Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix – A Killer Combination?

The Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat mix is a large, long haired, confident cat from two beloved purebred lines. They tend to be friendly, although perhaps more with their own families than random strangers. These gorgeous kittens will need regular grooming and can get in a bit of a tangle if not well kept. But their loving personalities more than make up for the extra maintenance.

Contents

• History and origins
• How big are they as adults?
• Coat types and care
• Are they good family cats?
• Buying a kitten

Where Do They Come From?

There are many folk tales regarding the origin of the Maine Coon. The most likely theory suggests that the Maine Coon is a descendant of short-haired domestic cats crossed with long-haired breeds brought over to the States from England by a captain named Charles Coon.

The Norwegian Forest Cat may have a similar history, with one hypothesis placing him with the same captain. This could help explain the Norwegian Forest Cat’s resemblance and possible relation to the Maine Coon.

It is also believed that the Norwegian Forest Cat’s ancestors were felines brought to Norway by the infamous Vikings in 1000 AD! Although much of the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat’s early history is speculative, we do know that both cats have roots to colder climates, which is why they each have such long, smooth coats.

For this reason, your Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix may enjoy cold weather, and he may even like the water!

Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Size

Did you know the weight of the average adult domesticated cat is around eight pounds? The weight and size of both the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Maine Coon are what truly sets them apart from the average domesticated cat.

Amazingly, the Maine Coon can weigh over twenty pounds at his largest while the Norwegian Forest Cat can weigh over eighteen pounds! That’s a lot of cat!

While these two breeds do not always grow that big, both the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat have the potential of being very large, especially males. For this reason, you should prepare for your Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat mix to be anywhere from eight to over twenty pounds.

Appearance and Characteristics

The Norwegian Forest Cat and the Maine Coon come in all kinds of colors and patterns. A long, thick coat is one of their most notable features, making them appear even larger than they are.

The Maine Coon is described as having a happier expression, with his round eyes, square face, and high cheekbones. The Norwegian Forest Cat is a bit more serious looking with his almond eyes, triangular face, and flatter nose. Remember, since you are considering a crossbreed of these cats, their looks may fall on either side of the spectrum or even somewhere in-between.

Grooming and General Care

Since the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat have such long, dense coats, grooming is going to be required weekly to keep loose hair at bay for their offspring. Remember, your Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat mix could have fur that is a cross between either of his parents, or more like one than the other.

Prepare to groom your Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat mix up to twice a week and feed him a high-quality cat food. You can find links to several cat food brands we recommend here. He will also need fresh water daily and lots of play to keep him fit and happy.

Temperament & Behavior

The Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat are both adored for their friendly, outgoing personalities. However, they do differ a bit in regard to a few things.

The Maine Coon, for example, is a bit more outgoing. He will be more affectionate and need more attention. He is incredibly intelligent and has been known to learn tricks, to walk on a leash and fetch. The Norwegian Forest Cat has a bit of a lazy streak and will be a bit more independent, especially with an owner who is not around as often.

This mix responds well to attention and affection, and will offer you the same amount of love you offer him. This means he does very well with respectful children and should even get along with household dogs and cats!

Health Issues and Lifespan

Luckily, both the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat are generally healthy breeds with very few generational illnesses. Still, there are some more common things to watch out for.

The Maine Coon has a lifespan of 11 to 19 years with an average of about 11 years. She can be predisposed to hip dysplasia, feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and spinal muscular atrophy.

The Norwegian Forest Cat has a lifespan of 12 to 20 years with an average of 12.5 years. He can also be prone to hip dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as well as glycogen storage disease IV.

Exercise and Training

Both the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat are happy as indoor or outdoor cats. Their exercise requirements can be met by their normal, everyday activities, including playtime, climbing, jumping, and running.

Finding a Kitten

Getting hold of a mixed breed kitten isn’t as straight forwards as looking for a pure breed. They are less common, and you won’t find a list of breeders on any official registers. That means you’re likely in for a bit of a wait. However, it also means they shouldn’t be overly expensive compared with a pedigree cat

Keep in mind that reputable breeders will have screened their kittens already to ensure they are healthy before they go to their forever home.