Maine Coon Ancestry DNA Testing

by Dave
(WPB, Florida, USA)

Two obvious characteristics of Maine Coon cats are their larger size compared to the average domestic cat and the ear tufts on the tips of their ears. Both of these suggest some bobcat in their ancestry.

Also, Maine Coons share several traits with the Norwegian Forest Cat breed. They have a trilling voice, a long fur coat, and big paws—these are also characteristics of Norwegian Forest Cats.

Has anyone done any DNA to confirm or disprove either of these possible contributions to their ancestry?

Reply:
Hi Dave,
Great question! The origins of this breed have fascinated cat lovers for years, and it’s fun to speculate about where they came from.

While their tufted ears and large size might remind us of wildcats, DNA studies confirm that Maine Coons are 100% domestic cats with no known bobcat ancestry.

Alluring Origins

Are Maine Coons Related to Bobcats?

The bobcat theory is a popular one, but it’s unlikely for a few reasons. Domestic cats (Felis catus) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) are separate species and have different chromosome numbers, making natural hybridization almost impossible.

Modern Coonies developed their rugged features through generations of adaptation to New England’s harsh winters, not from wildcat genes.

Are Maine Coons Related to Bobcats?

Now, the Norwegian Forest Cat connection is much more plausible! These two breeds share a lot of traits - long, thick fur, big paws, and an affinity for cold weather.

One strong theory suggests that Viking explorers may have brought longhaired cats with them to North America centuries ago.

If true, those cats could have contributed to the genetic makeup of what we now call the Maine Coon. While there’s no definitive proof, their similarities make this theory an interesting possibility.

What Studies Say:

What we do know for sure is that Maine Coons have been genetically linked to both European and early North American domestic cats.

They likely developed naturally from seafaring cats brought over by settlers, evolving into the hearty, lovable giants we adore today.

What Does DNA Say?

Genetic research has helped shed light on their origins, and so far, studies have confirmed that they are entirely domestic cats.

Unlike some other breeds that have traces of wildcat DNA (such as the Bengal, which has Asian leopard cat ancestry), Maine Coons have been genetically linked to European and North American domestic cat populations.

How Cat Breeds Are Classified:

Studies analyzing feline DNA classify breeds based on their genetic markers, grouping them by shared ancestry.

Maine Coons fall into a cluster with cats from Western Europe, particularly those from England and France. This aligns with the idea that they descended from cats brought over by early settlers and sailors.

Studies on Wildcat Hybrids:

As for wildcat hybrids, science tells us that true hybridization between bobcats and domestic cats is extremely unlikely.

Their genetic differences, including varying chromosome counts, make natural reproduction between the two species nearly impossible.

While Coonies have a rugged, wild look, their DNA confirms that their size and features developed through natural selection and breeding - not from wild ancestors.

What Can DNA Test Kits Reveal?

Consumer DNA test kits for cats, like those from Basepaws or Wisdom Panel, are designed for pet owners who want to learn more about their cat’s breed mix, health risks, and traits.

These tests compare a cat’s DNA to their database of known breed markers, giving results like “X% Maine Coon” or “X% Norwegian Forest Cat.”
However, they don’t test for wildcat ancestry like bobcats or lynxes because those species aren’t part of their domestic cat breed databases.

Even if a test says a cat has some Maine Coon ancestry, that doesn't mean it's purebred - it just means it shares genetic markers with the breed.

Since breed classification is based on specific lineage records rather than genetics alone, these tests are best for giving general insights rather than confirming pedigree status.

So, while a home DNA test won’t confirm (or disprove) wildcat ancestry, it can still be a fun way to learn more about a cat’s genetic background!

Curious About Your Cat’s Ancestry? Mark Was Too!

Here’s Mark’s cat, Batman! Mark noticed right away that Batman was different from any cat he’d had before.

As he kept growing past a year old, Mark became even more convinced that Batman might have some Maine Coon heritage. Curious to know for sure, he decided to do a DNA test when Batman turned 18 months old.



The results? Batman is a verified Maine Coon mix - and he’s still growing!

DNA tests like these can be a fun way to learn more about a cat’s background, especially for those with Coonie-like traits.

What’s Your Experience?

What does everyone else think? Have you had DNA testing done on your cat? Do you see any resemblance to bobcats or Norwegian Forest Cats in your own Coonie? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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