Himalayan vs Norwegian Forest Cat

Which cat breed is right for you?

Himalayan

Size
7–12 lbs
Lifespan
9–15 years
Exercise
Low
Grooming
Very High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Calm Gentle Affectionate Quiet

Norwegian Forest Cat

Size
12–16 lbs
Lifespan
12–16 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Friendly Independent Calm

About the Himalayan

The Himalayan — known as the Colourpoint Persian in Europe — was developed in the 1930s–1950s by crossing Siamese with Persians to combine the Persian's luxurious coat with Siamese point coloring. This medium-to-large breed weighs 7–14 pounds and has the Persian's flat face, round body, and short legs. Their long, thick, flowing coat comes in all point colors — seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and tortoiseshell — contrasted against a pale cream or white body.

Temperament & Personality

Himalayans are calm, sweet, and devoted cats that enjoy a serene environment and gentle handling. They are more playful than Persians — thanks to their Siamese heritage — and may enjoy short bursts of activity with a favorite toy. They are patient with well-behaved children and prefer a quiet household, bonding closely with their family while remaining friendly with gentle visitors.

Pros

  • Stunningly beautiful — combines Persian elegance with Siamese coloring
  • Calm, gentle personality — ideal for quiet, relaxed households
  • Deeply affectionate and loyal to their family
  • Vivid blue eyes inherited from Siamese lineage add to their beauty

Cons

  • Coat requires daily grooming — prone to severe matting without consistent care
  • Brachycephalic — prone to breathing difficulties, eye discharge, and dental issues
  • High risk for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and progressive retinal atrophy
  • Heat-sensitive — must be kept in air-conditioned environments during warm months

Ready to pamper a gorgeous Himalayan? Discover cats available for adoption on Puplister today.

About the Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat — called "Skogkatt" in Norway — is a natural breed that evolved over centuries in the harsh Scandinavian wilderness. This is a large, powerfully built cat weighing 12–16 pounds (sometimes more), with a triangular head, tufted ears, and a magnificent waterproof double coat featuring a dense undercoat beneath long, glossy guard hairs. They come in nearly every color and pattern except pointed.

Temperament & Personality

Norwegian Forest Cats are gentle giants — affectionate yet independent, happy to sit near you rather than on you. They are athletic climbers who love high perches and will scale bookshelves and cat trees with ease. Patient and tolerant, they do well with children and other pets, though they tend to reserve their deepest affection for their immediate family.

Pros

  • Hardy, naturally evolved breed with robust overall health
  • Waterproof coat handles cold climates exceptionally well
  • Calm, patient demeanor — excellent with children and other animals
  • Independent enough to handle time alone without anxiety

Cons

  • Heavy shedding, especially during spring coat blow — requires frequent brushing
  • Prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and glycogen storage disease type IV
  • Large size means higher food costs and need for sturdy, oversized furniture
  • Strong climbing instinct — may scale curtains, shelves, and countertops

Dreaming of a majestic, forest-born companion? Browse Norwegian Forest Cats available for adoption on Puplister and bring home a piece of Scandinavia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Himalayan and a Norwegian Forest Cat?
The Himalayan is 7–12 lbs sized while the Norwegian Forest Cat is 12–16 lbs sized. They differ in size (7–12 lbs vs 12–16 lbs), lifespan (9–15 years vs 12–16 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Himalayan or Norwegian Forest Cat?
Himalayan is generally good with kids. Norwegian Forest Cat is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Himalayan or Norwegian Forest Cat?
The Himalayan has a lifespan of 9–15 years while the Norwegian Forest Cat has a lifespan of 12–16 years.

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