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When comparing Maine Coon and Manx cats, it can be challenging to decide which breed is more adorable. However, there are other factors to consider besides looks. Both breeds are friendly, sociable, and easy to train. The Maine Coon is more energetic and requires more playtime and enrichment. They also have higher grooming needs. In terms of health, the Maine Coon is generally healthier than the Manx. Despite their differences in appearance, both breeds are intelligent, friendly, and loving. The Maine Coon is a large breed, known for its even temperament, intelligence, and doglike behavior. They have a strong build and long, bushy tails. On the other hand, the Manx is known for its lack of tail and long hind limbs, which allow them to jump higher and farther than other cats. They are also intelligent and display doglike traits, but they tend to be more reserved than Maine Coons.
Origins
The Maine Coon cat has a mysterious history. It is believed that these cats originated in Maine, USA, where they adapted to the cold climate by developing wide paws and a thick coat. Genetic testing shows that Maine Coons are distantly related to the Norwegian Forest Cat. The most popular theory is that Vikings brought Norwegian Forest Cats to North America, and some of them either escaped or were left behind, leading to the development of the Maine Coon breed. On the other hand, the Manx cat originated on the Isle of Man, where domestic cats arrived by boat and eventually evolved into the breed we know today. Initially, the Manx cats did not have their unique characteristics, but over time, they developed longer hind legs and shorter or no tails due to a genetic mutation.
Physical Traits
Maine Coons and Manx cats have distinct differences in appearance. In terms of size, Maine Coons are much larger, ranging from 8 to 25 pounds, while Manx cats typically weigh between 7 and 13 pounds. Maine Coons have a rectangular body shape, a strong muzzle, and muscular legs. On the other hand, Manx cats have a rounder appearance, a short torso, and longer hind legs compared to their front legs. While both breeds can have long fur, Manx cats are often shorthaired. Maine Coons have a thick triple coat of fur that is semi-water-repellent, while Manx cats have two layers of fur. In terms of allergies, neither breed is hypoallergenic, but shorthair Manx cats are less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to Maine Coons.
Personality and Temperament
When comparing the personalities of Maine Coon and Manx cats, both breeds are known for their playful nature and have been described as having a temperament similar to dogs. Maine Coon cats are a perfect combination of playfulness and sweetness. They enjoy activities such as running, jumping, climbing, and hunting. However, their high energy levels can be overwhelming for some owners. Despite being constantly on the move, Maine Coons also love spending time with their human family members and are often very affectionate. On the other hand, Manx cats are playful and intelligent with a strong instinct for hunting. They are also known to be territorial and can be likened to guard dogs. If they sense danger, you may notice them growling and being protective of their loved ones. Manx cats tend to prefer quieter and calmer environments compared to Maine Coon cats and may take longer to warm up to strangers.
Vocality
Maine Coons have unique voices that sound more like birds than cats. They often trill, chirp, and squeak instead of meowing. In contrast, the Manx breed has a soft meow and is generally quiet. However, they may communicate through trills and warbles, particularly between a mother and her kittens.
Colors and Patterns
Maine Coon and Manx cats can have various colors and patterns, except for certain exceptions. They are not available in hybrid patterns like colorpoint, and they do not come in rarer dilute colors like lilac, chocolate, or fawn. The Maine Coon breed specifically has a total of 75 different colorings to choose from. What is your preferred coloration among them?
Popularity
The Manx cat was initially very popular in the world of show cats due to its distinctive physical characteristics. However, its popularity has declined over time due to significant health issues. On the other hand, the Maine Coon, which was once limited to Maine, has been gaining popularity steadily. In fact, according to the CFA, the Maine Coon was the second most popular cat in 2022. If you’re curious about the reasons behind the Maine Coon’s popularity, keep reading.
Good With Other Pets?
The Maine Coon is a great choice for pet owners with multiple pets due to their sociable nature and ability to form close bonds with other animals. They are known to be friendly and can even make friends with dogs. On the other hand, Manx cats are more territorial and may exhibit aggression towards dogs. While they can get along with other animals if introduced carefully and at a young age, they are more prone to conflicts over space and privacy.
Intelligence
Maine Coons are highly intelligent cats and are known for their trainability and ability to perform tasks. They can be easily trained to play fetch, walk on a leash, and perform simple tasks. Their intelligence is comparable to that of dogs, making them easier to train than other cat breeds. Despite their intelligence, Maine Coons maintain their gentle nature and are not stubborn or independent like other intelligent cat breeds. Manx cats, on the other hand, are also intelligent and can be trained to play fetch and bury their toys. They have a dog-like demeanor and are protective of their home, often growling when they feel threatened by strangers. While Manx cats are relatively easy to train, they are not as quick to learn as Maine Coons.
