Maine Coons are the largest breed of domestic cats and are instantly recognizable due to their distinctive appearance and playful nature. These big cats can end up maturing to weigh up to 15 pounds, although their long coats can make them look bigger! They have friendly and gentle natures and are known for retaining a sense of kitten-like curiosity and exuberance well into adulthood.
They’re also one of the most popular cat breeds in the U.S.A., coming in fifth place, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association. If you’ve been considering adding a Maine Coon to your family, you might be interested to find out more about other breeds that share their awesome characteristics.
We’ve rounded up 15 cat breeds that are similar to Maine Coons in one way or another. Whether it’s the size, fluffiness, or playful nature of the Maine Coon that appeals, there are plenty of other breeds with similar attributes. Who knows, you might just fall in love with one of them as well!
The 15 Cat Breeds Similar to Maine Coons
1. Norwegian Forest Cat
| Temperament: | Calm, outgoing, affectionate but not demanding, intelligent, and energetic |
| Lifespan: | 15–20 years |
| Suitable for: | Families looking for an outgoing and laidback cat with a love of climbing |
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a natural breed with a thick double coat and a long, bushy tail and the first cat that looks like Maine Coons. These chunky cats are well-muscled and powerful. They have outgoing and playful personalities, always seeking human company and adventure.
Unsurprisingly, given their origin in the deep forests of Norway, they love to find high spots to watch the world go by. The Norwegian Forest Cats are affectionately called “Wegies” or by their Norwegian name of “skogkatt.”
2. Siberian
| Temperament: | Affectionate, intelligent, tough |
| Lifespan: | 11–18 years |
| Suitable for: | Active families looking for an affectionate and playful cat |
The athletic Siberian is a natural breed that hails from the subarctic tundra of Russia. They’ve been around for at least 1,000 years and were prized for their great hunting prowess. It’s even thought that they may be an ancestor of the more modern Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat.
The dense and long coat of the Siberian is perfect for protecting them from the weather. This playful breed loves their families, and they’ll enjoy learning tricks like fetch. They even love water!
3. Savannah
| Temperament: | Loyal, social, playful, friendly, suspicious, active, mischievous |
| Lifespan: | 17–20 years |
| Suitable for: | Active families, those wanting a large cat |
The Savannah is a hybrid born from a cross between a domestic cat and an African Serval. As such, they’re quite different from many other cats. They have distinctive tabby coats, often with large spots.
These cats like Maine Coons love to learn tricks and play games, but their strong prey drive might not suit a household with small pets like hamsters. Their long legs make them excellent jumpers, and they love to sit up high. Unlike many cats, most Savannah cats love to play in the water.
4. Ragdoll
| Temperament: | Docile, cuddly, loyal |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Suitable for: | Anyone who wants a cuddly cat |
The Ragdoll breed gets their name from how they go floppy when held. They have a soft coat in a range of stunning pointed colors. Combine this with their striking blue eyes, and you have a cat that’s as stunning as they are sweet.
They love the company of humans and will actively seek you out for a cuddle. They’re playful and sweet-natured enough to get along great with kids. Their smart nature allows you to have fun teaching your Ragdoll tricks.
5. Bengal
| Temperament: | Willful, wild, mischievous, and entertaining |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Suitable for: | Small families with plenty of space, experienced cat owners looking for a challenge |
The beautiful Bengal is a hybrid of a domestic cat and a wild breed, the Asian Leopard Cat. They’re well-known for their incredible coats with distinctive patterns, including rosettes and marbling.
Their coats sometimes glitter in the sun and have a velvety feel, which is different from any other domestic breed. They’re incredibly playful, curious, and outgoing. They need their owners’ attention, so they aren’t a low-maintenance pet.
6. Birman
| Temperament: | Affectionate, social, gentle |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Suitable for: | Suitable for anyone looking for a friendly feline |
The sociable Birman is an excellent choice for multi-pet households. They’re not a noisy breed, but they have an adorable habit of “chirping” to get your attention. They have medium to long coats in a range of pointed colors, as well as bright blue eyes.
Birmans love to play with both humans and other pets. As a sociable breed, they don’t enjoy being in the house all day without anyone to entertain or cuddle them.
7. Burmese
| Temperament: | Energetic, super smart, and playful |
| Lifespan: | 15–20 years |
| Suitable for: | Families and individuals interested in a loving, attentive, fun-loving companion |
The stunning Burmese shows their Siamese heritage by being vocal and playful. They love to chat with their owners and have an outgoing and playful nature, even with strangers.
Burmese cats have short coats in various stunning colors, including blue, champagne, and platinum. These energetic cats love to play and learn new tricks. They resulted from a cross of the Siamese with the Burmese Copper Cat.
