---
title: "Norwegian Forest Cat - temperament, price, health | Pedibase"
description: "Everything to know about the Norwegian Forest Cat (Norway): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-16 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
canonical_url: "https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat"
meta:
"og:description": "Everything to know about the Norwegian Forest Cat (Norway): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-16 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"og:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8007/norvegien-2.jpg"
"og:image:alt": "Dog and cat breeders near you"
"og:image:height": "630"
"og:image:width": "1200"
"og:title": "Norwegian Forest Cat - temperament, price, health"
"twitter:description": "Everything to know about the Norwegian Forest Cat (Norway): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-16 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"twitter:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8007/norvegien-2.jpg"
"twitter:title": "Norwegian Forest Cat - temperament, price, health"
---
> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+12
Cats
# The Norwegian Forest Cat: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Norway
A large rustic and gentle cat, built for the cold but very close to its family.
Size LargeLife expectancy 12–16 yearsBudget ≈ €65/monthKitten €400 – €3,000
[Find a breeder 121](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-cat-breeds?races=norwegian-forest-cat)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Which cat is right for you?](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-cat)
Families and children Very good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Very good
First-time owners Very good
Other pets Very good
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Vocalization Quiet
Strengths and weaknesses
- Balanced temperament: It combines calm, affection and independence without being intrusive on a daily basis.
- Great hardiness: Its solid build and protective coat allow it to withstand the cold well.
- Good family companion: It often adapts well to family life with respectful children and other animals.
- Coat care: Its dense coat requires regular brushing, especially during shedding periods.
- Need for vertical space: Its taste for exploration and climbing requires a well-enriched environment.
- Sensitivity to certain bloodlines: Type IV glycogenosis and other fragilities justify very rigorous breeding.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Calm families: He appreciates a stable home life with gentle and regular interactions.
- Lovers of large cats: His size, presence and Nordic look appeal to households looking for an imposing but affectionate cat.
- Well-appointed interiors: He can live well in an apartment if the space offers height, play and daily stimulation.
Not recommended for
- People with limited availability: Without stimulation or regular interaction, he can get bored and lose well-being.
- Households refusing grooming: His coat requires real upkeep, especially during shedding.
- Homes with little enrichment: An environment without height or suitable activities poorly meets his natural needs.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
33 cmNorwegian Forest Cat
- Height at the withers
- 28–38 cm
- Weight
- 4–8 kg
- Coat
- Semi-long to long, dense
- Origin
- Norway
- Grooming
- High-maintenance coat
## Photos and videos
See the Norwegian Forest Cat in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Norwegian, also called Norwegian Forest Cat or Skogkatt, is a natural breed resulting from selection by the Scandinavian climate rather than from a directed crossbreeding. In Norway, it is often associated with old farm cats and folk tales, and its hardiness is said to have favored its presence alongside the Vikings. The breed began to be shown in the 20th century, then was truly preserved and developed from the 1970s after nearly disappearing due to the effects of uncontrolled crossbreeding.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Norwegian is a large, powerful and well-built cat, without excessive heaviness. Its body is long and muscular, with a solid bone structure and an overall impression of strength. The head forms a balanced triangle, the eyes are large and expressive, the ears are high with a tuft often visible, and the tail is long and very bushy. Its semi-long to long coat has a woolly undercoat and a pronounced ruff, particularly useful for withstanding the cold.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Under its wild cat appearance, the Norwegian shows itself to be calm, affectionate and well-balanced. It creates a strong bond with its family while keeping a certain independence. It is an intelligent, observant and generally patient cat, which appreciates chosen interactions rather than constant solicitation. It often lives well with respectful children and with other animals when it is properly socialized.
Affectionate Intelligent Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
The Norwegian loves to climb, explore and watch over its environment from high points. Even if it can live indoors, it needs daily occupation, play and an enriched setup with a cat tree, platforms or hiding places. Its hunter instinct remains very present and it appreciates activities that stimulate its curiosity. It vocalizes moderately and often tolerates cold better than heat.
Training
## Training and socialization
The education of the Norwegian is based on regularity, environmental enrichment and positive reinforcement. He easily learns household routines, the use of scratching posts and certain interactive games if the sessions remain short and motivating. Like many intelligent cats, he responds better to a gentle and consistent approach than to constraint. Early socialization promotes harmonious cohabitation with humans and other animals.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Norwegian Forest Cat
The price of a Norwegian varies mainly according to the quality of the lineage, the seriousness of the breeding, the health tests carried out, registration in the official studbook and the kitten’s intended purpose, pet or breeding. An abnormally low price should always prompt you to check the breeding conditions and the health guarantees.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Norwegian is overall a robust cat, shaped by a long adaptation to demanding climatic conditions. This sturdiness does not rule out serious veterinary monitoring, particularly in breeding cats and in lines where certain hereditary conditions are monitored. A stable lifestyle, a controlled weight and regular coat maintenance contribute greatly to its good health.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Norwegian needs a complete diet, rich in quality animal proteins and adapted to its age, its activity and its physiological status. Its ration must support its muscle mass without promoting weight gain, particularly in individuals living mainly indoors.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Norwegian is often nicknamed Skogkatt, which means forest cat. Its powerful silhouette, its protective coat and its ears sometimes with lynx tips feed its image as a legendary Nordic cat. Although it evokes a wild feline, it has established itself as an excellent companion cat, appreciated for its rare blend of hardiness, gentleness and autonomy.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Norwegian Forest Cat
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Norwegian suitable for apartment living?
