Deciding between a Maine Coon vs Persian cat can be a difficult task. After all, both of these cat breeds are incredibly popular. Both cat breeds also have a unique appearance and temperament.
If you’re unsure about whether you want to take home a Maine Coon or a Persian cat, you’ve come to the right place! We’re going to give you a comprehensive guide to both cat breeds, so you can ultimately decide which breed is better suited to your lifestyle and needs.
Maine Coon cats are larger than Persian cats. They are adaptable to their environment and have a playful, active personality. Persian cats require more extensive grooming, but they are calmer. Both breeds are affectionate and get along well with children and other pets.
Of course there’s a lot more to both of these breeds. Both Maine Coons and Persian cats are filled with charm, as well as a few surprises.
Read on to discover more about Maine Coon and Persian cats, and also to learn which of these cats will thrive best in your home!
Maine Coon vs Persian
The Maine Coon breed was discovered in Maine in the early 1800s.
This is the largest domesticated cat breed in the world, but they are known for their gentle personality.
Maine Coons are built for the cold. Back in the day, this breed was used to hunt rats and mice on farms and ships.
While they are more popular as an affectionate pet nowadays, this rustic past is apparent in the Maine Coon’s wild and muscular appearance.
Persian cats have a much more aristocratic history.
These cats were bred in Turkey and what was once known as Persia, but is now called Iran. Breeders were impressed with this cat’s luxurious coat, and many were brought to Europe over time.
Royalty, including Queen Victoria of England, were taken by these beautiful cats, and they soared in popularity.
The Persian cat was later brought to the United States in the 1800s, where they all but wiped out the once popular Maine Coon. Thankfully, a few dedicated breeders were able to bring the Maine Coon back from the brink of extinction and today, these two cat breeds coexist peacefully.
While the Maine Coon has a far more rustic origin than the Persian cat, the two do have some similarities. They both have long coats, as well as mellow and affectionate temperaments (source).
Difference Between Maine Coon And Persian Cat
Here are the main physical differences between Maine Coons and Persian cats.
Size
The Maine Coon is the largest domesticated cat breed in the world.
On average, they weigh between 8 and 25 pounds, measure a length of 19 to 40 inches, and stand at a height between 8 and 16 inches.
Discover how the Maine Coons size compares to that of the average moggy walking down the street, by reading my article.
Persians are much smaller in comparison, weighing between 7 and 12 pounds.
They typically measure between 10 and 15 inches in height and 14 to 18 inches in length.
Head Shape
Maine Coons have wedge-shaped, medium-sized heads that are a little longer than they are wide, and they have high cheekbones.
Persian cats have round heads with large, smooth skulls.
Ears
Maine Coons have large ears with wide bases. The inside of their ears is filled with long, thick fur, meant to protect them from the snow.
Many Maine Coons also have lynx tips on their ears. This has led many to ask ‘A Maine Coons Part Lynx?‘.
Persian cats have short, round ears that are set far apart on the skull.
Tail
Maine Coons have long tails with flowing fur. Their tails are wide at the base, and some Maine Coons have distinctive rings around the base of their tails.
Although genetically impossible, the black ring around some Maine Coon cat’s tails has been held up as evidence that the two species are linked!
To discover more details relating to the claim that Maine Coons are part Raccoon, you best read this ‘Are Maine Coons Part Raccoon?‘.
By comparison, Persian cats have fluffy tails that are relatively short, but look proportionate in comparison to the rest of their bodies.
Eyes
Maine Coons have large, expressive eyes that many owners describe as conveying a deep sensitivity.
Their eyes come in many colors, including green, gold, copper, and sometimes blue.
If we compare this to the Persian cat, we see that their eyes are very large and round eye. Persian cat eyes are set far apart on the face.
They can be green, blue-green, blue, copper, yellow, gold, and amber.
Muzzle/Chin
Maine Coons have squared muzzles that give their face a powerful appearance.
Their noses are medium in length.
Persian cats have flattened muzzles and rounded cheeks.
