Cat Is Part Maine Coon

If you’re wondering how to tell if your cat is part Maine Coon, my guide has you covered! From bushy tails to wide-set eyes, I explore the physical features and traits often associated with this natural breed adored by cat lovers worldwide.

How To Spot A Maine Coon Mix

Part Maine Coons come in all shapes and sizes. Analyze your cat’s size, eyes, tail, fur, paws, personality, body frame, and ear tufts for clues. The cat is a Maine Coon mix.

Genetic testing is the only foolproof method of identifying if you own a mixed Maine Coon, or not.

Identifying if a cat is part Maine Coon without DNA genetic testing is challenging due to the following:

• Genetic Variation
• Mixed Heritage
• Incomplete Pedigrees
• Variations in purebred breed standards

In this article, I identify common personality and behavioral traits to look for and draw on my own experience as an experienced Maine Coon cat owner.

Look For These Physical Traits

Purebred Maine Coon cats are recognizable by their large size and distinctive semi-water-repellent coat.

These gentle giants weigh 12 – 22 pounds and have a rectangular body shape, long legs, long fur, and a broad chest. They have a square muzzle and tufted ears.

Physical traits commonly associated with pedigree Maine Coon cats include:

1. Size

As one of the largest domestic cat breeds, their size is characterized by a substantial, muscular build.

According to The International Cat Association Males typically weigh between 18 and 22 pounds, and females weigh between 12 and 15 pounds.

Below is a table outlining the size differences between male and female Maine Coon cats versus male and female normal cats. For ease of comparison, I have included the following measurements in inches and centimeters:

• Weight
• Height
• Length

If you are interested in learning more about the size difference between the Maine Coon cat breed and that of a ‘normal’ cat, check out my other article.

2. Body Structure

The Maine Coon cat is known for its robust body structure, which sets it apart from other domestic cat breeds.

Here’s a detailed description of their body type, along with a comparison to the body structure of a normal cat:

Maine Coon Cat

• Length: The Maine Coons body length ranges from 18 to 40 inches (46 to 102 cm). This length includes their long, muscular torso, which contributes to their impressive size.
• Height: Measuring from the ground to the cat’s shoulders, the Maine Coons height ranges from 10 to 16 inches (25 to 40 cm). Their tall stature is accentuated by their long legs, giving them a commanding presence.
• Build: Maine Coons have a sturdy and rectangular body shape, with a broad chest and well-proportioned limbs.
• Weight: Male Maine Coon cats typically weigh between 18 and 22 pounds (8.2 to 10 kg), while females weigh between 12 and 15 pounds (5.4 to 6.8 kg).

Comparison to Normal Cat

• Length: The body length of a normal domestic cat typically ranges from 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 cm). While some breeds may have longer or shorter bodies, the average domestic cat’s length is generally smaller than that of a Maine Coon.
• Height: Normal cats are shorter than the Maine Coon, with an average shoulder height ranging from 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm).
• Build: Most domestic cats have a more slender and compact body shape. While they can vary in size and build depending on breed and genetics, they typically lack the muscularity and robustness characteristic of Maine Coon cats.
• Weight: A normal domestic cat weighs between 8 and 11 pounds (3.6 to 5 kg) for males and 6 and 9 pounds (2.7 to 4.1 kg) for females.

3. Coat

The Maine Coon cat’s coat is renowned for its thickness, semi-water-repellent properties, and silky or shaggy texture.

Thickness and Density

The Maine Coons coat is notably thick and dense, providing insulation and protection against harsh weather conditions.

Their thick coat evolved to withstand the cold climates of Maine, where the breed first originated.

Semi-Water-Repellent

Their coat has semi-water-repellent qualities thanks to its dense undercoat and longer guard hairs.

This feature helps to keep the cat dry in damp conditions, making it well-suited for outdoor environments.

Length Across the Body

The coat varies in length across the cat’s body. Typically, the fur is longest along the body, forming a lush and flowing mane around the neck and chest.

The fur gradually shortens towards the face and shoulders, giving the cat a well-balanced appearance.

Number of Layers

Their coat has multiple layers, including a dense undercoat and longer guard hairs. This multi-layered structure provides additional insulation and protection, allowing the cat to regulate its body temperature effectively.

Mane

One of the most striking features of the Maine Coon’s coat is its mane, which encircles the cat’s neck and chest.

The mane is particularly prominent in male Maine Coons, although females may also exhibit some degree of mane development.

