For years, specialists have requested, “Are Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cats associated?” Whereas some say they’re certainly distantly associated; particularly, the Maine Coon is a descendant of its semi-long-haired good friend, it’s not all clear reduce.
With comparable character traits of Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats, it’s no surprise this has been a poignant query for some time. However a number of variations make them distinctly totally different prospects.
So if you happen to’re attempting to find out which kitty is finest for you, the one method to take action is in a real Norwegian Forest Cat vs. Maine Coon battle.
Maine Coon Versus Norwegian Forest Cat: Breed Data
Each cats are described as long-haired or semi-long-haired. Which means they’ve a furry coat that’s fluffy and wealthy, though they don’t seem to be technically long-haired like Persians, Chantilly-Tiffanys, or British Longhairs.
They’re not thought of weird or unusual cat breeds. In truth, their recognition appears to be rising amongst cat homeowners. Both the Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat is ideal if you happen to’re in search of a fluffy companion.
Origin of the Norwegian Forest Cat Breed
Apparently, the Norwegian Forest Cat breed nearly went extinct within the early twentieth century. It solely survived as a consequence of a breeding program to reserve it within the Thirties.
The Skogkatt — as it’s generally identified in Scandinavia — may very well have been initially imported from the Center East. There may be Norwegian Forest Cat historical past in Norse mythology, although.
The parable tells us that the goddess Freya has a chariot drawn by long-haired cats. Some consider it’s a reference to Norwegian Forest cats. There are additionally theories that the ancestors of the Norwegian Forest Cat might be Siberian Cats from Russia or Turkish Angoras from Turkey.
Immediately it’s the official cat of Norway, as designated by King Olaf V.
Norwegian Forest cats most likely discovered their option to the US with early Viking explorations. They had been allegedly tasked with defending meals shops from vermin on ships. In order that they have their sea legs. In Norway, they’re lovingly referred to as Wedgies.
The breed tailored to its chilly local weather by growing lengthy shiny fur and a woolen undercoat.
Origin of the Maine Coon Cat Breed
Maine refers back to the state of Maine within the USA. The story of how the cat obtained there provides credence to the concept that the Maine Coon is said to the Norwegian Forest Cat.
There are a number of theories concerning the backstory of Maine Coon cats. One model means that the cat arrived with the early Viking explorations of the American continent. The second model says it’s Marie Antoinette who was liable for the origins of the Maine Coon.
Though Marie Antoinette couldn’t escape her destiny and settle in the USA, she despatched a lot of her possessions to America, together with six cats believed to be Turkish Angora or Siberian.
Her possessions landed in Maine, and it’s thought that her cats bred with native shorter-haired cats to provide the Maine Coon breed.
The third and closing story considerations Captain Coon. Coon anchored his ship in Maine, together with his long-haired cats, which he had on board to deal with vermin.
It’s believed that these cats mated with the native cats, and as their offspring resembled the cats from the ship, they turned often called Coons – and as they had been in Maine – properly, you get the story.
Over time, the cat developed distinctive, acclimatized options that ultimately separated it considerably from its authentic type. The CFA first acknowledged it as a breed in Maine in 1975. Immediately, the cat holds comparable standing because the official cat of Maine and is also referred to as the Maine shag.
Bodily Variations Between Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats
Breeders say that essentially the most observable distinction between Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest cats is the size of their legs. Whereas the Norwegian Forest Cat has longer again legs, the Maine Coons are all even.
Measuring a cat’s legs is simpler mentioned than accomplished (belief me), so hear a number of extra bodily traits that’ll show you how to determine your Norwegian Forest Cat or Maine Coon.
1. Norwegian and Maine Coon Head Form
Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons even have fairly totally different head shapes.
Generally phrases, a Coon’s head seems to be extra sq. than a Norwegian’s, which is extra triangular. A Coon’s muzzle appears extra sq., whereas a Norwegian’s has a taper to a degree, with its head being barely rounded. Because of this Norwegian Forest Cats are sometimes called Wedgies.
Some say the Coon seems to be “happier” than the Forest cats as a consequence of its facial form.
