Are Maine Coons Related To…
The Maine Coon’s powerful muzzle, lynx-tip ears, and long mane often lead to fanciful theories that these cats are descended from lions or tigers, but where do they come from?
Although Maine Coons look similar to many wild cats like lions or lynxes, they are part of the genus Felis silvestris, just like nearly every domestic cat breed in the world. DNA tests reveal that Maine Coons are most closely related to the Norwegian Forest Cat, a breed that was once owned by Vikings.
What Are Maine Coons Related To?
The Maine Coon is a large, long-furred cat breed that developed naturally in the state of Maine. The exact circumstances that led to these cats arriving in North America in the first place are unknown, however, this is what we do know though.
Here are some of the possible Maine Coon relatives:
Lynxes
While Maine Coons share the Lynx’s ear tufts, wide paws, and resistance to snowy weather, they are not related.
Bobcats
Despite the Bobcat’s ability to survive in snowy conditions, they are not related to Maine Coon cats.
Explore the Maine Coon vs Bobcat breeds, read this cat comparison guide.
Lions
Contrary to popular belief, the Maine Coon’s name comes from their state of origin, not the long mane around their necks.
However, since their manes are so distinct and completely unusual when compared to other domestic cats, it makes sense that some people wonder are Maine Coons are related to lions.
Despite their large, wild appearance and magnificent manes, however, Maine Coons are not related to lions.
Raccoons
Perhaps one of the craziest theories behind the Maine Coon’s development is the belief that these cats are related to raccoons. This long-enduring theory is due to the Maine Coon’s bushy, ringed tail and wide, grippy paws that function similarly to a raccoon’s hands.
The Maine Coon’s name has also led many to wonder if there is any relation between Maine Coons and raccoons. It is most likely that this cat breed’s name came from its similarities to raccoons, even though they do not share any ancestry.
I often get asked are Maine Coons part raccoon? – click on the link to discover what I tell them.
Siberian Cats
Siberian cats are large, well-muscled cats with large paws and long, fluffy coats. They have Lynx-tip ears and tufted paws, just like Maine Coons!
There are many uncanny similarities between this breed and the Maine Coon. Like Maine Coons, Siberian cats are incredibly playful and intelligent, and they rose to popularity due to their incredible hunting abilities.
Siberians also have thick, semi-water-repellent coats, though this breed’s existence traces back over a thousand years ago!
Despite all of their similarities, however, DNA tests have revealed that the Siberian is not closely related to the Maine Coon.
Discover the similarities and differences between Maine Coon and Siberian cat breeds.
Wildcats
All domestic cats can trace their descension back to Felis silvestris, a small wildcat that can be found from Europe to Asia.
Most of the wild cats people compare Maine Coons to are not related to the Maine Coon cat breed. However, Maine Coons are still related to wild cats, although distantly.
Norwegian Forest Cats
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a sturdy, large cat breed with long, thick, semi-water-repellent fur and tufted ears and paws.
Like Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats are:
- Intelligent
- Playful
- Gentle
One of the only major differences between these two cat breeds is that Norwegian Forest Cats have shorter hind legs than Maine Coons.
DNA tests reveal that Norwegian Forest Cats are the closest relatives of Maine Coon cats.
Most Maine Coon experts believe it was in Maine where the Norwegian Forest Cat mated with local cats until the Maine Coon breed developed (source 1,2).
Do Maine Coons Come From Maine?
The Maine Coon, as we know it today, developed in Maine.
While some of their ancestors arrived by Viking ship, it is most likely that the Vikings’ Norwegian Forest Cats mated with local feral, domestic, and even wild cats for some time before the Maine Coon developed as a distinct breed.
In the early 18th century, farmers and sailors in Maine began to notice that some of the local cats were especially large, with wide paws that allowed them to catch prey more easily.
They became more popular in Maine until, eventually, they were named the official state cat of Maine.
The Maine Coon origin story still has many gaps and murky spots, but we know for a fact that they are related to the cats that Vikings once kept as pets until they developed on their own in the state of Maine.
