How are European Maine Coon Cats Different from American Ones?

The Maine Coon breed implies a majesty in all the cat breeds and sustains an exclusive fanbase worldwide. Whether you look around its legendary appearance or friendly demeanor, these Giant Maine Coon Kittens take everyone's heart with their outstanding characteristics.

Interestingly, Maine Coons have evolved over the years and possess a mythical history full of legends. Despite being the same breed, the history of European and American Maine Coons sets them apart, leading to distinctions between both cat types.

So, here we are to unravel the difference between American and European Maine Coon Kittens for you. Let's start with a quick look at Maine Coon's origin and hold on to see what both variants are hiding in their vaults!

Maine Coon Cat Origin

If we travel through the numerous myths and legends, the precise origin of the Maine Coon breed remains shrouded. Meanwhile, the breed's name, "Maine Coon” clarifies their historical roots in the State of Maine, US, during the 19th century.

Cat experts believe that Maine Coons were European cats that came to Maine with European traders. Thanks to their lion cub aesthetics and fuzzy appearance, they resembled raccoons and got their popularity as "Maine Coon Cats."

The cats instantly gained popularity over other cat breeds around the world. While American breeders started breeding Coons in the US, European Maine Coons kittens raised in Eastern Europe have a specific fanbase.

American Maine Coon Cats

Let's keep it easy! American Maine Coon kittens are the result of American breeding practices and feature highly adaptable qualities. Being raised in North America, they embody a solid and muscular build, making them compatible with the country's harsh climate.

Furthermore, these giant Maine Coon kittens are famous for their dense and water-resistant fur that works as insulation against the cold. Hold on! No one can oversee the intelligence, playful nature, and friendly disposition of American Coons, and so don't we!

European Maine Coon Cats

Undoubtedly, American Coons are giant, but European Maine Coon Kittens even overtake them in terms of size. That's why we call them extra large Maine Coon Kittens with love! As the name describes, European Coons are born and raised in Europe with the influence of a distinct environment.

You can notice significantly distinct characteristics of European Maine Coon Kittens when kept beside the American ones. It's not just about the size and birthplace; European Coons set a different class with unique aesthetics.

American vs European Coons: Unraveling the Charms of Giant Maine Coon Kittens

Physical Appearance

The physical appearance is the most significant aspect of the difference between European Maine Coon Kittens and American ones. Not to mention, the physical appeal includes size, fur, shape, eyes, ears, tails, and a lot more.

So, we classified this aspect into four categories for a better comparison. Let's keep both giant Maine Coon kittens on the same table and unravel the mystery!

Size

First and foremost, your main curiosity in this comparison guide might be the size of Maine Coons. European Maine Coon kittens hold the pride of having an impressive size and are generally larger and heavier than American ones. For instance, a fully grown European Coon can weigh over 25 pounds, whereas American ones don't exceed 18 pounds of weight.

Shape and Build

"Gentle Giants" for a reason! These giant Maine Coon kittens feature a massive muscular physique garnished with incredible climbing skills. Although active and playful, their large square-shaped bodies may not offer them speed and agility. You will love their big paws thumping on your wooden floors while you admire their almond-shaped eyes.

Colors and Patterns

Regardless of the variant, Maine Coons are available in numerous colors and patterns. The only difference is color variation due to climate and breeding practices. For instance, European Maine Coon Breeders adhere to WFO guidelines, whereas American ones follow CFA. So, their breeding practices may imply the version of color specified by the accredited association.

Fur

That's where you notice a significant difference between American and European Maine Coon Kittens. While American Coons have reserved double-layered coats, European Maine Coon cats possess a softer texture and longer fur. Thanks to their shaggy and water-resistant coat, your Maine Coon cat won't hesitate to jump into the water for fun!

Personality Traits

When adopting a cat as your pet, everyone seeks more than just an adorable face. Maine Coon cats, whether American or European, spotlight heart-warming personalities and unmatched sociality.

The ancestors of Maine Coons came off a ship in Maine and gained popularity worldwide. Unsurprisingly, the personalities of both variants are full of unique twists as their legendary stories of origin.

Temperament

Despite their gigantic size, Maine Coon cats are calm, excitable, and easy to care for. American Maine Coons are lap cats with a super-friendly nature and quick affection. On the other hand, European Maine Coons may take their time to observe things and warm up to new people. But European Coons are more affectionate with bonds and love spending quality time.

Sociability

Thanks to their adaptable nature, Maine Coons are more social than other cat breeds. European Maine Coon kittens may sound more reserved and observant when compared to American ones. However, you can expect them to play around with your guests, make them feel comfortable, and scold you later for bringing new people!

