Long-haired breeds
Norwegian Forest Cat: personality, life span and weight
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large long-haired breed from the cold forests of northern Europe. It has a waterproof double coat, a bushy tail and outstanding climbing skill.
- Climber
- Independent
- Affectionate but quiet
Norwegian Forest Cat at a glance
- Adult weight
- 4–9 kg
- Life span
- 12–16 years
- Shedding
- heavy
- Activity
- moderate
- Origin
- Norway
- Coat
- Long double coat with a water-resistant top layer and dense undercoat, and a full ruff
Norwegian Forest Cat personality
It is affectionate with family without being clingy. It likes to look down on the house from a high spot, and its claws are strong enough to come down a tree head first. It takes four to five years to mature.
Coat care and daily care
Brushing twice a week is usually enough, but brush daily during the spring moult. It needs somewhere to climb, such as a floor-to-ceiling cat tree, and it handles heat poorly, so mind the room temperature in summer.
Health problems Norwegian Forest Cat keepers should know
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)Regular heart checks are recommended.
- Glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV)A rare inherited disease that can be checked with a genetic test.
- Hip dysplasiaCan occur in large cats. Have it checked if the cat avoids jumping.
These are problems reported relatively often in the breed. It does not mean every cat will have them. If a symptom worries you, see a vet.
Real Norwegian Forest Cat photos from cat keepers
Photo tip Shoot from slightly below so the ruff and tail are in frame, and the forest cat's presence comes through.
1 Norwegian Forest Cat cat keeps a photo diary on Oneul Nyangi.
See more Norwegian Forest Cat photos in the feed
Cats of this breed
Norwegian Forest Cat questions and answers
- How long do Norwegian Forest Cat cats live?
- An indoor Norwegian Forest Cat typically lives about 12–16 years. Weight control, regular check-ups and indoor living all make a difference.
- How much does an adult Norwegian Forest Cat weigh?
- A fully grown Norwegian Forest Cat usually weighs 4–9 kg. Males tend to be larger than females, and a body shape where the ribs can be felt lightly matters more than the number.
- Do Norwegian Forest Cat cats shed a lot?
- Shedding is heavy. Long double coat with a water-resistant top layer and dense undercoat, and a full ruff. Brushing twice a week is usually enough, but brush daily during the spring moult. It needs somewhere to climb, such as a floor-to-ceiling cat tree, and it handles heat poorly, so mind the room temperature in summer.
- What is the Norwegian Forest Cat personality like?
- It is affectionate with family without being clingy. It likes to look down on the house from a high spot, and its claws are strong enough to come down a tree head first. It takes four to five years to mature.