Main coon cats, a very intriguing feline with a very exceptional history and background, the center of many myths and tails. Not only that, but these cats have some very impressive characteristics and beautiful physic. Let’s not be surprised seeing its biggest records and Guinness listings! However, the most attractive part of this breed is their personality. Those gentle giants are so affectionate and adorable that it makes it hard to just ignore them.

Then do you actually realize that the Main Coon Cats come in 84 colors and patterns variations? Amazing right? One of those beautiful species is the Calico Main Coon cats. These felines have a vibrant tri-colored coat that is so attractive and fancy. The Calico Maine Coon cats have unique markings, each cat is different than the others, this is certainly because of their unique breeding. Due to the complex genetics that produces calico, a Calico Maine Coon is considered the rarest, yet the most attractive among this breed.

Depending on a lot of breeders who specialize in this pattern, Calico Maine Coon cats are which originated from the New England region, but they‘re a US-based breed and referred to as “money cats”; who knows maybe it might be the sigh of a fortune!

Seeing that Maine Coons are surrounded by myths, the Calico ones are not an exception. In the Netherlands, they are considered as good luck especially males. In the Southeast Asia Japanese fishermen says that this breed brings protection and serenity because they are originally from «the blood of a young goddess born of a lotus flower”

Since everyone wants a special cat, they might end up taking the fake one. Don’t be surprised!  It’s quite common for a lot of owners to be wrong about the right breed of their Calico Maine Coon cats. Well, with all the range of colors and similarities, especially with tortoiseshell and tabby Maine Coons, it is hard to distinguish between them.

What characterizes a Calico Maine Coon cat?

Those beautiful rare cats are bred in different colors, from the white base with patches of cream and orange or red, to many other different color spectrums. And because of his amazing colors on his coat, this breed is called Calico. So let’s cheer out to the genes, they made a miraculous work!

Because Calico Maine Coon cats are so special, you will never be able to find two cats with exact similar physical marks; even if they are twins. As much as the feature patterns, even the gender patterns are insanely unique. These big felines are almost always female, Even males are nearly always sterile. And here you can imagine yourself being in a kingdom surrounded just by female cats, no males included.

And for those who confuse Calicos with tortoiseshell Maine coon cats, well here is the thing. The tortoiseshells have an additional genetic pattern, known as piebald; which is having patches of a white fur in their coat. The colors that are present in their coat tend to be more mixed up, contrarily to the distinct patches that are in the Calico Maine Coon cats. So pay attention! No more complicity next time.

Common Variants of the Calico Pattern

Well, we know it now; Calico Maine Coon cats are very unique and special. But as an owner, it is a duty to dive into all the characteristics that are related to this feline. Because knowing your pet that is now your life partner, or will be in the nearest future, is as much important as knowing yourself. One of the initials is to differentiate between the Calico’s patterns, in order to know the genetics of your cat.

Dense Calico pattern

this variety of patterns is the most common and spread type. And that’s because this type consists of a mix of white, red and black; the triangle of colors that are the most dominant between all of the other patterns. And the spreading proportions differ from a cat to another depending on the genes. Some have more white fur and less red and black mix, others have the opposite, but it is certain that the white fur is always placed on the cat’s belly, bib and legs. After all, they’re all beautiful and elegant.

Those colors come in a different color spectrum, from red to orange to cinnamon to grey and black but all of those shades are concentrated. Of course, every coat is unique for its piebald.

Dilute Calico pattern

in this type, you are going to find the colors less intense and concentrated than the first case. This fact is not coming from anywhere, but the reason behind is of course nothing but the genes. So there are mostly three combinations:

• White, Lilac, and Cream
• White, Blue, and Cream
• White, Fawn, and Cream

Basically, the red color becomes creamy and blue or grey instead of black, blue replaces the smoky gray and the cream becomes light red or yellow. Those beautiful combinations found in the dilute Calico Maine Coon cats are rare. And the magical genes spell who makes this miracle come true. 

Personality of a Calico Maine Coon cat 

We all know how Maine Coon cats are so adorable; they are known for the “gentle giants”. Well, they are sociable, friendly, and really different than the other cats that tend to have that aloof and independent character. And because of that, a lot of owners say that they have a dog-like personality.  As soon as a Main Coon notices you on the couch, he will jump over to get some cuddles and a lot of affection. And the Calico Maine Coons don’t make the exception.

As unique as their beauty, Calico Maine Coon cats have a very special character in terms of personality traits. They are so playful and friendly, with children or adults, you are always going to find him jumping around the house, being all energetic and active with butterflies, toys, whatever.  This breed is so intelligent and tends to learn very fast how to play, to swim, to hunt, or even to talk. Yes! They can more so wonder around you, watching you carefully and yet, answering you.

Because they belong to a family with a dog-like trait, Calico Maine Coon cats are too loyal. Those felines stick to their owners to death. In ups and downs, you will always find your cat next to you.

Calico Maine Coon size, and how they are rare

To begin with, there is no major difference, after all, Calico belongs to the big Maine Coon cat’s family. It is obvious that it will seem like having a big feline at home.

