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British Shorthair vs Norwegian Forest Cat
Both are calm, independent cats; the Norwegian Forest Cat is a larger longhair that needs space and spring combing, the British Shorthair suits small homes.
Verdict
Both are calm, quiet cats that rate 4 for independence, 4 for children and 4 for other pets. The one thing that decides it is space. The Norwegian Forest Cat is large, rates 2 for apartment living, wants tall climbing, and needs combing through a heavy spring moult. The British Shorthair has a short plush coat, rates 5 for apartment living, and suits a small or quiet home. Choose the British Shorthair for a small home and the Norwegian Forest Cat for a bigger house with room to climb.
Choose the British Shorthair if
- You live in a small or quiet home.
- You want a short coat that is easier to groom, rated 2 against 3.
- You want a medium cat, typically 7 to 17 lb.
- You want a breed that is common and easier to find.
Choose the Norwegian Forest Cat if
- You have space and tall climbing for a large cat.
- You will comb a long, woolly coat through the spring moult.
- You want a big, easygoing, sturdy cat, typically 9 to 16 lb.
- You prefer a slightly more playful and energetic cat, with energy at 3 against 2.
Where they are alike
Both cats shed heavily, each rated 4 for shedding, and both are quiet, with voice at 2 or lower. Each lists hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for the vet to watch, so ask any breeder about heart screening.
Side by side
| British Shorthair | Norwegian Forest Cat | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Norway |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Typical weight | 7-17 lb (3-8 kg); males are heavier | 9-16 lb (4-7.3 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | Commonly reported as 15 years or more |
| Coat length | Short | Long |
| Coat | Very dense, plush, even coat with a crisp texture | Long, glossy, water-repellent topcoat over a dense woolly undercoat, with a full ruff and bushy tail |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1993 |
| How common | Common | Uncommon |
| Affection | 3 | 3 |
| Energy | 2 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 1 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 3 |
| Shedding | 4 | 4 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 4 |
| Trainability | 3 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 5 | 2 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds heavily in season, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The Norwegian Forest Cat sheds heavily each spring, and people who react to cats usually react to it too. |
| Suits | A quiet household or apartment that wants a calm, undemanding, easygoing cat. | A home with space and tall climbing that wants a friendly, steady, self-possessed cat and will comb it through the spring moult. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a lap cat that wants to be carried, or a very active and playful companion. | A small flat with little height to climb, or anyone who wants a clinging lap cat. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026