By: Creator Amanda OBrien
On this publish:
- The bodily and behavioral traits that truly set Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats aside
- Which breed tends to go well with which way of life, dwelling area, and expertise degree
- Grooming, well being, and care necessities particular to every breed
- A sensible framework for selecting between these two fashionable massive cat breeds
For years, individuals have requested whether or not Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats are associated. Some say sure — the Maine Coon might descend, a minimum of partially, from its semi-long-haired cousin — although the total image is not completely clear-cut.
With how related their character traits can look on the floor, it is easy to see why individuals combine them up. However a number of actual variations set them aside. This is a full Norwegian Forest Cat vs. Maine Coon comparability that will help you work out which one fits you.
Fast Overview
| Maine Coon | Norwegian Forest Cat | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (male) | As much as ~25 lbs (11 kg) | As much as ~20 lbs (9 kg) |
| Weight (feminine) | As much as ~18 lbs (8 kg) | As much as ~15 lbs (6.8 kg) |
| Coat | Silky, shorter/much less even ruff, shaggier tail | Water-repellent double coat, full neck ruff, flowing tail |
| Head form | Sq.-ish, wedge | Triangular (“Wedgie”) |
| Persona | Outgoing, chatty, people-focused (“dog-like”) | Impartial, quieter, affectionate on their very own phrases |
| Exercise degree | Excessive, wants common play | Excessive, extra self-directed |
| Grooming | 2–5x/week, extra shedding general | 2–5x/week, heavier seasonal shed |
| Lifespan | ~12–15 years (as much as 20+ reported) | ~14–16 years |
| Good with different pets | Sure, usually very sociable | Sure, usually sociable |
| Typical value (US) | Typically greater | Typically considerably decrease |
Learn on for the element behind every of those, plus well being, local weather match, and the way to resolve between them.
Origins: The place Every Breed Comes From
The Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat — the Skogkatt, in Scandinavia — practically went extinct within the early twentieth century and solely survived due to a devoted breeding program within the Nineteen Thirties. Its deeper origins are murky: some theories level to cats initially introduced from the Center East, others to a shared ancestry with Siberian cats or Turkish Angoras. Norse mythology will get a point out too — the goddess Freyja’s chariot was mentioned to be drawn by long-haired cats, which some hyperlink to this breed.
An imposing white Norwegian cat surveying his kingdom
At present it is Norway’s official nationwide cat. Norwegian Forest cats are typically mentioned to have arrived within the Americas alongside early Norse exploration, tasked with conserving vermin off ships — therefore their reputed love of sea legs (and water usually). Domestically, they’re affectionately known as “Wedgies.”
The breed’s lengthy, shiny fur and woolly undercoat developed as an adaptation to Norway’s brutal winters.
The Maine Coon
Maine Coon origin tales are plentiful and principally unverifiable. One principle has the breed arriving with early Norse exploration (a part of the case for a Norwegian Forest Cat connection); one other credit Marie Antoinette, whose Turkish Angora or Siberian-type cats have been allegedly shipped to Maine and bred with native shorthairs after she could not be a part of them; a 3rd entails a “Captain Coon,” whose ship cats supposedly interbred with native cats to provide kittens resembling him — therefore “coon.”
Regardless of the true origin, the breed developed distinct, climate-adapted options over time. The CFA first acknowledged it in 1975, and it is now the official state cat of Maine, typically nicknamed the “Maine shag.”
Bodily Variations
Breeders usually level to leg size as a key inform: Norwegian Forest Cats are inclined to have noticeably longer hind legs than entrance, whereas a Maine Coon’s legs are extra even. That is not all the time straightforward to identify at a look, so listed below are extra identifiable traits.
A green-eyed Norwegian
Head and Nostril Form
A Maine Coon’s head tends to look extra sq., with a squarer muzzle; a Norwegian’s is extra triangular, tapering to some extent with a barely rounded cranium — the supply of the “Wedgie” nickname. Some describe the Coon’s face as trying “happier” purely as a result of this structural distinction.
The Maine Coon’s nostril has a softer curve; the Norwegian’s tends to run straighter.
Ears and Eyes
Maine Coons have massive, tapered ears set broad aside and excessive on the top. Norwegian Forest Cats have medium-to-large ears with extra rounded tops, set extra towards the edges of the top. Each breeds have furnished ear tufts (“furnishings”) that double as insulation.
Maine Coon eyes are massive, oval, and wide-set; Norwegian eyes are extra almond-shaped.
Measurement and Physique Form
Each breeds run massive, however the Maine Coon usually edges out the Norwegian. Male Maine Coons can attain round 25 lbs (11 kg), females as much as about 18 lbs (8 kg); male Norwegians max out nearer to twenty lbs (9 kg), females round 15 lbs (6.8 kg).
