Maine Coon Siberian Mix: Traits, Facts & Habits

Maine Coons are highly sought-after family cats, and the Siberian’s popularity is also rising. If fortune presents you with a kitten that is a blend of both, you’re in for a treat. This blend is nearly guaranteed to be a delightful family feline.

Crossbred individuals are often superior to their parents, and both breeds are easy to live with and relatively low maintenance for cats with such beautiful long coats. Adopting a kitten that is a blend of two breeds will likely give you a healthier individual than a purebred from a fixed gene pool.

Some newer breeds originated with existing breeds, so in that case, a cross may not eliminate a genetic issue but instead concentrate it. Knowing about the two parent breeds will help you understand your kitten’s personality traits and the health issues you’ll need to monitor. Some folks might be intimated by a big, fluffy, blended kitty like this, but the Siberian Maine Coon mix might just be the perfect cat. Let’s jump in and get to know this amazing mixed breed.

Maine Coons

The Maine Coon is Maine’s official state cat. Considered America’s first indigenous cat, the Maine Coon is highly regarded for its mousing abilities. Maine Coons are large cats, with adult males topping out nearly twenty pounds. The Maine Coon coat isn’t fine like a Persian’s, but silky and a bit oily to shed water in the weather. With fur between her toes like snowshoes, the Maine Coons reflects the rugged nature of Maine’s great outdoors. The Maine Coon comes in many colors, but the Himalayan pattern that gives the Himalayan and Siamese breed their distinctive lighter body with darker extremities is not allowed.

History Of The Maine Coon

The history of the Maine Coon is steeped in legend, some farfetched. One legend suggests the Maine Coon originated as a cross of a house cat with wild raccoons in the area. While Maine Coons may have resembled actual raccoons with their imposing body and ample tail, this cross is impossible. Cats and raccoons aren’t in the same taxonomic family. The Maine Coon’s size, tufted ears, and snowshoe paws encouraged the theory that the cats brought to the New World by settlers interbred with wild Bobcats to create the Maine Coon. Modern science shows us that this is genetically unlikely.

The legends about the origin of the Maine Coon don’t all involve wildlife. One suggests that a scheme to bring Marie Antoinette to Maine for safety during the French Revolution went wrong. She was captured, but her cats were already on board the escape ship and made the trip without her. They became part of the new breed. Other legends suggest Viking origin, but the most plausible is that longhaired cats came in with traders and travelers from overseas and interbred with local shorthaired cats. The latter was already surviving with their families in Maine’s challenging climate.

Siberian

Once known as the Siberian Forest Cat, Siberians may have originated naturally from crosses of native wild and imported, domestic cats brought to the territory by travelers. Russian folk tales and children’s books even mention the breed. Siberians are relatively new to the Western world. The end of the Cold War between the then Soviet Union and the United States opened the door for the Siberian to be imported. The first individuals came to the United States in 1990. Within ten years, the Siberian was accepted for registration by the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Playful but not demanding, Siberians love to snuggle next to their people but are just as happy to play on their own. They enjoy playing with water, and their intelligence makes them natural problem solvers. They love attention but don’t demand it and will wait patiently for their family to come home in the evening.

Siberians shed heavily, but research shows that they produce less of the protein that triggers symptoms in most people who are allergic to cats. Many Siberians have lower amounts of Fel-d 1 than typical street cats, but this does vary. If the Fel-d 1 protein and not just hair or dander trigger your allergy symptoms, you may be able to keep a Siberian or Siberian cross. Ask for a trial period with your kitten to ensure you’ll be able to tolerate her in your home without compromising your health. You want to make sure your home can be her forever home.

People often ask if the Maine Coon and Siberian are related. The answer is no, they are not. Maine Coons are traced to Maine, while the Siberian has Russian roots.

Maine Coon Siberian Mix

The Maine Coon and the Siberian have slightly different body types despite their similar personalities. 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.” Their profiles are similar, and they both have tufted ears and feet. The Siberian is almost as large as the Maine Coon. The Maine Coon and Siberian types are so similar that it may be difficult to tell if their kitten is a different breed than whichever parent they are with.

Size & Appearance

Your Maine Coon Siberian blend will likely be a large, muscular cat with heft and power but surprising grace. Your blended kitten’s face will probably be a blend of both parent shapes but leaning either slightly more square or rounded depending on which parent’s influence is dominant. Her Siberian ancestry might give her a more rounded face and ears, but her Maine Coon side may make her face look somewhat longer and her chin more square. Her ears may be more pointed than the Siberian’s, even without the tufts. Male kitties will likely be a little larger.

Temperament

Temperamentally, these two breeds have many similarities. Both breeds enjoy your company and will follow you around the house, especially if you’re working with water. Maine Coons and Siberian cats both like the water more than most breeds. Your blended kitten might visit you in the shower or offer an extra set of “hands” while washing dishes. Both can live well with other pets and children. Your Maine Coon Siberian blend may not talk to you as much as a full Maine Coon, but she’ll try to include herself in your activities. Extroverted and social, this blend makes a great addition to an active, loving family.