2. Norwegian and Maine Coon Nostril Form
The nostril of the Maine Coon breed tends to have a softer curve than that of the Norwegian Forest Cat, which tends to be fairly straight.
3. Ears
Maine Coons are identified for his or her giant tapered ears. They are typically fairly broad aside and set excessive on their heads. Norwegian Forest Cats have medium to large-sized ears however have a extra rounded high. Their ears are typically extra in direction of the aspect of their heads.
Each breeds have ear tufts that are referred to as furnishings. Along with being aesthetically pleasing, these tufts additionally assist to maintain these kitties heat.
4. Eyes
Maine Coons have giant, oval, wide-set eyes, whereas Norwegians have extra almond-shaped eyes.
5. Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat Measurement and Physique Form
Each cats are sizable. On the entire, the Maine Coon is a much bigger cat, although. The Maine male can develop to about 25 lbs (11 kg). Females are barely smaller, rising as much as 18 lbs (8 kg).
In the meantime, Norwegian males are identified to tip the scales at 20 lbs (9 kg) and at most 15 lbs (6.8 kg) for females.
Maine Coons are typically giant, lengthy, and muscular. Their medium-length legs are fairly broad aside and have Maine Coon toe tufts. Maine Coons are additionally extra seemingly than some other breed to have polydactyly. So don’t be stunned in case your kitty has an additional toe or two.
Norwegian cats aren’t fairly as lengthy in physique and have a tendency to have the next rump. Their hind legs are longer than their entrance they usually even have toe tufts.
Apparently, each breeds have considerably bigger males than females — a light type of sexual dimorphism, one may say.
6. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon Coat
Each cats have fur and hair that’s thick and delightful. The Norwegian shows a mane, and its outer coat is water-repellent. The Coon’s coat is silky, and usually, it feels easy, smooth, and delicate.
Norwegian Forest Cats have a double coat with their woolen undercoat. Their fur is shorter on their chests and shoulders, and adults have a full ruff of fur on their necks.
Maine Coons solely have a brief undercoat, and their fur tends to be shorter and fewer even across the shoulders. Grownup Maine Coons do have a ruff, but it surely isn’t as large as that of the Norwegian Forest Cat.
A Norwegian’s tail additionally flows, whereas a Coon’s is considerably much less organized — wanting extra shaggy than neat.
The tail of each breeds can be a minimum of so long as the space between their shoulders and the bottom of their tail. Nevertheless, the Maine Coon’s tail tapers to a bushy finish.
7. Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat Colours
Each breeds are available in a number of colours, although the Coon can come in additional varieties.
Coons will be white, black, lighter cream, or blue. Norwegians also can exhibit markings in crimson and amber along with the primary colours above.
The Cat Fanciers’ Affiliation (CFA) acknowledges 80 colours in Maine Coons and 60 in Norwegian Forest Cats.
PS: Each will be stunning gray cats you’ll completely love.
Norwegian Forest vs Maine Coon Well being Profiles
Each cat breeds are usually wholesome. Nevertheless, all bigger breeds of cats and canines are liable to particular illnesses involving joints and bones. Like dogs, the Maine Coon and Norwegian are sadly no totally different.
A type of illnesses is hip dysplasia, which is one thing you usually hear canine homeowners discuss. That is when a hip socket doesn’t fully encompass the ball of the thigh bone.
In cats, it could manifest as limping and even lameness that worsens over time. In some instances, signs will be relieved considerably by way of medicine, train, weight reduction, or correct environmental administration.
The 2 breeds are additionally weak to polycystic kidney illness (PKD). That is when cysts type within the kidneys. It’s usually inherited genetically. PKD reveals by way of blood within the urine, fixed thirst and urination, vomiting, and different signs.
Thankfully, fashionable breeders can check for PKD with a cheek swab or blood pattern. An ultrasound check also can determine PKD. There are additionally a number of methods to forestall PKD, together with kidney support dietary supplements.
Each breeds will also be liable to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which causes thickened coronary heart muscle mass, making the pumping of blood tougher.
Maine Coon cross breeds, like Maine Coon and Ragdoll mixes, usually tend to get spinal muscular atrophy. The muscle mass of their again legs are likely to weaken over time, leading to issues strolling and a bent posture.
