It’s no secret that we love Maine Coons and have a particularly soft spot in our hearts for them. Tall, extra fluffy, playful, and such sweet souls – it’s hard to beat a cat breed that’s so loveable and beautiful.
But if you’re one of those people who can’t find a good breeder in your area or simply can’t take on the sheer size of these felines, luckily for you, there are alternatives.
A number of other breeds are quite similar to this diva-like breed, both looks and personality-wise. This post will go into detail about seven beautiful breeds that resemble and behave like a Maine Coon in many ways. We’ll discuss their personality, physical traits, needs, and what you should expect when owning each of these cats.
Contents
Which Breeds Look and Behave like Maine Coons?
Let’s be honest – Maine Coons aren’t for everyone. What with their ever-growing size, you may not have enough space for a mini lion to be jumping around in your house. Plus, they are high-energy cats that need plenty of exercise every day, and not to forget – a ton of food! Unless you’ve owned dogs before, you may be overwhelmed by this dog-like feline.
Among the nearly hundred breeds of cats around the world, only a handful come close to the majestic and regal Maine Coon.
So if you’re in love with the way Maine Coons look and behave but can’t really own one, below are seven alternatives that you can compare:
| Breed | Lifespan | Temperament | Average Weight | Common Health Problems |
| Maine Coon | 12 -14 years | Gentle and energetic | 12 – 25 lbs | Hip dysplasia, HCM |
| Norwegian Forest | 14 – 16 years | Sweet and playful | 9 – 20 lbs | Hip dysplasia, HCM |
| Nebelung | 12 – 18 years | Loyal, calm, affectionate | 7-15 lbs | Bladder stones, obesity |
| Siberian Cat | 11 – 16 years | Social, gentle, energetic | 10-20 lbs | HCM, kidney disease |
| Ragamuffin | 12 – 16 years | Gentle, cuddly, docile | 12-20 lbs | HCM, polycystic kidney disease |
| Turkish Van | 12 – 17 years | High-energy, affectionate, independent | 8-20 lbs | Obesity, kidney issues |
| Burmese Cats | 15 – 20 years | Sweet, playful, vocal | 8 – 12 lbs | Diabetes, Hypokalemic Myopathy |
| Bengal Cats | 12 – 18 years | Energetic, sweet, affectionate | 8 – 15 lbs | Progressive retinal atrophy |
1. Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian forest cat, also known as Wegies, might just be the Maine Coon’s long-lost sibling – they’re that similar! Although they’re not related, as the Norwegian forest cat didn’t arrive in America until 1994, they look quite like one another.
It is believed that the breed originated in Great Britain, from where they traveled to Norway with their Viking owners.
This is where they probably developed the thick, water-repelling double coats that they have today. Their fur is glossy, fluffy, and long, and just like Maine Coons, requires regular brushing, detangling, and deshedding.
Wegies also have a lion’s mane, a triangular face shape, and ear tufts, and because of this, some people often mistake them for a Maine Coon.
But perhaps the most significant similarity appearance-wise is their size. Although they aren’t as big as some larger Maine Coons, they can grow up to 12 inches tall and weigh a whopping 20 lbs. You may have a hard time picking up these cuddly baby lions!
Apart from appearance, wegies have a personality similar to Maine Coons too. They take about 4-5 years to mature, so their kitten personalities will stick around for a good while. They’re gentle, sweet-tempered, and love to be around the family members – even the kids.
These cats are pretty energetic too, but unlike Maine Coons, they aren’t very demanding of attention. They can stay alone for some time and aren’t specifically cuddle bugs, although they like to stick around wherever you go.
Wegies aren’t quite as vocal as Maine Coons either, but they do chirp, especially when they’re excited. With their beautiful colors and markings, they’re your best bet at owning a Maine Coon-like cat!
For more insights, delve into our detailed comparison article on Maine Coon vs. Norwegian Forest Cat.
2. Nebelung
Nebe-what? You may not have heard of this breed before because it’s a relatively recent one, founded in 1984. But for those who are in love with how Maine Coons look, the Nebelung can be considered as its doppelganger, what with their fluff and strong faces.
Standing at 12 inches tall at maturity, they aren’t nearly as big as Maine Coons, but their adorable wedge-shaped faces have a striking resemblance to them. A soft double coat covers their long bodies, and the hair feels very silky to the touch.
Males also have fluffy lion manes, and the females have shorter and less fluffy ones. And although their ear tufts aren’t as long as the Maine Coon’s, they still have quite a bit of it.
The Nebelung’s ancestors were a domestic shorthair and a cat that looked like a Russian Blue, which is why this breed only comes in one color – a gorgeous, solid blue, tipped with silver. It looks quite like a blue-shaded Maine Coon at first sight.
Where they seriously differ from the Maine Coon is their personality. Nebelungs are low-key cats who are quiet and not quite vocal, unlike Maine Coons who have a big personality and are super sociable.
You’ll find them to be shy at first, but once you lure them out of their shell, they’re very loyal and affectionate towards all family members. They tend not to mingle with visitors though, and prefer calmer environments.
Nebelungs are also quite undemanding when it comes to play and attention. Often, owners can’t dedicate enough time to cater to Maine Coon cats’ high-energy needs and demands for love and attention, so the Nebelung can be the perfect alternative for them.
This mellow cat can entertain itself and prefers to loaf up and rest near their owners, although they’re known to play fetch and become lap cuddle bugs too.
3. Siberian Cat
Another cat that strongly resembles the Maine Coon (and has a strong affinity with water like them) are the Siberians – one of the oldest breeds of cats to exist. They are believed to have originated in Siberia, Russia, where they developed thick coats to protect against harsh weather conditions.
They’ve got a triple-coat for this, which is extra fluffy and long, similar to a Maine Coon. and although they’re not nearly as big as the gentle giants, they do have broad chests, strong, well-built muscles, and well-toned legs. They’ve even got ear tufts and a fluffy mane, which makes the two breeds even more similar.
If you look closely, though, you can see some clear differences. For instance, the Siberian cat has a pretty rounded face, a short tail, and is somewhat stocky when compared to Maine Coons.
When it comes to their inherent qualities, the Maine Coons and Siberians are like two peas in a pod. Both breeds are incredibly gentle, patient, and affectionate, and expect to receive lots of love in return for their cute antics.
They’re also pretty sociable, and easily become friends with other cats, pets, and children in the family. Because they retain their kitten personalities for quite a few years into adulthood, these cats tend to have an adventurous spirit and will gladly join you on outdoor adventures.
Despite being very playful and energetic, Siberian cats are independent when needed, unlike Maine Coons. They don’t need you to spend tons of time playing with them or giving attention, and some of them can be aloof when they want.
Do note that they’re not a very common breed, so they may be much harder to get your hands on than Maine Coons.
For a detailed comparison between these two breeds, delve into our article: Maine Coon vs Siberian Cats.
4. Ragamuffin
An equally majestic cat breed like Maine Coons is the Ragamuffin. These regal beauties were bred only recently by crossing the Ragdolls with Himalayans and Persians to have more variety in the gene pool.
The result was a large-bodied and extra bushy feline that has the temperament of a teddy bear. Male Ragamuffins can weigh up to 20 pounds, much like the Maine Coon, and their thick coats that tend to be more full around the neck make the two breeds look quite similar.
Although their facial features differ in a few aspects – the face isn’t quite as wedged and the eyes are rounded – the ear tufts and the fluffy collar does resemble Maine Coons.
Temperament-wise, Ragamuffins are quite gentle like Maine Coons. They’re superb around kids, almost as if they’re on nanny duty, and are lap-loving cuddle bugs that demand affection and love.
