It can be challenging to distinguish between the differences between a Maine Coon and a Siberian cat. Despite having a similar appearance, they are very varied, particularly in terms of their sizes and weights, temperament, the number of layers in their coats (double or multiple), and other factors. The extraordinary and distinctive qualities that each of these giant cat breeds provide to any home where they live. What distinguishes Siberian cats from Maine coons, then?
The size, temperament, and look of Maine coons and Siberian cats are dissimilar. Siberian cats are smaller than Maine Coon cats. The average Maine Coon cat weighs 18 pounds and is 3 feet in length. The majority of Siberian cats are 2 feet long, up to 17 pounds in weight, and have double-layered coats.
I am highly knowledgeable about cat breeds, therefore I can distinguish between these two categories with ease. But I can understand how these two may be mistaken for one another if you aren’t a die-hard cat breed fan. Both of the cats are big, fluffy, and incredibly lovable and amusing. While there are similarities between the two huge cats, there are also variations between the two breeds. Let’s explore the distinctions between these two breeds and what you should know if you’re thinking about adopting one (or two) of these wonderful cats! They are both wonderful cat breeds that blend in well with most homes, despite significant distinctions between the two. Both are excellent options!
Maine Coon vs Siberian Cat Size
The undisputed leader in this group is a Maine coon. In terms of domestic housecats, Maine coons are the biggest. Males can weigh up to 18 pounds and measure three feet in length. Additionally, it can take a boy three to five years to reach adult size. Some Maine lobsters that deviate from the norm are highlighted on social media. Some of those cats, some of which are over four feet long and closer to 30 pounds, can be found on Instagram.
Siberians are not little only because the Maine coon is the largest domestic housecat. These cats continue to be enormous in their own right. Siberian men can grow to be two feet long and 17 pounds in size. We’d be talking about how big Siberians are if they weren’t compared to a Maine coon. They go through an extended kitten phase, just like their Maine Coon friends. They don’t grow to their full size until they are between three and five years old.
Maine Coon vs Siberian Cat Personality
Siberian cats are big-hearted and entertaining. These fluffy cats are joking, silly, and enjoying themselves. They get along nicely with dogs and adore other cats. They may have adventure in their middle name. This breed enjoys taking walks outside and walks on a leash quite nicely. These males and females are also fantastic athletes and enjoy climbing, jumping, and running.
This breed adores people and other animals, and in general, it generally wants to live life to the fullest. The life of the party and your home is a Siberian. Siberian cats were previously referred to as “adorable despots” by a commenter on a cat forum. Anything and everything will be loved by them so long as it doesn’t interfere with their enjoyment.
The term “gentle giants” is used to describe Maine Coon cats. This name is appropriate. Just like their Siberian cat pals, these men and girls have entertaining personalities. They are very similar in terms of personality. This personality is simply more muted in a Maine Coon. The affectionate behavior of Maine Coon cats can vary.
They also like spending time with their family, including the kids and the dogs. They can be a little aloof around strangers, but they eventually warm up. They can easily adapt to any situation. All you need to do is make sure they have space to exercise. They could easily match the physical prowess of a Siberian, but they prefer not to. These felines are quite smart. The easiest way to contrast the two personalities is to say that while a Maine Coon can be at a 10, they are more like a mellow 6 in comparison to a Siberian, who is usually at a 10.
Maine Coon vs Siberian Cat Coat
You cannot help but be impressed by the gorgeous coats and fur of both a Siberian and a Maine Coon. Neither of them is worthy of the epithet “exquisite.” However, there are some distinctions between the two breeds’ coats.
Siberians are descendants of Russians, and as a result, their long coats are prepared for the bitterest of winters. They have extra layers around their necks and a double-thick coat to protect them from the weather. They shed a lot at particular times of the year, and this coat requires a lot of brushing and maintenance. Owners must set aside the time necessary for daily brushing. They have a range of coat colors as well. Breed standards don’t specify a certain hue.
though other coat colors are less typical. For instance, compared to other coat colors of that breed, white Maine coons are uncommon. Additionally, Maine coons have a magnificent long coat that will shield them from inclement weather. Although Maine’s winters aren’t exactly recognized for being warm, Siberia is colder than Maine. A Maine coon’s coat is designed to withstand frigid conditions. Instead of having a double-thick coat like the Siberian, they have a multi-tiered coat with added protection in the middle that is of varied lengths. They can wrap their particularly fluffy tail around themselves to add extra warmth. Fur has also been added to their feet to strengthen them so they can walk in the snow.
This coat, like its Siberian friends, wasn’t made overnight. Owners of Maine Coons must regularly brush their fur. Fortunately, they don’t require as much upkeep as a Siberian. They do shed, but not at the same rate as a Siberian because their coat is nowhere near as dense. Additionally, there is no established breed standard for the color of a Maine Coon. Although they come in a range of hues, tabbies appear to be extremely popular.
What Are Some Known Health Issues in Maine Coon Cats?
