I call them “Aby-Coons.” Not a real name. But what else do you call a cat that looks like a wild jungle cat, weighs 16lbs, and then melts on your chest like a kitten?
The Abyssinian Maine Coon mix isn’t a recognized breed. It’s what happens when someone lets the energizer bunny of the cat world date the gentle giant.
I fostered one last year named Kazi. He was chaos and cuddles in one furry package. He’d climb to the top of my bookcase in 2 seconds, then spend the next hour napping on my neck.
If you want smart, social, and slightly unhinged, this mix might be for you. Here’s the honest breakdown.
The Quick Take
- Pick an Aby-Coons if: You want a big, playful, people-obsessed cat. You have time for play, and you don’t mind fur on everything.
- Skip if you want a quiet lap cat that sleeps 20 hours. These guys have opinions and energy.
1. What Even Is An Abyssinian Maine Coon Mix?
There’s no breeder registry for this. It’s a designer mix.
Abyssinian parent: One of the oldest cat breeds. Think ancient Egypt vibes. Short, ticked coat, huge ears, and the curiosity of a toddler. TICA calls them “clowns of the cat world,” and that’s accurate.
Maine Coon parent: The gentle giant from Maine. 15-25lbs of fluff, loyalty, and a chirp instead of a meow. VCA lists them as one of the most family-friendly breeds.
Mix them, and you get medium to large size, wild looks, personality, and a brain that never turns off.
Because it’s a mix, no 2 Aby-Coons look exactly alike. It’s a genetic lottery, and that’s part of the fun.
2. How They Look: Jungle Cat Meets Teddy Bear
This is where people stop and stare.
Body and Size
Most land between 10 and 18 lbs. Males go bigger. They’re muscular, not fat. Long like a Maine Coon but sleek like an Aby.
Kazi was 14lbs with the body of an athlete. He could jump from floor to fridge without touching anything in between.
Coat
This is the wildcard. 3 common coat types show up:
- Aby-type: Short, dense, ticked coat. Feels like suede. Low maintenance.
- Medium: Semi-long with a ruff around the neck. My favorite. Shaggy but not crazy.
- Maine-type: Long, silky, with ear tufts and a plume tail. High maintenance.
Colors
You’ll usually see warm tones: ruddy, red, cinnamon, silver, or fawn. Ticking is common from the Abby side. So the fur looks like it shimmers in sunlight.
Face
Almond eyes in green, gold, or copper. Big ears, often with lynx tufts from the Maine side. The expression is always “What are we doing next?”
Want more unique mixes? See our guide to unique cat breeds—this mix deserves a spot.
3. Personality: Smart, Loud, and Velcro
If a Border Collie and a Golden Retriever had a cat, this would be it.
Smart and Busy
Abyssinians are famous for getting into everything. Maine Coons are famous for being too smart for their own good. Combined = trouble.
Kazi learned to turn on faucets. He opened drawers. He figured out the baby gate in a week. You HAVE to give them jobs, or they’ll make their own.
Puzzle feeders, clicker training, fetch. They love it. Check our list of smartest cat breeds—both parents would be on it.
Loyal and Social
This is the Maine Coon influence.
They follow you room to room. They greet you at the door. They’re not shy. They want to be part of everything.
With kids and dogs, they’re usually great. They’re patient and sturdy. But they don’t like being ignored. If you work 12-hour days, get 2 cats or pick a different breed.
Vocal But Not Annoying
They chirp, trill, and chatter. Not loud yowling. More like commentary. “You’re making coffee? Cool. I’m watching.”
4. Grooming: Depends on the Coat Lottery
This is the one thing you can’t predict.
Short Coat Aby-Type
- Brushing: 1x per week
- Shedding: Low to moderate
- Bathing: Rarely
Medium/Long Coat Maine-Type
- Brushing: 3-4x per week or you’ll get mats behind ears and legs
- Shedding: Moderate to high, especially spring
- Bathing: Maybe 2-3x a year
Pro tip: Start grooming as kittens. Make it cuddle time. Both parent breeds tolerate it well if you’re consistent.