Norwegian
Maine Coons are lengthy, muscular, and rectangular-bodied, with wide-set medium legs and toe tufts — and so they’re the breed almost certainly to be polydactyl (born with further toes), so do not be stunned if yours has a few bonus digits. Norwegian Forest Cats are considerably much less elongated, with a better rump and longer hind legs than entrance, plus their very own toe tufts.
Each breeds present noticeable dimension variations between men and women — a gentle type of sexual dimorphism.
Coat
Each have thick, beautiful coats, however the texture differs. The Norwegian’s outer coat is genuinely water-repellent, sitting over a woolly double-coat undercoat, with shorter fur on the chest/shoulders and a full ruff across the neck in adults. The Maine Coon’s coat is silkier and smoother, with a shorter undercoat and a much less even, much less full ruff by comparability.
A Norwegian’s tail tends to circulate neatly; a Maine Coon’s seems shaggier and fewer uniform, tapering to a bushy finish. Each tails run a minimum of so long as the space from shoulder to tail base.
Colours and Markings
Each breeds are available a variety of colours, although the Maine Coon has the sting on selection — the CFA acknowledges roughly 80 shade/sample mixtures in Maine Coons versus round 60 in Norwegian Forest Cats. Each can seem in white, black, cream, and blue (grey); Norwegians additionally generally present crimson and amber tones.
A standard search is particularly for black cats of every breed — strong black is achievable and acknowledged in each, although it is the coat texture and head form (not the colour itself) that may inform them aside in pictures: a black Maine Coon will nonetheless present that squarer, wedge-shaped head and shaggier tail, whereas a black Norwegian retains the triangular head and the neater, flowing tail. Each will also be stunning gray cats if that is extra your type.
Well being Profiles
Each breeds are usually wholesome, however as with most massive cat breeds, there are just a few circumstances value understanding about.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Hip dysplasia — a poorly fashioned hip joint — happens in each breeds and, as in canines, could cause limping or lameness that worsens over time. Weight administration, train, and typically treatment will help handle signs.
Polycystic kidney illness (PKD) — inherited cysts within the kidneys — can have an effect on each breeds. It is diagnosable by way of cheek swab, blood pattern, or ultrasound. It is value being clear about one frequent false impression right here: PKD is solely genetic, and there is no dietary complement or meals selection that forestalls or reverses cyst formation. What eating regimen can do is assist basic kidney well being and ease pressure on kidneys which can be already affected — which is completely different from prevention. In the event you’re getting both breed from a breeder, ask whether or not their breeding cats have been screened for PKD.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — a thickening of the center muscle that makes pumping much less environment friendly — impacts each breeds and is among the extra critical circumstances to display for. A genetic take a look at and cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) are each used for screening; ask breeders whether or not their cats are examined, ideally with a specialist skilled in feline HCM.
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is restricted to Maine Coons (not Maine Coon/Ragdoll mixes particularly, as typically reported) — it is a genetic situation affecting the neurons controlling hind-leg muscle tissues, inflicting a wobbly gait and progressive muscle loss beginning round 3–4 months of age. Importantly, it is not painful and never deadly — affected cats can dwell full, snug indoor lives, simply with lowered leaping means. A genetic take a look at exists, and respected Maine Coon breeders needs to be screening for it.
Glycogen storage illness kind IV (GSD IV) is restricted to Norwegian Forest Cats — a genetic enzyme deficiency inflicting irregular glycogen buildup in cells. In contrast to SMA, this one is critical: affected kittens usually die at or shortly after beginning, and the uncommon kittens who survive usually develop deadly neuromuscular decline by round 5 months of age. It is autosomal recessive (a kitten wants two copies of the gene to be affected), and a genetic take a look at is out there — this is among the most necessary screening inquiries to ask a Norwegian Forest Cat breeder straight.
Norwegian cat having some Me Time
Norwegian Forest Cats, significantly males, have additionally been reported in some research to point out a considerably greater predisposition to diabetes than common, although this varies by particular person and is manageable with the identical monitoring and care as diabetes in any cat.
Lifespan and Lengthy-Time period Care
Norwegian Forest Cats are inclined to dwell a bit longer on common — generally cited round 14–16 years, typically longer. Maine Coons common round 12–15 years, with the oldest verified particular person reportedly reaching 26.
Both method, each are long-term commitments. Annual vet checks (with HCM and, for Norwegians, GSD IV screening mentioned above entrance of thoughts) plus wholesome weight administration go a great distance towards a protracted, snug life for both breed.
