LaPerm vs Norwegian Forest Cat
Discover the differences between LaPerm and Norwegian Forest Cat to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
LaPerm
Curly-coated, affectionate, and playful, this breed loves interactive companionship and adapts well to family life. Known for their sociable nature, LaPerms bring warmth to any home.
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
Medium
3.5–5.5 kg
Curly, soft
12–16 years
2.5–4.5 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.
LaPerm
Affectionate and enjoys close contact with people
Learns routines and interactive toys quickly
Active but settles calmly when needed
Loves games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to new people and environments
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
LaPerm
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, patellar luxation
Norwegian Forest Cat
Glycogen storage disease IV, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
LaPerm
Great choice
LaPerms are friendly, adaptable, and easy to handle for inexperienced cat owners.
Very suitable
They adjust well to smaller spaces and do not require large areas to thrive.
Good match
Their playful, interactive nature fits well with active households that can engage them.
Family friendly
They are gentle, tolerant, and generally patient with respectful children.
Highly compatible
LaPerms tend to get along with other cats and friendly dogs if introduced properly.
Not ideal
They crave companionship and can become lonely or stressed if left alone too much.
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
LaPerm
- Affectionate with family members
- Adaptable to new environments
- Low-shedding curly coat
- Playful and interactive personality
- Generally healthy breed
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
LaPerm
- Needs regular coat maintenance
- May seek constant attention
- Prone to boredom if left alone
- Sensitive to cold temperatures
- Can be vocal and demanding
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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