Also trim nails every 2 weeks and brush teeth. Both breeds are prone to dental disease, according to the AVMA.
5. Food and Exercise: Fueling a Rocket
These cats are active. Like, really active.
Food
High protein, grain-free if you can. Look for chicken, turkey, or fish as the first ingredient. Omega-3s for that coat shine.
Portion control matters. Maine Coons are prone to weight gain and joint issues. Abyssinians will eat until they explode. Measure food.
A fresh water fountain helps too. Both breeds love running water.
Exercise
20 minutes of play, 2x a day minimum. Wand toys, a laser, and fetch. They need to climb. A tall cat tree isn’t optional—it’s survival for your furniture.
Without exercise, they get destructive. With exercise they’re perfect angels.
6. Health and Lifespan
Crossbreeding usually helps health, but you still inherit risks from both sides.
Watch For:
- Hip Dysplasia: From the Maine Coon side. Keep them lean.
- PKD—Polycystic Kidney Disease: Can come from either. Ask the breeder for testing.
- PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy: An Abyssinian issue. A DNA test exists.
- Gum Disease: Common in both. Brush teeth.
Lifespan: 12-16 years is average. I’ve seen 18-year-old mixes that were still climbing.
Find a breeder who health tests both parents. If they say “vet checked” but have no paperwork, run.
7. Training: Yes, You Can
These are the easiest cats to train I’ve ever met.
Kazi learned to sit, come, high-five, and walk on a leash in 3 weeks. Treats and praise work wonders.
They love routines. Feed at 7 am? They’ll wake you at 6:59. They also love learning tricks because they’re bored otherwise.
Best activities: clicker training, puzzle toys, leash walks, agility courses.
8. Ideal Home and Living Situation
They’re flexible, but they have needs.
Great For:
- Families with kids
- Homes with other pets
- People who work from home
- Apartments IF you have vertical space
Bad For:
- People gone 10+ hours a day
- Quiet seniors who want a calm cat
- Homes where no one plays with the cat
They must be indoor cats. With that curiosity and trusting nature, the outdoors is dangerous. A catio or harness walks are the perfect compromise.
9. Cost and Finding One
Because this isn’t a recognized breed, you won’t find them at a breeder advertising “Aby-Coons.”
You’ll find them 2 ways:
- Accidental litter: Someone’s Aby got out and met a neighbor’s Maine Coon. $200-$500 rehoming fee.
- Designer breeder: Rare, but some breed both. $800-$1500. Ask for health tests.
Shelters sometimes get them too. Search “long hair” + “high energy,” and you might get lucky.
Red flag: Anyone selling hypoallergenic giant Abyssinians. That’s not a thing.
Final Thoughts: Is the Abyssinian Maine Coon Mix for You?
After fostering Kazi, here’s my take:
Get this mix if you want a cat with personality. Someone who will play with you, then sleep on you, then wake you up to play again.
They’re not low-maintenance. But they give 10x back what you put in.
Don’t get this mix if you want peace. If you just want a cat to exist in the corner, get a Persian.
The Abyssinian Maine Coon is for people who want a relationship, not just a pet. They’re smart, loving, and ridiculous, and you will never be bored.
Just buy a better cat tree first. Trust me.
FAQs
1. How big do Abyssinian Maine Coon mixes get?
Usually 10-18 lbs and 10-16 inches tall. Males with more Maine Coon genes go bigger. Females with more Aby genes stay sleeker.
2. Are they hypoallergenic?
No cat is truly hypoallergenic. Short coat mixes produce slightly less dander, but if you have allergies, spend time with one first. Regular grooming helps a lot.
3. Do they get along with other pets?
Usually yes. They’re social and playful. Early introductions are key. They do best with other active pets or a second cat to wrestle with.
4. How much grooming do they need?
Depends on the coat. Short: 5 min a week. Long: 15 min, 3x a week. If you hate brushing, hope for the short coat.
5. How long do they live?
12-16 years on average. With good care and a good diet, checkups at 18 are possible.