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Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon: Which One Suits You Better?

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Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon

If you have been searching for a very big, majestic, and extremely loving cat that you might want to have at home, then chances are that you have come across the Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon.  

They are among the most popular breeds of long-haired felines worldwide because of their size and heavy coats with amiable characteristics.  

However, their histories, physical characteristics, personality, and what they need in care differ. This article will give a detailed comparison between these amazing breeds to let you decide which suits your home and lifestyle.  

Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is also referred to as the Skogkatt. They are bred based on the rugged, freezing climates of Norway.  

It is an original breed produced over the centuries to enable the ability to thrive under the severe climatic conditions found in Scandinavia, with its massive coat that makes it keep warm under extreme temperatures and snow cover conditions.  

Contrary to the robust appearance of the Norwegian Forest Cat, this cat is friendly, gentle, and social. They are usually known as intelligent, independent, and affectionate. They are a great choice for a friendly yet independent cat.  

Maine Coon

Maine Coon

Maine Coon is famous for its large size, long fur, and excellent personality. Being one of the oldest and most popular native North American breeds, Maine Coons are known for being social, playful, and intelligent. They were first bred in the northeast United States. 

Mainly in Maine, to work well on farms and shipboard as cat hunters to rid farms and ships of pests. Maine Coons are now so endearing that they are termed the “gentle giants” in the feline world.   

Origins and History of the Norwegian Forest Cat

Origins and History of the Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat originated from the cold mountainous regions of Norway. It lacks history about this breed’s original origin, although it is guessed that it evolved from Scandinavia over the centuries.  

It is only theoretically assuming that a breed like this came into existence from those long-hair cats brought to Norway by the Viking seafarers.  

One can only believe that these ancient animals were an adaptation to this particularly cold Scandinavian climate because they came with such coats- thick, water-resistant they could at least survive that winter.  

The Norwegian Forest Cat was bred to become a working cat for many generations, controlling the rodent infestation and other small animals with which they interfered with food supplies from farms.  

Breeding of this breed started only in the 1970s in Europe. Although the breed’s official recognition did occur in Norway in 1977. In recent years they have become the most popular Norwegian breed, recognized around the world at large. 

How Big Are Norwegian Forest Cats?

The Norwegian Forest Cats are known to be muscular and sturdy cats along with long bodies, thick muscular necks, and a robust bone structure.  

These cats are known to have longer hind legs, with exceptionally strong claws, that help them with great climbing and jumping skills.  

A full grown Norwegian Forest cat can grow and weigh up to 10 kgs. The male ones weigh between 4.5 to about 9 kgs, whereas the females’ ones weigh about 3.6 to about 8 kgs.  

Dimensions Normal Cat Average (Male) Norwegian Forest Cat Average (Male) 
Length  40-46 cm  30.5-45.5 cm 
Height  20-25 cm 23-30.5 cm 
Weight  4.5 kg 4.5-9 kg 

Origins and History of the Maine Coon

Origins and History of the Maine Coon

This is a domestic feline breed found in Maine in America.  

There are no history and origin records about this breed, with various theories floating around. Some say that the Maine Coon was the offspring of a wild cat and a house cat.  

Maybe even a cross between a bobcat or a lynx and a house cat. Other people think this breed of long-haired cat originated from the cats brought by the early European settlers to North America, like France and Norway. 

Size, intelligence, and the hunting capacity in the wild may have merited. Why, once the breed was a working cat used by farms and in ships as it controls rodent infestations.  

It was only much later, in 1976, that the Cat Fanciers’ Association established that the Maine Coon gained more recognition in the late 19th century. Presently, Maine Coon has become one of the most popular cat breeds bred in America because of their friendly and laid-back temperament.  

Physical Characteristics

Physical Characteristics

When it comes to physical characteristics the difference between a Norwegian Forest Cat and a Maine Coon is quite distinguished. So, to know more let’s dive deeper into the differences between the two. 

