The Norwegian Forest Cat, also known as “skogkatt” in Norway, is a natural breed believed to have originated in the forests of Norway, according to PetMD. They domesticated over 4,000 years ago. The Maine Coon, on the other hand, is believed to have originated in the United States, specifically in Maine, and are both popular working cats on farms and ships.
Differences Between Maine Coon vs. Norwegian Forest Cat
Temperament
Norwegian Forest Cats are known for being friendly and playful but can also be independent and reserved. They are active and love to climb and explore their surroundings. Maine Coons are also known for being friendly and playful, but they are typically more outgoing and friendly than Norwegian Forest Cats. They are also intelligent and love to play games and interact with their owners.
Maintenance
Both breeds require regular grooming to keep their thick coats looking their best. They also benefit from regular nail trimming and dental care. Norwegian Forest Cats may require slightly more maintenance than Maine Coons due to their water-resistant coat and the need for extra grooming during shedding seasons.
Appearance
Maine Coons have a long, rectangular body with a broad chest and muscular legs. Maine Coons have a thick, soft, and silky coat with a distinctive fur ruff around their necks. They also have long tufts of fur on their ears, and their tails are long and bushy. They have square-shaped faces with large, wide-set eyes that can be any color, including blue, green, gold, or a combination of colors.
Norwegian Forest Cats have long, athletic bodies with a muscular build and long legs. They have a thick, double-layered coat that is water-resistant. They have long, glossy fur shorter on the shoulders and longer on the back, sides, and tail. They also have long tufts of fur on their ears, and their tails are long and bushy. Norwegian Forest Cats have triangular-shaped faces with large, almond-shaped eyes that can be any color, including green, gold, or blue.
Coat
Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats have long, thick coats that require regular grooming to keep them healthy and free of mats. The Maine Coon’s coat is silky and smooth, with a slight wave. It is shorter on the shoulders and longer on the belly and tail. They have a distinctive ruff of fur around their necks, which is shorter in the summer and thicker in the winter.
Maine Coon’s coat is less water-resistant than the Norwegian Forest Cat’s coat, but it still provides some protection against the elements.
The Norwegian Forest Cat’s coat is thicker and more water-resistant than the Maine Coon’s. They have a double coat, with a soft undercoat and a long, shiny outer coat. Their fur is longer on the back and sides, and they have thick, bushy tails. They also have longer fur around their necks, which resembles a lion’s mane. Their coat comes in various colors and patterns, including tabby, black, white, and calico.
Similarities Between Maine Coon vs. Norwegian Forest Cat
Affectionate
Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats are known for their affectionate nature and friendly personalities. They are known for their love of cuddling and often seek physical affection from their owners, and may curl up in their laps or snuggle up next to them on the couch and are also known for their loud, rumbling purrs, which signify contentment and happiness.
Both breeds are often described as “shadow cats” because they love to follow their owners around the house and always be close to them, and may head-butt their owners as a sign of affection. This behavior is known as “bunting” and is a way for cats to mark their owners with their scent and show their love, and both breeds may meow or chirp at their owners to communicate and show affection.
Playful
Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats are playful breeds that require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Engaging in play with these breeds can be a fun way to bond with them and provide them with the necessary exercise and enrichment.
Intelligence
Both breeds are skilled problem solvers and may figure out how to open doors or access food and treats that are out of reach. They enjoy interactive toys that challenge their problem-solving skills and mental agility, such as puzzle feeders or toys that dispense treats. They are trainable and can learn various tricks and behaviors, such as coming when called, sitting on command, and even playing fetch.
Both breeds are skilled communicators and may use vocalizations, body language, and other forms of communication to interact with their owners and express their needs and desires. They are observant and may watch their owners closely to learn new behaviors and routines. They are adaptable and can adjust to changes in their environment or routine, such as moving to a new home or traveling with their owners.
Strong Hunting Instinct
Both Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats have strong hunting instincts, which is a common trait among many domestic cat breeds. Here are some ways in which they exhibit their hunting instinct:
- Stalking and Pouncing: Both breeds may stalk and pounce on toys or objects, miming their behavior when hunting prey in the wild.
- Playful Aggression: Both breeds may exhibit playful aggression when playing with their owners or other cats, including batting or biting at toys or other objects.
- Bird Watching: Both breeds may enjoy watching birds outside windows, which can trigger their hunting instinct and result in chirping, chattering, or other vocalizations.
- Outdoor Hunting: Both breeds are skilled hunters and may enjoy hunting small animals such as mice, birds, and insects when they can access the outdoors.
- Chasing and Catching: Both breeds may enjoy chasing and catching toys or other objects, which can provide an outlet for their hunting instincts.
Good With Children
Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats are generally good with children, although individual temperament and behavior can vary depending on the cat’s personality and socialization. However, it’s important to note that no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic, whether a Norwegian Forest Cat or a Maine Coon cat, as all cats produce some allergens.
Here are some factors that can influence a Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat’s behavior with children:
- Socialization: Both breeds benefit from early socialization with children and other people to help them become comfortable and confident in various social situations.
- Patience: Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats tend to be patient and tolerant with children, making them good family pets.
- Playfulness: Both breeds are playful and may enjoy interacting with children through games and other activities.
- Size: Both breeds are large cats, which can appeal to children who enjoy playing with larger animals.
- Grooming: Both breeds have long, soft fur that requires regular grooming, allowing children to learn about caring for animals.
