I have always been fascinated with large domesticated cats. I think they are regal and unique-looking. This is why I decided to buy a Maine Coon Norwegian Forest cat and from then on, I never regretted that decision.
The moment I brought home my kitten, my family and I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. This guy was a bit shy at first but as soon as he became comfortable in his new environment, he warmed up and enjoyed spending time with us. He gets along well with my growing children as well as with our dogs and other cats.
I gathered that the other Norwegian mixes like a Ragdoll Norwegian Forest Cat Mix are also as affectionate. But this article is all about partaking with you my experiences with a Maine Coon crossed with a Norwegian Forest cat. I’d talk about the right care like grooming and nutrition, possible genetic diseases, and places where you can buy this elegant mixed cat breed.
Contents
- Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat: Breed overview
- What is a Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat?
- Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix: Parent breeds
- How can you tell if a cat is Norwegian Forest cat?
- So, are Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cats related?
- Is a Norwegian Forest Cat a Maine Coon?
- Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon
- Do Norwegian Forest cats get along with Maine Coons?
- Are Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon Mix recognized by cat registries?
- Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon physical appearance
- Which is bigger: Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat?
- Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon size
- How big will a Maine Coon Norwegian Forest cat mix get?
- Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat size, height, and weight
- Norwegian Forest Cat Mixed with Maine Coon coat colors and types
- Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat personality
- Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon temperament
- Norwegian Maine Coon personality and temperament
- Do Maine Coon Norwegian make great family pets?
- Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat training
- Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat Mix exercise requirement
- Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon grooming and cleaning
- Do Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon Mix shed a lot?
- Are Half Maine Coon Half Norwegian Forest Cat hypoallergenic?
- Maine Coon Cat Norwegian Forest Cat food and diet
- Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat common health issues
- Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix lifespan
- Maine Coon cross Norwegian Forest Cat breeders
- Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon Mix kittens
- Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon price
- Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat price
- Places to find Norwegian Forest Cat x Maine Coon kittens for sale
- Finding a healthy Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix for sale
- Similar Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix
- Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat vs Siberian
- Maine Coon Mix Norwegian Forest Cat: Pros and Cons
- Is the Maine Coon Mixed with Norwegian Forest Cat right for me?
- Related Questions
Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat: Breed overview
| Size | Medium – Large |
| Weight | 10 – 20 pounds |
| Height | 9 – 16 inches |
| Coat Colors | Black, White, Red, Cream, Blue |
| Child Friendliness | High |
| Feline Friendliness | High |
| Training Difficulty | Moderate |
| Grooming Upkeep | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Health | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 12 – 16 years |
| Kitty Costs | $400 – $1,000 |
What is a Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat?
The Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat is a medium to large mixed breed domesticated cat that is a cross between the two distinct breeds, a Maine Coon and a Norwegian Forest cat.
They are an affectionate and friendly breed whose physical characteristics are not much different from their parent breeds since both almost have similar traits.
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Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix: Parent breeds
Learning about the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat individually is the best way to predict how a Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix will turn out.
The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat known as the “gentle giant” because of its enormous size and friendly and kind nature.
Some Maine Coons could reach a length of 40 inches from the tip of their nose to the tail end. They have a muscular, large-boned physique with a water-resistant double coat that comes in an array of colors and patterns.
The Norwegian Forest Cat is similarly one of the larger domesticated cats in the world with sturdy body and long legs that makes them very talented climbers.
They possess a water-resistant double coat that can withstand the harsh winters of northern Europe. Wegies, as they are often nicknamed, are energetic and friendly that get along well with most people.
Maine Coon history
There are many tales regarding the origin of the Maine Coon. One of them was the bizarre story that they were a cross between cats and raccoons due to the similarity of their long, flowing tails.
Another story involves the failed escape of Queen Marie-Antoinette to the Americas during the French Revolution.
Some believed she ordered her prized possessions, including her Turkish Angora cats, to be loaded on ships that eventually set sail without her, leaving the cats to mingle with the local cat population of New England once it settled there.
The more accepted theory is that Maine Coons descended from the long-haired cats brought by ship traders from Europe to New England and the short-haired domesticated cats brought by the early European settlers. These cats bred naturally and eventually formed the Maine Coon.
