7 Cat Breeds Similar to Maine Coons, According to Experts
It's no secret that Maine Coons are one of the most popular and instantly recognizable cat breeds in the world. Known for their large size, tufted ears, and flowing coats, they have a striking, almost wild beauty paired with friendly, social personalities that have made them a favorite among cat lovers.
If you're wondering what cat breeds are similar to Maine Coons, you're not alone. While Maine Coons are unique, experts say there are several large fluffy cat breeds that share their "mini-lion" appearance and affectionate nature. Though, while these Main Coon-type cat breeds capture their same majestic look and share traits, experts say it's important to remember that they are their own breeds and will have some slight differences.
While no breed is exactly the same, you don't have to stop at Maine Coons if you're looking for a big, sweet-natured companion. Here are seven Maine Coon lookalikes with similarly lovable temperaments.
7 Cat Breeds That Look Similar to Maine Coons
There are lots of "lookalike" breeds that people often confuse with Maine Coons, though they get a bit easier to tell apart once you know what to look for. These cat aren't only similar in appearance, but they tend to match qualities Maine Coons have in temperament and everyday behavior. See which ones our expert says are are great companion cat breeds to consider.
Norwegian Forest Cat
This might be the breed that gets confused with Maine Coons the most. However, despite looking strikingly similar to Maine Coons and sharing a few of the same personality quirks (including being more tolerant of water and even swimming more than most other cats), Norwegian Forest Cats are nevertheless their own distinct breed.
"Often considered one of the closest visual cousins to the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat has a thick double coat, tufted ears, large paws, and a bushy tail," say Amber Batteiger, a vet tech for Embrace Pet Insurance. "Adults are large (sometimes up to 20 lbs!) and athletic, though typically a bit more reserved than a Maine Coon. They tend to do well in calmer homes where they have a lot of vertical space to climb and explore. Their dense coat benefits from regular brushing, especially during seasonal shedding."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Independent, gentle, calm, affectionate
- Height: 9–12 inches
- Weight: 12–18 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
Siberian
Another Maine Coon alternative? A Siberian cat! If you prefer the sociable, playful personality of a Maine Coon, combined with their rugged, fluffy looks and big builds, then the this is another excellent alternative.
"Siberians have the same plush, rugged look many people love in Maine Coons, with a thick coat, fluffy tail, and sturdy build," says Batteiger. "They are medium-to-large cats and are often social, playful, and family-oriented. Many are highly interactive without being overly demanding, making them a good fit for busy homes. Their coat requires maintenance, though many owners are surprised that it mats less than expected with routine brushing."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Playful, intelligent, friendly
- Height: 10–12 inches
- Weight: 10–20 pounds
- Lifespan: 11–15 years
Ragdoll
If you're looking for a big, people-oriented companion, Ragdolls are one of the most gentle and affectionate large cat breeds, so it's no wonder they check all the boxes for people looking for a cat like a Maine Coon.
"Ragdolls are large, fluffy cats with soft coats and an affectionate temperament, though their appearance is softer and less wild-looking than that of a Maine Coon," shares Battieger. "They tend to be extremely social and are often described as "dog-like" because they enjoy following their people around. They generally thrive indoors and do best in homes where they receive enrichment and interaction."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Sweet, social, relaxed
- Height: 9–11 inches
- Weight: 10–20 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–17 years
Turkish Angora
Do you love Maine Coons, but want a cat that's just a touch on the smaller side? In that case, consider a sweet-natured Turkish Angora.
"For people drawn to the elegance and fluff of a Maine Coon but wanting a slightly more refined frame, Turkish Angoras offer long coats and plume-like tails in a smaller, more agile package," Battieger notes. "They tend to be intelligent, playful, and curious, and often enjoy interactive enrichment. Because they are active and social, they usually do best in homes that provide stimulation and engagement."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Playful, intelligent, active
- Height: 8–10 inches
- Weight: 5–10 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–18 years
Persian
Flat-faced and famously plush, Persians are one of the most recognizable cat breeds in the world. While they deliver the dramatic look often associated with larger cats, they are far more relaxed and low-energy than a Maine Coon. Because of this, many cat lovers adore this breed.
"If you love the appearance of a big, fluffy cat but want a calmer companion, Persians are a great fit," explains Batteiger. "They're generally quiet, predictable, and thrive in peaceful homes. The tradeoff is grooming-owners should be prepared for regular coat maintenance and potential health considerations linked to their facial structure."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Calm, gentle, affectionate, low-energy
- Height: 10–14 inches
- Weight: 7–12 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
British Longhair
British Longhairs aren't as large as Maine Coons, but they share some of their friendly, adaptable personality traits. So, don't forget count these cuties out when you're looking to being home a furry family member.
"Sometimes described as a teddy bear version of the British Shorthair, British Longhairs have dense coats, sturdy builds, and a calm, relaxed demeanor," Batteiger says. "While not as large or athletic as Maine Coons, they appeal to owners who want a fluffy cat with a more independent personality and lower activity level."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Easygoing, independent, friendly
- Height: 12–14 inches
- Weight: 8–18 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
Ragamuffin
A relatively new breed that emerged in the 1990s, Ragamuffins carry many of the same traits cat lovers value in Maine Coons: large bodies, sweet and outgoing personalities, and luxuriously fluffy coats.
"Ragamuffins are large, affectionate cats that can visually overlap with Maine Coons due to their size and plush coats," Batteiger tells us. "They tend to be social, adaptable, and gentle, often thriving in homes with children or other pets. Owners are sometimes surprised by how companion-oriented they are."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Sweet, gentle, social
- Height: 9–12 inches
- Weight: 10–20 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
Maine Coon Lookalikes Can Also Be Found in Shelters
While adopters are often drawn to purebred cats because they expect more predictable traits, Batteiger encourages keeping an open mind.
"Mixed-breed cats can absolutely have the Maine Coon look," Batteiger says. "Shelters and rescues often see domestic longhairs with tufted ears, fluffy tails, shaggy coats, and large frames that strongly resemble Maine Coons without actually being purebred. If someone loves the aesthetic, I always encourage them to consider rescue cats as well."
Sources
- Amber Batteiger, Embrace Pet Insurance
- Cat Sitter Toronto
- Cat Fancier's Association
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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 6:10 AM.