The Norwegian Forest Cat is a balanced, friendly animal with no trace of aggression and a well-developed sense of dignity. If you’re looking for a pet with this kind of “Nordic” temperament, take a closer look at this fairly rare breed.
How is the Norwegian Forest Cat different from other breeds? How should you handle it?
What does it need to live comfortably? How much money do you need to buy one and care for it? You’ll find answers to all these questions in our article. Read it to see whether this pet is right for you.
Norwegian Forest Cat Personality and Traits at a Glance
| Affection for family | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★★☆ |
| Health | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★☆ |
| Vocality | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with kids | ★★★★★ |
| Friendliness toward strangers | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of grooming | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Gets along with other pets | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
Tolerance for being alone: 3
These cats will find something to do while you’re away.
They love and value attention from people, but they don’t demand it or beg for it. The only reason your cat might bother you is if you forgot to feed it. So you can leave your cat alone for a whole day or even a few days, as long as it has food and water. But try not to overdo it.
Shedding: 4
Seasonal shedding is the main challenge in caring for this breed.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a thick, long coat with a dense undercoat. These cats have a very bushy tail, “britches” on their legs, and a full “ruff.” The breed developed in Scandinavia’s harsh climate, and all this splendor was meant to help the cats survive cold winters.
Summers there are fairly warm, so in late spring the cats shed the fur on their whole body and start to look like a short-haired breed. The only place the fur stays in summer is the tail. Owners will have to put in the work brushing the cat and cleaning the house during this period. But it’s worth it: after each seasonal shed, the coat grows longer. One advantage of the breed is that its silky coat doesn’t mat or tangle.
Activity level: 4
Despite their balanced “Nordic” temperament, these cats are moderately active and good athletes. Norwegians are energetic and love heights; they can climb almost straight up onto cabinets, doors, and high shelves.
A distinctive trait of the Norwegian Forest Cat is its ability to climb a tree quickly and come down just as quickly, headfirst. With these cats, you won’t have to call the fire department if dogs chase your cat up a tree. The animal can climb down quickly in a spiral, the way squirrels do.
Another favorite pastime of Norwegian Forest Cats is playing with water. They happily chase toy boats and fish in a tub and splash their paws in the water bowl. Owners of ponds and pools should be especially careful: these cats aren’t afraid of water and may boldly dive in after a real or imaginary fish.
Purring: 4
Norwegian Forest Cats love to purr more than most. You can hear their rumbling even through a wall.
Norwegians “talk” gently and quietly. They don’t like to meow and prefer body language. They raise their voice only when you ignore their demands, for example, if you forgot to feed them. Even during mating season, Norwegian toms don’t yowl; they melodically “burble.”
Good with kids: 5
Gentle, friendly Norwegians get along wonderfully with kids.
They never hurt little ones, even when the kids go too far. These cats would rather run and hide than use their claws and teeth. Teach your kids to respect the cat’s personal space, and they’ll become best friends.
Attitude toward guests: 3
They’re reserved and cautious with strangers and may be shy.
But if guests aren’t pushy and the cat feels they’re no threat, it will show interest in the newcomers. If a Norwegian likes a new person, it may let them pet it.
Gets along with other animals and dogs: 4
This breed gets along wonderfully with other pets. It doesn’t start turf wars and doesn’t show aggression.
Males are gentlemen with females. With dogs, they find common ground; they may play together, sleep together, and teach each other various skills. Mother cats may easily adopt other kittens and nurse them.
Ease of care: 2
The Norwegian breed is used to spartan living conditions, but it needs special coat care at ordinary times and extra care during shedding.
The Norwegian’s coat is its crowning glory. To keep the water-repellent coat and thick undercoat always neat and beautiful, you need to care for them regularly. Read how to do this in the “Living With and Caring for a Norwegian Forest Cat” section.
Intelligence: 4
The breed is unusually smart, quick-witted, and curious.
The Norwegian Forest Cat loves exploring new territory and checking out its surroundings. It loves being the center of attention, so it diligently learns commands and tricks. It can spend hours with puzzle toys, trying to get a treat or catch a ball (or toy mouse).
