Mexican Hairless vs Norwegian Forest Cat
Discover the differences between Mexican Hairless and Norwegian Forest Cat to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Mexican Hairless
Affectionate, lively, and hairless, this breed enjoys close bonds with people and loves attention. Distinctive in appearance, Mexican Hairless cats are playful, intelligent, and thrive as indoor companions.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Majestic and affectionate, this sturdy cat charms with a thick, water-resistant coat and a gentle, playful spirit. Adaptable and loyal, it thrives in active households and quiet homes alike.
Quick comparison
Medium
3.5–6 kg
Hairless, wrinkled skin
12–15 years
3–5 kg
High energy
Large
5–9 kg
Longhaired, water-repellent
12–16 years
3.5–7 kg
Moderately active
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Mexican Hairless
Affectionate and sociable with people and animals
Quick learner, solves problems efficiently
Active and enjoys regular interactive play
Loves to play, engages with toys often
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
Norwegian Forest Cat
Enjoys human company, gentle with children
Learns routines and new environments quickly
Moderate activity, enjoys climbing and exploring
Likes interactive games and toys
Adjusts well to home changes and new people
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Mexican Hairless
Skin infections, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Norwegian Forest Cat
Glycogen storage disease IV, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Mexican Hairless
Good option
Mexican Hairless cats are affectionate and adaptable, making them suitable for inexperienced owners.
Excellent fit
Their quiet nature and low-shedding coat work well in small living spaces.
Moderately suitable
They enjoy play but do not require constant high activity to stay content.
Supervised recommended
They are tolerant but can be sensitive to rough handling by young children.
Generally compatible
They usually get along with other pets when properly introduced and socialized.
Not ideal
They dislike being left alone and may develop separation anxiety if left for long periods.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Good option
Gentle and adaptable, but benefits from owners willing to learn grooming needs
Works with effort
Can adapt to apartments if provided climbing spaces and stimulation
Highly suitable
Enjoys play and activity, fitting well in energetic homes
Very friendly
Patient and gentle, generally tolerant of respectful children
Good companion
Gets along with other pets if introduced properly and given space
Not ideal
Dislikes long periods alone and may develop stress or boredom
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Mexican Hairless
- Affectionate with family members
- Intelligent and quick to learn commands
- Minimal shedding due to hairlessness
- Generally healthy and robust breed
- Adaptable to various living environments
Norwegian Forest Cat
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Affectionate without being overly demanding
- Strong climbers with agile movement
- Thick double coat protects in cold climates
- Generally healthy with few genetic issues
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Mexican Hairless
- Sensitive to cold temperatures
- Prone to sunburn without skin protection
- Requires regular bathing for skin health
- Can be wary of strangers
- Needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom
Norwegian Forest Cat
- Requires regular grooming to prevent mats
- Prone to obesity if under-exercised
- Can be shy with strangers initially
- High prey drive may affect small pets
- Needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom
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