The first time I saw a Maine Coon Persian mix at a shelter, I thought it was 2 cats glued together.It had the size of a Maine Coon. Seriously, this thing was the size of a big cat. But the face? Flat as a pancake like a Persian. And the fur? So thick I could lose my hand in it.The volunteer called him “Yeti.” I called him 20 minutes later and said I’d take him.That was 3 years ago. If you want a cat that looks like a lion, acts like a teddy bear, and requires you to become a part-time groomer… keep reading. This is the honest guide I wish I had.
So What Even IS a Maine Coon-Persian Mix?
It’s exactly what it sounds like. One parent is a Maine Coon, and the other is a Persian.
Neither the CFA nor TICA recognizes it as an official breed. That means every “Coon-sian” looks different. There’s no rulebook.
Yeti looks 80% Maine Coon with a slightly squished face. My friend’s mix looks 80% Persian but weighs 18 lbs.
That’s the fun and the frustration. You don’t know what you’re getting until they’re 1 year old.
Why people want them:
- Maine Coon size + dog-like personality
- Persian looks + calm vibe
- A cat that stands out in photos
Check our full guide to mixed breed cats to see how other hybrids compare.
Looks: Big, Fluffy, and Ridiculous In The Best Way
Size: Not A Normal Cat
Forget 8 lb house cats. These guys are big.
Males: 14-20 lbs
Females: 10-15 lbs
Wide chest, big paws, long body. Yeti takes up half my couch.
Coat: The Main Event
Long. Thick. Everywhere. It can be silky like a Persian or slightly coarser like a Coon. It comes in white, black, grey, cream, tabby, and bi-color.
Warning: This is not a “wash and wear” cat. If you hate fur on your clothes, this is not your cat.
Face: The Genetic Lottery
This is where it gets wild. Some have:
- Flat Persian face with big round eyes
- Longer Maine Coon muzzle
- Tufted ears like a lynx
- A mix of both
Yeti got the flat face. Which means I also got eye boogers to clean daily.
Personality: Gentle Giant Energy
If Ragdolls are “puppy cats,” these are “gentle bear cats.”
Yeti doesn’t run around at 3 am. He walks. Slowly. Like he owns the place.
What he’s like:
- Chill: Not hyper. 15 min of play and he’s done.
- Loyal: Follows me to the kitchen but isn’t clingy.
- Smart: Figured out the treat drawer in week 2.
- Quiet: Soft chirps instead of yelling.
- Patient: My niece uses him as a pillow. He allows it.
International Cat Care says Maine Coons are known for being gentle, and Persians are known for being calm. The mix gets both.
They’re not lap cats 24/7. They prefer to be NEAR you. On the couch next to you, not ON you.
Are They Good With Families?
Yes. This is why I recommend them to families.
They’re big enough that kids can’t accidentally hurt them, and calm enough that they don’t swat.
They do fine in apartments too because they’re not destructive. Just give them a window, and they’re happy. See our best cats for families for more options.
The Reality Of Grooming: You WILL Be Brushing
This is where most people quit. And I get it.
That coat mats. Fast. Especially behind the ears and under the armpits.
My Grooming Schedule That Actually Works
- 3-4x per week: 10 min with a metal comb. Not a brush. Combs pull out mats.
- Daily in spring/fall: Shedding season is no joke.
- Daily eye wipes: Flat faces = tear stains. Use a warm cloth.
- Monthly nail trim: Here’s how I do it without blood.
Skip 2 weeks and you’ll have dreadlocks. Pay a groomer $80 to shave it. Learn from me.
Health: The Stuff No One Tells You
Mixed breeds are usually healthier. But this mix can inherit issues from both sides.
1. Polycystic Kidney Disease—PKD
Persians are prone to it. Cornell Feline Health Center says it causes cysts on kidneys. Good breeders test for it.
2. Breathing Issues
If they get a very flat Persian face, they can snore and wheeze. Not all do. Yeti snores like a truck.
3. Weight Gain
Big cat + calm personality = chunky cat. You have to measure food.
4. Dental Problems
Big jaws = plaque buildup. Brush teeth 3x per week or use dental treats.
Red flags: Drinking tons of water, lethargy, breathing hard, not jumping.
Food: Feed The Beast, But Don’t Overfeed
These cats need protein to maintain muscle. But they’ll get fat if you free-feed.
- High-protein wet and dry mix. Chicken or fish first.
- 2 measured meals per day
- Omega 3 + 6 for coat health
- Fresh water. Fountain helps.
Avoid too many treats. Yeti went from 16 to 19 lbs in 4 months because “he looked sad.”
Exercise: Low Energy But Needs Play
They’re not Bengals. They won’t scale your walls.
But they do get bored. A 10-minute play, 2x per day, is enough.
What works:
- Feather wand on the floor
- Puzzle feeders
- Low cat tree. They’re too heavy for tall ones.
After play, they nap. Hard. For hours.
Lifespan and Home Setup
With good care: 12-16 years. Yeti is 3 and acts 10.
Keep them indoors. Their coat gets destroyed outside, and they’re too trusting.
Must-haves:
- Big litter box. Big cat.
- Memory foam bed for joints
- Air purifier if you’re allergic. They shed.
- De-shedding tool. Trust me.
Cost: What A Coon-sian Actually Costs
From breeder: $800-$1800. Rare, so prices vary.
From shelter: $100-$250. This is how I got Yeti.
Yearly: $700-$1000. Food, litter, a vet, grooming tools.
Grooming is the hidden cost. Either your time or a groomer’s money.
Is a Maine Coon Persian mix right for you?
Get one if you:
- Love big, fluffy cats
- Don’t mind brushing 3x per week
- Want a calm, family-friendly cat
- Are home most of the time
Skip if you:
- Hate grooming
- Want a hyper, playful cat
- Have severe allergies
Final Thoughts
3 years with Yeti and I’d do it again.
Yes, the grooming is a job. Yes, he sheds enough to make another cat.
But he’s also the calmest, sweetest cat I’ve ever met. He doesn’t destroy things. He just exists and makes the house feel peaceful.
If you want a cat that looks like royalty and acts like a golden retriever, this mix is it. Just buy the brush first.
FAQs
1. Are Maine Coon Persian mixes hypoallergenic?
No. Long hair + shedding = not good for allergies. The ASPCA says no cat is truly hypoallergenic.
2. Are they hard to find?
Yes. Not an official breed, so most are accidental litters or from small breeders.
3. Do they shed a lot?
Yes. A lot. Brush regularly, or your house will be a fur factory.
4. Are they good indoor cats?
Absolutely. They’re safer, cleaner, and healthier inside.
5. How big do they get?
10-20 lbs depending on sex and which parent they take after.
Also see: Persian Cat Guide | Maine Coon vs Normal Cat