It’s impossible to disentangle the long history we humans have with animals. One thing for sure is that we benefit each other to ensure our co-existence. The number of people keeping pets is increasing daily.
Today, we will review two of the most popular cat breeds, the Domestic Longhair and the Maine Coon. These cats appear identical, and it is easy to confuse one with the other. However, there are a few physical and behavioral distinctions you need to know.
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Domestic LonghairCat Breed Overview
The Domestic Longhair breed is a breed of mixed ancestry and does not belong to any recognized cat breed. However, they are the second most famous cats in the United States, after the Domestic Short-haired.
Maine Coon Cat Breed Overview
Just as the name suggests, they are native to the state of Maine. Their second name Coon comes from the raccoon since they resemble the North American raccoons in coat and color.
The Maine Coon is a large, domesticated cat breed with a distinctive appearance and admirable hunting skills. This cat breed is one of the oldest natural breeds in Northern America.
Maine Coon is a large and friendly cat, hence its nickname “the gentle giant.” It is known for its playful nature, high intelligence, and ‘dog-like’ characteristics.
Which One Should You Get?
This has to be one of the most challenging decisions cat lovers have to make. It is important to remember that no breed is better than the other. One needs to consider essential traits such as appearance, general care needs, and potential health problems.
Both cat breeds are human-friendly, loving, and caring. Be mindful of the species you choose to bring home.
Domestic Longhair Vs. Maine Coon: What’s The Difference?
This review will teach you how to tell the two cat breeds apart. Here are the essential traits to consider;
- Domestic Longhair vs. Maine Coon History
The Domestic Longhair originated in Western Asia and has been in existence for several centuries. However, their origin can be traced to wildcats known as Felis Silvestris lybica.
It’s a fact that the first two formal and modern breeds of the Domestic Longhair cats were the Persian and Angora. They took the names from their native places that were Ankara and Turkey.
Domestic Longhair breed came to America and Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. Humans first kept these cats mainly because of their hunting abilities, gradually becoming domestication.
It is believed that their entry to America and Europe was through ships. Soldiers returning from duty came home with this cat breed, which contributed to their presence throughout America and Europe.
The origins of the Maine Coon breed are unknown, and all stories out there are just speculations. Some people believe that the cats are descendants of Marie Antoinette’s prized cats; others think they came from Viking ship cats. Others speculate on their resemblance to the raccoon family.
This cat breed was first discovered in the early 1800s in Maine. Maine is a state known for long and harsh winters.
These cats managed to survive these harsh weather conditions thanks to their thick fur that made it easy to repel the snow. Over time, the Maine Coon became popular with sailors and farmers because of their strong hunting abilities.
- Domestic Longhair VS. Maine Coon Physical Appearance
In terms of appearance, there are distinctive differences between these breeds. Domestic Longhair takes on an average size, weighs between 8 and 15 pounds, and grows to between 8 and 10 inches. The Maine Coon breed, on the other hand, is slightly bigger than the average and sometimes twice as big. Maine Coon weighs between 8 and 25 pounds and has a height of between 8 and 16 inches.
Domestic Longhair varies in build and appearance, while the Maine Coon displays similar physical characteristics. In addition, the Domestic Longhair breed features various sizes, shapes, facial expressions, and body types.
The Maine Coon has a long, soft coat that tends to be thicker at the tail and the front part of the body. The fur then extends to the tufts on their ears. Domestic Longhair has a long fluffy coat, although the length varies.
The coat of a Domestic Longhair cat majorly depends on their parents. Maine Coon, on the other hand, comes in a vast range of colors. The first recorded Maine Coon cat had a black and white coat.
Domestic Longhair cats have spherical eyes that can take on any hue. The Main Coon cats have round eyes that also vary in color.
The table below summarizes other distinctive physical traits of the Domestic Longhair and the Maine Coon.
| Domestic Longhair | Maine Coon |
| Have a more wedge-shaped head compared to that of Maine Coon. | Have medium-sized heads and high cheekbones. |
| They take on any shape or size of muzzle and chin. | Have powerful, square muzzles and chins. |
| Maine coons have broader noses than Longhair | They have medium-noses |
| Smaller ears with no ear tufts | Have tufted or lynx tip ears. |
| Medium necks of average thickness | Moderately thick necks |
| Have more distinctive rings at the tail | Have fluffy tails |
| Have smaller paws, and their legs aren’t as muscular as the Maine Coon ones. | Feature large, wide paws and muscular legs. |
| Grow faster as they take about 12 months to reach their full size. | Take between 3 and 5 years to grow to their full size. |
- Domestic Longhair Vs. Maine Coon Personality & Temperament
Understanding a cat’s personality and temperament is vital as it helps you make informed decisions and pick one that fits your lifestyle.
Since the Domestic Longhair is a mixed breed, it is tricky to determine their typical temperament. Their personalities are wildly different, but those properly socialized during kittenhood tend to be more social and affectionate.
