The Maine Coon is one of the most popular cat breeds in the United States and one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world. These gentle giants are popular for their incredible size and personality traits, including intelligence, kittenish playfulness, and gentleness.
If you're looking for a cat breed that is as stunning as the Maine Coon, several other feline counterparts are definitely worth considering. These cat breeds not only resemble the Maine Coon in physical appearance but also share similar traits.
Like the Maine Coon, they are known to be friendly, sociable, and intelligent. They often form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy interactive play. Additionally, these breeds are generally healthy and have a long lifespan, making them great companions for many years to come. If you are a fan of the Maine Coon but are unable to have one as a pet, these cat breeds offer a wonderful alternative.
Here, I have compiled a list of eight cat breeds that closely resemble the Maine Coon in their appearance and characteristics. Alongside the Maine Coon, you might want to consider the:
1. Nebelung
- Price: $600 to $1,200
- Lifespan: 15 to 18 years
The Nebelung cat breed, topping the list as number one among the 10 cat breeds resembling the majestic Maine Coon, is a captivating feline known for its stunning appearance and enchanting personality. With its strikingly silky blue-grey coat and shimmering emerald-green eyes, this rare breed exudes an air of elegance and grace. Originating from crossbreeding a Domestic Shorthair cat with a Russian Blue cat, Nebelungs possess a strong muscular body that showcases their agility and power.
Also read: 8 Cutest Wild Cats in The World
2. Norwegian Forest Cat
- Price: $400 to $1,500
- Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
The Norwegian Forest Cat, known for its thick, water-resistant coat and large size, is often mistaken for a Maine Coon due to its similar appearance. With their strong, muscular bodies and long, flowing coats, these cats are truly majestic. Despite having a wild appearance like the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cats are known for having sweet temperaments, making them ideal companions for families or individuals looking for both beauty and affection in their cat companion.
Overall, the Norwegian Forest Cat is an impressive breed that possesses all the resemblances of the Maine Coon while maintaining its own unique charm, making it highly sought after by cat lovers worldwide.
Also read: Largest Maine Coon cats in the US
3. Siberian Cat
- Price: $1,000-$2,000
- Lifespan: 10 to18 years
If you love Maine Coons, you might also be interested in the Siberian cat breed. This breed bears a striking resemblance to the Maine Coon. Known for their thick fur and large size, Siberian cats are highly sought after by cat enthusiasts. Their regal appearance and friendly demeanor make them an excellent choice for families.
4. Turkish Angora
- Price: $1,000 to $2,000
- Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
The Turkish Angora is a cat breed that bears a remarkable resemblance to the Maine Coon, another well-known feline breed. Renowned for its long and lustrous coat as well as its tufted ears, this breed exudes a sense of elegance and grace that captivates all who lay eyes upon it. With its origins rooted in Turkey, the Turkish Angora has garnered immense admiration for its exceptional intelligence and playful demeanor.
5. Turkish Van
- Price: $800 to $1500
- Lifespan: 12 to 17 years
The Turkish Van breed, ranked fifth among cat breeds resembling the Maine Coon, exudes an air of magnificence and grandeur. This regal feline boasts a striking appearance with its alluring almond-shaped eyes that gleam like polished emeralds against their sturdy, athletic build.
Known for their luscious semi-longhair coat reminiscent of the mesmerizing Maine Coon's fur, Turkish Vans flaunt a soft and silky texture that is truly envy-inducing. Although they may not possess the same voluminous fluffiness as their iconic counterpart, these cats make up for it with their distinctively beautiful markings.
Also read: Turkish Van vs Turkish Angora
6. Ragamuffin
- Price: $1,000–$2,500
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
The Ragamuffin resembles the Maine Coon in many ways, making it an equally exceptional breed of feline. Like the Maine Coon, this impressive specimen boasts a large and muscular body with an alluringly fluffy coat that enhances its majestic appearance. Additionally, both breeds share a similar temperament characterized by their gentle and affectionate nature towards humans, making them ideal companions for families seeking a loving pet.
The Ragamuffin also exhibits strikingly similar physical features to the Maine Coon, such as their large ears and prominent eyes that exude intelligence and curiosity. Furthermore, their friendly disposition coupled with their intelligence fosters easy trainability, ensuring they can quickly adapt to different living environments.
7. British Longhair
- Price: $800 - $1200
- Lifespan: 12 to 17 years
If you are in search of a cat breed that exudes both a gentle and fluffy demeanor similar to the Maine Coon, the British Longhair should definitely be on your radar. This distinct and elegant breed shares many traits with its American counterpart, particularly its affectionate nature and luxurious coat. Known for their calm and serene disposition, British Longhairs make excellent companions for individuals seeking a relaxed and peaceful environment.
Their dense, plush fur is not only visually striking but also highly soft to the touch, adding an additional layer of comfort during cuddle sessions. With their broad faces and round eyes, these feline beauties possess an endearing charm that simply cannot be ignored.
8. Long-Haired Somali Cat
- Price: $1,000 to $1,500
- Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Long-Haired Somali cats share a similar appearance to Maine Coons, but they differ greatly in size. While Maine Coons are large cats, Somali cats are considerably smaller. This distinction in size sets them apart.
Maine Coons typically have a bigger build, with males weighing up to 25 pounds and standing up to 16 inches tall. Somali cats, on the other hand, are more slender and agile, weighing around 10 pounds and standing between 7 to 10 inches tall.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, it becomes evident that feline enthusiasts are in for a treat. With a wealth of options available, one might marvel at the remarkable similarities these breeds share with the majestic Maine Coon. From the fluffy, tufted ears and large, expressive eyes to their substantial build and luxurious coats, these striking resemblances are not to be taken lightly.
Whether it's the Norwegian Forest Cat with its bushy tail or the Nebelung's gentle and affectionate nature, anyone seeking a Maine Coon look-alike will surely find joy in exploring these eight enthralling breeds.
