What is the difference between a Norwegian Forest Cat and a Turkish Van?

The Norwegian Forest Cat is 12–16 lbs sized while the Turkish Van is 7–20 lbs sized. They differ in size (12–16 lbs vs 7–20 lbs), lifespan (12–16 years vs 12–17 years), and care requirements.

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

Norwegian Forest Cat is generally good with kids. Turkish Van is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Norwegian Forest Cat or Turkish Van?

The Norwegian Forest Cat has a lifespan of 12–16 years while the Turkish Van has a lifespan of 12–17 years.

Norwegian Forest Cat vs Turkish Van — 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 Turkish Van

The Turkish Van is a rare, naturally occurring breed from the Lake Van region of eastern Turkey, renowned as the "swimming cat" for its unusual love of water. This is a large, muscular cat weighing 10–18 pounds with a semi-long, cashmere-like single coat that is water-resistant and dries remarkably fast. The classic Van pattern features a predominantly chalk-white body with colored markings limited to the head and tail — typically in red, cream, black, blue, or tortoiseshell — though solid white and fully colored Vans also exist.

Temperament & Personality

Turkish Vans are energetic, independent, and famously fond of water — they may join you in the shower, play in the toilet, or splash in their water bowl. Intelligent and athletic, they love to climb, jump, and play vigorously. They bond closely with their family but can be selective about being held — they prefer to be near you rather than in your lap.

Pros

Unique love of water sets them apart from nearly every other breed
Cashmere-textured single coat is water-resistant, low-shedding, and rarely mats
Athletic and playful — endlessly entertaining to watch
Hardy, naturally evolved breed with robust health

Cons

Does not enjoy being held or restrained — wants affection on its own terms
Extremely high energy — needs significant space and daily vigorous play
Water obsession can create messes — toilet lids must stay closed
All-white Vans can be prone to deafness, similar to Turkish Angoras

Looking for an adventurous water-lover unlike any other cat? Browse Turkish Van cats on Puplister and discover this remarkable swimming feline.

Norwegian Forest Cat vs Turkish Van