Comparison chart: Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat
Of course, when it comes to size and fluff and regal bearing among the largest, fluffiest, and majestic of cat breeds, there are few breeds that would leap to the top of your wish list more quickly than the Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat. These cats owe to their immense beauty as well as a friendly nature; they have been compared quite often as they look pretty much the same in size and have the same, long coat. However, they go apart in a world of history, physical aspect, behavior, and even care. This article brings another perspective on the comparison between these two popular breeds that hold the key to answering what separates them.
Origin and Historic Background
– Maine Coon
This breed of Maine Coon’s history is rather shady and full of mystery, although these cats are broadly credited with the origin of long-haired cats the early European settlers brought to North America. Some even claim they were bred from ship cats for the sailors, even those Vikings whoever did go prowling around for rodents to then seek out and bring aboard ships. More poetically, perhaps, they arose out of the harsh conditions of northern America, Maine in particular. Their strong, muscular bodies and their lavish, moisture-resistant coats are a natural consequence of that adaptation. One of the most popular breeds raised in the United States, bred in the late 1800s.
– Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat, or “Norsk Skogkatt,” traces roots in ancient Scandinavian mythology. These Norwegian Forest Cats had trailed the Norse explorers and could even be some of the descendants of some of the short-haired cats that the Vikings had brought into Scandnavia. The Norwegian Forest Cats had been bred to live in the wintry climatic conditions of Norway itself, harsh and bitter in conditions, the thick coat seeming protective not only against the snow but against the rain too. They almost lost all existence during the Second World War but, through series of breeding programs applied to keep it afloat, is now highly prized throughout Scandinavia and across the globe.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics
Size and Body Form
– Maine Coon
This undeniably stands out to be one of the largest domestic cats. The males weigh between 13-18 pounds (5.9-8.2 kg) while females are relatively smaller. Great, muscular, long, and powerful in build, they boast of course, a good bone structure, but as a physical specimen, they seem truly remarkably powerfully athletic. Indeed, their tail is as long and bushy that at times it can equal the length of their whole body.
– Norwegian Forest Cat
again, a breed of impressive size but hardly comparable to the Maine Coon. Between 12 and 16 pounds (5.4 to 7.3 kg), though females are a little smaller, both have an athletic silhouette and body with a triangular shape. These cats prefer keeping their tails long accompanied with full spread of fluff most of the time but curl it around the body of the cat like a wrap to keep warm.
Fur and coat differences
– Maine Coon
The Maine Coon has a semi-longhaired coat, which gives it soft, silky or smooth textures. However, though this coat will probably be thick, its density is much thinner as compared to that of the Norwegian Forest Cat. This fur is longer around the neck, belly, and tail; it is indeed due to this reason that it gives a lion-like appearance to this cat. Water-resistant indeed are its coats though less resistant than that of the
– Norwegian Forest Cat.
Norwegian Forest Cat It is a two-layered animal: that is undercoat to keep it warm in cold climates, and then outer coat, which coarser, longer. This hangs off, and repels water. So, it is lot of grooming; however, during the winter, that undercoat blows out to a lot of thickness. Norwegian Forest Cats are distinctly wilder, rougher, and scruffier-looking compared to the Maine Coon.
Facial Form
– Maine Coon:
Maine Coon is squared and strongly muzzled with relatively high cheek bones. His great wide eyes slant him a bit, throwing an impression of thoughtful aspect and some very questioning look about him. His ears are broad at the base with tufts of fur hanging from their tips.
– Norwegian Forest Cat
Triangular head, with the profile as straight. The eyes are almond shaped and soft-looking compared to Maine Coon, which with its sharp character makes one peek into the place kept deep inside. Its ears again like Maine Coon are tufted but curiously closer and slightly lower on the head.