It senses its owner’s mood and understands when they’re not ready to spend time with it. This smart pet goes off about its cat business and patiently waits for its owner to call. It learns the house rules quickly and rarely misbehaves.
Health concerns: 2
The breed developed naturally, so it has fewer diseases caused by mutant genes.
These cats are hardy and relatively healthy, but some individuals develop inherited and non-inherited diseases. Read more about these conditions in the “Health and Common Diseases” section.
History of the Breed
As its name suggests, the cat comes from Norway. The Norwegian Forest Cat appeared quite a long time ago; as early as 1599, the Norwegian priest and naturalist Peder Claussøn Friis told the world about this fluffy animal.
Many legends and myths told by the peoples of Northern Europe surround the breed’s origins. In one myth, the chariot of Freya, the goddess of love and war, was pulled by large, fluffy cats. Another legend says that the god of thunder and storms lost his strength because of the sea serpent Jörmungandr, who crept up on the god disguised as a Norwegian cat.
The “Viking cat” is another name for this breed. It’s believed that these cats were brought by the Vikings, medieval warrior-raiders. The cats were kept on ships to kill rodents. The name stuck, but this theory about the breed’s origins has never been confirmed.
In Norway, these were considered ordinary cats that lived in forests and on farms. People played very little part in shaping the breed; it developed naturally. That’s why the Norwegian Forest Cat is considered a natural (landrace) breed. It became known as a breed only in 1938, when the first cat of the breed, a red-and-white one, was shown at a cat show in Oslo.
The Scandinavian (Norwegian) breed was officially registered in the FIFe standard in 1977. The national breed standard was adopted a little earlier, in 1973. The breed is the most popular one in Scandinavia and is in demand in many other countries.
Appearance
Norway’s national treasure, the “Viking cat,” has a strong, muscular body and a thick, fluffy coat that’s perfectly suited to Scandinavia’s harsh conditions. The Norwegian Forest Cat is described in all international standards, each with its own requirements for appearance. The main traits are similar, but there are some differences.
Let’s look at how the WCF standard describes the Norwegian breed.
WCF Breed Standard
- Body. Long and strong, with heavy bones. Medium to large.
- Head. Shaped like an equilateral triangle.
- Muzzle. A long, straight profile with no stop.
- Ears. Large, with a wide base. Set very high on the head. The outer line of the ear follows the line of the cheeks straight down. The ears have long furnishings inside and lynx-like tufts on the tips.
- Chin. Firm.
- Nose. Not described by the standard.
- Eyes. Oval, large, and wide open. An even color that matches the coat.
- Legs. Muscular and long. The hind legs are longer than the front legs.
- Paws. Round and broad, with tufts of fur between the toes.
- Tail. Very long and bushy. It should be as long as the body or longer.
- Coat. Double-layered. The outer guard hairs are long, glossy, coarse, and water-repellent. The undercoat is thick and fluffy. Guard hairs cover only the back, sides, front legs, outer hind legs, and the top of the tail. The underside of the body and the back of the hind legs have only undercoat. There are “britches” on the hind legs, and a triangular “beard” hangs from the cheeks.
- Neck. The fur on the neck forms a frill.
- Color. The standard allows all colors and patterns except chocolate, cinnamon (reddish-brown), lilac, and fawn. Solid colors should be even. Bicolor and tabby markings should be clear and distinct. Any amount of white is allowed.
- Pattern. All types are allowed: tabby (marbled, spotted, striped), tortoiseshell, mackerel, van, harlequin, and agouti. Colorpoint isn’t allowed.
- Weight. Females: 8–12 lb. Males: 10–16.5 lb.
- Height at the shoulder. 12 to 16 in. A short stature is considered a fault.
- Lifespan. 14 to 16 years.
Important!
Some of these cats are long-lived and reach more than 20 years.
Norwegian Forest Cat Colors With Photos
Norwegian Forest Cats can come in a wide range of shades and intricate patterns.
Let’s look at the popular colors:
Black
Big, beautiful coal-black cats look impressive and dignified. Some are pure black, without a single white hair. But the standard doesn’t forbid a few white hairs or small white spots.
Red
Red (ginger) Norwegians look very striking. The shades range from bright ginger to pale fawn. There may be a white pattern on the body or a few white hairs.
