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Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat
Two large, shaggy, friendly longhairs. The Maine Coon is more affectionate and playful; the Norwegian Forest Cat is steadier and more independent.
Verdict
These two are close, and the one thing that decides it is how much attention you want. Both are large, long-coated cats that suit children and other pets. The Maine Coon is Very common, scores higher for affection and play, and rates top marks with children and other pets. The Norwegian Forest Cat is Uncommon, more self-possessed, copes better with time alone, and sheds heavily each spring. It rates poorly for small flats because it needs height to climb. Choose the Maine Coon for the more sociable cat, and the Norwegian Forest Cat for the steadier one.
Choose the Maine Coon if
- You want a more affectionate and playful cat.
- You want a breed that is Very common and easier to find.
- You have children or other pets.
- You will brush the coat a few times a week.
Choose the Norwegian Forest Cat if
- You want a steady, self-possessed cat that does not cling.
- You are away for part of the day.
- You have space and tall climbing, and will comb the coat through the spring moult.
- You will ask about glycogen storage disease type IV, heart disease and hip dysplasia.
Where they are alike
Both are large, long-coated, water-resistant cats from cold places, with quiet voices and a lifespan that can reach 15 years. Both list heart disease and hip dysplasia on their watch-lists.
Side by side
| Maine Coon | Norwegian Forest Cat | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Longhair and semi-longhair | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | Maine, United States | Norway |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Typical weight | 8-18 lb (3.6-8.2 kg); males are larger | 9-16 lb (4-7.3 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | Commonly reported as 15 years or more |
| Coat length | Long | Long |
| Coat | Shaggy, water-shedding double coat, longer on the ruff, belly and britches | Long, glossy, water-repellent topcoat over a dense woolly undercoat, with a full ruff and bushy tail |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1976 | Championship breed since 1993 |
| How common | Very common | Uncommon |
| Affection | 4 | 3 |
| Energy | 3 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 4 | 3 |
| Shedding | 4 | 4 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 5 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 4 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 3 | 2 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The Maine Coon's thick coat sheds seasonally, and people who react to cats usually react to this breed too. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The Norwegian Forest Cat sheds heavily each spring, and people who react to cats usually react to it too. |
| Suits | A family or a household with other pets that wants a large, sociable cat and will brush it a few times a week. | A home with space and tall climbing that wants a friendly, steady, self-possessed cat and will comb it through the spring moult. |
| Less suited to | A small flat with little room to climb, or anyone who wants a lap cat that stays small. | A small flat with little height to climb, or anyone who wants a clinging lap cat. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026