Maine Coon mixes are a fascinating blend of fluffy feline. These large, rugged cats have a wild look, long shaggy coats, and a ruff of fur that makes them look like miniature lions. Purebred Maine Coons are a popular feline breed and have been familiar companions to humans for many decades.
While some people prefer a purebred kitten, there are many Coon mixes out there. This is due to both natural processes and purposeful breeding. These big cats have several distinct features, and it is a quite common question among cat owners as to whether their feline friend might be partly Maine Coon. These cats are known to be big, fluffy, clever, and full of attitude. They are highly intelligent and can be trained to play games and do tricks. Some like to be walked about on leashes and will accompany their humans on regular daily outings.
Mixed breeds are becoming increasingly popular among feline lovers. Some folks may not want a kitty as large but still want a kitty with some of this rugged cat’s wild, unique characteristics. We discuss nine of the most popular breeds of Maine Coon mixes. One of these lovable crossbreds might just capture your heart.
- The Maine Coon Cat
- Maine Coon Ragdoll Mix
- Maine Coon Bengal Mix
- Maine Coon Siamese Mix
- Maine Coon Persian Mix
- Maine Coon Calico Mix
- Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix
- Maine Coon Abyssinian Mix
- British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix
- Maine Coon Tabby Mix
- Maine Coon Sphynx Mix
- Maine Coon Russian Blue Mix
- Maine Coon Siberian Mix
- Other Maine Coon Mixes
- Health Issues For Mixed Felines
- Reminders
- Final Thoughts
The Maine Coon Cat
The Maine Coon cat is considered the largest domestic cat breed native to the United States. This breed is native to Maine and is the official state cat. This breed has several tall tales and urban legends associated with its origin. One common yet impossible story is that breed results from an interspecies pairing between wild raccoons and feral house cats. This likely came about due to the ringed markings often present on this kitty’s tail. Though this is a fascinating theory, it is far from the truth. Such a biological pairing would be impossible as these are two completely different species.
These big kitties are often called “gentle giants” because of their large size and sweet personality. They can weigh between 9 and 25 pounds fully grown. They stand 10 to 16 inches tall and will live relatively long lives, from about 12 to 15 plus years on average. Many have been known to live longer. The gentle giant is known for having a playful personality. It takes this breed longer to mature, so they retain kitten-like characteristics well into adulthood. Another unique feature is that these kitties make a chirping-like sound rather than the traditional meow most other cats make.
These big shaggy felines are known for their rugged, shaggy coats and wild looks. They can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns due to the history of natural crossbreeding with other cat species. They have longer tails than most other breeds, which are bushy and often have ringed markings. These big cats also have large, tufted ears and wild-looking eyes. They can be prone to polydactylism, meaning they often have an extra toe. They are an incredibly popular breed and were named the second most popular cat breed by the Cat Fanciers Association in 2021.
Maine Coon Ragdoll Mix
A Maine Coon Ragdoll mix cat will surely be a beautiful, friendly, gentle feline. They are nicknamed the Ragcoon. Ragdolls are sweet, loyal, docile cats. Gentle giants are large, playful, and very smart. The mix of these two breeds creates an almost perfect feline. Ragdolls are known for going limp in their owner’s hands. A Ragcoon may or may not inherit this behavior. Many do not.
The Ragcoon is a gorgeous kitty and a big one. Expect these lovable giants to reach 20 or more pounds. They will have physical characteristics of both. Many get the square-shaped face and tufted ears of the gentle giant. This breed will be fluffy and soft, with long coats. Both parent breeds are known for their coats. Colors can be a wide range, including black, brown, tan, white, tabby, red, and multicolored. They can be just about any color or pattern. Ragcoons may or may not have a ringed, bushy tail, though it will be quite long. The appearance of this mixed breed can vary, even among the same litter. The parent cats can give an idea of what a Ragcoon will look like. Keep in mind that it is always unpredictable what a mixed breed will look like.
Ragcoons will live long lives, about 10 to 15 years or more. They are highly energetic, social, curious cats with a lot of smarts. Ragcoons may be one of the most intelligent feline breeds around. This mixed cat makes for a lovely, calm, cuddly pet, though they will require a lot of grooming due to their long, thick coats. Ragcoons will be large, so they need a home with a lot of room to explore and owners who do not mind a mess as they may be prone to knocking things over. This breed is highly trainable and may show almost dog-like abilities for playing games and walking on leashes. They are less expensive than their purebred parent breeds, ranging from $500 to $800 or more.