SEE ALSO: Maine Coon Siamese Mix (Complete Guide)
Norwegian Forest Cat history
The Norwegian Forest Cat originated naturally from the woodlands of Norway where they are locally known as the “skogkatt” or forest cat.
They have been mentioned in many Nordic tales and Viking legends including Freya, the goddess of love and beauty, whose chariot is said to be drawn by these enormous felines.
The Norwegian Forest Cat population almost went extinct during the early part of the 20th century due to indiscriminate breeding.
Their revival became successful after the Second World War due in large part to the efforts of Wegie enthusiasts in Norway.
The breed was named the official cat of the country by King Olaf V in the 1950s and was eventually recognized in the US by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1993.
How can you tell if a cat is Norwegian Forest cat?
The first telltale sign that a cat may be part Norwegian Forest Cat is of course their size. Their head may also have an inverted triangular shape with a nose that runs straight down from the ridge to the tip. Wegies also have almond-shaped eyes and medium to large ears that are typically tufted.
Some studies suggest that they may be related. Both breeds are large and exhibit long, double-coated coats, tufted ears, as well as, almost similar temperaments.
Some suggest that the Norwegian Forest Cat may have been brought by the early European settlers or by the Vikings to New England and naturally bred with the local cat population.
READ NEXT: Maine Coon Mix (Complete Guide)
Is a Norwegian Forest Cat a Maine Coon?
No, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a distinct breed separate from the Maine Coon. They may appear similar physically, but they both possess qualities unique to their breed.
Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon
To compare Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat can be a bit tough because of their physical similarities.
The main difference between Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon is that Norwegian Forest Cat has a triangular-shaped head while Maine Coon has a squarish face with a high cheekbone.
Another distinguishing feature to tell if a cat is either a Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat is the shape of the nose. Norwegian Forest Cat compared to Maine Coon have a nose that comes down in a straight line from the brow to the nose tip in contrast to the latter exhibiting a slight concavity.
Do Norwegian Forest cats get along with Maine Coons?
Yes, Norwegian Forest Cats can get along with Maine Coons since both breeds are very friendly and adaptable.
Are Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon Mix recognized by cat registries?
No, the Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat cross is not recognized by cat registries, such as the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) or The International Cat Association (TICA). This is because they are not pure stock with no defined sets of physical and temperamental qualities.
CHECK OUT: Maine Coon Bengal Mix (Complete Guide)
Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon physical appearance
Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon is a large-boned, well-muscled cat that has a well-proportioned appearance despite its large size. They may either have a triangular-shaped head or a more squarish one when viewed in profile.
Eyes are large that can be oval or almond-shaped, and the ears are rounded and medium in size exhibiting some tufts at the tip. Eye color can be copper, gold, or green with some presenting with blue eyes if there is white on their coat.
The coat consists of water-resistant guard hairs and a dense undercoat. Frontal ruff is observed and hairs around the shoulders may be short and longer around the legs.
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Which is bigger: Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat?
Some may wonder, is the Norwegian Forest Cat bigger than Maine Coon? Well, on average, the Maine Coon bests the Wegie in height, weight, and length. Some Norwegian Forest Cats may be bigger than some Maine Coons due to genetic factors and nutrition. But in general, the Maine Coon is a much larger breed.
Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon size
The Maine Coon, on average, is much taller and heavier than the Norwegian Forest Cat. The largest Maine Coon ever recorded was Stewie from Reno, Nevada which reached a total length of 48.5 inches.
| Maine Coon | Size | Norwegian Forest | |
| Height | 8 – 16 inches | Large | 9 – 12 inches |
| Weight | 10 – 25 pounds | Large | 12 – 20 pounds |
How big will a Maine Coon Norwegian Forest cat mix get?
Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cats mature much more slowly than smaller cat breeds and would take around 4 to 5 years before they reach their full height and weight.
They can grow to as much as 16 inches in height and 40 inches in length compared to the standard domesticated cats that can only reach a height of 10 inches and 30 inches in length from nose to tail tip.
Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat size, height, and weight
Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat size can be from medium to large depending on their genes and nutrition. The males, similar to most cats, are more muscular and larger than the females.
| Height | Weight | |
| Male | 12 – 16 inches | 15 – 20 pounds |
| Female | 9 – 12 inches | 10 – 15 pounds |
Norwegian Forest Cat Mixed with Maine Coon coat colors and types
Norwegian Forest Cat Mixed with Maine Coon comes in a wide array of colors and patterns. They can be in solid colors of white, black, blue, cream, or red. Patterns also include the calico, tabby, tortoiseshell, bi-color, and parti-color, as well as, shaded and smoke.
CHECK OUT: Maine Coon Tabby Mix (Complete Guide) & Black Smoke Maine Coon (Complete Guide)
Black Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat
Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat black presents with a predominantly black coat from roots to tips. The nose leather and paw pads of the Black Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cats are also black.
Norwegian Forest Tuxedo Maine Coon
Norwegian Forest Tuxedo Maine Coon presents a bi-color coat of white in combination with black, blue, or orange. The white spotting is typically found on the face, chest, tummy, and paws while the body coat is black, red, or blue.
Orange Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat
Orange Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat presents with a reddish coat without any shadings or markings. Both the nose leather and paw pads are brick red.
Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat personality
While both breeds are known to be gentle and laid back, there are a few differences you will notice from them.
One is that Maine Coons are more vocal than Norwegian Forest Cats. Maine Coons are known to make trilling and chirping sounds regularly while the latter is more soft-spoken preferring to meow a little or make a high-pitched chirping sound once in a while if they need something.
Another difference is that Maine Coons tend to prefer spending most of their time near their family. They like to be the center of attention sometimes unlike the Norwegian Forest Cat that prefers cuddling once in a while and lounging in a quiet place.
Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon temperament
Norwegian Forest Cats tend to be less active than the Maine Coon. Wegies are more on the lazy side preferring to escape to a quieter place after a certain amount of time playing while Maine Coons can keep on interacting with you for longer periods.
Norwegian Maine Coon personality and temperament
One of the joys of owning a Norwegian Forest Cat x Maine Coon is that they possess a sweet and affectionate nature. I noticed that they love following me around the house and prefer being near me all the time without being too clingy or demanding.
They are a bit wary of strangers at first but can soon warm up to them if they got used to their presence.
Do Maine Coon Norwegian make great family pets?
Yes, Maine Coon Norwegians are a great addition to most families as I have found out. They truly are gentle giants who are very kind and playful with children. They also are adaptable and get along fine with other cat-friendly pets.
Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat training
Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat is a smart and playful breed making them very trainable. I started litter box training as soon as I took him home by giving him access to a shallow, open-top litter box.
READ ALSO: Cat Scratching Litter Box Excessively: 10 Reasons Why & What To Do!
Remember to use positive reinforcement techniques when training your kittens, such as treats and petting, to further encourage their good behavior.
Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat Mix exercise requirement
Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat Mix is a moderately active mixed breed. They prefer lazing or lounging around the house which is interrupted by short bursts of activity.
I found that they are more active during the morning and late afternoon, so I would schedule a short walk in the morning and some interactive play in the afternoon.
I would also suggest providing them with a scratching post or a cat tree to climb on that can release their stress and also act on their feline instincts.
Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon grooming and cleaning
It’s worth investing in cleaning and grooming tools for cats because, without these, you’ll have a hard time keeping the coat in good condition.
Here’s how I clean and maintain the beautiful appearance of my Norwegian Forest cat mixed with a Maine Coon:
Bathing
Cats’ tongues have a layer of rough particles referred to as papillae. These sandpaper-like particles penetrate their coat to keep their skin clean.
The only time I bathe my fur baby is when he starts to stink. I use a cat-friendly shampoo with conditioner because it does not contain any drying or irritating agents.
Brushing
To avoid the formation of knots, I do my best to brush his coat as often as I can.
I use 3 kinds of brushing tools and these are:
- I always begin by combing his coat with a wide-tooth comb. This tool is very effective in loosening up tangles and knots from his long coat. I pay special attention to his belly and behind the ears because I’ve noticed that those areas are where the tangles form heavily.
- Next, I use a de-shedding tool. Currently, I use FURminator because I am happy with the way it addresses the shedding problem. But a slicker brush works well as well.
- Lastly, to make sure that his coat is tangle-free, I use a rubber glove brush which I find easy to use and makes his coat shiny and mat-free.
