Norwegian Forest Cat
Also called wegie, skogkatt.
Separated from the Maine Coon by the profile, which is the character to learn: a straight line down the front of the face, and a head that forms an equilateral triangle.
- Coat
- Long
- Build
- Large and rectangular
- Head
- Triangular
- Weight
- 4.5–9 kg
- Origin
- Norway
What it looks like
Large and strongly built with a triangular head, a straight profile from brow to nose, a double coat with a woolly undercoat and a glossy water-resistant top coat, and a full ruff.
The characters that confirm it
- A straight profile — no dip or curve between the brow and the nose tip.
- A triangular head with a straight nose and a strong chin.
- A dense double coat, glossy and water-shedding on top, woolly beneath.
- Heavy tufting between the toes and a full neck ruff.
Temperament
Calm, independent, and a strong climber. Less demanding of attention than a Maine Coon.
Health
Glycogen storage disease type IV occurs in the breed and has a genetic test. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia also occur.
Confused with
Maine Coon has a squared muzzle and a concave profile with a visible dip; the Norwegian is straight from brow to nose.
The Siberian is rounder in every dimension — a rounded head, rounded eyes and a barrel body.
Questions about this breed
How do you recognise a Norwegian Forest Cat?
A straight profile — no dip or curve between the brow and the nose tip. A triangular head with a straight nose and a strong chin.
What is a Norwegian Forest Cat like to live with?
Calm, independent, and a strong climber. Less demanding of attention than a Maine Coon.
What health problems do Norwegian Forest Cats have?
Glycogen storage disease type IV occurs in the breed and has a genetic test. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia also occur.