The Maine Coon is considered to be among the most social cats worldwide. They tend to enjoy the owner’s company and follow them around. These cats are also kind to strangers and rarely shy. Therefore, if you are looking for a cat that will stick with you no matter what, the Maine Coon is your best option.
Maine Coons love being active, making them one of the most playful pets. They need more playtime than the Domestic Longhair and enough toys to play with. However, it is possible to find a Domestic Longhair cat as active as the Maine Coon.
If you have other pets at home, you will need to properly introduce the Domestic Longhair for them to get along well. Maine Coons are very social animals, and there is no need to worry since they get along well with other cats and dogs.
Note that both cat breeds are predators and might not mix with mice, birds, and other small pets. Both species possess good hunting skills, but the Maine Coons are better at it.
Domestic Longhair cats are less vocal when compared to the Maine Coon. The Maine Coons, on the other hand, are unusual. Instead of meowing like the typical cat, they tend to ‘chirp’ or’ trill.’ In addition, they are pretty chatty and tend to have longer ‘conversations’ with their owners.
- Domestic Longhair Vs. Maine Coon Health & Care
Health is another vital factor to consider when deciding between the two. Generally, mixed breeds tend to be healthier than pure breeds. Even though the Domestic Longhair is healthier, it is still prone to various health problems such as;
- Hyperthyroidism – a health condition where the cat’s thyroid gland malfunctions, and the result is an increase in metabolism that causes excess eating and loss of weight.
- Diabetes – since the Domestic Longhair cats tend to be less active, they might have diabetes. Diabetes makes them show signs of increased thirst and causes frequent urination.
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder(FLUTD) – this health disorder is shared among the Domestic Longhair breed, and it causes pain, inflammation, and bleeding in the cat’s bladder.
The Maine Coon is a pure breed with more health issues than a Domestic Longhair. This is because they are less genetically diversified, increasing their chance of contracting hereditary diseases. Some of the common health complications of the Maine Coon are;
- Hip Dysplasia – This is a condition caused by a malformed femoral joint. The joint then grinds against the pelvis, which wears down the bone causing looseness and pain.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a genetic heart complication that slowly thickens the heart’s walls and results in death. The good news is that you can genetically test for this health problem, and this helps breeders not to breed cats having this complication.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy – SMA is an inherited health disorder that causes the cat’s muscles at the base spine to atrophy. This SMA disorder begins at a younger age and worsens as it grows older. The cat then loses mobility in its hind legs, making it almost impossible to jump or run.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease – this is another inherited disease that leads to the formation of cysts in the cat’s kidneys. There is a possibility that the condition will lead to no serious problems, but it might lead to kidney failure and death in extreme cases.
Every cat needs proper care to live a healthy and active life. For example, the Domestic Longhair needs high protein diets, enough exercise time, and good hygiene to stay healthy. Likewise, a Maine Coon needs high-quality dry food, exercise, and good hygiene to keep trim.
If you take care of your Domestic Longhair cat, it will survive between 12 and 18 years. Likewise, you can expect your Maine Coon to live between 12 and 15 years.
- Domestic Longhair vs. Maine Coon Exercise requirements
Maine Coon cats tend to be more active than the Domestic Longhair meaning that they need more exercise and playtime. However, they retain their kitten-like characteristics throughout their lives. Owners of these cats need to get more durable toys, offer more space to run around and have more trees to climb.
The Maine Coon cats are also excellent swimmers. Professional breeders know how to properly train the cats so that you can both enjoy swimming sessions.
- Domestic Longhair Vs. Maine Coon Grooming Requirements
Due to their long and fluffy coats, the Domestic Longhair requires brushing at least weekly. However, if possible, the cat owners are advised to do it daily. Doing it daily keeps the fur soft, smooth, and without any mats or tangles.
Dressing your Domestic Longhair cat is crucial as it prevents mats that might lead to a skin infection. For those on a busy schedule, spare 20 minutes to groom your pet to remove loose hair and prevent hairballs from forming.
The cat also needs regular bathing to keep it clean. If matting occurs, it is best to seek help from a professional cat groomer to remove them. It is not advisable to cut them as this can cause severe injuries to the cat’s skin.
Grooming requirements for the Maine Coon cats are similar to those of the Domestic Longhair. It is best to brush your Maine Coon pet twice a week and even more during its shedding season.
Also, your Maine Coon cat needs its claws trimmed after about four weeks. It is best to promote better oral hygiene by brushing its teeth daily. Don’t forget to clean its ears with a damp cloth to get rid of dirt.
Apart from the cat’s hygiene, ensure that it stays in a clean environment. For example, you should clean its litter box and dispose of the excretions correctly.
- Domestic Longhair Vs. Maine Coon Cost
Some of the factors that determine the cost of a kitten are demand, popularity, and trends. The price also differs depending on where one buys the kitten. Kittens purchased from a rescue center tend to be cheaper than those from a breeder.
Since the Domestic Longhair isn’t a pure breed and is common in America, it costs less to own one. On the other hand, the Maine Coon costs slightly more, and one can expect to spend between $400 and $1,000.
