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Maine Coon Mix"Is My Cat A Maine Coon Mix?"![]() Are you wondering if your cat is a Maine Coon, or a Maine Coon mix? Maybe you've been reading through articles about their characteristics, or maybe your cat has a personality quite different than any other you've known. I was visiting with family recently. Our conversation turned to our pets, and I was asked "So, how do you know your cats are Maine Coon Cats?" "Funny you should ask!" I answered. "That's a popular topic on Maine Coon Cat Nation. In my case, I know because my cats came from a Maine Coon Cat breeder, with a lineage and a pedigree." My matter-of-fact answer made so much sense, but it was almost unexpected. "Oh, Of course!" was the reply. This kind of conversation harks back to the old days, generations ago, when big fluffy barn cats roamed free. They interbred, and then became beloved housecats. And while devoted people were refining the breed, some of these cats still mingled with the general cat population to create random litters of Maine Coon mix kittens. Or, Maine Coon cats might have roamed free, reproducing at will. What we all need to realize is that this was many generations ago. Today, a mixed Maine Coon cat is not more likely than a mix of another breed. It's not a label given to all fluffy cats. So, how do you know? And, what are the chances that your cat is a Maine Coon mix? First, research the Maine Coon characteristics. They are pretty specific. Second, learn about the Maine Coon personality. Then, visit our Maine Coon Cat Traits page for more discussion about Maine Coon mixes, and to see other cats who may be mixed. Lastly, think about where mixed-breed cats come from. And, how could a "purebred" cat wind up without a pedigree or a family tree? This is a popular, and very unique subject to this breed. How often do you hear someone wondering if their cat might be a Himalayan, or part Siamese, or maybe he's a Persian mix? Rarely! Why is this? Because Maine Coons are a natural breed, and they did develop in the "wild," there is still a commonly held belief that the Maine Coon breed is still more, oh, how shall we say .... uncontrolled? They are perceived as still roaming around, spreading their genes to the general cat population now and again. Of course, this is no longer the case! Back in the "old days," the very beginning, they did live in barns and reproduce at will, creating the breed that started it all. For many, many generations now, this has been a fully recognized show cat, being bred to a standard by experienced breeders. A Maine Coon mix will happen sometimes, just as a Golden Retriever mix will happen sometimes. That's why we have our sections on figuring if your cat is a Maine Coon mix, or if your rescue cat is a Maine Coon. It surely can happen! But understand that they are not as prevalent as some think! There aren't "more" mixed Maine Coon out there than, say, Persian-mixes. It's just easier to think a cat has some Coon in him because Coons don't look strikingly "different." A long haired domestic housecat can more easily be mistaken for a Maine Coon mix.
![]() ![]() "So is my kitten a full Maine Coon? The situation with kittens is different than with adults. If you get a kitten from a shelter, rescue group, or someone is just giving them away, how could he be a Maine Coon? Would a Persian kitten be given away for free? Not usually. The kitten would need two purebred parents. Presumably, they would have pedigrees. If an experienced breeder produced the litter, they'd be for sale. The traditional route. The only other way it would happen is if two full Maine Coon cats were not spayed/neutered, (unlikely I hope!) and got together either by accident or on purpose. The inexperienced owners then have a litter of Maine Coon kittens on their hands. This scenario, as you can imagine, is unlikely. All owners of Maine Coon cats agree with their breeder to spay/neuter their kitten. They're able to afford their purebred kitten, so these owners are likely to follow through with the vet visits. If someone who's not a breeder winds up with Maine Coons, would they then send these kittens off to the local shelter? Why do breeders always sell with a spay/neuter agreement? They've spent years developing the genealogical lines of their kittens. They know which kittens are "show quality," "pet quality," and which ones have the potential to be bred. These may sometimes be sold with "breeding rights" to a trusted person. Someone who understands the breed standard, breed conformation, and how to breed to the standard. A stronger possibility, if you think your kitten resembles a Maine Coon, is that he is a Maine Coon mix. Just one parent (or grandparent) was a purebred Maine Coon who didn't get spayed/neutered in time. "What about my shelter cat? He looks just like a Maine Coon!" He could be. This is more likely than with kittens. Unfortunately, many pets are abandoned, given away, or dropped off at the shelter every year. This does include purebred cats. His pedigree may be lost, but that doesn't make him less of a Maine Coon. These cat do have a very distinctive look. If he's a Maine Coon cat, you probably won't need to ask. Maine Coon Mix Cats and KittensIf your cat or kitten is "different" enough from other cats you've owned to make you wonder, but doesn't look strikingly like a Maine Coon, he could be a Maine Coon mix. Of course, without a pedigree or a family history, you can never be absolutely sure whether he's a Maine Coon or a Maine Coon mix. He'll always be a bit of a mystery. Just learn what you can, and then it's up to you as to how to introduce him to your guests! ![]() This is Kush. His owner was asking if he may have some Coon in him. I can see why, can you? Kush has his own page below, with more pictures and lots of info about him. Do you think he's part Coon? Do you have a cat you've been wondering about? Go ahead and send in your photo, we'd be happy to check it out! This is the place to do it. Note: "Where does a Maine Coon come from? What about kittens, feral cats, and shelter cats?" One thing to understand is that all full Maine Coon cats are bred in a cattery by a breeder and then sold to their new owner. That's the only way a full Maine Coon is born. That said, Maine Coons do occasionally end up in need of a new home. Their owners may become elderly, may move, or may just abandon them (as hard as that is for us to understand.) That's how a full Maine Coon can end up in a shelter. But they still originated from a breeder. And they had a pedigree when they were born. Please check out our sister article, Maine Coon Cat Traits if you suspect your cat is a Maine Coon. Still not sure? There's only one more thing to do. Send in a photo, and share your cat with the world! Tell us about his or her personality, how he or she came to you, and what makes you think you may have a Coon. And due to overwhelming response, we have an exciting announcement to make! Since so many folks want to find out if their cat is a Maine Coon Cat or Maine Coon mix, there is now an official E-Book in the works! It will give you the background, information, and knowledge to figure out for yourself if your cat is indeed a Maine Coon! So before you go, make sure to sign up for Tattle Tails, our free newsletter. You will be one of the very first to know when our E-Book launches. And I promise your email address is completely secure. Our visitors are valued, we would never give out your email address! Important Note: Because our answer is almost always "maybe," we are now going to leave it up to our visitors and regular readers to do the answering! So leave a photo for other Maine Coon lovers to check out, and while you are here, make sure to comment on the photos of others! Get Everything Maine Coon at Your Fingertips - Now:<< The Care & Keeping Of Your Maine Coon is the ultimate guide to all the breed-specific needs of your Coonie. This unique breed has unique needs! A must-have. The Top 10 Coonie Q & A's >> Related: Our Photo Album of Maybe-Maine Coons!