Maine Coon Bengal Mix
A Maine Coon Bengal mix is one gorgeous cat. This mixed breed is quite rare. They are beautiful, with a wild feline look and a cunning personality. Both parent breeds are true American felines. The gentle giant is native to New England, and the Bengal cat was created in The United States. The very first Bengals were research animals created by Dr. Willard Centerwall to help in leukemia research. Bengal cats are a mix of the wild Asian Leopard cat and domestic shorthairs. They are known for their leopard-like appearance, even earning the nickname of pet leopards. This connection to the wild world of big cats makes Bengals a unique and fascinating breed.
This mixed breed does not have a notable or well-known origin story. They likely came about due to breeders and feline lovers wanting to see this blend of two highly coveted feline breeds. The result is a unique, gorgeous kitty with a bit of a wild side. The gentle giant is a cat that is amiable, intelligent, and highly skilled at mousing. Bengals are very curious, athletic, and have remarkable memory skills. Combining these two highly intelligent breeds results in a very clever cat. This breed may have a fondness for water and a habit of climbing everything.
This mix may have long or short hair with different markings, some may have leopard print, and others will look more like the gentle giant with a bushy coat. Coats can be spotted, striped, rosette, or a mix. Colors are a range of grays, blacks, browns, silver, blue, charcoal, etc. Eyes can be blue, green, brown, amber, or a blend. These kitties will be large and muscular but smaller than Maine Coons. 10 to 20 pounds is a good average. They will live about 9 to 16 years. This breed can be prone to some medical conditions, namely hip dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
This exquisite yet unique feline mix may not be the right breed for everyone. These felines will have a strong personality, are very smart, and have an independent streak. They are highly affectionate and trainable but will keep owners on their toes. This breed needs a lot of attention and care. They can be a handful, especially for inexperienced feline owners. They can be hard to find, and the price will range from a few hundred or more depending on bloodlines, pedigree, breeders, etc.
Maine Coon Siamese Mix
This fluffy, striking-looking mixed cat is a beautiful, exotic-looking feline. These silky, sophisticated felines will always command attention when walking into a room. Picture a rugged, shaggy, yet regal cat with a bit of a wild side. Both parent breeds are extremely popular, and it is no surprise that a crossbreed may appeal to many feline lovers. Siamese kitties are clever, calm, and like to be in charge. They have easily recognizable Colorpoint markings, which may or may not be inherited by a mix. This coloring may even vary among kittens of the same litter.
Both parent breeds have high prey drives, so this mixed kitty might just be a strong-willed, talented hunter. Keep this in mind for homes that have other small pets. Expect this breed to be bright and very playful, even as adults. These kitties will be very trainable but may have an independent attitude. They will take longer to mature, 2 or 3 years on average. Gentle giants can grow until they are 4 or 5 years old.
The Siamese Maine Coon is a fairly large, muscular cat, about 8 to 18 pounds. They are not as large as a purebred gentle giant but will likely be larger than the average Siamese. They will have medium to long-haired coats with thick, soft fur. Coat colors will vary. They can be just about any color. This mixed feline breed will be very affectionate, though this will depend on the individual cat. This mixed breed will likely be opinionated and happy to let everyone know. They may have an unusual chirp-like meow.
Maine Coon Persian Mix
The Maine Coon Perian Mix has been around since about the 1970s. Both breeds are quite popular, so it is no surprise that a crossbreed would be as well. These two breeds were handpicked to create a docile, intelligent, highly trainable, medium-sized house cat with a long soft coat. Though intentional crossbreeding started around this time, it is likely the two breeds crossed paths naturally far earlier than that.
Both breeds have long coats, though the Maine Coon’s coat is much shaggier and more rugged than the fluffy Persian. They are large, anywhere from 10 to about 20 pounds. Muscular bodies, thick legs, and double coats are common physical characteristics present in this crossbreed. Colors will be varied, as both breeds can be just about any color. There is no one set of markings or coat patterns to look out for, though this breed may inherit the gentle giant’s long, raccoon-like ringed tails.
This breed will be affectionate yet reserved. Those bred for several generations will likely be smoother, smaller, and more docile. They are intelligent and trainable but can be stubborn. These furry friends can be trained to do tricks, but they may not really want to. They can prefer to hang out with their humans or retreat to a quiet space. These kitties may not be as outgoing as the gentle giant but will still be affectionate.
Maine Coon Calico Mix
A Maine Coon Calico cat sounds like the best of both worlds. Picture a large, Calico-colored kitty that acts like a kitten. These felines are considered to be lucky in many cultures. This mix is rare and will cost quite a bit, from $1,000 to over $2,500. They may be tough to find due to the rare genetic makeup needed to make a Calico-colored gentle giant.
