Maine Coon vs Siamese (See The Full Epic Analysis)


More Meows is an Amazon Associate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Both Maine Coon and Siamese are people-oriented cats and make excellent companions. However, some vital differences separate the two breeds. Maine Coon cats and Siamese cats are wildly popular breeds; if you are not sure what breed would be right for you, you’re in the right place.  So, when comparing the Maine Coon vs Siamese, which cat is best?

When considering Maine Coon vs Siamese, the Maine Coon cat wins this comparison.  The Maine Coon cat is known to be intelligent and loving.  While the Siamese cat is excellent, the Maine Coon is cuddly, independent, and enjoys humans’ company and is my pick over the Siamese cat.

Cat Product Note:  I will talk about and recommend some cat products in this article, which will hopefully provide your cat with a more enriching life.  These are Amazon affiliate links, so I receive a commission from Amazon, with no added cost to you.  These are my honest recommendations, so if you are interested in checking them out, please click below!

For Maine Coons:

  • The cat stroller on Amazon I recommend for Maine Coons because I like that it is extremely large (affiliate link): Click Here
  • The cat condo / cat tree on Amazon I recommend for Maine Coons which is very big (affiliate link):  Click Here

For Siamese Cats:

  • The cat stroller on Amazon I recommend for Siamese Cats because it is robust and versatile (affiliate link): Click Here
  • The cat condo / cat tree on Amazon that I recommend for Siamese Cats because it has excellent platforms for watching everyone, and my cat loves it (affiliate link): Click Here

Take a look at this Maine Coon vs. Siamese comparison guide to figure out which of these two cat breeds is actually the best!

Maine Coon Appearance vs. Siamese Appearance

There are considerable differences in the appearances of the Maine Coon cat and the Siamese cat.  They are both felines, but they look much different.

What Does a Maine Coon Look Like?

Maine Coons can come in a wide variety of color combinations. They also come in pointed patterns and two tabby patterns: classic and mackerel. Their bodies are generally lighter in color, with darker extremities in the ears, face, tail, and feet.

The most common colors for Maine Coons are silver tabbies, brown, or red. Recently, breeders are producing more solid colored Maine Coons in grey, white, and black.

You can identify a Maine Coon for their large build and rugged physical traits. A female Maine Coon weighs between 12 to 15 pounds. On the other hand, a male Maine Coon is even larger, weighing up to 18 pounds.

Maine Coons have survived in the cold climates for years and eventually evolved into strong and sturdy cats who can move on cold and warm surfaces without making any noise.

What Does a Siamese Look Like?

Siamese cats have very identifiable physical features. Let’s start with their eyes. Siamese cats have medium-large eyes in blue and almond color. Their eyes are super expressive and feature an oriental slant, making them a unique breed in the broader cat family.

A Siamese cat has pointed patterns due to color restrictions. They have dark marks all over their body, mainly on their masks, tail, and legs. The darker spots naturally blend with the rest of the body but set them apart from other breeds.

Female Siamese cats weigh between 8 to 12 pounds, whereas male Siamese cats weigh between 11 and 15 pounds. They have long legs, a pointy tail, and a triangular head. Siamese cats have their bodies covered in short yet sleek and glossy fur coats that lie close to their bodies.

Maine Coon Hypoallergenic vs. Siamese Cat Hypoallergenic

Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic?

There are no cat breeds in the family that are totally hypoallergenic, not even the hairless ones. All of them release allergens that can trigger your allergy. Maine Coon falls into the category of cats that have long and thick fur. Maine Coons are especially not hypoallergenic. They may trigger your allergy when you come near one.

Do Maine Coons Shed?

Video: Maine Coon Shedding

Maine coons have been known to shed. However, Maine Coon cats kept outdoors will often become seasonal shedders – this means that they shed the bulk of their fur in cycles, rather than year-round. Maine Coon cats that spend most of their time outdoors will likely shed most of their fur before that Summer heat arrives to get rid of a hefty Winter fur coat.

It should be noted that a Maine Coon that is kept all the time indoors may shed a consistent amount throughout the entire year. This is mostly because indoor Maine Coons will not require the bulky winter coat that outdoor Maine Coons grow for Winter and then shed.

