Maine Coon vs Sphynx

Verdict

Coat, size and time alone separate these two. The Maine Coon is large and thickly coated, sheds heavily and copes with part of a day alone. The Sphynx is medium and hairless, sheds almost no hair, needs regular bathing and skin care, and scores 1 for independence, so it wants someone home. Choose the Maine Coon for a big, sociable family cat and a brush. Choose the Sphynx if you are home most of the day and are happy to keep a warm, attention-loving cat clean.

Choose the Maine Coon if

• You are away for part of the day; it scores 3 for independence against 1.
• You have children and other pets; it scores 5 for both.
• You want a large cat of 8-18 lb that plays into old age.
• You prefer brushing a thick coat to bathing a bare-skinned cat.

Choose the Sphynx if

• You want a cat that sheds almost no hair, though it can still trigger allergies.
• You are home most of the day and want a cat that scores 5 for affection and for playfulness.
• You do not mind regular baths and wiping the skin.
• You want a medium cat of 6-12 lb and a warm, indoor-only life.

Where they are alike

Both are playful, clever and social, and each is a common choice. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy appears on both watch-lists, so ask your vet about screening for either cat.