Weight: Calico Maine Coon cats hoover between 8 to 18 pounds generally talking, because the Maine Coons are usually in the range of 11 to 25 pounds. But if we are talking about gender differences, females are between 8 to 13 pounds, while males can arrive till 18 pounds. Still, watch out with your cat diet, it can develop obesity issues.

Length: for Calico’s females Maine Coons as for the male ones, they all do have the same length. It is usually between 19 to 30 inches from the head to the tail. However, to let you know, that often the tail of this breed takes half of the body length. Yes! It can go from 12 to 18 inches. This can allow them to maintain a good balance and a very beautiful look.

Height: well here let’s cheer for tall males, in terms of height they are the winners. Female’s Calico Maine Coons are between 10 to 14 inches. In the other hand, males can go to 16 inches. From head to shoulder, they are pretty tough!

Lifespan: the average lifespan of a Calico Maine Coon cat ranges anywhere from 9 to 20. And both genders are common. That’s insane, right! But let’s be a little bit realistic. A cat can’t live all this lifespan if they don’t have the proper care. The owner should really look after his cat’s health, by sticking to a good diet and paying attention to his condition.

Up till now, we’ve been repeating how much Calico Maine Coon cats are rare to be found and breaded. From their unique genetic that result in beautiful patterns, to their big size and physical characteristic, to their joyful personality and even the fact that they are considered a lucky sign. Because, for every 3000 Maine Coon kittens born with a calico coat, 2999 are females and just one is male. Apparently, you are already admiring Mother Nature and the beauty of its creatures.

Now that you realize that a Calico Maine Coon, is a first a Maine coon, with all that needs to integrate the family of big felines. However, if you have this tri-colored tiger or lion at home, consider yourself lucky, moreover if it is a male. It’s like you were chosen to lead a special life with a special companion.

Nevertheless, if you are searching for a Calico Maine Coon cat, pay attention. You should choose a very trustful breeder, and yet with very good knowledge and experience in this breed. This issue is very sensitive, but the adventure for searching for a particular cat is worth it. Try it, and you will never regret choosing the Calico Maine Coon cat.

Can you distinguish between a Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat? Don’t be frustrated, more than 90% can’t make the call for the first time.

As you may know already, that Maine Coon Cat is one of the most famous cat breeds in New England and the United States. His owners call him ‘’the dog of the cat family’’. While the Norwegian Forest Cat is the official cat of Norway, Scandinavia, he is also known by ‘’Skogkatt’’, which means “Forest Cat” in the Norwegian language, and ‘’The Viking’’ referred to Scandinavian people who traveled by sea with their Forest Cats.

Maybe you are thinking now that they are the same! Same cats with different names! Why not? They look alike, they are both the biggest cats, long-haired, and they adapt to the cold and snowy climate. 

Therefore, you might say that telling apart from them would be an impossible mission! Especially when you remember that they are entirely similar, yes, they have an identical appearance and it is normal to be confused. Therefore, you would be forgiven for mistaking a Maine Coon Cat for a Norwegian Forest and vice versa.

However, Can you realize that there are many differences as well as similarities between these two lovely breeds? There are some small details that make each breed unique and charming. And to choose one over the other as a pet, you need to explore the characteristics of each breed.

After reading the full article, you will be not be forgiven for mistaking between the two again. And be sure that you’ll enjoy the fact that you’re one of the rare people who can distinguish the Main Coon from a Viking cat!

First, let’s dive into the history and the characteristics of the Maine Coon Cat and the Norwegian Forest Cat!

The History of Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats

Do you like stories?  Good! Cause when it comes to the origin of the Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest cats we find many ones. Ones that are close to reality and others that are close to being myths than real events.

Maine coon’s origins

To start with the ancestral origins of Maine Coons, we should say that the stories are quite mysterious and are folk tales more than history. 

The first story happened in the 1793’s, when the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette attempted to escape France with the help of Captain Samuel Clough. She loaded Clough’s ship with her most prized possessions, including six of her favorite cat, which was Turkish Angora or Siberian. Although she did not reach the USA, but her pets safely reached the shores of Wiscasset, Maine, where they bred with other short-haired breeds developed into the modern breed of the Maine Coon.

Another story took place in the 1800s, when a ship Captain named Charles Coon wanted to anchor in the ports along the New England coast, including Maine, and he brings his long-haired cats with him as mousers. So when they were at land, the local feral cats mated the long-haired cats, which gives birth of kitten that was called Coon’s Cats because they looked so much like the Captain’s own cats.

The last theory considers that Maine coons are the hybrid of cross-breeding of domestic cat with Raccoon or Bobcat, the mating with Raccoon is genetically impossible but it may happen with Bobcat. Furthermore, look to their resemblance then you may affirm it!

Finally, the Maine Coon cat was recognized in the early 19th century and start to be awarded since 1861 as the best cats on New York City show.

Norwegian Forest Cats origins

The most popular story confirms that the Norwegian forest cat originated in Norway. He served as a mouser and kept the Norwegian Vikings ships and farms free of vermin. There are other theories about its ancestors, The first one is about a cross-breeding of black and white short-hair cats brought from Great Britain with long-haired cats brought by Crusaders. The second theory claims that the ancestors are Siberian Forest cats brought from Russia and Turkish Angoras from Turkey.

