Balinese vs Norwegian Forest Cat
Discover the differences between Balinese and Norwegian Forest Cat to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds

Balinese
Gentle, sociable, and playful, this large cat charms with its luxurious coat and tufted ears. Adaptable and affectionate, it thrives in families and enjoys interactive companionship.

Norwegian Forest Cat
Majestic and affectionate, this sturdy cat charms with a thick, water-resistant coat and a gentle, playful spirit. Adaptable and loyal, it thrives in active households and quiet homes alike.
Quick comparison
Large
6–8.5 kg
Longhaired, shaggy
12–15 years
4.5–6.5 kg
Moderately active
Large
5–9 kg
Longhaired, water-repellent
12–16 years
3.5–7 kg
Moderately active
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Balinese
Gentle and sociable with people and pets
Quick learner, solves problems easily
Moderate activity, enjoys play and rest
Likes interactive games and activities
Easily adjusts to new environments and changes
Norwegian Forest Cat
Enjoys human company, gentle with children
Learns routines and new environments quickly
Moderate activity, enjoys climbing and exploring
Likes interactive games and toys
Adjusts well to home changes and new people
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Balinese
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia
Norwegian Forest Cat
Glycogen storage disease IV, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Balinese
Great choice
Gentle nature and sociability make them manageable for new cat owners
Generally suitable
Adaptable to apartments if given enough space and stimulation
Very adaptable
Enjoy interactive play and fit well with active lifestyles
Highly suitable
Patient temperament suits families with young children
Friendly companion
Typically gets along well with other pets in the home
Not ideal
Can experience loneliness and boredom if left alone for extended periods
Norwegian Forest Cat
Good option
Gentle and adaptable, but benefits from owners willing to learn grooming needs
Works with effort
Can adapt to apartments if provided climbing spaces and stimulation
Highly suitable
Enjoys play and activity, fitting well in energetic homes
Very friendly
Patient and gentle, generally tolerant of respectful children
Good companion
Gets along with other pets if introduced properly and given space
Not ideal
Dislikes long periods alone and may develop stress or boredom
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Balinese
- Gentle and friendly with children
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Adapt well to multi-pet households
- Playful and interactive personality
- Tolerant of handling and grooming
Norwegian Forest Cat
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Affectionate without being overly demanding
- Strong climbers with agile movement
- Thick double coat protects in cold climates
- Generally healthy with few genetic issues
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Balinese
- Prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Requires regular grooming for dense coat
- May develop dental health issues
- Can be prone to obesity if inactive
- Needs significant daily social interaction
Norwegian Forest Cat
- Requires regular grooming to prevent mats
- Prone to obesity if under-exercised
- Can be shy with strangers initially
- High prey drive may affect small pets
- Needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom
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