Who would win in the cuteness battle of Norwegian Forest cat vs. Maine Coon? Which one would take the title of the fluffiest and most charming feline?
Well, you can’t go wrong with either of them. This battle of big cats is the fluffiest encounter you may have.
It’s quite easy to confuse these two breeds. They’re the largest domesticated cats, with long hair and bushy tails. They’re extremely similar when it comes to grooming as well as their overall household needs.
But there are some distinctive traits you can look at in order to tell them apart. So, don’t worry about not being able to differentiate them.
In this article, we’ll go through all the things that you need to know about each of these breeds. If you want to make sure that you’re getting the right cat for yourself, you need to know some of the basics. Otherwise, you may end up feeling underqualified to raise one of these gentle giants.
This showdown between the Norwegian Forest cat and Maine Coon will show you just a couple of differences that you need to be aware of before deciding which one to get.
So, what is there to know? Let’s find out.
1. Energy Levels
To start off, let’s talk about the differences between these two giants’ physical energy. These cat breeds have rather different energy levels. For example, the Norwegian Forest cat is on the lazy side. She won’t go out of her way to run after toys or jump at anything that’s interesting to her. She’s the type of kitto that simply enjoys lazing around.
On the other hand, a Coon adores being active. He has surprisingly high energy levels for his size, with the strength to run a lot and play around with children and other animals. Those energy levels are also why a Maine Coon is much more curious than a Norwegian Forest cat. He’ll want to explore his surroundings, suss out the situation, and so on, while the Norwegian Forest cat would much rather take extended naps.
2. Origins
The place of origin of a breed is quite important if you want to understand their personality. For starters, you can probably guess where the Norwegian Forest cat comes from – Northern Europe. She’s used to the colder weather, the snow, and the wind. This means that she’d be the perfect candidate for a family who lives somewhere where there are colder days.
However, the Maine Coon originates in New England. People believe that this breed made its way to the US with a Viking ship. The farmers in the 19th century who lived in the state of Maine were extremely proud of their beautiful cats. This is also the period when this breed became extremely popular, and since then everyone has been mesmerized by their appearance.
3. Facial Shape
Both the Norwegian Forest cat and Maine Coon have some very distinctive physical features. The most obvious is the shape of their faces. Coons have a boxy head with a big snout that extends forward – starting from in between their eyes. Their eyes have an oval shape, which makes them look serious and even a little scary at times.
On the other end, a Wegie has a flat snout that extends from the top of her head. Her head has a rounder shape to it, which makes this breed appear more welcoming and cute. Her eyes are also round, which gives her an innocent and adorable look.
4. Body Differences
When you first look at the bodies of these two gentle giants, you won’t see too much difference. However, upon closer inspection, you notice that they have many unique features. For instance, the Norwegian Forest cat has longer legs in the back than the front.
And while both breeds have bushy tails and long fur, considering that Wegies come from a colder part of the world, their fur is much longer and their tail is bushier. Maine Coons’ front and back legs are of similar length. They have longer fur on the belly, neck, and hind end. Also, a Coon is the largest domesticated cat that can grow over 40 inches (1 meter) in length.
5. Life Expectancy
Let’s now look at the average lifespan of Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coon kitties. The average Coon can expect to live between 14 and 16 years. However, the lifespan of a Norwegian Forest cat is around 13 years.
That said, in the right environment, either can live up to 20 years in a loving and caring household. This may not be a big difference, but it’s something to take into consideration before choosing one as your pet.
6. Interaction With Other Animals
If you already have other pets in your home, you may want to consider getting a Maine Coon. He’ll be very friendly with his furry siblings – he won’t attack them, be aggressive, or anything along those lines. If anything, he’ll be extremely loyal. Coons are very patient, which means that they’ll be able to handle a little bit of rough play with other animals without scratching or biting them.
On the other hand, a Norwegian Forest cat is much more reserved. She’ll be loyal once she has spent a lot of time with you and become attached. Otherwise, she couldn’t care less. Also, she’s not the friendliest of felines if you have other pets. Most Wegies are aloof and low-key introverted. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t exceptions, it just means that the majority of them act like this.
7. Coat Texture
When it comes to their coats, Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons have distinct differences. Norwegian Forest Cats have a thick double coat that’s water-resistant, perfect for surviving harsh Scandinavian winters. Their fur is semi-long, soft, and dense, with a smooth texture that helps them stay insulated against cold weather. On the other hand, Maine Coons also boast a long coat, but their fur tends to be silkier and finer in comparison.
Maine Coons’ coats are slightly less dense than that of the Norwegian Forest Cat but still offer ample protection from the elements. Both cats have tufted ears and bushy tails, but their coats reflect the slightly different climates they originated in. While the Norwegian Forest Cat’s coat is typically more coarse, the Maine Coon’s silky texture gives them a sleek, regal appearance.
8. Size and Build
While both breeds are known for their large size, they each carry their bulk in unique ways. The Norwegian Forest Cat has a muscular, solid frame that is designed to climb and hunt in the rugged forests of Scandinavia. They typically have a more compact body compared to the Maine Coon, though they are still notably big.
Maine Coons, on the other hand, are famous for being one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, with a long, rectangular body and a much bulkier build. Their long legs and larger paws give them a distinctly more robust appearance. Maine Coons’ frames are often taller and wider, while Norwegian Forest Cats tend to have a more streamlined build, ideal for climbing trees and navigating forests. The size difference is noticeable, but both breeds are equally majestic in their own way.
9. Tail Characteristics
When it comes to tails, both breeds are famous for their luxurious, bushy appendages, but there’s a subtle difference in the way they’re shaped. The Norwegian Forest Cat’s tail is long, fluffy, and thick, providing extra warmth during cold climates. Its tail is often described as more “feather-like,” making it particularly noticeable in their daily movements.
Maine Coons, while also having a full and thick tail, tend to have one that’s slightly longer and more tapering in shape. Their tails are considered to be one of their most striking features, often held proudly in the air. Both breeds use their tails for balance, but the Maine Coon’s tail has a more swaying, graceful motion, while the Norwegian Forest Cat’s tail often appears more bushy and voluminous in comparison. Despite these differences, both cats rely on their tails to navigate their environments with agility.
10. Temperament
Personality is where Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons really shine, with each breed bringing something unique to the table. Norwegian Forest Cats are known for their independent yet affectionate nature. They are generally calm, gentle, and enjoy being close to their owners without being overly clingy. Maine Coons, in contrast, are often referred to as “gentle giants” due to their sociable and playful demeanor.
While both breeds are friendly, Maine Coons are usually more outgoing and affectionate, often following their owners around and forming deep bonds with family members. Norwegian Forest Cats, while still very loving, tend to be a little more reserved and prefer their space at times. Ultimately, both cats are loyal, but their personalities vary, with the Norwegian Forest Cat being a bit more independent and the Maine Coon being more interactive.