The breed was finally registered in 1994 by Carl Fredrik Nordane, a Norwegian cat fancier who first initiated these beautiful felines. Then they were registered as an official cat breed in the American Cat Fanciers Association.

Did you notice how the two breeds are similar even when we check their ancestors? Nonetheless, there are also many theories that suspect that the Norwegian Forest cats are the ancestors of the Main Coons cats.

What is the difference between the two: Physical Features, Personality, Health, Life span

When it comes to the appearance of the two breeds, They almost look like twins and it’s hard to distinguish between them with the first try.

As this title shows, the difference between Maine Coon Cat and the Norwegian Forest Cat is not only their appearance, but there are plenty of dissimilarities such as the character of each breed, suspect diseases that they may face and their life expectancy.

Physical Features

Size & Weight

Talking about our charming breeds’ appearance cannot go on without mentioning their exceptional size & weight. They are both big cats with big hearts. Even if the Norwegian Forest cat is also big but Main Coon cats still awarded for the biggest and largest cats of the world. 

Let’s talk numbers:

The cat breed		Weight	Height
Maine Coon Cat	Male	7-12 kg (15-26 lb)	10-16 inches (25-40cm)
	Femelle	5-8 kg (11-18 lb)	8-14 inches (20-35cm)
Norwegian Forest Cat	Male	6-9 kg (13-20 lb)	12 to 18(30-46 cm)
	Femelle	4-6 kg ( 9-13 lb)	12 to 18(30-46 cm)

Shape and structure

As a pet lover, we are too excited about every single detail related to our fascinating cats. This is an amazing part where our guests undergo some accurate observations. 

Head shape: Maine Coons have a quite wedged head shape with a wide muzzle and a rounded curve on its forehead which makes them looks like a ‘’lion’’ while the Norwegian Forest Cat has an equilateral triangular muzzle with a flat forehead, similar to the majority of the other cat breeds.

Let me guess! You are trying to imagine that! These pictures are showing clearly those differences!          

Eyes shape

If you back to the picture, you will notice that Maine Coon’s eyes are large and slightly oval; they sometimes appear round when they are wide-open.

Instead, The Norwegian has large, almond-shaped eyes, and set oblique with an alert expression.

Ear shape

They both have large and wide ears with lynx tips. The Maine Coon’s ears are set high on the head. Norwegian’s ears’ outer line follows the triangular line of the face and the muzzle.

Nose shape

Maine Coon’s nose shape is more gently curved than that of a Norwegian Forest Cat that has a straight bridge to its nose.

Body

Maine Coon cat has a long body which makes him seem quite large when he sits on the hind legs especially as they have quite a broad thick furred chest. The Norwegian Forest Cat is smaller in length and squarer in shape but they both have quite large chests. 

Tail

The Norwegian Forest cat has a bushy and long-tail when compared to the Maine Coon. It is wider and fluffier, and of the same length as their body. In comparison, the hair on the Maine Coon’s tail is bushier long and flowing especially at its end.

Coat

Their size is not the only thing that they have in common, but they both have thick fur, fluffy, smooth and long heard which keep them warm during cold weather and make them able to adapt to the snowy climate. But sometimes owners like to give their fluffy cat a Lion cut.

Do you agree that this is the most attractive thing, responsible for how our glamorous cats are gorgeous and fluffy?

Color

Here we have fantastic news for you! Coons has nearly 80 accepted colors as described by the CFA, whilst the Viking cat isn’t far behind and has approximately 60 recognized colors. Such as:

• White,
• Black and black-blue
• Red- cream
• Smoky
• Amber
• Silver
• Abby
• Cinnamon

You can’t deny that each one of our fabulous cat breeds has his own physical features?! Do you still unable to distinguish between them?! Let’s dig deep and discover their personality and character.

Personality & Character: (sociability, trainability, vocality, loyalty)

Main coons and Norwegian Forest cats exhibit very friendly traits. They are extroverted and playful. They socialize greatly with other animals as well as with people. Also, they are too curious and intelligent, and they love hunting. You can train both of them easily! Comparing to the Vikings cats, Maine coons are highly trainable and well known for their intelligence and their ability to quickly learning new things.

They communicate differently, Maine Coons tend to be very vocal chatty and are known for their chirping sound. In contrast, Norwegian Forest cats tend to be calm and quieter unless they need something. 

Maine Coons are extremely loyal and very affectionate even if they don’t get attention from their owners. The Norwegian Forest cats are loyal to their owners only if they are giving them attention.

And of course, Their playfulness and energy are referred to as how you care about their health!

Health (Common diseases and different ones)

When it comes to Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest cat’s health,  both can face some common diseases that any cat may have. They are prone to:

 Hip Dysplasia that is a genetic malformation of the cat’s hip joint and causes arthritis and crippling lameness. 

 Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that can result in heart failure and paralysis of the lower limbs.

There are also some diseases related to each breed.

Maine Coon Health

 Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Which is one of the most diseases that Main coons can have. It causes an awkward posture and manifests in obvious aggravation when walking. The muscles in the back of their legs become weak over time. But, despite it, the cat can continue relatively its normal life.

