Maine Coon vs Tabby Cat: How to Tell if My Cat is Maine Coon?

Some cats have entirely different breeds but look almost the same. Two of these cats are Maine Coon and Tabby.

But while these cats evoke similar fur patterns, a closer examination will reveal distinctive features that set them apart. For your information, tabby is used to call cats with a typical coat pattern, while Maine Coon is a cat breed.

In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between the regal Maine Coon vs. tabby cat – a canvas of intricate coat patterns. Let’s get into it!

Differences Between Tabby vs Maine Coon Cats

Maine Coons are a distinctive cat breed known for their large size, pointed ears, and bushy tails. They can weigh about 25 pounds, more than twice the weight of normal cats. Feline aficionados consider these cats to be gentle giants.

On the other hand, Tabby cats feature stripes that run from their eyes and cheeks. These cats can weigh up to 10 pounds. Unlike Maine Coons, they have a smooth and short coat with long fluffy tails.

• Facial features – If you pay close attention to their facial shape and features, you can easily tell these two cats apart; while the Maine Coons look majestic with their long whisker and face, the domestic cats with tabby patterns have a triangular face and shorter ears.
• Fur length – You will quickly notice that A Maine Coon is more fluffy with their long and thick fur. Whereas tabby cats’ fur is thick yet shorter, making them look cuter and rounder.
• Color patterns – Furthermore, pay attention to the fur colors and patterns. For example, a tortoiseshell and a tri-color Maine coons are not to be mistaken with any tabby cat.

Is My Cat a Tabby or a Maine Coon?

Here’s how to tell if your cat is a Tabby or a Maine Coon:

1. Look at Their Size and Body

Is your cat’s body large and proportionally rectangular? Does it have a good muscle build? If so, there is a huge chance that you have a Maine Coon cat.

2. Observe Their Fur

When comparing a Maine Coon vs. normal cat, you will notice that Maine coons have shaggier and longer fur. While there are long-haired Tabby cats, they are no match to the thickness and length of Maine Coons’ fur.

There are also differences in the Maine Coon and Tabby cats’ patterns. Maine Coons have the following coat patterns:

• Shaded
• Smoke
• Tabby
• Solid
• Bicolor
• Tricolor
• Tortoiseshell

On the other hand, these are the common coat patterns of Tabby cats:

• Lined
• Swirly
• Striped
• Banded
• Dotted
• Flecked

3. Check the Head Shape

Maine Coons feature a semi-wide long head. Unlike most cats, their cheekbones are very prominent, making them appear wilder. But in reality, these cats have a friendly attitude.

Meanwhile, Tabby cays have a head shape similar to many domesticated cats’ heads. However, one thing that differentiates them from house cats is the distinctive M pattern on their heads.

4. Eye Color

According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, Maine Coon cats’ eyes are usually green, green-gold, gold, or copper. Meanwhile, Tabby kittens have orange, red, yellow, copper, blue, hazel, and green eyes.

What is a Maine Coon Tabby Mix?

Half Maine Coon, half Tabby cats are a mix of Maine Coon and Tabby cats, hence, the name. But unlike their purebred parents, feline enthusiasts do not recognize these cats as a formal breed.

Regardless, they inherited their parents’ characteristics, making them fantastic pets with pleasing characteristics.

Conclusion

Maine Coon vs. Tabby cats – when comparing these breeds, you will notice a set of differences. Regardless of the breed you will choose, it is worth noting that both felines have friendly attitudes, making them excellent companions.

But since Maine Coons are bigger, they may require more care, including food and grooming. You have to brush their fur to prevent matting regularly.

Bringing them to a professional animal groomer is also essential, as their coat can be too thick and long to be managed at home.