🐱 Cat · size Large
Norwegian Forest Cat
Large feline breed, balance between independence and affection.
Photo · Durator (Public domain)
Weight
4–9 kg
Size
Large
Lifespan
12–18 ans
Energy
Moyen
Origin
Norvège
Maintenance
Moyen
Training
Faible
The Norwegian, also called Norwegian Forest Cat or Norsk Skogkatt, is a semi-long-haired cat breed originating from Norway. This large-sized cat is characterized by its very thick semi-long hair coat and its wild appearance.
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Of powerful appearance, its head is characterized by its rectilinear profile and strong jaw. Possibly brought back by the Vikings from their voyages to the Caspian Sea, the Norwegian is essentially the result of natural selection from the cold climate of Scandinavian countries. The development of the breed began in the 1930s, and it was first recognized in 1972. The breeding is marked by a constant effort to differentiate from the Maine Coon and by the appearance of the amber color. Common breed in Scandinavian countries, it is also in France and the United Kingdom where it is among the ten most represented. Allusions to the Norwegian appear in Norse mythology, then later, in writings and tales.
Compatibility
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Modéré
Trainability
Faible
Maintenance
Modéré
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Large size (8.8–19.8 lbs): plan for space, exercise and diet budget.
- 2Life expectancy: 12 to 18 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
- 3Moderate energy — 30 to 60 minutes of activity per day sufficient.
- 4Moderate maintenance — weekly brushing sufficient.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Norwegian Forest Cat
Our selection
Dry food suited to the Norwegian Forest Cat
Origins & history
A story told
Cats are said to have arrived from Southern Europe and were naturally selected by the harsh climatic conditions of Norway: only those with the best adaptation capacity by developing the thickest coat survived. The Norwegian differs from other breeds in that it is not the product of intense selection but rather because it is the result of natural evolution that breeders merely regulate, hence a certain harmony in its type. The Norwegian is part of Scandinavian history. Some authors suppose that the Norwegian was brought back from the edges of the Caspian Sea by the Vikings around the 8th century, for rat-catching purposes.
Character
Daily temperament
The character traits of a cat are not defined in the standard; they therefore remain at the discretion of the breeder. However, the character is perfectly individual and is a function of each cat's history. The Norwegian is generally described as a rustic, confident and very composed cat. Its sporty character requires, for it to be happy, to offer it an adequate infrastructure such as a garden or, failing that, a cat tree. It is important to emphasize the formidable effectiveness of some individuals as hunters: the imposing size of the breed allows them to master without difficulty prey of large dimensions such as adult hares or large domestic birds such as geese and turkeys. It may sometimes be necessary to control daytime or nighttime walks.
Physical
Breed standard
LOOF Standard (en) CFA Standard (en) ACF Standard (en) ACFA Standard (en) TICA Standard (de + en + fr) FIFé Standard (en) WCF Standard
Chapter 2
Daily life
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Norwegian Forest Cat of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of norwegian forest cat (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.
Âge
What human age for a norwegian forest cat ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 12–18 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
Equivalent human age
28years
Adulte
Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.
Method: AAFP/AAHA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +4 per year.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Health
Health watch
The Norwegian can be affected by glycogenosis type IV (en) (GSD IV), a hereditary disease that is deadly and disrupts glucose metabolism. The disease is autosomal recessive and caused by a mutation of the GBE1 gene. The percentage of affected cats is low. This mutation was first described in 1992 under the term GDS IV.
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It was responsible for the death of Norwegians in particular conditions and not well understood. The disease has been identified and seems linked to the inbreeding necessary for the production of American lineages from a very reduced genetic pool in the country. It was then noticed that the affected cats were all related and descended from a German male, Jarls av Trollsfjord, present in the descendants of the maternal and paternal sides. This led Professor Fyfe to suppose a hereditary origin. The mutation was then identified and the production of a genetic screening test was developed in 1996. This disease inevitably leads to death between ten and fourteen months, either by sudden cardiorespiratory arrest or after a comatose stage. Apart from this hereditary disease, the Norwegian is not predisposed to other pathologies. However, veterinary researchers are working on hereditary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Norwegian cat as well as on the transmission of hereditary kidney conditions such as PKD. Two subjects that are now pushing more and more breeders to perform regular ultrasounds on their breeding stock to detect the presence of heart or kidney problems.
Alert
To avoid for cat
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- cocoa pasteModerate
- onion piecesModerate
- low-fat cocoa powderModerate
- chilliModerate
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a norwegian forest cat ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for cat. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
75 g
per day · 285 kcal
38 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.
Appears in
Norwegian Forest Cat in our rankings
The largest cat breeds
Maine Coon, Savannah, Norwegian — the giants of the feline world.
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Tolerant, sociable, accepting of clumsy cuddles.
See the rankingThe most independent cats
For those who want a cat that manages its solitude.
See the rankingThe most beautiful long-haired cat breeds
Royal manes, to be brushed with love.
See the rankingFAQ
Frequently asked questions about Norwegian Forest Cat
Does the Norwegian adapt well to apartment living?+
How long does a Norwegian live?+
Does the Norwegian shed a lot?+
Does the Norwegian tolerate solitude?+
If you like this cat
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For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Norwegian Forest Cat.
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.