Maine Coon vs. Normal Cat: What is the Difference?

Historically, cats have been depicted in ancient works of art and shown to be favored companions. As early as 664 BC to 395 AD, Egyptians have been known to mummify their house cats!

A historically long-loved pet, cats make for exceptional companions.

In this article we will discuss a Maine Coon vs. a common cat. What's the difference?

Maine Coon

The Maine Coon (Felis catus), is also known as the American Forest Cat, Coon Cat, and Maine Shag. Native to the state of Maine in the United States, the Maine Coon became the state's official cat breed in 1985.

One of the oldest breeds of cats with larger than life personalities and expert hunting skills, the Maine Coon is an intriguing creature, to say the least. While the Maine Coon differs from normal cat breeds in size, personality, and behavior. In general, cats are loving, intelligent animals that are known to be wonderful fur friends!

Size

In comparison to a normal cat breed, Maine Coons grow much larger.

An average cat is between 9 and 10 inches tall, while an average Maine Coon can grow between 10 and 16 inches tall. Size, average costs, and behavior traits are major differences between these two domestic cat breeds.

The costs range on the higher end, but as with most animals, there are adoption agencies. Adopting your pet rather than purchasing directly from the breeder can reduce the cost of your new fur baby considerably.

Maine Coons are extraordinarily intelligent in comparison with other cat breeds. The average male Maine Coon weighs between 13 and 18 pounds fully grown. Females on average weigh 8-12 pounds.

Costing on average $1,000 (US Dollars), these over-sized domestic cat breeds are adept hunters, which is beneficial for larger properties with an excess of rodents.

Fur

A Maine Coon's coat is more like a lion's mane. Long, thick, and beautiful. The long fur adds to the large appearance in size.

Normal cats' fur varies from breed to breed. Some normal cats have long hair, others short, and some have no fur at all! A rare normal cat, known as the Peterbald, has no fur! Gradually progressing from short hair cat breeds like Siamese Cats to long hair cat breeds, such as Persian Cats, normal cat breeds fur vary.

Personality

Both of these cat breeds are friendly, affectionate, energetic, playful, and skilled hunters. Maine Coons are gentle giants and similar to normal cats, make amazing pets.

The personality of a Maine Coon aligns with normal cat species in their social nature. Adept hunters, both Maine Coons and normal cat breeds enjoy the hunt and may act wild at heart, but tamable.

Intelligence

Maine Coons are extraordinarily intelligent in comparison with other cat breeds. When referring to training, Maine Coons has been described as "dog-like."

The ability to be a well-behaved, trained pet is an important quality to possess when searching for your next pet. Normal cat breeds, as with most pets, can be trained with time and consistency.

How to Choose

Which is the right cat for you? A Maine Coon or a Normal Cat?

The answer to this question 100% depends on what you are looking for in your feline friend. Long hair or short hair, large or small, active or lazy, full of personality, or smarter than all the rest.

This is a choice that must be made by the individual. Everyone has different wants and needs!

Some people prefer cats with no fur to appease their allergies, such as the Peterbalds, while other people prefer the furriest cats possible like Himalayan breeds and Persian breeds.

When deciding what cat breed will coexist with you the best, consider size, furriness, cost, natural behaviors, and their cat personality! Maine Coons or Normal Cats that is the question! Do your research to discover which cat breed is best suited for your lifestyle!

Final Verdict

When choosing which cat breed is best for your lifestyle, consider the size, furriness, personality, and natural behaviors of your new pet.

While Maine Coons are the same as normal cat breeds in the personality department, they grow much larger than most normal cat breeds.

Similar to normal cat breeds, Maine Coons are playful and friendly breeds, known as gentle giants. However, Maine Coons may be considered more like dogs when discussing intelligence levels.

With such a vast array of cat breeds, the choice is yours to make!