Family Friendly
The Maine Coon and Manx cats are both suitable for families, but the Maine Coon is more suitable for households with children or a noisy environment. Maine Coons are known for their friendly nature and their ability to form close bonds with their owners. They are also welcoming towards strangers. These cats are gentle and easygoing, making them great companions for children. They are comfortable with being handled, cuddled, and even being pushed around in a stroller. Maine Coons thrive in households where they can have plenty of social interaction with their family.
On the other hand, Manx cats are also gentle and mellow, but they prefer quieter environments. While they can make good companions for children if introduced at a young age, many Manx cats, especially older ones, may find children to be too loud or rowdy. It’s important to consider the individual temperament of each cat when determining their compatibility with children or a noisy household.
Grooming
The Maine Coon cat requires regular grooming due to its long, triple coat of fur. Brushing them at least 2-3 times a week is necessary, and more during shedding seasons. Trimming the longer fur on their paws and backside is often done to prevent tangling and matting. On the other hand, Manx cats, whether shorthair or longhair, have grooming needs similar to the Maine Coon. Shorthair Manx cats may only need to be brushed once a week, while longhair Manx cats may require daily brushing. However, Manx cats without tails can face a unique challenge as feces can cling to their fur, necessitating extra bathing to keep them and the house clean.
Diet
Maine Coon cats and Manx cats both need a diet rich in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates. Maine Coons, being larger and more active, require more food and a higher protein intake. Here are some recommended dry foods for Maine Coon cats. If you prefer wet food, you can try this alternative for your Maine Coon.
Lifespan
Maine Coon cats typically live for 12-15 years, while Manx cats have a slightly shorter lifespan of 12-14 years. However, some Manx cats may die before their first birthday due to skeletal or organ defects. Both breeds’ lifespans can be significantly reduced if they are kept outdoors instead of indoors. This is particularly true for Manx cats, as their spinal deformities can hinder their mobility and make it harder for them to escape from vehicles or predators.
Health
The Maine Coon is a naturally occurring breed and is less likely to suffer from health problems compared to other purebred cats. However, there are still a few genetic conditions that Maine Coons can inherit, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, spinal muscular atrophy, polycystic kidney disease, and pyruvate kinase deficiency. Responsible Maine Coon breeders ensure that their breeding cats are free from these conditions before producing kittens.
On the other hand, the Manx cat is known for its health issues. The cause behind their shorter or nonexistent tails is spina bifida, a spinal mutation that affects various aspects of their health. Even Manx cats with full tails can suffer from restricted mobility, serious pain, rectal prolapse, incontinence, and even paralysis. The gene responsible for spina bifida in Manx cats is labeled M, and when two Manx cats have offspring, there is a chance that some of the offspring might inherit both copies of the gene, which leads to death during fetal development.
Overall, the Manx cat’s health issues result in lifelong pain, misery, and serious mobility problems. Despite this, some cat fanciers and official organizations still promote the Manx breed. If you are looking for an ethical and healthy cat breed, it is recommended to choose a Maine Coon over a Manx (source 1).
Price
When comparing the Maine Coon and Manx breeds, the price can be a significant consideration. Maine Coons tend to be more expensive, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. On the other hand, Manx cats generally cost between $800 to $1,500. It’s important to note that if you’re specifically looking for Maine Coon Manx mix kittens, it may be difficult to find them. Registered breeders typically do not intentionally crossbreed cat breeds, so any Maine Coon Manx mix you come across is likely from a backyard breeder.
Bite Force
The Manx cat has a bite force of approximately 70 PSI, while the Maine Coon surpasses them with a maximum bite force of 75 PSI (source 1).
Other Names
The Maine Coon cat is sometimes referred to as the Maine cat, while the Manx cat has a variety of nicknames including Rumpy or Stubbin cats. Some people also call them rabbit cats due to their stubby tails, long hind limbs, and hopping gait.
Conclusion
When comparing Maine Coon and Manx cats, it is important to consider their distinct qualities. Maine Coons are known for being sociable and intelligent, while Manx cats have a unique behavior similar to guard dogs. Additionally, Maine Coon cats are generally healthier, making them a better choice as pets compared to Manx cats.