Yes, provided you offer it an enriched environment with vertical space, scratching posts, games, and daily interaction time. Its size and need to explore make the home setup particularly important.
### Does the Norwegian shed a lot?
Yes, especially during shedding periods. Its dense coat requires regular brushing, increased in spring and autumn, to limit tangles and the buildup of dead hair.
### Does the Norwegian get along well with children?
Generally yes, if they respect its calm and its space. It is a cat that is often patient and playful, but as with any breed, interactions must remain supervised and appropriate.
## Find a Norwegian Forest Cat breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Norwegian Forest Cat breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Norwegian Forest Cat breeders in Île-de-France17](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/ile-de-france) [Norwegian Forest Cat breeders in Hauts-de-France13](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/hauts-de-france) [Norwegian Forest Cat breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine12](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/nouvelle-aquitaine) [Norwegian Forest Cat breeders in Normandy12](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/normandy) [Norwegian Forest Cat breeders in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté11](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/bourgogne-franche-comte) [Norwegian Forest Cat breeders in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes11](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/auvergne-rhone-alpes) [Norwegian Forest Cat breeders in Grand Est9](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/grand-est) [Norwegian Forest Cat breeders in Occitanie9](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/occitanie)
### Norwegian Forest Cat breeders by country
[244 breeders of Norwegian Forest Cat in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/germany) [121 breeders of Norwegian Forest Cat in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat) [31 breeders of Norwegian Forest Cat in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/italy) [30 breeders of Norwegian Forest Cat in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/austria) [19 breeders of Norwegian Forest Cat in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/denmark) [5 breeders of Norwegian Forest Cat in Belgium](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/belgium) [5 breeders of Norwegian Forest Cat in Croatia](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/croatia) [2 breeders of Norwegian Forest Cat in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/netherlands) [2 breeders of Norwegian Forest Cat in Switzerland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/switzerland) [1 breeder of Norwegian Forest Cat in Slovenia](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat/slovenia)
[All breeders of Norwegian Forest Cat in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat)
## Ready to welcome a Norwegian Forest Cat?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat)
## Compare Norwegian Forest Cat with other breeds
- [Maine Coon vs. Norwegian Forest Cat](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/maine-coon-vs-norwegian-forest-cat)
## Discover other breeds
[Maine Coon
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/maine-coon)
[Ragdoll
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/ragdoll)
[Siberian
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/siberian)
[Highland Lynx
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/highland-lynx)
[Turkish Van
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/turkish-van)
```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Find a dog or cat breeder near you. A free European directory of dog and cat breeders, with an interactive map, breed listings, and verified reviews.","inLanguage":"en","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/search?q={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity"},"translationOfWork":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat#webpage","description":"Everything to know about the Norwegian Forest Cat (Norway): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-16 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders.","name":"Norwegian Forest Cat - temperament, price, health","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat","@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat#breadcrumb"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en#website"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat#/schema/question/1"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat#/schema/question/2"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat#/schema/question/3"}],"potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat"]}],"primaryImageOfPage":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8007/norvegien-2.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"inLanguage":"en","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8007/norvegien-2.jpg"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity","@type":"Organization","description":"Pedibase is a free directory of dog and cat breeders that helps prospective owners find a registered breeder near them.","email":"contact@pedibase.com","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/","contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"contact@pedibase.com"},"logo":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo"},"parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Aurion","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1 rue Pasteur","postalCode":"72000","addressLocality":"Le Mans","addressCountry":"FR"}},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/pedibase","https://www.instagram.com/pedibase_app"]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat#breadcrumb","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Home","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en","position":1},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Cats","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breeds","position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Norwegian Forest Cat","position":3}]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat#/schema/question/1","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Is the Norwegian suitable for apartment living?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, provided you offer it an enriched environment with vertical space, scratching posts, games, and daily interaction time. Its size and need to explore make the home setup particularly important."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat#/schema/question/2","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Does the Norwegian shed a lot?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, especially during shedding periods. Its dense coat requires regular brushing, increased in spring and autumn, to limit tangles and the buildup of dead hair."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat#/schema/question/3","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Does the Norwegian get along well with children?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Generally yes, if they respect its calm and its space. It is a cat that is often patient and playful, but as with any breed, interactions must remain supervised and appropriate."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Pedibase","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg","inLanguage":"en","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg"}]}
```