Glycogen storage means a deficiency of an enzyme wanted to metabolize glycogen. Norwegian cats are liable to this well being situation, and it may show deadly.
In some studies, Norwegian cats, notably males, have been discovered to be extra liable to diabetes than different cat breeds.
Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat Persona
There’s a distinct angle distinction between these two hero cats. Maine Coon personalities are playful and pleasant, usually having fun with consideration and enjoyable.
Forests are rather less open to social exercise. They might play for a bit however appear to lose curiosity rather a lot faster. Because of this, they’re generally thought of lazy. However bear in mind, that is simply relative to Maine Coons. They’re nonetheless a usually social breed of cat.
Each breeds can theoretically be skilled to go on walks. As they’ve come from the outside, they take pleasure in getting out and about and are usually fairly clever.
It’s possible you’ll even discover your Norwegian Forest Cat perched excessive up a tree, watching the world go by. They fairly like solitude and are greater than able to getting themselves down.
Are Maine Coons friendly cats? You wager. They are typically fairly chatty and are identified for his or her chirping sound. Norwegian forest cats are typically quieter and can solely meow after they want one thing. Nevertheless, please don’t go away your Norwegian Forest Cat alone for too lengthy, as it can need your consideration.
Maine Coons have a tendency to like everybody however do want a little bit of consideration. This is applicable simply as a lot to older Maine Coons because it does to kittens.
Norwegian Forest Cats are extra energetic and prefer to at all times have one thing to do. They are typically a bit extra impartial than Maine Coons. So they’re excellent for energetic households and households.
Generally, each cats are thought of very smart and can choose up skilled habits fairly shortly.
Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat Meals Necessities
For essentially the most half, these cats will do properly with regular cat meals, although they’re giant breeds. Whereas dry cat meals is invariably cheaper, cats with kidney vulnerabilities will profit from specialised kidney care cat meals.
As they’re bigger cats, anticipate each breeds to eat greater than the typical cat. Clearly, the Maine Coon eats greater than the Norwegian Forest Cat. There are particular cat meals that may assist in conserving the coats of each breeds shiny.
Though moist meals is dearer, it tends to be larger in protein which might profit bigger cats. I combine moist and dry for my Siberian cat and suggest doing the identical for each cat breeds.
Maine Coons profit from having their very own Maine Coon branded dry meals — they’re particular that method. In any other case, make sure the meals accommodates good quantities of protein, as per a traditional cat weight loss program.
Like all cats, each breeds are liable to dehydration. As they’re bodily giant cats, please pay extra consideration to the water bowls you select to allow them to’t simply knock them over. My giant male Siberian cat loves his water fountain.
Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon Temperament and Territory
Each cats are identified to be very territorial. As such, they don’t seem to be the very best pets if you happen to plan to have multiple cat. They’re finest saved as single pets.
Norwegian Forest cats are additionally much less more likely to wish to be picked up and fussed over, particularly by strangers. That’s to not say that they’re aggressive cats, simply that they like making selections in a relationship. Maine Coons, then again, are typically extra tolerant of consideration.
Norwegians and Principal Coon Exercise Ranges
Each breeds are fairly playful and eager to be entertained. These giant cat breeds notably recognize excessive scratching posts and towers. Not solely does this assist them get the suitable stage of train for his or her bigger physiques, however they can even deal with conserving their claws beneath management – and assist defend your furnishings.
Do keep in mind that each breeds would require bigger towers as a consequence of their dimension. Additionally they each like to sit down on high of their towers and have view of their kingdoms, so attempt to place it in a spot that enables this.
These are additionally kitties who very a lot take pleasure in interactive play with their households. They’ll recognize feather toys, mice toys, and balls.
Maine Coons are likely to require extra enjoying time than the extra impartial Norwegian Forest Cat.
Suggestions for Norwegian and Maine Coon Cat Grooming Kinds
As fluffy and longer-haired cats, grooming can be key to conserving the Coon and Forest Cat blissful. Common brushing or combing with a self-cleaning slicker brush will assist to forestall matting, which might ultimately turn into painful or medically problematic.
