Norwegian Forest vs Maine Coon — The Big Kitty Battle

For years, experts have confused a simple question, "Are Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats Related?" Some say they are connected and that the Maine Coon is a descendant of its friend with somewhat long hair, but it's not always clear.

Since Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats are a lot alike, it's no surprise that this has been a touchy question for a while. Interestingly, a few things make these cats very different from each other.

It's clear that a real Norwegian Forest Cat vs. Maine Coon fight is the only way to find the right cat for you. We will discuss their similarities and differences in this article so that you can compare them and choose the best one for you and your family.

Origin of Norwegian Forest Cats

With that name, you can guess that the Norwegian forest cat is from Scandinavia. It's possible that the Norwegians' ancestors were Middle Eastern cats with long hair. Around the Middle Ages, they came to Scandinavia on Viking ships as "mousers."

Over the years, they have developed strong bodies and thick coats to handle the weather in Norway. Nordic folklore says that longhair cats pulled the chariot of the goddess Freya. The Norwegian forest cat, also known as "Skogkatt," is a part of this story.

Almost extinct in the 20th century, breeding plans began in the 1930s to save and protect the breed. World War II got in the way of the plans. But they came back in the 1960s. In the 1970s, official groups began to recognize the breed, and King Olaf made it the national cat of Norway.

Origin of Maine Coon Cats

The name "Maine Coon" also suggests where the cat came from. This breed comes from the US state of Maine. There are a few different ideas about how these cats got to the Maine area. One theory is that the Maine Coon's ancestors came to America with the Vikings around the year 1100, making them related to or descended from the Norwegian.

They might have come with European sailors' boats in the 18th century, which is another idea. Early adopters included farmers in Maine who were very proud of their cats and helped the breed grow and become famous in the late 1800s.

The breed was almost forgotten and not as renowned as the Persian or Siamese. But in the 1950s, it was found again. In the 1960s, the breed became famous again, and in 1967, the ACFA recognized it. In Maine, the Maine coon is the royal cat.

Now we can see that both breeds have some things in common: natural, rustic, longhair cat types. They probably share common ancestors, so they look so much alike.

Differences Between Norwegian Forest and Maine Coon Cats

Physical Appearance

Norwegian Forest vs Maine Coon have different physical appearances. Whether it's the shape of their head, ears, or body. Let's discuss how their physical appearances differ:

Head Shape

The Maine Coon's head is square and a little longer than it is wide. The shape has a soft curved curve. The nose is square. On the other hand, the Norwegian's head is almost hexagonal, even on all sides. The face is long and straight from the tip of the nose to the forehead, which is slightly rounded.

Eyes Shape

Maine Coons have big, oval-shaped eyes that look round when they are fully open. They are a bit off-center. In contrast, the Norwegian has big, almond-shaped eyes that are set off to the side and have an alert look on their face.

Ear Shape

They both have big, wide ears that may or may not have lynx tips. The Maine Coon has ears that are high up on its head. On the other hand, the outside line of a Norwegian's ears follows the triangle shape of their face and chin.

Body Shape

Their bodies are long, powerful, and muscular. The Maine Coon possesses a large, muscular chest. The length of the legs is medium. On the other hand, Norwegians have high rear legs that are marginally higher than their front legs.

Fur

They both have hair that is kind of long. The top coat of a Maine Coon feels like silk, and the undercoat is thin, soft, and fine. However, Norwegian cat fur has a wooly layer and an outer coat that doesn't let water in. There must be a beard on the Norwegian.

Personality

Even though the Norwegian Forest Cat is much bigger than most house cats, they are friendly and loving pets despite their size. They are gentle breeds but tend to bond with one family member. Additionally, they like to play with their people, but once their social needs are met, they are content with their own area and are left alone.

On the other hand, Maine Coons are known for being friendly and affectionate, like dogs. It's not that they are great lap cats, but they still like to be close to their owners when they want to rest. The fact that they act like dogs makes Maine Coon great pets for families with kids and other pets.

Training and Exercise

Norwegian Forest Cats aren't very busy, so they need to be stimulated inside. Give them scratching posts, climbing trees, and toys they can play with. They like to jump and climb, so keep tall shelves safe.

They are intelligent and learn quickly how to use the litter box and do tricks with clicker training. Leash training is possible, even though they like to be free sometimes, so they are suitable for indoor-only settings. Maine Coons, on the other hand, like small bursts of energy and rest, but they need to be stimulated inside.

Set aside 10 minutes daily to play with interactive toys like sticks with feathers. Climbing trees and scratching sticks are good for them. They are intelligent and do well with litter training. They can also learn tricks with clicker training. You can also teach them to walk on a leash, which makes them good indoor pets.

Health and Care Requirements

Norwegian Forest Cats are generally healthy, but they can develop Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, glycogen storage disease, and hip dysplasia. It is very important to get flea, tick, and worm treatments and regular checkups with the vet. Ensure they get a good meal with animal protein and no fillers.

These steps will keep your Wegie healthy and help it live a long time, whether inside or outside. Maine Coons, on the other hand, live between 9 and 15 years and have the same health problems as Norwegian Forest Cats, such as HCM. Regular heart ultrasounds are very important.

Keep an eye out for gingivitis, spinal muscle atrophy, hip dysplasia, and polycystic kidney disease. To make sure your cat is healthy, feed it a protein-rich food that your vet recommends, get regular shots, and protect it from fleas, ticks, and worms.

Grooming Needs

The Norwegian Forest Cat has a thick, dense, water-resistant coat that must be brushed every two to three days to get rid of knots, mats, and loose hairs, especially in the spring and fall when the cat sheds a lot. Grooming your cat also includes cutting its nails and brushing its teeth with toothpaste that your vet recommends.

However, Maine Coons don't need as much cleaning as Norwegian Forest Cats because their long hair is better for cold weather. Their coats usually care for themselves, but a gentle comb-through twice a week is good. Taking care of your teeth and nails regularly is essential, and if you need help trimming your nails, you may need professional cleaning help.

Who Should Buy a Maine Coon Cat?

Maine Coon cats make great pets for people or families who want a large and gentle cat. Mostly, they do best in places where they can play games with their owners and spend time alone. Because they are friendly, they make great pets for kids and usually get along well with other dogs.

Moreover, they are intelligent and easy to train; owners can teach them tricks or how to walk on a leash, which is a fun way to bond with their dogs. On the whole, the Maine Coon is an excellent cat for people or families who want a loving, flexible, and trainable pet.

Who Should Buy a Norwegian Forest Cat?

The Norwegian Forest Cat is an excellent pet for families seeking a pleasant, independent feline companion. They are known for their friendly demeanor, love relationships with adults and children, and are generally gentle with handling.

While they may adapt to various living conditions, they flourish when given appropriate physical and mental stimuli. Their love of climbing and playing necessitates that owners provide safe climbing structures and toys.

Individuals or families looking for a friendly, low-maintenance cat who enjoys exploring and playing may find the Norwegian Forest Cat an excellent addition to their home.

The Bottom Line

To sum up, the decision between Norwegian Forest vs Maine Coon comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. The Maine Coon might be the best cat for you if you have lots of time and room to play and want a friendly pet.

On the other hand, the Norwegian Forest Cat might be a better choice if you don't have much room and have a busy life. People who live in warmer places might also prefer the Maine Coon, even though it needs a little more care.

It doesn't matter which breed you choose; both provide unmatched company and joy, which makes them great additions to any home. Feel good about your choice and enjoy spending time with your new fluffy cat friend.