American Shorthair vs Maine Coon (The Best Beautiful Cats)


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The American Shorthair cat and the Maine Coon cat both represent North America.  The American Shorthair is known for its historical hunting prowess and beautiful fur coat while the Maine Coon is known for its large size and stoic features.  So, when considering the American Shorthair vs Maine Coon, which cat breed is the best?

When considering American Shorthair vs Maine Coon, the Maine Coon cat wins this comparison.  While both cat breeds are wonderful, the Maine Coon cat is highly intelligent, quite dog friendly, extremely affectionate, and bonds with humans.

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 American Shorthair Cats:

For Maine Coon Cats:

Stick around to find out which cat breed is the best!

American Shorthair Appearance vs Maine Coon Appearance

What Does an American Shorthair Look Like?

American Shorthair

The American Shorthair cat has a short, thick, dense coat and numerous colors, patterns, and shades.

The eyes can be blue, hazel, copper, gold, green, or odd-eyed. It has a medium-size build, with the female weighing 8-12 pounds on average and the male weighing over 12 pounds.

The American Shorthair is strongly boned with a broad chest and strong jaws. Its legs are thick and robust, and it has a round face with short, well-spaced ears. The ear tips are rounded.

American Shorthair Colors

The American Shorthair can be found in these colors:

  • White
  • Black
  • Blue
  • Red
  • Cream
  • Blue Cream
  • Chinchilla
  • Tortoiseshell
  • Came
  • Brown
  • Golden
  • Silver

The patterns can be found in Tabby, Bicolor, Tortoiseshell, Solid color, Tricolor, and Shaded.

What Does a Maine Coon Look Like?

Maine Coon

Maine Coons can come in a wide range of color combinations. They also come in pointed patterns and two tabby patterns: classic and mackerel. Maine Coon cats’ 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, catteries have been known to be producing more solid colored Maine Coons in grey, white, and black.

You can identify a Maine Coon for their quite big 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.

American Shorthair Hypoallergenic vs Maine Coon Hypoallergenic

Are American Shorthair Cats Hypoallergenic?

American Shorthair cats are not hypoallergenic. You should expect that this cat breed will affect your cat allergies if you have them.

Do American Shorthair Cats Shed?

American Shorthair

American Shorthair cats usually shed moderately.  These cats have short but dense hair, and you should expect them to shed moderately throughout the entire year.  This means that you will want to be ready for the shedding hair if you plan to own an American Shorthair cat. 

Maintaining an American Shorthair’s Fur Coat

The American Shorthair cat’s fur is dense and relatively easy to maintain. All it needs is to be brushed once or twice a week to eliminate any loose fur.

It is unnecessary to bathe this feline breed too often, although sometimes bathing a cat will help control shedding fur. Ideally, you should get the cat used to the bath from a young age to become comfortable with the process of taking baths and getting wet.

Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic?

There are no hypoallergenic cat breeds, 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. This means your cat will lick their fur when they clean themselves, and then when you encounter that fur, you will likely get your allergies triggered. 

Maine Coons are not hypoallergenic. They may trigger your allergy when you come near one.

Do Maine Coons Shed?

Video: Maine Coon Shedding

Maine Coons are well-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 are outdoor cats will likely shed most of their fur before the summer heat arrives to get rid of a hefty Winter fur coat.

It should be noted that a Maine Coon that is kept as an indoor cat 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 (and other cat breeds) in our article about many cat breeds that shed a lot:  Click Here.

Maintaining a Maine Coon’s Fur Coat

Maine Coons have long and dense fur that will usually shed. 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 because stiff bristles can scratch and hurt your cat’s skin.

Your Maine Coon will groom itself often. But bathing your Maine Coon 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 Maine Coon cats even enjoy the water.

It’s best to make sure that your cat gets used to bathing young, even 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 just bathing your cat if your cat is dirty or needs it!

American Shorthair Personality vs Maine Coon Personality

American Shorthair Personality

Video: American Shorthair Personality

The American Shorthair is easy going and gets along with people. It doesn’t crave too much attention, although they do enjoy some attention from time to time.  

