American vs. European Maine Coon—is there a difference? (2024)

25.05.2022

While all Maine Coons are known to be friendly, long-haired giants of the cat world, American and European Maine Coons have some differences—European breeders usually choose to go for a wilder look.

In our guide, you’ll find out more about the difference between European and American Maine Coons and learn about the breed's general characteristics, such as their size, appearance, personality, common health issues, and nutritional needs.

European Maine Coon vs. American Maine Coon—differences

The only difference between American and European Maine Coons is in their facial features.

European Coons have stronger, square-shaped muzzles, while the face of their American cousins is more natural and rounded.

Elongated ears, long tails, and regal bodies will make you fall in love with European Maine Coons.

Source: Alessandro Simonetto

European Maine Coons have larger ears with prominent tufts (similar to lynx), longer, bushier tails, and higher cheekbones. They also have a more majestic look, while American Maine Coons have softer, milder features that better resemble average house cats.

American Maine Coons have oblique-shaped eyes, while European cats have almond-shaped ones.

Besides their facial characteristics, most other traits are the same in both variants.

European Maine Coon cat size and weight

European Maine Coons are significantly larger than other cat breeds. Their length ranges anywhere from 48–76 cm, while the height is about 25–40 cm. The weight of European Maine Coons ranges from 3.6 to 11 kg, with males being larger than females.

European Maine Coon build and shape

Like American Maine Coons, European gentle giants have rectangular, big-boned, and muscular bodies. Their large rounded paws set them apart from most other breeds. They have a well-proportioned physique, which makes them gorgeous.

European Maine Coon growth rate

Compared to other domestic felines that reach full maturity when they’re about a year old, Maine Coons take quite a while to reach their full size. Even though their growth slows down at around nine months, it steadily continues until they’re 4–5 years old.

Coat characteristics of European Maine Coons

Maine Coons are known for their medium to long, shiny hair that helps them cope with harsh weather. They don’t shed as dramatically as you’d expect, given their two-layer coat. The hair is longer on their stomach and neck and shorter on their shoulders.

Gentle giants come in many colours and patterns, such as tabby, white, cream, bi-colour, calico, black, tortoiseshell, red, etc.

Both American and European Maine Coons require frequent grooming (two to three times a week) to avoid any tangling and unnatural shedding.

European Maine Coon cat—psychological traits

European Maine Coons look wilder, but their personality is not different from their American cousins. Both types of Coons are loving felines and great family pets.

Mooooooom, I’m ready for cuddles!

Source: tigercatartist

Here’s what to expect if you adopt a European Maine Coon:

1. Temperament—Maine Coons are good-natured felines. They’re fun, loving, and loyal. If you have small children, you might want to opt for a female Maine Coon, since they’re calmer and not as needy as males
2. Sociability—Gentle giants are great at socialising with people and other pets, including dogs. If you’re thinking of adopting two adult cats of the opposite gender, consider having them neutered to prevent unplanned pregnancy
3. Playfulness—This breed is energetic and playful. Since they love being outdoors and exploring, make sure to be on the lookout for any potential dangers, such as traffic, other animals, toxic food, poisons, etc. This will be easy if you have a garden, but if you’re letting them out for a walk on the street, you should keep an eye on them at all times
4. Vocality—European Maine Coons are quite vocal and love “speaking” to humans. Besides purrs and trills you can expect to hear when they’re happy, Maine Coons are not afraid to show displeasure by hissing or meowing
5. Intelligence—Both American and European Maine Coons are intelligent and trainable, which is super important if you’re keeping them indoors

European Maine Coon cat—common health issues

Maine Coons are resistant and hardy cats. While they aren’t prone to many health niggles, they can suffer from certain hereditary diseases (like all purebred felines).

Here’s a quick overview of the health issues Maine Coons can suffer from:

Although you can’t entirely prevent hereditary diseases, a proper diet can help manage your Maine Coon’s condition and improve their overall health and quality of their life.

Besides genetic disorders, Maine Coons can also suffer from lifestyle-related issues, such as obesity and diabetes. These health issues can be prevented with regular exercise and a proper, meat-based diet.

What’s the perfect diet for European Maine Coons?

Getting the highest quality cat food for your Maine Coon should be your top priority, as nutrition can have a big impact on your cat’s health, weight, and life quality.

Cats are obligate carnivores who, in the wild, hunt small animals, such as birds, mice, slugs, frogs, and similar. The food you choose for your feline should mimic their natural feeding patterns and provide all the nutrients a cat would get in the wild. This means that your Maine Coon’s food should:

1. Be rich in animal protein (over 50%)
2. Contain up to 20% fat
3. Have little to no carbs
4. Be high in moisture

You got lucky, mouse! It’s salmon night at my house today!

