Maine Coon Persian Mix Cat Breed Overview

Have you ever heard of a Maine Coon Persian mix? Chances are you have been around one before. This mixed feline is a popular breed of housecat in the United States. A crossbreed of the giant Maine Coon and the much smaller Persian cat, they could be called a designer feline breed. While there are specialty breeders, both breeds are popular. There is a lot of crossbreeding that happens naturally. It is common to find mixed cats with one or both of these breeds’ genetics.

The Persian Maine Coon mix is a fascinating, sought-after kitty, combining two prevalent breeds. They can inherit traits from both parents. Owners often wonder how to tell if their cat or kitten is a Maine Coon mix, and there are a few things to keep an eye out for. Let’s get a little deeper into what makes a Maine Coon Persian mix and the history behind the breed. One thing to remember is that mixed breeds can be unpredictable. The information we provide is a guideline to help cat owners know what to expect, and it is not a substitute for professional advice from your veterinarian or breeder.

Breed History

Breeders began looking into developing Maine Coon Persian mixes in the 1970s. They aimed for a medium-sized housecat, smaller than the larger Maine Coon, but bigger than smaller breeds like the Persian and Siamese. The Maine Coon was chosen for size, the Persian for their calm and docile temperament. The two long-haired breeds of cats were picked for their intelligence and personalities, balancing each other out.

Maine Coon Cats

We know that they are considered native to North America and have been here for a long time. There are several legends and theories about how these big cats ended up in Maine and even a suspected connection to Marie Antoinette. The breed was likely a mix of short and long-haired domestic cats brought to North America in the 1700s by explorers.

The breed’s name comes from their native state of Maine, and the cat’s perceived similarity to a raccoon is primarily due to its markings and curled tail. There is a popular urban myth that the breed developed from semi-feral domestic cats breeding with raccoons or bobcats mating with stray housecats. This theory is not valid, as it is scientifically impossible.

These kitties are big and can weigh 8 to 20 pounds as adults. The Maine Coon has a lifespan of 9 to 15 years. They are medium to long-haired felines with soft double coats.

Maine Coons are often described as looking wild due to their long fur and wild-looking green and golden-colored eyes. They carry the gene for having two different colored eyes, heterochromia. They are known for a thick ruff of fur around their necks, resembling a lion. Their tails are long and wide and covered with flowing hair.

Maine Coon Cats are incredibly smart and highly trainable. They are also called “gentle giants” due to their sweet demeanor. They make excellent companions because they like people and other cats and do well with dogs. The Maine Coon was named the second most popular cat breed by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 2021.

Persian Cats

The Persian cat is another prevalent domestic feline breed. They were recently named the CFA’s fourth most popular breed. Persians are a smaller cat breed weighing 7 to 12 pounds when fully grown. They reach 14 to 18 inches long, not counting the tail. This breed lives 10 to 15 years on average.

The Persian cat is an ancient feline breed. Originating in the area known as Persia, modern-day Iran, and ancient Mesopotamia, this kitty has been around for a long time. For a long time, other long-haired felines originating from the same geographical area, including Turkey, Afghanistan, and Persia, were grouped as one breed. They were called “Asiatic” cats. In the 1870s, selective breeding began to craft the more modern Persian feline breed we know and love today.

They are playful cats but prefer more peaceful environments. This breed has large round eyes and an almost musical meow. The Persian breed has large round heads, small, rounded ears, full cheeks, large round eyes, and short noses. These cats have long, shiny coats that come in various colors and patterns. Their eye color is usually related to coat color.

Maine Coon Persian Mix

The result of breeding these two quite popular yet quite different breeds together is The Maine Coon Persian mix. Some breeders will breed for specific characteristics. There is always a bit of unpredictability in mixed breed cats and knowing precisely what they will turn out like. Always expecting the unexpected is good advice.

Temperament

Maine Coon Persian mix cats will have a pleasant temperament. Both parent breeds are intelligent and affectionate with humans. These cats will be social and are likely to get along well with other cats and canines. Maine Coon Cats are quite talkative, while Persians are soft-spoken and quiet. The offspring of these two breeds will be somewhere in between.

These cats are likely to be affectionate, loyal, and playful. Neither breed is known for being aggressive or rowdy. Maine Coons take longer than most other breeds to mature. It is common for it to take until they are 2, 3, or even 4 years old to reach full maturity. Any breed mixed with a Maine Coon may exhibit this same trait of needing a longer time to mature.

Size & Appearance

People often ask, “how big is a Maine Coon Persian mix?” The Maine Coon Persian mix is a medium-sized cat and weighs between 10 and 20 pounds. Males are slightly larger than females. Both have long bodies, 14 to 20 inches. They have long tails covered in medium to long hair. The ears are medium-sized and will have tufts of hair on them. They may be round like the Persian or pointy like the Maine Coon Cat, usually something in between.

