Bengal or Maine Coon: which to choose

Both breeds are beautiful, both are large, both are affectionate. But living with them is different, and the choice should be made not by a photo but by how your day is arranged.

Size and weight

The Maine Coon is one of the largest breeds: an adult male grows to ten kilograms, a female less. It grows slowly and reaches full size at around three years. A Bengal is medium-sized, usually four to seven kilograms, but very dense and muscular.

Coat and grooming

A Maine Coon has a long coat with an undercoat: it needs brushing, especially when shedding, or mats form. A Bengal’s coat is short, glossy, with almost no undercoat — hardly any brushing needed, and noticeably less hair around the house.

Temperament

A Maine Coon is calm and slow to stir: it follows you around the flat and lies down next to you, but rarely races up the walls. A Bengal is energy. It needs height, toys and attention; a bored Bengal will invent its own entertainment, and you will not like it.

Children and other animals

Both breeds get on well with children. A Maine Coon is more patient with cuddling; a Bengal would rather leave than put up with it. Both get on with dogs — Bengals often even more readily.

Being alone

If nobody is home for ten hours a day, a Maine Coon copes with that more calmly. A Bengal is better off with company, or with an owner who is ready to play in the evening.

Voice

Maine Coons talk quietly — a trill rather than a meow. Bengals are loud and insistent: if a Bengal wants something, you will know about it.