Persona
There’s an actual perspective distinction right here. Maine Coon personalities have a tendency towards playful, outgoing, and people-focused — usually described as “dog-like” for the way eagerly they observe you round and greet you on the door.
Norwegian Forest Cats are a bit extra selective about socializing. They’re going to play, however are inclined to lose curiosity quicker than a Maine Coon may, and like participating on their very own phrases fairly than consistently. That is relative to Maine Coons, although — Norwegians are nonetheless a genuinely social breed, simply quieter about it. Each breeds could be skilled to stroll on a leash and luxuriate in getting outdoors.
Maine Coon
It’s possible you’ll effectively discover your Norwegian Forest Cat perched excessive in a tree or on a tall cat tree, fairly proud of some solitude and fully able to getting itself again down.
Maine Coons are famously friendly and identified for a particular chirping “voice.” Norwegian Forest Cats are usually quieter, meowing primarily once they really need one thing — although do not go away one alone too lengthy, since they do need consideration on their very own schedule.
Maine Coons want a bit extra energetic engagement daily, kittens and seniors alike. Norwegian Forest Cats are extra impartial and self-entertaining, which may go well with busier households effectively, although “impartial” right here does not imply low-maintenance — each breeds are extremely smart and choose up skilled behaviors shortly.
Actually within the forest
Getting Alongside With Different Pets and Youngsters
Opposite to a reasonably frequent fable, neither breed is very territorial or higher suited to being an solely cat. Each Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats are usually thought of good candidates for multi-cat and multi-pet households, offered introductions are dealt with step by step and with the standard care you’d take introducing any new cat. Maine Coons particularly are regularly described as “mild giants” who are inclined to greet new animals with curiosity fairly than aggression, and each breeds are inclined to do effectively with canines too, given a correct introduction.
With youngsters, each breeds are usually affected person and tolerant — Maine Coons particularly so, given their sociable, people-first temperament, whereas Norwegian Forest Cats will have interaction warmly however might retreat for solo time extra readily than a Maine Coon would. As all the time, supervise younger youngsters round any cat, significantly a big one that won’t understand its personal dimension throughout play.
Maine Coon
Exercise Ranges
Each breeds are playful and profit from tall scratching posts and cat bushes — not only for train and claw upkeep, however as a result of each genuinely benefit from the excessive vantage level. Measurement up your furnishings accordingly; a standard-size cat tree might not go well with both breed for lengthy.
Norwegian
Each take pleasure in interactive play (feather toys, mice, balls) with their individuals, although Maine Coons usually need extra scheduled playtime than the extra self-sufficient Norwegian Forest Cat.
Grooming
Each breeds want actual grooming dedication. Common brushing with a slicker brush (twice weekly at minimal, 4 to 5 instances weekly throughout spring shedding season) helps forestall mats, which may turn into painful or medically problematic if ignored.
Maine Coon
The extra unfastened hair you take away throughout brushing, the much less your cat has to handle by way of self-grooming — which in flip reduces hairballs. Do not skip the fur between paw pads, both; it might probably get lengthy sufficient to be chewed and swallowed, including to hairball points.
Most cats of each breeds take pleasure in being groomed, and it is genuinely good bonding time — begin younger so your cat will get used to the routine early. In the event you bathe your cat, a shampoo formulated for lengthy hair (and flea remedy, if wanted) each 6–8 weeks is affordable; Maine Coons are inclined to tolerate water higher than Norwegian Forest Cats do, considerably sarcastically given the Norwegian’s water resistant coat.
If litter particles clings to fur, ask a groomer about trimming a “sanitary” patch, or take into account a self-cleaning litter field if it is a recurring subject.
Meals and Food regimen
Each breeds usually do superb on a traditional, good-quality cat eating regimen, although given their dimension, count on each to eat greater than a mean cat — Maine Coons considerably greater than Norwegians. If PKD danger is a selected concern to your cat, ask your vet a couple of kidney-support eating regimen, understanding (per the correction above) that this manages danger elements fairly than stopping the genetic illness itself.
Moist meals prices extra however tends to run greater in protein, which may profit bigger cats — many homeowners combine moist and dry. Search for meals with a genuinely excessive protein content material fairly than assuming a “massive breed” label alone ensures the appropriate dietary profile; ask your vet in case you’re not sure.
Each breeds are liable to the identical dehydration dangers as any cat, so a sturdy, hard-to-tip water bowl (or a cat water fountain, which many massive cats appear to take pleasure in) is definitely worth the funding.
Norwegian Tabby
Best Local weather
Each breeds love cooler climates, unsurprisingly given their origins. Maine Coons are inclined to adapt considerably higher to heat, humid climate than Norwegian Forest Cats, although each carry sufficient coat year-round to wrestle extra in warmth than a mean shorthair.
