Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats (aka Wegies), and Domestic Longhairs (DLHs) are usually larger cats with fluffy fur, but there are key differences. Maine Coons usually are largest with square jaws, lynx tips and larger ears set high with more fluff.

Wegies have triangular heads, water-resistant double coats, and hind legs longer than front.

DLH is a mixed-breed cat, not a purebred, defined only by its long hair, with no set breed standards for size or features. That said, many do have MC or Wegie DNA.

Maine Coon

• Size: Largest domestic breed; males can exceed 15 lbs and often grow to 25+
• Head: Square muzzle, slight concave curve, high ears with lynx tips.
• Coat: Silky, uneven length with prominent ruff, belly fur, and bushy tail.
• Build: Strong, muscular, with shaggy, big paws and tufted toes. 

Norwegian Forest Cat (Wegie)

• Size: Large, but generally smaller than Maine Coons (males 12-16 lbs).
• Head: Triangular, straight profile, almond-shaped eyes, lower ear set.
• Coat: Water-resistant double coat, woolly undercoat, even length, full ruff.
• Build: Excellent climber with longer hind legs for climbing. 

Domestic Longhair (DLH)

• Size: Average house cat size (around 10-15 lbs), variable.
• Head/Features: No specific breed standards; can have any shape, color, or pattern.
• Coat: Defined only by long hair; length and texture vary widely.
• Key: Not a breed, but a category for mixed-ancestry long-haired cats. 

How to Tell Them Apart

• Look for pedigree: Only papers from a reputable breeder can confirm a purebred Maine Coon or Wegie.
• Check the size: If it’s massive and very fluffy, it’s likely a Maine Coon or DLH mix.
• Examine the face: Square muzzle? Maine Coon. Triangular face? Wegie or mix.
• Feel the coat: Uneven, silky coat with major ruff? Maine Coon. Dense, water-resistant? Wegie. Just fluffy? DLH. 

Visual Aid

Knowing these features are important if you are looking for a Maine Coon or Wegie but cannot afford a pedigreed one usually costing $2,000-$3,000 for a non-breeding kitten. As mentioned previously, many domestic long hair cats in shelters have traits, less pronounced, but still there of an MC, Wegie or both.

Be careful of scams offering MC or Wegie kittens at inexpensive prices.

Common Scam Tactics

• Cheap Prices: Offering kittens for $400-750 when breeders charge between $2,000-$3,000.
• Pressure & Urgency: Pushing for immediate deposits, creating fake crises, or using high-pressure tactics to rush your decision.
• Fake Transport: Inventing stories about “shipping only” or needing extra money for “crate rental” or “insurance” from a fake transport company.
• Payment Methods: Insisting on Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, gift cards, or Western Union, which offer no buyer protection.
• Lack of Verification: Refusing video calls to show the kitten/parents, having generic or inconsistent photos (often stolen from real breeders).
• Poor Communication: Using many misspellings, avoiding direct answers, or getting defensive when questioned.