We talk more about the Maine Coon cat’s shedding (amongst other breeds that shed a lot) in our article about many cat breeds that shed a lot:  Click Here.

Are Siamese Cats Hypoallergenic?

No, Siamese cats are not hypoallergenic.

The short-haired nature of a Siamese may seem promising to allergy sufferers, but their fur can still trap allergens and pass it on to you. In fact, scientists believe that short-haired cats have a lower chance of being hypoallergenic than long-haired cats.

Do Siamese Cats Shed?

The good news is that Siamese cats shed little in comparison to Maine Coons. Siamese cats are a great low-shedding option if you are concerned about much shedding from a feline. If you have cat allergies, spend some time with a cat before adopting them. This may help you understand whether you are allergic to a Siamese.

We look at the Siamese cat’s shedding and other low-shedding cat breeds in our article:  Click Here.

Maintaining a Maine Coon’s Fur Coat

Maine Coons have long and dense fur that is prone to shedding. Maine Coons have long and thick fur that is prone to shedding. To minimize matting, you will need to brush your Maine Coon daily – but if not daily, expect to do this a few times a week.  Make sure to get brushes with soft bristles – stiff bristles can scratch and hurt your cat’s skin.

Your Maine Coon will groom itself regularly. But bathing it occasionally will help with the shedding and keep the fur clean. Maine Coons are one of the rare cat breeds that can tolerate water. Some even enjoy it.

It’s best to make sure that your cat gets used to bathing as a kitten – if this isn’t possible, there are products on the market to clean their fur without bathing, like wipes and sprays.  Personally, I have not tried any of these wipes and sprays yet for cleaning a cat, and I recommend sound old-fashioned cat baths when a cat is dirty!

Maintaining a Siamese Cat’s Fur Coat

Siamese cats have a noticeably short fur coat, which makes grooming relatively easy for them. While regular brushing is appreciated, they can do without it. Siamese cats are fully capable of grooming themselves and keeping clean.

However, they should not be over-groomed as this could cause harmful side effects to their fur coat.   Additionally, you will not want to bathe a Siamese cat very often. 

Maine Coon Personality vs. Siamese Cat Personality

Maine Coon Personality

Maine Coon cats very friendly and gentle. They enjoy being the center of attention, but only if they’re in the mood. Once they run out of energy, they will sit in the corner, and you are not to disturb them. They may also love water, wildly splashing around.

Maine coons are generally very loving cats. They get along with kids, pets, and everyone else in the house. Maine Coons have also been described as “dog-like,” which is kind of funny since these are large, domesticated felines! They are known to be energetic, have big personalities, and playful.

There are some anecdotes that a Maine Coon can greet its owner at the door when they arrive home, as a dog would.  This is something I have seen my domestic shorthair cat, Charlotte, do – which means I bet this is true, and Maine Coons actually do this a lot.

Maine Coons can be very protective and closely watch over their territory; they might thoroughly look over visitors and their belongings. They might also want to participate in all the activities that go on in the household; if you find that your Maine Coon cat is always around when you’re doing something, it’s just how they are.

Are Siamese Cats Friendly?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcqxscBM2D4
Video on Siamese Cats and Their Personality

Yes, Siamese cats are friendly.  Siamese cats can be quite demanding and will probably need your undivided attention. If they do not get your attention, be ready to hear many complaints from your Siamese. That’s right, this breed of cats talks a lot. They will have a lot of stories to tell as soon as you enter the house from work.

Siamese cats engage with children and the elderly in the house. They enjoy a good fetching game and lap time.

The Siamese breed is highly active and energetic and loves to be playful. They are very loving and attentive cats and enjoy spending time with other adults, caregivers, children, and other pets like cats or dogs.

They are most comfortable when they have another cat in the home to share their time and space, mainly if it’s another Siamese, and they hate being left alone at home.

If you adopt another cat, I’d urge you to see if your Siamese cat is compatible with a Domestic Shorthair cat first, since there are usually so many available for adoption.  