8. Manx
| Temperament: | Active, affectionate, social, even-tempered, adaptable |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Suitable for: | Seniors, apartment residents, families |
The Manx hails from the Isle of Man, where even the island’s people are called Manx. Most Manx cats have no tail, but some cats have a short tail, and others have a full-length one.
They come in a huge range of colors of almost every shade except for a pointed coloration. Manx cats are smart, affectionate, and playful. They love adventure, going on road trips, and playing in the water.
9. Abyssinian
| Temperament: | Curious, playful, intelligent |
| Lifespan: | 9–15 years |
| Suitable for: | Active families with older children, singles around the home |
The Abyssinian cat might be small, but they’re incredibly playful and love to learn new tricks. They’re nicknamed “Aby-grabbys” due to their love of stealing your belongings! Watch out for any shiny small items, which will likely be carried off.
Abyssinians have a ticked coat with individually striped hairs. They love to climb up high, so you’ll need to provide perches and cat trees to give them places to watch you from above.
10. Sphynx
| Temperament: | Social, intelligent, energetic, sensitive, good with other pets |
| Lifespan: | 15–20 years |
| Suitable for: | Social, intelligent, energetic, sensitive, good with other pets |
The Sphynx is instantly recognizable due to its hairless body and huge ears. While they might not have hair, their skin comes in various colors, including red, blue, cinnamon, and lavender.
These sociable cats are vocal and love spending time with their families. They don’t enjoy being left alone all day while you’re at work. Sphynx are playful and inquisitive, but their favorite activity is cuddling with their owner.
11. Turkish Angora
| Temperament: | Social, intelligent, energetic, sensitive, good with other pets |
| Lifespan: | 15–20 years |
| Suitable for: | Social, intelligent, energetic, sensitive, good with other pets |
The Turkish Angora might be the most extroverted cat breed we’ve ever met. They’re happiest in a multi-pet and busy household where there will always be someone to entertain them or to be entertained by their playful antics.
They enjoy being silly, but they’re also incredibly graceful. They love to learn new tricks and are happy to complete a mini agility course with jumps and tunnels, as long as there’s plenty of praise afterward!
12. Chartreux
| Temperament: | Loving, docile, friendly |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Suitable for: | Singles, small and large families, seniors, and anyone looking for a quiet feline |
The stunning French Chartreux cat comes in a range of beautiful blue shades, ranging from a dark slate color to a light ash blue. They’re playful and inquisitive but also gentle and loving when they decide to rest.
A legend claims that they’re named after the Chartreuse drink brewed by monks, and the original cats were selectively bred, with the quiet cats favored over louder ones. This was so that the monk’s meditations weren’t disturbed by meowing!
13. Bombay
| Temperament: | Friendly, affectionate, energetic, intelligent |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Suitable for: | Families with pets or young children, active couples |
The Bombay cat loves to be the center of attention, and the noisy cat will soon let you know if they think you’re ignoring them. They’re energetic and playful but equally happy to curl up and nap in the sun once they’re tired of playing.
The Bombay usually comes in one stunning coat color: jet black. Occasionally, sable kittens are born due to a recessive gene, but not all breed associations accept them.
14. American Bobtail
| Temperament: | Intelligent, active, affectionate, bold |
| Lifespan: | 15–20 years |
| Suitable for: | Families with children, seniors, multi-pet households, adventurous owners, first-time cat owners |
The American Bobtail is an adorable cat breed with a unique, stubby tail. Although they are mainly known for their bobbed tail, they are famous for their playful and loving personalities. They’re devoted to their families and have a dog-like character, and they love playing games like hide-and-seek or fetch.
They’re happy to go on walks and can be trained to walk on a leash. Their coats come in a wide range of colors. These confident cats are happy to live in a household with other cats, dogs, and children.
15. Ocicat
| Temperament: | Energetic, active, intelligent, affectionate, social, playful |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Suitable for: | Active families who are home most of the time |
The Ocicat is the only domestic cat breed with distinctive spots, and they were selectively bred to look like a miniature wild cat. Their coats can come in a wide range of colors, including cinnamon, blue, chocolate, and silver.
The playful Ocicat craves human company, and they will never be far from their owners. They also get along well with other pets. Ocicats can easily be trained to learn tricks, walk on a leash, and even play fetch.
Conclusion
We’ve summed up a list of cat breeds similar to Maine Coon, whether in size, fluffiness, or personality. All of these amazing felines have something in common to the beautiful Maine Coon, so if you were considering to get one, these options might now give you something else to think about!
Related Reads:
- Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll: The Differences (With Pictures)
- Maine Coon vs Turkish Angora: The Differences (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Naturell, Pixabay
The 15 Cat Breeds Similar to Maine Coons
3 Responses
all I have to say is "thanks"
Thank You for Your experience as it reflects my experience and feedback with the same cats over the past 62 years, so suffice to it says it ALL.
Our pleasure! Thanks for your kind comment :)