Maine Coon Vs Regular Cat Differences

The Maine Coon is larger and fluffier than regular cats, with a double coat of semi-water-repellant fur and long tufts of fur on their paws and ears. They are also friendlier, cuddlier, and more intelligent than the average cat.

While Maine Coons are expensive, they also have so many unique traits that regular cats do not, which makes them well worth the price to many owners.

Size

The average Maine Coon weighs between 12 and 22 pounds, while regular cats only weigh between 6 and 10 pounds on average.

Maine Coon height is usually between 8 and 16 inches, and the Maine Coon length typically measures 19 to 40 inches.

Here is a chart that more specifically illustrates the size differences between Maine Coons and regular cats:

Body Shape

Normal cats have tubular bodies with limbs of medium thickness, whereas the Maine Coon’s body type is closer to a cobby cat, meaning it has a thicker torso and limbs. They also have a more rectangular appearance.

While regular cats are primarily made of soft, curved shapes, Maine Coons appear more angular, possibly due to their thicker limbs and torso.

Fur Coat

Maine Coons are longhair cats, but even domestic longhair cats’ coats are quite different from the Maine Coon’s.

Regular longhair cats have the following two layers of fur:

• Protective outer coat
• Soft, fluffy undercoat

This is very different from the Maine Coon cat which has three fur coat layers, which include:

• One semi-water-repellant outer layer
• Two dense, plush undercoats

Maine Coons’ fur length also ranges from medium to long throughout the body. Their fur is longer on their neck and shoulders, as well as their haunches.

Maine Coons also have extra tufts of fur on the tips of their ears and their paws.

Face

Both Maine Coons and regular cats have wedge-shaped faces, but Maine Coon faces are more square in appearance than regular cats.

They also have a larger, more powerful muzzle and chin, as well as a wider nose that makes them look more like wild cats than domestic cats.

Eyes

The Maine Coon’s eyes are usually considered to be more expressive and beautiful. They have large, wide-set eyes that are slightly oblique, which gives them their characteristic serious expression.

Regular cats have smaller, more round eyes that are closer together.

Here are some important facts about Maine Coon eyes.

Whiskers

The whiskers of the Maine Coon compared to normal cat whiskers are typically much longer because cat whiskers are the same width as the cat’s body.

Since whiskers are so sensitive, a cat can poke its head into a space, and if its whiskers brush against the side, it will know if it is too wide to fit.

Since Maine Coons are much larger on average than most cats, their whiskers are longer, as well.

Learn more about the Maine Coon cats whiskers, in this article.

Teeth

Maine Coon teeth tend to be a bit larger since these cats are larger on average in general, though they still have the same number and kinds of teeth as regular cats.

Just like normal cats, Maine Coon’s teeth are also prone to periodontal disease if they are not brushed regularly.

Learn the most important Maine Coon cat teeth facts, in this article.

Tail

Maine Coon tails measure, on average, between 12 and 18 inches. Regular cat tails usually only measure between 10 and 11 inches long (source 1).

Maine Coons have incredibly long tails that are very large and fluffy. This is why!

Paws

Maine Coons have significantly larger paws than normal cats. This difference is even more apparent in kittenhood when the Maine Coon has yet to grow into its enormous paws!

While some think the Maine Coon’s huge paws are simply due to its long, thick fur, their paws are significantly larger and wider even without fur. This is because the Maine Coon originated in the snowy, cold climate of Maine.

They developed wide paws like snowshoes so they could more easily traverse through the snow. Their big paws also made it easier to catch and grasp prey, like this.

Sailors and farmers in the 1800s found the Maine Coon’s paws to be so helpful that they preferred polydactyl Maine Coons (which means Maine Coons who have extra toes).

Today, many breeders have bred out polydactyl toes, but some breeders specialize in polydactyl Maine Coons.

Ears

Maine Coons have incredibly large ears with wide bases and distinctive tufts of fur on the tip of each ear, known as Lynx tips.

Even regular longhair cats do not usually have tufts of fur on the ends, and their ears tend to be shorter and narrower both in general size as well as proportion.

Like their paws, Maine Coon ears tend to appear even bigger during kittenhood until the cat finally grows into them.

Personality Traits

Maine Coons tend to be friendlier, gentler, and more intelligent than ‘normal cats’. Part of this can be owed to the Maine Coon’s natural temperament, but personality also plays a role.

A cat’s temperament is determined by biology, whereas their personality forms based on their environment and personal history.