This crossbreed feline has moderate to large paws. Their bodies are muscular, with long torsos and thick legs. Their eyes will not be as round or as squinted as their parent breeds. These cats may have eyes that are rounder or more almond-shaped.

There is a chance when mixing breeds with the Maine Coon cat for the possibility of an extra toe. Maine Coon Cats carry a polydactyl gene, meaning that sometimes they will have a sixth toe. This trait can pass on to mixed-breed kittens.

Coat & Colors

These cats have long double coats of silky fur. Their tails will be longer than the average cat’s tail and covered in long soft hair. They may have heavier fur around the neck, though it will not be as thick as a purebred Maine Coon cat. Persian cats have heavier hair on their faces, so the mixed breed of these two will be very hairy. That is a given.

The fur of a Maine Coon is a tough, water-resistant, thick double coat that keeps them warm in freezing temperatures. This contributes to the wild look. In contrast, Persian cats have fluffy, soft silky coats. The Maine Coon Persian mixed cat will have a long thick coat that will be softer than a purebred Maine Coon, but not as smooth as a purebred Persian.

Expect a variety of colors for this mixed-breed feline. Both Persians and Maine Coons come in a variety of colors and patterns, so there are a lot of possibilities for what a mixed breed will look like. This range includes black, white, cream, red, tabby, calico, tortoiseshell, and even striped. They can be dual, triple, and multicolored.

Grooming

The Maine Coon Persian mix will have a high need for grooming. They will shed a lot and need daily brushing, bathing as needed, and constant attention to their coats to keep them healthy. Because of their thick fur and long coats, it is extremely easy to get matted. When this cat’s coat is not kept clean, it will look greasy and stringy.

Pay attention to areas that do not get much attention, like the backs of legs, ears, armpits, and ruff around the neck. These areas of dense hair can quickly become tangled and matted.

This breed may need bathing every few months. Their long coats capture and carry debris, causing mats and knots. Bathing is necessary if your cat carries things from the litter box on their fur. Professional grooming every few months can help cats who are reluctant bathers or protest being groomed by their humans.

Keep in mind that bathing a Maine Coon once a month helps control shedding. Persian cats have a very high-maintenance coat and require occasional bathing to keep their fur soft and clean. A mix of the two will benefit from bathing once every six weeks to once every few months. Of course, bathing is optional, and every owner should make the right choice for their pet. Senior cats and kittens may be more likely to need regular bathing as they are more prone to litter box accidents. Maine Coons love water, and some may even enjoy bath time.

Grooming the Maine Coon Persian mix will require several tools. This list includes pin and bristle brushes, nail clippers, fur clippers, shampoo, detanglers, and conditioner. Never use human products on your cat. Felines are different from humans. Ingredients in our products may cause allergies, injury, and discomfort.

Living Requirements

This feline breed’s living environment is conducive to their long-term health. Though felines like people, cats are private animals and need to have a secluded spot to retreat. They are constantly seeking out areas that feel safe, like boxes, under furniture, and closets. Make sure that your Maine Coon Persian mix has plenty of options for hiding spots that make them feel safe. They often seek out cool, dark places away from the hustle and bustle of human activity.

Cats need regular access to resources such as food, water, and litter to stay healthy. Make sure to leave the water out in multiple places. Cats often tend not to drink enough and can quickly get dehydrated. Even if you only have one cat, keeping more than one litter box around for them is a good idea.

Especially for large breed cats, sharing a litter box with other cats may not be ideal, so giving them options to take care of their business where they feel comfortable is essential. A cat using the restroom outside the litter box is a problem and should be addressed to rule out both behavioral and health issues.

Exercise

Felines are predatory animals and have an internal instinct to hunt for prey. They need to have a healthy outlet for this behavior. Lack of exercise can impact their mood, behavior, and overall health. Domestic cats need to have daily opportunities for play and interaction. Ensure that this breed gets at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.

Providing options like balls, chasing toys, laser pointers, cat houses, playgrounds, climbing options, and even safe outdoor spaces is highly beneficial to making sure cats get enough exercise. You can even walk them with a harness and leash. Provide activities that allow them to participate in the natural predator-prey behaviors they need. Failure to do so can result in a cat that likes to attack feet, visitors, or other pets in the home.

Training

Cats are highly trainable creatures, but that does not mean it is an easy task. Training any cat can be a challenge. Some feline breeds are easier to train than others, the Maine Coon cat included. These cats are often taught to play fetch and other games, so it is likely the Persian Maine Coon mix might be easier to train than other cat breeds.

Whether you plan to train your cat to do tricks, some basic training is necessary for being a feline owner. They need to be trained in appropriate behavior and deterred from troublesome traits like scratching furniture and getting aggressive with other pets in the home.