An interesting fact about this cross breed is that most of them are female. This is because Calico cats have a unique genetic formula that decides what color their coats will be. Almost all Calico-colored kitties are female, and this includes crossbreeds. A calico cat must have two X chromosomes coded to make orange and black fur. There is a very rare chance of a male kitty being Calico. Those that do exist are sterile.
This Calico and Maine Coon cat mix will have orange, white, cream, and black fur. These can come in varying gradients. These cats are medium-sized, and the males are much larger. As the Calico gentle giant will almost always be female, they will be smaller, about 8 to 12 pounds. They can live 10 to 15 years on average. Because these cats are so rare, they are also very pricey and can cost around $2,000 or more.
Calico refers to the signature orange, black, and white coloring of a Calico, not a specific breed. Calico-colored feline breeds include the Maine Coon, Arabian, Persian, Manx, American Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Cornish Rex, Scottish Fold, Siberian, Turkish Van, Exotic Shorthair, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Turkish Angora, just to name a few. So, a Calico cat may well be any number of breeds. Unless one knows precisely the parents’ breeds, there might be a bit of mystery as to what exact crossbreed these felines are.
These crossbreeds may be unpredictable in both appearance and behavior. It is good to brush up on feline training and consult with both a trainer and a veterinarian if you find yourself with one of these kitties. This feline blend will be a delight and true beauty but may have a stubborn streak. They will need to be fed a high-quality diet with animal proteins to maintain their luscious coats. This breed will also need daily grooming, depending on the length of fur.
Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix
This is a very rare crossbreed and has a bit of controversy surrounding it. Maine Coon cats and Norwegian Forest cats are closely related. Some believe they may even have the same common ancestor that made their way to North America aboard explorer ships. These two breeds look quite similar and share many of the same behavioral traits.
Norwegian Forest cats have long shaggy coats and bushy tails and are as large as gentle giants. They reach 8 to 18 pounds as adults, so a mix of these two breeds creates one giant feline. Both breeds have a ruff of fur around their necks, making them look wild. This cross breed will have water-resistant fur and thick double coats. Head shape differs, Maine Coons have a square-shaped face and big round eyes, and Norwegian Forest cats have a more triangular-shaped face, almond-shaped eyes, and flat noses.
This crossbreed will be a large, full-coated feline in just about any color or pattern. Gentle giants are kitties known for their confident personalities. Norwegian Forest cats are more reserved and tend to be a bit lazy. They will live long lives, as both parent breeds can live about 20 years on average. This cross breed is unpredictable, huge, and a handful. They may be predisposed to health conditions like hip dysplasia, heart disease, and spinal issues due to their generous size and genetic predisposition of both breeds for these conditions.
Maine Coon Abyssinian Mix
This breed is a designer breed, crafted carefully by breeders. Crossbreeding a purebred Abyssinian cat with a gentle giant creates some of the most expensive kittens ever found. These beauties can fetch $4,000 or more. They are intelligent, aloof, independent cats who love to hunt. These kitties are active, energetic, and quite bright, making them a delight and a challenge.
Abyssinian cats are famous worldwide. This breed has ancient roots. Many people believe they come from the area of the world now known as Ethiopia (once called Abyssinia). They are believed to be descendants of sacred cats worshiped by the Egyptians. These felines are soft, with short silky coats featuring a ticked tabby pattern. They have muscular bodies and fierce, independent personalities. This breed is not as people-friendly as the gentle giant. They like people but may not be as affectionate as some breeds.
This mix will have short to long hair, which may have a ticked pattern and orange hues. They will be medium-sized, about 12 to 20 pounds. This breed may have features from both breeds or look more like one parent. Because they are so rare and carefully bred, they will likely have a unique, purposeful look depending on the breeder’s preferences. This mix may be found in a shelter or rescue, though breeders often sell them with a high price tag.
British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix
The British Shorthair is somewhat smaller than a gentle giant but is no small kitty. They reach about 7 to 17 pounds. This mixed breed feline will likely be between 8 and 20 pounds. This mixed cat will be a looker and have a stunning personality to match. Picture a shaggy, feline teddy bear that will make your heart melt.
Maine Coon mixes have a wild look. The British Shorthair looks like a teddy bear, so a mix will be nothing short of adorable. They have thick coats that may be short, medium, or long. Coloring can be varied as both breeds include many colors. Coats will be dense but not high shedders, as neither breed is known for this. They will be strong, muscular, and non-disabled with long tails.
