Maine Coon is a widely popular breed, loved by many families in almost any state in the world. The Norwegian Forest cat is another wonderful breed, gentle and calm, and adaptable to different people and their lifestyles.
Combining these two cats together in a hybrid sounds like a pretty good idea, right? These two felines with luxurious coats and amazing personalities are a delight to share a life with.
But, what to expect from their hybrid to turn out to be? What parent will this mix look like more?
Let’s find out!
Appearance
With mixed cats, it is difficult to predict exactly what they will look like.
However, specific characteristics such as size, weight, color color and type, are determined based on the dominant characteristics of the parent breeds.
Size
According to the Maine Coon growth chart, these cats weigh 15 to 25 pounds, while their height ranges from 10 to 16 inches.
Norwegian Forests usually weigh 12 to 16 pounds, while they’re 9 to 12 inches tall.
Therefore, their mix is expected to weigh anywhere from 8 to 20 pounds, while their average height goes from 9 to 15 inches.
Coat Type And Colors
The Maine Coon has medium-long or long coats that are silky and soft to touch. The Norwegian Forest cat has a double coat, consisting of a wooly undercoat and a silky and water-repellent outer coat.
Their mix will usually have a coat that is a cross between both of their coat types.
But, one thing is sure – these cats will shed a fair amount of hair, so – all future owners should be prepared for a lot of grooming!
Another common trait of these two cats is that they both come in a wide variety of colors, which is a trait that will also be seen in their hybrid.
Temperament
Maine Coons, as well as Norwegian Forest cats, are highly intelligent felines. This means they need a decent amount of mental stimulation.
So, their mix is also likely to be easy to train, which is a special delight for all future cat owners. Just imagine all the fun you’ll have while teaching this hybrid some fun tricks!
These two cats are also very playful and friendly, which makes them a great choice as pets for people with families.
You can also expect their hybrid to inherit this common trait of its parents, and also for it to be friendly and loyal.
Health
Some of the common health problems found in the Maine Coon breed are obesity, stomatitis, spinal muscular atrophy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Mark D Kittleson and Etienne Côté [1] explain how hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a concentric left ventricular hypertrophy in the absence of another cardiac or systemic disease capable of producing the magnitude of hypertrophy evident.
This condition is often seen in Maine Coons, but also in Norwegian Forest cats. So, their hybrid has a good chance of inheriting it.
Some Norwegian Forests might also struggle with hip dysplasia and glycogen storage disease, which is a condition that describes the deficient activity of the enzymes responsible for metabolizing glycogen in the cat’s body, according to PetMD.
Considering these health issues in both parent breeds, it’s essential to take the Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat for regular vet check-ups.
Life Expectancy
Maine Coon’s estimated lifespan goes from 12 to 15 years, while Norwegian Forest cats usually live 14 to 16 years.
So, their mix is also likely to live up to 15 years.
Of course, it’s essential to provide this cat with quality nutrition, mental stimulation, love and attention, as well as regular visits to veterinarians, to contribute to its life expectancy.
Is This The Right Mix For You?
Are you unsure about going with a mixed cat? Maybe a purebred would still be a better option for you?
Maybe looking at the video of this adorable mix will clear you of doubts.
Not only is this cat beautiful, but it also shares its parents' amazing traits, so, you can expect it to be friendly, gentle and intelligent.
Anyone looking for a furry companion cannot go wrong with this mixed cat, if you ask me!
Of course, it is necessary to observe the characteristics of this cat objectively, so I will also list some that could be considered as flaws.
This mixed cat isn’t hypoallergenic. It demands regular grooming, so this might be a disadvantage for busy people. Having this cat under your roof will also require a lot of your attention, and a lot of space for it to play and jump.
Finally, there are health problems I’ve listed previously you should also take into consideration. Having a cat doesn’t only mean fun and games, but also a great responsibility in case she gets sick and needs veterinary care.
Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Mix Kittens For Sale
There are plenty of Maine Coon breeders in all states, as well as those raising Norwegian Forest cats.
But, finding their mix probably won’t be so easy. There aren’t breeders that specialize in raising Norwegian Forest Cat hybrids, or Maine Coon mixes, so you’ll more likely find this hybrid by chance.
I wish you the best of luck in this endeavor and I hope that a small mixed-breed kitten will soon be cheering up you and your family!
References:
[1] Kittleson MD, Côté E. The Feline Cardiomyopathies: 2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Feline Med Surg. 2021 Nov;23(11):1028-1051. DOI, Retrieved June 26, 2023.