Unlike Maine Coons, they aren’t very high-energy. They’re perfectly fine playing by themselves and don’t need you to do much other than offer chin scratches every few hours. They don’t grow out of their kitten phase for a good few years, though, so they will definitely need toys and even play fetch.
Otherwise, they aren’t very physically active and are in fact, quite undemanding other than the occasional snuggle session. Consider them a less energetic and demanding version of a Maine Coon – only rounder and slightly smaller.
5. Turkish Van
Compared to a regular cat, the Turkish Vans are large felines. They share similarities to Maine Coons because of their size and length, with males weighing up to a whopping 20 pounds and reaching lengths up to 35 inches from the nose to the tail end.
The origins of the breed go centuries back when they resided in the mountains of Turkey. But what makes them particularly unique is their coat pattern, where colored spots only appear on the head and the tail is a solid color. Meanwhile, the rest of the body is entirely white.
Apart from the size, the Turkish Van is also pretty muscular with strong hind legs and a slightly triangular face shape. Their coat isn’t exactly long like Maine Coons, but it is pretty glossy and soft to the touch. It’s also water-repellent, which may be the reason why they have a knack for splashing in water and drinking from taps like their cousins from Maine.
In terms of physical traits, that’s pretty much it. Their personalities, though, have some similarities to the Maine Coons too. For one, these cats are highly intelligent and very trainable – you can even train them to play fetch or use the toilet.
Second, they love playing with toys and jumping about the house, so expect some mischief with these fluffy troublemakers.
Third, you’ll find them to be quite affectionate like Maine Coons. However, they’re not exactly into cuddling or being held, and they have an air of independence about them and require personal space at times. This doesn’t mean they won’t need your attention every day, though.
6. Burmese Cat
The Burmese cat has the soul of a Maine Coon cat inside a body that’s stocky, much smaller, and covered in a short, silky coat. These glossy-looking felines are known for their solid chocolate-colored fur – something never found in Maine Coons either.
Yes, they look nothing like the gentle giants we love. But the reason why Maine Coon lovers will enjoy being in this cat’s company is because of its overly friendly and super energetic personality. When you’ve got a Burmese kitty in the household, expect a clingy little furry pal that won’t leave your side – sometimes not even in the bathroom.
The playful beings are often referred to as ‘dog-like’, just as many Maine Coons are. Their intelligent minds are very trainable, and they love playing fetch and wrestling any toy or random object lying around.
So if you want a super cuddly lap baby but without the gigantic size that comes with Maine Coons, you’ll be a perfect match for Burmese cats. Energetic and playful with trusting natures and sweet tempers – could there be a more Maine Coon-like personality?
The only thing you may not expect is their loud meows. Burmese cats are known to have long conversations with their owners, so if you’re used to the sweet chirps of a Maine Coon, you’re in for a very chatty ride with Burmese cats where you never get the last word.
7. Bengal Cat
Another cat that looks nothing like Maine Coons but certainly behaves like one, the Bengal cats are one of the more exotic cat breeds that you can own.
Bred by crossing Asian leopards and domestic cats in the 1800s, this cat has remarkable leopard spots on their short but silky coats. Many of them grow pretty big, with males standing over 12 inches tall and weighing over 15 pounds.
Where it has a striking resemblance to leopards, it behaves like a loving Maine Coon. It quickly gets attached to the family members and is generally tolerant with kids, thanks to the sweet, gentle tempers they’ve got.
They’re also highly intelligent and one of the most trainable cats you can own. Just look at Mia – a popular Bengal cat with thousands of fans. She’s been trained to do just about anything, and the following short clip shows her behaving like an obedient little dog:
Bengal cats, thanks to their wild ancestors, are incredibly agile. They particularly love climbing, and will happily join you on your outdoor adventures. Because of their high-energy needs, you need to make sure you keep their big brains and swift bodies engaged with plenty of play and mentally stimulating toys.
Do note, that the Bengal cats are considered pretty exotic, and many states, such as New York and Hawaii have laws against owning them.
