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Norwegian Forest: temperament, health and care
Norwegian Forest: temperament, exercise and grooming needs, common health problems and who this cat suits.
This is general information for the UK. It is not veterinary or legal advice, and every animal is different. Speak to a vet about your pet's health. The Be Pet Wise app can also show rules for other countries.
At a glance
| Size | Large, about 4–8 kg |
|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 12–16 years |
| Exercise | Moderate to high: loves climbing |
| Grooming | Semi-long, water-resistant coat: brush weekly, more when moulting |
Temperament and who it suits
Friendly, confident and fairly independent.
Often suits: families with space for climbing.
They are slow to mature and can take several years to reach full size.
Health problems to know about
- HCM (a heart muscle disease)
- Glycogen storage disease type IV (an inherited condition)
- Hip dysplasia
Individuals vary. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks, vaccination and weight control.
Before you get a Norwegian Forest
- See the kitten with its mother, where it was born
- Ask about health tests on the parents for the conditions above
- Check it is microchipped by 20 weeks old in England
- Consider adopting: breed rescues and rehoming centres often have cats like this looking for homes
See buying a puppy or kitten: Lucy's Law and your rights.
Care, law and costs
See our general guide to cats for feeding, the law in the UK, what it costs and emergencies, and our guides to microchipping law and toxic foods and plants.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Norwegian Forest live?
A Norwegian Forest typically lives 12–16 years. Individual health, diet and weight all matter.
How much exercise does a Norwegian Forest need?
Moderate to high: loves climbing.
What health problems are common in a Norwegian Forest?
Common concerns include HCM (a heart muscle disease), glycogen storage disease type IV (an inherited condition) and hip dysplasia. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks.
How much grooming does a Norwegian Forest need?
Semi-long, water-resistant coat: brush weekly, more when moulting.
Who does a Norwegian Forest suit?
It often suits families with space for climbing. They are slow to mature and can take several years to reach full size.
Similar cats
Sources
- International Cat Care: cat breeds and health
- BSAVA: Microchipping legislation in the UK
- Cats Protection: compulsory microchipping of cats in England
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Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.