How can I tell if my cat is a Maine Coon?

Look for these signs: very large, long body with a shaggy, water-resistant coat; tufted 'lynx-tip' ears and a long, plumed tail; a ruff around the neck and tufts of fur between the toes. For a definitive answer, snap a photo and let Pawdigree compare your cat against 200+ dog and 70+ cat breeds.

What is a Maine Coon often confused with?

Maine Coons are most often mixed up with the Ragdoll and the British Shorthair. Pawdigree tells them apart by reading the actual coat, build, and proportions in your photo, then showing a ranked breed match with a confidence score.

Can Pawdigree identify a Maine Coon from a photo?

Yes. Take one photo of your cat and Pawdigree returns your top breed match free, with a confidence score. Unlock the full profile — breed mix percentages, personality, and care — with a one-time purchase, no subscription.

cat breed

Maine Coon

the gentle giant of the cat world

The Maine coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds, with a long shaggy coat built for harsh winters and a famously friendly, dog-like personality. Its size and ear tufts make it stand out from other long-haired cats.

How to identify a Maine Coon

Very large, long body with a shaggy, water-resistant coat
Tufted 'lynx-tip' ears and a long, plumed tail
A ruff around the neck and tufts of fur between the toes

Commonly confused with

If you're second-guessing the breed, these are the lookalikes people mix up with a Maine Coon most often:

At a glance

Size: Large (10–25 lb)
Coat: Long and shaggy
Temperament: Gentle, friendly, playful
Origin: United States (Maine)
Lifespan: 12–15 years

Not sure if your cat is a Maine Coon?

Snap one photo and Pawdigree gives you the top breed match free — plus the full breed mix, personality, and care guide when you want it.

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Questions

Look for these signs: very large, long body with a shaggy, water-resistant coat; tufted 'lynx-tip' ears and a long, plumed tail; a ruff around the neck and tufts of fur between the toes. For a definitive answer, snap a photo and let Pawdigree compare your cat against 200+ dog and 70+ cat breeds.