It’s a well-known fact that the average Norwegian Forest Cat size is impressive. This breed is one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world, averaging between 8 to 20 lbs. Males top out on the higher end, averaging between 10 to 20 pounds, while females are closer to 8-18 pounds.
Norwegian Forest Cat Size Comparison to a Normal Cat
Comparing the Norwegian Forest Cat size to that of a normal cat is not even a close competition. The average domestic house cat weights between 8 to 10 lbs, making them the same size as the smallest Norwegian Forest Cat! And that makes them only half the weight of a Norwegian Forest Cat on the upper end of the weight scale.
Indeed, the Norwegian Forest Cat is much, much bigger than a normal cat, so be ready with more kitty food and kitty litter!
Size Comparison to Other Cat Breeds
It might come as a surprise that there are a few other breeds that come close to the Norwegian Forest Cat size. Ragdoll cats are one of the closest, averaging between 8 to 20 lbs, almost the exact same weight as the Norwegian Forest Cat.
Siberian cats average between 8 to 17 pounds and Maine Coons come in at around 12 to 18 pounds.
Even though the average size of the Maine Coon is slightly lower than a Norwegian Forest Cat size, they seem to have larger variation in size which explains why the largest cat in the world is a Maine Coon. Norwegian Forest Cat size also tends to have less variation, so you can better predict exactly how large your Wegie kitten will be.
Why Are Norwegian Forest Cats So Big?
While we can’t be completely certain why some cat breeds are larger than others, we do notice that breeds from colder, northern climates tend to be bigger and have longer hair. Originally from Scandinavia, the Norwegian Forest Cat had to survive frigid winters, and their bigger body mass might have helped to keep them warm.
Some Norwegian Forest Cat size can also be attributed to their long coat, making them look even larger than they actually are.
Norwegian Forest Cats are Sweet Natured
Despite their large size, Norwegian Forest Cats are incredibly sweet, affectionate cats. At first glance they might seem intimidating and fierce, the remnants of a wild feline that used to roam the frigid forests of Scandinavia, but that first impression couldn’t be further from the truth. Nicknamed the “Wegie” (short for “Norwegian”), the Norwegian Forest Cat is one of the most lovable, friendly cats you’ll encounter, which is just one of the many reasons they’re so popular.
