Norwegian Forest Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

The Norwegian forest cat has a long, dense coat that helped their ancestors survive for centuries in Norway's forests. Today, these large felines are loving house cats, but they typically don't enjoy sitting on laps.

This calm, affectionate cat—called skogkatt in Norwegian and "wegie" in the U.S.—enjoys a weekly brushing to maintain their long hair. They also shed, so having a reliable vacuum is helpful, especially in spring.

Discover more about the furry, resilient Norwegian forest cat, including what they look like and what they need to thrive.

Norwegian Forest Cat Characteristics

Norwegian forest cats mature slowly, reaching full growth around age 5. They remain lively and playful into adulthood without being overly active.

Independent but affectionate, the Norwegian forest cat is not going to sleep on your lap all night, though they may hop up for a brief cuddle now and then.

That isn’t to say the Norwegian forest cat has a standoffish personality—far from it. Norwegian forest cats are very attached to their humans and want to be involved in all aspects of family life. They just would rather be nearby rather than right on you.

Norwegian forest cats are curious, playful, and even-tempered, making them excellent companions for families with children. They are mellow and can get along with respectful dogs and often coexist happily with other cats.

History of the Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian forest cat lineage likely dates back to Viking times. Images and written descriptions of cats similar to the Norwegian forest cat exist as early as the 16th century. The breed features prominently in a Norwegian fairy tale about the Norse goddess Freya, whose chariot was pulled by six large forest cats.

By the early 20th century, indiscriminate crossbreeding nearly led to the breed's extinction. People eventually recognized the Norwegian forest cat as a national treasure.

In 1938, Norway's King Olav V declared the Norwegian forest cat their national cat breed. Over several decades, breed enthusiasts in Norway successfully saved and increased the population through careful breeding programs.

The first Norwegian forest cats arrived in the United States in 1979. The International Cat Association awarded the breed championship status in 1984, followed by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1993.

Norwegian Forest Cat Care

Norwegian forest cats aren’t difficult to care for. Their luxurious coat does shed moderately and needs to be brushed to keep it smooth, but their grooming needs aren’t complicated overall. And these are active kitties who will enjoy play sessions with you.

Exercise

All cats need to exercise daily, and this is done by running around, jumping, climbing, and playing. It’s important to keep your cat active to help them maintain a healthy weight and to prevent destructive behaviors that arise from boredom.

Norwegian forest cats enjoy entertaining, fun toys and are usually up for a play session—on their terms. Provide them with a variety of toys that they can play with on their own or with you.

For example, catnip toys can be left around for them to play with whenever they wish, while wand toys can be used for interactive play sessions during which you can bond with your pet. Be sure to replace broken or worn-out toys for your pet’s safety.  

To keep your Norwegian forest cat mentally stimulated, you can give them various puzzle toys that will give treat rewards.

Consider providing a cat tree or tower for climbing, perching, and scratching, in addition to scratching posts that will allow them to stretch and scratch.

Your cat will particularly appreciate a tree near a window, or a window perch, where they can contentedly watch squirrels and birds outside. 

Shedding

Once a year in the spring, the Norwegian forest cat "molts" their undercoat for the summer season when extra insulation is not needed. Shedding can be heavy during this seasonal transition, so brush more frequently and keep the vacuum handy.

At all other times of the year, the Norwegian forest cat sheds moderately.

Grooming

The dense coat of the Norwegian forest cat requires a thorough weekly brushing to keep tangles and mats at bay.

In addition to brushing, bathe your Norwegian forest cat only if they get very dirty. Otherwise, cats are very good at grooming themselves and, therefore, don’t need to be bathed.

Keep your Norwegian forest cat’s nails trimmed by clipping them often, and check the ears weekly for signs of debris, mites, inflammation, or infection. You can clean their ears, if necessary, but if there are signs of a problem like an ear infection or parasites, consult your veterinarian.

Finally, be sure to brush your cat’s teeth at least a few times a week to help keep teeth and gum problems away. Only use a toothpaste and toothbrush designed specifically for cats.

Common Health Problems

Any cat can develop health issues, but certain pedigreed cats have congenital conditions that may be inherited by kittens.

The Norwegian forest cat is prone to the following conditions:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): This is a disease that causes thickening of the heart walls. HCM is the most common form of heart disease in cats.
• Hip dysplasia: This is instability of the hip joint. It is less common in cats than in dogs, but it can affect some larger, heavier breeds like the Norwegian forest cat. Symptoms include stiffness, pain, and limping.
• Glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV): This is caused by a defective enzyme and leads to organ dysfunction, muscle atrophy, and death. A genetic test is available to screen for cats who are carriers.

Appearance

Norwegian forest cats appear well-suited to life in forest wilds, aligning with their history. They are large, solidly muscled, and have substantial bone structure, with broad chests and notable girth, though not often appearing overweight.

The back legs are slightly longer than the front, making the Norwegian forest cat's rump higher than the shoulders.

The breed's medium to large ears are wide at the base, rounded at the tips, and heavily furred. Tufts at the tips, known as lynx tips, are a highly desirable trait.

The Norwegian forest cat's specialized double coat keeps them warm during harsh Scandinavian winters. A short, dense undercoat provides warm insulation from the cold.

The longer, coarse, and water-resistant outer coat forms:

• A ruff at the chest
• A collar at the neck
• Britches on the rear legs
• A bushy tail
• Heavy tufting between the toes 

The cat's coat comes in a rainbow of colors, shades, and patterns, including solid, bi-color, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, cameo, and smoke.

Diet and Nutrition

Norwegian forest cats are sturdily built and should remain lean to prevent weight-related health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and hip dysplasia, which excess weight can exacerbate.

Feed your Norwegian forest cat measured portions at least twice daily. Avoid leaving food out all day, as free-fed cats tend to overeat, leading to weight gain.

Always have fresh, clean water available for your cat. And consult your veterinarian or breeder for guidance on healthy food choices if you aren’t sure which food to give them.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Norwegian Forest Cat

Purebred Norwegian forest cats from reputable breeders can cost as much as $1,500. It’s important to locate responsible breeders who take great care of their cats and kittens, and who will provide you with information about their lineage and health.

Visiting a local cat show is an excellent way to meet breeders and view various cat breeds. You can also search the following:

• The Cat Fanciers’ Association
• The International Cat Association Breeder Listings

A Norwegian forest cat might end up in an animal shelter, a breed-specific rescue, or a cat rescue group. Pedigreed cats in need of re-homing are often placed into new adoptive homes by caring breeders, too. 

Some of the resources you can use to buy or adopt a Norwegian forest cat are:

• Petfinder
• Rescue Me!
• Adopt a Pet

Norwegian Forest Cat Overview

These big, beautiful cats are the perfect pets for families that love companionship but don't need constant physical contact with their cats. Norwegian forest cats are eager to be close and interact by playing or just observing, but they prefer not to be picked up all the time. Their dense coats require more care than shorter-haired breeds, and they are prone to certain health conditions, but these cats are well worth the effort.

Pros of Norwegian Forest Cats

• Friendly with people and pets 
• Can tolerate cold temperatures
• Laid-back and adaptable
  

Cons of Norwegian Forest Cats

• Not a lap cat
• Coat needs brushing at least weekly
• Doesn’t like being left alone for long
  

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More Cat Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Maine Coon
• Siberian
• Turkish Van
• Nebelung

Otherwise, check out our other cat breed profiles.