Expect a kitty with a slightly chubby face. This is a feature of the British Shorthair. Large, tufted ears and a ruff of fur may also be prominent. As with all mixed breeds, it can be hard to tell unless one sees the parents. They will be affectionate and can even be clingy, as both breeds love their people. As long as this breed is socialized young, they should do well with other pets, dogs, and small children.
Maine Coon Tabby Mix
Mixing these big kitties cat with a Tabby cat is a feline crossbreed that has popped up in the last couple of decades. These kitties are smaller than the purebred gentle giant but can still get quite large. This breed may take longer to mature than breeds with no mixed genetics.
Tabby cats are not a specific breed of feline. Tabby refers to a coat type found in almost all domestic felines. Many different feline breeds accept the Tabby pattern. There are five types of Tabbies: classic, mackerel, spotted, agouti (ticked), and patched. Classic tabby cats have patterns with whorls that look like targets on their sides. Depending on the color contrast of the coat, these can be very visible or subtle.
Mackerel is the most common, with striped rings around their tails and legs. Spotted tabbies will have spots on their bodies and stripes around their legs and tails. Ticked tabbies have tabby facial markings and agouti hairs on their bodies. Agouti hairs are banded with color and appear to sparkle in the sunlight. Patched refers to Calico, Tortoiseshell, or other colored felines with tabby patches. Most Tabbies have an “M” shaped marking on their heads.
A Maine Coon Tabby mix can be a mix of many different breeds, so unless you know the parent cats, it may be hard to pinpoint their exact genetic makeup. Feline breeds known for having Tabby coloring include the Abyssinian, Maine Coon, American Shorthair, Oriental, American Curl, American Bobtail, Exotic, Manx, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ocicat, Ragdoll, Rex, Siberian, Scottish Fold, Somali, Turkish Van, Turkish Angora, Persian, and the Egyptian Mau.
Maine Coon Sphynx Mix
At first glance, the Maine Coon and the Sphynx could not be more different. The Maine Coon is a fluffy giant with snowshoe feet and tufted ears, while the Sphynx is a solid-bodied, fuzzy cat with ears like a modern Siamese. When we blend two such extreme breeds, we wonder what this kitten may look like. The genetic mutation that causes the Sphynx’s hairlessness is recessive, so your kitten won’t be hairless. Your blended kitten will also have normal short hair because short hair is dominant to long hair.
The predictability ends at coat length because the Maine Coon and Sphynx body types are so different from each other. Your Maine Coon Sphynx blend will likely be a larger-than-average, muscular cat. Round-bodied and athletic, her face might show her heritage. Her Sphynx ancestry might give her a more triangular face and prominent ears, but otherwise, she’ll look like a more mainstream, medium build athlete.
Temperamentally, these two are not significantly different. Both breeds enjoy the company of people. They tend to follow their owners around the house and are generally pleasant. Both tolerate other pets and children. Maine Coons and Sphynxes like playing in the water. Your blended kitten might visit you in the shower or offer an extra set of “hands” while washing dishes. Your Maine Coon Sphynx blend will likely be vocal, talk to you, and try to include herself in your activities. Extroverted and social, this blend makes a great addition to an active, loving family.
Maine Coons and Sphynx cats accept training better than some breeds, so you may be able to teach them to walk on a leash. It takes the proper equipment and much patience. Not only does being able to get out and about safely outside keep her healthy physically, but it can also alleviate boredom and improve indoor behavior. Whether your blended kitten is a climber or not depends on which parent she takes after, but regardless, she’ll appreciate interactive toys that keep her mind and body exercised.
Maine Coon Russian Blue Mix
The Maine Coon Russian Blue mix is a gorgeous feline crossbreed that is super rare. They are extremely hard to find. However, make wonderful pets. Very few breeders specialize in this blend, and cat lovers on the hunt for this cross may need to be very patient. Also called the Archangel Blue Coon, Archangel Coon, Russian Blue Coon, or Blue Coon, these elusive kitties are mysterious, and marvelous, and make for some of the most amazing pets. It is said that they are almost impossible to find, to the point where some folks may try to breed one of their own.
This kitty is very smart, the progeny of two highly intelligent parent feline lines. These cats can be very vocal and may make a chirping-like sound. Others may be quieter, more like the Russian Blue. They will be clever, cunning even, but good-natured. This Blue Coon is loyal, affectionate, and independent. They can range from very friendly with everyone to very timid. Some are affectionate with just a few humans. It is expected this mixed breed will do well with children and other pets but will need a safe, quiet place only they can retreat to. These felines will have a prey drive and will be inclined to chase after smaller, caged pets like rodents, birds, and bunnies.
