Siberian forest cat vs maine coon

Siberian forest cat vs maine coon - how to distinguish Maine Coon from Siberian, both species belong to the so-called forest type. This image was formed due to the semi-long coat with an undercoat, color options, tassels on the ears, as well as the considerable size of cats. There are plenty of differences in appearance between them.

Why are they similar

As the name suggests, the Siberian breed emerged in a harsh climate. Her ancestors were brought to Siberia from the European part of the continent. The conditions of the region caused a change in the genotype of cats. They became bigger, more powerful, overgrown with thick hair, learned to survive in the cold.

Although it is not known for certain how they appeared in America, the climate and living conditions are very similar, Siberian forest cat vs maine coon. The standard Maine Coon has the same length of hair, tassels on the ears, and in size is much larger than other domesticated relatives. The rich edge of the tail, its size, the main adorning the hair on the paws is additional similarities.

If the Maine Coon is already a fully formed breed, then cats from Europe have been very diverse for a long time. This is due to the fact that cat breeders for a long time could not come to a consensus about the characteristics of the livestock. Besides, the breed is young.

Body structure with dimensions

In Maine Coon standards, the body is described as follows:

Rectangular format;

Elongated shape;

High legs;

Wide chest;

Neck of medium length;

The limbs are muscular;

The Siberian cat:

Legs of medium length;

Medium to large size;

The neck is short;

Deep chest;

The format is triangular, but the body is shorter;

In addition, massive individuals, especially males, are often found among them. The main difference is in size, but the Siberians have shorter legs, and the ribcage is deeper and slightly wider. Because of this, an adult Maine Coon will appear much taller, Siberian forest cat vs maine coon. Their tail tapers towards the end, but in another breed it is rounded. In Coons, it should reach the shoulder blades, and in Siberians, up to the shoulder. Many experts talk about a slightly convex back of Siberians, although this is not visible under the coat and in movement.

The general impression is different. Cats look sleeker than cats. Siberians are dense, muscular with a wide body. The average weight of coons is 9-11 kg, and their opponents rarely exceed 8 kg in comparison. Cats weigh even less; there are specimens up to 4 kg that fit the standard.

Head and muzzle

These body parts deserve special attention. Glance, eye slits are the calling cards of the breeds. Each Maine Coon has a friendly and sometimes predatory look.

Other characteristics of Americans:

Long muzzle;

Pointed wedge shape;

Slightly convex forehead;

Protruding cheekbones with a high rise;

Stand-out pads with vibrissae;

There is a transition;

If you outline the profile of the coons with conventional lines, then you can see the angles at the transition from the nose to the forehead, near the chin and mouth. Siberians have smooth, rounded outlines.

The eyes in the Maine Coon breed are oval, slightly slanted; the degree of expression depends on the intra-breed type, breeding lines, Siberian forest cat vs maine coon. The look is usually friendly, but sometimes the animal looks proudly. The eyes of the Siberian cat are round, set wide at a barely noticeable angle.

The ears of Maine cats are large and almost vertical. In the second case, the shape is rounded, the size is smaller, and the shells are inclined forward. Tipped brushes are preferred in both breeds. The distance between the ears of Siberians is greater than that of Maine raccoon cats.

Wool and color

American cats have a rather thick undercoat, medium length awn with a silky texture. There is no cover hair resembling a cloak on the lower part of the body. The Siberian breed has elastic wool to the touch, the fluff is denser, and the cloak is thick, long. The rest of the parameters converge.

The allowed colors are the same, with the exception of the color-point of the Neva Masquerade cats, which are essentially Siberian cats. Such a coincidence in the standards is natural, Siberian forest cat vs maine coon. The preferred colors for these cats are tabby patterns common in the wild. After all, coons and Siberians developed independently, learned to hunt in forests, snow-covered fields and remain unnoticed for prey, large predators.

Prohibited colors:

Chocolate;

Lilac;

Faun;

Cinnamon;

 

The latter includes color-point. This color is accompanied by blue eyes and a characteristic darkening on the face and other parts of the body in cats.

In terms of grooming, both types of wool are undemanding, but the Maine Coon needs regular combing. Molting in Siberians is pronounced; during this period, the animal sheds most of its wool, which is noticeable by its sparse undercoat. Before the cold weather, they overgrow.

The nature, temperament and features of the content

Both giants and average cats are friendly. Many note the similarity in character and temperament. Cats from overseas have an innate loyalty to the owner, like their distant relatives from the forest group. To the general features can be added poise, playfulness and developed intelligence.

Siberian breeders claim that their pets can be suitable for people suffering from animal allergies. In this case, the modern Maine Coon is equated with other brethren from the feline family. By the way, sexually mature cats are more likely to cause allergic reactions than females, Siberian forest cat vs maine coon. Cats from Siberia and American forests grow up slowly; they get admissions late due to their large size. But the former enter the age of puberty earlier and are able to bear offspring as early as six months.

Description of the Siberian cat breed with photo

Males of this breed, like females and cubs, require slightly different care than individuals of other breeds. This is due to differences in disposition, habits and natural inclinations.

You need to thoroughly understand the differences between Siberian cats before deciding to shelter or purchase such a pet in your home. This is necessary in order not to repeat other people's mistakes.

