Cat breed · Longhair
Norwegian Forest Cat
Friendly, calm, adventurous
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 4–8 kg (9–18 lb)
- Height
- 30–40 cm (12–16 in)
- Life span
- 14–16 years
- Origin
- Norway
The coat
Long · Tabby
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Norwegian Forest Cats right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
Be ready for
- Sheds a lot
How big, really
Adult Norwegian Forest Cats weigh 4–8 kg (9–18 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Norwegian Forest Cat
Built for Scandinavian winters, the “Wegie” has a double coat with a water-resistant top layer and a thick ruff. They are sociable without being demanding and are among the best climbers of all cat breeds.
Norwegian Forest Cats mature slowly and may not reach full size until they are four or five years old. They generally get on well with children and dogs, and many enjoy supervised time outdoors or a secure catio. Their thick winter coat thins noticeably in spring, when a daily comb stops hairballs.
Health to know about
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Glycogen storage disease IV (DNA test available)
- Hip dysplasia
Care in short
- Brush weekly, more in spring
- Tall cat trees — they love climbing
- Play daily
Kit for a Norwegian Forest Cat
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Best for heavy shedders
Deshedding tool with ejector
4.7Reaches the undercoat that causes most of the hair on the sofa.
- Several blade widths
- Use weekly, gently
Best everyday brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush
4.6Fine bent wires lift loose undercoat; a button pushes the hair off.
- Quick to clean
- Suits most medium and long coats
Best for saving the sofa
Sisal scratching post, 80 cm
4.6Tall and heavy enough for a full stretch without wobbling.
- Sisal rope cats prefer
- Wide weighted base
Similar breeds
| Trait | Norwegian Forest Cat |  Maine CoonCompare |
 BirmanCompare |
Scottish FoldCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4–8 kg (9–18 lb) | 4.5–8 kg (10–18 lb) | 3–7 kg (7–15 lb) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) |
| Energy | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Good with children | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Shedding | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Norwegian Forest Cat get?
Adults usually weigh 4–8 kg (9–18 lb) and stand 30–40 cm (12–16 in) tall.
How long do Norwegian Forest Cats live?
Typically 14–16 years.
Are Norwegian Forest Cats good with children?
Generally very good (4 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Norwegian Forest Cats shed?
Quite a lot — expect hair on furniture.
What health problems are Norwegian Forest Cats prone to?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; Glycogen storage disease IV (DNA test available); Hip dysplasia.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts