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Maine Coon vs Siberian
Two large, thick-coated, family-friendly cats; the Siberian is more energetic and the Maine Coon a little more relaxed.
Verdict
These breeds are close, and the profiles agree on almost every score. Both are large, long-coated, sociable and reliable with children and other pets. The one thing that decides it is energy. The Siberian scores 4 for energy and the Maine Coon 3, so the Siberian wants more play and more climbing. Choose the Maine Coon if you want a slightly calmer big cat. Choose the Siberian if you want a sturdy, athletic one that keeps you busy.
Choose the Maine Coon if
- You want a steadier, more relaxed large cat.
- You want a cat with a chirping voice that rarely asks for attention loudly.
- You want the breed that is easier to find; the Maine Coon is very common and the Siberian common.
- You would ask your vet about heart disease, hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy, which a genetic test covers.
Choose the Siberian if
- You want a more energetic cat that plays hard and climbs.
- You like a water-resistant triple coat that is thicker in cold months, and will comb it.
- You would ask your vet about heart disease and polycystic kidney disease, the two items on its watch-list.
- You are happy to wait for a cat that grows slowly to full size.
Where they are alike
Both score 5 for children and for other pets, and 4 for grooming and for shedding, so each needs regular combing. Both sit at 3 for apartment living, which means they want room to climb.
Side by side
| Maine Coon | Siberian | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Longhair and semi-longhair | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | Maine, United States | Russia |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Typical weight | 8-18 lb (3.6-8.2 kg); males are larger | 8-18 lb (3.6-8.2 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 11-15 years |
| Coat length | Long | Long |
| Coat | Shaggy, water-shedding double coat, longer on the ruff, belly and britches | Dense, water-resistant triple coat, thicker in cold months |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1976 | Championship breed since 2007 |
| How common | Very common | Common |
| Affection | 4 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 4 | 4 |
| Shedding | 4 | 4 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 5 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 3 | 3 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The Maine Coon's thick coat sheds seasonally, and people who react to cats usually react to this breed too. | No breed is hypoallergenic. Some owners report fewer symptoms with Siberians, but there is no good evidence for it and individual cats vary. |
| Suits | A family or a household with other pets that wants a large, sociable cat and will brush it a few times a week. | A family or a household with other pets that wants a sturdy, playful, sociable cat and will comb a thick coat. |
| Less suited to | A small flat with little room to climb, or anyone who wants a lap cat that stays small. | A small flat with little room to climb, or anyone who cannot spend time grooming and playing. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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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