Maine Coon Vs Norwegian Forest Cat – Important Differences | purr fashion (2023)

In fact, both breeds are wonders of nature, and you can't just pick one from a lineup to adopt at a pet store, but tough decisions must be made. Don't worry, we can help you with your choice! Let's start with the visible differences between the two races before moving on to their characteristics, health aspects and maintenance costs.

What do Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats have in common?

Norwegian Forest Cats (also known as Wegie) and Maine Coons aretwo of the most beautiful purebred cat breeds with striking features and beautiful coats🇧🇷 Some experts are of the opinion that Maine Coons are actually descendants of Norwegian Forest Cats due to the close resemblance of their features.

If your preference is for a large, silky-coated cat over a long-haired one, you will have a hard time choosing.Both cats are known for their intelligence and ability to learn things quickly., but what differentiates them are their physical traits, personalities and health aspects.

What is the difference?

Aspect

size and weight

The Norwegian Forest Cat is usually described as a large breed, similar to the Maine Coon. In both breeds, males are significantly larger in size compared to females.

A male Norwegian cat can weigh up to 16 pounds, while Maine Coons can weigh up to 18 pounds. If you are comparing the two breeds for size, it might not be the best trait to compare.

form and structure

The Maine Coon has a distinctively broad muzzle, which is often referred to as "lion-like". On the other hand, Norwegian Forest Cats have a triangular head, flat forehead, straight nose and slanted eyes, like a normal cat.

When it comes to the ears, both breeds have very distinct ear tufts. The Maine Coon's ear tufts are large and significantly different from those of a Norwegian cat. However, both breeds have long fur that protrudes from the tip of the ear, giving both cats a lynx-like appearance.

Breeders often refer to their ear tufts as "furniture".

The Norwegian Forest Cat also has a distinctive tail compared to the Maine Coon. It is wider and fluffier, and is the same length as the body (measured from the shoulder to the base of the tail). In comparison, the Maine Coon's tail hair is thicker and longer from base to tip.

shelters

Most breeders will describe both the Forest Cat and the Maine Coon as "semi-longhair". Since both breeds do not have a truly shaggy long-haired coat, they are less fussy when it comes to grooming, although the coats of both breeds are still thick and shaggy.

color variations

Maine Coons come in a variety of colors including cream, black, blue and white. Norwegian Forest Cats, on the other hand, come in more color variations and patterns, including black, blue, white, red, cream, and amber.

Personality

Sociability

Both cats are known to be friendly and affectionate and make amazing and adorable pets. They are also very active by nature; so if you plan on keeping them behind closed doors, please reconsider your decision.

On the other hand, you can choose to provide a more fun environment within the four walls, however it is recommended that you take them out regularly to keep them satisfied.

vocality

Maine Coons tend to be very local and talkative. They are particularly known for their soft little trills, while Norwegian Forest Cats tend to be more calm and quiet. However, most Norwegian cat owners report that their cat purrs very loudly at times.

Intelligence

As mentioned above, both breeds are intelligent and can be easily trained. Both breeds are often described as canine by their owners, as they seek human companionship. Norwegian Forest Cats love to climb because of their strong claws. Both cats are playful in their own way.

Loyalty/Companionship

If we talk about their nature, Maine Coons are often very affectionate and often run to the door as soon as they hear the key turn or snuggle in your lap when you watch TV. They like to be pampered and cared for.

Maine Coons are extremely loyal. We describe this in more detail inThis article.

They are also very loyal to their owner. On the other hand, Norwegian Forest cats are not as loyal to their owners. They don't tend to be clingy, so if you're not paying attention, you'll see your pet wander off and find another activity to enjoy.

territorial behavior

Maine Coon cats and Norwegian Forest cats are known to be quite territorial. Both cat breeds have a dominant nature, so if you plan on having more than one pet, you might want to opt for a different breed of cat first.

To sum up the personality differences between the two breeds, Maine Coons are more kitten-like, i.e. playful, while Norwegian Forest Cats are lazy and slow down after a while. However, if you're looking for a loving and friendly friend, both cats make excellent competition!

Health

As with most cat breeds, Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons are prone to progressive heart disease. The most common disease in cats is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. So if you are going to buy any of the kittens, make sure their parents have been tested free of this disease.

These larger breeds also suffer from joint problems. The Norwegian and Maine Coon, both cats, are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition you may hear more often from dog owners.

Additionally, both breeds are also susceptible to polycystic kidney disease, a genetic condition that progressively destroys the kidneys. Unfortunately, there is no DNA test available for this, but the disease can be detected by ultrasound, but cats must be at least 10 months old, if not older.

Norwegian Forest Cats generally live a healthy life. Ailments specifically associated with Wegie include:

• IV Glycogen Storage Disease – A rare condition that affects glucose metabolism – most kittens die within hours if not stillborn. However, occasionally kittens do not show any symptoms until they are five months old and usually die within five minutes. DNA tests can be used to identify carriers.
• Retinal Dysplasia – This is an eye defect that causes spots on the cat's retina but does not worsen the vision in the cat's eye.

