---
title: "Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/norwegian-forest-cat-breed/
description: "Norwegian Forest Cat: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (14-16 years), health problems to watch, activity, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Norwegian Forest Cat: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, gives the Norwegian Forest Cat an average weight of 5.5 kg and a lifespan of 14-16 years, and lists 1 breed-related health problem: polycystic kidney disease. Estimated cost: £15,800 to £18,000 over a lifetime.

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Average weight | 5.5 kg (average) |
| Average lifespan | 14-16 years |
| Activity | Playful but does not need constant attention; likes high places |
| Grooming | A long coat that does not need daily grooming; extra grooming in spring as the coat changes |
| Cost | £15,800 to £18,000 over a lifetime (pdsa estimate; average purchase price £500) |

Source: [PDSA, Norwegian Forest Cat breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/norwegian-forest).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- polycystic kidney disease (genetic test available)

Source: [PDSA, Norwegian Forest Cat breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/norwegian-forest).

## Activity and grooming

PDSA describes the Norwegian Forest Cat as playful but does not need constant attention; likes high places. Grooming: a long coat that does not need daily grooming; extra grooming in spring as the coat changes. Source: [PDSA, Norwegian Forest Cat breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/norwegian-forest).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as quiet, seeks attention when it wants it, not a true lap cat. PDSA advises asking about the medical history of a kitten's parents and grandparents. Source: [PDSA, Norwegian Forest Cat breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/norwegian-forest).

## Cost

PDSA's figure: £15,800 to £18,000 over a lifetime (PDSA estimate; average purchase price £500). These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a cat](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-cat/) and [kitten first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-kitten-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Norwegian Forest Cat breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/norwegian-forest).

## Questions people ask

How long do Norwegian Forest Cats live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of 14-16 years.

What health problems do Norwegian Forest Cats have?

PDSA lists polycystic kidney disease (genetic test available).

How much does a Norwegian Forest Cat cost?

PDSA's estimate: £15,800 to £18,000 over a lifetime (PDSA estimate; average purchase price £500).

## Sources

- [PDSA, Norwegian Forest Cat breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/norwegian-forest), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for cat owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/cats/), [what cats can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/can-cats-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Devon Rex: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/devon-rex-cat-breed/)
- [Dobermann (Doberman)](https://pawmultiverse.com/doberman-breed/)
- [Pomeranian: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/pomeranian-breed/)

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