Maine Coon vs. Domestic Longhair: The ‘Look-Alike’ Guide#

The Domestic Longhair (DLH) is the “mutt” of the cat world—and I say that with love. They are beautiful, rugged, and come in every color. Because the Maine Coon breed was originally built from these barn cats, the resemblance can be striking.

So, how do you know if your shelter find is a “Maine Coon Mix” or just a “Super-Fluffy DLH”? Unless you have a pedigree paper, you can never be 100% sure. But there are three physical traits that usually give the game away.

1. The Muzzle Shape#

DLH: Usually has a tapered muzzle. If you look from the front, it forms a triangle from the eyes to the chin.
Maine Coon: Has a Square muzzle. The whisker pads are full and heavy, and the chin is broad. It looks like a box. (See our Breed Standard Guide).

2. The “Ruff” and “Britches”#

A DLH is often fluffy all over (like a Persian mix) or just has a long tail. [cite_start]A Maine Coon has a “Shag” Coat[cite: 2660].

The Ruff: A distinct mane of hair around the neck (like a lion).
The Britches: Long, pantaloon-like fur on the back of the hind legs.
The Shoulders: The fur on the shoulders is actually shorter, getting longer as it goes down the back. This uneven coat is key.

3. Size vs. Weight#

People think Maine Coons are heavy. They are, but they are mostly Long.

DLH: A big DLH might be 15lbs because he is cobby (round and chunky).
Maine Coon: A 15lb Maine Coon will look much bigger than the DLH because his body is long, his tail is long, and he stands tall on his legs. [cite_start]He is “substantial,” not just fat[cite: 2439].

The Personality Factor#

While looks can be deceiving, personality often isn’t.

The Trill: Does your cat “chirp” instead of meow?
The Water: Does he splash in his bowl?
The Fetch: Does he carry toys in his mouth? If you have a boxy-faced, shaggy-coated giant who chirps at birds and plays fetch, you can safely call him a “Maine Coon Mix” (even if the paper says DLH).

Conclusion#

Enjoy your cat for who he is. Whether he is a pedigreed royalty or a “Nureyev of the Barnyard” (as The Maine Coon Cat calls them), he is a member of the family.

References#

Walsh, L.G. (2013). The Maine Coon Cat. “Is My Cat a Maine Coon?”, p. [cite_start]59. [cite: 2433]
CFA. Breed Profile: The Maine Coon.
Robinson, R. Genetics for Cat Breeders. “Coat Inheritance.”
TICA. Registration Rules for Household Pets.