Maine Coon British Shorthair Mix: Complete Guide

Cat lovers are fascinated with Maine Coons due to their fascinating looks and personality. While purebred cats are still preferred by many, mixed breeds like a British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix are increasingly becoming popular. 

A long-haired Maine Coon when crossbred with a short-haired purebred like UK’s favorite cat, the British Shorthair, will produce wonderful offspring called Short Hair Maine Coon kittens. So, today, let’s learn about the right care for a British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix like grooming, training, and so much more.

British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix: Breed overview

SizeMedium – Large
Weight 9 – 20 pounds 
Height10 – 15 inches 
Coat ColorsBlack, White, Red, Brown, Cream, Blue, Gray
Child FriendlinessHigh
Feline FriendlinessHigh
Training DifficultyEasy 
Grooming UpkeepModerate
Exercise NeedsModerate 
HealthModerate 
Lifespan12 – 16 years 
Kitten Cost$1,000 – $2,000
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RECOMMENDED: Brown Maine Coon (Complete Guide)

What is a British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix?

British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix is a crossbreed of the densely short-coated British Shorthair and the shaggy-coated Maine Coon.

Maine Coon British Shorthair Mix parent breeds

The Maine Coon is one of the most giant domesticated cats known for its wooly coat and well-tufted ears. They are often called the “gentle giant” for having a laid-back and friendly personality despite their enormous size.

The British Shorthair is similarly a calm and good-natured cat that is one of the oldest breeds from Britain. They have a short, plush coat that is commonly silvery gray, and their rounded faces with large, round eyes and chubby cheeks give them that cute teddy bear look. 

Maine Coon history

British Shorthair Mix Maine Coon
Maine Coon with yellow eyes side profile

There are a couple of myths regarding the origin of the Maine Coon ranging from a raccoon-to-cat hybridization to having descended from Queen Marie Antoinette’s Angora cats.

Maine Coons probably developed naturally from long-haired cats brought by the early American settlers that bred with the local cat population. New England farmers prized them for being great rat and mouse catchers.

In 1985, the breed was named the official state cat of Maine and is regarded as one of the more popular breeds in the United States.

SEE ALSO: Serval Maine Coon Mix (Complete Guide)

Can a Maine Coon mix have short hair?

Yes, it is possible for a Maine Coon mix to have short hair if the Maine Coon was crossbred with a shorter-haired breed.

Examples of Maine Coon mixes that might have short hairs are ones that were mixed with a British Shorthair, Abyssinian, Bengal, or American Shorthair.

CHECK OUT: Maine Coon Bengal Mix (Complete Guide)

How do you know if your cat is a Maine Coon mix?

One clear sign that you might have a Maine Coon mix is, of course, their large size. Maine Coons can reach a height of 16 inches and a length of 40 inches from nose tip to tail.

The eye shape and the presence of ear tufts are also clues that you might have a Maine Coon mix in your hands. Maine Coons have oval-shaped eyes that slant obliquely and their ears are typically heavily tufted.

But, to definitively confirm whether your cat is a Maine Coon mix is to have their genes tested. A few drops of saliva or blood sample is all it takes to have a genetic test done with the results available in 6 to 8 weeks. 

What 2 breeds make a Maine Coon?

It is not known what breeds make up the Maine Coon. Some suggest that they are descendants of an unknown short-haired breed native to America and long-haired breeds, such as the Norwegian Forest Cats that were introduced by the Vikings or Angora cats that the early American settlers brought from Europe. 

You may also like: Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat (Complete Guide)

British Shorthair history

British Shorthair And Maine Coon Mix
British Shorthair kitten looking up

The British Shorthair was believed to have descended from cats brought by the ancient Romans to Brittania. Over the years, British Shorthair mixed with other breeds to be refined into the present breed as it is known today. 

They were brought to the United States in the mid-1900s and were recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1980.

READ ALSO: Siamese British Shorthair Mix (Complete Guide)

British Shorthair And Maine Coon Mix physical appearance

Maine Coon British Shorthair is a muscular cat with a deep, broad chest and short to medium legs. The head may be rounded or squarish depending on whose genes are more dominant. 

The neck may be short and thick like the British Shorthair or it may be long and medium-sized similar to the Maine Coon. Males may exhibit larger jowls similar to the British Shorthair.

Eye shape may be round or oval-shaped that can be leveled or set slightly oblique towards the ears. Ears are broad at the base that may have rounded or pointed tips. Heavy tufting is possible that grows out of the inner ears.

How big do mixed Maine Coons get?

A mixed Maine Coon can have a weight range of 8 to 20 pounds. The size of the breed it was crossed with will determine its final weight and height. 

A Maine Coon crossed with a Ragdoll or a Norwegian Forest Cat can weigh as much as 20 pounds or more. On the one hand, a Maine Coon crossed with a smaller breed like a Siamese would be around 8 to 18 pounds.