As for the exterior, the colors are different, for example, black, white, red, smoky, striped, spotted, tortoiseshell.

The standard of the Siberian breed

These cats are large in size with developed muscles. They have excellent immunity. The eyes are oval, set wide apart and slightly slanted. Paws are short, powerful. There is long fur between the toes. The tail is fleshy and fluffy. The fur is dense, especially long in the mane, falls down on the sides. The limbs and tail are fluffy.

Wool does not absorb moisture. The standard of this cat breed does not admit any resemblance to the Persian. Siberians are supposed to have a large bone, strong legs, and a very fluffy tail, glossy and delicate fur.

Features of the Siberian Russian cat and the history of the breed

These creatures many centuries ago fell in love with people, and now it is extremely difficult to identify their origin, Siberian forest cat vs maine coon. According to one of the beliefs, these animals lived at Russian monasteries and notified the monks about the approach of uninvited guests.

In worldly life, they were valued for their hunting instinct in the extermination of mice and rats. It was reported that once the owners of the shops held special exhibitions, where they showed off their Siberian cats, competing in fatness and their size. 

The exterior indicates that the predecessors of the breed were the inhabitants of the forest, who left these cats with tassels on their ears, like a lynx, and green slanting eyes, and also the inhabitants of the steppe, who left the descendants the art of hunting and the ability to get used to a particular place and dwelling.

Whatever their history, they became freedom-loving creatures with a determined disposition. By affection and courage, they are sometimes compared to dogs.

The nature of the Siberian breeds

These cats are characterized by excellent health and character. They adapt well to living both in an apartment and in a country house.

They are intelligent and loyal creatures, which, however, do not stick to them in search of affection. From the owners, the Siberian cat also expects respect for its person, Siberian forest cat vs maine coon. The visual phlegm of this breed is only apparent. These creatures have an instant grasp and are excellent hunters.

Siberian cat coloring

The cattery manual says that the color of future kittens depends entirely on the color of their father and mother.

A male kitten inherits the same coloration as its mother, and a young kitten receives coloration from two parents. For example, when crossing a black male with a red female, the following colors can be obtained in babies: boys - red and beige, females - tortoiseshell and beige-smoky.

The size and weight of Siberians at different ages

A furry that has just been born weighs from 70 to 140 grams. After one week, the weight increases to 250, after two - 370, after three - 500. After one month, the cub is supposed to weigh 540-700 grams, after two - 1-1.4 kilograms, after three - 1.5-2.5. After 6 months, its weight is already 3-5 kilograms, after 12 - 4.5-7.

The average weight of a sexually mature male of this breed is usually in the region of 5-5.5 kilograms, the height from the ground to the back reaches 30-33 centimeters. In natural conditions, there are individuals weighing less than 4 kilograms and more than 7.

In addition, the weight of the pet is not proportional to its well-being. The animal simply should not stick out the ribs, pelvic bones and vertebrae, Siberian forest cat vs maine coon. There should be good epidermis, mucous membranes and fur. The pet must be energetic and active.

Siberian breed wool care, feeding

It is permissible to have these animals both in the apartment and in rural conditions. In any case, it is preferable that the pet has the opportunity to walk a lot in nature. Siberians traditionally have lush and dense fur, so they are not afraid of either severe frosts or long runs in the snow.

Taking care of the fur of these creatures consists in not very frequent brushing, especially necessary during molting, and washing twice a year.

The menu of Siberian pets is based on meat. 70% of the total diet should consist of veal, rabbit, poultry and offal. Occasionally give the animal a boiled fish fillet. Fermented milk products are good for them. Milk and foods high in fat are harmful because they can lead to upset stomach.

Difference between Siberian breed and Maine Coon

Both of these breeds are primordial, originated in nature, they have many similarities, Siberian forest cat vs maine coon. The main difference lies in the size of individuals and prices - Maine Coons are much larger in size and also cost more.

The disposition of both those and other animals is mainly formed by education; however, Maine Coons are more gentle and submissive than Siberians.

Children in the family and allergies from a Siberian cat

Toddlers are often allergic to cat hair. According to scientific data, this occurs in 10% of all children. The main signs of a reaction are a cough, runny nose, rashes, red eyes, a blocked nose, or sneezing.

However, representatives of this breed are hypoallergenic, but even such a harmless creature is capable of causing the indicated deviations in 25% of allergy sufferers.

Why does the Siberian cat scream when walking around the apartment

Sometimes the animal rushes about the apartment and meows loudly, and the owners wonder what is wrong with him.

The reasons are as follows:

Sex hormones have shown themselves - you should give a sedative, sterilize or castrate the pet, if there is no way to let go for a walk;

The pet is in pain - you need to take it to the doctor for examination;

Rushes too vigorously at night - you need to not let the animal sleep in the evening, but give it significant physical activity, say, make it run after a toy or do something else;

There are some circumstances that cause excitement to the pet - you should follow him and exclude irritating factors leading to the anxiety of the animal, Siberian forest cat vs maine coon.

The problem of white blue-eyed Siberian cats

Animals of this breed of snow-white color with heavenly eyes, unfortunately, in most cases have a strong deviation - they are completely deaf.