Big, fluffy and notoriously friendly, Maine Coons are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world amongst pet parents. These “gentle giants” have striking looks and warm, outgoing personalities that make people fall in love with them. As one of the largest domestic cat breeds, Maine Coons can also easily weigh up to 18 pounds or more and reach a length of up to 38 inches. While Maine Coons have a distinct, regal look thanks to their muscular physique, shaggy coats and tufted paws, you might be wondering, “What cats are similar to Maine Coons?“
If you’re looking for a large, fluffy cat breed like a Maine Coon or one that shares the same easygoing, affectionate vibe, the good news is that there are several gentle cat breeds that rival Maine Coons both in size and spirit. Some are adventurous and playful, while others are mellow lap cats that love companionship. Some are even similar in that they are also described as dog-like cats.
Whether you’re a cat lover drawn to their luxurious coats, and seeking a long-haired cat breed, looking for a gentle giant cat that is good for an apartment, or you want a friendly cat breed, our experts rounded up five cat breeds that share the same friendly, family-oriented nature of the Maine Coon. Check out all the Maine Coon alternative cat breeds below!
Related: 10 Signs Your Cat Is Happy & Feels Safe, According to a Vet
5 Cat Breeds Similar to Maine Coons
Siberian
A fluffy cat breed similar to a Maine Coon sitting on a couch.
What’s one big cat breed like Maine Coons that our experts recommend that are good family-friendly cats? Siberian cats! Like Maine Coons, Siberians are clever, self-assured and openly loving. They’re also playful and energetic, but not too demanding, making them excellent family pets.
“This semi-longhaired cat hails from Russia’s frigid forest zones and sports a thick, triple coat that protects it from cold,” says Dr. Elise Wolfe, veterinarian at Cascade West Veterinary Hospital, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner. Despite their lush manes, Siberians are more hypoallergenic than most cats, making them well-suited for cat lovers prone to allergies.
“Like Maine Coons, they’re athletic and curious and are known to love climbing and water play,” Hall says. “They form strong, loyal bonds with their humans and are social and affectionate.”
Breed Stats
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Personality: Bright, loyal, outgoing
Norwegian Forest Cat
A Norwegian Forest Cat that is another gentle giant cat breed.
Meet another gentle giant cat breed that you’ll love: the Norwegian Forest Cat. It’s widely believed that Maine Coons are descended from Norwegian Forest Cats, which are a large, long-haired cat breed that originated in Northern Europe. Besides being cats that look like Maine Coons, these fluffy cats share many of the Maine Coon’s best traits, including their flowing, water-resistant coat and sizable muscular physique.
“Both breeds have sharp hunting instincts and require active households where they can climb and explore,” Wolfe says, adding they also have a sweet dog-like personality. “Norwegian Forest Cats are incredibly versatile, balancing their lighthearted, adventurous spirit with a sweet and loving disposition.”
Like Maine Coons, they’re known for their intelligence and people-oriented personalities. “They tend to form close bonds with their human family members,” Wolfe continues. While their heavy, double coat needs daily grooming to prevent matting, it only adds to their regal appearance.
Breed Stats
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Personality: Loving, calm, adaptable
Ragdolls
A cute Ragdoll cat that looks like a fluffy Maine Coon.
Ragdolls are another favorite among those who adore the Maine Coon’s calm and friendly temperament. This large, fluffy cat breed is known for often going “limp” and relaxing when held, earning their trademark name.
Besides their signature move, they are also pet-friendly cats, like Maine Coons. “They are loyal companions who enjoy following their humans around and tend to get along well with other pets,” Linda Hall, a certified cat behavior specialist and trainer at The Cat Behaviorist says. Because of their gentle nature, she notes Ragdolls are great with children too. “Their semi-long silky coats are also easier to maintain than Maine Coons, since they have less undercoat and mat less easily.”
Plus, these cute cats are intelligent, playful, adaptable, quiet and cuddly. “For anyone who loves the Maine Coon’s lap-dog nature, the Ragdoll offers a similarly affectionate relationship,” Hall reveals.
Breed Stats
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Personality: Loving, intelligent, relaxed
Birmans
A friendly cat breed laying by a window.
Birmans are another gentle, people-oriented breed that often appeals to Maine Coon enthusiasts. These friendly and curious cats are beloved for their easy, calm and kind demeanor, making them a top pick for families who love the Maine Coon’s gentle giant personality.
“These gorgeous cats have medium-long coats that require less grooming than most long-haired cat breeds,” Hall explains. “Their affectionate, social natures also makes them wonderful family members.”
Birmans crave attention so they do best in homes where they won’t be left alone for long periods of time, but giving them plenty of toys can help them stay occupied and satisfy their curious needs. “They’re also playful and engaging with a loving disposition similar to Maine Coons,” Hall adds.
Breed Stats
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Personality: Gentle, social, affectionate
Related: The #1 Cat Breed a Vet Wouldn’t Own
Persians
A pretty, fluffy cat relaxing on the floor.
Are there cats that look like Maine Coons but are smaller? Of course! If you admire Maine Coons’ looks and sweet temperament, yet prefer a slightly smaller and calmer companion, Persians may be your cat breed of choice. These fluffy felines love to play, but often prefer lounging around, which is another reason they make great pets. “Persians are known for their loving, gentle personalities and their preference for quiet companionship,” Hall notes.
Since Persians have long, silky coats, keep in mind that they do require daily grooming. Pus, because they have flat faces, that can lead to respiratory and eye issues, that pet parents need to watch out for. However, despite those things, their affectionate disposition makes them irresistible to most cat lovers. “Maine Coon fans who value a serene, affectionate cat will appreciate the Persian’s beauty and devotion,” Hall says.
Breed Stats
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Personality: Friendly, laid-back, gentle
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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Nov 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the Cats section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.