Coat & Colors

Your blended kitten will be longhaired even though long hair is a recessive trait. Since Maine Coons and Siberians have long hair, that’s the only gene they can pass down. The Maine Coon has a weather-resistant double coat, and the Siberian’s triple coat has an extra layer to protect against the harsh Siberian cold. With this blend, the sky’s the limit as far as color goes. The only possible exceptions are the Himalayan color pattern that gives the Siamese and Himalayan their distinctive dark-pointed way. There’s some controversy in the Siberian camp about the acceptability of that mutation and if cats of that color are a distinct breed called Neva Masquerade. Maine Coons cannot express this mutation and adhere to the breed standard. It would be unlikely an individual from both species would have a single copy to pass on.

Grooming

Because your blended kitten will have long hair with a double or triple coat, you’ll be brushing more than if you had a shorthaired kitten. Luckily, the type of long hair the Maine Coon and Siberian have doesn’t tangle easily. Siberians and Maine Coons have fairly basic grooming needs. Both breeds have coats that had to protect them from cold environments. Maine Coons and Siberians have tufted paws, ears, and a coat designed to protect them from the elements. Neither breed’s hair mats as quickly as that of a Persian or another fine-haired breed.

Your Maine Coon Siberian blend will require daily coat care to handle the shedding. They’ll appreciate being combed gently to loosen shed hair, detangle any mats, and then brushed with a soft bristle brush. Brushing does stimulate oil production in the hair follicles and helps keep her skin healthy and coat glowing. Like all cats, they’ll need their nails trimmed. Brushing their teeth helps prevent periodontal disease, and the Siberian side of her is more prone to dental disease.

Living Requirements

Most importantly, cats want to feel safe in their homes. There should be plenty of hiding places and designated areas for their food and water away from their litterbox. Household items may pose a hazard to your curious companion. Your Maine Coon Siberian blend brings together two rugged breeds bred for the cold. Providing cat trees and scratch toys will help her find appropriate ways to express her desire to climb and scratch.

Exercise

Your Maine Coon Siberian mix will likely be athletic and fun-loving. Both breeds are people-oriented. Fortunately, her Siberian side is calm and sensible, so with proper attention and some toys for her to play with, she should be content to await your return patiently. Both sides of her lineage are athletic and strong, so ensure she has plenty of opportunities to stay fit. Lasers and wand toys keep her moving, and her Siberian athleticism may even have her doing somersaults to catch the toy. If she’s getting sufficient exercise and time with you, separation will be easier for her to handle.

Maine Coons and Siberians 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 a lot of 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.

Training

Common Training For Cats

• Use the scratching post or cat tree only.
• Keep claws retracted when playing with people.
• Eliminate only in the litter box.
• Biting is for toys only.
• Games and tricks.
• Standard commands like sit, stay, roll over, jump, high-five, play a game, time to eat, come here, etc.
• Familiarity with the grooming process.
• Familiarity with being bathed.
• Riding calmly in the car.

Health

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) causes the heart’s walls to thicken, decreasing the heart’s efficiency. Although the cause of HCM remains inconclusive, there may be a genetic component. Both Siberians and Maine Coons have been identified with this disease. While the prognosis for this disease varies, proper diagnosis and treatment can help.

Some cats with HCM are asymptomatic, but others exhibit labored breathing and lethargy from congestive heart failure. Your vet may use an echocardiogram or genetic testing to see if your cat suffers from this condition. Your vet will likely prescribe medication to help your cat live more comfortably. Asymptomatic cats may live for many years, but the disease is progressive.

Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder common to certain breeds. Siberians are predisposed to this disorder in which cysts develop and increase within the kidney tissue. Although cysts exist in cats with PKD from birth, they vary in number per individual and grow at different rates. They generally don’t begin to overwhelm kidney function until the cat is about seven years old, although ultrasound can detect them much earlier. Some early signs of kidney failure, like poor haircoat and weight loss, mirror what can occur naturally with aging. With PKD, the kidneys filter less efficiently. Cats produce more urine, and it is more dilute. Cats usually drink more to compensate for the increased fluid loss.

If diagnosed early, you can manage the disease with special diets, phosphate binders, antibiotics, potassium supplementation, vitamins B and C, anti-vomiting medications, drugs to lower blood pressure, and drugs to initiate the production of red blood cells. Properly managed, your cat can retain some quality of life and be comfortable as the disease progresses. Because ultrasound can detect cysts in kittens as young as six months, cats with the disease must not be allowed to breed and pass the genetic tendency. There is no cure for the disease.

Feline Dental Disease

While any cat can develop dental disease, the Siberian is at risk. Be sure to have your Maine Coon Siberian blend’s teeth cleaned regularly. If not removed periodically, the plaque that naturally builds up on your cat’s teeth will move below the gum line and cause gingivitis. The cat’s immune system attacks the bacteria in the plaque, and this causes inflammation. Left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis.

