What is the difference between a Norwegian Forest Cat and a Somali?

The Norwegian Forest Cat is 12–16 lbs sized while the Somali is 6–10 lbs sized. They differ in size (12–16 lbs vs 6–10 lbs), lifespan (12–16 years vs 11–16 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Norwegian Forest Cat or Somali?

Norwegian Forest Cat is generally good with kids. Somali is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Norwegian Forest Cat or Somali?

The Norwegian Forest Cat has a lifespan of 12–16 years while the Somali has a lifespan of 11–16 years.

Norwegian Forest Cat vs Somali — Breed Comparison

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.

About the Somali

The Somali is the longhaired version of the Abyssinian, first recognized as a separate breed in the 1960s after longhaired kittens kept appearing in Abyssinian litters due to a recessive gene. This medium-sized cat weighs 6–10 pounds and is often called the "fox cat" for its bushy tail, ticked coat, and alert, foxy expression. Their semi-long, soft fur features striking agouti ticking — each hair banded with multiple colors — in ruddy, red (sorrel), blue, and fawn.

Temperament & Personality

Somalis are endlessly curious, active cats that approach life as one big adventure. They are playful and mischievous — known for opening cabinets, stealing small objects, and inventing their own games. Social and affectionate, they get along well with children and other pets but demand plenty of interaction and do not thrive when left alone for long hours.

Pros

Stunningly beautiful ticked coat with a luxurious fox-like tail
Highly intelligent and entertaining — endless curiosity keeps life interesting
Affectionate and social — bonds well with the entire family
Semi-long coat is surprisingly easy to maintain — less prone to matting than most longhairs

Cons

Extremely active and needs constant stimulation — bored Somalis get into everything
Prone to pyruvate kinase deficiency, progressive retinal atrophy, and renal amyloidosis
Not a lap cat — prefers to be near you rather than on you
Can be mischievous and destructive if under-stimulated

Ready for a foxy, adventure-loving feline? Explore Somali cats available for adoption on Puplister and bring home the thrill of the wild.

Norwegian Forest Cat vs Somali