Maine coons and NFCs - which is biggest?

Just been to a FIFe cat show (first FIFe show I've been to) and seen some huge cats. I knew maine coons and NFCs were large cats and I have seen them before but I couldn't believe the size of some of them I saw today. They were absolutely magnificent and for a moment I was sorely tempted to get a maine coon or NFC (but my heart is still with somalis ) The 2 really huge cats I saw were maine coons but it got me wondering which breed, on average, is the largest - maine coons or NFCs?

I was also wondering whether both these breeds have always been huge? Is size a feature that breeders select for and does that bring with it any health problems (I've heard of possible hip problems with maine coons?)

Had a great time at the cat show btw. It's my birthday today and what better way to spend it than surrounded by beautiful cats!

I also saw a beautiful blue abyssinian. I'm now desperate for a blue somali. My next cat will definitely be a show quality blue somali

I to am always in awe at the size of Maine Coons. I have seen large domestic cats but non have compared to the Maine Coons I have seen at shows. Maine Coons are larger then the Norwegian Forest Cats.

Well MC's are probably bigger in body - length. The NFC's have longer coats. But I think they really are about the same - males will average 15-18 lbs when grown. It would take 3-4 yrs to be fully mature in either breed.

I think the NFCs are beautiful especially in the winter when they have full coats. I have read that they don't even need much combing except in the Spring when they shed.

Originally Posted by Denice

I think the NFCs are beautiful especially in the winter when they have full coats. I have read that they don't even need much combing except in the Spring when they shed.

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Very true, until they get older
I'm dealing with a 13yo now who doesn't groom well and has never tolerated being groomed.
She has to instead suffer the indignity of a hair cut every Spring and monthly baths through the warm months.

Coon Cats definatly are the biggest domestic breed...and I know this personally!

And yes, size does matter when breeding but what is more important to Coon breeders is balance.

In show terms, a perfectly balanced coon with lousy profile for example will beat out a beautifully profiled cat anytime!