Norwegian Forest Cat

By 1000 Ventures · Last reviewed

A big, sturdy longhair with a triangular face, a straight profile and a thick winter coat.

A Norwegian Forest Cat cat sitting, full body
Size
Large
Weight
9 to 16 lb (4 to 7 kg)
Lifespan
12 to 16 years
Coat
Long, double and water-resistant
Colors
Most colors, often tabby or bicolor
Origin
Norway, a natural breed of the Scandinavian forests
98% of the time, our scanner puts a Norwegian Forest Cat in its top three. It names it first 74% of the time. How we tested

What does a Norwegian Forest Cat look like?

The Norwegian Forest Cat has a triangular head with a straight profile from brow to nose, large tufted ears and almond eyes. The long double coat has a full ruff, fluffy britches and a long bushy tail. The hind legs are longer than the front, which makes it a strong climber.

Norwegian Forest Cat personality

Wegies, as fans call them, are friendly, calm and independent. They like heights and enjoy company without being clingy.

How to care for a Norwegian Forest Cat

Brush weekly, and daily during the big spring molt when the undercoat comes out.

How do I know if my cat is a Norwegian Forest Cat?

A straight profile and a triangular face separate it from the Maine Coon, which has a square muzzle and a curved profile. A Siberian has a rounder head and body.

A photo can only tell you what your cat looks like. Pedigree papers from a breeder, or a cat DNA test, are the only ways to prove a breed. For a quick first answer, upload a photo to our free cat breed identifier. It compares your cat with 31 breeds and the ordinary house cat and shows the three closest matches.

Curious which breed your own cat looks like? Upload one photo to the free cat breed identifier and see the three closest matches in seconds.

Identify my cat

Breeds that look like the Norwegian Forest Cat

Maine Coon Maine CoonThe gentle giant of cats: big, shaggy, with tufted ears and a long, bushy tail. Siberian SiberianA powerful, rounded forest cat from Russia with a thick triple coat. House cat House catA mixed-breed cat, called a domestic shorthair or longhair. Most pet cats in the world are house cats, not purebreds.

Or browse all 31 cat breeds side by side.

Frequently asked questions

Norwegian Forest Cat or Maine Coon?
Check the profile. The Norwegian Forest Cat has a straight line from forehead to nose and a triangular head. The Maine Coon has a squarer muzzle.
Do Norwegian Forest Cats shed a lot?
Yes, especially in spring when they lose their winter undercoat.

What breed is your cat?

Upload one photo and the free cat breed identifier shows the three closest breeds in seconds, or tells you it is a classic house cat.

Identify my cat