Norwegian Forest Cat | Cat Breed Guide

Norwegian Forest cat breed

Find out about price, personality and lifespan of the Norwegian Forest Cat. With fluffy coats and a friendly personality, they make the purrfect pet.

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Norwegian Forest cat breed information and advice

The Norwegian Forest cat is a domestic cat breed originating in Northern Europe. It’s the national cat of Norway – folklore has it that they were taken on Viking boats to keep the rodent population down. They’re known as the Skogkatt (meaning Forest cat) in Norway and by the nickname of ‘Wegie’ (pronounced wee-gee).

With their fluffy coat and sweet personality, Norwegian Forest cats make excellent family pets. They’ll fit in with households that have other pets, including cat-friendly dogs.

Norwegian Forest cats are muscular with a semi-long dense coat and a large swishing tail. They look similar to the Maine Coon but have a differently shaped head. The Norwegian Forest cat’s head is triangular with a straight nose, whereas Maine Coons have wedge-shaped heads.

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Norwegian Forest cat facts
Lifespan	14 – 16 years
How much	£450 – £1,200
Size	Large
Weight	4.5-9 kg males, 3.5-8 kg females
Colours	Black, brown, silver, blue (or grey), cream, tortoiseshell, tabby, ginger (red)
Grooming	Two to three times a week
Temperament	Friendly, gentle and intelligent
Exercise	Medium

Insurance for your Norwegian Forest cat

It’s important to protect your Norwegian Forest cat or kitten with pet insurance. This will help with the cost of any unexpected illnesses or accidents. This breed of cat is susceptible to certain health conditions so it’s important to get them checked over by a vet regularly.

Common conditions Norwegian Forest cats can suffer from include:

How to care for a Norwegian Forest cat

Like all cats, Norwegian Forest cats will need a balanced diet and lots of exercise to keep them in tip-top condition. They will also need regular grooming. Find out more about their care needs below.

Feeding and nutrition

Norwegian Forest cat can take up to five years to become fully mature. They should be fed a cat food that matches their age, size, activity level and any specific health conditions. They may prefer a high protein, high meat food. You may also find that they’ll eat more than the average cat due to their large size.

Norwegian Forest cats do love their food and can pile on weight so you'll order to maintain a healthy weight you’ll need to ensure you stick to the quantity guidelines on the food packaging. If you’re unsure, your vet will be happy to give you advice on the best food and how often to feed.

Grooming

The Norwegian Forest cat's dense, semi-long coat is surprisingly easy to care for and they only moult once a year. Wegies do a very good job of grooming themselves. All they’ll need is a brush a couple of times a week to remove any tangles.

Exercise

Wegies can be energetic – they’ll have a burst of energy and then take a long nap. As they are slow to mature, they can retain their kitten-like ways until they are around five years old. They have a high prey drive so will enjoy playing with toys that they can chase and ambush. If you plan on letting your cat outside, make sure you fit their collar with a bell, so birds and small mammals have plenty of warning to escape and avoid being preyed upon.

With their thick, warm coat, Norwegian Forest cats love to explore outside. But make sure any outside space is enclosed to keep them safe. Their strong claws make them especially good at climbing. They’ve even been known to run down trees headfirst. If kept indoors, make sure that they have a high perch or cat tree with a view outside and a scratching post.

Training

Norwegian Forest cats are intelligent and can respond well to training. Kittens should be toilet or litter trained before they leave their mothers. If you want to teach your cats tricks, Norwegian Forest cats can learn all sorts of games and commands thanks to their intelligence and desire for tasty treats. Read our guide on training cats and kittens for some ideas.

Temperament and behaviour

A Norwegian Forest cat can adapt to being kept indoors but prefers to be an outdoor cat where they can put their hunting and climbing skills to use. They have gentle personalities and are friendly and sociable once you win their trust. Wegies are usually too independent to be a lap cat. If they curl up on your lap, it will be on their terms!

Is a Norwegian Forest right for you?

The Norwegian Forest cat is a large, striking-looking cat. They adapt well to being kept as an indoor cat. They’re also suited to an outdoor life as they enjoy hunting and climbing. To keep them safe, consider an enclosed outdoor area. They’re undemanding and laid back but enjoy company. They’ll fit in households with other pets, including cat-friendly dogs, and children. They’re also suitable for first-time pet owners.