The extra you’ll be able to take away extra hair throughout grooming, the much less your cat will shed, making their self-grooming course of simpler. This also needs to cut back the incidence of furballs and their related issues.
Don’t neglect to additionally brush and even reduce the fur on their paws. This hair can get fairly lengthy and presumably eaten by your furry feline, inflicting extra hairball points.
Many cats, notably these two pleasant breeds, actually take pleasure in being groomed by their homeowners. It’s additionally the right bonding expertise. I personally discover a slicker comb the best option to take away extra fur simply and with out hurting your bundle of pleasure.
The easiest way to show grooming into an pleasing exercise for each of you is to start brushing your cat from after they first transfer into your own home. Kittens, in fact, don’t should be brushed as incessantly, however this could nonetheless be a beautiful bonding ritual on your new kitten.
Some vets counsel combing or brushing long-haired cats a minimum of twice per week. I might improve this to 4 to 5 occasions weekly in peak shedding seasons like spring.
If you happen to’re a cat bather, shampoos that go well with lengthy hair and may take care of flea points with out affecting the coat are supreme. A shower each eight weeks, on common, could also be helpful. Maine Coons are typically extra snug with water than Norwegian Forest Cats.
If you happen to discover your cat has issues with particles after utilizing the litter box, seek the advice of a groomer about trimming a sanitary patch round the issue space. You too can look right into a cleanstep litter field if the issue isn’t too critical.
And, in fact, your cat could expertise hairballs a bit extra usually than different cats. Common brushing and grooming may assist cut back these unpleasantries.
Splendid Climates
After all, each of those breeds love colder climates. Maine Coons adapt higher than Norwegian Forest Cats to heat and humid climate. However bear in mind, each include numerous fur all 12 months spherical, which is able to at all times imply they are going to wrestle a bit extra within the warmth than the typical cat breed.
If you happen to dwell in a hotter local weather and have one in all these breeds, some air con can be an enormous assist. Summer time ought to imply further grooming and even perhaps a trim to chop down on the extent of fur.
And in case your cat heads exterior, guarantee they’ve shaded areas.
Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat Lifespan
The Norwegian Forest cat has a surprisingly lengthy life. They’ll normally dwell to a golden age of round 16 years. After all, that is a mean. Some cats are identified to increase past this.
The Maine Coon has a mean lifespan of between 12 and 15 years. The oldest reported Maine Coon was mentioned to have reached 26 years of age.
Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon Worth
The acquisition value for these breeds will differ around the globe. Within the USA, Maine Coons are typically a extra expensive cat breed than Norwegian Forest Cats. Maine Coons tend to eat a bit greater than Norwegian Forest Cats, so meals prices might also be larger.
Other than these two objects, most prices can be comparable throughout the 2 breeds.
Recap of This Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon Comparability
Right here’s a fast reference checklist of the similarities and variations between these two majestic cats.
Key Variations Between Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons
- Norwegian tends to be extra agile and energetic, the Maine Coon gentler.
- Maine Coons are bigger than Norwegian cats and have a tendency to eat extra.
- Head and eye shapes, in addition to whole ear top and placement.
- Norwegians will be extra impartial than Maine Coons however nonetheless want some consideration.
- Maine Coons will be considerably dearer.
Key Similarities Between Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons
- Lengthy-haired
- Nice for first-time cat homeowners
- Each are energetic and like to play
- Comparable lifespan
- Intelligence
- Grooming Necessities
- Underlying Well being
- Colours
Remaining Ideas on the Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat
In order for you an attentive cat and have a number of time and area to play with it, then a Maine Coon could also be your best option. A Norwegian Cat could go well with you higher in case you have much less area and a busier way of life.
If you happen to dwell in a really heat local weather, a Maine Coon often is the higher choice of the 2. They might require a bit bit extra consideration to maintain clear and wholesome than different cats. However let’s face it — each these lovely felines make for fantastic pets.
So go forward and make your selection – benefit from the firm of your new large fluffy ball of pleasure.
Subsequent Learn: Uncover the very best quotes about cat lovers you’ll completely adore.
Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud guardian of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is obsessed with understanding cats and totally different cat breeds.