Norwegian Forest Cat 

  • Size: Norwegian Forest Cat is a big breed of cat, but not as big as Maine Coon. The average weight of an adult male is 12 to 16 pounds, and an adult female usually weighs between 8 and 12 pounds.  
  • Body: The body of the Norwegian Forest Cat is muscular, with long legs and a broad chest.  
  • Face: the wild look was given to the face by the marked cheekbones, strong jaws, and a very wide head.  
  • Tail: The tail is long and very bushy.  
  • Coat: This may be the breed’s most identifiable feature, thick and double-layered to withstand a cold Scandinavian winter. The coat is long on the outside and water-resistant; underneath, it’s soft and dense. The coat should maintain regularly to avoid matting during shedding time.  
  • Eyes: Eyes are almond-shaped, green or gold, lively and intelligent.  

Maine Coon  

  • Size: Maine Coon is one of the largest cat breeds domestic. Maine Coon, on average, weighs from 13 to 18 pounds in males, and females weigh between 8-12 pounds. They can sometimes reach up to over 20 pounds, though this tendency is not typical.  
  • Body: Maine Coon has long, strong bodies, broad chests, and rectangular body shapes. Long and strong legs and big paws will help them walk over difficult and snowy terrain and carry over their body large bushy tails.  
  • Coat: The Maine Coon has an even thicker, water-resistant coat. It’s much longer and denser than any other cat, it’s silky, with a soft feel and a top layer of longer guard hairs. Though tabbies are the most common, they exist in multiple colors and patterns. They do mate and tangle easily, so they require regular grooming.  
  • Eyes: Maine Coons have large, expressive eyes, usually green, gold, or copper. Some Maine Coons can also have odd-colored eyes. That is one of the weird features of this breed.  

Comparison Table: Physical Characteristics  

Characteristics Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon 
Size  12-16 lbs in Males 13-1 lbs in Males 
Body Muscular, body massy long limbs, fluffy tail Heavyset, squarish paws large  
Cost Medium to long, dense, water-resistant Long, thick, water-resistant 
Eyes Almond-shaped, green or gold Large, expressive, green or gold 

Personality and Temperament

Personality and Temperament

As the physical characteristics of both the cats are different from each other, it is only evident that the personality and temperament of both these cats should be different. Now, to know correctly how varied these personalities and temperaments are, keep on scrolling down below.  

Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is friendly, independent, and very intelligent. Such cats are social but do not require constant attention, enjoying time spent alone.  

Generally, they tend to be quiet and adaptable. Norwegian Forest Cats may be suitable for homes with children or other pets, provided the animals are introduced gradually. The Norwegian Forest Cat is not very vocal but communicates with its owner in chirps, meows, and purring.  

Though they love human contact, they do not cling too much and respect having their bit of space occasionally. In all ways and senses, a Norwegian Forest Cat is a player.  

It tends to explore with a curious nature constantly. As expected, with a high intellectual level pair of a love to climb, Maine Coon comes in as another excellent problem-solving, adventurous fellow.  

Maine Coon

They are gentle pets who love to pamper and are entirely playful cats. They belong to the nomenclature category among the ‘gentle giants’ from cat land because they are huge but, at the same time, really silky and soft, possessing an irresistible nature and calmness.  

Maine Coon is amazingly friendly and as social as ever, trying every time to get the owner’s and any other animal’s attention. They love children, making fantastic combinations for families to carry along.  

They are very vocal, and most owners report that their Maine Coon is popular for the thrilling sounds, chirps, and meows to communicate with the owners.  

Maine Coons are intelligent cats that like interactive play and can even learn simple commands or tricks. They are gentle, patient, and not too big, and it’s not unusual to find them cuddling with owners.  