Siamese cats thrive off having companionship and friendship, to the extent that humans cannot always offer. Getting a playmate for this breed could be important for caregivers to ensure they are getting the social activity they demand.

Are Maine Coons Intelligent?

Maine coon cats are brilliant. They are quick to fit into any loving household and easily trainable. They can interact with humans as well – in their own ways, of course. Maine coons enjoy entertaining an audience. You can train them to perform various tricks when guests arrive, and they will gladly oblige.

Siamese Cat Intelligence

Siamese cats are a curious breed. They enjoy new discoveries – from scent to site; everything excites them just as easily. Siamese cats are particularly good at communication. They will let you know about their likes and dislikes. Your cat will also be able to sense your mood. Siamese cats are very responsive to training as well.

Maine Coon Life Expectancy vs. Siamese Cat Life Expectancy

Maine Coon and Siamese Cat Life Expectancy

Maine Coons have an average life expectancy of 13 years. It may be even longer depending on the nature of their upbringing, diet, and health. Maine Coon cats are usually a healthy breed.

As for Siamese cats, they have been gifted with longevity. A Siamese can have a life expectancy of up to 12 to 15 years, given that they have no health complications. 

So, when you look at both cat breeds, the Siamese cat lifespan would generally be considered to be longer than the Maine Coon lifespan.

Enriching Your Maine Coon and Siamese Cat’s Life

Video About Enriching Cats’ Lives

Now you may be wondering how you can enrich your cat’s life. There are many ways you can make your cat’s life better. Providing for your cat’s emotional well-being is equally as important.

Affection: Cats live a longer life in a caring environment, following a healthy lifestyle. Get your cats self-play toys to encourage movement. Cats particularly enjoy toys that can be chased after or pounced on. If you want to get exceptionally creative, you can prepare DIY toys with cardboard or paper. Door mounted toys are also a good idea if you do not have a ton of time to play with your feline.

Going Outside: Take your cat outside. Don’t let them roam about by themselves, as they might get lost. Instead, use cat backpack, cat stroller, or a cat harness to walk them. Cats need fresh air every once in a while. But unleashing them outdoors on their own may not be a good idea due to the dangers and since they tend to hide in small spaces.

If you want to learn more about cat harnesses and leashes, and if they are cruel to use, check out our article:  Click Here.

Both Maine Coon Cats and Siamese Cats may benefit from being trained to walk on a leash, and both breeds can be easy to train.

  • The cat stroller on Amazon I recommend for Maine Coons because I like that it is extremely large (affiliate link): Click Here
  • The cat stroller on Amazon I recommend for Siamese Cats because it is robust and versatile (affiliate link): Click Here

Cat tree/ Condo: Cat condos and cat trees provide great satisfaction for your feline friends, allowing them to express themselves without damage to your precious furniture.

Siamese cats can maintain healthy claws employing scratching post functionality. Maine Coon cats are excellent climbers, so these would provide good entertainment and moderate exercise for such a breed.

I have found the scratch posts on my cat’s cat condo to be a place for her to scratch instead of scratching on the sofa.  To ensure she used the scratching posts on the cat condo (recommended below), I sprayed some catnip spray on them to smell it and know that it is her area.

  • The cat condo / cat tree on Amazon I recommend for Maine Coons which is very big (affiliate link):  Click Here
  • The cat condo / cat tree on Amazon that I recommend for Siamese Cats because it has excellent platforms for watching everyone, and my cat loves it (affiliate link): Click Here

Using Cat Grass: This dietary substitute is created with grasses derived from barley, oats, rye, or wheat and is designed for household pets. It can be beneficial for overall health, helps the digestive tract, and acts as a nice snack for cats.

You may want to discuss the suitability of cat grass with your veterinarian beforehand. But cats often have appetites larger than their bodies, so this may be a good option for them.

We talk more about cat grass and the benefits in our article on the subject:  Click Here.

Maine Coon Health Problems vs. Siamese Cat Health Problems

Maine Coon Health Problems

We understand that it can be very upsetting when your pet gets sick. It is always better to know what kind of diseases your cat may be prone to.

Maine Coons are generally a healthy breed. However, the breed is prone to some unique diseases due to their large build. Hip dysplasia is one of them. Male Maine Coons are at a larger risk of the disease as they tend to be more prominent in size. The condition may result in arthritis, and in sporadic cases, even paralysis.

Maine Coon owners should watch out for some conditions:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): thickening in the walls of the heart. This can cause other cardiovascular issues down the line. Your breeder or veterinarian can screen your cat for this condition. 
  • Feline hip dysplasia: a condition where your cat’s hips have not formed correctly, leading to arthritis and joint pain – probably painful for your feline friend. This condition is mostly because Maine Coons are so robust, so there probably is not much you can do to stop it. Contact your veterinarian so that they can help you treat it.
  • Polycystic kidney disease:  a condition dealing with cysts that can lead to problems with kidney function.

Siamese Cat Health Problems

Siamese Cat

Several health issues are linked to Siamese cats.

  • Mediastinal Lymphoma: Siamese cats are prone to a type of cancer called mediastinal lymphoma – fluid accumulates on and around their lungs and causes breathing issues and coughing. They are also predisposed to intestinal tumors, which may grow into cancers later in their life.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Their beautiful eyes are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, a genetic disease that causes progressive blindness.
  • Hip Dysplasia: Siamese cats can develop walking difficulty as they grow older due to hip dysplasia.
  • Systemic Amyloidosis: Another disease that your Siamese may be prone to is systemic amyloidosis. It causes abnormal protein deposition in various organs, including the kidney and liver. The condition may result in organ failure if it goes untreated.

Maine Coon Cost vs Siamese Cat Cost

Maine Coon Cost

According to three Maine Coon cattery websites that I found, the costs for Maine Coon kittens for sale ranged from $1500 to over $2500.  There could be additional costs for the delivery of the cat. 

Loving Lynx Maine Coons

At Loving Lynx Maine Coons, you should expect Maine Coon kitten prices to be different based on kitten quality.  Their prices can change up until you sign a contract with them.  Their website states that their Maine Coon kittens start at $2500, and the price can rise from there.  You might think that is expensive, but the truth is that if you find Maine Coon kittens for sale that are cheap, there is definitely a likelihood that it is a scam.

At Loving Lynx, you should expect to receive the following as part of the purchase of one of their Maine Coon kittens:

  • Documentation
    • Sales Contract
    • Health Warranty
      • Testing for HCM, SMA, PKD
      • Parasite Prevention
    • TICA Registration Paperwork
    • Vaccination Record
  • Actions
    • Examination by a Licensed Veterinarian
    • Spay or Neutered
    • Cat Microchip
    • Travel Carrier

Wildcat Creek Cattery

At Wildcat Creek Cattery, the Maine Coon kittens for sale usually cost between $1500-$2500, and you should also expect increased cost if you are having the Maine Coon kitten delivered.  Their deposits are $500 payable through a variety of methods (credit, debit, PayPal). 

This breeder will deliver Maine Coon kittens by automobile, but they will only travel up to 400 miles round trip (at the cost of $1/mile).  If you are further away, you may want to fly into the closest airport and pick up your Maine Coon kitten.  This option would cost you $145 for the cattery’s time and effort and the cat carrier. 

Riggs Maine Coon Cattery

Riggs Maine Coon Cattery will charge you between $1400-$2200 for a Maine Coon cat for sale.  You should expect to put down $400 on the deposit with them.  They do have a waiting list you can be on that does not require a deposit until Maine Coon kittens are available.   This is probably a good idea if you are serious about getting a Maine Coon with them.

This cattery also has multiple delivery options available.  They can drive the cat to you, at $.40/mile, but also only at 400 miles round trip.  They can also fly the Maine Coon kitten to you.  This option would likely run between $500-$800 (this option is actually a great value because in the cost breakdown on the site, it does not look like the person traveling is charging any cost for their time).

Finally, they will also meet you at the closest airport if you choose to fly in to meet them instead to pick up your new Maine Coon cat.