Personality and Behavioral Traits
– Maine Coon
Known for their “dog-like” personality, Maine Coons are friendly, extremely social, extremely outgoing, never shy about spending time with their human family. Seriously, they are as gentle as you can think of and as tolerant for an animal of their size, making them a wonderful pet for families or with children or other pets. They love to play until well into their adulthood and possess that kitten curiosity. They are not lap cats but will rather want to keep up with family members as they progress through the house and partake in the other daily activities. Their intellect makes them very trainable too, and several Maine Coons have enjoyed learning tricks or fetching.
– Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian Forest Cat the Norwegian Forest cat is independent and reserved but pretty affectionate toward their families. They probably don’t crave attention as much as a Maine Coon and certainly will be watching from a distance before deigning to join in. Yet, they get along very well with owners and are affectionate in their way. The Norwegian Forest Cats are climbers and like to find the highest spot to perch on and survey all of their surroundings. They are docile and quiet cats which, of course, create very much less noise compared to some of the other breeds, thus they can be perfect for a person looking for a more peaceful companion.
Energy Levels and Playfulness
Both breeds average out in energy but play out differently.
– Maine Coon
Maine coons are playful and even much more energetic than they look. Interactive plays like ball-chasing or a puzzle feeder for the feeding process keeps the mind active in a Maine Coon. Since they are naturally very inquisitive, they would probably end up snooping around in the cupboards or even some small places seeking something new. Mostly, there is a reason to the solution on why they need to get into a place they are not supposed to.
– Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian Forest Cats are active too, only their energy goes more to climbing and jumping. They like to stay high and spend much of their time sitting on the top of the furniture and climbing up the trees if they were let out. The play time is quite leveled with quiet and contemplative periods when they like to lounge and relax.
Grooming and Care
– Maine Coon
Also, a thick double coat, the Norwegian Forest Cat is supposed to shed much less than their Maine Coon cousins, but they still do drop copiously. Silky and easy to brush, it will rarely tangle, so while they require regular brushing, this really only needs done during shedding seasons. The Maine Coon cats are rather finicky about cleanliness and also very skilled at grooming with a lot of dexterity, but to keep them in prime coat condition and shave off the extra fleece at home, brushing should be done once a week.
– Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a coat, outer and undercoat that requires frequent brushing lest it mats mainly the undercoat. They may groom themselves enough in winter to keep it from getting too thick. In general, they are very good self-groomers, but owners make sure to encourage a good, healthy coat for this lovely cat.
Health Issues
– Maine Coon
Generally, Maine Coons are pretty healthy breeding cats. However, they might, just like any other pure breed, also fall prey to some of the conditions. These include:
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
This is among the most common heart diseases in cats. They will eventually take them into heart failure.
Hip Dysplasia
Due to size, the Maine Coons can become prone to hip dysplasia. Eventually, this will affect their mobility as they ages.
PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease)
This is a genetic illness where they have cysts on the kidneys and eventually contributes to failure of the kidneys.
– Norwegian Forest Cat
These are very healthy cats in themselves but prone to:
Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV
Which is a very rare form of genetic disease, whereby they cannot metabolize glycogen, which consequently leads to them experiencing more muscle and liver complications.
Hip dysplasia screening test abnormal
Like their Maine Coon cousins, size will only exacerbate predisposition towards joint problems upon maturity.
Cardiomyopathy
Heart disease, in the form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, can also be an issue with this breed, although it is said to be less of an issue for the Norwegian Forest Cat than the Maine Coon.
Life Expectancy
They are both roughly the same in age: fine care and feeding will provide for a long and healthy life.
– Maine Coon
lifespan between 12-15 years; some can live well into their late teens.
– Norwegian Forest Cat
lives to be 14-16 years of age. Some have lived into their late teens as well.
Conclusion
The Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat are ravishingly gorgeous cats, big, friendly yet strangely different in minute yet meaningful differences. Therefore, the Maine Coon is so outgoing and playful and relatively easy to groom in comparison with the Norwegian Forest Cat; thus, this breed will be perfect for that person who wants an outgoing, interactive cat. The Norwegian Forest Cat, being relatively quieter, is more independent because of the demanding need to groom the thick double coat and may appeal to a person who wants more docile and slightly self-sufficient companionship.