Norwegian Forest Cat Health

Glycogen storage:  The Vikings are prone to this disease, it causes a deficiency of an enzyme needed for the metabolism of glycogen. This one may unfortunately fatal in some cases.

Life span of Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat

You may ask if these health diseases may affect the life expectancy of Maine Coons or the Norwegian Forest Cats? 

The average lifespan for a Maine Coon is between 12 and 15 years. However, the oldest reported Maine Coon was 26. On the other hand, the average lifespan for a Norwegian Forest cat is between 14 and 16 years. 

Which one is easier to care for? A Maine Coon or a Norwegian Forest Cat? 

If you think about getting a Main Coon or a Norwegian Forest cat, surely you are aware that every cat will have its own set of needs for daily care, nutrition, housing, and grooming. 

High quality of food

Maine Coon cats need high quality of food, containing high levels of protein, low carbohydrates, and Omega 3 and 6 fat and fatty acids.

For Norwegian Forest Cats, cat food that contains Taurine is usually ideal. It’s basically an important amino acid that your feline requires for good heart health and vision.

And don’t forget that both the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat require access to a water source at all times, to prevent them from becoming dehydrated.

Grooming

As you know, breeds with long fur coats like Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest cats need a  lot of grooming at least weekly, if not daily. Keep in mind that cats need to be washed by specific shampoos that suit their silky fur coat, and doesn’t affect their health.

Entertainment 

When it comes to playing time, Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cat need to be well entertained. Try to create an environment with plenty of room, litter boxes, food, water, scratching posts, and toy. Provide also access to elevated places makes, cats like to be up high.

Costs of keeping a Maine Conn vs Norwegian Forest Cat

Do you know that the costs of bringing a pet into your home go far beyond any initial adoption fee or purchasing price?  This can vary from nothing at all to hundreds and thousands of dollars. They are costs related to their food, insurance, grooming, and other basics elements.

You prefer numbers Ok! We got it! Look at these tables below to find out details:

These are the purchasing prices:

	Maine Coon Cat	Norwegian Forest Cat
Kitten	800$-1200$	300$-900$
Senior Cat	800$	600$
Rescue Cat	200$ to 400$	250$-350$

Did you compare their prices?  Then there are the annual costs related to their food, insurance, grooming, and other basics elements.

Annual costs	Maine Coon Cat	Norwegian Forest Cat
Feeding	700$ to 1300$	200$-800$
Insurance	350$	350$
Vaccination	50$ to 150$	50$to 150$
Veterinary exams	80$ and 160$	100$ to 200$
Litter box	10$ to 70$	10$ to 70$
Toys	10$ to 60$	10$ to 60
shampoo	7$ to 15$ bottle	7$ to 15$ bottle
Grooming and boarding	70$ to 200$	100$ to 200 $

Which is the better pet?

Maine Coon Cats are a great choice if you look for a cat with a beautiful appearance and endearing personality. They are curious and extremely loyal. They treat every human or pet in their household as their family. Maine Coon Cats are also wonderful with children and other pets. They are intelligent and love hunting, which makes them too playful. 

If you decide to own it then be ready to sacrifice your time and energy to respond to their social needs and give him love and affection.

Int the other hand, the Norwegian Forest Cat is an athletic, active cat and likes to have something to do at all times. This cat is ideal for active households and families with children. These cats are loyal to their owners if they are giving them attention. They like to socialize and are independent at the same time. Only some toys for your Norwegian Forest Cat keep it happy and engaged. Sometimes they become lazy, and they prefer to keep to themselves, when they need to, they become proficient at finding the best hiding places.

Which breed suits you? A Maine coon or a Norwegian Forest Cat?

After all the information you learned, have you decided which breed to choose? Actually, we wish you good luck with that! Because,  despite all the differences between the Main Coon Cats and The Norwegian Forest Cat, they are alike, and choosing the right breed is not an easy task. Personally I recommend you consider each cat’s specific needs and characteristics so that you can match them with your lifestyle.

If needed, you can check another comparison of another spectacular breed that you will find it in this article’’’ Maine Coon vs Ragdoll’’.

If you had chosen a Maine Coon Cat instead of Norwegian Forest Cat or vice versa, then we will be glad that you share with us what pushes you to choose it as companionship.

Introduction

Have you ever heard about Frankenlouie?  Weird name, isn’t it? Want a hint? This name refers to a cat.

But why does it seem like there are two names? Well, it’s a two-faced cat. Yes, the world’s famous Janus Ragdoll cat. He had two functioning eyes, a blind central eye, two noses, and two mouths. Yet he was a beautiful cat from the Ragdoll race. Frankenlouie’s deformity was caused by a very rare congenital condition. But the fact that this Ragdoll cat was known was because the scientist didn’t expect him to live this long, but he made it to 15 years before he passed away in 2014. And now, he is listed in the Guinness Book as the longest-lived Janus cat.

Want to know another cat name who hit it big in the cat’s history? Little Nicky.

This cat was the first pet animal to be cloned commercially in 2004. Curious to know more? well, it was a Maine Coon cat. The owner of Little Nicky saved his tissue in a gene bank after he died; she paid $50,000 to have her cat cloned. The cloning process was a success, and it was reported that the cat shared many characteristics with his predecessor, including a similar personality and appearance.

Two different stories, two different races, yes! The Ragdoll cat and the Maine Coon are different.

Both breeds may have a lot of similarities, they have a lot of qualities, and it is important to understand their needs, attitude, temperament and health background, in order to pet them. Otherwise, you will end up getting confused in choosing between the two when it comes to adopting or choosing. 

Stay tuned then, and follows us to know more how to differentiate between Maine Coon and Ragdoll cat. 

The History of Maine Coons and Ragdoll Cats

As special as their look, the origins of the Maine Coon cats are so full of mystery and speculation which makes them that much more intriguing. A lot of myths are related to their historical, from raccoons to Marie Antoinette, to Vikings, and finally the American colonization. Let’s have a quick view of all these stories and see which the most logical one is!

One of the best-known stories about Maine Coons is that they are the result of a mating between a raccoon and a domestic cat. That’s of course genetically impossible! But this funny tale is pretty common due to this cat’s wild look.

The next legend is an extremely royal romantic tale. By the end of the French Revolution, a sea captain named Samuel Clough was to bring Queen Marie Antoinette and her cats to the USA. She owned a lot of fluffy Persian or Angora cats, which mated with the resident American cats.  Their descendants are said to be the Maine Coons. Now, this is not impossible, but from what it is known, Marie Antoinette didn’t have any long-haired cats. Weird, isn’t it?

Next story, please!

This one could be interesting for some of you. You would really like your cat’s origins to be related to it. The Vikings, yes! Maine Coons could be descended from the Norwegian Skogkatt. Based on Danish and Swedish counterparts, the Racekatte and the Rugkatt have a lot in common with the Maine Coon, they share quite a similarity between these breeds including living under harsh climate.

Besides all these myths, the main story is the following. The breed started to develop and being popular at the end of the 19th century thanks to the farmers of the state of Maine, who were very proud of their cats. The breed was then almost forgotten, it was less popular than the Persian or Siamese, but it was rediscovered in the 1950s. By the 1960s, the breed rose again in popularity and was recognized by the ACFA in 1967. The Maine coon is the official cat of the state of Maine.

Wow! A huge history for a huge cat. How about Ragdoll cats then?

Then let’s go back to the 1960s in California when the first Ragdolls cat was bred

Ann Baker bred a white Angora Persian type cat queen, Josephine, who had a Himalayan coat pattern (Siamese) to beautiful long haired Burmese sire and Birman sire males. The breeding resulted in cats of substantial size, non-matting coat, and a very equable disposition.

Josephine’s kittens seemed to have a true loving nature and beautiful blue eyes. Baker soon knew these kittens were very special. She kept some of them and bred them very carefully, by lining bred to keep the strain pure. In fact, the traits of the Ragdoll cat can only be found in Josephine’s descendants, where the history of Ragdolls exists. The looks may vary slightly as to pattern or color, but the disposition must remain the same to be a Ragdoll. No one, not even the originator, can add to the lines at this time, and still have a purebred Ragdoll.

What is the difference between the two: Physical Features, Personality, Health, Life span

Not only their origins are different, those two cats each had its own charm. So in order to choose the cats that will suit you, pay much attention to what’s coming next. Cause, after all, choosing a life partner is not as easy as it seems. Physical Features, Personality, Health, Life span, it all matters.

Physical Features (Size & Weight – Shape and structure – Coat – Colors)

Maine Coons are friendly giants; those big felines are so huge, tall and heavy. However, more than 20 pounds means nothing but your cat is being obese. You can really feel that you are adopting a lion or a tiger

Ragdolls, on the other hand, are hovering on the same scale as Maine Coons in terms of weight. Thus, quite smaller and shorter, they’re considered typically quite large. Here are the real cat’s sizes

	Maine Coon	Ragdoll
Weight (lbs)	11-25	8-20
Height (in)	10-16	9-11
Length (in)	19-32	17-21

Let’s say that those creatures are insanely incredible. And there is a reason behind saying this. The Maine Coon has a square head shape, and it is slightly elongated. The profile has a gentle concave curve. The muzzle is square.

The Ragdoll cats have their own standards though. Their heads are wedge-shaped, and they have rounded muzzles, flat top skulls, and chubby cheeks. They have a medium-sized head, but the fur makes their face appear large.

As for the grace of their eyes shape. Maine Coon’s eyes are large and slightly oval, but appear round when wide open. They are slightly oblique. The Ragdolls cats must-have oval blue eyes; otherwise, they are not from the true breed.

Then comes the ears to complete the face look, Maine Coon cats have large and wide ears, both with or without lynx tips. They are set high on the head. The Ragdoll’s ears are medium-sized and are set on the sides of the head to continue the look of the triangular face.

Finally, the body shape. The Maine Coon has a broad, powerful chest; the legs are of medium length. The Ragdoll cats’ appearance can be summed up in a word: majestic. These cats are large and broad-chested, with silky, bunny-like fur and unforgettable blue eyes.

Ragdolls come in four main patterns: bi-color, van, mitted, and color point. These patterns also appear in six major colors – seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream – while the points can be solid, lynx, tortie, or torbie. Despite the fluffy, luxurious coat most Ragdoll cats have, they actually don’t shed very much. Their fur is medium long and requires very little grooming

Maine Coon cats are available in over 84 colors and pattern variations.  Isn’t this fantastic?  This oldest breed of American domesticated cat comes in a full range of colors. The most popular colors are the brown tabby and tiger-striped, but they are available in reds, chocolates, fawns, and just about every color combination that a cat can come in. They have a double coat that can be patterned on the top and solid underneath or vice-versa. So basically, you’ll need to brush your Maine Coon’s coat till two to three times a week.

But one thing is for sure, those beautiful treats come with a whole unique personality package.

You will see it!

Personality & Character (Trainability – Vocality – Intelligence – Loyalty)

You’re a cat and a dog person at the same time. You’re always confused about which pet to adopt? Meow! You’re knocking the right door. Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats have been described as having dog-like personalities.

 As unique as their beauty; those cats are different from the other breeds that tend to have that aloof, independent, arrogant attitude.

Maine Coon Cats are called ‘gentle giants’ and that’s because of their sociable, friendly and adorable personalities. They are so affectionate and like to held and cuddled like babies. They don’t turn down the affection given to them by anyone. Children, adults, other pets, they’d snuggle up to it. Their curiosity enables them to interact widely with various pets and humans. And their curiosity is making them a helpful pet too. Yes, they can help in everything by standing still observing very curiously what you are doing. And calmly too.

If you’re searching for a cat that talks, but aren’t annoying, a Maine Coon is the right cat for you! Maine Coon cats don’t often meow, but they make weird sounds that most people call chirping. This can be heard whenever your Maine Coon is excited.  Besides that, most Maine Coon cats have a very high voice, which makes you think that a kitten is making that sound even if your Maine Coon is already 10 years old. Compared to their massive appearance this is pretty funny. But be careful of the meow and be the sign that your cat is missing you!

Maine Coon cats learn quickly because they are very intelligent cats, as soon as you don’t let them by themselves. In addition to playing fetch, most Maine Coon cats are drawn to water and might enjoy an unexpected swim. They enjoy hunting as well as spending a lot of time playing chase, hence it is essential to place toys around them. And it’s so important for them to mark their territory too if there is a stranger coming to the house.

Did you know that the Ragdolls hold the traits of their personality in their name? Well when we hear Ragdolls, we definitely hear word dolls. Actually, those cats will be completely relaxed when they are picked up. They will lie limp, just like dolls.

The Ragdoll cat is promoted as having a calm demeanor, the kind of cat that will tolerate children playing with it. Being a friendly, outgoing cat who tolerates attention and petting well. This makes him a solid choice for households. Those cats are very fond of their masters, but they are also extremely interested in socializing with other people as well. They will build a very strong bond with you easily and will follow you wherever you go around the house, including the bathroom. So basically you’re going to have a bodyguard following you to check up on you constantly.

As befits such an accommodating cat, the Ragdoll cat has a sweet little whisper of a meow and displays a patient mien. So they are really quiet and can help you relax all the time because their vocals are really sweet and not disturbing at all. Moreover, Ragdoll cats are super playful, especially when they play fetch, which is something that many of them enjoy doing. Moreover, Ragdolls cat has been observed to be easily socialized with dogs, which is quite a rare trait among cats.

And when we say ‘dog-like‘ temperament we say loyalty, those two breeds show extreme loyalty to the individual who takes the majority care of them.

Health (Common diseases and different ones)

It is very common for purebred cats to be more at risk of particular medical conditions, which owners need to be aware of. Both pedigreed cats and mixed-breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature. Let’s then see the main health conditions most commonly seen in Ragdoll and Maine Coon cats, and how to avoid them if possible.

Maine Coons are at risk for the following hereditary conditions:

• Hip dysplasia due to a malformation of the joint. It can cause discernible discomfort to severe pain and potential lameness. Pay attention! Obesity aggravates the problem.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, HCM, is the most prevalent type of feline heart disease. It can be detected a DNA test, to identify cats that carry one of the mutations that cause the disease.
• Spinal muscular atrophy occurs when the nerves in the spinal cord die off, and results in weak muscles. Fortunately, the disease is pain-free, and the affected cat can usually live a comfortable indoor life, but there is also a DNA test to identify carriers.
• Polycystic kidney disease, a slowly progressive heritable kidney disease that can result in renal failure.
• Like the Maine Coon, Ragdolls can be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other heart diseases. Other problems that may affect Ragdoll cats include the following:
• Polycystic Kidney Disease, PKD, is the result of inheriting a defective gene that causes cysts to grow in the kidneys and liver, eventually destroying the organs. Ragdoll cats should be tested before they are used for breeding so that this horrible illness doesn’t spread any further.
• Bladder stones are grains of minerals that form in the bladder. They can be treated either with medication or surgery, and further stones can usually be prevented with the right diet.

Both Maine Coons and Ragdolls are big cats with even bigger coats, making it difficult sometimes to recognize the line between having a “big-boned” or “husky” cat and one that is flat-out overweight! Better watch your cat’s health and regime before becoming obese. Increased weight can lead to a number of issues such as diabetes, heart disease, joint issues, etc. Remember, a healthy-sized cat is a happy cat!

Life span

Research in some data led that, the average life span of Maine Coon cats ranges anywhere from 10-12.5 years. While other data reports that these cats can live up to 15 years and beyond.  While Ragdoll cats have a typical lifespan of 9-15 years. They also can attend 23 years old. Ragdolls hold the oldest cat record, 38 years old. Crazy, right? Having a cat that you can pet as much as possible. That’s what we all aim for.

But lets precise that they’re not general cases. A long life span comes only with the proper care. The life expectancy of these cats can be extended. While they are a generally healthy breed as with all cats, diet, exercise and general health care is going to play a role in how long the cat lives.

Which one is easier to care for? A Ragdoll or a Maine coon?

Taking care of giant felines is not that easy?? It’s important to give your individual breed the special needs and care they require in order for your cat to grow up to be healthy, happy felines.

Maine Coons make excellent family pets, but they require good care. If you have a Maine Coon, then you will need to take care of your cat’s nutrition, grooming, entertainment, and health needs.

Maine Coons require high-quality cat food to stay healthy. When choosing food for your cat, look for Taurine in the ingredients list. Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats require. And to prevent obesity, develop a regular cat feeding schedule. Cat food packages list the amount of food that you should give your cat each day. Divide the total amount of food that your Maine Coon is supposed to eat per day into two portions. Then, feed these portions to your cat about eight to twelve hours apart. All of this with providing enough fresh, clean water for your cat to stay hydrated.

When you mention a Maine Coon, the first thing that comes in mind is their coat. It is so important to take good care of it. Maine Coon’s coat has a silky texture that doesn’t mat easily if you groom it regularly. It is easily cared for with twice weekly. Useful grooming tools include a stainless steel comb for removing tangles and what’s called a “grooming rake” to pull out the dead undercoat, which is what causes tangles when it’s not removed. Use it gently, especially in the stomach area and on the tail. Bath your cat whenever you feel that their coat is greasy or their fur looks stringy.

As for entertaining your Maine cat, try to pet it as much as possible, as they are an affectionate kind of cats. Furthermore, Maine Coons are well-known for their excellent mouse catching skills, so try to provide your Maine Coon with mouse-like toys that will stimulate these skills. Put up also some scratching posts, otherwise say buy to your precious stuff, because they will all be scratched.

As its name, Ragdolls need to look like a one. They need a lot of attention. Ragdoll cat can actually become quite upset if he doesn’t get it and may become destructive out of frustration. Playing with your Ragdoll, grooming him, petting and loving on him will keep him happy and not neglected. Since they have long beautiful fur, you will want to groom your cat at least once a week. To prevent shedding and also keep fur balls to a minimum. Grooming also plays a big part in connecting with your cat. During your Ragdoll cat’s growth, make sure he gets extra food. High protein foods are important for your cat, which are easier to get with canned food as opposed to dry. Stay away from foods with a high grain content. Of course, without mentioning the necessities, fresh cool water is required.

These are cats who love to play and have fun with toys. Bat at, and bat around are favorites. If you play with your Ragdoll often, who knows? You may even be able to get your kitty to fetch a ball. Don’t be surprised, it’s the favorite game for a dog-like cat.

As mentioned before, Ragdolls are likely to get sick, they need regular vet checks to make sure he is growing healthy and appropriately for his age. It’s also important to make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date, including rabies. Regular vet checks are really helpful. Early the detection it is, sooner the treatment begins.

Even though they play the bodyguard, yet your Ragdoll is really a softy. They’re not very good at defending themselves against danger or other animals that may try to harm them. Better let your cat indoor, they shouldn’t be allowed out of doors. They will be safer, but still indoor, look after them because Ragdolls are really passive and gentle. They can also be harmed by children!!

Costs of keeping each breed – Maine coon vs Ragdoll

Big felines, big care, huge expenses. Keeping a pet in general needs a lot of investment. From buying food, toys, Veterinary health check-ups, grooming and aesthetics costs. When our moms are saying owning a pet is a big responsibility, they are right. Most people spend around $500 per year on their pets, but that can vary widely based on your preferences, your pet’s medical needs, and if you want to spoil your furry little friend.

 For the Maine Coon cats, ignoring initial costs and making annual assumptions, these are some estimated baseline figures:

• Food can cost anywhere from $250 to $500.
• Medical expenditure can cost anywhere from $75 to $500.
• Toys or treats average at about $50.
• Litter can cost from $100 to $300.
• Optional Health Insurance starts at about $300.
• Miscellaneous costs on average at about $50
• These add up to anything from $525 to $1700 per annum.

Factoring in the lifespan of a Maine Coon cat as the widely accepted average of 10 to 12.5 years, this gives a lifetime cost ranging from $5,250 to $21,250.

