Experts Decide Whether Maine Coon Or Turkish Angoras Are Best

When comparing the Maine Coon and Turkish Angora cat breeds, it’s essential to delve into their unique characteristics, including their origins, physical attributes, temperaments, and compatibility with other pets.

I have a huge preference for the Maine Coon cat breed (sorry to all Persian cat owners out there!). Keep reading to discover how I came to this decision.

Origin

The Maine Coon is one of North America’s oldest natural cat breeds, with its roots deeply embedded in the northeastern United States, particularly Maine, where it holds the title of the official state cat. 

The exact lineage of the Maine Coon remains a subject of intrigue, with various theories doing the rounds.

For instance, one theory claims that long-haired cats brought by seafarers, possibly including Angora types introduced by New England sailors, resulted in the breed known today.

In contrast, the Turkish Angora hails from central Anatolia, specifically the Ankara region in modern-day Turkey. 

This ancient breed has been documented as early as the 17th century and is believed to have descended from the African wildcat (Felis lybica). 

The Turkish Angora was highly prized in its homeland, and European travelers introduced these cats to Europe, where they gained popularity. 

Appearance

Maine Coons are renowned for their substantial size and robust build. Males typically weigh between 18 and 22 lbs, while females range from 12 to 15 lbs. 

Their bodies are long and muscular, supported by a broad chest and sturdy legs.

The breed’s most distinctive feature is its luxurious, water-resistant double coat, which is longer on the ruff, stomach, and britches, providing insulation against harsh climates. 

Maine Coons come in a wide array of colors and patterns, with tabby being the most common. 

Their tails are long and bushy, aiding in balance and warmth, and their ears are large, tufted, and wide at the base, enhancing their alert appearance. 

Turkish Angoras, on the other hand, exhibit a graceful and elegant physique. They are medium-sized cats with fine-boned, slender bodies that exude agility. 

Their weight typically ranges from 5 to 10 pounds. 

The breed is characterized by a silky, single-layer coat that lies close to the body, lacking the dense undercoat seen in Maine Coons. 

While white is the most traditional and favored color, Turkish Angoras can be found in various hues and patterns. 

Their tails are long and tapering, often carried high, adding to their regal demeanor. The ears are large, pointed, and set high on the head, contributing to their alert and inquisitive expression.

Personality And Temperament

Maine Coons are often dubbed “gentle giants” due to their friendly and sociable nature. 

They are known for their intelligence and playful demeanor, often retaining kitten-like behaviors well into adulthood. 

Maine Coons are adaptable and tend to form strong bonds with their human companions, displaying a dog-like tendency to follow their owners around the house. 

Despite their size, they are gentle and enjoy interactive play, making them excellent family pets. ​

By comparison, Turkish Angoras are highly intelligent, energetic, and affectionate cats. They thrive on human interaction and often seek constant companionship, sometimes to the point of being considered needy. 

Their playful and mischievous nature means they enjoy engaging in games and can be adept at learning tricks. Turkish Angoras are known for their strong-willed personalities and may assert themselves to be the center of attention. 

They are best suited for households where they will receive ample attention and stimulation. ​

Compatibility With Other Pets

Maine Coons generally exhibit a laid-back and amiable disposition, making them well-suited to households with other pets, including dogs. 

Their sociable nature allows them to integrate well into multi-pet environments, especially when proper introductions are made. 

They are not overly territorial and often enjoy the company of other animals. ​

By comparison, Turkish Angoras can coexist with other pets but may prefer to be the dominant presence in the household. 

Their assertive and sometimes demanding nature means they may seek to establish themselves as the focal point of attention. 

Early socialization and gradual introductions are key to ensuring harmonious relationships with other animals. Their playful demeanor can lead to positive interactions with other pets, provided their need for attention is met. ​

Cost

The acquisition cost of both Maine Coons and Turkish Angoras can vary significantly based on factors such as:

• Breeder reputation
• Pedigree
• Geographic location
• Cat’s age
• Cat’s coloration

Generally, Maine Coons may range from $800 to $2,000, while Turkish Angoras typically cost between $600 and $1,500. 

Lifespan

Maine Coons have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, with some individuals reaching into their late teens with proper care. Their longevity can be influenced by genetics, diet, and overall health management. ​

Turkish Angoras typically enjoy a lifespan of 12 to 18 years. Their active lifestyle and lean build contribute to their overall health and longevity. 

Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet play crucial roles in ensuring a long and healthy life. ​

Maine Coon Health Issues

Maine Coons, renowned for their robust size and friendly demeanor, are susceptible to several hereditary conditions:​

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

This is the most prevalent heart disease in cats, characterized by the thickening of the heart’s muscular walls, which can lead to heart failure or other complications. Approximately 30% of Maine Coons carry a gene that increases their risk for HCM.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

SMA affects the neurons in the spinal cord, leading to muscle wasting and weakness, particularly in the hindquarters. Symptoms typically appear around 3 to 4 months of age and include an unsteady gait and muscle atrophy.

Stomatitis

This condition involves painful inflammation and ulceration of the mouth’s soft tissues, causing discomfort and potential difficulty in eating.

Maine Coons may be predisposed to stomatitis, which can lead to severe gum disease and tooth loss if untreated.

Turkish Angora Health Issues

Turkish Angoras are generally healthy but have certain breed-specific health considerations:​

Deafness

White-coated Turkish Angoras, particularly those with blue eyes, are at a higher risk of congenital deafness. This genetic trait can result in partial or complete hearing loss.

While deaf cats can lead fulfilling lives, they may require special accommodations to ensure their safety and well-being.

Ataxia

A rare hereditary condition in Turkish Angoras, ataxia is a neurological disorder that causes a lack of coordination and balance. Kittens affected by ataxia may display unsteady movements and difficulty walking.

There is no known cure, and affected kittens often do not survive into adulthood.

Responsible breeding practices, including genetic testing, are vital to reduce the incidence of this disorder. ​

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Similar to Maine Coons, Turkish Angoras can also develop HCM, leading to heart muscle thickening and potential heart failure.

Regular veterinary check-ups and heart screenings are recommended to monitor and manage this condition effectively. ​