Comparison Table: Personality and Temperament  

Trait Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon 
Affectionate  Independent but affectionate  Affectionate, social, and loyal 
Intelligence Highly intelligent and curious Highly intelligent and playful 
Socialization Enjoys interactions but values solitude Very social, great with children and pets 
Vocalization Quiet, more reserved Vocal, chirps and trills 

Health and Lifespan

Health and Lifespan

As both these cats are different from each other, the health and lifespan of both these cats should also be different. Now, to know correctly how varied these health and lifespans are, keep on scrolling down below. 

Norwegian Forest Cat  

Norwegian Forest Cats are considered a relatively healthy breed with an average age of 12-16 years, though some can live longer than that with ideal care.  

Although the breed is generally free of major genetic disorders, it is sometimes susceptible to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart defect common to many breeds of cats. So, choosing an ethical breeder who tests for this and other hereditary conditions is very important.  

This is another reason the Norwegian Forest Cat should keep fit and healthy through appropriate diet and exercise to keep it from obesity, which may further result in other health problems.  

Maine Coon  

Mainly, Maine Coons are a pretty healthy breed and live, on average, 12 to 15 years. However, like Norwegian Forest Cats, they can sometimes be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia. Heart checks and vet visits are necessary to catch potential issues early on.  

Because Maine Coons are humongous, they can be quite overweight if left unmonitored. Facilitating dieting and exercise will play a significant role in making sure that these cats are fit and healthy all the time.  

Grooming and Care

Grooming and Care

As both these cats are different from each other, the grooming process and caring for both these cats should also be different. Now, to know correctly how varied the grooming and caring processes are, keep on scrolling down below.  

Norwegian Forest Cat  

The Norwegian Forest Cat has a sturdy double coat of fur that sheds considerably and tangles easily in spring and again in fall when the shedding resumes.  

They need to have their coats groomed at least once every two days to help address their furs’ shedding process and tangling. Consistent grooming may also help one manage the constant matting effect on the bigger parts of the coat.  

Their long, bushy tails can be a nuisance and should check for tangles and knots in the fur.  

Maine Coon  

Maine Coons have long, thick fur that must groom regularly to appear good. Grooming means brushing the cat once or twice weekly, so the fur does not tangle and becomes matted.  

That is a big problem, especially where the undercoat is concerned. It can be pretty dense sometimes. Maine Coons shed immensely; that is dependent on the seasons, and regular grooming helps to minimize hairballs and keep your house clean, too.  

Long, bushy tails are especially prone to more attention and will not require daily bathing unless dirty.  

Pet Friendliness

Pet Friendliness

As both these cats are different from each other, to know the pet friendliness of both these cats, keep on scrolling down below. 

Norwegian Forest Cat  

The Norwegian Forest Cat is generally easy to adapt to most living conditions, including children and pets. Their aloof nature allows them to stay outside the premises longer, craving companionship and interaction.

These cats are suitable for owners who wish to have a loving, intelligent cat that seeks less attention towards love but prefers quality time from the human family.  

Maine Coon 

Maine Coons are very social cats, and that is the very reason why they make the ideal family pet for homes with small children or other pets.  

Playful and loving, they can be an amazing companion yet extremely tolerant and patient. Extremely tolerant and patient, Maine Coons love human attention and, therefore, thrives to be at the center of everything in any situation.  

Wrapping Up!

In truth, the choice between a Norwegian Forest Cat and a Maine Coon comes down to what you want in a pet. When doing a comparison of Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon, you will see both have their own attractive persona. 

If you wish for an independent, intelligent cat that enjoys exploring and socializing but needs time alone, then the Norwegian Forest Cat may be your better bet.

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Nabamita Sinha

Meet Nabamita, a first-time pet sibling of a beautiful 3-year old Indian breed pup named Bruno. Her love for dogs can be seen all over her social media accounts and also over the fact that she can't even walk a mile without petting every single dog she comes across. She is a walking talking encyclopedia when it comes to health and wellness for your fur babies, so she is a on e stop destination for all your queries.

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