The American Shorthair cat is on the quiet side with its meows. It is easy to keep this breed amused; whether it is with a feather toy or a laser pointer, it will be playful.

American Shorthair Left Alone

The American Shorthair cat is comfortable being left alone, and it is a good candidate to be nice to cat sitters also.  Since they are comfortable being left alone, this makes them an excellent option for single people who might spend a decent amount of their day away from the house.

A big concern of people that leave their cats alone with regularity is if their cat will remember them.  We talk more about if cats will remember their owners in our article:  Click Here.

Maine Coon Personality

Maine Coon cats are gregarious and gentle. They enjoy having your attention, but only if they’re in the mood. Once they run out of energy, they will sit in the corner, and get some alone time to recharge. Maine Coons are known to enjoy playing in water.  This could even mean you could see them splashing around in it!

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

There are some anecdotes online 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 occasionally – which means I bet this is true, and Maine Coons probably do this more often.  

Maine Coons can be very protective and closely keep an eye on their territory. You might find them keeping a good eye on your guests.  They might also want to participate in all the activities that go on at home. If you find that your Maine Coon cat is always around when you’re doing something, that is just their personality.

American Shorthair Intelligence

The American Shorthair is not known to be especially smart. There seems to be some debate about how intelligent this cat breed is; however, it looks like this cat is one of the less intelligent breeds from my point of view.  Some people feel this way due to the American Shorthair being easy-going (and then misinterpret that as being dumb).

We mention the American Shorthair and other cat breeds with lower intelligence in our article on the subject:  Click Here.

The American Shorthair loves being challenged with new games. Give them new puzzles or introduce them to interactive toys, and it will significantly enjoy itself!

The American Shorthair enjoys showcasing its hunting skills. This is no surprise since initially, it was bred for keeping away vermin and rodents from food stores!

We actually talk more about whether cats truly do love to hunt in our article:  Click Here.

Are Maine Coon Cats Smart?

Maine coon cats are highly intelligent. They are fast to fit into any loving home and easily trainable. They can interact with humans as well – in their own Maine Coon ways, of course. Maine Coons enjoy being the life of the party. Some people can train them to perform various tricks, and I’m sure your houseguests will appreciate them!

American Shorthair Lifespan vs Maine Coon Lifespan

The American Shorthair usually lives longer than a Maine Coon.  They are both regarded as healthy cat breeds.

American Shorthair Lifespan

The normal American Shorthair Lifespan is 15 to 20 years. This is a pretty healthy lifespan, and you should have many quality years with your American Shorthair.

Maine Coon Cat Lifespan

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.

Enriching Your American Shorthair and Maine Coon Cat’s Life

Owning an American Shorthair cat or Maine Coon cat is not enough.  As a good feline owner, you will likely want your cat to live their best life possible.  I know I want my cat, Charlotte, to be happy!

Let’s explore some ways to enrich your cat’s life:

Affection for Your Cat

Being affectionate and giving your feline friend a little more affection is crucial to the bond between humans and cat. A loved cat is usually a content cat (and probably purring!). Cats might not show their love back like some other animals, but it certainly doesn’t mean they don’t need that love. If you are a dog person, you will discover that felines express themselves differently.

Cats can benefit from your love and affection so much. If you choose to ignore your kitten, your cat may be less happy.  Most people don’t even consider this aspect of life at all. But the simplest form of affection might make your cat a happier feline!

Outdoors for Your Cat

It is NOT recommended for house cats to explore outside by themselves freely; however, there are plenty of ways to take your cat outdoors with you. If your cat is curious about the outside world, you might want to take them outside with a harness and a leash.

It’s essential to find a harness that fits your pet snugly and makes sure that they feel comfortable wearing it before they venture outside. We take a closer look at cat harnesses and if they are safe in our article:  Click Here.

If your feline is more of the observer type, then a unique cat backpack or cat stroller might be more their speed. Don’t be fooled, though; these forms of going outdoors can be just as awesome as walking on a leash. Your cat gets to enjoy new scenery, new smells, and fresh air.

For more information on whether your cat might like a cat stroller, take a look at our article on the subject:  Click Here.