Once a cat develops periodontitis, she may drool, tilt her head while chewing to avoid eating on one side of her mouth and have halitosis. Periodontitis can’t be reversed, so it is essential to keep her teeth clean before she develops any problems. Your veterinarian will show you how to brush your cat’s teeth with specially formulated feline toothpaste and set her up for regular cleanings.

Nutrition

Maine Coons take up to three years to fully mature, but Siberian cats take up to five. Your mix will mature much more slowly than the typical cat, so choose a food designed for kittens and discuss with your vet how long your blend should use this formula. Protein and fat levels should support slow, steady growth. Kittens need a specific calcium-phosphorus ratio for proper bone development. Look for a recipe with .8 to 1.6% calcium on a dry matter basis. Wet cat food contains more moisture than kibble; if your cat is prone to urinary tract infections, this additional moisture can help reduce the frequency of her infections. Your Maine Coon Siberian mix will probably enjoy playing in the water. She prefers fresh running water and may try to drink directly from the spigot. She’ll appreciate a fountain drinker.

Any cat food you choose should be AAFCO certified as a complete and balanced diet for your feline. In the wild, animal meat comprises the most significant part of the feline diet. Their diet should reflect what they evolved to eat. They consumed high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and a minimal amount of carbohydrates. Their prey provided adequate vitamins and minerals. Regardless of which type of food you choose, read the label. Look for meat, meat by-products, or seafood among the first few ingredients. These ingredients suggest the food contains enough animal-source ingredients to supply essential amino acids and fatty acids without additional supplements. For cats prone to urinary tract issues, a low-magnesium wet food or fresh food may be worth the extra expense.

Breeders & Kitten Costs

Because this kitty is a mixed breed, the price of a kitten will often be much less than the cost of their purebred parent breeds. Both breeds’ “selling points” will be genetically expressed in this blend. Both have beautiful luxurious long hair and tufted ears and toes. Maine Coons and Siberians are larger than most other breeds, so keep this in mind when you plan your kitten’s space and purchase cat trees or travel crates. Your kitten will not only be sizable in appearance, but she’ll stand out from the crowd with the gregarious personality inherited from both breeds.

You may find a kitten free from a backyard or accidental breeder. The owners may ask you to reimburse some of the veterinary costs, but you’ll also be able to start a relationship with a vet who has already met your kitten. A backyard breeder may not offer health guarantees, but they should be able to answer your questions. Be wary of anyone selling kittens who won’t answer your questions or seems to produce many litters yearly.

Before bringing your kitten home, get the supplies you’ll need to take care of her. Have her litter box and the food you plan to feed. You may wish to have a bed for her, a crate for transport, some toys, and grooming tools. If you don’t already have an established veterinarian, locate one for your kitten’s first vaccinations and a general wellness check. Expect to spend about $150 to $400 for your kitten and her supplies if you’re starting from scratch.

There may not be many breeders advertising these mixed kittens, but you can check with local online resources. If you have Maine Coon or Siberian breeders in your area, they may be able to steer you in the right direction. Your veterinarian may know of available kittens in your area and check local rescue and shelter pages regularly.

Rescues & Shelters

Check your local shelters regularly for kittens or cats listed with Maine Coon or Siberian in the mix. Both breeds are popular as purebreds, so breeders will try to limit accidental litters. If you don’t know that your cat has either Maine Coon or Siberian in her heritage, you may be able to tell by her size, tufted ears, and snowshoed feet.

Depending on your needs, you may find a kitten with the look and temperament to make you happy at the shelter. The Humane Society of the United States, your local shelter, and your veterinarian are reliable resources for finding reputable shelters and rescue groups. You can expect to pay a shelter fee of between $60 and $120.

Check your local shelters and rescue groups in late Spring and early Summer if you’re in the market for a kitten. They’ll likely have a vast array. If you are willing to adopt an older cat, you’ll be able to see the adult and interact with her one on one. There are many advantages to adopting a mature cat. Most kittens are playful but settle as they approach adulthood. When you meet an adult cat, what you see is what you get. You’ll have a much clearer picture of the personality you’ll be living with for the rest of your cat’s life.

Final Thoughts

If you have time and energy to spend with a new addition to your family and want a feline companion who doesn’t spend the day ignoring you, you’ll love a Maine Coon Siberian blend. She will probably be a large, strong-bodied cat who ensures she’s never too far from your side as you travel through your home. She’s likely an athlete but equally content to cuddle in your lap. She’ll seem like an exceptionally tough cat, even if you don’t know her lineage.

Play with your cat to provide exercise and strengthen your bond. This intelligent, cuddly mix will hopefully live more than fifteen years. Each cat is unique, and being a mixed breed adds to the mystery, but this sweet, personable blend will bring joy each day. When a Maine Coon Siberian mix loves you, she’ll shower you with affection and might visit you in the shower. Show her your love in return with regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and a healthy, attentive environment.