10/16/2026
Maine C***s and Norwegian Forest Cats are easy to mix up at first glance.
Both are large.
Both are fluffy.
Both have thick coats built for cold weather.
Both can have impressive ear tufts and enormous tails.
But once you know what to look for, they start to look much less alike.
Maine C***s tend to have a broader, more rectangular muzzle and a longer, more rectangular body. Norwegian Forest Cats usually have a more triangular head shape, with a straighter profile from forehead to nose and a slightly different overall build.
Their personalities can differ too.
Maine C***s are often described as social, playful, and very people-oriented. Norwegian Forest Cats can also be affectionate, but they may come across as a little more independent and reserved.
Then there is the coat.
Both breeds have dense fur, but the Norwegian Forest Cat’s double coat developed for harsh Scandinavian weather, while the Maine C**n’s shaggy coat has its own distinctive texture and shape.
They are both striking cats.
They are just not the same cat in two different fur coats.
Which one would you pick: Maine C**n or Norwegian Forest Cat?