Diseases specific to the Maine Coon, in addition to those mentioned above, include:

• Spinal Muscular Atrophy – It is a genetic disease that affects the skeletal muscles of the limbs and trunk. Fortunately, a test is available to identify affected kittens as well as carriers.

Hope of life

Life expectancy numbers are not always accurate, but after various types of research, some data on cat life expectancy can be reliable. On average, Norwegian Forest cats live a long life, ranging from 14 to 16 years, while Maine Coons are known to breathe for up to 11 years on average.

A lot depends on the food you give your cat, as well as the productive time you spend with him.

Caution

It is obvious that if you bought a cat, you will take special care of it. Most cats do not need to be brushed as they have shorter coats and therefore do not shed easily.

On the other hand, breeds with medium to long coats, such as Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats, need a good amount of grooming at least once a week, if not every day.

It's typical for your cat to run away or get frustrated when it's time to clip her, but clipping can become fun and enjoyable for you and your pet if you get her used to it.

The following aspects of grooming relate to both breeds:

• Brush your cat regularly– Whether it's a Maine Coon or a Wegie, you'll have to start early. They usually make it easy to brush on their back or head, but start to look dirty when you move the brush around their belly and hindquarters. You just need to use a brush with soft bristles so as not to damage the skin. It will keep shedding in check and their coat will be as shiny as the first day you brought them in. However, you must also be consistent so that they see this activity as part of their natural routine.Good brushes for Maine Coons and Norwegian Forrest cats are these.
• Cut the hair on the legs.The hair on the paws can bother the cat to the point of making it difficult for him to walk. You need to cut these hairs with scissors before they start to chew them. You can use a fine-toothed comb, placed between the mat and the fur, to cut the mat and not the fur.
• Bathing for Maine Coons can be importanttheir thick coat needs an occasional splash of water to wash away dirt if you're outdoors a lot and take your companion with you. Because Maine Coons have a laid-back nature, they can be easily potty trained. You can even use wet wipes every now and then. Norwegian Forest Cats don't make bathing a test as their soft fur washes off easily and you don't have to struggle with their tangled parts. Just be sure to use a cat-friendly shampoo.
• Trimming the claws is another aspect of grooming to consider.🇧🇷 You should buy a cat claw clipper as cats have different claws than humans or even dogs. If you are not comfortable with this task, you can always contact your veterinarian or ask a neighbor to take over the task, that is, if you have experience in this area.

Costs of Keeping Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats

Before we delve deeper, let's get one thing straight: if you're investing in a cat, you should know that it's not a one-time expense you can drop a few bucks on. The costs of keeping a pet are ongoing and must be paid to keep your cat well fed and healthy.

Maine Coons can cost between $400 and $1500(we explain why they are so expensive here) WhileNorwegian Forest Cats will cost a little cheaper, i.e. between $500 and $1,000.

Middle-aged cats may not need frequent checkups, but older kittens and cats will require frequent veterinary care, which will include regular vaccinations, which can cost anywhere from $50 to upwards of $150.

Booster shots can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 in addition to the veterinary consultation fee. Here are some other costs associated with these cats:

• to escape– $20 on average
• deworming– $20 on average
• sterilization or castration– $150 on average
• Medical exams– $150 on average
• Safe– Basic package starting at $300 per year

Food

When we talk about cat food, dry food is the most economical. Not only do they last longer, but they are also good value for money. If you opt for a low-end brand, a pound will set you back between $1 and $2; however, if you opt for a high-end product, you will have to pay upwards of $2.

Dry foods also help exercise teeth and gums, so they are generally recommended. Wet foods are generally more expensive and cost anywhere from $5 to $30, if not more, for less than a pound.

They also tend to spoil faster. If you opt for freeze-dried foods, they can cost less than $1, but they can also cost upwards of $65 if you want the best for your pet.

If you need help finding the right food for your Maine Coon, we recommend that you read ourMaine Coon Food Guide.

Shampoo and hygiene products

Cats need to be washed with specific shampoos that adapt to their silky coat and do not harm their health. You will also find several shampoos that treat flea and other similar problems. You cannot switch to a dog shampoo for your cat, even if you have it on your shelf.

Dogs have a different coat than cats, so their grooming needs are different. You can easily buy a shampoo off the shelf or on Amazon on a budget. Price can range from $3 and up.

Cat claw scissors, trimming shears, and grooming brushes can cost anywhere from $20 to $75.

toys

You can buy a variety of things to keep your cat busy. The toy chest can include balls, teasers, chasers, stuffed animals and mice, interactive toys, electronic toys, cat trees, scratching posts, and even balls of string.

They can cost anywhere from $1 to $150 depending on the brand you want to buy and the quantity.

If you need help finding a good toy for your cat,read our article on great Maine Coon toys here.

conclusion

I'm sure you've already made up your mind about which cat breed is best for you. While both are equally adorable and adoptable, a lot depends on who you fall in love with when you visit a pet store or shelter.

Or are you thinking of getting a different breed? read our articleRagdolls contra Maine Coons!