Russian Blue vs. Maine Coon

The Russian Blue and the Maine Coon breeds are both beautiful types of cats. While these two breeds are pretty popular, they have many differences that set them apart and these differences should be considered before bringing one of these two breeds home. But how do you know which one is best for you?

Apart from personal preference and looks, there are many factors to consider when thinking about buying a Russian Blue or Maine Coon cat. These include; their personality and character, their grooming needs, and their veterinarian care needs.

In this guide, we’ll be looking at all of the above as well as what makes these two breeds unique from one another and the pros and cons for both breeds to help you make an informed decision on the breed of cat you should be getting. 

Russian Blue vs. Maine Coon: Appearance 

Comparing the appearance of these two breeds is like comparing the appearance of an apple and a banana—there’s not much resemblance when it comes to their physical attributes. 

Both cats are beautiful creatures but their similarities end there.

The Russian Blue cat is a medium-sized cat with thick but short fur and the typical color of this breed is primarily grey with hints of silver.

When born, these cats have yellow eyes, but over time they turn green and darken as they age. The Russian Blue can reach a weight of anywhere from 7 to 12 pounds.

Maine Coon cats, on the other hand, are large-bodied and furry animals that have a majestic look to them due to their beautiful silky and smooth coats.

They have tufts of fur that grow out from their ears. The color of these beauties can range from white, red, blue, black, and cream, while the patterns can come in tabby, calico, and tortoiseshell.

These cats can grow to be around 8-18 pounds and reach an impressive 40 inches in length. 

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Which one to choose?

Choosing between the appearance of the Russian Blue versus the Maine Coon comes down to their size and type of coat. If you want a smaller-sized cat who isn’t too hairy, then you may want to consider a Russian Blue. However, if you want a larger cat who is fluffy and can come in various colors and patterns, then the Maine Coon is for you. 

Russian Blue vs. Maine Coon: Personality 

Another difference between the Russian Blue and Maine Coon is their personality. 

The Russian Blue breed is known to be intelligent, affectionate, and friendly. These cats can do well in big families and around other pets but are careful around strangers. They also have a playful side and are not clingy, preferring to keep themselves occupied rather than rely on their owners.

Maine Coon cats, however, are playful, silly, and laid-back cats. They’re a patient breed who likes to observe their surroundings. They enjoy being around their owner, so much so that they will often follow their owner from room to room. They also like being cuddled. 

Which one to choose?

When i comes to personality, if you’re looking for an intelligent cat that is affectionate without being too clingy, you should be looking at the Russian Blue—but if you want a cat that is playful and enjoys being in your presence so much that they’ll follow you around, consider the Maine Coon as your next furry companion. 

Russian Blue vs. Maine Coon: Grooming Needs

Another factor to consider is their grooming needs and how much time you have to dedicate to keeping your cat looking beautiful.

Russian Blue cats tend to shed very little but it’s still recommended to brush them weekly to help remove any loose fur. You may need to brush them more often through the Spring as this is when shedding occurs more frequently.

You should also be trimming their nails as needed and brushing their teeth with veterinarian-approved toothpaste. 

In addition, you’ll want to make sure to take your cat for routine checkups and keep them up-to-date on vaccinations. When it comes to dietary needs, the Russian Blue needs high-quality cat food due to their energetic nature. 

Maine Coons require much of the same preventative care—that said, it’s important to keep them up-to-date on their vaccinations and make sure they receive routine checkups.

Additionally, it’s important to provide them with high-quality cat food and to keep their nails trimmed and teeth brushed.

Where they differ in grooming, however, is the fact that the Maine Coon requires more frequent brushing—at least two to three times a week—and regular bathing. Yes, bathing—which is fine for this breed as they typically don’t mind the water as much as other cat breeds do. 

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Which one to choose?

If you’re a busy person who doesn’t have much time to give to grooming your cat then the Russian Blue is a safer option for you. If you don’t mind all the grooming that the Maine Coon requires, then you can also consider this breed without a problem! 

Russian Blue vs. Maine Coon: Health Concerns

The final important factor to consider is the health differences between these two breeds. 

Russian Blue cats can live to be 20 years old with an average lifespan of around 15 to 20 years. They have very few health concerns but can struggle with an eye disease called Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Another health concern for the Russian Blue is Polycystic Kidney Disease which is a common health issue for this breed. 

That’s not to say that they aren’t susceptible to other diseases and illnesses, too, because they are. That’s why it’s important to have routine checkups done on your cat. 

Maine Coons, unlike the Russian Blue, have a shorter life span of anywhere from 10-13 years. Like the Russian Blue, they are susceptible to all diseases and illnesses that other cats can get but the most prevalent ones are joint diseases (due to their large sizes), dental disease, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease.

As far as health goes, both cats can live healthy lives, so there’s no wrong choice here. 

Suggested reading: How Old Can Cats Get?

Russian Blue vs. Maine Coon: Pros and Cons

For an easy comparison, let’s look over some pros and cons for both the Russian Blue and the Maine Coon.

Russian Blue

Pros:

• Affectionate without being clingy 
• Low maintenance 
• Highly intelligent 
• Easy to train
• Hypoallergenic 
• Does well with other pets
• Doesn’t shed as much 
• Can live up to 20 years

Cons:

• Less outgoing
• Sometimes shy and reserved 
• Prone to obesity 

Maine Coon

Pros:

• Majestic appearance
• Intelligent; can be taught tricks
• Playful personality 
• Loyal 
• Affectionate
• Good with other pets
• Likes to be bathed

Cons:

• Expensive
• Sheds a lot 
• High-maintenance 

Conclusion

Both the Russian Blue and Maine Coon are great breeds and would make the perfect family pet for anyone.

Which one you decide on buying will come down to personal preferences. Do you want a cat who is less clingy, doesn’t shed as much, and is low maintenance? Then the Russian Blue is the obvious choice.

However, if you want a more affectionate and playful cat with a majestic look, then the Maine Coon is the cat for you.

Suggested reading: All You Need To Know Before Getting a Russian Blue Cat

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