Breeds
Norwegian Forest Cat: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, sturdy, friendly cat with a thick, water-resistant coat and a calm, independent nature. Wegies get on well with children, dogs and other cats, love to climb and decide for themselves when to sit in your lap. They take years to mature and shed heavily in spring. Here is what the Cat Fanciers' Association and VCA Animal Hospitals say.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 10, 20264 min read2 sources
Norwegian Forest Cat temperament and personality
The CFA describes the Norwegian Forest Cat as independent, intelligent, friendly and adaptable, not clingy but likely to seek company if left alone for long, and says it decides for itself when to sit on your lap. VCA rates the breed 4 out of 5 as a lap cat and 1 out of 5 for chattiness.
Wegies are typically calm, sociable and easygoing, happy to be in the same room as their people without demanding attention. They suit busy family homes as well as quieter ones.
How big do Norwegian Forest Cats get?
The CFA says males weigh about 12 to 16 pounds and females about 9 to 12 pounds at full maturity, and that the breed takes up to five years to reach full size. VCA gives an overall range of 12 to 22 pounds.
The CFA describes a solidly muscled cat with a broad chest, strong bones and hind legs longer than the front. The thick coat hides body shape, so feel for the ribs and ask your vet about portion sizes, as VCA advises.
Norwegian Forest Cat lifespan and common health issues
VCA gives a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. The CFA says hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and glycogen storage disease have occurred in the breed, and that breeders routinely test for them and work to remove carrier cats from breeding.
Ask a breeder for heart screening results and glycogen storage disease DNA tests on both parents. Ask your vet how often your cat should have a heart check. Fast or labored breathing, sudden weakness in the back legs or hiding and not eating needs a vet immediately.
Exercise and activity needs
The CFA describes the breed as moderately active, with occasional bursts of energy, and says Wegies enjoy toys and play that mimic hunting and like high perches, so tall cat trees are useful.
Two play sessions a day with wand toys, chase toys and puzzle feeders suit most cats. Sturdy, tall climbing furniture rated for a large cat is a worthwhile investment.
Wegies often save their energy for bursts of play at dawn and dusk. Schedule a session at those times with toys that move like prey, and let the cat catch the toy at the end so the game feels complete.
Norwegian Forest Cat grooming and shedding
The CFA calls grooming low maintenance and says regular combing with a stainless steel comb handles most tangles, with extra attention needed when the winter coat sheds in spring. VCA rates grooming and shedding at 5 out of 5 and recommends brushing at least twice a week to prevent mats.
The CFA notes the water-repellent coat makes bathing slow, since it takes a long time to wet and longer to dry, so baths are rarely worth it. Focus on the ruff, the britches and behind the ears, trim the claws and brush the teeth.
Training a Norwegian Forest Cat
VCA rates the breed 4 out of 5 for ease of training and intelligence, and the CFA calls it intelligent. Many Wegies learn to come when called and enjoy puzzle toys.
Use short sessions with food rewards and hunting-style games. Teach scratching-post use early, and reward the cat for using its own climbing furniture instead of bookshelves.
Because the breed is large and strong, teach it early to accept a carrier, claw trims and a thorough combing. Short, rewarded handling sessions in kittenhood make care far easier once the cat is fully grown.
Are Norwegian Forest Cats good with kids and other pets?
The CFA says Wegies generally get along with cats, dogs and children, and VCA rates the breed 5 out of 5 with children and 4 out of 5 with dogs. Their size and calm nature make them tolerant family cats.
Teach children to stroke gently and to let the cat choose when to be held. Introduce new pets slowly, and give the cat high places to watch from.
A Wegie's size makes it hard for small children to carry safely, so encourage them to sit and let the cat come to them. Give the cat high perches where it can watch busy family life from a safe distance.
What a Norwegian Forest Cat needs at home
Tall, sturdy cat trees, wall shelves, a large scratching post, a big litter box suited to a large cat, wand toys and puzzle feeders are the basics. A window perch is popular with this outdoorsy-looking breed.
For care, keep a stainless steel comb, a slicker brush for spring sheds, nail clippers and a cat toothbrush. Ask your vet about heart screening and a feeding plan for slow-maturing large cats.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How big do Norwegian Forest Cats get?
The CFA says males weigh about 12 to 16 pounds and females about 9 to 12 pounds, and that full size can take up to five years. VCA gives 12 to 22 pounds overall.
How long do Norwegian Forest Cats live?
VCA gives a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. The CFA says breeders test for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and glycogen storage disease, so ask to see the parents' results.
Do Norwegian Forest Cats shed a lot?
Yes, especially in spring. VCA rates shedding at 5 out of 5 and recommends brushing at least twice a week, and the CFA says the winter coat shed needs extra attention.
Are Norwegian Forest Cats good with kids?
Yes. The CFA says they generally get along with children, cats and dogs, and VCA rates them 5 out of 5 with children, though they prefer to choose when to be held.
When is a Norwegian Forest Cat fully grown?
The CFA and VCA both say the breed can take up to five years to reach full maturity. Expect your cat to keep filling out well after its first birthday, and adjust food with your vet's advice.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