Siamese Cat Cost

I was able to find some websites for Siamese breeders and looked up the Siamese price information.  The cost ranged from $600 to $1500 for Siamese kittens for sale.  It is essential that when purchasing a Siamese kitten that you do so from an ethical breeder.  If your gut tells you that what you are paying is too low, it is probably a scam.

Responsible breeding of Siamese cats has a monetary cost.  This is because there are costs associated with the following:

  • Breeding cats that have paperwork registering them
  • Premium cat food
  • Supplements
  • Litter
  • Scratching posts
  • Registration costs
  • Website management
  • Time spent with the cats
  • Veterinary visits

Black & Tan Siamese Cattery

Black & Tan Cattery charges a range of $600-$1500 for Siamese kittens for sale.  They consider their operating expenses when pricing their Siamese cats, which is probably a good business strategy to ensure they are able to continue breeding quality Siamese cats into the future. 

You should expect your Siamese kitten to be seen by a veterinarian before purchase and the health to be guaranteed.  The Siamese cats will receive age-appropriate vaccines, but you should expect to continue this process after you take ownership as the Siamese cat owner.

Rosebud’s Siamese Cattery

Rosebud’s Siamese Cattery charges $800 for Siamese kittens for sale.  You should expect to pay a non-refundable $300 deposit to have them hold a Siamese kitten for you.  If you use PayPal, you should expect the fees to total $310 for deposit and $515 for the rest of the Siamese cat cost. 

Rosebud’s Siamese Cattery used to ship cats but does not ship them any longer.  They do offer a reduced $100 price if you buy more than one Siamese kitten (or if you are a repeat customer). 

Maine Coon Cat Breeders vs Siamese Cat Breeders

Maine Coon Breeders

Maine Coon breeders take enormous pride in maintaining essential standards when they breed their Maine Coon cats.  Additionally, they usually take extra care in raising these cats that are sometimes unique to their cattery. 

Wildcat Creek Cattery

Wildcat Creek Cattery is located in Kokomo, Indiana, USA which is an hour away from Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.  They are north of Indianapolis so that puts them less than three hours south of Chicago, Illinois.

Wildcat Creek Cattery was created in 2017 and from the photos appears to sit out in the countryside.  I can tell that they have taken some real thought into their Maine Coon kitten operation because they have a building they call the Maine Coon Manor on the site.  

Maine Coon Manor is their cattery, which is 728 square feet entirely devoted to Maine Coons and is both heated and cooled for the cats. They also socialize their cats with children, dogs, and different situations or environments.

Riggs Maine Coon Cattery

Riggs Maine Coon Cattery is located in Northern Indiana, USA – it appears their closest airport is Fort Wayne (FWA). They raise their Maine Coon kittens in their home just like you would keep an everyday house pet.  This helps to keep them having good manners and interactive with guests when they come over. 

Additionally, they have a cat room for the Maine Coon cats and Maine Coon kittens where they can spend time.

Riggs Maine Coon Cattery states that they breed Maine Coon kittens that have champion lines, sweet personalities, are registered through The International Cat Association (TICA), and are tested for health conditions such as HCM, PKD, SMA, Blood-brain barrier (BBB) Dysfunction. 

Loving Lynx Maine Coons

Loving Lynx Maine Coons is located near Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.  The vision of Loving Lynx Maine Coons is to have wild looking cats that resemble the lynx, with great personalities and quality health. 

Loving Lynx Maine Coons is registered by both TICA and CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association). 

Loving Lynx Maine Coons’ cats go through an impressive amount of testing, including testing for over 20 traits (such as coat colors and coat types) and testing for 40 genetic diseases.

Loving Lynx Maine Coons provides lifetime breeder support and are big on communication and relationships, even after a customer takes their Maine Coon kitten home.  Their cats are raised as members of their family. 

Siamese Breeders

Siamese cats are one of the most iconic cat breeds that usually comes to anyone’s mind when they think about felines.  So, it is essential that if you are breeding them that you keep to the essential standards set forth by organizations like TICA and CFA.

Black & Tan Cattery

Black & Tan Siamese Cattery is registered with CFA.  This means they keep to their standards when breeding pedigreed Siamese kittens.  Additionally, Black & Tan cattery is the owner’s hobby, and they run this cattery because they enjoy it, not because they wanted a business.