RECOMMENDED: British Shorthair Ragdoll Mix (Complete Guide)

British Shorthair Mix Maine Coon size, height, and weight

British Shorthair Mix Maine Coon is a medium to large breed with males being heavier and more muscular than females. It may take 3 to 5 years before they reach their full height and weight because of their size. 

Height Weight 
Male12 – 15 inches 12 – 20 pounds 
Female 10 – 12 inches 9 – 15 pounds 
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Various Maine Coon And British Shorthair Mix coat colors and types

Maine Coon And British Shorthair Mix has a thick, dense coat that could be short or medium in length. Coat color varies as well since both breeds come in colors ranging from white to black and from red to cream.

You may be interested in: Cream Maine Coon (Complete Guide)

Possible coat patterns for this mixed breed include:

  • Solid
  • Tabby
  • Tabby and White
  • Bi-Color
  • Tortoiseshell
  • Calico
  • Shaded 
  • Smoke

READ ALSO: Maine Coon Tabby Mix (Complete Guide) and Calico Maine Coon (Complete Guide)

Maine Coon Mix British Shorthair temperament and personality

Maine Coon Mix British Shorthair cats are generally gentle and easygoing. They love the company of their family but are not known to be too clingy. They prefer being near or beside their owners rather than being outright lap cats.

Maine Coons are prone to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long unlike the British Shorthairs which are more independent. This breed will therefore be a balance between the two and will be less needing of attention than a purebred Maine Coon.

Do British Shorthair And Maine Coon make great family pets?

Yes, the British Shorthair And Maine Coon Mix is a great addition to most families because they are gentle and affectionate creatures. 

They can easily adapt to most situations and can tolerate rowdy children as long as they are not being mishandled.

This breed also rarely exhibits aggressive behavior towards other pets and is known to be friendly and amiable.

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Maine Coon And British Shorthair training

Both the Maine Coon and the British Shorthair are inquisitive and intelligent breeds, so this breed would be fairly easy to train. You can start litter box training the kitties as soon as you take them home by providing them with a shallow, open-top litter box. 

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Teaching them tricks during playtime is also a good way to stimulate their mind as long as positive reinforcement techniques are used, such as giving pet treats and verbal praises.

British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix exercise requirement

British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix needs at least 30 minutes of exercise daily that can be split into 2 sessions. You can interact and bond with your fluffy friend by walking them daily around the neighborhood by playing fetch with them. 

When walking your feline friends, make sure they are wearing a harness and you are using a leash to keep them safe and within your control.

Additionally, giving cats access to a solid cat tree and a quality scratching post will keep them entertained and feel safe inside your home.

British Shorthair And Maine Coon Mix grooming and cleaning

Regardless of the coat length and texture of a British Shorthair and Maine Coon Mix, it is safe to say that this mixed breed has a plush and thick coat.

Brush his coat regularly so you won’t have to deal with heavy knots. Two of the best tools are a slicker brush for detangling knots and a de-shedding tool such as FURminator.

Unlike brushing, you do not have to bathe your fur baby often because this will only dry his skin and coat. When bathing is necessary, use mild and organic cat shampoo.

Next is to trim the nails but be careful not to cut the quick.

Also as important is dental care but choose enzymatic toothpaste because it does not contain fluoride.

Lastly, inspect the ears and eyes, and if you see any debris, wipe these off with a moist cotton ball. 

Grooming NeedsGrooming Frequency
Brushing 3x weekly
Bathing 1x monthly
Teeth Brushing 3x weekly
Nail Trimming 2x monthly
Eye/Ear Care Check weekly 
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Do Maine Coon British Shorthair Mix shed?

Yes, Maine Coon British Shorthair Mix cats shed their coats moderately. But it can get heavier as springtime and autumn approaches. Unless caused by other factors like poor nutrition and medical conditions, shedding is a natural process that removes dead skin cells. 

No worries because you can keep your house pet hair-free by using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

CHECK OUT: Do Maine Coon Cats Shed? 10 Reasons Why & What To Do!

Is British Shorthair Mix Maine Coon hypoallergenic?

No, a British Shorthair is not hypoallergenic because of the Fel d1 protein which is present in saliva, skin, fur, anal and sebaceous glands. Fel d1 is the major allergen that causes reactions in sensitive people. 

If you or your loved ones have allergies, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to improve indoor air quality. 

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Pet-proofing essentials for Maine Coon And British Shorthair Mix

Maintaining a safe and stimulating home environment is vital for the well-being of your British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix.

A key component of this involves selecting the right window treatments, like top-quality cat-proof blinds.

These blinds are designed to resist the curious nature of cats, offering durability and safety while preserving your home’s aesthetic beauty.

They also safeguard your windows and provide light control and privacy, ideal for a pet-friendly home.

You’ll want to choose blinds that are made from sturdy materials with secure, user-friendly mechanisms to effectively improve your cat’s living area.

Maine Coon And British Shorthair Mix food and diet

To be healthy, your Maine Coon and British Shorthair Mix needs various kinds of nutrients like animal protein, fatty and amino acids, and vitamins and minerals. 

