Due to their different sizes, Maine Coons and Russian Blues are not typically bred together, although accidents do happen! If you search for information on the Maine Coon Russian Blue mix, the internet falls strangely silent, yet you might have seen adorable images of these unusual cats on social media. We’ve written this guide to cover topics like:
- What distinguishes Maine coons from Russian blues?
- What results from the mating of a Russian Blue and a Maine Coon cat?
- How to maintain the health of a hybrid Russian Blue Maine Coon
Russian Blue vs. Maine Coon—Main Differences
Two of the most adored domestic cats in the UK are Russian Blues and Maine Coons. You should investigate the distinctive traits of these breeds in order to comprehend what their combination would resemble. In the 1860s, sailors from the Russian Archangel Isles brought Russian blues to the United Kingdom. Even though they weren’t considered a specific breed at the time, RBs participated in lots of cat shows. Due to their popularity, they obtained separate breed status by 1912. Russian Blues are still well known today for their brilliantly short blue coats and subdued demeanor, which make them the ideal indoor cat.
Maine coons are longer-haired cats that are larger than typical. Only in the late 1980s was this breed imported to the UK after being established in the Northeastern United States. They used to be devoted farm or ship cats with a jovial disposition, quite the opposite of the reclusive Russian Blues. A Russian Blue and a Maine Coon can be distinguished from one another by:
- Physical differences
- Personalities
Physical distinctions between a Maine Coon and a Russian Blue
The morphological characteristics of purebred Russian Blues and Maine Coons are distinct from one another. To learn more about them, look through the table below:
Physical trait | Maine Coon | Russian Blue |
Height | 30.5 to 40.5 centimetres | 23 to 26 centimetres |
Weight | Male: 6.9–11.4 kilos Female: 3.8–6.2 kilos Larger breeds, such as Maine Coons and Ragdolls, exhibit sexual dimorphism, which means that males and females can weigh and measure very differently from one another. | Russian bluefish of both sexes weigh between 3.6 and 6.8 kilos, which is almost the same. |
Face shape | The face of Maine coons is broad and almost square, with a prominent nose. Long, rectangular faces with prominent cheekbones are characteristic of European bloodlines. | The face of a Russian bluesman is tiny and slim, with a triangular jawline. They have a snout that sticks out, although it is pointier than a Maine coon’s. |
Eyes | eyes that are slanted upward and have an oval shape. The blue eyes of Maine Coon kittens eventually change to gold, green, and copper as they become older. | Round eyes Russian blue kittens have eyes that are initially yellow-toned but eventually turn green. |
Ears | They were big, angular, erect, and sprouted long tufts. | smaller and without outward tufts, but still upright and angular. |
Body type | Rectangular and heavy-boned physique large, roundish features | compact and fine-boned physique Angular, oriental features |
Coat | Fluffy, long, and thick with a shaggy double coat Colors can be white, black, orange, etc. Patterns can be tabby, bicolor, shaded, tortie, etc. | short and dense double-layered coat Colors can range from light to dark shades of bluish-grey. solid pattern, but the fur shimmers as it turns lighter at the tips. |
Low-allergenic breed | No | Yes |
Personality traits of Coons and Russian Blues
Russian Blues are timid and reticent, whereas Maine Coons are outgoing and extroverted. Still, they have a lot in common, including the following:
- Intelligent, observant, and trainable, Russian Blues and Maine Coons are highly trainable due to their fast perception of their owners’ needs and desire to assist.
- Independent: Both breeds are lovable without being overly attached. If you provide them engaging toys like cat towers and catnip chew sticks, you can leave them alone for a few hours.
- Protective and loyal: Russian Blues and Maine Coons can be possessive of their homes and are devoted to raising their families. They take extra care with infants and little children.
- Considerate towards others: Both breeds are devoted to and considerate of their owners. They are quite perceptive, so if you’re upset, they might make you feel better.
Their main differences are as follows:
- Vocalization: Maine coons like communicating via high-pitched yowling and purring. Russian blues love to speak in a soothing voice and are generally very.
- Living space requirements: Because of their big bodies, need to investigate their surroundings, and desire to hunt mice, insects, frogs, and other animals, Maine Coons, unlike Russian Blues, require a large living space, whether indoors or outdoors.