Intelligence and Playfulness

Attention, Earthlings! Your Maine Coon is a secret undercover detective with unmatched intelligence and curiosity. Regardless of the variant, Maine Coon cats love to be involved in everything going on in your house and always follow you everywhere. You can expect them to climb or crawl to hidden places and lead you to their favorite toy for gameplay.

Trainability

The pet training is a perfect way to build an everlasting bond, and Maine Coons make it a bliss with their intelligence. You can efficiently train Maine Coon to do fun tricks and understand your commands for a treat. The only difference is European Maine Coons are thoughtful learners and take their time to understand things, while American ones are active participants.

Vocality

Oh, yeah! Your Maine Coon speaks and is more talkative than you think. Both variants feature loud purrs and use their meows to communicate with you. You can expect loud and soothing purrs throughout your house, whether they want food or affection. Their chirps and trills sound like they are responding to your doings and expressing their feelings.

Dietary and Care Requirements

Well, we are on a journey to differentiate European Maine Coon Kittens from American ones, but here's a twist. Both variants have the exact dietary and care requirements, as big cats need a big diet!

Maine Coons thrive on nutrient-rich diets with high protein content and omega-3 fatty acids. Regardless of the origin, your Maine Coon cat may require up to 300 calories per day to nourish their large size.

Specific Food Choices

As Maine Coons seek nutrition, their diet must include chicken, fish, wet and dry cat food, and cat milk. If you're training your cat, its favorite treats can be a worthy inclusion for motivation and euphoria. Besides this, Maine Coons need proper hydration and often seek fresh water to drink throughout the day.

Care Routine

Both Maine Coon variants have long and dense fur seeking regular brushing and care. Like humans, Maine Coon's beautiful teeth need regular brushing and dental treats to maintain good oral hygiene. Also, you can include regular vet checkups and exercises in the care routine for better pet health.

Health and Wellness

When it comes to health and wellness, it's more about genetics and environment than any specific difference. While European Coons enjoy the benefit of broader bloodline and authenticity, American Coons feature robust health due to North American climates.

Both American and European Maine Coon Kittens are healthy and live an optimal lifespan. However, Maine Coons are living beings at the end of the day and may experience various health concerns like humans.

Common Health Problems

Despite being a healthy breed, Maine Coons are prone to get some common health issues, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The health concerns include general and genetic conditions with severe effects on cat health. Henceforth, we recommend consulting a reputable European Maine Coon cat breeder for better confidence in your pet's wellness.

Lifespan

Let's keep those diseases aside and focus on the good part! Thanks to their adaptable nature and healthy physique, Maine Coons live a happy and longer life. Regardless of the variant, an average Maine Coon can live up to 15 years and more. It all depends on proper care, diet, and regular health checkups, as suggested by experts.

Breeding Practices

Whether it's breeding standards or bloodline, European and American breeding practices differ significantly. Both may have different breeding goals and guidelines emphasizing the desired quality of the breed.

As discussed earlier, breeding practices are one of the primary reasons behind different characteristics in both variants. Here's what makes European and American breeding practices stand out, resulting in two popular cat variants.

Breeding Goals

European Maine Coon kittens are famous for their large size and elegant fur. That's why European Maine Coon breeders focus on getting the legendary soft fur and refined appearance. On the other hand, American Maine Coon breeders emphasize diverse colors and patterns and climate compatibility.

Popularity and Fanbase

Like everything, demand and supply matters in breeding Maine Coon Kittens. Both giant Maine Coon kittens have specific characteristics contributing to the requirement of cat lovers worldwide. Meanwhile, European Coons may have a larger fanbase and demand due to breed authenticity and elegant appearance.

Breeding Standards

Last but not least, cat breeding standards and associations decide the Maine Coon's characteristics. American Maine Coon breeders adhere to The International Cat Association (TICA) and Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). On the other hand, the World Felinology Organization (WFO) sets standards for purebred European Maine Coon kittens.

After looking at the difference between American and European Maine Coon, you may look for a purebred European Maine Coon breeder. Your research ends at MasterCoons Cattery, a WFO-accredited Maine Coon cat breeder with a legendary bloodline.

The Bottom Line on the Difference Between American and European Maine Coons

European and American Maine Coon cats bring a delightful variety to this cherished breed. While they share the essential qualities that make Maine Coons wonderful companions, each has its unique charm in terms of size, appearance, and temperament.

Whether you're drawn to the robust charm of the North American pioneers or the graceful elegance of their European counterparts, Maine Coon cats never fail to capture the hearts of cat lovers worldwide. They embody the perfect mix of charm, smartness, and friendship, making them an irresistible choice for feline enthusiasts.