Cat Condos, Cat Trees, and Cat Relaxation

Cat condos or cat trees are a must for felines because they tend to live in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. Having a high spot to hang out in helps with your cat’s sense of security; they have the high ground, after all.

A cat condo is also a good spot for viewing the home’s indoor world, especially if the cat condo has integrated toys or scratching posts. Make sure that your cat tree has areas that are big and sturdy enough to hold your cat.

Our article on if cats really do like cat condos / cat trees:  Click Here.

My cat, Charlotte, uses her cat condo multiple times a day.  I frequently find her perched on the top platform, in the cat house, or scratching on the scratch posts – which is exactly where I want her to scratch her claws (not my furniture!).

I recommend this cat condo / cat tree for both the Maine Coon cat and the American Shorthair cat (see links below).

Catios are Terrific

If you have access to a backyard, you might want to buy a cat enclosure (Catio).  Here are some key considerations when looking for (and using) a good Catio:

  1. This space should have a strong cover, and the wire should be partially buried to prevent predator attacks.
  2. Your cat should never be out in extreme weather conditions, and you should be nearby to watch them.
  3. The space should include a variety of toys and perches. If you look to purchase a Catio, you will often see places for a cat to perch or lay.
  4. Make sure it is easy for you to keep clean.
  5. Make sure your feline always has access to fresh water. Lots of people underestimate how much water a cat needs to drink.  If you take your cat outside, bring water.

Cats Like Cat Grass

This dietary substitute is created with grass derived from barley, oats, rye, or wheat, and it’s specifically designed for household pets. It can be beneficial for overall health, helps the digestive system, and acts as a delectable snack for cats.

The American Shorthair has specific nutrition requirements, and it’s always best to ensure suitability with your veterinarian beforehand. But, they have appetites larger than their petite 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.

American Shorthair Health Problems vs Maine Coon Health Problems

Let’s talk about the different health issues that the American Shorthair and Maine Coon generally have to face. This is a vital topic since a cat owner will want to know about and be prepared for their Maine Coon cat or American Shorthair cat’s future health prospects.

American Shorthair Health Problems

The American Shorthair is usually healthy; however, it may be susceptible to some diseases. You have to watch its weight carefully as it may get overweight and catch diseases such as diabetes and arthritis as a result.

You will want to watch for these health issues associated with the American Shorthair:

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that may result in an American Shorthair becoming less mobile, and as a result, you could see your American Shorthair lose weight.  You will want to consult a veterinarian if you suspect your feline has hip dysplasia.
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM):  This is a common heart disease found in felines that is hereditary.  A veterinary cardiologist would be a vital expert to consult in determining if your cat has HCM.

Maine Coon Health Problems

It can be a terrible day if you find out your cat is 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.

American Shorthair Price vs Maine Coon Price

The prices for these two feline breeds can get quite high.  If you are looking for a high-quality Maine Coon kitten for sale or a high-quality American Shorthair kitten for sale, you will highly likely be paying over a thousand dollars.

American Shorthair Price

I did some research and found data on the prices for American Shorthair kittens for sale.  There are quite a few American Shorthair cattery websites online, and I looked over 7 of them, trying to find their cost information for American Shorthair cats; however, not all of them had cat price information on their websites.

It appears the range of pricing for American Shorthair kittens for sale is $500-$5000, with the sweet spot around $1000. 

Silver Shorthairs

At Silver Shorthairs, you can expect to spend $1250 on pet quality American Shorthair kittens.  Breeder American Shorthair kittens will run you $1800.

Deposits at Silver Shorthairs are pretty low at $50.  This deposit is refundable up until you purchase your American Shorthair cat for sale.

Silver Shorthairs will transport kittens to their new owner.  They state the usual rate for transport is about $200 but can range depending on the airline used.  They may utilize a VIP transport option if that is necessary.  Your cat will arrive in an airline-approved carrier that you are welcome to ship back to them for a $30 refund.

Silver Shorthairs accepts different payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and checks.

Cacao Cattery

Cacao Cattery generally charges between $600-$1000 per American Shorthair kitten for sale.  If you are looking for a breeder and show cat, you can expect those prices to start at $1200 and higher.  So, you will want to do some research on the type of American Shorthair cat you are looking for.

Kelloggs Cattery

At Kelloggs Cattery, you can expect to pay around $1000 for pet quality American Shorthair kittens for sale.  They sell show quality American Shorthair kittens starting at $1500.  If you decide to buy two American Shorthair kittens, you can expect to receive a nice discount of $100.

Deposits will run you $100 for your American Shorthair kitten.  You should not expect a guarantee of receiving a cat if you do not give them a deposit. So, you will want to make that deposit.

At Kelloggs Cattery, you can expect to receive the following things with the purchase of your American Shorthair kitten:

Fenton Farm

Fenton Farm will charge you the following costs for American Shorthair kittens (and cats) for sale:

SexQualityPrice
Male KittenPet or Breeder$500-$1000
Female KittenPet or Breeder$500-$1500
Male KittenShow Potential Quality$1000-$3000
Female KittenShow Potential Quality$1500-$3000
Male or Female Young AdultPet or Retired Breeder$400
American Shorthair Costs

At Fenton Farm, you can expect to receive the following with your purchase of an American Shorthair cat:

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 a likelihood that it is a scam, so you should beware.

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 cattery will deliver Maine Coon kittens by car, 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 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 a serious buyer for a Maine Coon cat with them.

This cattery also has multiple delivery options available.  They can drive the cat to you at $.40/mile and 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.

American Shorthair Cat Breeders vs Maine Coon Cat Breeders

I found quite a bit of information on both Maine Coon cat breeders and American Shorthair breeders when conducting research.  See below!

American Shorthair Breeders

American Shorthair breeders take pride in maintaining important breeding standards for their felines.  This is essential because you will want a healthy and ethically raised feline.

Silver Shorthairs

Silver Shorthairs is in Walla Walla, Washington, USA.  Brent and Thyra received their first American Shorthair in 2004 and fell in love with this awesome cat breed. They acquired a male American Shorthair cat and started breeding and raising these beautiful cats. Their original cattery was Talariah Cattery, which was started in an agricultural area inside Washington State wine country.

They were able to merge operations with another cattery, Silver Shorthairs.  This cattery has some great information on their website about what to expect on arrival day for your new American Shorthair cat. 

Cacao Cattery

Cacao Cattery originated in 1971 and appeared to be located in the Dallas / Fort Worth metropolitan area of Texas, USA.

Cacao Cattery not only breeds American Shorthair cats but also breeds American Wirehairs and has a Persian and Himalayan cat breeding program.  This cattery has quite impressive accomplishments, becoming a cattery of distinction through Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).    They have produced over 200 CFA Grand Champions and Grand Premier cats.

This cattery desires to improve the feline breeds they work with and want all their cats to go to loving homes.  This cattery will even try to place their retired adults in quality homes as well.

The American Shorthair breeding program at Cacao Cattery started in 2003.  These American Shorthairs were Silver Tabbies.  The American Wirehair cat program was started at Cacao Cattery in 2010.  Due to the smaller gene pool of the American Wirehair cat, Cacao Cattery is able to breed them (outcross them) to pedigreed American Shorthair cats to widen the genetic footprint.

Kelloggs Cattery

Kelloggs Cattery is in Maple Valley, Washington, USA.  The operation is managed by Heinrich and Carly Kellogg and sits on 5.5 acres of ground.

Kelloggs Cattery has a passion for cats since they are such beautiful creatures.  This cattery was a Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) Breed Council Member in 2010.  This is prestigious because it means they were acknowledged as advisors on breed standards to the Executive Board of the CFA.

Fenton Farm

Fenton Farm is in Warrenton, VA, USA.  Fenton Farm has a long history of working with animals since they started as a thoroughbred horse farm with two catteries.

You can tell Fenton Farm adores their American Shorthair cats. They specifically call out the characteristics they love about this cat, such as their hunting instincts, health, and intelligence.

Fenton Farm raises their American Shorthair kittens for sale in bedrooms inside their house so that they get familiarization with the sounds and activities of home life.  Their cattery is climate controlled (A/C and heat) and is disinfected continuously to keep high standards of cleanliness.

