While cat breeds including the Norwegian Forest Cat, or Wegie, and the Maine Coon have similar characteristics, including long hair, large bodies and tufted paws and ears, there are ways to tell these breeds apart. Differences exist in tails, ears and body mass. Take a close look at the cat in question and you'll be able to see the differences.
Instructions
1. Look at the shape and size of the cat's body. Maine Coons are equally proportioned throughout the body with no one part standing out as being too small or large. Wegies differ in that the breed is noticeably broad in the shoulders and chest. The body is also quite large; broad, without fat.
2. Examine the head of the cat. Maine Coons feature high cheekbones and have a head that's longer than it is wide, with a squarish appearance. Wegies have triangular heads, situated atop short, muscled necks.
3. Look at the cat's ears. While both Maine Coons and Wegies have tufted ears, Wegie ears are rounded at the tops and the inside of the ear points slightly sideways.
4. Look at the cat's eyes. Maine Coons are known for their oval shaped eyes, while Wegies have a more pronounced almond shape. Wegie eyes may also be set at an angle.
5. Both cat breeds have tufted feet, but look at the paws and legs when trying to determine if it's a Wegie or a Maine Coon. Wegies differ in that their hind legs are longer than their front legs, so the cat's hindquarters are higher than its shoulders. Some Maine Coons have an interesting feature on their paws--five toes on their front and four on the back paws.
6. Examine the cat's coat. Due to the cold Norwegian winters, Wegies have evolved a double coat consisting of an undercoat with longer hair hanging down its sides. Maine Coons are extremely silky to the touch and have shorter hair on the shoulders, with longer fur on the stomach.
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