White
White fluffy cats look like true beauties. But at shows, they’re held to higher standards, since the gene responsible for white coloring can cause deafness.
Tortoiseshell
Tricolor tortoiseshell cats (and only females can be tortoiseshell) are said to bring their owners happiness and good luck. Of course, it’s a folk belief that not everyone shares. But getting such a gorgeous beauty is already a stroke of luck.
Tabby
The wild-type coat is most associated with this breed. That’s exactly how the Vikings’ ancient cats looked. Norwegian Forest Cats come in many variations of this pattern: marbled, striped, ticked, and spotted.
Van, harlequin, and bicolor
All three colors are similar; they differ only in the placement and amount of colored patches on the cat’s white body. Cats with these colors (white with patches) are less common, and in Europe they’re highly prized. These white, fluffy dandies with a flowing colored tail look incredibly striking.
Important!
Only the Norwegian Forest Cat comes in the beautiful, rare amber and light amber colors. These colors are often called golden or precious.
If fluffy pets aren’t your thing, take a look at the Bengal and the Thai cat.
Living With and Caring for a Norwegian Forest Cat
Before getting a big, fluffy, handsome cat, you need to prepare and learn what it takes to keep one at home. It’s also important to assess your capabilities and work out the budget you’ll need to care for such a pet.
What a Norwegian Forest Cat Needs
The first thing Norwegian Forest Cats need is space. Yes, people do keep this breed in city apartments, but it’s better if it isn’t a small studio. These cats are big, active, and athletic, and they need room to climb. Norwegian Forest Cats feel more at ease in a large house.
Members of this breed also love being outdoors. Fresh air is good for their appetite and coat. You can walk them on a leash or let them out into your yard if you’re sure it’s safe. Norwegians are excellent hunters, so don’t be surprised if your pet brings you “gifts” from its outings. And not just mice and birds: Norwegians aren’t afraid of water, and they know how to catch fish. Some owners build roomy enclosures (catios) in their yards for their pets.
In Europe, adult cats are sometimes kept in outdoor enclosures with insulated houses. But only adult (most often older) cats that previously lived with people in the house. Keeping a cat in an enclosure full-time from a young age will make it go wild.
Cats of this breed love to climb and are good at climbing vertical surfaces. It’s the only breed that nature taught to climb down trees headfirst in a spiral, like a squirrel. If you have a special cat tree at home (a floor-to-ceiling activity center), your cat will climb it. If you don’t, it will climb doors and cabinets, and it does so very skillfully.
Coat Care
The Norwegian’s luxurious coat is the cat’s main asset and the focus of its owner’s care. The breed has semi-long, water-resistant guard hairs and a dense, thick undercoat. To keep your home clean and your pet’s coat in good shape, brush it at least twice a week. First use a wide-toothed comb with blunt teeth, then a natural-bristle brush.
Your pet’s coat needs special care in spring, when seasonal shedding starts. Before the warm season, Norwegian Forest Cats shed their undercoat completely. All summer they look nothing like the fluffy pets they were in winter. In the fall, the new undercoat grows back, and the coat gets longer and thicker. During this time, owners will need to brush the cat daily, ideally with a deshedding tool such as a FURminator.
There’s no need to bathe these cats unless it’s really necessary. It’s hard to do anyway, since the Norwegian’s coat is water-repellent. If the cat gets very dirty, try to wash only the dirty spots. The exception is show cats, which are bathed with special coat-care products before shows and competitions.
Dental Care
To prevent periodontal disease, brush your cat’s teeth and mouth with a special brush and vet toothpaste at least once a week. Only a vet at the clinic should remove tartar. To catch hard buildup on the teeth early, take your pet for regular preventive checkups.
Eye Care
Check your pet’s big eyes daily and wipe them with a damp cotton pad to remove discharge. Use a separate pad for each eye. Colored or foul-smelling discharge is a reason to see the vet right away.
Claw Care
These cats have long claws. If the cat is active, climbs a lot, uses a scratching post, and goes outside, the claws wear down naturally. If they don’t wear down enough, trim them with special pet nail scissors. Do it carefully, when the cat is relaxed. Don’t hold down a struggling pet by force; it’s psychologically traumatic for the animal.