The breed of Maine coons is comparatively healthy. However, these cats may have some hereditary conditions that manifest. Their size-related problems are another possibility. Hip dysplasia is the condition that is most likely to be size-related. There are numerous huge animal breeds that exhibit this. Although the disorder is thought to be inherited, some veterinarians believe it to be a size-related problem because it is rarely observed in smaller animal breeds.
The other two diseases to which Maine Coons are predisposed are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and spinal muscular atrophy. You should ask your breeder for a detailed health history of your cat’s parents. Additionally, you should look for experts who can examine your cat and look for any early indications of these disorders. Even though some illnesses cannot be cured, early treatment can help your pet live a far better quality of life.
Among Siberians, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most prevalent medical condition. The most typical heart issue that affects cats of all breed varieties is this one. Screen your cat’s parents’ history of heart disease, just like you would with a Maine Coon, and ask your vet to check your Siberian early on for this issue.
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Maine Coon?
No matter how adorable a pet is, the price must also be taken into account. Make sure you can afford a pet before getting one. Maine Coons aren’t very pricey pets. Your food bill and routine examinations with your veterinarian or veterinarian specialists are two areas where costs may be higher than typical. Coons from Maine require a high-quality, protein-rich diet. Food from the grocery store simply won’t do for Maine coons. The cost of your alternatives rises as you leave that category of pet food.
Additionally, breed-specific food for Maine Coons is available from companies like Royal Canin. The price of a medium-sized bag will exceed $50. You could need more than one bag every month if your Maine Coon is big. It will cost an additional $50 per month to feed your cat wet food. Another option for a cat like a Maine Coon is a raw diet. Some of those have a monthly cost of around $200. Due to the additional scans they will perform, preventive checkups with a specialist may cost several hundred dollars per visit. There may be travel costs since these hospitals don’t always have them close by.
In terms of eating, a Siberian won’t differ much. To fuel their huge, active bodies, these high-octane cats need to consume more food than the norm. Discount grocery store food won’t provide them with what they need to survive, just like it didn’t for their Maine Coon pals. A Siberian’s dietary options will be comparable to those of a Maine cod. Although they don’t require as many doctor appointments or screenings, a Siberian owner should still think about it. Each of these cats costs nearly the same to own.
Are Siberians Hypoallergenic
Siberian cats do not cause allergies. People frequently assume that someone with a cat allergy is allergic to the cat’s fur, which is a widespread misconception. That is incorrect. People with cat allergies react to a protein found in the saliva, dander, or urine of cats. The likelihood that cats with longer hair will create more of this allergen can be estimated, although this is not always accurate. They should produce more dander because there will be more saliva on their fur.
Siberians have a lot of fur, as we’ve already explained in this essay. Amazingly, though, they cause fewer allergic reactions in people who have Fel-D1 protein allergies. In comparison to other cats, Siberian cats, Russian Blues, and hairless cats (Sphynx, Cornish Rex, etc.) produce less of this allergen. They are not hypoallergenic because of this. However, individuals who are sensitive to the Fel-D1 protein could find it easier to handle these strains.
Unfortunately, Maine coons are not among the cats that produce less of the FEL-1 allergen. People who own Maine Coon cats must be able to manage their allergic reactions with medicine in order to avoid developing cat allergies. Dander is commonly found on Maine Coon cats.
How Can A Novice Tell The Difference Between A Maine Coon And A Siberian?
This is a legitimate inquiry. It doesn’t seem like there are many differences between them, even as I read this essay. If I weren’t a trained cat person, I might have assumed they were two different cats. Although we have talked about some differences between the two, it appears that at least on the surface, they are similar. They both do and do not, I suppose. The Siberian is smaller than the Maine Coon, as was already established. However, it is unlikely that someone will get a ruler or a scale out to see which cat is bigger. There isn’t much of a size difference between the two. The bodily structure of these two breeds is more obviously different from one another.
The two cats will have different body types, although it may be challenging to distinguish them due to the thick coats of fur that each of these breeds has. A Maine coon’s body will be rectangular, whereas a Siberian’s body may be a little more rounded. To aid in its jumping abilities, a Siberian also possesses a hind body that is taller than its front. Their faces and ears are where the two breeds’ differences are most obvious.
One may say that Maine coons develop ears. Maine coons have huge, pointed ears with fur tufts sticking out when they are kittens. Siberian ears are not even close to being as prominent as those of a Maine coon. Even the hair tufts aren’t as numerous; rather, they resemble wisps of fur. A little bit different is the face’s form as well.
The face of the Maine Coon is significantly more angular, occasionally resembling a triangle. Their facial features might be best described as blunt. Siberians have softer jawlines and rounder faces. The same holds true for eye form. Siberians have rounder eyes, while Maine coons more closely resemble almond-shaped eyes.
Both cats have large paws and can be regarded as having a stocky body. In Maine coons, polydactyly is a common characteristic. They have additional toes on their paws because they are polydactyl. Any breed of cat can experience this, but Maine Coons are more likely to do so. At his Florida house, author Ernest Hemmingway had a large collection of polydactyl cats. They were mostly Maine coons, which were rather numerous. The Hemmingway Cats, who are descended from those initial cats and still reside there, are known as such. Siberians are more likely to have large paws than to be polydactyls.
