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Norwegian Forest Cat vs Oriental Shorthair
A large, shaggy, independent and quiet cat against a slender, short-coated, very talkative one that hates to be alone.
Verdict
Almost every score in the two profiles points in a different direction. The Norwegian Forest Cat is large, heavily coated, quiet and self-possessed, and it copes with a workday alone. The Oriental Shorthair is slender, short-coated, very talkative and scores 1 for independence, so it wants company nearly all day. Choose the Norwegian Forest Cat for a calm, sturdy cat with climbing space and a comb. Choose the Oriental Shorthair if you are home much of the day and want a playful, clever cat that talks back.
Choose the Norwegian Forest Cat if
- You want a large cat of 9-16 lb with a thick, water-resistant coat.
- You are out for a workday; it scores 4 for independence against 1.
- You want a quiet voice, scoring 2 for vocal against 5.
- You have tall climbing space and will comb through the spring moult.
Choose the Oriental Shorthair if
- You want a short coat needing almost no grooming.
- You are home much of the day and will play with it daily.
- You enjoy a chatty cat and want a score of 5 for affection and playfulness.
- You want a more compact home cat; it scores 3 for apartments against 2.
Where they are alike
Both score 4 for intelligence or higher and both are uncommon. Each has a watch-list that includes a heart or inherited condition, so ask your vet what to screen.
Side by side
| Norwegian Forest Cat | Oriental Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Longhair and semi-longhair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Norway | United States and Europe, from Siamese stock |
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Typical weight | 9-16 lb (4-7.3 kg); males are larger | Males about 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg); females under about 8 lb (3.6 kg) |
| Lifespan | Commonly reported as 15 years or more | Often reported as 12-15 years; few studies |
| Coat length | Long | Short |
| Coat | Long, glossy, water-repellent topcoat over a dense woolly undercoat, with a full ruff and bushy tail | Short, fine, close-lying coat on a long, tubular body |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1993 | Championship breed since 1977 |
| How common | Uncommon | Uncommon |
| Affection | 3 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 5 |
| Grooming needed | 3 | 1 |
| Shedding | 4 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 1 |
| Trainability | 4 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 2 | 3 |
| Allergies | 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 home with space and tall climbing that wants a friendly, steady, self-possessed cat and will comb it through the spring moult. | A person who is home much of the day and wants a talkative, athletic, affectionate cat and will play with it daily. |
| Less suited to | A small flat with little height to climb, or anyone who wants a clinging lap cat. | A quiet home, or anyone who is away for long hours, since this cat dislikes being alone. |
| 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