Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

How to tell if your cat is a Maine Coon mix (and why you should care)

Should you consider a Maine Coon mix? Here's what you need to know

Paige Cerulli
By
Orange Maine Coon cat playing outside
ottawagraphics / Pixabay

There are plenty of big and fluffy cats out there, but one of the best-known breeds fitting this description is the Maine Coon. These cats are not only impressive in size, but they also tend to have fantastic personalities that make them beloved family pets. While purebred Maine Coons are a little more uncommon in rescues and shelters, it’s possible to adopt a Maine Coon mix that still has some of the breed’s distinctive characteristics.

While telling exactly which breeds your cat is can be a little tricky, it’s worth doing some investigative work to better understand your feline’s background and what that might mean for the care he needs during his life.

Recommended Videos

Where do Maine Coon cats come from?

You may have heard that the Maine Coon Cate originated from a fantastical cross between a feline and a raccoon. Of course, this didn’t really happen, but it could be where they get the name. (Another option, from a ship’s captain who brought the first of these kitties ashore.)

Instead, the cats might hail from Norway, or broader Northwest Europe, as they closely resemble the Norwegian Forest Cat in size and fur. Regardless, this breed has lived in America for at least 150 years and has enjoyed popularity in the colder climates where it puts the fuzzy coat to good use.

Two Maine Coon kittens playing in a living room.
Nils Jacobi/Shutterstock

What does a mixed Maine Coon cat look like?

Speaking of the Coon cat’s lustrous mane, this feature commonly attracts owners (and could explain their winning streak in cat shows in the 1800s). You’ll find long hair common in many mixes though it certainly varies depending on the parentage and the individual cat. On top of the fur, Maine Coon mixes sport gorgeous fluffy tails and a poofy scruff (sometimes likened to a Shakespearean collar).

Color-wise, there’s a wide range in purebreds and you could throw in another variable when you have mixed ancestry. That means you have a number of options if you determine that one of these cat mutts will suit you and your family.

A Maine Coon cat sits outside in a yard surrounded by fallen leaves.
Francesco/Unsplash

How big do Maine Coon mix cats get?

According to Vet Street, Maine Coons are some large cats. They can weigh between nine and 18 pounds, though the occasional Maine Coon can grow to be much larger. Additionally, these pretty kitties stand at up to 16 inches tall and 40 inches in length. You would generally spot the Maine Coon right away in a group of other cats.

While these cats are large, your Maine Coon mix’s size will partially depend on the breed of cat that he’s been crossed with.

Maine Coon cat sits on a perch watching
Valeria Boltneva/Pexels

What is a Maine Coon usually mixed with?

Siamese-Maine Coon Mix, and the Ragdoll-Maine Coon Mix. People frequently go for one of these mixes because the animals turn out healthy, affectionate, and extremely attractive. Always research your breeder if you go that route to ensure they’re following best practices or adopt from a shelter.

Closeup of a Maine Coon's face
Pompi/Pixabay

How can I tell if my cat is a Maine Coon mix?

According to Schertz Animal Hospital, the only way to tell if your cat is part Maine Coon is to have your cat genetically tested. Genetic tests for cats use saliva or blood to provide an estimate of your cat’s breed. You can order the test and have a kit shipped to you, or our veterinarian might have tests at their office and could perform the testing for you. It typically takes about six to eight weeks before you’ll receive your results, so you’ll need to be patient.

Your vet might also be able to help you identify common Maine Coon characteristics in your cat. You can look for features like a long coat that sheds often, a large size up to 16 inches tall, and a highly social nature. While these features can’t confirm that your cat is a Maine Coon mix, they can help to narrow down some options and might suggest that it’s worth having some genetic testing done to confirm your suspicions.

If you adopted your cat from a shelter[/internal-link], read the documents that you received during the adoption process. Some shelters that take in litters may know what the mother’s breed was, and if the mother was a Maine Coon, that will confirm your suspicions. Other times, shelters have very limited information on a cat’s background, so you may or may not be able to confirm your cat’s breed through that paperwork.