Ear Care
The cat’s big ears don’t need special care. Check them weekly and, if needed, wipe the ear with a damp cotton ball. Don’t use cotton swabs to clean the ears, since they can injure the inner ear.
How Much Does It Cost to Keep a Norwegian Forest Cat?
When buying a purebred pet, you need to assess your finances and know how much the kitten, the supplies, and quality monthly care will cost.
What to Buy for Your Kitten
Essentials:
- Two or three bowls (2 for a natural diet, 3 for commercial food). Choose a large water bowl, since Norwegians love to splash water with their paws. Ceramic or stainless steel bowls on a stand work best. Price: $15–$40.
- A litter box. A large one with high sides; big cats should have plenty of room in it. Price: $25–$70.
- A wide-toothed comb and a natural-bristle brush: $10–$20.
- A scratching post. A vertical or wall-mounted one for large cats: $30–$100.
- Toys. Puzzle toys, balls, and laser pointers work well. Price: $20–$60.
- A bed. A large one; dog beds work well: $25–$60.
Extras:
- A plastic carrier with a metal door. Models made for dogs are best. Price: $40–$100.
- A sturdy vertical activity center with weighted bases and sisal scratching posts. Price: $150–$400.
- Nail clippers. Price: $8–$15.
- A harness and leash. Price: $15–$35.
- Cat-proof window screens. Price: $30–$80.
- A deshedding tool (such as a FURminator) for long-haired cats. Price: $25–$45.
Caring for a Norwegian Forest Cat may cost $700 to $1,800 a year.
Your budget will depend on your means, the diet you choose, the type of litter, and how often your cat needs preventive care.
Feeding cats of this breed isn’t hard, but keep in mind that their coat needs good nutrition: complete, balanced, and rich in vitamins.
Health and Common Diseases
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a natural breed, meaning it developed on its own under the influence of harsh conditions. People played a minimal role in creating it. These cats are muscular, strong, and adapt easily to cold, damp climates. But like all breeds, they’re prone to certain diseases.
Genetic Conditions of the Breed
- Glycogen storage disease type IV. A rare disease found only in Norwegian Forest Cats. It disrupts glucose metabolism. Kittens are stillborn or die in the first hours after birth. In some cases, signs of the disease appear only at 5–8 months. The disease is fatal and can’t be treated. It’s detected with genetic tests.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. An inherited heart condition typical of large breeds (like the Maine Coon). It can be detected with DNA tests.
- Hip dysplasia. An abnormal development of the joints that leads to discomfort, pain, and lameness. It’s detected with hip X-rays.
- Polycystic kidney disease, an inherited condition that gradually destroys the kidneys. It’s detected with an ultrasound at 10 months of age. DNA tests aren’t available for this disease in the breed.
To protect yourself from these serious inherited conditions, ask the breeder for the test and exam results of the kitten and its parents.
Preventive Care
For your pet to live a full, healthy life, don’t skip preventive measures:
- vaccinations on schedule, with the recommended quarantine afterward;
- flea and tick treatments (at least 2–3 times a year);
- deworming (2–3 times a year);
- a high-quality, balanced diet;
- vitamins.
Preventive care may cost $300 to $600 a year.
Important!
If you don’t plan to become a Norwegian Forest Cat breeder, budget for spay or neuter surgery in your kitten’s first year: about $150–$500.
Feeding
Each owner chooses the type of diet (natural or commercial) for themselves. Some owners stick with the diet the breeder fed the kittens. If you’re unsure which type to choose, it’s best to consult a vet or professional Norwegian Forest Cat breeders.
Raw and Homemade Diet
The Norwegian Forest Cat developed naturally; it’s a true predator from Scandinavia’s forests. Predators eat meat, and in the case of Norwegians, fish too. These cats are excellent fishers.
So meat, meat products, and fish should form the basis of the diet (70%). The rest is vegetables, greens, and fermented dairy.
- Lean meats: rabbit, veal, turkey, chicken.
- Organ meats: lung, liver, heart.
- Fish: lean ocean fish, served once a week, cooked.
- Vegetables: zucchini, carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, beets.
