Norwegian Forest Cat

Norway · centuries old

Big, rugged climber — friendly, not clingy

SizeLarge9–20 lb
Life span12–16 years
CoatSemi-long
Typical price$1,200–$2,500

Norwegian Forest Cats are large, strong cats with a water-resistant double coat, a full ruff and tufted ears. They are calm, friendly and independent.

At a glance

EnergyModerate
Cuddlylikes touch and being heldOn its terms
TalkativeSilent
GroomingRegular
SheddingVery heavy
With kidsGreat
With petsLoves company
Alone timehow long they’re happy aloneA workday

Life with a Norwegian Forest Cat

Wegies love heights and will climb anything. They enjoy company, but on their own terms — many would rather sit beside you than be held. Indoors they are calm and adaptable.

Great for
  • Families with kids and other pets
  • People who work but still want a friendly cat
  • Homes with space for tall cat trees
Think twice if
  • You want a lap cat to carry around
  • You don’t want spring and autumn shedding storms
Care tips
  • Brush weekly, daily during the big seasonal molt.
  • Tall, sturdy cat trees.
  • Keep their weight in check.

Health

Glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV, fatal in kittens), HCM and hip dysplasia are the known issues.

Ask the breeder for
  • GSD IV DNA test
  • Heart scan (echocardiogram) of the parents
  • Hip X-rays
Typical US price$1,200–$2,500
RegistriesCFA · TICAAsk for both parents’ papers

Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.

See Norwegian Forest Cat kittens

Similar breeds

Maine CoonGreat with kids · Loves other petsSiberianActive · CuddlyTurkish VanVery active · Independent
Compare with similar breeds

Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.