Breeds
Siberian Cat vs Maine Coon: Big Forest Cats Compared
The Siberian and the Maine Coon are both large, sturdy, long-haired cats bred for harsh winters, and both are friendly with families. The Maine Coon is longer and usually the bigger of the two, a chirping gentle giant; the Siberian is rounder and very agile, with a dense triple coat and a reputation for lower levels of the Fel d 1 allergen. VCA lists both at up to 20 pounds, and some Siberian males reach 25. Neither breed is truly hypoallergenic.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read4 sources
Side by side
Size: VCA lists Maine Coons at 8 to 20 pounds, with bodies up to 40 inches long, and Siberians at 12 to 20 pounds, noting some fit males reach 25. The CFA puts mature Siberian males at 12 to 18 pounds and females at 8 to 12. Lifespan: VCA gives 12 to 15 years for both. Maturity: up to 4 years for the Maine Coon and up to 5 for the Siberian, per VCA. Coat: Maine Coons have a shaggy, weatherproof coat; Siberians a dense triple coat.
Grooming: VCA rates both 3 to 4 out of 5 and suggests weekly brushing or combing, with daily brushing for Siberians in spring and fall. Temperament: both mellow and friendly; VCA rates Maine Coons 5 out of 5 with children and dogs, and Siberians 4. Activity: Siberians are skilled jumpers that love high perches. Voice: Maine Coons chirp; Siberians prefer purring. Best for: families wanting a big, sociable cat.
Origins
The Maine Coon is an all-American breed from New England, prized by farmers as a mouser, and the CFA calls it the largest of all pedigreed cats. It is the official state cat of Maine. Its heavy coat and tufted paws are built for snowy northeastern winters.
The Siberian is Russia's national cat, VCA says, with a history going back at least 1,000 years as a native forest cat. Siberians first reached the United States in 1990, entered the CFA's miscellaneous class in 2000 and gained championship status in 2006. The CFA describes it as a cat designed by nature to survive, with no extremes in type.
Looks and coat
VCA describes the Maine Coon's large, rectangular frame, barrel chest, tufted ears, full mane and long, bushy tail, with a large, square head. The Siberian is built along rounder lines: the CFA's standard gives a general impression of roundness and circles, with a rounded head and muzzle, and VCA notes big tufted paws, lynx-tipped ears and a full ruff.
The coats differ too. VCA calls the Siberian's a dense triple coat designed for cold climates, noticeably thicker in winter and lighter in summer, per the CFA. The Maine Coon's shaggy coat mats less easily than many longhaired breeds. Both shed, and VCA rates the Maine Coon 4 out of 5 for shedding and the Siberian 4 as well.
Temperament
VCA calls the Maine Coon super mellow and affectionate with people, cats and dogs, an ideal cat for a busy household that chirps, trills and head-butts to show affection and often loves water. Siberians are described by VCA as extremely attentive, intelligent problem solvers that learn to open cabinets and doors, gentle with children, adaptable with other pets and comfortable with houseguests.
Both are confident and comical. The Siberian loves an audience and perching on high shelves or door tops, while the CFA notes it tends to prefer loud purrs to other forms of feline talk. If you want a cat that joins in, either fits; give a Siberian plenty of vertical space and puzzle toys.
Allergies and health
VCA notes the Siberian's naturally low levels of the Fel d 1 protein may suit some people allergic to cats, who do not tend to have severe reactions. That is not a guarantee: no cat breed is allergen-free, and individual cats vary, so spend time with the specific cat before committing. The Maine Coon carries no such claim.
The CFA notes Siberian breeders screen for inherited conditions including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart disease, and polycystic kidney disease. Ask any breeder of either breed for heart screening results, keep up yearly vet checkups, and measure meals, since VCA advises against free feeding Maine Coons to prevent weight gain.
Which to choose
Choose a Maine Coon if you want the biggest, longest gentle giant, a chirpy, dog-friendly family cat that is easy to live with in a busy home. Choose a Siberian if you want a powerful, agile, playful cat that loves to climb and solve problems, and especially if mild cat allergies are a factor and you have tested your reaction first.
Both need a sturdy, tall cat tree with a wide base, a large litter box and a carrier sized for a big adult. Both grow slowly for years, so a two-year-old may still be filling out. Meet the kittens and parents, and ask about temperament and health testing.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Which is bigger, a Siberian or a Maine Coon?
Usually the Maine Coon, which the CFA calls the largest pedigreed breed, with bodies up to 40 inches long. VCA lists both at up to 20 pounds, and notes some Siberian males reach 25 pounds.
Are Siberian cats hypoallergenic?
Not completely. VCA says Siberians have naturally low levels of the Fel d 1 protein, so some allergic people react less. No cat is allergen-free, so spend time with the cat before adopting.
Which is friendlier, a Maine Coon or a Siberian?
Both are very friendly. VCA rates the Maine Coon 5 out of 5 with children and dogs, and describes Siberians as gentle with children and adaptable with other pets and houseguests.
Do Maine Coons or Siberians shed more?
Both shed, and VCA rates each 4 out of 5. Siberians shed heavily in spring and fall, when VCA advises daily brushing. Weekly combing is enough for most of the year.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.