- Fat-free fermented dairy: cottage cheese and kefir.
- Plain yogurt.
- Eggs: quail eggs or chicken egg yolk.
- Greens: spinach, lettuce, sprouted oats.
- Bran.
- Yeast.
- A vitamin and mineral supplement suited to your cat’s age and health.
Meat and organ meats are served raw. To get rid of possible parasites and bacteria, freeze the meat for 2–3 days. Thaw it at room temperature before serving. Don’t grind the meat; cut it into pieces so the cat works its gums and teeth.
Forbidden foods:
- beans;
- exotic fruits and vegetables;
- potatoes;
- corn;
- whole milk;
- full-fat sour cream and cream;
- pork;
- kidneys;
- sausages and hot dogs;
- smoked and canned foods.
On this type of diet, the portion is calculated with this formula: daily portion = 7% of the cat’s weight. Two meals a day are enough for adult cats.
A natural diet will cost about $60–$120 a month.
Commercial Cat Food
The main requirement for commercial food is that it be balanced and nutritious. Rule out economy foods from the start: they have few nutrients but lots of dyes, flavor enhancers, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
Choose high-quality brands that are at least super-premium.
Pet food companies make foods specifically for this breed, but any formula for large cats will work.
Recommended brands available in the US:
- ORIJEN Fit & Trim Grain-Free, a grain-free formula for cats prone to weight gain;
- ACANA Wild Atlantic Grain-Free, a grain-free fish-based formula;
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original;
- Instinct Original Grain-Free;
- Royal Canin Maine Coon Adult, a breed formula for large cats (Royal Canin’s Norwegian Forest Cat formula isn’t sold in the US).
On average, Norwegian Forest Cats need 1.8–4.2 oz of dry food a day. The individual portion depends on the cat’s weight, age, activity level, and condition.
Commercial food will cost about $35–$80 a month.
Important!
Norwegians are big cats with a healthy appetite. Watch their weight throughout their lives, and don’t let them overeat or become obese.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Norwegian Forest Cats live as house cats?
With good care and nutrition, healthy Norwegian Forest Cats live a long time, 14–16 years on average. They can live more than 20 years; such cases have been recorded in the breed’s history.
How much do adult cats and kittens weigh?
Norwegian males are bigger than females. At six months they may weigh 6.5–9 lb, and by two years 15.5–17.5 lb. Females weigh about 3.3 lb at 6 months and reach 9–12 lb by two years.
Do they like being held?
This isn’t a lap cat. Norwegians value their own personal space and yours.
They don’t like sitting in laps and prefer to stay close by, curled up in a ball. They don’t like “kisses,” but they love being petted and scratched. As a sign of love and gratitude, they may head-butt your forehead or legs.
Can they live outdoors?
As we mentioned, in Europe some catteries keep cats in outdoor enclosures. But that applies only to adult cats that lived and were raised with a family from a young age. Kittens should never be put in enclosures. Yes, these cats can handle harsh outdoor conditions, but they’ll go wild. An enclosure is for outdoor time. Fresh air has a good effect on their luxurious coat and improves their appetite.
How aggressive is the breed?
The Norwegian Forest Cat isn’t aggressive at all. These cats show no aggression toward kids, other pets, or strangers. They’re calm and balanced. They don’t fight over territory or start wars. Behind their stern look is a gentle, good-natured animal.
Do they like to scratch and climb?
A forest cat’s favorite activity is climbing trees, and the Norwegian Forest Cat happily does just that. No height is out of reach for them. These cats deftly climb vertical walls, doors, and cabinet doors. What amazes people is how they climb down headfirst, without panic, quickly and easily. These cats are smart, so training them to use a scratching post won’t be hard.
Is this breed hypoallergenic?
The breed isn’t hypoallergenic. A Norwegian’s coat can cause allergies.
Does the coat need grooming?
The Norwegian’s double coat needs regular care. Usually, brushing the cat once or twice a week is enough. During shedding, do it daily with a deshedding tool.
What eye colors do they have?
Almost any color. A golden-green shade is preferred, but eyes may also be copper, gold, or green. White cats can have blue eyes.
Is the breed prone to heart disease?
