Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix – A Killer Combination?

Are you contemplating whether or not you should get a Main Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix?

Or maybe you’ve been weighing the pros and cons of a mixed breed cat vs a purebred cat?

Well, wonder no more.

In this article, we will briefly cover the topic of mixed cats vs purebred cats, and then dive into what you can expect when bringing home a Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat mix.

Controversy Regarding the Issue of First Generation Mixes

While it is true that the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat share many similarities and may even be closely related, breeding the two together to make the Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon Mix has its controversies.

What many cat lovers and breeders like about purebred cats is that there is more of a guarantee on things like height, weight, temperament, and health.

However, it is no secret that purebred cats often face many inheritable health issues due to generations of inbreeding.

The science regarding the issue is still ongoing.

Those who support mixed breed cats feel it helps to reduce the chances of familial illnesses; it lessens the chances of certain genetics being passed on to mixed breed litters.

It’s important to learn as much about our prospective kitty as possible to ensure he will make the best fit for our lifestyle.

Let’s Meet the Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix!

Both the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat are very large breeds with long, silky coats.

So we can expect their offspring, the Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat, to share similar traits.

The Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat mix is also likely going to be friendly, outgoing, and very intelligent, just like his purebred parents!

However, there are some differences between the Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon as far as appearance, temperament, and health.

The truth is, when mixing the two breeds, there is no way to guarantee what variations you’ll get with the offspring.

Since the Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix is a newer mixed breed, his origin is still a bit murky.

However, we can learn more about him by looking into the origin of his parent breeds.

Maine Coon Origin

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.

Norwegian Forest Cat Origin

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!

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Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix—What Will It Look Like?

As mentioned above, both the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat are very large, with similar distinctive looks.

A long, thick coat is one of their most notable features, making them appear even larger than they are.

However, while it may be difficult for a novice to tell them apart, the keen-eyed cat lover will tell you that these felines have several noticeable differences in their appearance.

The Norwegian Forest Cat, for example, has long hair that is even in length all over the body. The Maine Coon’s hair can be longer in some areas and shorter in others.

Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix Appearance

Perhaps the easiest way to tell between the two breeds is by looking at the head shape.

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.

The Norwegian Forest Cat and the Maine Coon come in all kinds of colors and patterns.

Your Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon mix’s coat is really going to be left up to chance and genetics.

Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix Characteristics

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.

Did you know the weight of the average adult domesticated cat is around eight pounds?

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.

Temperament & Behavior of the Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix

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.

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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.

However, both breeds respond well to attention and affection, and the Norwegian Forest Cat will offer you the same amount of love you offer him.

Since both these cats are friendly, affectionate, and intelligent, you can expect your Norwegian Forest Maine Coon mix to be the same.

This means he does very well with respectful children and should even get along with household dogs and cats!

Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix 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.

Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix Health Issues and Lifespan

Since the debate is still ongoing regarding whether or not mixing cat breeds helps with inheritable health issues, it’s important to know what your mixed cat’s parent breeds are predisposed to.

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.

Since both the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat are predisposed to similar health issues, we recommend researching these diseases thoroughly when considering a Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat mix.

You should also try to health screen your Main Coon Norwegian Forest Cat mix before bringing him home if at all possible.

Exercise and Training for the Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix

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 Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix Kitten

If you think the Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat mix is right for you, there are a few ways you can go about getting yourself one.

Breeders who specialize in Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat mixes could run anywhere from $400 to $1000, as both parent breeds are very popular.

Always be sure to have your kitten health-screened before bringing him home from the breeder.

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

In fact, breeders should be able to offer certificates proving their kittens have been screened and tested, so don’t be shy about asking!

If you have your sights set on a rescue, prepare to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 depending on the shelter or rescue group.

When going through a rescue, you may not always be able to get your hands on a kitten. However, keep in mind that shelters will often cover the initial vet fees, which is always a plus!

Both the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat are gorgeous, friendly, and affectionate breeds.

So the chances are that your Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat mix is going to be a wonderful companion for a very long time!

References

K. A. MacDonald, M.D. Kittleson, P.H. Kass, Effect of Spironolactone on Diastolic Function and Left Ventricular Mass in Maine Coon Cats with Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine

John C. Fyfe, Rebeccah L. Kurzhals, Michelle G. Hawkins, Ping Wang, Naoya Yuhki, Urs Giger, Thomas J. Van Winkle, Mark E. Haskins, Donald F. Patterson, Paula S. Henthorn, A Complex Rearrangement in GBE1 Causes Both Perinatal Hypoglycemic Collapse and Late-Juvenile-Onset Neuromuscular Degeneration in Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV of Norwegian Forest Cats, Molecular Genetics and Metabolism, Volume 90, Issue 4

G. Wess, C. Schinner, K. Weber, H. Kuchenhoff, K. Hartmann, Association of A31P and A74T Polymorphisms in the Myosin Binding Protein C3 Gene and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Maine Coon and Other Breed Cats, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine

 

C. Drogemuller, S. Rufenacht, B. Wichert, T. Leeb, Mutations Within the FGF5 Gene Are Associated with Hair Length in Cats, Wiley Online Library, Animal Genetics

D. G. O’Neill, D.B. Church, P.D. McGreevy, P.C. Thompson, D.C. Brodbelt, Prevalence of Disorders Recorded in Cats Attending Primary-Care Veterinary Practices in England, The Veterinary Journal, Volume 202, Issue 2, Pages 286-291

Leistra WH, Van Oost BA, Willemse T, Non-Pruritic Granuloma in Norwegian Forest Cats, Europe PMC

Imke Marz, Lois J Wilkie, Norelene Harrington, Familial Cardiomyopathy in Norwegian Forest Cats, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery

Jerold S. Bell, DVM, Kathleen E. Cavanagh, DVM, Larry P. Tilley, DVM Francis W. K. Smith, DVM, Veterinary Medical Guide to Dog and Cat Breeds, Norwegian Forest Cat on Page 552 and Siberian Forest Cat on Page 578

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