December 22, 2025 Back Home

Norwegian Forest Cats: A Breed Fit for the Vikings

Looking for a cat with maximum fluff? The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large breed built with a double coat of fur to help them survive the frigid temperatures of Northern Europe. 

Nicknamed Wegie (pronounced like squeegee) and skogkatt (means “forest cat” in Norwegian), these kitties have ancient Nordic roots and even traveled with the Vikings! Read on to see what all the fluff is about with the Norwegian Forest Cat. 

From Viking ships to global recognition

It’s thought that the Norwegian Forest Cat was brought to Norway around 1000 A.D. by the Vikings, which makes them one of the oldest cat breeds. The Vikings recognized the Wegie’s natural pest control abilities, so they were quickly put to work on ships to control rodent populations. 

In 1940, a group of Wegie lovers established the Norwegian Forest Cat Club in an effort to preserve the population. However, World War II brought famine and cross-breeding which almost caused extinction for the breed. After the war, the Norwegian Forest Cat Club restarted their mission with the addition of a breeding program to increase the population.

Even with their long history, Wegies weren’t seen outside of Norway until the 1970s when they made their way to Sweden, England, France, and Iceland. They made it to the U.S. by 1979 and were recognized by The International Cat Association in 1984 and the American Cat Fancier’s Association in 1994 — nearly 1,000 years after discovery by the Vikings! 

Today, the Norwegian Forest Cat is one of the most popular breeds in Norway, France and Sweden.

@lovingcatsworldwidecats 🐾✨ This majestic Norwegian Forest Cat climbed all the way to #3! Did you know this breed was once the cat of the Vikings? ⛵ Strong, fluffy, and full of history, they’re built for the cold but always bring warmth to our hearts. 💙 Want to see more amazing cats like this? Don’t miss our upcoming shows! 🎉 💬 Comment “OFFER” for a special discount! #LCWW #catshow #catstravaganza #catjudge #norwegian #Cats #catsofinstagram ♬ som original – lovingcatsworldwidecats

What is their personality like?

The Norwegian Forest Cat is friendly, independent, and an expert mouser. They have great hunting and climbing skills so they can easily chase their prey up trees. With these natural abilities, you may not want a Wegie around if you have pet mice or gerbils!

Wegies are fun to play with because of their high energy and curiosity. They are easy going and might even let their humans take them for walks on a leash! And since they are gentle and patient, they make a great pet for families with small kids. They even get along with other pets. 

Although they are friendly and affectionate, they are not lap cats and not very talkative. But they will demand a lot of attention from their humans!

Fluff, strong claws, and more fluff

Norway can be very cold, especially above the Arctic Circle. From November to January, Northern Norway experiences polar night, a phenomenon where the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon for 24 hours. 

The Norwegian Forest Cat thrives in this type of environment. Wegies evolved to withstand the dark, cold climate by developing a water-resistant double coat of fur that helps them stay warm and dry in cold, snowy conditions. 

These kitties are often compared to Maine Coon cats because of their large size, muscular body, and fluffy coats. Their coats can be a variety of colors and patterns, like white, cream, black, grey, tortoiseshell, and tabby, and they usually have copper, green, or gold eyes. They also have very impressive long bushy tails.

Their claws are stronger and sturdier than the average cat’s, making it easy for them to  climb trees and even rocks!

What to know before adopting a Norwegian Forest Cat

It’s unlikely that you’ll find a purebred Wegie in an animal shelter. You’ll have better luck finding a breeder, but the cost can be upwards of $1,000. However, there are plenty of rescues and shelters across the country with Norwegian Forest Cat mixes that are just as fluffy and playful as a purebred!

Speaking of fluff, Norwegian Forest Cats shed their double coats during the spring and summer months. Routine grooming is essential to control the amount of fluff around your home. 

Vital stats about Norwegian Forest Cats

Trait	Details
Average Weight	Males are 13-22 lbs. females are 8-18 lbs.
Height	Males are 13-16 in. and females are 9-12 in.
Length	Up to 36 in.
Lifespan	12-16+
Origin	Norway
Temperament	Friendly, active, playful
Energy Level	High energy

Fun facts about Wegies

• In the 1950s, King Olav V declared the Norwegian Forest Cat the official cat of Norway. 
• Norwegian Forest Cats are prevalent in Norse mythology. They were especially beloved by Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
• It is speculated that the Wegie’s ancestors include Siberian, Turkish Angora, and Maine Coon cats.