Teeth Brushing
I started introducing toothbrushes on the day I brought my kitten home. I prefer to use a finger toothbrush because I find it easier to reach the insides of his mouth.
I apply a small amount of enzymatic toothpaste on the toothbrush. In a circular motion, I gently massage it along his gum line, under his lips, and the surface of his teeth.
At the end of the procedure, I give him a nice treat for cooperating well with me.
Nail Trimming
To prevent my cat from accidentally scratching my kids, I make it a point to trim his nails using a feline-friendly nail trimmer. I only cut the tip, if not, I might cut the quick or the pink portion of his nails and result in bleeding.
Ear/Eye Cleaning
I keep his eyes and ears clean by wiping them off with a moist cotton ball. This procedure works because I noticed that If I don’t do that, my fur baby suffers from ear and eye infections which are otherwise preventable by regular cleaning.
| Grooming Needs | Grooming Frequency |
| Bathing | 1x/month |
| Brushing | 3x/week |
| Teeth Cleaning | 3x/week |
| Nail Trimming | 2x/month |
| Ear/Eye Cleaning | Check weekly |
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Do Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon Mix shed a lot?
Yes, a Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon Mix sheds his coat moderately. This natural process takes place to remove dead hair and give way to the growth of new and healthy hair.
But my family is not bothered at all because we clean our home with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. This type of vacuum sucks up almost 99% of all minuscule particles including loose cat hair, dander, and cat litter.
RELATED: Do Maine Coon Cats Shed? 10 Reasons Why & What To Do!
Are Half Maine Coon Half Norwegian Forest Cat hypoallergenic?
No, Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat is not hypoallergenic because all cat breeds release a protein called Feld1, which is a potent form of allergen.
My kids used to suffer allergic reactions from our cats until I started using an air purifier with a HEPA filter. I am very satisfied with the results because this machine is very powerful in capturing indoor air contaminants, improving the quality of our indoor air.
RECOMMENDED: To learn more, check out Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic?
Maine Coon Cat Norwegian Forest Cat food and diet
When I brought home my Maine Coon cross with a Norwegian Forest Cat, I fed him with high-protein canned food because I want to increase his hydration levels. I fed him 3 to 4 times a day with ¼ cup of food.
At around 6 months of age, I slowly transitioned him to a mixture of canned and dry kibble high-quality cat food. The quantity of food is ½ cup served 4 times daily.
Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat common health issues
Thank Goodness my fur baby did not inherit any of the life-threatening gene-related diseases of his parents because the breeder used a DNA test kit for cats.
The breeder made sure that his breeding cats are negative for the diseases that can be passed on to the kittens such as these five (5):
1. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Kittens are born with fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. In time, these grow bigger and multiply leading to kidney failure.
2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
An inherited heart disease that is caused by the thickening of the heart muscles.
3. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
More common among big cats, it is caused by the loss of spinal cord neurons. As a result, the affected cats suffer from an abnormal gait and difficulty in jumping.
4. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
A genetic disorder that is also diagnosed among mixed breed cats, the manifestations include painful urination and urinating out of their litterbox.
5. Diabetes
An endocrine disorder caused by a low level of insulin. The signs are increased thirst and urination.
Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix lifespan
The average life expectancy of a Norwegian Forest Cat cross Maine Coon is from 12 to 16 years.
Maine Coon cross Norwegian Forest Cat breeders
When I was searching for a kitten, here are the characteristics of Maine Coon x Norwegian Forest Cat breeders that I’ve looked for:
- I preferred a breeder who is affiliated with cat organizations like TICA. This is a guarantee that the breeder respects all the standards in the cat breeding practices.
- I requested the breeder to show me the negative DNA test results of the parents which included HCM and PKD.
- I ensured that the breeder had my kitten inoculated against core vaccines like FCV and FelV before I brought him home with me.
Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon Mix kittens
Before I brought my kitten home, I made sure that everything was already in place and these are:
- I’ve chosen a veterinarian with whom I’d entrust the medical needs of my kitten.
- I’ve purchased the essential things which include:
- A kitty bed
- A large cat carrier
- Feeding bowls
- ID tags
- Scratch toys
- Litter box and litter
- I taught my children how to safely handle the Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon kitten.