Black & Tan Cattery ensures their Siamese kittens for sale are healthy, have a good temperament, and are highly socialized.  They have a mission to improve the breed for posterity, which is very noble when you think about it.

Black & Tan feeds their Siamese cats premium cat foods from Royal Canin.  This is what their breeding cats eat, and then when the kittens get old enough, they also feed them Royal Canin options as well.

Rosebud’s Siamese Cattery

Rosebud’s Siamese Cattery is a small in-home cattery that is dedicated to breeding traditional Apple Head and Classic Siamese cats.  These Siamese kittens are well socialized as they state that they are all raised by hand.

Rosebud’s Siamese Cattery ensures their cats have plenty of quality enrichment through premium cat food, cat condos, cat toys, etc.  They feed their Siamese cats Kitten and Adult Purina Pro Plan. 

Rosebud’s Siamese cats are purebred from registered lines that are CFA, Cat Fanciers Federation (CFF), and American Cat Association (ACA) registered.

Maine Coon Sounds vs Siamese Sounds

Maine Coon Sounds

People wonder about Maine Coon sounds – are they loud? What kind of noises do they make?  You might hear all sorts of Maine Coon talking like meows, chirping, yowling, etc.  Here is a video of some Maine Coon noises for reference.

Video: Maine Coon Sounds

Siamese Cat Sounds

You are going to hear the well-known sounds from a Siamese cat.  Siamese cats are known to be especially talkative!  To prove this, see the below video of a Siamese meow.  

Video: Siamese Cat Sounds

Maine Coon Origin vs Siamese Origin

Maine Coon Origin

Maine Coon history is interesting and has much folklore.  The biggest theories about the Maine Coon cat origins are the following:

  1. Marie Antoinette’s Cats – this theory is that the Queen of France’s cats (possible Turkish Angora or Siberian felines) were loaded onto a ship in France and were sent to Maine, USA.  We know from history that Marie Antoinette was not able to escape France.  Once the cats arrived in Maine, USA, they eventually became the Maine Coon.  This is a cool story, but it is highly likely not true.
  2. Raccoon/Cat Cross – this theory states that the Maine Coon is the result of a cat crossbreeding with a raccoon.  That makes a lot of sense since the name of the cat is the Maine Coon; however, this theory is almost certainly not true.

The Maine Coon’s exact origins are unfortunately unknown.  There is speculation that this cat breed could be related to other breeds that look somewhat like this cat, such as the Siberian or the Norwegian Forest Cat. 

The Siberian cat and the Norwegian Forest cat are two robust cats that come from colder, rougher environments, so this is probably a natural hypothesis about where the Maine Coon cat originates.

The earliest references to the Maine Coon were in 1861, and the cat started getting mentioned in history after that point.

Siamese Cat Origin

Siamese cats are thought to have been initially exported from Siam (Thailand) in the 1800s.  These felines are known to be an ancient breed of cat that is obviously recognized anywhere now.  Siamese cats have been temple cats in Siam that were gifted to an American President in 1878.  

A breeding pair of Siamese cats are thought to have traveled to the United Kingdom in 1884.  After this, the Siamese cat breed started appearing in more places worldwide, especially Europe and Asia.  The Cat Fanciers Association officially recognized the Siamese cat breed in 1906.

Summary

Breaking this comparison down in a way too basic way – Maine Coons are known for their intelligence and large build while the Siamese Cat is known for its intelligence and affectionate nature.

Personally, I think the Maine Coon comes out on top.  I really like the Siamese cat and think that these cats have a lot to offer potential owners.  However, I think the Maine Coon cat edges out the Siamese in what is obviously a close matchup.

If you enjoyed this head-to-head comparison, check out a couple of others, such as:

  • Burmese vs American Shorthair (The Great Analysis We Need): Click Here.
  • Exotic Shorthair vs Scottish Fold (Compare The Best Cats!): Click Here.

Christopher Carlson

I have an Domestic Shorthair Tabby named Charlotte. She is full of energy when she isn't sleeping most of the day. I share what I learn about cats on this site.

Recent Posts