Size
Large
Slow to mature — often not fully grown until 4 or 5
Eco 247 · Breed Explorer
The Norwegian Forest Cat the gentle Viking
A big, fluffy climber from the forests of Scandinavia. The Norwegian Forest Cat is calm, friendly and devoted — with a waterproof coat made for snow.
- 14–16years life expectancy
- Mediumgrooming needs
- Mediumenergy — calm but playful
Meet the Norwegian Forest Cat
Big, fluffy, and gentle at heart
The Norwegian Forest Cat — the 'skogkatt' of Norwegian folklore — developed naturally in Scandinavia's cold forests. Its thick, water-shedding coat, tufted ears and bushy tail are all built for snowy winters.
Despite their size, Wegies are gentle, friendly cats. They're sociable without being demanding, love to climb and play, and take a few years to grow into their full, impressive size.
- A waterproof double coat built for Nordic winters
- Gentle, friendly and easygoing
- A natural climber who loves to be up high
Norwegian Forest Cat kittens
From kitten to full-grown
Every Norwegian Forest Cat starts out as a bundle of curiosity. Kittens grow quickly, and the cat you see above is what yours will grow into.
Always choose a registered breeder. A good breeder will have your kitten vet-checked, vaccinated and microchipped, and will happily answer your questions and introduce you to the parents.
The essentials
The Norwegian Forest Cat at a glance
Colours
Brown tabby · White · Black · Silver
Most colours and patterns, often with white
Coat
Semi-long
A glossy, water-shedding topcoat over a woolly undercoat
Grooming
Medium
Weekly brushing, more during the spring moult
Life expectancy
14–16 years
A sturdy, long-lived natural breed
Personality
Gentle & friendly
Calm, sociable and affectionate on its own terms
Temperament, honestly
Calm, kind and curious
Norwegian Forest Cats are easygoing family cats. They enjoy company and a good game, but they're just as content watching the world from the top of the tallest cat tree.
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Devoted
Bonds closely with family and likes to be near you.
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Born climber
Loves high perches — cat trees are a must.
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Easygoing
Calm and steady, rarely fazed by household bustle.
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Sociable
Generally good with children and other pets.
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Playful
Enjoys a chase and a game, at a relaxed pace.
A Norwegian Forest Cat-friendly home
Life with a Wegie
Give a Norwegian Forest Cat somewhere to climb, a little coat care and plenty of company, and you'll have a calm, loyal companion.
Somewhere high
A tall, sturdy cat tree lets a Wegie climb and survey its territory — just like its forest ancestors.
A weekly brush
Brushing once a week keeps the double coat free of tangles; expect a big seasonal moult in spring.
Space to stretch out
These big, gentle cats are happiest with room to roam, sunny spots and a family that's around.
Our Verified Norwegian Forest Cat Partner
Forelsket Norwegian Forest Cats
Our trusted Norwegian Forest Cat partner is a registered breeder, ensuring the highest standards of health, temperament, and ethical breeding practices.
- Registered breeder
- Health-focused
- Sound temperament
- Ethical breeding
More Norwegian Forest Cat breeders
Find a registered Norwegian Forest Cat breeder near you
Our partners are just the start. Our free Find a Breeder map shows every registered Norwegian Forest Cat breeder we know of across Australia, so you can contact them directly.
See Norwegian Forest Cat breeders on the mapReady for life with a Norwegian Forest Cat?
Gentle giants deserve gentle essentials. From plant-based cat litter to everyday comforts, Eco 247 helps you care for your Wegie — sustainably.