Maine coons are intelligent and active cats who make wonderful companions. They are highly affectionate and love to play. But maybe you don’t like the idea of a Maine Coon, and you want to know about the best alternatives? You’ve come to the right place! Here, you’ll see the most Maine Coon-like cat breeds that might even be a better choice than Maine Coons.
Maine Coon Like Cat Breeds – The Best Alternatives to Maine Coon Cat
1: Selkirk Rex
It’s pretty big, fluffy, and got curly hair! The Selkirk Rex is a fascinating cat breed with a unique appearance. If you’re interested in large cats, be aware that this breed can weigh between 6 to 16 pounds. Whether or not the Selkirk Rex is the right breed for you depends on your lifestyle. These cats love to relax and cuddle, but they’re also affectionate and laid-back. If you’re looking for a chill companion, the Selkirk Rex is a great option.
These cats are great for apartment living and are not scared of attention, but will also enjoy some quiet time on their own. These Selkirk Rex cats are quite the sight with their wooly coats! In fact, their fluffy fur makes them look more like living carpets than cats.
Their breed founder named these cats after her stepfather, making the Selkirk Rex probably the only cat breed named after a person. Selkirk Rex cats come in both short-haired and long-haired varieties.
2: Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin is a cat breed that has a Maine Coon-like appearance. They are typically large in size and have a long, thick coat that can come in a variety of colors. Ragamuffins are considered to be friendly and good-natured cats and make great pets.
This particular breed is often considered to be a variant of the Ragdoll cat. However, the Ragamuffin was officially established as a separate breed in 1994.
This friendly and docile cat doesn’t care for vigorous exercise, much like a Ragdoll. In fact, the Ragamuffin is very closely related to the Ragdoll, as they both descend from the same cats. However, Ragamuffins come in a variety of colors and patterns, making it easier to find your favorite. These cats are perfect for those who are looking for a calm and large companion.
3: British Longhair
There’s no doubt that British Longhairs have a different face shape than Maine Coons, but hear me out. British Longhairs are even more laid-back than Maine Coons and more docile. They’re playful and affectionate but don’t resort to mischief when bored.
They are medium to large cats, making them a great choice for people looking for a big, longhaired cat. Did you know that the British Longhair only became an accepted breed in 2009? But, not all cat associations recognize it yet.
These are beautiful and sweet pets but they need a little more care to keep their long hair clean. It is easier for them to get dirty, so brushing it every day is necessary. Some of them can be trained to do their business outside and many people like to take them on trips because of this ability. This breed does not need a lot of exercises so short walks are good enough for them.
4: Pixie Bob
The Pixie Bob was originally bred to be a housecat but has taken on many other roles as a companion animal. They are known for their unique personality and are very friendly and loving. This makes them a popular choice for families with children and other animals.
The tails of these cats can vary in length. People believe that these cats are descendants of house cats and Bobcats. Hybrid cats have always been a controversial topic among cat lovers – some see them as fascinating creatures, while others view them as a potential threat to purebred cats. Unfortunately, this controversy has also led to complications for Pixie Bobs, as many cat associations are reluctant to accept them as a legitimate breed.
After genetic testing, it was found that Pixie Bobs don’t have any markers that indicate wildcat (bobcat) DNA. In fact, they are very similar to Maine Coons in terms of behavior.
5: American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is a breed of cat that is very similar to the Maine Coon, but with one major difference – their stubbed tail! This breed is known for its active temperament and unique tail.
The American Bobtail is a very good pet and is a great choice for any family. They are affectionate and playful, and they have great personalities. They have fit, muscular physiques, and sharp, piercing eyes that seem to gaze into the soul. This, combined with their wild appearance, makes them quite the catch for many people.
The American Bobtail is a hardy and healthy breed of cat that has no known genetic predisposition to health problems. This breed was developed from stray cats that were born with a bobtail. The cats used to create this breed were from all over the United States, making them a versatile breed.
6: Turkish Van
These unique cats come all the way from Turkey! In their homeland, they’re prized for their personality and good looks! Did you know that Turkish Vans love to swim? That’s why they’re often called “swimming cats.” These lively felines are active, loyal, and curious.
Turkish Vans are one of the most active cat breeds. People who want a high-energy pet will love them. Turkish Vans are big cats that come in a variety of colors, can weigh up to 19 pounds. The “Van” pattern makes them unique-looking cats.
They require the right amount of exercise and mental stimulation so it’s important for you to provide them with the right amount of exercise every day. If not, they will be bored and may not be interested in playing with you.
7: Kurilian Bobtail
The Kurilian bobtail is a unique breed of cat that looks so much like a Maine Coon, this breed is originated in Russia but today they are found all over the world. These cats are great pets for families and are easy to train.
They are known for being independent and intelligent, and therefore require less supervision than other domestic animals. These cuddly pets can be social and playful, and therefore can make excellent companions for families.
The Kurilian Bobtail can be found in a wide range of colors and markings. They can come in both short and long hair varieties. If you are looking for an excellent cat that loves to be outdoors then the Kurilian Bobtail is the cat for you.
8: Siberian
Despite their minor differences, their personalities are very much like a Maine Coon’s. The Siberian Cat is a breed of domestic cat that is known for its calm and gentle personality. These cats are highly affectionate and friendly. They are also known to be great therapy cats for their calm and loving nature.
Although they are slightly smaller in size and less prone to health conditions, one of the things that makes them a better choice is their sweet and friendly personality.
The Siberian Cat has long hair that needs to be groomed often. They need to be brushed regularly so you shouldn’t expect them to shed too much.
This breed of cat is hypoallergenic for some allergy sufferers because of its soft fur. However, it is advisable to consult your vet before adopting one of these kittens as they may require some allergy testing before you adopt one of these adorable creatures.
If you decide to get a Siberian cat, then this is the perfect cat for you!
9: Norwegian Forest
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a beautiful breed of cat. These cats are best for families because of their gentle nature. They are quite popular among people who are looking for a large, strong, energetic, and healthy cat. The Norwegian Forest cat has a lifespan usually between 14 and 16 years.
These unique cats have a very thick and long coat that is highly water-resistant and helps them survive in the harsh Scandinavian climate. Their dense undercoat provides extra warmth in the winter and also keeps the cat dry when it rains.
The only downside of these cats is that they need a lot of food and can be quite expensive. Overall, if you are looking for an affordable family cat that will bring a smile to your face every time you see it, then Norwegian Forest cats are just the thing for you.
Conclusion
The best way to find out if a cat breed is right for you is to visit a shelter and look at their available cats. We hope that this article has helped you to find the right cat breed for your home. Your comments are greatly appreciated.
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I’ve never had a purebred cat (as far as I know). But one big tomcat looked a lot like a Main Coon or possibly a Siberian.