How do you know if your cat is purebreed or mixed Maine Coon?
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You notice the prominent "M" on your cat's forehead and the fluffy tuft of hair there, and you begin to think it's a Maine Coon cat. The Maine Coon has interbred with the Persian, Norwegian, and other species through natural processes. In reality, it's hard to tell if you're a purebred or a mixed Maine Coon breed unless you purchased your beloved feline from a registered Maine Coon breeder.
If you want to know if your cat is a mixed Maine coon this is the easiest way.
The best way to determine your cat's Maine Coon degree is to do a DNA test. A DNA test will tell you if your cat is a mongrel or not but can also give you information about its health.
What Distinguishes Purebred Maine Coons From Mixed Maine Coon Breeds
In recent surveys, 40% of readers said their cat was a mixed breed. This only shows a strong possibility that some Maine Coons were born of a mixed line. While there's nothing wrong with having mixed Maine Coon cats, knowing if the Coon you're after is worth the price is essential.
How do you know if your Maine Coon is crossbred or purebred?
Here are the traits, appearances, and characteristics that will help you determine if your beloved feline is a Maine Coon.
Size: A mix can be smaller
This is the most important feature to distinguish purity. It's not for nothing that Maine Coon cats are called "gentle giants." Purebred cats will be visibly larger than the average cat. A male coon cat usually weighs between 13 and 18 pounds and between 9 and 12 pounds for females. They also have huge, fur-covered paws. A purebred Maine Coon also has a muscular frame and a rectangular body, while a mixed Maine Coon will likely have a more petite build.
Ears: The ears of a thoroughbred resemble those of a lynx.
You need to observe their ears. Notice the tips of the ears and the big puffs inside their ears. They look like those of a bobcat. Although not all Maine Coon cats have ear tufts, the majority do. Another common Maine Coon physical trait is that they have a lot of hair sticking out of their ears, which helps them survive harsh weather.
Head: A little longer
The head of a purebred Maine Coon is a little longer than wide than that of a mongrel. Most of them have a distinct "M" mark on the front.
Fur: A Mixed Maine Coon is less resistant to water
Did you know that the fur of purebred Maine Coons is semi-water resistant? They don't even care to sleep in dripping rain. Their long, thick coat typically sheds occasionally, which doesn't make them any less cuddly.
Mane: Thoroughbreds have fuller, bushier manes.
Another distinctive trait of the Maine Coon is its lion's mane. Most Coons are called "little lions" because of the fur that surrounds their necks. Their manes are longer than the rest of the coats on their muscular bodies.In addition, purebred Maine Coons have fuller, bushier hairs than crossbred Coons
Eyes: Mixed Maine Coon cats have smaller eyes
A purebred Maine Coon has big eyes. It resembles the eyes of a wild predator. It is slightly rounded. Their distinct eyes have that intelligent look and are usually green, copper, and gold in color. In contrast, a mixed-line Maine Coon will have smaller eyes.
Tail: A purebred Maine Coon has a long tail, and its coat looks voluminous and bushy. A mix has a less bushy tail. On the contrary, the tail of a mixed Maine Coon is simply not as bushy and voluminous as it should be.
Personality: Clever Cats
Despite their size, these magnificent giants are naturally intelligent and playful. Their big, happy personality makes them the "dog of the cat world". But, these are not the typical aloof cats.
These are the main factors to consider when checking whether or not your Maine Coon cat is a mix with another breed. If you still have doubts, you can also identify them with a DNA test kit.
Products For Mixed Maine Coon
What is the lifespan of a Maine Coon?
Common questions about how to tell if your cat is a mixed Maine Coon
How big will a mixed Maine Coon be?
A purebred Maine Coon is tall, even as a kitten. They have a solid and muscular build. They typically weigh 18 pounds and are 40 inches long, including their bushy tail. In contrast, mixed-line Maine Coons will not exceed the size of a Thoroughbred. They will most likely have a smaller frame or torso.
How long do mixed Maine Coons live?
Barring a genetic abnormality, a cat's life depends on how you care for it. Maine Coons are generally healthy. Research shows that the average lifespan of these cats is between 10 and 12 years. But, again, achieving optimal longevity depends on the type of diet the cat receives and the amount of exercise it receives.
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