MAINE COON CATS
EUROPEAN VS. AMERICAN MAINE COONS
EUROPEAN MAINE COONS
European Maine Coon Breeds are known for having a wilder look than the American Maine Coon Breeds. They are more commonly bred in Europe rather than America. Dynasty Maine Coons has imported some of the purest bloodlines from several countries to make these highly exotic and gentle giants available here in the states.
European Maine Coons are bred to have higher check bones with larger square muzzles, thicker manes, and taller lynx tip ears with more prominent ear tufts. Their tails are often longer and bushier than American breeds.
They make amazing pets for families. Despite their wild and fierce appearance, they are incredibly sweet-natured and often referred to as "Gentle Giants".
European breeds tend to cost more than American breeds due to their specific breeding and exotic appearance. Wikipedia page for Maine Coons.
AMERICAN MAINE COONS
American Maine Coon Breeds are more common in the states, however they are virtually the same as European Maine Coon Breeds. The differences are they have slimmer jaw lines, and tend to have shorter hair.
American Maine Coons overall have a less "wild and feral" appearance than the European breeds. Their muzzle is more narrow, they tend to have shorter hair and less bushy tails, and they don't grow as thick and full of a mane. They can grow as big as the European breeds, though this is based upon genetics and diet.
Their temperament however is exactly identical to the European breeds, and make amazing pets for families in need of a loving, loyal, and affectionate cat.
No one actually knows their actual history and origins, however there are several theories, one being ships that had sailed from Europe and Scandinavia carried these cats, and when they landed in Maine, they bred with other cat breeds in the states.
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN BOTH BREEDS
BREED SIMILARITIES
Both breeds require a high protein diet. The largest known Maine Coons are fed a high quality, raw meat diet combined with low ingredient and high protein canned and dry food.
They are both very large, and while some Maine Coons have been recorded up to 18" tall, 48" long, and 25-30 pounds, their sizes vary. Typically females grow to 8-12 pounds, while males average between 15-25 pounds. The average Maine Coon is about 19-40" long head to tail, and about 10-14" tall.
Maine Coons have a proportioned body giving them a pleasant, well balanced appearance. Some are "polydactyl", meaning they have an additional toe on one or several of feet. This is believed to be an advantage for them to tread through snow. Maine Coon fur in colder climates tends to be thicker than those raised in warmer climates.
They take a much longer to reach full size and maturity than typical felines, taking 3-5 years.
Both breeds have the vast variety in colors and patterns, so finding the perfect color and pattern for your liking is often very easy. The most rare color of Maine Coons is pure white.
Both breeds are highly intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and curious. Due to their massive size, they do tend to be more clumsy than your typical cats.
They are highly social cats and love the affection and attention of people. Some say they are the feline version of a dog, as they also love following their owners around, play fetch, and love the water.
Even though they grow much larger than typical cats, they are not usually the aggressive or dominant cat in the household. They will usually not fight back against other cats claiming their territory. Regardless, it's always important to provide each cat a space for their own.
Both breeds are exceptional hunters and climbers. They are very energetic and playful and easily find ways to amuse themselves when along.