A Norwegian in its pure local weather
In the event you’re in a heat local weather, air-con helps significantly, and further grooming (or an occasional trim) by way of summer time can ease the load. In case your cat spends time outdoor, be sure shaded areas can be found.
Norwegian forest cat within the snow
Pricing and Worth
Buy costs differ significantly by area and breeder, however within the US, Maine Coons are usually the pricier of the 2 — and given additionally they are inclined to eat extra, ongoing meals prices run a little bit greater too. Past that, day-to-day prices (litter, vet care, grooming provides) are broadly comparable between the breeds.
If price is a significant component, it is value checking breed-specific rescues for both cat — purebred large-breed rescues do exist, and adoption charges are usually a fraction of a breeder’s value, although you may have much less management over precise lineage, coat, or shade.
Wherever you purchase, prioritize a breeder who can present you HCM and (for Norwegian Forest Cats) GSD IV screening outcomes over one providing the bottom value — well being testing prices the breeder cash, and a suspiciously low cost kitten from both breed is a purpose to ask extra questions, not fewer.
Norwegian forest cat with inexperienced eyes
Which Is Higher For…
- First-time cat house owners: Both can work, however a Maine Coon’s extra overtly affectionate, people-seeking nature usually makes it simpler to learn and bond with as a primary cat.
- Busy households or house owners with much less free time: A Norwegian Forest Cat’s higher independence tends to go well with this higher — it will not demand fixed engagement the way in which a Maine Coon usually will.
- Households with children: Each do effectively; Maine Coons’ further sociability provides them a slight edge for youthful youngsters who need an interactive companion.
- Multi-pet properties: Each are genuinely good choices — do not let outdated “territorial” reputations steer you away from both breed on this foundation.
- Hotter climates: Maine Coons adapt considerably higher, although neither is a perfect match for a sizzling local weather with out AC and further grooming.
- House dwelling: Each can adapt with sufficient vertical area (tall cat bushes, shelving) and playtime, although their dimension means they will need extra room to stretch out than a smaller breed.
Comparable Breeds Price Contemplating
In the event you like the overall profile of those two — massive, fluffy, sociable, cold-climate-adapted — however have not totally dedicated to both, just a few different breeds are value a glance:
- Siberian: One other pure, cold-climate breed with a equally plush triple coat, playful temperament, and (not like both breed right here) a documented tendency towards decrease Fel d 1 allergen manufacturing in a significant subset of people — value a glance if allergy symptoms are a part of your determination.
- Ragdoll: Massive, famously easygoing and floppy when held, usually wonderful with households and different pets, with a considerably decrease grooming demand than both Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat.
Neither Maine Coons nor Norwegian Forest Cats are thought of hypoallergenic, for what it is value — if allergy symptoms are a big concern, the Siberian is value researching particularly for that purpose, although as all the time, no cat is assured allergen-free.
Recap: Key Variations and Similarities
Key Variations
- Norwegian Forest Cats are typically extra impartial and self-directed; Maine Coons are extra overtly social and people-focused.
- Maine Coons run bigger on common and eat extra.
- Head form (sq./wedge vs. triangular), nostril form, ear form/placement, and eye form all differ.
- Maine Coons provide considerably extra shade/sample selection.
- Maine Coons are usually the pricier breed within the US.
- Every breed carries a special critical genetic well being danger to display for: SMA (Maine Coon, not painful/deadly) vs. GSD IV (Norwegian Forest Cat, usually deadly).
Key Similarities
- Each are semi-long-haired, massive, cold-climate-adapted pure breeds.
- Each are clever, playful, and trainable.
- Each want critical, common grooming dedication.
- Each are usually good with youngsters, different cats, and canines.
- Each share an analogous lengthy lifespan and a comparable basic well being profile past their breed-specific dangers.
- Each are available a variety of colours, together with black, white, and grey.
Maine Coon
Ultimate Ideas
If you need a extra overtly affectionate cat and have the time and area to maintain up with its social wants, a Maine Coon is probably going your finest match. In case you have a busier way of life, desire a barely extra self-sufficient companion, or favor a quieter cat, a Norwegian Forest Cat might go well with you higher.
Whichever you select, funds actual time for grooming, ask breeders straight about HCM and (for Norwegians) GSD IV testing, and do not let outdated myths about territoriality cease you from contemplating both breed for a multi-pet family. Each are great, genuinely huggable companions — you actually cannot go mistaken.
Subsequent Learn: Uncover the most effective quotes about cat lovers you may completely adore.
Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud father or mother of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is obsessed with understanding cats and completely different cat breeds
Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud father or mother of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is obsessed with understanding cats and completely different cat breeds.
