Home / Breeds / Cats / Norwegian Forest Cat

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Cat

Longhair

#16 most popular

Norwegian Forest Cat

Also: Wegie, Skogkatt

The water-resistant, mountain-climbing Viking cat.

Origin

Norway

Size

large

Weight

12–20 lbs

Lifespan

12–16 yrs

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About the Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat has been a fixture in Norse folklore for centuries — they may have been the cats that pulled Freya's chariot. Their thick double coat, large body, and tufted toes evolved for Scandinavian winters. They nearly went extinct during WWII but were saved by Norwegian breed clubs and are now Norway's national cat.

Temperament

Trainability3/5

Child friendly4/5

Other pet friendly4/5

Stranger friendly3/5

Shedding4/5

Grooming needs3/5

Personality

calm

gentle

independent

friendly

At a glance

Energy levelmoderate

Coat lengthlong

Height9–12 in

Colorsbrown tabby (most common), black, white, blue…

First-year cost$1,500–$3,000

Annual cost$900–$1,800

Common health issues

Every breed has predispositions. Knowing them helps you watch for early signs and discuss screening with your vet.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

medium risk

Glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV)

low risk

Hip dysplasia

low risk

Exercise

30+ min daily. Excellent climbers — provide vertical space.

Grooming

Brushing 2–3× per week. Daily during seasonal blow-out.

Training

Independent but affectionate. They'll come to you when they're ready.

Cost of ownership

Grooming costs lower than Persians — their coat resists matting better.

First year

$1,500–$3,000

Each year after

$900–$1,800

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Fun facts

🐾Norway's national cat — featured in countless Norse fairy tales.
🐾They're one of the few cats that enjoy water, thanks to their water-resistant coat.
🐾King Olaf V of Norway designated them the national cat of Norway.

Best suited for

Families

Cold climates

Owners who want a low-maintenance longhair

What next?

Calculate your costs

See first-year, annual, and 10-year costs based on your ZIP code and lifestyle.

Check a symptom

Pre-loaded with Norwegian Forest Cat-specific health risks.

Identify a photo

Got a photo? AI will tell you if it looks like this breed.

Similar breeds

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American Shorthair

Medical disclaimer: This profile is for general information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for any health concerns.