Maine Coon Breeders

Maine Coon breeders take enormous pride in maintaining essential standards when they breed their Maine Coon cats.  Additionally, these cats are large and have big fur coats, so there is obviously a ton of care given to these felines. 

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. 

American Shorthair Adoption vs Maine Coon Cat Adoption

American Shorthair Cat Adoption

Adopting an American Shorthair cat or kitten is a great way to give an American Shorthair cat a loving home.  It looks like the two best websites to review if you are looking to adopt an American Shorthair cat are Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue (SPCR) and Rescue Me!

Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue

This group has been working to find exceptional homes for abandoned or surrendered purebred cats for 21 years!  That is an incredibly long time to be doing this.  Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue (SPCR) allows you to search for available purebred cats on their website. 

SPCR states that the approximate adoption fee for a purebred mix cat (if you don’t mind if your cat is mixed) is $75-$175.  The adoption cost for purebred cats is $100-$400.  The adoption cost for rare breed purebred cats is $250-$600.

These adoption fees include:

  • Spay or Neuter
  • Feline Leukemia/FIV Testing
  • Distemper Vaccination
  • Microchipping
  • Deworming
  • A Flea Free Feline
  • Grooming
  • Temperament Testing
  • Dental Cleanings
  • Blood Panels for Older Cats (If Necessary)

Rescue Me!

Rescue Me is an animal rescue network that looks for loving homes for many feline breeds, including American Shorthairs.  One of the nice things about the American Shorthair Rescue through Rescue Me is that they show you a map of the United States of America and the available American Shorthair cats in each state (which makes it easy to visualize where the cats are).  

There appear to be a lot of American Shorthair feline friends currently available.

Maine Coon Cat Adoption

Only Maine Coons Rescue

Only Maine Coons Rescue is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit.  I like that they are 100% volunteer-run and that their cats are fostered in homes.  Currently, OMCR supports Maine Coon adoptions in these states:

  • Washington; DC
  • Delaware
  • New Jersey
  • Maryland
  • Parts of New York
  • Virginia
  • Pennsylvania

Prior to adopting a Maine Coon, you should expect to be interviewed and to provide references. You should also expect a home visit.  OMCR loves these cats and obviously wants to make sure they go through loving homes.

OMCR provides the following guidance on adoption costs:

Cat TypeCost
Spayed/Neutered Kittens under 1-year-old$250
Kittens under 1-year-old but not spayed or neutered$200
Adult cats 1 to 7 years old$225
Purebred Cats 12 weeks to 7 years old w/papers$350
Purebred Cats over 8 years old w/papers$225
Senior Cats over 8 years old$100 to $150
Shorthair Cats$150
Maine Coon Adoption Costs

American Shorthair Sounds vs Maine Coon Cat Sounds

American Shorthair Sounds

Video: American Shorthair Sounds

American Shorthair cats are well-known to be less vocal than other cats.  This doesn’t mean they don’t make meow sounds, but you will probably hear them meow less than other felines.

Maine Coon Cat 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

American Shorthair Origin vs Maine Coon Origin

American Shorthair Origin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bedmWQEniOw
Video: American Shorthair Origin & More

The American Shorthair cat is believed to have first originated in Europe and migrated to America along with European settlers to the new world.  The first American Shorthair cats were probably valued as mousers, meaning they likely were fantastic at hunting.

The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognized a feline that was meant to represent the North American working cat breeds in 1906.  This cat was originally named the Domestic Shorthair but is known as the American Shorthair now.  The cat breed was renamed American Shorthair in 1966.

Since then, catteries and breeders have looked to breed high-quality American Shorthair cats by selectively breeding to control today’s American Shorthair cat’s traits.

Maine Coon Origin

Maine Coon history is interesting and has much mystery.  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 our history books 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 cat’s name 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.

Conclusion

When considering American Shorthair vs Maine Coon cats, you should consider a wide range of criteria, such as appearance, personality, cost, health issues, and more.  Personally, I think the Maine Coon cat edges out the American Shorthair in this comparison of spectacular felines!

You will need to decide which cat breed is better for yourself, but whichever one you choose, just make sure that you give them a ton of love and focus on enriching their lives as best you can.  Both of these cat breeds have much to offer their future owners. 

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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.

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