Maine Coon vs. Savannah Cat: Differences and Similarities of Maine Coon and Savannah Cat

Maine Coon and Savannah Cats are two very different cat breeds with unique characteristics that make them special. The Maine Coon is a large and muscular cat with a long, shaggy coat and tufted ears. On the other hand, the Savannah Cats are large, with long legs, have a distinctive spotted coat pattern, and are known for their high energy levels and playful, curious personality. 

Differences between Maine Coon and Savannah Cat

Origin

The Savannah cat is a hybrid breed created by breeding a domestic cat with a serval, a wild African cat. According to Urban Safari Cattery, the breed was first developed in the 1980s by breeder Judee Frank, who was interested in creating a domestic cat with the exotic appearance of a wild cat. Savannah cats are known for their distinctive spotted coat, tall, lean build, typically larger than domestic cats, and active and intelligent personalities.

On the other hand, a natural breed Maine Coon cat originated in North America, specifically in Maine. The breed’s exact origins are partially clear, but it is believed to have developed from cats brought to the area by early European settlers. 

Maine Coons are known for their large size, bushy tail, and friendly, gentle personality. They are also valued for their excellent hunting skills and are often kept as working cats on farms and in homes with rodent problems. The breed was recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1976 and has since become one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.

Size

Maine Coon cats are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, with males weighing up to 18 pounds or more and females weighing up to 12 pounds or more. Their bodies are long and rectangular, with strong, muscular legs and large, tufted paws. They also have long, bushy tails and broad heads with large ears tufted at the tips.

Savannah cats are also quite large, with males weighing up to 25 pounds or more and females weighing up to 15 pounds or more. They have long, lean bodies and long legs, which gives them a sleek and athletic appearance. Savannah cats also have large ears with a distinctive “hooded” appearance and a short, smooth coat with spots or stripes similar to their wild ancestor, the serval.

Appearance

Maine Coon cats have a long, shaggy coat that is thick and water-resistant. Their coat comes in various colors, including brown, black, white, and other variations. They also have large, muscular bodies with a broad chests, sturdy legs, and large, tufted paws. Maine Coon cats have triangular heads with large, expressive eyes and tufted ears.

On the other hand, Savannah cats have short, smooth coats with spots or stripes similar to their wild ancestor, the serval. They come in various colors, but the most common is a golden or silver base coat with black spots. Savannah cats have long, lean bodies with long legs, giving them a sleek and athletic appearance, and have large, upright ears with a distinctive “hooded” appearance and a long, slender tail.

Personality

Maine Coon cats are known for their friendly, affectionate nature. They are often described as “gentle giants” due to their large size and gentle demeanor. They enjoy spending time with their human family and are usually not shy around strangers. Maine Coon cats are also intelligent and curious and love to explore their environment, and can be playful and enjoy interactive toys and games.

On the other hand, Savannah cats are known for their high energy and curiosity. They are active and require plenty of stimulation and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. Savannah cats can be affectionate with their owners but may exhibit more independent behavior than other cat breeds. They are intelligent and love to learn new things, which can make them fun to train and teach tricks.

Maine Coon and Savannah cats can make great companions for the right owner. Maine Coons are friendly and affectionate, while Savannahs are energetic and curious. So it’s important to research and understand each breed’s personality traits before bringing a cat into your home to ensure that you can provide the appropriate care and environment for their needs.

Maintenance

Maine Coon cats have long, thick, and shaggy coats requiring regular grooming. They shed their coat seasonally, and brushing them at least once a week can help prevent matting and reduce shedding. In addition to brushing, Maine Coon cats may benefit from an occasional bath to help keep their coat clean and healthy. They also require regular nail trimming and dental care to maintain their health.

Savannah cats have shorter, smoother coats requiring less grooming than Maine Coon cats. However, they still benefit from regular brushing to help remove loose hair and distribute skin oils throughout their coat. They also require regular nail trimming and dental care, like all cats.

Both Maine Coon and Savannah cats require regular veterinary checkups to ensure that they remain healthy and happy. In addition, providing a healthy diet and plenty of exercise can help to keep both breeds in optimal condition.

Similarities of Maine Coon and Savannah Cat

Affectionate

Maine Coon and Savannah cats are known for being affectionate with their human family. They enjoy spending time with their owners and often follow them around the house, seeking attention and affection.

Maine Coon cats are particularly known for their friendly and outgoing personality. They are often described as “gentle giants” due to their large size and gentle nature. They love to be around people and are often found cuddling with their owners or lounging on their laps. And are also known for their soft and soothing purr, which can comfort their human family.

Savannah cats are also affectionate with their owners, but they may exhibit more independent behavior than Maine Coon cats. They enjoy spending time with their human family but may not always want to be held or cuddled. However, they are still very social, enjoy being around people, and often show affection in other ways, such as rubbing against their owner’s legs or sitting nearby.

Intelligence

Maine Coon cats are known for their problem-solving skills and their ability to adapt to new situations quickly. They are also very curious and love to explore their environment, which can sometimes get them into mischief. Maine Coon cats are intelligent and can be trained to do tricks, respond to commands, and even walk on a leash.

Savannah cats are also highly intelligent and are known to be curious and playful, have a strong hunting instinct, and love to chase toys and play games with their owners and are also known for being trainable and can learn to do tricks and respond to commands.

Maine Coon and Savannah cats have a lot of energy and need plenty of stimulation to keep their minds active and engaged. They enjoy playing with interactive toys and games and benefit from spending time outdoors in a safe and secure environment.

Playful

Maine Coon cats are playful and love to interact with their owners. They enjoy playing with toys, particularly ones that allow them to pounce and play like they would in the wild. They also enjoy games of fetch and may even be trained to walk on a leash or do other tricks.

Savannah cats are also very playful and have a high energy level. They love to play games and chase toys, particularly those that simulate hunting prey. They are also known for being very athletic and may enjoy climbing, jumping, and exploring their environment.

Both breeds benefit from having plenty of toys and games to keep them stimulated and engaged. Interactive toys, such as puzzle feeders, can be particularly beneficial for keeping their minds active and occupied.

Independent

Maine Coon cats are generally known for being social and friendly with their human family, but they also have an independent streak. They can be content spending time alone or entertaining themselves, but they still enjoy being around their owners and often seek attention and affection.

Savannah cats are also known for their independence and may be more aloof than other breeds. They enjoy spending time with their human family but may not always want to be held or cuddled. They can be quite self-sufficient and can entertain themselves for long periods.

Despite their independent nature, both breeds need plenty of socialization and attention to thrive. They benefit from spending time with their human family and may become unhappy or bored if left alone for long periods.