The Blue Coon is a sizable tyke. This mountain of meow will reach between 9 and 18 or more pounds. They are muscular, athletic, big-boned, sleek, regal, and physically impressive. They will have medium to long fluffy coats with double layers. They will have some grey to blue tones in their fur and long, bushy tails. This is one high-maintenance kitty that needs grooming several times a week. Owners will be happy to do so, as this breed is an elegant and elusive beauty. Big legs, large paws, a stocky build, piercing blue, green, or amber eyes, accompanied by large, pointed ears. These kitties may have tufted ears, paws, and a ruff of hair around their necks like a lion’s mane.
Anyone lucky enough to meet and adopt one of these rare kitties will treasure them forever. They are a conversation piece, a beloved pet, and a hard-to-find designer breed. Expect to pay a hefty price for one of these. They are worth every cent and will leave a lasting impression on one’s heart. They live for a long time, often longer than their parents. Expect a lifespan of 12 to 20 years for this exquisite feline.
Maine Coon Siberian Mix
The Maine Coon and Siberian types are so similar that it may be difficult to tell if your blended kitten is a different breed than whichever parent they are with. Both large breeds look ready for a day in the snow, with long hair, tufted ears, and paws. Physically, the difference is mainly in their shape. The Maine Coon is a fluffy giant with a square jaw, muzzle and chin, and a slightly concave profile, while the Siberian, as the breed description states, “gives an impression of roundness and circles.”
The Maine Coon and the Siberian have many similarities regarding temperament. Both breeds enjoy your company and will follow you around the house, especially if you’re working with water. They’re social and might visit you in the shower or offer to help you wash the dishes or perhaps even the baby. They do well with children and accept other family pets. She’ll likely be less vocal than a full Maine Coon, but she’ll be where the people are. The Maine Coon Siberian blend fits perfectly in an active, loving family.
The Maine Coon’s double and Siberian’s triple coats are weather-resistant to protect against extreme cold. Your blended kitten’s coat will be thicker than the average cat’s. The Maine Coon Siberian mix requires daily brushing to keep hair in check, but although they shed heavily, research shows the Siberian side produces less of the Fel-d1 protein that triggers symptoms in most people who are allergic to cats. This blend could be any color except the pointed Himalayan pattern. Their long coats don’t mat when given a daily brush through and reflect adaptation to the cold, rugged, no-nonsense terrain that each breed calls home.
Other Maine Coon Mixes
There are other rare Maine Coon mixes, including Savannah Maine Coons, American Shorthair, Oriental Shorthair Maine Coon mix, and more.
Health Issues For Mixed Felines
Feline mixed breeds are generally healthy but can be predisposed to have some common feline diseases and health conditions that affect both parent breeds. Most breeders will screen for common health conditions and defects. However, with mixed breeds, this may not happen. Make sure to check with your breeder to ask if they have done the screening for common feline health concerns. These mixed felines may be predisposed to the following health concerns:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Patellar luxation
- Kidney failure and disease
- Obesity
- Bacterial and viral infections
- Dental disease
- Parasites
- Deafness (in blue-eyed cats)
Reminders
With Maine Coon mixes and other crossbreeds, it is important to remember that mixed kitties are unpredictable, and every feline is different. Knowing and understanding the parent breed’s various personality traits and health conditions can be incredibly beneficial when raising a mixed breed cat. Mixed breeds tend to live longer than their parent breed, so expect these kitties to be around for quite some time. Research both parent breeds to learn about the range of traits and health actions your crossbred kitty might have. The most important thing to remember when raising any breed of cat is that they need consistent and high-quality care and well-balanced nutrition. Keep up with vaccinations and regular vet appointments. Do not be afraid to ask for help from a professional trainer. This can do wonders for behavior and cohabitation with a mixed-breed kitty.
Final Thoughts
Maine Coon mixes are more common than most people might think. They developed from natural crossbreeding, with a remarkably diverse genetic makeup. Certain physical traits like shaggy coats, generous size, extra-long tails, tufted ears, and a ruff of fur on the neck may indicate that your furball is one of these Maine Coon mixes. We hope you have enjoyed reviewing the nine feline mixes we have presented. Remember, all kitties are different, so there is no way to truly predict precisely what they will be like. There are many more possibilities for Maine Coon mixes out there. These lovable, smart, cuddly furballs make a perfect choice for your new feline friend.