The Bobcat Myth: Is Your Maine Coon Part Wild?#
It is the most common “fun fact” people tell me about their cat: “The breeder said he’s part Bobcat.” Or the classic: “They are called Maine Coons because they are part Raccoon!”
Let’s rip the band-aid off: These are biologically impossible.
- Raccoon Cross: Cats and Raccoons are different species. They cannot breed.
- Bobcat Cross: While physically possible (technically), it is extremely rare, the offspring are usually sterile, and they would be wild, aggressive animals—not the “Gentle Giant” sleeping on your pillow.
So, why does everyone think Maine Coons are part wild cat?
The Visual Copycat#
The Maine Coon evolved in the harsh winters of New England. Evolution favored traits that look wild because they are functional.
- Ear Tufts (Lynx Tips): These aren’t just for style; they funnel sound into the ear for hunting.
- Size: A larger body mass retains heat better.
- Shaggy Coat: Resembles a Bobcat’s winter coat because it serves the same purpose—insulation.
Genetic Reality: They Are Just Cats#
DNA studies have proven that Maine Coons are descendants of:
- Domestic Shorthairs brought to America by settlers.
- Longhaired cats (likely Norwegian Forest Cats or Turkish Angoras) brought by sailors or Vikings. The “wild look” is purely a result of natural selection in a cold climate, followed by intentional breeding for “feral” aesthetics in recent years (especially the European lines).
Why You Don’t Want a Hybrid#
People pay thousands for “Wolfdogs” or “Savannahs” (Serval hybrids).
- The Reality: Wild hybrids mark territory (pee everywhere), are destructive, and have strict dietary needs.
- The Maine Coon: The magic of the Maine Coon is that it looks like a beast but acts like a Golden Retriever. It is the perfect illusion.
Conclusion#
Your Maine Coon is 100% Felis catus. They are not part Bobcat. They are simply the result of nature building the ultimate winter-survival barn cat. Enjoy the wild look without the wild behavior.
Resources & Further Reading#
- National Geographic: The impossibility of Cat-Raccoon hybrids.
- UC Davis: Feline ancestry and breed origins.