Exotic and Maine Coon share the same origin. They both come from United States.

But honestly, breeds' origin doesn't reveal a lot about it, so please keep reading to learn more about these interesting breeds.

Although both breeds make excellent family cats, it's important to consider their differences as well.

Here is some basic information about these breeds:

Exotic vs Maine Coon Appearance

Maine Coons are longer.

Maine Coons have an average length of 30 to 40 inches and a weight of 9 to 18 pounds.

On the other side Exotics, have a typical length of 13 to 15 inches and an average weight of 7 to 12 pounds.

Temperament

No doubt, each cat has its own temperament, but we'll try to make some generalizations and help you choose the breed that will fit

Affectionate with Family

Looking for a perfect family cat?

Well, we'd strongly advise to choose Exotic over Maine Coon.

Exotics love their people, and being a part of a family is something that helps them thrive.

Maine Coons, on the other hand, are more of an independent type, that will prefer to stay silent in the corner, or their spot and monitor closely what is happening around them.

This doesn’t mean that there is no love toward humans but instead means that they prefer moments of solitude. You can still expect Maine Coons to come to you for cuddles - at their own pace.

Kid-Friendly

It's no secret that cats and kids tend to keep their distance apart, as kids often see them as moving toys and rush to grab them. This is something that cats aren't comfortable with, and will react in defense.

That being said, if you have kids, you shoud probably get a 5, as they are usually more patiente with children than 3s are.

Of course, each cat is different, and proper socialization and introduction is neccessery.

Friendly Toward Strangers

Cats may be fearful of strangers for different reasons. They might scare them, they might feel that they are not so much into cats or pets in general, or they might have just an issue with unfamiliar visitors.

Cats tend to love their space and territory, so any new face (scent in their case) is a disturbing factor.

If you love having people over, these breeds are not an option. Not only that they are not feeling comfortable around strangers, but they will show how uncomfortable strangers are to them.

A strong dislike of strangers can even lead to health issues in your cat. If you notice your cat hiding the majority of the time, it may be a sign that your cat is ill.

Both breeds should have toys and treats that they love to keep them busy when people are around.

Pet Friendly

Cats being generally friendly is one thing, but being friendly toward other pets is a completely different thing.

This trait must be taken into account if you've got another pet, so let's see do these breeds compare.

Maine Coons are generally more pet friendly than Exotics.

Cats usually tolerate dogs because they are not so territorial beings as dogs are, but make sure that their introduction is done safely.

If you notice your feline moving away from pets, do not force them to mingle, or spend time together. As a general rule, cats and birds shouldn't be under the same roof.

Potential for Playfulness

Some cats are naturally more playful than others.

In human terms, some cats are social, while others are very independent creatures that prefer to be left alone. If you want a feline that is playful and always ready to chase that ball, you cannot go wrong with choosing Exotic or Maine Coon.

If you get one of these breeds be ready to invest some time in playtime, or your feline will get bored and eventually become destructive.

Once you get a playful breed be ready to organize your living space to accommodate your cat’s playful side. Cats need space where they can explore, jump, and rest. Think in terms of cat furniture and durable cat toys.

General Health

A healthy diet, proper grooming, and exercise should keep your feline in top shape.

Maine Coons are usually considered as a healthy and resilient breed and should reach their senior years without major issues, as long as you deal with responsible breeders and provide regular veterinarian check-ups.

Unfortunately, the same doesn't stand for Exotics.

Their health is considered as average or below average, so if you decide to get a Exotic, be sure to choose a reputable breeder, known for breeding cats with good genetics.

Grooming

Cats are natural groomers. They may love to hide, get into small holes, and explore different scents, but they will do their best to clean themself afterward.

Owning a Exotic will be more demanding than owning a Maine Coon as they require more grooming.

But don't let this fret you. Each breed requires grooming (brushing, trimming nails, hair trimming and combining, shaving mats, etc), it's just a matter of how frequently you should groom them.

Shedding

Nobody enjoys the facts cats shed, but if you hate that, you should probably stick to Exotics, as they shed less than Maine Coons.

However, don't forget that all cats need regular brushing, but how often depends on the breed.

Cats are not too fond of being handled, so invest in high-quality (and proper) grooming tools to make the brushing process easier and short.

Tendency to Vocalize

Both Exotics and Maine Coons are known for being highly vocal breeds. They can talk all day long!

Cats enjoy social contact with people and they use their voices to get human attention, over and over again.

If you prefer quietness, or you have toddlers who sleep a lot, you might think about getting a less vocal feline.

Intelligence

It's a well-known fact that cats are among the most intelligent creatures alive. They are smart to react instinctively, fast to hunt, and smart to hide in a matter of seconds.

If intelligence is an important factor for you, you might prefer a Maine Coon. They are fast to interact, communicate, and demand a lot of your time and playtime to thrive.

Obviously, this doesn't mean that Exotics are dunderhead, they just don't tend to be smart as Maine Coons.

The Final Word

We hope our Exotics vs Maine Coons comparison helped you to choose the right breed for you.

You can use the tool below to make a new comparison.