Almost everybody will say that only if you see the pedigree of the cat you can say for sure is it a Norwegian Forest Cat or a Maine Coon. True connoisseurs can tell you that the two breeds have many differences, especially in the shape of their faces. What we are going to do is compare and conclude.
Being introduced to recognizing these two breeds visually is still not enough to know for sure which one you have. After many attempts, the best proof is the pedigree of the cat.
Origin of the Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon
These two breeds have undoubtedly many similarities, so an insight into their origins will be a great start to reveal many details.
As the name of the Norwegian Forest Cat suggests it comes from Scandinavia. The ancestors of the Norwegian Forest cat were probably semi-longhair cats from the Middle East who arrived in Scandinavia with the Vikings’ boats in the Middle Ages. Through time they have evolved with a strong body and thick coats which perfectly match Norway’s climate.
These cats are also called Skogkatt and appear to be a part of the Nordic Mythology. It has been said that long-haired cats were drawing the goddess Freya’s chariot which is why people believe it must have been them.
In the 20th century, Norwegian Forest Cats almost disappeared and around 1930 there were protecting the breed plans made. These plans were not followed during World War II and became focused on again in the 1960s. In 1970 the Norwegian Forest Cat started to be recognized as a breed and King Olaf declared it as an official cat breed of Norway.
The story about the Maine Coon is almost the same because its name talks about its origins. The Maine Coon Cat comes from the state of Maine in the US. I am not going to mention all the hypotheses telling how these cats came to Maine, but one according to which the Maine Coon arrived together with the Vikings in the 11th century making them of the same origin as the Norwegian.
Maine Coon breed started to be very popular at the end of the 19th century because the farmers in the Maine state were very fond of them. The breed was later almost forgotten and became less popular than the Siamese and Persian. Around the 1950s and 1960s, a comeback of this breed happened and it was officially recognized by ACFA in 1967. It is the official cat of the state of Maine.
The only conclusion that can be drawn is the similarity in the history of both breeds. Norway Forest cat and Maine Coon cat are rustic, natural, and longhair cat breeds.
Physical characteristics of the Norwegian Forest cat and Maine Coon cat
The Norwegian Forest cat has an equilateral triangular head. Its profile is long and straight from the tip of the nose to the slightly rounded forehead. Norwegian Forest cat eyes are large, almond-shaped with an alert expression. The outer line of its ears follows the triangular line of the face and chin. Maine Coon ears are large and set very high on the head.
The Maine Coon cat’s head is square and slightly elongated. Its profile has a gentle concave curve. Maine Coon’s eyes are large and slightly oval. When the cat opens them widely, they get a round shape.
Both cats have a strong, long, and muscular body. The Norwegian Forest cat has high legs. Its hind legs are a bit higher than the front legs, while the Maine Coon’s legs are medium height.
When it comes to their fur it is semi-long in both breeds. Norwegian Forest Cat has a wooly undercoat and a water-repellent upper coat. The coat of the Maine Coon is like a silky texture with a soft and fine undercoat.
The Norwegian Forest cat and the Maine Coon cats appear in a variety of colors. You can see chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, and lilac color. It is known so far that the amber shade does not exist in the Maine Coon cat breed.
Norwegian Forest cat is a bit smaller than the Maine Coon cat although they are both big cats.
Norwegian Forest males weigh between 6-9 kg (13-20 lb) and females are 4-6 kg (9-13 lb), while the Maine Coon males weigh around 7-12 kg (15-26 kg), and the females 5-8 kg (11-18 lb).
The life span of both breeds is around 12-15 years of age.
Norwegian Forest and Maine Coon Cats’ Character
According to the scientists comparing the characters of these similar breeds is not a good idea because cats do have their personalities, although in general, they share some similar traits.
If you are wondering how active they are we can say that the Norwegian Forest cat is lazy, while the Maine Coon cats are well known for their kitten-like playfulness. Norwegian Forests will play and lounge afterward, and Maine Coon cats will play as long as you want to play with them.
Maine Coons are also called dogs of the cat’s world because they can be trained to walk on a leash, while the Norwegian Forest is far from interested to be somebody’s dog.
Due to their character both breeds are loveable and they also have great personalities. They are the perfect pet for every family since they are nice to children.
You might be also wondering if a Norwegian Forest cat can live indoors and the answer is yes. It can spend its entire life indoors. It is also good to know that no matter how indoors your cat is, it must spend some time outside. Not alone, with you of course.
Care and Health
Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coon cats are shedding. The Maine Coon sheds a lot. These breeds have double coats so it is normal.
Both breeds are claimed to be hypoallergenic, but there isn’t any scientific evidence so far.
Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon love to be brushed which is a necessity because of their fur appearance, but it will be much better if you brush them regularly since they were kittens, so they get used to it. When the Maine Coons are shedding you can even brush them twice a day. This cat breed is very tactile and loves to be touched and groomed. They love water, so bathing will not be a problem as well.
You should be very careful with their diet and try to give them smaller portions twice a day. These cats are big already. A good quality diet is recommended, so a high-protein and well-balanced diet is the perfect choice. You can give them treats, but not very often because fat gain is not strange for these breeds.