- I’ve kitten-proofed my home. Kittens will explore their surroundings, so I removed toxic plants and chemicals, hid electrical cables, and checked that all doors and windows are secured.
Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon price
The price of a Norwegian Forest cat is lower compared with a Maine Coon. On average, the price range of a Norwegian Forest Cat is between $800 and $1,500 while a Maine Coon is from $1,000 to $2,000.
The factors that affect the pricing are gender, color, and the breeder’s reputation and location.
Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat price
The price of a Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon cross ranges from $400 to $1,000.
Places to find Norwegian Forest Cat x Maine Coon kittens for sale
To help you find healthy and well-socialized Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix kittens for sale, here’s a list of three (3) trusted breeders:
- Forest Spots Cattery (topspotsfarm.com) in Missouri is a TICA-registered cattery that adheres to the standard of DNA testing all breeding cats. All kittens for sale come with a 2-year health guarantee against congenital diseases.
- Sheracoons (sheracoons.com) located in Maryland is another TICA-registered breeder that breeds Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest cats.
- Borealis Norwegian Forest Cats (borealiscats.com/index.asp) in Australia provides buyers with a health warranty against congenital health problems like PKD.
Finding a healthy Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix for sale
Are you more interested in looking for an adult Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat for sale? I’ve got you covered because these two (2) trusted breeders may have an adult Maine Coon cross Norwegian Forest Cat for sale.
- Big River Coon (bigrivercoon.com) occasionally has adult Maine Coons for sale. Do inquire about a crossbreeding program and if the breeder may have Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon Mix for sale.
- Skogberg Cattery (skogbergcats.com) is a TICA and CFA-registered cattery located in Colorado and may hopefully have available adult Norwegian Maine Coon Cat for sale.
Similar Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix
It’s not surprising to learn that the Norwegian Forest Cat mixed with Maine Coon is crossbred with another interesting purebred such as a Ragdoll and a Siberian cat.
Norwegian Forest Cat Ragdoll Maine Coon
The Norwegian Forest Cat Ragdoll Maine Coon is a large breed of cat that comes in an array of coat colors and patterns. This mixed breed comes from cats with gentle personalities, so you can expect it to be a good family pet as well.
Maine Coon vs Ragdoll vs Norwegian Forest Cat
All of these 3 are large breeds of cats that sport long coats. In terms of personality, a Maine Coon and a Norwegian Forest cat are chatty and enjoy climbing on higher areas like on top of the shelves. On the one hand, a Ragdoll is on the lazy side and prefers staying on the ground.
Maine Coon Siberian Norwegian Forest Cat
The size of a Siberian Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat is also large and can wear a medium to long coat.
Siberian Norwegian Forest Maine Coon cats possess an affectionate, active, and playful temperament.
Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat vs Siberian
The difference between Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat and Siberian is that the Siberian cat has 3 layers of coat while both the Norwegian Forest and the Maine Coon cats are double-coated.
Maine Coon Mix Norwegian Forest Cat: Pros and Cons
As with most cats, there are pros and cons to consider when planning to adopt a Norwegian Forest Cat cats Maine Coon. I have listed below some things you can expect from this mixed breed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Family-friendly | Not hypoallergenic |
| Quite independent | Prone to certain health issues |
| Not aggressive | Needs regular grooming |
| Calm and affectionate | Not suitable for warm climates |
| Moderately easy to train | Requires a lot of space |
| Playful | Prone to separation anxiety |
Is the Maine Coon Mixed with Norwegian Forest Cat right for me?
Owing to their large size, the Maine Coon Mixed with Norwegian Forest Cat is a unique breed to own but it can be difficult to maintain especially if you live in a small apartment. Apart from these considerations, owning this breed is a delight to any cat lover who prefers something gentle and laid back.
Related Questions
No, Norwegian Forest cats are different and distinct from the Maine Coon. They are both notably large, but they possess other physical qualities unique to their breed with the Main Coon exhibiting a wider muzzle.
Either breed is great as a furry companion especially if you prefer bigger cats. Both the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Maine Coon are loving and sociable cats that can be a great addition to most families.
Yes, Norwegian Forest Cats are affectionate and love to interact with their family without being too clingy. They are not lap cats but prefer being around or staying near their family.
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With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in cat nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our feline friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our feline companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local cat rescue centers.