As for Ragdoll Cats, ignoring the initial cost of buying the cat. Here are the estimations done:

1. Food (wet, dry treats) can cost average about $600
2. Litter cost $225
3. Vet Visits can cost anywhere from $75 to $500.
4. Unexpected Expenses: $100.00
5. Cat Health Insurance costs on average at about $300
6. Fun Stuff (toys, catnip, etc…): $100

The grand total of annual expense is $1100. This can say that for a Ragdoll that will live for 9-15 years lifespan, you should be prepared for $9,900 to $16,500 lifetime investment.

So before having a Maine Coon or a Ragdoll Cat, think twice! Adequate preparation and financial planning should be done before. They are a long-term investment and may not be suitable for the more carefree amongst us.

Which Is The Better pet for you a Maine coon or a Ragdoll?

Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats, both have a huge physics, with huge character and many attractive attributes.

Maine Coon, a perfect combination between intelligent, active and moggy. One of the biggest cat breeds you can own, and a prolific hunter to boot. Yet, a real sweetheart who loves to lounge with his family.

The Ragdoll though, is a playful kitty, one who also enjoys his time and a family cat too. But also, a big affectionate who loves to be cuddled and carried about.

As a drawback, each cat has certain medical conditions to consider. You should really take care of their health and pay attention to their regime, to avoid certain illnesses that can affect your cat.

Be sure to work with a responsible breeder who can prove the health and welfare of their cats, and think in advance about how you will pay for veterinary treatment if your kitten needs it further down the line.

Finally! You’re hitting the end of this article. Up till now, we suppose that you already made up your mind for one of these cats. Is it the Maine Coon? Ragdolls? Which one suits you more and matches your personality? No decisions yet?  Then how about checking a different comparison like Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest.

Meow, you already have one of these breeds? Which one is it, and how much time you’ve been together? I bet there is something that lets you choose this breed, not others. What is it then? Let us know your preference. Meow!

In general, we tend to think that cats are as small and cuddle as they curl in our laps, however, this idea can’t be applied over all the cute little cuddly cats. The Maine Coon is a breed that is between big cats – lions, and tigers – and domestic cats. On average, Maine Coon size can get to 40 inches (1.02 m) and weight to 25 pounds (11.34 kg). A normal-sized fully grown Maine Coon is as big as the Norwegian forest cat. As a matter of fact, Maine Coon is among the biggest (largest) cat breeds of all time. 

How Big Can Maine Coons Get?

Maine Coon cats also called the American Long Hair cats, are originally bred in the USA. There is a common thought that they are either a part raccoon and a part domestic cat. As a matter of fact, no one can really tell where this sweet creature originally comes from. 

There are certain things about the Maine Coon cats such as these cats are the largest breed of cats. They grow bigger than any other cat breeds, they can grow until they reach the age of four years. On the other hand, other cat breeds reach full physical growth at the age of two years.

Average Size of a Maine Coon cat

The male Maine Coon is larger than the female ones as the case in most breeds. They typically weigh 15 pounds (6.8 kg) on average. 

Male vs. Female Maine Coons

Whether you want to adopt a male or a female Maine Coon, make sure you get them neutered or spayed! As a matter of fact, neutered or spayed cats are healthier and happier. However, there are certain differences between the male and female Maine Coons you should learn. 

Males

The male Maine Coon cat is bigger physically than the female ones just like all the other cat breeds. In terms of responsibilities, they tend to have big personalities as well. They tend to be very demanding and attention seekers. However, they are very social and enjoy hanging around with their humans, and they love playtime the most.

Females

On the other hand, the female Maine Coons are a little bit smaller than the male ones. However, you should notice that living in a small house is not preferable because they like to have free space to play and move around. In terms of personality, a female Maine Coon cat tends to be more cautious around people than the male ones.

Maine Coon’s Growth in relation to Feeding

Adopting proper diet habits, a Maine Coon cat can enjoy a healthy life until the age of 18 years old. In order to keep your cat healthy and active for a long time, you should make sure it gets the best diet.

So, let’s dive deeper into the main factors of a good diet:

Protein

Protein plays an important role in the proper diet for Maine Coons. It provides them with large amounts of energy and it’s one of the main pillars of growing properly and healthy. Giving your cat animal-based protein such as chicken or fish is highly recommended. For kittens, make sure they get 30 to 50 percent on a daily basis and for adults make sure they get 25 to 40 percent per day.  

Carbohydrates

In general, cats tend to prefer protein-based food. However, a tiny amount of carbohydrates is essential to help your cat grow healthy.

Vitamins and Minerals

Cats need all kinds of vitamins on a regular base. Make sure you give your cat regular intake of A vitamin, B vitamin, and K vitamin. 

Should You Change the Diet as Your Maine Coon Gets Older?

Most cat parents say that they change their cat’s diet into a lower calorie one once they reach the age of two years. You should make sure to adjust the nutritious needs of your cat according to their needs, activity level and age.

It’s highly recommended to always check with your vet whether you should change your cat’s diet or not. If so what is the proper diet they should follow? How to make sure your cat receives sufficient intakes of proteins and vitamins so that they maintain a good weight, stay healthy and active.