Common Training For Cats

• Do not scratch or bite people
• Not to scratch furniture
• No tolerance for biting
• Using the litter box
• Commands like sit, stay, jump, roll over, high five, play a game, etc.
• Tricks and games

Felines tend to respond better to shorter training sessions. They have a truly short attention span and are notoriously stubborn. Training a cat must happen on their terms, not yours. Try to keep training sessions short and frequent. You must stay calm. Cats will notice your frustration and lose interest quickly. Persistence is vital when it comes to training cats. Positive behavior reinforcement and training rewards help a great deal.

Cats do not respond well to being punished. Instead of teaching them that specific behavior is wrong, punishing cats scares them and triggers anxiety, stress, and unruly behavior. Cats do better with consistent, regular reinforcement. For example, if they are constantly scratching the couch, say no and clap your hands or make a noise every time you see it.

Start training as early as possible with cats. The younger, the better. Cats need to learn how to be around people and other animals. They need to be comfortable with being picked up and handled if they live in homes with many people and children.

Health

How long does a Persian Maine Coon mix live? The Maine Coon Persian mix is likely to live a long time, about 12 to 18 years. Mixed-breed felines are believed to live a little longer than their parent breeds.

A cat’s overall health depends on many things, including genetic and environmental factors. Nutrition, exercise, regular medical care, and a healthy home environment significantly affect a cat’s health. However, some health conditions are associated with different breeds of cats. These include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
• Progressive Renal Atrophy (PRA)
• Bladder stones
• Cystitis
• Liver issues
• Kidney disease
• Cardiac disease
• Cancer

The best way to ensure your cat is healthy and lives the longest life possible is to provide them with top-quality, balanced nutrition and regular medical care and to address any health concerns as soon as possible. Owners may want to consider pet insurance and cat dental insurance to help offset the cost of emergency care.

Nutrition

Maine Coon Cats need a high-protein diet, and any mixed breed with them will also need a lot of animal-based protein. A feline’s food plays a massive role in physical and mental health. It is also quite essential to ensure coat health. A high-fiber diet can help prevent hairballs and loose stools. Some long-haired cat owners will add a can of pumpkin here and there to dry food to boost fiber. Cats with long fur also need Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to keep their coats shiny, soft, and healthy. Consider a fresh food diet. These are foods that use human-grade ingredients formulated especially for feline nutrition.

Using healthy, natural cat food that does not have a lot of artificial ingredients and fillers is a desirable choice. Talk to your veterinarian for recommendations about the best food to feed your cat. Remember, cats will need different food when they are kittens, during middle age, and as senior cats. Because this blended breed will take a little longer to mature, expect to feed them kitten food for longer.

Breeders & Kitten Costs

The cost of a Maine Coon Persian mix kitten can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Because this is a mixed breed, few breeders specifically breed them. Pet owners interested can look to both Maine Coon breeders and Persian breeders to see if they have any mixed litters.

Learn more about reputable feline breeders from The International Cat Association. Reputable breeders often register with cat associations. They should be willing to both ask and answer questions. Ask to visit the cattery, see the parents, and look at cats from previous litters. Look for breeders that screen cats and kittens for genetic conditions and inherited diseases.

Rescues & Shelters

It is quite common to find mixed-breed cats in shelters and rescues. Because both Maine Coon cats and Persians are both extremely popular breeds. It is not unexpected that they crossbreed naturally. Of course, without genetic testing, it is impossible to know what breed a shelter or rescue cat is.

Shelters and feline rescues across the country are full of stray kittens and older cats that need good homes. Consider looking at local shelters and animal rescues in your area for your next feline friend. Your veterinarian is a good source of information about reputable groups locally and nationally. The Animal Humane Society of the United States is one of the largest rescue groups nationwide.

As Family Pets

This gorgeous mix of the popular Maine Coon cat and the luxurious Persian creates a beautiful feline blend. These cats make great pets. They are suitable for families and tolerate children well. Due to their larger size, they will need room to roam around and stretch. These cats are intelligent and will like to play. They can even learn tricks and follow commands. This breed can be very affectionate felines who appreciate being around people.

These cats are high shedders, so they may not be the best choice for people who suffer from allergies. They require daily grooming and upkeep. These cats will also need daily exercise and plenty of entertainment to keep them busy. They are generally healthy and live long lives. The Persian Maine Coon mix is an excellent choice for a family pet.

Final Thoughts

The Maine Coon Persian mix is a luxurious intelligent, long-haired, larger cat breed. A blend of two historically popular and old feline breeds, this is a gorgeous-looking, smart cat with a very lovable personality. They make wonderful pets and long-term companions for cat lovers of all ages. Raising a cat of any breed is a great privilege and an enormous responsibility. It is up to cat owners to ensure that their cats are healthy, get regular medical care, proper nutrition, access to exercise, and lots of love to make sure they live the longest, healthiest lives possible, regardless of breed.