Another vital factor to discuss is the maintenance cost. Both breeds need almost the same care and resources to stay healthy and active.
Each breed has its own dietary needs as the Domestic Longhair needs high-protein food and the Maine Coon high-quality dry food. The price of these foods differ, and there is always an option for those on a tighter budget.
Consider two people; one owns a Domestic Longhair and the other a Maine Coon, both of the same age. The Maine Coon owner will spend more on food because the pet has a larger size, meaning it needs to eat more.
Maine Coons, however, are slightly more expensive. Due to their playfulness, owners often buy toys and other playing equipment. Also, their vast size means they need more giant toys, scratching posts, and beds.
Also, Maine Coon cats need more medical attention than Domestic Longhair pets because they are prone to more health complications. This means that one has to set aside funds to cover the vet bills.
Domestic Longhair and Maine Coon Similarities
The Domestic Longhair breed shares a set of similarities with the Maine Coon. These similarities include;
- It is easy to train both breeds.
Studies show that it is easy to train cats from either breed. This is because they are both intelligent and new owners friendly. However, other factors play a part in its ease of trainability. Therefore, it is best to start the training sessions when they are still kittens.
- They can be vocal
The Domestic Longhair breed takes on different character traits, which mainly depend on their parent’s nature. It is common to find some that are talkative. Maine Coons also have the same characteristic.
- Both have mental enrichment needs.
Both breeds need mental enrichment equipment and activities to keep their brains active and sharp. If the cat gets bored, it becomes stressed, resulting in behavioral change. To avoid this, get plenty of toys, and don’t forget to rotate regularly.
During the kitten stage, you can [provide plenty of space and toys to run and jump. Later in life, you can decide to switch things up and provide puzzle-solving activities. These breeds are intelligent, and you’ll notice how excited they can become when playing food puzzles.
Some toys to get your pet during the kitten stage are small mice toys and balls. Get a toy in good condition to prevent the cat from chewing or ingesting it.
The older it becomes, rotate the toys to prevent it from getting bored; remember the food puzzles we talked about? Start these sessions easy and use high-value treats. Once your pet gets this, increase the puzzle’s difficulty level by mixing other foods with the available treats.
Some of the training tricks to try during this stage are commands such as sit, high-fives, and rollovers. Provided that you have a good relationship with the cat, it is easy for it to pick on these commands.
Both cats breeds fancy an occasional walk in the park. So go for walks with your pet during your free time, and don’t forget to use a harness to ensure its safety.
These toys and puzzles provide an outlet for the cats to display their predatory behaviors and characteristics. In addition, some people include training tricks during these sessions to teach their cats various commands.
- Both are prone to health complications.
Another similarity is that both breeds are prone to some health disorders. For the Domestic Longhair, some health issues are obesity, cardiomyopathy, and kidney problems. In addition, they occasionally suffer from stomach upset, vomiting, inappetence, and hyperthyroidism. In addition, Maine Coons are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and spinal muscular atrophy.
- Both breeds have good hunting skills.
Domestic Longhair cats have good hunting skills, and the Maine Coon possess excellent hunting abilities. Both breeds can withstand unfavorable hunting conditions, making them the perfect hunting companion. They are both dedicated hunters, and whether the owner wishes or not, these cats naturally hunt mice, birds, and insects.
Suitable For
After going through the distinctive differences between the Domestic Longhair and the Maine Coon, this section summarizes the ideal environment and owners of the two breeds.
First, both breeds are family-friendly and can easily fit into any setting. The Maine Coon, however, is more friendly and interacts better with kids and other pets.
The thick coat and hearty body of the Maine Coon make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor living. Despite their huge size, they can easily fit in any environment. However, they need space to roam and stay active all day.
If you are looking for a pet companion, then the Maine Coon is the better choice of the two. These cats tend to communicate more with their owners. You will also admire how loyal the cats can be if treated correctly.
The Domestic Longhair Maine Coon Mix
A crossbreed of the two breeds known as the Domestic Longhair Maine Coon mix exists. However, when it comes to hybrids, one never knows what to expect as it can take characteristics of either the Domestic Longhair or Maine Coon.
The Domestic Longhair Maine Coon mix cats tend to be large, have a broad chest, muscular frame, and long torso. However, you can expect the mix to have long hair and inherit the similar traits of the two breeds. Some of the similar characteristics they can inherit are good hunting skills and playful nature.
Conclusion
Before deciding the ideal cat breed to get, consider many factors before determining the perfect cat breed. After reading through this review, you fully understand the main differences between the Domestic Longhair and the Maine Coon. Use these facts to make informed decisions when choosing which breed fits you.
Both breeds are family-friendly, have beautiful coasts, and fit easily into any setting. They only differ in terms of their physical appearance and outstanding instincts. As a result, the two are both viable options for any cat lover.
It is best to use this review when deciding which breed abides by your current living situation. Then, create a scenario where you and the pet enjoy the environment and each other’s company.
