Compare
American Shorthair vs Maine Coon
Both are sturdy American family cats; the Maine Coon is larger, shaggier, more affectionate and needs much more grooming.
Verdict
These two are close in temperament. Both are medium-to-large American working-cat types with moderate energy, quiet voices and top marks with children, and both list a heart condition. The decision is size, coat and grooming. The Maine Coon is large, up to about 18 lb, with a shaggy double coat that needs brushing a few times a week and sheds heavily. It is more affectionate and playful. The American Shorthair is smaller, with a short hard coat, and it is more independent and better suited to small homes.
Choose the American Shorthair if
- You want the lighter grooming load.
- You live in a smaller home.
- The home is empty for part of the day.
- You want a hardy, uncomplicated cat.
Choose the Maine Coon if
- You want a large, sociable cat with a shaggy coat and tufted ears.
- You will brush it a few times a week and live with seasonal shedding.
- You want a more affectionate and playful companion.
- You have room for a big cat to climb.
Where they are alike
Both are very common to common breeds that get on well with children and other pets. Each lists hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, so ask your vet and your breeder about heart screening.
Side by side
| American Shorthair | Maine Coon | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | North America, from European cats brought by settlers | Maine, United States |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Typical weight | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger | 8-18 lb (3.6-8.2 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Long |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches | Shaggy, water-shedding double coat, longer on the ruff, belly and britches |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1976 |
| How common | Common | Very common |
| Affection | 3 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 4 |
| Shedding | 3 | 4 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 3 |
| Trainability | 3 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 3 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The Maine Coon's thick coat sheds seasonally, and people who react to cats usually react to this breed too. |
| Suits | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. | A family or a household with other pets that wants a large, sociable cat and will brush it a few times a week. |
| Less suited to | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. | A small flat with little room to climb, or anyone who wants a lap cat that stays small. |
| Registries that recognise it |
|
|
| Health conditions to watch |
|
|
Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026