15 Cat Breeds Similar to the Maine Coon (With Info & Pictures)

The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds. They have a shaggy coat of long hair, a very sweet and loving temperament, and are the only long-haired breed considered native to the US.

It seems likely that the breed was introduced to New England when sailors brought their cats with them. These cats enjoyed their shore leave and mated with the local population, which gave rise to what we now know of as the Maine Coon.

Below are 15 breeds that are considered similar to the Maine Coon in one way or another.

The 15 Cat Breeds Similar to the Maine Coon

1. Norwegian Forest Cat

This giant breed has to be first on the list because they are closer to the Maine Coon in terms of size. They can grow as heavy as 20 pounds and have similarly long-haired coats to that of the Maine Coons. They are good with children and other animals, including dogs, which makes them a good choice for a family pet.

2. Manx

The Manx may not be as gigantic a cat as the Maine Coon, but they are still large by domestic cat breed standards, reaching around 12 pounds. They have a somewhat wild look because many  Manx cats are tailless.

It is worth noting, however, that this isn’t necessarily true of all Manx cats. Some have a minimal stump, others have nearly half a tail, and some have full tails. All are recognized as Manx cats. They become attached to their family members but remain wary of strangers.

3. American Bobtail

The American Bobtail is most described as doglike. They form close bonds with their owners and usually get along with dogs. American Bobtails are large felines, with a maximum weight of 16 pounds. They have shaggy coats that require daily grooming to keep them healthy and shiny.

4. Bombay

These pantherine cats look wild, grow to as much as 15 pounds, and are very friendly and playful. They were first bred in Kentucky in the mid-20^th century. Breeder Nikki Horner set about creating a cat that looked like a panther but was a domesticated pet: a target she hit. Bombays are extroverts and will let you know when they are around, either by rubbing against you, chatting to you vocally, or jumping up for attention. They will follow you around while talking, so you will never forget that you own a Bombay cat.

5. Siberian

The Siberian is another breed that rivals the Maine Coon’s size and thick coat. As the name suggests, they’re from Siberia and are perfectly equipped to live in cold environments. Siberians are often described as being hypoallergenic because they have a lower instance of the protein FelD1 in their saliva, which is an allergen that causes adverse reactions in cat allergy sufferers. They are friendly, fearless, and not prone to loud vocalization, although they will make a series of quiet chirps as they follow you around.

6. Birman

The Birman is quite an unassuming feline that makes a good companion if you’re looking for a pet that enjoys attention, gets along with all the family and other pets, but doesn’t necessarily have to be the center of attention in every conversation. However, don’t let that lack of a voice fool you because the Birman enjoys playing and will follow you around to get the attention they demand.

7. Burmese

The Burmese cat is not for the faint-hearted and will make every pound of their 14-pound body known. They follow their owners around the house, are very vocal to ensure they get their message across, and demand attention for most of the day. If you prefer clingy cats, the Burmese is ideal.

8. Savannah

The Savannah has a spotted tabby coat, often with black-silver markings. They have large ears, expressive eyes, and well-developed hunting instincts. They are playful and love being outdoors, so despite having short coats, they require frequent grooming to keep their coats healthy and clean. However, the Savannah is an affectionate and fun cat that can be trained to play games.

9. Bengal

The Bengal is another pet that looks wild but has the temperament of a sweet and loving house cat. In fact, Bengals form strong bonds with their owners, but pet parents must provide plenty of exercise. Bengals can become stressed and destructive if they aren’t entertained and allowed to run around. While Bengals enjoy cuddling occasionally, they aren’t lap cats and prefer to climb, run, and jump.

10. Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is intelligent and quiet. They can be playful but do not get upset when they’re left alone. They enjoy climbing and are agile felines, so it’s vital for owners to have cat trees and shelves to entertain their Abyssinians.

11. Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is an affectionate family cat. They are quiet and affectionate but more sensitive to environmental changes than other breeds. If you change their routine or move to another home, they take longer to readjust. Like Abyssinians, they love climbing and need cat trees or shelves to stay happy.

12. Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is another giant feline that is often described as being doglike because of their loyalty and love for humans. They are receptive to the emotional needs and feelings of their owners, and they are docile and laid back. They enjoy being picked up and cuddled, which makes them great companion pets. They appreciate being near you at all times, including at bedtime when they can take up a lot of the bed thanks to their size.

13. Chartreux

The Chartreux is a stout cat that loves to play and has a lot of energy. They are athletic and acrobatic, so you provide plenty of exercise and play sessions. Chartreux cats form close bonds with one family member over others. They are incredibly vocal but chirp rather than meow.

14. Sphynx

The Sphynx may not be the largest cat, but they have a unique appearance due to their lack of hair. This doesn’t mean that they’re easy to groom because they need weekly baths to keep their oily skin healthy. The Sphynx is friendly and very people-oriented, happy to spend time on your lap. They’re also quite mischievous and playful and will happily involve you in their games.

15. Ocicat

The Ocicat could never be described as a guardian. Although large and wild, they’re incredibly friendly, even with strangers, and will meet and greet anybody in, at, or near your home. They are devoted to their humans and considered intelligent and playful. They also have a lot of energy to burn.

Final Thoughts

The Maine Coon is one of the biggest domestic felines, but several others come close. The list of breeds above is littered with large cats that have similar traits as Maine Coons, and although they have unique characteristics, they all make excellent pets and loving companions.

• You might be interested: 10 Best Cat Food For Maine Coons – Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: Michelleraponi, Pixabay