All of the above nutrients are available in high-quality cat food that does not have unnecessary fillers like corn. Wet or canned food is better because it has the right amount of water for hydration. 

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British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix common health issues

While both the parents of a British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix are robust breeds, still, their offspring may inherit some diseases.

If you have a mixed-breed cat, using a Cat DNA test kit could be a game-changer. Beyond unraveling your cat’s genetic puzzle, these tests are vital for proactive pet health management.

Cat DNA test kits provide actionable insights into breed-specific health risks, allowing you to tailor a preventive care plan to your furry friend’s unique genetic profile.

By optimizing their diet, exercise, and overall environment based on this data, you’re extending your cat’s longevity and enhancing their quality of life.

So, whether you’re a new cat owner or a veteran feline aficionado, a cat DNA test kit is the key to unlocking the secrets of your pet’s genetics, taking your pet care from generic to genetic.

Stay ahead of the curve, and let your pet’s DNA guide you to provide the best care for your beloved companion.

1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

This is a condition wherein the left ventricle of the heart thickens. The signs to look for are weakness and open-mouth breathing. 

2. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

This is a kidney disease caused by multiple cysts that continue to enlarge and multiply. Drinking and urinating a lot are 2 of the symptoms of PKD. 

3. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

More common among the Maine Coons, it is caused by the degeneration of spinal cord neurons. 

4. Hyperthyroidism 

A hormonal imbalance of the thyroid hormone causes hyperactivity and increased appetite. 

British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix lifespan

For as long as you provide all the necessary care such as the right kind of food and proportion, exercise, and regular vet checkups, your British Shorthair Maine Coon will live an average of 12 to 16 years.  

Maine Coon British Shorthair Mix breeders

Whether you are buying a purebred or a mixed breed like a Maine Coon mixed with British Shorthair, the same principles apply when looking for a breeder. First and foremost is to look for the breeder’s affiliation with cat organizations like TICA and The Cat Fanciers’ Assocation (CFA)

As affiliates, breeders are expected to obey all the rules regarding safe cat breeding practices such as:

  • Conducting DNA tests before breeding their cats. 
  • Administering kittens with core vaccinations and scheduled deworming. 
  • Allowing the kittens to mingle with people and animals while under their care for socialization purposes. 
  • Not releasing the kittens to new owners until 12 weeks of age. 

British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix kittens

Here’s a quick look at how to raise a happy and healthy British Shorthair Maine Coon kittens:

  • Feed nutritious food and avoid giving human food without consulting a vet. 
  • Interact with your kitten as soon as you bring him home so he will get used to being handled by humans.
  • Allow your kitten to have an undisturbed sleep. 
  • Prepare all the necessary supplies like a kitty bed, litter box, toys, and a cat carrier.
  • Kitten-proof your home. 
  • Do not delay vet appointments for vaccinations, deworming, etc. 

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Maine Coon Mix British Shorthair price

The average cost of Maine Coon Mix British Shorthair is from $1,000 to $2,000. Next to that, you have to factor in other expenses, some are one-time while some are monthly expenses. 

Type of One-Time and Recurring ExpensesAverage Cost 
Food $50 – $75/month 
Food and Water Bowls $5 – $10
Kitty Bed $20 – $30
Carrier $20 – $40
Collar and ID tag $10 – $25
Grooming Tools $25 – $45
Litter Box $18 – $45
Litter $10 – $25/month
Scratch Post and other toys $20 – $50
Microchipping $50 – $100
Spay/Neuter $250 -$550
Veterinary Expenses $200 – $500
Total $678 – $1,495
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Places to find Maine Coon x British Shorthair Kittens For Sale

There’s nothing like getting your Maine Coon x British Shorthair kitten from a trusted breeder. While pet shops offer convenience but you’re not guaranteed whether the kittens are products of cat mills or not. 

Here, I have two (2) trusted breeders where you can inquire about British Shorthair Maine Coon Mix kittens for sale:

Baronet Cats (baronetcats.co.uk) in the UK is highly recommended. All their breeding cats are negative for PKD, feline immunodeficiency virus, and other diseases. 

Crescent Moon Maine Coons (crescentmoonmainecoons.com) in Jefferson, Georgia is a TICA and CFA-registered cattery that gives importance to genetic testing of all breeding cats. 

British Shorthair And Maine Coon: Pros and Cons

To help you figure out if this cat breed is what you want to have as a pet, consider the following pros and cons: 

ProsCons
Affectionate but not overly clingy Can be vocal 
Mild-mannered Sheds moderately 
Gets along well with people of all ages May cause allergic reactions in some people 
Good with other pets May not tolerate solitude
Not aggressive Needs regular brushing 
Not too active Prone to obesity 
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Is the Maine Coon And British Shorthair right for me?

The Maine Coon mixed with a British Shorthair is generally a wonderful cat to own. He is sweet, playful, and adaptable.

But, if there’s one thing a potential owner has to deal with, that is the regular brushing of the coat. So, if you can include in your schedule at least 3x a week on brushing, then, this mixed breed is right for you.

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