Unfortunately, nature wasn’t kind to these big, strong cats. They easily survive harsh conditions, but they can inherit a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
At what age do they stop growing?
Like all natural breeds, Norwegian Forest Cats develop slowly and mature late. They reach full maturity at 4–5 years, yet keep a kitten’s temperament almost all their lives.
Reviews From Norwegian Forest Cat Owners
Irina: “My Nafanya is a little Norwegian miracle! He’s never once put out his claws. Never, ever gone outside the litter box. He’s always nearby but doesn’t beg for attention. He loves sitting next to my husband and me when we watch TV. Right next to us, so we can see: here I am! When guests come over, he first peeks around the corner, getting used to them and checking them out. If they notice him and call him, he happily runs over and may play with the guest. The coolest thing is that he knows how to comfort. If I cry, Nafanya runs over right away and licks away my tears to calm me down. It makes me not want to cry anymore. He never yowls, even if we forget to fill his bowl. He can sit silently and sadly by the bowl for hours. It’s so touching.”
Denis: “My cat is already 9 years old, but he doesn’t seem like an ‘old man.’ They say Norwegians take a long time to grow up and a long time to grow old. He’s like a dog to me. He waits for me to come home from work, greets me at the door, and sleeps nose to nose with me. He can answer me in cat language if I say something to him. What else? He fetches his ball and toy mouse, like dogs do. I walk him on a leash every day. Freezing weather doesn’t bother him; he actually loves it. We walk year-round. In winter he’s drawn to the window frame, where it’s cooler. He may lick the ice off the glass, the way moose lick salt.”
Raisa Petrovna: “I’ve had many different cats in my life, but never one like this. When a neighbor’s dog chased Marquise up a tree at our country house, I got scared and went to find a ladder. Imagine my surprise when I saw the cat on the ground. Later she climbed the apple tree on her own several times, and I saw how she came down. From the side, it looked like a huge squirrel with a long, fluffy tail. She deftly moved her paws and came down headfirst. No other cat in the world can do that.”
Norwegian Forest Cat Kitten Price
In the US, a Norwegian Forest Cat kitten from a registered breeder typically costs $800 to $3,000.
What Affects the Price
The price of a kitten depends on:
- The pedigree and the parents’ titles.
- The breeder’s costs for raising the kitten and for the parents’ show careers.
- Breed traits (the kitten’s class).
- Whether it’s sold with or without breeding rights.
- How rare its color is.
About 80–85% of the price depends on the class:
- SHOW: the top class. Kittens fully meet the breed standard and are used only for breeding and showing. Price: about $2,500–$3,000 and up;
- BREED: healthy kittens with no genetic conditions and good traits, with minor deviations from the breed standard. They can compete in shows. These cost about $1,800–$2,500.
- PET: purebred kittens with minor deviations from the standard or small flaws; they aren’t allowed in breeding or shows. Price: about $800–$1,800.
Where to Buy a Norwegian Forest Cat Kitten in the US
There are breeders and catteries in many parts of the US.
Start with the breeder directories:
- CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) Find a Breeder – https://find-a-breeder.cfa.org/;
- TICA (The International Cat Association) breeder listings – https://tica.org/find-a-cat/find-a-cat-breeder-listings/.
Some US Norwegian Forest Cat catteries:
- Skogberg Cattery (Colorado; TICA and CFA; breeds Norwegian Forest Cats exclusively);
- Folkvangr Cattery (Northern Virginia).
If you want to buy cheaper, you can find kittens through online classified ads. But don’t expect to get a purebred, healthy kitten with good traits for a bargain price.
Similar Breeds
The Norwegian Forest Cat is very often compared to the Siberian cat, and many people mix them up. The breeds are similar in both appearance and “Nordic” temperament. If you want a big, fluffy, affectionate pet, take a look at the giant Maine Coon. It also looks like a wild animal and wins people over with its impressive size.
Sources:
https://www.thesprucepets.com/norwegian-forest-cat-4170085
https://mypetandi.bayer.com/uk/new-owners/cat-so-you-re-thinking-about-getting-norwegian-forest-cat/
https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/norwegian-forest-cats#/slide/1
http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/norwegian-forest-cat#1_ugw20zmq