Their noses have a squashed appearance, which can, unfortunately, lead to breathing problems.
Neck
Maine Coons have medium-long necks of moderate thickness, while Persian cats have thick, short necks.
Fur
Maine Coons have rugged, thick coats that are medium-long.
Many Maine Coons have longer fur around their paws as well as around their shoulders and chest, which makes them look like a lion.
Persian cats have long, silky fur that is even in length throughout the body, except its ruff, which is usually longer.
Body Shape
Maine Coons have long, rectangular bodies, while Persian cats have round bodies of an even proportion.
Legs And Feet
Maine Coons have legs of an average length. Their paws are wide with five toes in the front and four in the back.
Some Maine Coons are polydactyl, but this is an undesirable trait that has been largely bred out.
Fancy learning more about the polydactyl Maine Coon? CLICK HERE!
Persian cats have short, thick legs and large, round paws. Like Maine Coons, they have five toes in the front and four in the back.
Attribution: Creative Commons license: Jamesishere, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Growth Rate
Maine Coons have a much slower growth rate than other cat breeds and take between 3 and 5 years to reach their full size.
Persian cats have a growth rate more typical of other domestic cats, and usually reach their full size when they are 2 years old.
Color
Maine Coons and Persians come in virtually every coat color imaginable, as well as most patterns. While Persian cats can have pointed coats, however, Maine Coons do not (sources 2,3).
Which of these 74 Maine Coon cat colors will you pick?
Maine Coon vs Persian Personality
Here are the personality differences between Maine Coon and Persian cats.
Temperament
Maine Coons have a gentle and playful temperament.
They are highly affectionate towards their loved ones, but they have the energy of a kitten throughout their lives.
Persian cats are extremely calm. They are sweet and affectionate, but with a much more docile air than a Maine Coon.
Sociability
Maine Coons are incredibly friendly cats that can bond with any number of people, making them great cats for large families.
Watch this massively cute video of our Maine Coon cat being affectionate with our 6-year-old daughter. Pippin is grooming her!
Persian cats are known to be sweet and affectionate towards the people they know and love.
However, Persians are often reserved until you get to know them.
Friendliness Towards Other Pets
Maine Coons have a patient and easygoing personality, and they usually get along well with other pets.
In fact, most Maine Coons thrive on the companionship of another cat, because they need a lot of enrichment.
Persian cats are rarely aggressive, but they can become irritated by the antics of another pet.
They do best with pets that are also calm and quiet but do not mix well with animals that are rowdy or obnoxious.
Loyalty/Companionship
Maine Coons are well-known for their dog-like personalities, which has earned them the nickname ‘dog of the cat world‘.
While they can be independent at times, Maine Coon cats often enjoy following their owners around the house in an unobtrusive manner.
If you are curious to learn more about this strange behavior, take a look at my article: ‘Why Does My Maine Coon Follow Me Everywhere‘.
Maine Coon cats make deeply affectionate companions.
Persian cats will gladly receive attention, and develop close bonds with their owners. However, they are not demanding, and will not follow you around the house the same way a Maine Coon might.
Intelligence/Trainability
Maine Coons are revered for their intelligence, and many can be trained to do a variety of tricks.
Persian cats, on the other hand, have relatively low intelligence. There are very few instances of a Persian cat is effectively trained.
I absolutely adore watching this particular Youtube video, as the Maine Coon cat is showing us some great Maine Coon cat tricks!
Playfulness
Maine Coons are incredibly playful cats that often retain a kitten-like personality well into adulthood.
Persian cats are much more relaxed, and would often rather spend their time sleeping in the sun than playing.
Exercise
Maine Coons need plenty of exercises to keep up with their energetic personalities, but Persian cats do not require much exercise.
Our Maine Coon cat loves playing with these 5 cat toys, which help encourage him to exercise. Since Maine Coon cats are prone to obesity, exercise is essential to keep them healthy and fit.
