How to Tell if your Cat is a Maine Coon Mix

The largest domesticated breed of cat, the Maine Coon cat or otherwise known as the American Longhair, is known for its distinguishing physical characteristics and personality traits. Being one of the top cat breeds for families, it’s no surprise that the Maine Coon cat is becoming increasingly popular. But what about those who adopt cats from shelters? How do they know if they have adopted a Maine Coon cat? In all actuality, chances are slim that a shelter would have a purebred Maine Coon, but the stronger possibility is that they will have Maine Coon mixes for adoption. So how do you know if your cat is a Maine Coon mix? The following traits and characteristics will help you to determine if your beloved feline is a Maine Coon mix.

Ears and Head

One of the most of defining characteristics of the Maine Coon cat are the ears. They are large, moderately pointed, and set well on top of the head. The inside of the ears are heavily furred with lynx-like tufts growing from the tips. Their heads are slightly longer than they are wide, and their nose is well-known for being straight not flat like other long haired cats. The Maine Coon cat has very distinctive, large, round eyes that are sometimes said to have a wild look to them.

Body

The Maine Coon cat is one of the largest breeds of domestic cat. Males usually weigh anywhere from 13 to 18 pounds, while the females range from 9 to 12 pounds. The Maine Coon cat’s neck is medium, the chest is broad, torso is long, and the legs are average. Their bodies are proportioned and often described as rectangular and well balanced. Maine Coon cats also have very large feet with tufts of fur coming from them.

Tail

Like a peacock boasting its feathers, the tail is the pride of the Maine Coon cat, wafting regally behind them to and fro. The tail of the Maine Coon cat is extremely long, furry, feathery, and should be at least long as the torso.

Coat

Another distinguishing characteristic of the Maine Coon cat is its shaggy coat and fur around the neck that is called a ruff, which resembles the mane of a lion. The coat is longer on top and softer underneath, giving the colors of the fur pattern and dimension rather than uniformity.

Personality

When describing the Maine Coon cat’s personality, some words that come to mind are goofy, independent, devoted, affectionate, cuddly, friendly, and dog-like. Maine Coon cats are not overly dependent on their human family, but will remain close by for companionship. They make great buddies for children and generally get along well with other pets.