A man in a blue sweater holds a gray Maine Coon cat while using his smartphone.
SvetikovaV/Shutterstock

Why it matters if you have a Maine Coon mix

Knowing that your cat is a Maine Coon mix can be helpful because it can help you to better care for your cat. Maine Coons are predisposed to some health issues. According to ASPCA Pet Insurance, Maine Coons can inherit a form of heart disease and a genetic disorder called spinal muscular atrophy. Hip dysplasia can also be a concern.

When you know that your cat is part Maine Coon, you and your vet can monitor and test your cat for these health issues. When you spot the health issues early, you can better manage and treat them, helping to keep your cat healthy.

Maine Coons can be fantastic pets, thanks to their social and gentle nature. If you have a cat who’s a Maine Coon cross, chances are he’ll have some of these same qualities. While you’ll need to genetically test your cat to confirm exactly which breeds he is, this genetic testing can be a good idea. It can provide you with valuable information about your cat’s breeds, and that, in turn, alerts you to any corresponding health issues that you might need to watch for. With this extra information, you can better understand not only some of your cat’s tendencies but also why he behaves the way he does and the specific care he may need to be able to thrive and live a long, happy life.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
When can kittens eat dry food? The lowdown on what you should feed them
Tips on feeding your new kitten
A tabby kitten standing in a bowl of kibble

Caring for kittens is hard work, but it's one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. Not only are you responsible for the most adorable little lives, but you get to watch them grow and thrive! Preparing to keep them fed and happy, however, is a lot more work. 

Just like human babies have different nutritional needs than adults, kittens have different dietary requirements than adult cats. With few exceptions, your new feline fur baby is considered a kitten for the first year of life. (Large cat breeds like Norwegian forest cats and Maine Coon cats mature more slowly and don't reach adulthood until they're two years old.) Have you ever asked yourself, "When can kittens eat dry food?" We'll give you the full scoop on what you should feed your kittens — and when to change their diet.
Do kittens need wet and dry food? 

Read more
Why do cats lick themselves? It goes beyond just cat grooming
This totally normal behavior could mean a few different things
A cat licking his paw while lying in front of a blue background

Cats spend the majority of their time doing one of a few things: eating, resting, grooming, using the litter box, or causing havoc. Their routines can become predictable at times, so it's not even worth a second glance when you catch your cat licking themselves as obviously -- and loudly -- as possible. Cats groom themselves all the time, after all, but when does licking become a bit too much?
Even though cat grooming is completely normal, if it becomes noticeably excessive, your kitty may be licking themselves -- or even licking you -- for another reason. Luckily, we can help you understand why cats lick themselves and how you can tell what may be going on. Here's what you'll want to know and what to look out for.

Is my cat grooming? When licking is normal

Read more
Why do cats open their mouths when they smell? It’s for a really cool reason
The Flehmen response is a little-known reaction in felines that allows them to take in more of their surroundings
A white and tabby cat with their mouth open

Think of the last time you smelled something foul. How did you react? If you're truly made of steel, you may not have reacted at all, but for most people, it's impossible not to flare your nostrils at least. You may have even made a face! All of these reactions are perfectly natural, though humans aren't the only species that reacts to smells, both good and bad. Even your cuddly cat sniffs out the world around them sometimes,
If you've ever noticed your cat reacting to a smell, you're not alone. Some folks have even noticed their cat opening their mouth -- and even sticking out their tongue -- while smelling, but it's not so clear what this means. Is this a reaction to a scent, or is it just a way to get an extra thorough sniff? Whatever it may be, we're here to find out.
Needless to say, you're not alone if you're wondering, "Why do cats open their mouths when they smell?" We've scoured trusted sources to find out, and this is what we know.

Why do cats open their mouths when they smell?
Watching your curious cat open their mouth in a kind of sneer while they get a good sniff of something can raise a lot of questions -- it's understandable. When people do this, it's usually a response to an unpleasant smell, but when cats do this, they're actually trying to get a better understanding of the scent in the air.

Read more