Vocality
While Maine Coons do not meow much, they are still incredibly vocal creatures. Find out more about the Maine Coon Voice, by clicking the link to my article.
Maine Coons are known to chirp and trill when demanding attention or help. Here’s why Maine Coons talk so much.
By comparison, Persian cats are relatively quiet and do not meow often.
Hunting Skills
Maine Coons are natural-born hunters. They have a high prey drive and are known to keep garages and barns free of mice and rats.
Persians are rather sedentary in comparison, and their relatively low intelligence contributes to their poor hunting skills.
Family Friendly
Maine Coons are incredibly patient cats that can handle a lot from young children, so long as they do not play rough.
They are great family pets because they do not just bond to one person. There is enough love in a Maine Coon’s heart to love an entire family!
Persian cats can become annoyed more easily than Maine Coons, and they are not well-suited to loud environments.
They do best in families with older children who will respect their boundaries. However, a Persian can be just as loving and affectionate towards a family who treats them with kindness.
Climbing
Maine Coons love to climb, and will often scale counters and even refrigerators in search of a high place to roost!
You’ll definitely want to consider purchasing a cat tree if you choose to take a Maine Coon into your home.
These are my favorite Maine Coon cat trees, ideal for the large Maine Coon’s love of jumping!
Persian cats are not natural climbers, and instead prefer to lounge around on couches or the floor.
Territoriality
Neither Maine Coons nor Persian cats are more prone to territoriality than any other cat breed.
The unaggressive nature of a Persian cat means that it may be less likely to become territorial than a Maine Coon, but both breeds are sociable and patient enough that this is rarely a problem.
Cost
Maine Coons and Persian cats are both quite expensive breeds, but Persians are typically more expensive due to their reputation as show cats.
Maine Coon vs Persian Cat Price
Here are the average costs you can expect to pay for both breeds (source 1).
| Cost | Maine Coon ($) | Persian ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten | $400 – $2000 | $1,300 – $3,000 |
| Cat | $600 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Senior Cat | $600 | $600 – $1800 |
| Rescue Cat | $250 | $250 |
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Maine Coon cat is between 12 and 15 years, while a Persian cat’s estimated lifespan is between 10 and 17 years.
One insurance company researched the odds of a Maine Coon cat surviving past the age of 10 years. Here’s what they found.
Health
Every cat breed has its own expected health problems, and some are more prone to diseases than others.
Here are the most common health problems that affect both Maine Coon and Persian cats (source 1,2).
Maine Coon
- Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Also known as HCM, this genetic condition occurs in many cat breeds and mostly affects older cats. It is a genetic heart condition that causes the walls of the heart to thicken over time, ultimately leading to death. Both Maine Coons and Persian cats are susceptible to this disease.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy: This is another genetic disorder which causes the muscles surrounding the spine to atrophy. It is usually apparent while the cat is young. While it is not a fatal disease, it can cause an abnormal posture and gait.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetically inherited disorder which results in abnormal hip development and often leads to limping. It is not fatal, but it is relatively common in Maine Coon cats.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: Also known as PKD, this genetic disorder leads cysts to form in the cat’s kidneys, which can cause kidney failure in some cases. Both Maine Coons and Persian cats are susceptible to this disease.
Persian
- Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Also known as HCM, this genetic condition occurs in many cat breeds and mostly affects older cats. It is a genetic heart condition that causes the walls of the heart to thicken over time, ultimately leading to death. Both Maine Coons and Persian cats are susceptible to this disease.
- Eye Problems: Many Persian cats are prone to eye problems, such as eyelid protrusions, eyelids which fold inwards, and progressive retinal atrophy.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: Also known as PKD, this genetic disorder leads cysts to form in the cat’s kidneys, which can cause kidney failure in some cases. Both Maine Coons and Persian cats are susceptible to this disease.
- Difficulty Breathing: The snub nose of a Persian cat often leads to difficulty breathing and, in some cases, respiratory distress.
- Portosystemic Shunt: This disorder decreases blood flow to the cat’s liver and can cause anemia, bladder stones, dementia, drooling, and sometimes death.
