25 Jaw-Dropping Differences Between Maine Coons And Regular Cats You’ve Never Noticed!
At first glance, you might think a Maine Coon is just a big, fluffy version of a regular cat, but the truth is far more surprising!
These gentle giants aren’t just larger; they differ from ordinary cats in nearly every way, from their weight and size to their intelligence, play style, and even their unique voices.
Known as the “dogs of the cat world”, Maine Coons bring an entirely different ownership experience, and once you meet one, you’ll quickly see why they’ve earned such legendary status among cat lovers.
What Do We Mean By “Regular Cat”?
In this guide, a regular cat refers to a typical domestic mixed-breed cat (short-haired or long-haired) that you might adopt from a shelter. These cats vary in looks and personality, but most are smaller and simpler to care for than a Maine Coon.
By contrast, the Maine Coon is a pedigreed purebred breed, famous for its massive size, shaggy coat, and gentle, dog-like personality.
How Maine Coon Cats Are Different
Below is a summary table of the key differences between Maine Coon and regular cats:
| Feature | Maine Coon | Regular Cat |
|---|
| Weight | 12-21 lb | 6-10 lb |
| Length | Up to 40 inches | 15-20 inches |
| Growth | 3-5 years | 1-2 years |
| Build | Rectangular, muscular | Slim, tubular |
| Head | Square muzzle | Round, tapered |
| Ears | Large with lynx-like tufts | Medium, plain |
| Eyes | Large, oblique | Rounder |
| Tail | Long, bushy | Shorter, thinner |
| Paws | Large, tufted, sometimes polydactyl | Smaller |
| Coat | Double-layer, shaggy | Single/double |
| Temperament | Dog-like, sociable | Varies widely |
| Voice | Chirps & trills | Classic meows |
| Activity | Playful, loves climbing | Short bursts |
| Water | Fascinated by water | Usually avoids water |
| Grooming | 2-3 times weekly | Minimal |
| Health Risks | HCM, hip dysplasia, SMA, PK-def | General feline issues |
| Lifespan | 12-15 yrs | 14-17 yrs |
| Cost | High | Lower |
1. Size
One of the most striking differences between Maine Coons and regular cats is size.
While the average house cat usually weighs between 6 and 10 pounds (2.7-4.5 kg), Maine Coon females typically weigh 12-15 pounds (5.4-6.8 kg) and males average an enormous 18-21 pounds (8.2–9.5 kg).
Some exceptional felines even exceed 25 pounds without being overweight!
In terms of length, most domestic cats measure around 15-20 inches (38-50 cm) from nose to base of tail. A Maine Coon, however, can stretch to an impressive 36-40 inches (91-102 cm), including their long plumed tail.
Their height is also greater, with some standing 10-16 inches tall at the shoulder.
This size difference has practical consequences. For starters, Maine Coons require extra-large litter boxes, sturdier cat trees, and stronger carriers, since standard versions are often too small for their bodies.
2. Growth Timeline
Regular cats usually complete their growth by about 12 to 18 months of age. At that point, their bones and muscles are fully developed, and their weight levels off.
Maine Coons, however, grow at a much slower rate and often take three to five years to reach full maturity. During this extended growth phase, they gradually fill out into their rectangular body shape and develop the strong muscles that support their size.
For new owners, this means feeding must be carefully balanced: you want your Maine Coon kitten to grow steadily without becoming overweight, since carrying too much weight early on can place strain on developing joints.
3. Body Structure
The Maine Coon has a very distinctive rectangular body shape with a broad chest, large bone structure, and a strong, muscular build. Their frame is built for power and endurance rather than speed alone.
In comparison, regular cats tend to have a slimmer, more tubular body with a lighter bone structure. This makes them agile sprinters, but they do not have the same physical presence as a Maine Coon.
4. Facial Features
Another obvious difference lies in the shape of the head. Maine Coons have a slightly longer head with a square-shaped muzzle and well-defined cheekbones. Their whisker pads are prominent, giving their face a majestic, lion-like appearance.
Regular cats, however, usually have a rounder head and a more tapered muzzle, which gives them a softer, less rugged look.
5. Ears
One of the Maine Coon’s most eye-catching features is its large, upright ears, which often have lynx-like tufts at the tips and thick fur inside (known as ear furnishings). These features evolved to protect their ears from cold winds and snow.
Most regular cats have smaller ears without tufts, making them look more delicate compared to the rugged wilderness look of a Maine Coon.
Learn more about the Maine Coon cat’s ear tufts in my in-depth article, and discover why some Maine Coons lack this iconic feature.
6. Eyes
The Maine Coon’s eyes are large, wide-set, and slightly oblique, which gives them a soulful, intelligent expression.
Their eyes are often green, gold, or copper, although some white-coated Maine Coons may even have blue eyes or odd-eyes (two different colors).
Discover the key Maine Coon eye health issues here – this article might just save your precious feline friend from losing their eyesight.
By comparison, regular cats usually have rounder eyes, and while they can be beautiful, they lack the dramatic intensity that Maine Coons are famous for.
7. Tail
The Maine Coon’s tail is a defining feature. It is long, bushy, and plume-like, often nearly as long as their body.
This fluffy appendage originally served a practical function: Maine Coons wrap their tails around themselves for warmth during freezing winters.
By comparison, most domestic cats have shorter, thinner tails that, while functional, do not compare in length or volume to the impressive plume of a Maine Coon.
8. Paws
Maine Coon paws are not only large but also heavily tufted with fur between the toes, acting like natural snowshoes! These adaptations helped the breed survive in snowy climates by distributing their weight more evenly on ice and snow.