4. Tufted Ears With Lynx Tips

The Maine Coons tufted ears, which are often said to resemble ‘lynx tips’, are one of the most distinctive physical traits of this large cat breed.

Lynx tips refer to the tufts of longer hair that grow at the tips of the cat’s ears, resembling the ear tufts seen on the lynx, a wild cat species.

Tufts gradually grow out of the Maine Coon’s ears and become more prominent as the kitten matures. However, if not visible by the kitten’s second birthday, they are unlikely to grow.

5. Prominent Facial Features

Maine Coons have prominent facial features, including high cheekbones, a square muzzle, a prominent chin, and long whiskers.

These features give them a distinctive and expressive facial expression, often described as “gentle” or “intelligent.”

Their large, expressive eyes are set wide apart, and come in captivating hues of:

• Gold
• Green
• Copper

If you are a new owner, keep in mind that all Maine Coon kittens are born with blue eyes, which change in color as they age.

For more information on Maine Coon eyes, read my article ‘Interesting Cat Eye Facts‘.

6. Tail

While the tail of a Maine Coon cat is not necessarily a defining feature that sets them apart from all other cat breeds, it can contribute to their distinctive appearance.

The Maine Coon’s tail is long, bushy, and often described as resembling a raccoon’s tail, hence the breed’s name.

Their fluffy tail is typically wider at the base and tapers to a point, with long, flowing fur that adds to its impressive size.

I’ve written a guide on ‘Why Do Maine Coons Have Long Tails?‘ – Maybe it would interest you!

7. Large Paws

They are known for their disproportionately large and sturdy paws, which are typically broader and more substantial thanthose of other domestic cat breeds.

Their large paws increase their balance, agility, and ability to navigate across snowy terrains.

Additionally, the tufts of fur between their toes act as natural snowshoes, helping to keep their feet warm and protected from the cold.

8. Speed Of Growth

Maine Coon kittens typically take longer to reach their full adult size compared to other domestic cat breeds.

While most normal cats reach their adult size within two years, the Maine Coon reaches its full adult size between 3 and 5 years of age.

This slow growth rate allows their bodies to gradually develop and mature, resulting in the breed’s characteristic large and robust build.

9. Polydactyl Toes

Maine Coons are known for their unique feature of having extra toes, a trait called polydactylism.

While not exclusive to the breed, it’s more common among Maine Coons and their mixes.

This condition adds to the charm of these furry friends, making them stand out among other cats. However, it’s less prevalent in purebred cats overall.

“If you’re trying to confirm a purebred Maine Coon, start here” →

How to know if your cat is a Maine Coon

Can You Really Tell Without Papers Or DNA?

If you don’t have pedigree papers, you’re working with probability, not certainty.

Many domestic longhairs can share “Maine Coon-like” features (tufted ears, big paws, shaggy coats), and many Maine Coon mixes inherit only one or two visible traits.

That’s why two things can be true at the same time: your cat can look extremely Maine Coon-ish and still be a mixed-breed without recent Maine Coon ancestry.

Genetic testing can help, but results depend on the brand’s reference database and how far back any Maine Coon ancestry sits in the family tree.

If your cat is a kitten, this guide will matter to you → How to identify a Maine Coon kitten.

Maine Coon Mix Scorecard (Quick Checklist)

Use this as a practical way to assess the likelihood that your cat has Maine Coon ancestry. One trait alone isn’t enough – it’s the cluster that matters.

High-signal traits (stronger clues):

• Long, rectangular body (not “cobby”/round)
• Heavy bone structure and muscular feel
• Broad chest and squared muzzle
• Pronounced ruff and shaggy coat texture
• Very large paws with toe tufts

Medium-signal traits (helpful but common in other cats):

• Ear tufts (“lynx tips”)
• Bushy tail
• Friendly, dog-like sociability
• Slow maturity / “gangly” adolescent stage

Low-signal traits (not reliable alone):

• Coat colour/pattern
• Big eyes
• “Looks like a Maine Coon in photos”

If you’re confused because your cat is tabby, make sure to read this guide → How to tell a Maine Coon from a tabby.

Identifying Maine Coon Ancestry in Your Cat

When identifying if you own a part Maine Coon, look at the ancestry of your cat.

I have listed some behavioral clues and personality traits to look for, which are characteristics of a purebred Maine Coon cat:

Gentle And Affectionate

Known for their gentle and affectionate nature, these cats often enjoy being around people and may seek out attention and affection from their human companions.