Note: Nowadays, submissions are now posted in the current Monthly Photo Album
PLEASE NOTE: Submissions are now posted in the current Monthly Photo Album So You Think You Have a Maine Coon?Have you been wondering if your cat or kitten "has some Coon in him?" Tell us about your cat, share a picture, and see what others think. What makes you think he might be a Maine Coon or Maine Coon Mix? See More Cat Pages Sent In By Visitors to This PageClick below to see cat pages sent in by other visitors...
Not A Maine Coon
Hoss
Presley
Gilda
Blue
Meet Joshua!
Introducing Thor...Cat-God of Thunder!
My Sweet Girl
Charlie Bear
Minkx & Lucy
Mr. Whiskers
I Think I Am A Dog?
Capone The Coon?
Just By Chance, My Pookie
Rescued From The Humane Society
Is Fluffy A Maine Coon Or A Mix?
Big Red Angus - is he?
Are My Cats Maine Coon Mixes?
Maine Coons Rule!
Maddie Just Chillin
Is My Rescue Kitten A Maine Coon (or mix)?
Will he ever let us pet him? Maine Coon mix?
Is he a Maine Coon, and how large will he get?
Oh - Salem's tale keeps getting fluffier and fluffier!!
Introducing Our Barn Cat Rescue Who Has Many Coon Traits
Is Our Kitten A Maine Coon Also?
My New Kitty
I know Oki's mother is pure bred Siamese, but could her father be a Maine Coon? Just look at her!!
Is this a Maine Coon Cat?
This is Jack
Is Stella a Maine Coon (mix)?
Mr. Westbrook
Tigger!
Maine Coon Or Siberian Mix?
Maine Coon mix?
Is He An MC Or Maybe A Part MC?
Maine Coon Miracle Update
KC & Frapple
Was He A Maine Coon?
Is My Kitten a Maine Coon/Domestic Long Hair Mix?
Sammie - Maine Coon Mix or Not
Jackson
Thomas - part Maine Coon?
Lily has Maine Coon character traits
Maine Coon Kittens from Meow Rescue
Sweet Audrey
Can my kitten possibly be a Maine Coon Mix???
Is Fluffy a Maine Coon?
Maybe She's A Maine Coon Mix?
Chi
Chico
Is my cat a maine coon cat ?
Chicken...Maine coon mix? =]8
Does my kitty have some "coon" in her?
I think my cat is a Maine Coon
Dahloan
jai trouver un chat l'hiver dernier et je suis presque sur que c'est un maine coon
Loretta
Take a look at my "Little Kitty" and see what you think....
Would you say this cat has some Maine Coon in him?
Rescued 7 month old Male Coon named Chelsea from a kill shelter
My Cat TJ
Rita Mamacita (3 extra toes)
Could he be mix?
Yuri possible Maine Coon Mix
Kit Kat
Nessie
Freddie
Darwin!
Meet Mozart! (Main Coon?)
Alice
Trying to figure out if my cat is Maine Coon or not
I think my cat is a Maine Coon mix?
Adria
Annabelle (Annie for Short) Perhaps She is a Maine Coon Mix?
My cat was born feral, but i think she may have some Maine Coon in her?
My Cat Fire
Is my new kitten part Maine Coon??
Fluffmodius: Maine Coon Mix?
Do we have a maine coon?
Marley Katt
Desmond
Mittens
Its a tough life, but someones got to live it.
Rudy the Maine Coon
Is Kitty Kitty Part Coon?
Is Mr. Bigglesworth a full or mix Maine Coon?
Emmett And His Black Smoky Coat
Kush
Is My Cat Part Maine Coon?
My cat Basil seems a lot like a Coon!
Is He A Maine Coon?
SnuggleBunny Not rated yet
Can You Tell If My Cat Is Part Maine Coon Not rated yet
I Suspect My Cat Is A Maine Coon Mix; Not rated yet
Riley The Clown Not rated yet
Do I Have A Maine Coon Mix? Not rated yet
Tullie, Our (we think) Maine Coon Sweetie Not rated yet
Maine Coon or Mix? Not rated yet
Harley Not rated yet
Hammigway Not rated yet
Finnegan the fair haired Coon and sister Skooch Not rated yet
We're pretty Sure She's Coon Not rated yet
Is my cat Oprah a Maine Coon? Not rated yet
Huey Lewis Not rated yet
Diego Not rated yet
Do Gus and Zoe look like they may be MC mix? Not rated yet Get Everything Maine Coon at Your Fingertips - Now:<< The Care & Keeping Of Your Maine Coon is the ultimate guide to all the breed-specific needs of your Coonie. This unique breed has unique needs! A must-have. The Top 10 Coonie Q & A's >> Related: |
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