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Burmese vs Norwegian Forest Cat

Discover the differences between Burmese and Norwegian Forest Cat to make the best choice for your situation.

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Burmese
Myanmar

Burmese

Asian Group
Medium

Affectionate, playful, and people-oriented, this breed thrives on close companionship and interactive play. Soft coats and expressive eyes make them irresistible lap cats and loyal friends.

Norwegian Forest Cat
Norway

Norwegian Forest Cat

Forest Cat Group
Large

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

Size:

Medium

Male:

4–6 kg

Coat:

Shorthaired, satin-like

Lifespan:

12–16 years

Female:

3–5 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

Size:

Large

Male:

5–9 kg

Coat:

Longhaired, water-repellent

Lifespan:

12–16 years

Female:

3.5–7 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Burmese

Friendliness
5/5

Very affectionate and enjoys human companionship

Intelligence
4/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
4/5

Active and needs regular physical stimulation

Playfulness
5/5

Loves interactive games and playful activities

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to new environments and changes

Norwegian Forest Cat

Friendliness
4/5

Enjoys human company, gentle with children

Intelligence
4/5

Learns routines and new environments quickly

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate activity, enjoys climbing and exploring

Playfulness
4/5

Likes interactive games and toys

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to home changes and new people

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Burmese

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
20–30 minutes interactive play
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Prefers moderate to warm climates
Health concerns:

Hypokalemia, craniofacial defect

Norwegian Forest Cat

Grooming:
High grooming needs (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
30–40 minutes active play
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Thrives in cold climates
Health concerns:

Glycogen storage disease IV, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Burmese

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Burmeses are affectionate, social, and easy to handle for novice owners.

Apartment Living
5/5

Highly suitable

They adapt well to smaller spaces and enjoy indoor environments.

Active Lifestyle
4/5

Very adaptable

Their playful, energetic nature fits busy, active homes.

Kids
5/5

Excellent companion

They enjoy play and gentle interaction with children.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Good with others

They generally get along with other pets when properly introduced.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

They may develop stress or boredom if left alone for extended periods.

Norwegian Forest Cat

First-time Owner
4/5

Good option

Gentle and adaptable, but benefits from owners willing to learn grooming needs

Apartment Living
3/5

Works with effort

Can adapt to apartments if provided climbing spaces and stimulation

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Highly suitable

Enjoys play and activity, fitting well in energetic homes

Kids
5/5

Very friendly

Patient and gentle, generally tolerant of respectful children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Good companion

Gets along with other pets if introduced properly and given space

Being Left Alone
2/5

Not ideal

Dislikes long periods alone and may develop stress or boredom

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Burmese

  • Affectionate with family members
  • Highly social and people-oriented
  • Playful and energetic demeanor
  • Generally healthy with few breed-specific disorders
  • Adaptable to different living environments

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

Burmese

  • Prone to obesity if overfed
  • Needs frequent mental stimulation
  • Can become stressed when left alone
  • May be vocal and demanding
  • Sensitive to cold temperatures

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

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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