Source: ottawagraphics

Why is animal protein so important?

Animal protein must be the primary energy source of your feline. Lean meat and fish, such as chicken, tuna, salmon, liver, and similar, are fantastic sources of essential amino acids (e.g. taurine) that help:

• Improve brain function and bone health
• Promote hair quality
• Boost the immune system
• Improve muscle tone
• Regulate weight

Your Maine Coon’s diet shouldn’t consist of plant-based proteins that come from carrots, peas, sweetcorn, and similar. Plant proteins are challenging to digest, which means that your feline won’t get all the required nutrients and might need to eat larger quantities of food to feel satiated.

Animal fat—the taste cats go wild for!

Animal fat is a viable secondary source of energy, and it is also:

1. Rich in fatty acids—Arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) reduce inflammation, improve metabolism, and support felines’ overall health, while omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain a shinier, fuller coat, and reduce shedding
2. Super tasty—Felines adore the taste of fat. It makes even the fussiest of kitties rush to their food bowls during mealtime. Stay within the recommended quantity since overconsumption can lead to unhealthy weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and similar conditions

Do Maine Coons need carbs?

Steer clear of carbs in your feline’s diet because cats don’t produce the enzymes needed to process carbohydrates. Overconsumption of the nutrient can lead to obesity and related health issues.

Which type of food is better for European Maine Coons—dry or wet?

Many cat parents prefer buying dry cat food because it’s usually cheaper and easier to store. While kibble can be a good option as an occasional snack, dry food isn’t ideal for your feline’s health.

Cats need food high in moisture to stay hydrated since they are not avid water drinkers. That’s why the ideal type of food for all felines, including European Maine Coons, are wet, meat-based formulas (ideally gravy or jelly) because these products usually contain around 70% moisture.

Why is Untamed the right choice for your Maine Coon?

Untamed cat food is made with human-grade whole meat that satisfies your feline's nutritional needs.

With Untamed, every feline gets exactly what their tummies need!

Image (c) Untamed

Here are the benefits of switching to Untamed:

• Better digestion—Untamed uses only bioavailable ingredients, and we don't add vegetables or meat derivatives, so our food won't be hard on your cat's tummy
• No known allergens—Untamed recipes are free from common allergens. If your kitty is extra sensitive, you can try one of our single-protein-source recipes—Chocka Chicken and Tuck-in Tuna in Jelly
• Irresistible taste—What makes Untamed so tasty is our preparation process. Instead of overprocessing, we gently simmer our meals to lock in the natural flavour, texture, and aroma. Combined with the right amount of animal fat, our meals are paw-licking good!

Untamed is the way to go!

Our goal is to provide your feline with the highest-quality cat food, which is why we offer:

• Vet-formulated recipes—Our recipes are formulated by vets, so they have the ideal protein to fat ratio and cater to the nutritional needs of felines of all breeds
• Sustainably produced meals—Untamed is Carbon Neutral Certified. We get our meat and fish from sustainable, cruelty-free, and dolphin-friendly sources, and our packaging is 100% recyclable
• Protein-rich cat food—Untamed offers twice as much animal protein as other commercial cat food options

How to get Untamed for your European Maine Coon?

Ordering cat food online is a total breeze with Untamed! To buy our trial pack, all you need to do is:

1. Tell us about your Maine Coon’s age, food allergies, and preferences
2. Create a customised meal plan
3. Place your order

We'll ship your order within a day. If your Maine Coon likes our food (and we have no doubt they will!), we can replenish your stock every month, so you don't have to worry about running out.

Wish to change, cancel, or postpone your order? No problem! Reach out, and we will help you adjust your monthly cat food subscription!

See the change in your feline’s health after switching to Untamed!

Try Untamed cat food and witness positive changes in your Maine Coon’s health! Some improvements our clients noticed in their furry fiends are:

How many calories should your European Maine Coon consume?

European Maine Coon’s size and active lifestyle make them far more insatiable than other breeds.

Maine Coons need about 50–70 calories per kilo of their body weight daily. Since they usually weigh around 4.5–9 kg, they need approximately 200–630 calories per day. Besides their size, their calorie intake depends on the:

• Life stage—Kittens need to consume a lot more calories than adult or senior Maine Coons because they grow rapidly
• Gender—Females typically need fewer calories unless they’re pregnant or lactating
• Activity levels—More active felines will require extra food since they need more energy
• Sterilisation status—Neutered Maine Coons are usually less active and tend to gain Weight quickly, which is why they need fewer calories

Make sure to consult a vet if you’re not sure how much you should feed your feline to avoid over or underfeeding them.