Sociable

A purebred Maine Coon is usually sociable and enjoys the company of both people and other pets.

They may actively seek interaction with family members and may even enjoy participating in household activities!

Playful And Energetic

These cats are playful and energetic, often retaining their kitten-like behavior well into adulthood.

They may engage in playful antics such as:

• Chasing Toys
• Climbing
• Exploring their surroundings

These are the Best Maine Coon Cat Toys:

Intelligent And Curious

These large cats are known for their intelligence and curiosity. They may display problem-solving skills and enjoy exploring new environments and stimuli.

Adaptable

Maine Coons are generally adaptable cats that can adjust well to various living environments and situations.

Vocalization

Many exhibit a characteristic chirping or trilling sound rather than traditional meowing. They may use vocalizations to communicate with their owners or express their needs.

Observing these behavioral clues and personality traits can provide insight into whether your cat may have Maine Coon ancestry.

However, it’s important to remember that individual cats may vary in their behavior, and these traits should be considered alongside other physical characteristics when determining breed ancestry.

Here’s a YouTube video of my Maine Coon cat, Pippin, having a conversation with my husband! 

Love Of Water

Maine Coon cats exhibit a remarkable affinity for water. This trait is deeply ingrained in their heritage, as their ancestors likely navigated the state’s numerous bodies of water for hunting and survival.

Their dense, water-repellent fur keeps them dry whilst also facilitating their aquatic adventures.

Furthermore, their natural hunting instincts drive them to explore and engage with water, as they may have historically preyed on fish and other aquatic creatures.

Finally, the playful nature inherent in Maine Coons prompts them to seek out water for entertainment, whether it be splashing in a sink or exploring a backyard pond.

Follow Their Owners

The Maine Coon’s tendency to follow its owner is often regarded as a sign of its ancestry and a characteristic of the breed.

This behavior can be attributed to several factors:

1. Bonding Instincts: Known for their strong bonds with their human companions, these cats form deep attachments to their owners and enjoy being in their presence.
2. Curiosity: They are curious cats who enjoy exploring their surroundings and investigating new stimuli.
3. Attention-Seeking Behavior: These cats crave attention and affection from their owners.
4. Hunting Instincts: These skilled hunters have a strong prey drive and may follow their owners, as they perceive them as a food source.

Here are 12 Cute Reasons Why Maine Coons Follow Their Owners:

Dog-Like Personality

The Maine Coon’s dog-like personality, characterized by sociability, trainability, loyalty, and playfulness, can be a clue to identifying a purebred Maine Coon compared to a normal cat.

While not exclusive to the breed, these traits, combined with other physical characteristics typical of Maine Coons, may indicate their ancestry.

Breeds Commonly Mistaken For Maine Coon Mixes

Some cats get labelled “Maine Coon mix” simply because they’re big and fluffy.

Domestic longhairs, Norwegian Forest-type cats, Siberian-type cats, and other long-coated mixes can resemble Maine Coons at a glance.

The key differences usually show up in head shape (squared muzzle), body length (rectangular), bone density, and coat texture rather than colour.

What To Do If You Still Aren’t Sure

If you want the closest thing to certainty:

1. Ask the rescue/breeder for any history, vet notes, or parent photos
2. Compare your cat to a Maine Coon breed standard checklist (head, muzzle, body shape, coat type)
3. Consider a DNA test if confirmation matters to you (health planning, insurance, curiosity)
4. Focus on needs rather than label: grooming, diet, and joint health matter more than the name

Purebred Cat Illnesses

Purebred Maine Coons may be prone to several health issues, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart disease), spinal muscular atrophy (neurological disorder), and hip dysplasia (joint condition).

However, buying from registered reputable breeders can mitigate these risks by ensuring proper breeding practices and health screening.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, determining whether your feline friend is part Maine Coon involves a careful examination of both physical traits and behavioral characteristics.

From the distinctive tufted ears and large size to the sociable, dog-like personality traits, there are several clues to consider.

However, it’s essential to remember that not all cats will exhibit every characteristic associated with the Maine Coon breed.

Genetic testing can provide further insights into your cat’s ancestry, but ultimately, the love and companionship they offer transcend breed labels.

So, while observing these traits can certainly be fun and intriguing, the most important aspect is the bond you share with your beloved pet.

Ultimately, whether or not your cat is part Maine Coon, they’re undoubtedly a cherished member of your family, bringing joy and companionship into your life.

Before you go, I’ve written a list of some Awesome Maine Coon Cat Names!