Maine Coon cats are solid, rugged, large cats that can survive in countries with a harsh climate. They have smooth, shaggy coats, a balanced appearance and a well-proportioned body. Meanwhile, normal cats usually have short fur and are of mixed ancestry, not belonging to any particular cat breed. In this article, we get to know the differences between Maine Coons and normal cats.
Maine Coon vs Normal Cat: What Are The Differences?
They differ in the length and nature of their coats.
Maine Coons have a thick, shaggy coat with solid or tabby coloring. Their fur comes in at least 85 different color combinations, with a variety of patterns. The coat consists of guard hairs and a silky undercoat to keep them waterproof and dry in harsh climates. Normal cats, meanwhile, have short-haired or medium coats.
The shape of their ears is different.
Maine Coons have large “earmuffs” covering their ears. Their ears are wide and pointed, with tips that resemble lynx ear tips, with tufts of fur around them. Normal cats have ordinary-looking ears which may vary in size, shape and amount of hair around their edges.
They differ in the shape of their faces.
Maine Coons have wide faces with a square muzzle, high cheekbones and a prominent chin. Normal cats usually have triangular faces.
They differ in the shape and color of their eyes.
Maine Coons have large eyes of varying shades, including copper, amber, green, blue or green-gold. Normal cats have regular-sized eyes with colors including yellow, hazel, green, blue or mixed.
Their whiskers are different.
Maine Coons have distinct whiskers which are allegedly the longest of any cat breed. Meanwhile, normal cats have ordinary-looking whiskers that are not particularly long.
Their tails are different.
Maine Coons have long, fluffy tails that could reach 12 to 18 inches long. They walk with their tails up, waving back and forth. Inversely, normal cats have thin, noodle-like tails.
They differ in size.
Maine Coons are large, weighing around 18 to 20 pounds or more. They can grow up to 40 inches long and 16 inches tall. This breed holds the Guinness Record for the longest cat, Stewie, who measured 48.5 inches long. Normal cats, on the other hand, are small and weigh around 11 pounds. They are usually 18 to 20 inches long and around 10 inches tall.
They differ in personality.
Maine Coons are affectionate and have gentle personalities. They also have dog-like qualities and make good pets. They do well with small children and cat-friendly dogs.
These cats are loyal to their humans and love to play in, or be near, water. They are not normally aggressive and are known as gentle giants. They are also easily trained.
Meanwhile, normal cats can be affectionate, but many are grumpy, aggressive and independent. Normal cats usually do not like getting wet and will avoid water at all costs.
Maine Coon and Normal Cats: Similarities
They are the same when it comes to marking their territory.
Maine Coons and normal cats are similar when it comes to territorial marking. This is done using scent glands, and all breeds share this characteristic. Both cats mark their territory by leaving their scent through scratching or rubbing themselves against things, or by spraying urine to declare their empire.
They both have health issues.
Maine Coons may develop certain health problems due to genetic predispositions. These issues may include hip dysplasia, feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, spinal muscular atrophy, and kidney disease. Meanwhile, normal cats can be predisposed to diarrhea, eye problems and feline lower urinary tract disease.
Conclusion
Maine Coons are popularly called gentle giants because of their calm, relaxed nature. They are affectionate and highly intelligent, while normal cats tend to be grumpy and aloof, although some may also be friendly towards people. The two cats also have other differences: Maine Coons are large and fluffy with a striking physical appearance, while normal cats are ordinary when it comes to size, shape and physical appearance.
Image: istockphoto.com / Mindaugas Dulinskas