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European Shorthair vs Norwegian Forest Cat

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

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European Shorthair
Sweden

European Shorthair

European Shorthair Group
Medium

Adaptable, playful, and affectionate, this breed thrives in both quiet homes and active families. European Shorthairs are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and easygoing companionship.

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:

4–7 kg

Coat:

Shorthaired, dense

Lifespan:

14–20 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.

European Shorthair

Friendliness
4/5

Enjoys social contact, usually tolerant with people

Intelligence
4/5

Learns routines and tricks with relative ease

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate activity, enjoys play but not hyperactive

Playfulness
4/5

Likes interactive toys and regular playful activity

Adaptability
5/5

Adjusts well to changes in environment or routine

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

European Shorthair

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
30–40 minutes active play
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in cool to moderate climates
Health concerns:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dental disease

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

European Shorthair

First-time Owner
5/5

Easy to manage

Adaptable and generally easygoing, suitable for those new to cat ownership

Apartment Living
5/5

Suits apartments

Comfortable in smaller spaces if given enough stimulation and play

Active Lifestyle
4/5

Fits active homes

Enjoys interactive play and can keep up with busy routines

Kids
4/5

Good with children

Patient and tolerant, copes well with gentle, respectful children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Gets along well

Social and non-aggressive, usually coexists peacefully with other pets

Being Left Alone
2/5

Not best alone

May get bored or lonely 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

European Shorthair

  • Adaptable to various living environments
  • Generally healthy with robust constitution
  • Good mouser and natural hunter
  • Social but not overly demanding
  • Low grooming requirements due to short coat

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

European Shorthair

  • Can be territorial with other cats
  • Prone to boredom if under-stimulated
  • May be shy with unfamiliar people
  • Needs regular activity to prevent obesity
  • Independent nature may resist training

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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