Last Updated: 16/03/2026
Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Guide
Thinking of a Norwegian Forest Cat? Our breed guide covers facts, health and care.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
Built for the cold Scandinavian climate, this is a large, robust cat with a thick, long, double, water-resistant coat. They are adaptable, laid-back, and intelligent, with a calm disposition, yet they remain playful and enjoy climbing and exploring.
All about Norwegian Forest Cats
Place of origin
Norway
Weight range
3.5 - 9.0kg
Coat type
Long, Double Water-Resistant
Height range
25 - 30cm
Coat colours
All Colours
Life expectancy
14 - 16 years
Coat markings
Solid, Tabby, Bicolour, etc.
Grooming needs
High
Shedding factor
Moderate
Health issues
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Hip Dysplasia, Arthritis, Glycogen Storage Disease IV
Eye colour
Gold/Green
Energy level
Moderate
Family suitability
Excellent, Patient
Tendency to vocalise
Low
Compatability with other pets
Good
Trainability
Moderate
Nutrition
Providing a high-quality, balanced diet is essential for maintaining the Norwegian Forest Cat's lean muscle mass and supporting their dense, luxurious coat. Because they are a large breed, monitoring calorie intake is vital to prevent obesity and subsequent joint stress.
Best food for adult Norwegian Forest Cats
Adult Norwegian Forest Cats benefit from a diet rich in high-quality animal proteins to maintain their substantial muscular frame. Given their long, double coat, a diet containing specific levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is highly beneficial for skin health and coat shine.
Additionally, because they are prone to grooming-related hairballs, hairball formulas that include natural fibres to help hair pass safely through the digestive tract are recommended.
What to look for
High-quality animal protein sources to support the maintenance of lean muscle in this large-framed breed.
Inclusion of natural dietary fibres to assist in the transit of swallowed hair and reduce hairball formation.
Balanced omega fatty acids to nourish the thick, water-resistant double coat and support skin barrier health.
Best food for Norwegian Forest kittens
Norwegian Forest Cat kittens are slow-maturing and can take up to five years to reach full size, so they require a nutrient-dense diet to support this prolonged growth period. Kitten-specific formulas should contain optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus for sturdy bone development and DHA for brain and vision health. High energy density is required to fuel their growth and playful activity levels. Ensuring the protein is highly digestible will help support their developing digestive systems during the weaning and growth phases.
What to look for
Optimal ratios of calcium and phosphorus to support the steady development of a large, robust skeletal structure.
Added DHA from fish oil to promote healthy cognitive function and retinal development during early life.
Highly digestible proteins and prebiotics to support a sensitive developing gastrointestinal system.
Flea & worming
Regular flea and worming prevention is crucial for Norwegian Forest Cats to prevent skin irritations and internal parasitic infections. Consistent year-round treatment ensures that these large cats remain healthy and protected from common environmental parasites.
Best flea and worming treatments for Norwegian Forest Cats
For the Norwegian Forest Cat, an all-in-one spot-on that covers fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms and ticks for outdoor cats is the most convenient and effective option. Given their very thick, water-resistant coat, owners should be careful to part the fur thoroughly when applying spot-on treatments to ensure the product reaches the skin. Always ensure the product is appropriate for your cat's specific weight range for both safety and efficacy.
What to look for
Comprehensive protection that targets fleas, heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, and tapeworm in a single dose.
Easy-to-administer formats such as monthly spot-ons.
Always double check the weight range to ensure an effective dose
Health
Using appropriate health supplements and preventative products helps manage breed-specific predispositions and ensures a long, comfortable life. Early intervention with supportive care can significantly improve the quality of life for cats with underlying conditions.
Best products to keep Norwegian Forest Cats healthy
Joint supplements containing ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and green-lipped mussel are often recommended for Norwegian Forest Cats due to their large size and potential for joint strain as they age. Since the breed is also prone to heart issues, maintaining a healthy weight through weight management products or specific calorie-controlled diets is essential. Hairball prevention pastes or specialised hairball diets can also be a helpful addition to their routine to manage the ingestion of their long fur during grooming.
What to look for
Joint support ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids to maintain mobility in large cats.
Weight management aids or low-calorie treats to help prevent obesity and reduce the risk of secondary health issues.
Hairball relief products such as lubricant pastes or high-fibre foods to aid digestive health.
Training and activity
Choosing the right enrichment tools is vital for the Norwegian Forest Cat, as they are intelligent hunters who thrive on mental and physical stimulation. They require sturdy equipment that can accommodate their larger size and natural instinct to climb.
Best toys for Norwegian Forest Cats
Large, robust cat trees and scratchers are a necessity for this breed to satisfy their natural desire to be high up and to provide a safe outlet for climbing and scratching. Interactive toys that mimic prey movement, such as wand toys or motorised mice, are excellent for engaging their strong hunting instincts. Puzzle feeders can also provide mental stimulation, preventing boredom in indoor environments. Because they are powerful cats, toys should be made of durable materials that can withstand vigorous play.
What to look for
Robust toys, trees and scratchers that can withstand vigorous play.
Interactive wand toys or feather teasers that encourage pouncing and mimic the movement of natural prey.
Cognitive enrichment tools like food puzzles that challenge their problem-solving skills and provide mental exercise.
Grooming
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a magnificent but demanding coat that requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and excessive shedding. Establishing a grooming routine early in life is essential for keeping their skin and fur in peak condition.
Best grooming products for Norwegian Forest Cats
A high-quality steel comb and a slicker brush are essential tools for managing the Norwegian Forest Cat's thick double coat. Daily brushing is recommended during the heavy shedding seasons in spring and autumn, while a few times a week is usually sufficient the rest of the year. Particular attention should be paid to the ruff, "britches," and behind the ears where mats are most likely to form. Water-resistant coats can be difficult to bathe, so using a cat-safe detangling spray can help manage knots without a full bath.
What to look for
Slicker brushes designed to effectively remove loose dead hair and prevent the formation of mats.
Long-toothed stainless steel combs that can reach through the dense topcoat to the thick woolly undercoat.
Detangling sprays or coat conditioners that help ease out knots and maintain the coat's water-repellent texture.
Sleep, travel and home
Norwegian Forest Cats require spacious and sturdy home comforts that accommodate their size and provide a sense of security. Whether at home or on the move, their environment should reflect their need for vertical space and durable accessories.
Best beds and cat trees for Norwegian Forest Cats
Beds for Norwegian Forest Cats should be large and plush, offering plenty of room for them to stretch out fully. Because they can be quite heavy, cat trees must be exceptionally stable and feature large perches and reinforced scratching posts. Scratching posts should be tall enough to allow them to fully extend their bodies while scratching. Placing beds or perches near windows allows these curious cats to engage in "cat TV" by watching birds and outdoor activity.
What to look for
Heavy-duty cat trees with reinforced scratching pillars made of durable materials like sisal.
High-sided beds or enclosed "cave" styles that provide a sense of security for deep, restful sleep.
Extra-large bed dimensions with supportive padding to accommodate a cat that can weigh up to 9kg.
Best travel accessories for Norwegian Forest Cats
Travel carriers for this breed must be sturdy and large enough for the cat to turn around and lie down comfortably. Hard-sided carriers are often preferred for their stability and ease of cleaning, especially for longer journeys. Always ensure the carrier is well-ventilated to prevent overheating, especially given their thick coats.
What to look for
Reinforced, large-capacity carriers that can safely support the weight and size of a Norwegian Forest Cat.
Calming accessories like synthetic pheromone sprays to reduce travel anxiety.
Harness and leash sets for safe, outdoor exploration.
Norwegian Forest Cat FAQ