Some Maine Coons are also polydactyl, meaning they are born with extra toes, which further enhances their ability to walk on rough or snowy terrain. If you’re interested in learning more about the fascinating polydactyl Maine Coon, read my fact sheet.
Regular cats, in contrast, generally have smaller paws without tufting, although polydactylism does occasionally occur in non-pedigree cats as well.
9. Coat
Maine Coons have a unique double-layer coat consisting of a dense undercoat and a long, semi-water-resistant topcoat. They also grow a thick mane around their neck (known as a ruff), which makes them look like a mini lion.
They have shaggy “britches” on their hind legs.
By comparison, regular cats usually have either a short single coat or a lighter double coat, which requires less maintenance but does not provide the same protection from harsh climates.
10. Colors And Patterns
Maine Coons are recognized in over 75 different colors and patterns, including:
By comparison, regular cats are so genetically diverse and can be found in every possible coat color and pattern.
11. Personality
Maine Coons are often described as dog-like because they love to follow their owners around, participate in household activities, and even play fetch. They are highly social cats who thrive on interaction and companionship.
Regular cats, while affectionate in their own way, are generally more independent. Some are very clingy, but many prefer to spend time alone and come to you on their own terms.
12. Voice
Maine Coons have a distinctive vocal range. Instead of constant meowing, they often communicate with chirps, trills, and soft yowls, which sound surprisingly gentle for such a large cat.
Regular cats usually have a more traditional vocal style, consisting of standard meows, purrs, and occasional yowls.
13. Trainability And Intelligence
Maine Coons are highly intelligent and enjoy training games such as fetch, clicker exercises, and even leash walking. Their willingness to learn makes them an excellent choice for owners who want a more interactive relationship.
Regular cats can certainly be trained as well, but they are often less motivated to perform consistent tasks compared to Maine Coons.
14. Activity Levels
Maine Coons prefer long, interactive play sessions and love climbing, leaping, and exploring vertical spaces. They are natural athletes with excellent stamina.
To keep a Maine Coon cat entertained, it is important to give them 30 minutes of playtime each day. Providing them with a range of interactive and stimulating cat/dog toys (like these) will also help keep them mentally stimulated.
Regular cats usually have short bursts of energy followed by long naps, making them slightly less demanding in terms of play.
15. Fascination With Water
Unlike most cats, Maine Coons often display a fascination with water. They may dip their paws in water bowls, watch running taps, or even join you in the shower!
Regular cats are far more likely to avoid water, though there are always exceptions.
16. Grooming Requirements
Despite their long fur, some Maine Coons have a coat that is surprisingly easy to maintain. With regular brushing two to three times per week, their coat remains tangle-free and healthy.
However, that’s not to say all Maine Coons are blessed with luscious fur – free of tangles! I’ve experienced both sides of the coin with our three Maine Coon cats.
The best advice I can give is to brush your cat’s fur a minimum of 2-3 times a week, and potentially even daily during the Winter season when the air is damp. Matted fur can develop quickly, especially if you allow your cats to roam outside.
Regular short-haired cats may require very little grooming, while long-haired domestic cats may need similar care to a Maine Coon.
17. Shedding
Maine Coons shed year-round but shed heavily in spring and autumn, when their coats prepare for seasonal temperature changes.
Regular cats also shed, but usually in smaller amounts unless they are long-haired breeds or mixes.
18. Furniture And Space Requirements
Because of their size, Maine Coons require sturdier, taller furniture than regular cats. A flimsy scratching post may collapse under their weight, so owners often invest in extra-large cat trees with reinforced bases.
Regular cats can thrive with standard-sized furniture and toys.
19. Nutrition
Due to their size, Maine Coons need a higher calorie intake than regular cats, but it is vital to focus on a high-protein, meat-based diet rather than simply feeding them more.
Overfeeding can quickly lead to obesity, which strains their joints and heart.
Regular cats need fewer calories overall, but they also benefit from high-quality nutrition.
20. Health Risks
Maine Coons are genetically predisposed to several health issues, including:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Hip dysplasia
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-def)
Regular cats, being mixed-breed, often enjoy hybrid vigor, meaning they may be less prone to inherited conditions. However, they are still susceptible to general feline illnesses such as kidney disease or diabetes.
21. Lifespan
With proper care, Maine Coons live 12 to 15 years, though some reach their late teens. By comparison, regular cats, particularly indoor ones, often live 14 to 17 years, with some surpassing 20 years!
22. Cost Of Ownership
Maine Coons are significantly more expensive to purchase and maintain. A purebred kitten can cost $800 to $2,500 or more, and their size means higher ongoing costs for food, litter, and insurance.
For more details about the latest costs of buying a Maine Coon kitten, take a look at this price guide.
Regular cats are far more affordable. Adoption fees are typically $50 to $150, and their smaller size means lower long-term expenses.
23. Travel Needs
Maine Coons usually require an XXL carrier or even a small dog crate for comfort when traveling. Regular cats fit comfortably into standard-sized carriers.
24. Family Suitability
Maine Coons are excellent family cats thanks to their gentle, tolerant nature. They are usually patient with children and adapt well to homes with other pets.
Regular cats can also make wonderful family companions, but their personalities vary widely depending on their background and temperament.
25. Outdoor Tolerance
The Maine Coon’s thick, water-resistant coat and large snowshoe paws make them more tolerant of cold outdoor conditions than most cats. However, like all cats, they face risks outdoors such as traffic and predators, so supervised play or outdoor enclosures are recommended.