Some regular cats found at shelters have chaotic and tumultuous kittenhood. By comparison, the majority of Maine Coons are raised by loving breeders in large catteries, where they are socialized to other cats, humans, and often dogs from a young age.

Cats that grow up in a safe environment are more likely to be social, friendly, and accepting of new or strange circumstances.

Cats who grew up in a violent, dangerous, or scary environment tend to be warier and more resistant to change.

Temperament

While the fact many Maine Coons are raised in catteries can account for their unique personalities to some degree, their overall temperament tends to be very different from regular cats.

Here are some aspects of the Maine Coon’s temperament and how they compare to regular cats:

Social

Maine Coons are typically more social and friendly than regular cats.

They are more likely to become fast friends with strangers, and they also tend to get along well with other cats and dogs, while regular cats are generally more reserved and wary.

Territorial

Maine Coons are, on average, less territorial than most cats. This is because they tend to view other humans and animals as potential friends rather than threats.

If you notice territorial behavior in your Maine Coon, you should consider providing your cat with more private space or getting a larger house or apartment.

Independent

While Maine Coons are capable of occupying themselves, they are generally less independent than the average cat.

They spend more time around their owners and require more playtime.

While they are usually not considered clingy, if you are looking for a cat that’s low maintenance, then you should avoid getting a Maine Coon.

But, are Maine Coon cats high maintenance? Read the article to find out!

Patient

While most cats would rather live on the street than be dressed in doll’s clothes, the Maine Coons gentle and patient disposition means they often make ideal companions for children.

They do not mind joining tea parties or being rolled around in a stroller, and they are so laid back that they are less stressed by major changes such as moving or getting a new pet.

Is it ok to dress a Maine Coon? Find out here!

Devoted

The Maine Coon is an incredibly loyal breed.

These faithful cats tend to choose one owner who they bond with most closely, but they are still loving to all of their family members.

Unlike the average cat, Maine Coons tend to follow their owners around from room to room.

Intelligent

The Maine Coon is considered one of the most intelligent cat breeds in the world. They are much smarter than the average cat and can be trained to perform tricks, go on walks, or play fetch!

Here are a few tricks you can teach your Maine Coon cat:

• Teach your Maine Coon to play fetch
• How to train your Maine Coon cat
• Teach your Maine Coon to walk on a leash
• How to toilet train your Maine Coon cat

These large cats require more interactive toys such as motorized mice or puzzles, and they also need more interesting and challenging furniture to climb, or else they are prone to boredom.

Playful

Maine Coons are more playful and active than regular cats., and tend to play rougher than regular cats, due to their activity levels and size. They need more exciting and durable toys.

These are my favorite Maine Coon cat toys which have stood the test of time with our three Maine Coon cats.

Price

As beautiful and gentle as Maine Coons are, their appearance and personality come at a steep price.

Here is a table illustrating just how different the Maine Coon price is from regular cats:

While you can adopt a Maine Coon, finding a Maine Coon at a shelter or even a Maine Coon rescue can be a long and difficult process.

Of course, if you are determined to get your dream cat but you cannot afford it, it might be well worth combing local shelters until you find a Maine Coon!

Alternatively, take a look at your local Maine Coon Rescue Centre.

Lifespan

The Maine Coon’s lifespan lasts, on average, between 12 and 15 years. The lifespan of a regular cat is about 13 to 14 years, which is not much different.

However, since Maine Coon health problems are a bit more predictable than the average cat, they are less likely to have unexpected life-threatening health conditions (source 1).

Health

Many cat breeds are quite unhealthy because breeders rely on inbreeding to preserve unique traits such as interesting coat colors or textures.

Since the Maine Coon originated naturally in the state of Maine, however, they are considered much healthier than the average cat breed.

There are a few genetic conditions that Maine Coons are prone to, although responsible breeders screen for these conditions before allowing cats to produce more offspring.

Regular cats, however, are much less predictable, and listing all the possible ailments or genetic conditions they can have would be impossible.

Vocality

When it comes to regular cats, most of them communicate with medium-loud meows and tend to be vocal when they want attention or food. Maine Coons are as vocal as regular cats but in their unique way.

Instead of communicating in meows, Maine Coons tend to:

• Chirp
• Trill
• Chatter
• Squeak

Their voice is usually a bit quieter than the average cat, but they communicate about as often.

They tend to vocalize when they want something like attention or playtime, but they also occasionally squeak back to their owners in “conversation.”