European vs. American Maine Coon Cat: The Main Differences (With Pictures)
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Are you interested in learning more about these two similar yet different Maine Coon cats? Continue reading to find out more about the two types!
Visual Differences
At a Glance
- Origin: Europe
- Size: 12–18 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Domesticated?: Yes
- Origin: America
- Size: 12–18 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Domesticated?: Yes
European Maine Coon Overview
It may surprise you to learn that the European Maine Coon is simply a Maine Coon that’s been bred in Europe. As mentioned above, the European Maine Coon and American Maine Coon are the same breed. The difference between the two is that European breeders favor a wilder look.
Characteristics & Appearance
European breeders often have Maine Coons with taller ears, more prominent ear tufts, and longer, bushier tails than American breeders’ cats. The European-bred Maine Coons also have higher cheekbones and large, distinct squarish muzzles.
Once you see photos of European and American Maine Coons side by side, you’ll notice that the European Maine Coons have a very regal look. They have distinct Lynx-like ears and big jaws. Some European breeders put such an emphasis on producing kittens with large jaws that the adult Maine Coons they raise have muzzles that almost look square.
Uses
European Maine Coon cats are kept mostly as family pets. These sweet-natured cats get along well with people and other pets. They are often kept on farms as pets because they’re known as being good mousers.
American Maine Coon Overview
The American Maine Coon is native to the state of Maine in the United States. While the exact history of the American Maine Coon isn’t known for sure, there’s a popular theory about the breed’s past. Ships sailing into New England may have carried the Maine Coon’s ancestors from Northern Europe and Scandinavia.
More specifically, many people believe that a ship captain named Jack Coon brought his long-haired cats to ports along the New England coast, including Maine. While anchored in port, the cats left the ship and bred with feral cats. The offspring became known as Coon’s cats because they looked so much like his.
Characteristics & Appearance
Compared to Maine Coon cats bred in Europe, the American Maine Coon cats have the same medium to long fur and colors. The American Maine Coons have a softer overall look than their European-bred counterparts. The ears of the American Maine Coons are a bit shorter and less tufted, and their tails aren’t quite as big and fluffy.
The big difference between the American and European Maine Coon is the muzzle size and appearance. The American Maine Coon has a narrower muzzle that’s more natural-looking than the often-exaggerated squarish muzzle of the European Maine Coon.
Uses
The American Maine Coon is a popular cat breed that many keep as pets. These big, fluffy cats are good hunters and are often chosen for their ability to hunt mice. They frequently help farmers keep rodent populations under control.
What Are the Differences Between European Maine Coons & American Maine Coons?
While the European and American Maine Coon cats are the same size and have the same lifespan, there are some visual differences between the two types that we’ve covered above.
If you’ve decided to buy a Maine Coon, remember that European Maine Coons cost more than American Maine Coons. While an American Maine Coon costs $1,000–$2,000, a European Maine Coon can go for $2,000–$4,000 depending on a few factors, like location, bloodline, health history, etc. If you’re on a budget and can’t justify spending over $2,000 on a cat, you should search for a breeder that has American Maine Coons for sale.
It pays to shop around when looking for a Maine Coon because many breeders specialize in raising them. With some luck, you may find a breeder near you that has kittens for sale.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Now that you know that the European Maine Coon and the American Maine Coon are the same breed, it’s up to you to decide which type is right for you. Although American Maine Coons are more common in the United States, some US breeders specialize in European Maine Coons. They have imported cats to breed, so they have more prominent, squarish jaws and longer, tufted ears.
If you can’t decide which type is ideal, contact several reputable breeders to see what’s available. Maybe you’ll find a breeder with cats of a particular color you like or characteristics you favor. Regardless of whether you pick a European or American Maine Coon, you’ll be getting a big, fluffy cat with a loveable personality!
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Featured Image Credit: Kanashi, Pixabay / Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
