Note: Michael Bugeja, guardian of Freya and Siggy, is a Basepaws affiliate member and may receive compensation for this post. Any compensation will be donated to the Ames Animal Shelter.

Freya, a pedigreed Maine Coon, has all the requisite features:

1. Large eyes, evenly positioned.
2. Square jaw.
3. Lynx-tipped large ears set high on head.
4. Long fur and extra wide whiskers.

The Norwegian Forest Cat, a similar large breed, has many of the same features, but typically the jaw is triangular, the eyes more almond shaped, and the ears set more to each side.

Siggy, Freya’s adopted sister, is 75% Maine Coon, according to a DNA test by Basepaws. (You can see her report by clicking here.)

It’s important to note Maine Coon mixes, because often those kittens are sold as purebred. Here is a photo of Siggy at six weeks:

She seems to have all the main characteristics of a Maine Coon, apart from the traditional mane under her chin. Compare that with Freya’s as a kitten:

As both matured to six months, the difference in the facial features and Maine Coon mane became more pronounced:

Siggy has the tail, whiskers, tufted paws, tail and square face, ears and eyes of a Maine Coon. But the mane is missing, as if shaved.

We only began to see the difference in appearance at four months, which means you can buy a kitten advertised as Maine Coon that appears as a mix later in life. (We knew what we were buying when we paid for Siggy, advertised as 50% Maine Coon. Then we learned her father was 50% Maine Coon, so Basepawswas spot on in their analysis.)

Keep in mind, however, that Basepaws’ DNA sequencing is not meant to verify whether or not you have purchased a purebred Maine Coon. For that, you need to check out the credentials of your breeder. Make sure that they are registered as such by the International Cat Association, Cat Fancy, or other reputable breed association.