Compare breeds
Birman vs Maine Coon
Birman
Long
Maine Coon
Long
Choose the Birman if you want…
- a flat or small home
- less hair around the house
- a calmer companion
Choose the Maine Coon if you want…
- a family with children
- a home with other pets
- a dog or cat that learns quickly
- an active companion for long walks and play
Side by side
| Trait | Birman | Maine Coon |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Weight | 3–7 kg (7–15 lb) | 4.5–8 kg (10–18 lb) |
| Height | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) | 25–41 cm (10–16 in) |
| Life span | 12–16 years | 12–15 years |
| Origin | Burma (developed in France) | United States |
| Energy | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with children | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Suits a flat | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Quick answers
Which is bigger, the Birman or the Maine Coon?
The Maine Coon — typically about 1.3 times the weight. Birman: 3–7 kg (7–15 lb); Maine Coon: 4.5–8 kg (10–18 lb).
Which lives longer, the Birman or the Maine Coon?
Their typical life spans are about the same. Birman: 12–16 years; Maine Coon: 12–15 years.
Is the Birman or the Maine Coon better with children?
The Maine Coon scores higher in our profiles (5 vs 4 out of 5). Always supervise young children with any pet.
Other comparisons
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts