Why is the Maine Coon cat so much more popular than the Siberian cat? They are cat breeds of similar appearance. The Siberian, judging by the photographs on this page, which I hope represents fairly typical examples of these cat breeds, is more rounded in appearance with a stockier body, smaller ears and a more rounded face. But they are both quite large cats. In fact the Maine Coon is, on my reckoning, the largest domestic cat breed other than a wildcat hybrid, while the Siberian is said to be a large and strong cat.
As to character and personality I do not really believe that you can brand a certain cat breed with a personality because each cat is an individual with his or her own character. However, the Siberian is said to be an independent cat which likes to bond with the people it loves and has a doglike character, while the Maine Coon is said to have a relaxed and easy going personality being able to get along with children and dogs as well as other cats. They, too, are people orientated and rather independent like the Siberian. We are told that the Maine Coon does not constantly demand attention. To be honest, I do not know any cat which does. Even taking a conventional view of the personalities of these cat breeds, there is not a lot between them.
If we put to one side the question of the cat’s personality, we are left with appearance (which as stated is similar) and history, meaning the origins of the cat. And I think this is where the attractiveness of one cat is superior to the other in the biggest marketplace for purebred, pedigree cats, namely, the United States of America.
The Siberian cat is native to Russia while the main Coon is America’s very own cat breed. So one cat is Russian while the other is American. As the American market in purebred pedigree cats is much larger than the Russian market there are bound to be far more admirers of the Maine Coon.
The Siberian cat quite possibly has a much longer history in Siberia than the Maine Coon has in America. Although, we are never going to be sure because cat breed history is often rather hazy.
It is said that Siberian Cats lived in monasteries thousands of years ago even acting as guards, watching for intruders. The monks cared for them. The Siberian was imported into the United States in early 1990.
It is generally agreed that the more popular Maine Coon first came to America from Europe with the settlers in the 1600s and later. Therefore they are, in respect of long-term history, European cats, particularly British cats I suspect. But four hundred years of evolution in America allows them to be called American cats.
It may be the case that both these breeds have the same origins together with the Norwegian Forest cat. Should that be true we cannot rely on history to genuinely separate them either.
Despite that, America has adopted the Maine Coon as their cat which makes it the world’s most popular purebred cat.
I think it is better to go to a shelter together and adopt.<3
And don’t even think for a minute, since I mentioned “upper middle class,” that it had one iota to do with some sort of status; this was a case of true unconditional “child” love for the intelligent, bright-eyed large cat, with, of course, the requisite tufts. He was truly a good man, and not just for caring so much for their cat that he would give him up. [I have firsthand, intimate experience in such workings, but thank goodness, did not sink into such despair as his.]
If I may, the Maine Coon is so popular in the eastern half of the U.S., that I have –and this is very sad (in fact, it could happen with any breed) noticed that giving up the rights to the beloved breed in a divorce can end in tragedy with the ex who relinquishes his/her love unconditionally; it can end up in giving up on life altogether. suicide. I have seen this happen in my lifetime.
lol. Well, I cannot attest to their faces being the cutest of “all breeds” 😉 and our beloved Mogs<3 of any size, shape and form, but they certainly are revered by the upper middle class in America, as far as, esp. on the Eastern Seaboard. They are loved! <3
I have had many people ask me if Mikey is Maine Coon, I have never really seen it in him like others have, maybe its because of his size, he is 18 pounds and a very large boy. People have asked if he is a Forest Cat or Turkish Angora also. I tell them all the same….Nope, Mikey is a Mutt, the cutest little Mutt I have ever seen. LOL
I think that the Maine Coon is all the things that we adore in all different cats but all rolled into one cat. LOL If that makes sense.
They have the look of a wild cat in their size yet they are still small enough to have at home.
Their faces are the cutest of all breeds, so animated at times.
They have that long hair which we all seem to like plus their tales are amazing.
And from what I hear, their personalities are just the best.
They have a presence about them, a confident presence.
Whats not to like here?
I have always loved this breed most, always.
Next to Mikey and all. LOL