- Aggression: While Maine coons get along well with dogs and other animals, they can become irritable and hissy if things don’t go their way (the behavior can be neutralized with social training). Russian Blues are affable but reserved around strangers. These cats almost never hurt anybody and always maintain their composure.
Maine Coon mixed with Russian Blue—what to expect
Siamese and Ragdoll breeds, among others, have been mated with other types to produce kittens with a variety of colors and patterns. Because of the potential for potentially fatal pregnancy difficulties, especially if the queen is a Russian Blue, most breeders steer clear of crossbreeding between Maine Coons and Russian Blues. Hybrids of the Maine Coon and Russian Blue are not currently recognized as a distinct breed, and little is known about their appearance or temperament. Nature is in charge of determining which gene predominates in a specific progeny.
Physical features of a Russian Blue Maine Coon mix
The following are some of the main physical characteristics of a hybrid Russian Blue/Maine Coon:
- Fluffy, blue fur: A Maine Coon Russian Blue mix cat typically has a longer, fluffier gray-blue coat than a typical Russian Blue cat. They could also shed more frequently. The distinctive Maine Coon mane grows on the majority of cats. A cat with the Russian Blue gene would have medium-sized, soft fur that would resemble the short-haired Maine Coon.
- Solid coat: The majority of kittens from this cross have solid-colored coats; however, those with tabby markings (inherited from the Maine Coon father) and bicolored (grey and white) coats are also frequent.
- Medium-sized body: Growing up, a kitten that is a mix of a Russian Blue and a Maine Coon is neither huge nor small. They have a strong musculature and bone structure and can weigh between four and eight kilograms.
- Wide face: The majority of Russian Blue Maine Coon hybrids exhibit Maine Coon-like face characteristics. They have large faces as opposed to oriental features, and their snouts are noticeable but not pointed.
- Green eyes: adult Russian blue Maine Coon hybrids with green eyes and yellow rims are typical. The form might be either circular or oval.
- Not hypoallergenic: Russian Blues don’t create excessive amounts of cat allergies, whereas Maine Coons do. Typically, their progeny are not low-allergenic.
Remember that Russian Blue Maine Coon mixtures are not required for long-haired, grey cats of unknown origins. They could also be a Nebelung, British Shorthair, Korat, Siberian, or even a Norwegian Forest breed!
The personality of a Russian Blue Maine Coon mix
Which breed predominates in a Russian Blue The Maine Coon Mix’s genetic composition determines their personality. A kitten who more closely resembles a Maine coon will inevitably develop into an active, chatty, and sociable feline. They will enjoy being outside, but if they are not neutered, you may need to teach them to manage their excitable side. A cat that resembles a Russian Blue is probably quiet, reserved, and prefers to live an indoor, spoiled existence. These cats could become overstimulated if they are surrounded by unexpected people or animals. Remember that a mixed breed’s temperament and behavioral tendencies are erratic and mostly dependent on how you rear and socialize them.
Are Russian Blue Maine Coon hybrids healthy?
Due to their wider gene pool, mixed-breed cats are typically healthier than purebred cats. Despite the possibility, they are less likely than purebreds to contract diseases particular to their breed. You should research the overall health of both breeds to understand Russian Blue Maine Coon hybrids. Russian blue cats have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years and are generally healthy. Maine coons only live 13 to 15 years on average as a result of numerous age-related health issues. The following are some typical health problems that both breeds have as they age:
Maine Coon | Russian Blue |
Hip dysplasia Gum disease Premature tooth loss Diabetes (preceded by weight gain) Hyperthyroidism Heart enlargement Knee-cap dislocation | Obesity Hip dysplasia Hyperthyroidism UTIs Diabetes Cystitis Degenerative eye diseases |
The typical lifespan of Russian Blue Maine Coon hybrids has not been studied; however, they are prone to ailments shared by both breeds, such as:
- Diabetes and obesity—Both breeds are prone to blood sugar and weight gain problems, which are exacerbated by lifestyle decisions like:
- a diet high in fat and carbohydrates that increases the risk of developing insulin resistance.
- Lack of physical activity
- Too many snacks and treats
- Bone and joint diseases—Due to their huge bodies, Russian Blue Maine Coon Mix cats are more likely to experience conditions including hip dysplasia and arthritis. Obesity and a low-protein diet worsen these diseases further.