Some people search for information about the difference between the Maine Coon (MC) and Norwegian Forest Cat (NFC). In fact it is a fairly common topic of conversation because in general they do look similar and have a similar "public image". In other words I think that the general public think of them as similar cat breeds. They are, as they may have the same heritage.
To me there are certain differences in the appearance and I thought I would just focus on certain aspects of the anatomy! I make a comparion with the CFA breed standards for these two popular breeds of domestic cat. The Maine Coon is probably a better known cat.
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Comparison between Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat
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Muzzle - I think this is where one of the biggest differences is apparent. The Maine Coon has a "a squareness to the muzzle"..."visibly square". While the NFC breed standard says, "part of the straight line extending toward the base of ear without pronounced whisker pads and without pinch.." - no mention of "squareness". The Maine Coon muzzle can and should be noticeably square and the NFC muzzle is quite tapered and relatively pointed, I think.
Body - The MC body is described as "..the body should be long...". We know this, in fact, as
the world's longest domestic cat is an MC! The NFC body is described as "solidly muscled and well-balanced, moderate in length.." The key phrase is, "moderate in length".
Ears - The MC is well known for his or her lynx tipped ears (tufts of hair growing out the top of the ear like a
lynx wildcat). They are described as, "large, well-tufted, wide at base, tapering to appear pointed.." While the NFC standard says, "medium to large, rounded at the tip..Lynx tips are desirable but
not required." I think you get a feel for the difference.
Coat - The MC is well known for a semi-long shaggy coat. It is uneven, "heavy and shaggy..". While the NFC coat is more smooth, "..distinguishing double coat, consisting of a dense undercoat, covered by long, glossy and smooth water-resistant guard hairs hanging down the sides."
These are, I feel, some of the major differences in appearance. No doubt a breeder will have something more to say.
As to character I always say that the differences in the personalities of individual cats will supersede the differences between cat breeds. So I will leave that alone for the time being.
