The domestic longhair cat (DLH) and the Maine coon are the two most popular cat breeds. Except for a few minor differences, each of these cat breeds appears to be identical and clones. It is, however, incorrect. When you put the two cats side by side, you’ll notice that they have quite a few physical distinctions. For example, one of the most noticeable changes in hair density and length is the presence of a receding hairline.
Cat Breed: Domestic Longhair
- Adult height average: 11-12 inches
- Adult weight ranges between 8 and 15 pounds.
- Life expectancy: 10 to 17 years
- Exercise: 15-20 minutes of exercise every day
- Requirements for grooming: Moderate
- Friendly to families: Yes
- Other pet-friendly facilities: Yes
- Trainability: Intuitive with their thoughts.
Breeds Of Coon Cats
- Adult height ranges from 10 to 16 inches.
- Adult weight ranges from 10 to 25 pounds.
- Life expectancy: 9 to 15 years
- Exercise: 15-20 minutes every day is recommended.
- Extremely high grooming requirements
- Friendly to families: Yes
- Other pet-friendly facilities: Yes
- Trainability: inquisitive but obstinate.
The Origins Of Maine Coon And Domestic Long Hair Cats
Maine Coon Origins
Maine Coon cats are native to the town of Wiscasset in the state of Maine in the United States. Their ancestors are shrouded in mystery and legend. First, Maine Coons are said to be raccoon-like. According to the second Myth, Maine Coons are descended from Viking ship cats. According to the third tale, Maine Coons are descended from Marie Antoinette’s prized cats.
Domestic Long Hair Origins
Around the middle of the 16th century, they were first documented in Italy. Soldiers returning from the Crusades with long-haired cats are said to have contributed to their presence throughout Europe at the time. It turns out that they made the right decision.
Differences Between The Domestic Longhair Vs. Maine Coon
When it comes to getting a new kitten, one of the first things people think about is its appearance. They’re looking for a lovely kitty. Some folks, however, have more particular requirements, such as a low-shedding cat.
Let’s look at the differences between the Domestic Longhair and the Maine Coon in terms of appearance.
Appearance
Maine coon
Because the Maine Coon is a recognized cat breed, you may expect it to look a certain way. They are huge cats that can reach a weight of 20 pounds when fully grown. Their enormous stature is accentuated by their fur covering. Maine Coons have a long, velvety coat that is thickest towards the tail and at the front. The longer fur on top of their ears reaches into the tufts.
The eyes of these cats are spherical and can be any hue. Their fur color varies as well. Tabby is the most prevalent design; however, it can also be plain, bi-colored, or shaded. The first black and white Maine Coon cat was discovered! Maine Coon coats come in a wide variety of colors, so there’s something for everyone.
Long-haired Cats
Wait until you see the Domestic Long Hair breed if you thought the Maine Coon had much variety. The Domestic Longhair cat has no typical appearance due to its mixed origin. However, they might have very varied appearances depending on their parents. Some of them have the appearance of a Maine Coon.
Their coats are always long and fluffy, and they are usually medium-sized cats. Individual cats of the breed can have different lengths of fur. Their face forms and the color of their fur will differ based on their parents.
Personality
When choosing a cat, appearance is crucial, but personality and temperament are much more so. You want a cat that will fit in with your lifestyle and will be a good fit for your family.
Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats have fairly predictable dispositions as a recognized breed. They are devoted to their owners yet can be distant among outsiders. These cats aren’t known for their loudness or hyperactivity. Maine Coons will be quiet and peaceful in your neighborhood. If they are allowed outside, they like hunting. Even among defined breeds, cats’ personalities can vary slightly. Gender disparities can also be observed. However, the Maine Coon cat is often amiable, cuddly, and laid-back.
Long-haired Cats
Because the Domestic Long Hair cat is a mixed breed, determining a common temperament is more difficult. Mixed breeds have a considerably wider range of personalities. So, until you live with it and watch it grow up, you may not know how your Domestic Long Hair will act. They are moderately active cats who fall somewhere in the middle of the loud cat breeds. However, it is impossible to determine how this cat will turn out without looking at the parent breeds.
Health Issues
Long-haired cat breeds are prone to several difficulties. Other potential health issues that prospective owners should be aware of are listed below:
Maine Coon Health Issues
Some health disorders are more common in some cat breeds than others. Even the Maine Coon cat breed has some health problems that are passed down through the generations. Some of these can be tested for before breeding cats. However, if your Maine Coon develops one of these problems, you must budget for the expenditures of therapy and care.
Here are some of the issues you’ll need to be aware of Maine Coon.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats
- SMA (Spinal Muscle Atrophy)
Health Issues Of Domestic Longhairs
Many individuals prefer mixed breed cats to single-breed cats because of the large amount of genetic variation available instead of a small gene pool. Mixed breed cats, on the other hand, can inherit their parents’ health issues. They’ve already seen how diverse Domestic Longhair cats are, and the same can be said for their health. Your kitten will be susceptible to the same health issues as its parents. Cardiomyopathy and obesity are all potential health issues.
Also Read: Can Maine Coon Cats Have Blue Eyes?
Price
Demand, popularity, and trends all influence kitten prices. They will also differ depending on the breeder you choose. Kittens from a rescue center are almost usually less expensive than kittens from a breeder, so this is an option to explore if you want to save money. However, stay away from pet retailers. As they frequently use profit-driven breeders who will not encourage healthy kittens. The cost of a Maine Coon cat can range from $400 to well over $1000. The cost of domestic longhair cats varies as well. Although, they are likely to be less expensive than a purebred Maine Coon.
Size
Maine Coons are noted for their larger-than-average size, although they aren’t usually huge cats. When fully grown, male Maine Coons weigh anything from 12 to 18 pounds. You may have heard that these colossal felines can weigh as much as 35 pounds. This is uncommon but not unheard of. A Coon of this size is typically overweight. Females have a little lower weight than males. They can get much heavier than this, but on average, they fall somewhere in the middle.
The normal Domestic Longhair cat weighs between 8 and 15 pounds, depending on gender, and has a body length of around 18 inches and a tail length of about 12 inches.
Which Cat Is Better For You, Domestic Long Hair Cat Or Maine Coon?
These breeds are good for families with children since they are human-friendly, caring, and loving. However, you must be aware of the different expenses that these cats incur in addition to these traits. These expenses include medical costs, grooming requirements, food requirements, and so on. None of the two cats meet this condition if you want a cat that doesn’t shed.
As a result, both will require regular grooming sessions. The domestic long hair cats, on the other hand, have a considerably wider range of traits because they are not purebred. Bringing home a cat of any breed, whether it’s one of them or not, is a difficult task. So, before deciding on a cat for your family, keep everything in mind.
Final Words
They both have beautiful coats, are resistant to the cold, and have outstanding instincts. They are, however, distinct in that the Maine Coon has unique physical characteristics and a great personality, while the Domestic Longhair usually has good genetic health. Both breeds may make fantastic pets and companions, and deciding between the two requires looking at available individuals, assessing the living conditions, and considering personal preference. Either breed makes a wonderful and long-lasting companion.