Caring For A Maine Coon vs Persian
Here are the similarities and differences in maintenance requirements for Persian vs Maine Coon cats.
Grooming
The medium-long coat of a Maine Coon requires regular brushing, 2-3 times a week. Ideally once a day if you have time though, to prevent it from becoming matted or tangled.
Maine Coons also typically have longer fur around their paws, which can become inconvenient if not trimmed.
Since Maine Coons have a natural affinity for water, the occasional bath can work wonders for cleaning their coat, and it typically isn’t a stressful ordeal for this breed.
Why do Maine Coon cats love water so much? Find out more here:
Persian cats are far more high maintenance than Maine Coons when it comes to grooming. Their fur must be brushed daily, as it easily becomes matted and tangled if left alone.
You should bathe these cats once a month to keep their fur silky.
Persian cats are also prone to eye-watering, so you should also gently wipe away any excess moisture from their eyes once a day.
You should trim the claws of both cat breeds regularly, and brush their teeth at least once a week.
Diet
Like all cats, Maine Coons and Persian both require a diet that is high in protein and fiber but low in fat.
Maine Coons are obligate carnivores and may need more food due to their large size and high activity levels.
Make sure you are feeding your treasured Maine Coon cat the correct diet.
Persians are known to be picky eaters at times, so it may take a little while to find a food that your cat likes.
Since Persian cats have low energy levels, they may require less food to prevent obesity.
Toys
The Maine Coon is a more active breed than the Persian and requires a lot more mental stimulation. As a result, many Maine Coons will require more daily playtime with their owners to keep from becoming bored.
After buying most cat toys available online, I’m now able to share with your my favorite Maine Coon Cat toys. Don’t waste time and money buying cat toys your Maine Coon just won’t like, buy these!
Furthermore, because Maine Coons are natural climbers, you may want to consider investing in a cat tree.
These are my tried and tested favorite Maine Coon cat trees.
Persian cats are much calmer than Maine Coons, and while they will still need a few toys to bat around and attack, their needs aren’t as extensive.
Cost Of Owning A Maine Coon vs Persian Cat
There isn’t much of a difference in cost when it comes to owning either a Maine Coon or a Persian.
Maine Coon vs Persian Costs
Here are the most common expenses you can expect to pay while caring for either breed (sources 2,3,4).
| Item | Price ($) |
|---|---|
| Microchip | $45 |
| Insurance (Average Annual Cost) | $120 – $480 |
| Neutering | $200 – $500 |
| Deworming | $20 |
| De-Fleeing | $20 |
| Veterinary Checkups | $75 – $500 |
| Cat Carrier | $40 – $60 |
| Litter Trays | $10 – $50 |
| Scratching Post | $20 – $300 |
| Grooming Brushes | $10 – $30 |
Maine Coon Persian Mix Breed
It is possible to find a Maine Coon Persian mix breed, which is any cat that has both Maine Coon and Persian ancestry. One parent might be a purebred Maine Coon, while the other might be a purebred Persian.
Any combination of ancestry is possible, so long as the kittens have both Maine Coon and Persian lineage.
Maine Coon Persian mixes might have physical or temperamental traits from one or both breeds.
Conclusion
Comparing Maine Coon vs Persian cats is important if you are on the fence about which breed to take home.
Maine Coons are a better option for owners who want a playful, energetic cat that is easygoing and family-oriented.
If you have a quiet home and prefer an undemanding cat that will cuddle up on your lap, then a Persian might be the better choice for you.
Related Questions
Maine Coon Persian Mix Size
A Maine Coon Persian mix could range from small to large, likely between 7 and 25 pounds.
Maine Coon Persian Mix Price
You can expect a Maine Coon Persian mix to cost between $400 and $2,000.
Maine Coon Persian Mix Personality
A Maine Coon Persian mix could retain personality traits from either breed.
You can expect most Maine Coon Persian mixes to be sweet and gentle.
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