Being a cat lover is complex, especially if you’re a prospective cat owner. There are different cat breeds that you can choose from if you’re looking for a pet. Most cats are cute and adorable, making the decision harder! Two of the most renowned cats that are causing internet shock waves are the Norwegian Forests and fluffy Siberians.
If these two cat breeds are placed next to each other, it can be a daunting task trying to tell them apart. Even if they have similar physical characteristics, they have different personality traits which you must consider before adopting them from shelter homes or purchasing them from breeders.
Siberian and Norwegian Forest cat breeds have several things in common. Both cats come from snowy and cold places in winter, and have developed characteristics to survive these climate elements. They also have slight difference tough they are recognizable.
When comparing the two cats to be sure which one is the better breed among them but you are finding it difficult, you need to analyze their differences and similarities.
Consider factors like their health, size, and temperament when deciding on which cat breed will suit your needs best between the Norwegian Forests and Siberians.
However, if you’re finding it hard to choose between the two cat breeds, don’t be worried! This article will make it easier by giving a clear comparison between Norwegian Forests and Siberian cat breeds.
Let’s start off straight away!
The Siberian vs. Norwegian Forest Cats – Which one should you Choose!
Norwegian Forests and Siberians have several similarities that are suspected by many researchers to be distantly related.
Both the Norwegian Forests and Siberian cats come from places with colder climates and a lot of snow, meaning that both have dense, long coats to help them to deal with the cold weather.
They are said to be pure natural cat breeds, meaning that they weren’t cross bred by humans. While Norwegian cats are among the top five most renowned cats in France, Siberian cats rank as the National Russian cat! So, if you’re considering their popularity and other similarities, how will you be in a position to choose between the two cat breeds?
Despite how it looks on the surface, there are many differences between Siberians and Norwegian Forest cat breeds.
Continue reading this article to understand the differences between Siberians and Norwegian Forest cats.
Origins of Norwegian Forest Cats and Siberians
Siberian Cats Origin
Russia is said to be the Siberian’s birth place. The country sees this cat as its national treasure! It’s unclear as to when this feline came into existence in Russia or how it came into being, but reading Russian books and fairytales leads researchers to speculate that Siberians have been in existence for decades, if not hundreds of years.
The cat has been mentioned in the “Our Cats and All About Them” book, which was authored in 1871 by Harrison Weir. Siberians were imported gradually in many places globally in the 1990s and in the United States. People fell in love with Siberians instantly not just for their beautiful outward looks but their friendly and pleasing personalities.
The Siberian cat is Russia’s national cat and it originated in Siberia. Siberian cats are also called Siberian Forest cats but they’re more commonly called the Siberian cats or Siberians for their plural form. Siberian cats’ origin precedes written records, though the cat was first referenced in 1000 AD. Russian cat lovers began keeping records about the cat breed from 1980. The Siberian cat was recognized officially by TICA (The International Cat Association) in 1992. The cat has also gained recognition from The International Cat Association and the Cat Fanciers’ Association.
Siberian cat is also nicknamed the Hair Siberian Forest Cat or Moscow Semi-longhair.
Norwegian Forest Cats Origin
Just from her name, it’s clear that Norwegian Forest cats come from Norway. The cat is said to have been existing from the Vikings times. Similarly to Siberians, Norwegian Forests have been a common subject for many mythological myths. For instance, one myth states that Norse goddess Freya had two huge Norwegian Forests who were pulling her chariot!
The Norwegian Forest cat almost disappeared because of uncontrolled cross-breeding, though breeders were able to multiply them to large numbers. However, the effort took many decades to bear fruits!
King Olav, who was Norway’s king declared Siberians as Norway’s national cat in 1938, before they started being imported into the United States from 1979. The cat has been recognized vy key cat organizations.
Norwegian Forests adapted to cold climates, making them to develop water-shedding, long, and glossy hairs and wooly undercoats that act as insulators against heat loss. Although this fact is uncertain, the Norwegian cats’ ancestors are thought to have been adapted locally by breeding short-haired cats that were shipped to Norway by Vikings in 1000 AD. This lovable cat was made Norway’s official cat in the 1970s by King Olaf. The Norwegian Forest cat is also referred to as Weggie/Weegie, NorskSkaukatt, NorskSkogkatt, or Skaukatt/Skogkatt.
Personality Comparison between Siberian vs. Norwegian Forest Cats
The two cats are sociable and outgoing, making them ideal choices for people starting to keep pets and the “dog people” who are more experienced. Weggies or the Norwegian Forest Cats are playful, friendly, and intelligent. Though they aren’t clingy cats, they go searching for attention and companionship if left alone for long periods. The Norwegian Forests have laid back personalities and aren’t very vocal. On the other hand, Siberians are social, playful, loyal, intelligent, agile, and affectionate.
Head Shape of Norwegian Forests vs. Siberian Cats
The key physical difference between Siberians and Norwegian Forests is the shape of their heads.
The head of Norwegian Forests has an equilateral shape. They also have flat foreheads and their noses form straight lines in their faces.
Siberians have modified wedges – their corners are rounder than those of Norwegian Forests. They have broad noses between their eyes and they narrow at their tips, with slight concave curves in their faces.
The heads of Siberian cats lack extremities like exaggerated muzzles and whisker pads, triangular shapes, and straight profiles.
Another factor that you can look at when comparing the Siberians and Norwegian Forest cats is their faces. Norwegians have triangular-shaped heads and straight profiles that have earned them the Wedgie nickname. Wedgie offers a striking difference in terms of these two cat breeds facial appearance.
Size, Coloring, and Appearances Comparisons of Siberian vs. Norwegian Forest Cats
Perhaps, the key physical difference between Siberians and Norwegian Forests is their sizes. Both cats are large cats, but if you place them together, you’ll definitely see that Norwegian Forest cats are noticeably larger.
For instance, Norwegian Forests can weigh approximately nine to sixteen pounds; the males are larger than the females. On the other side, Siberians weigh approximately fifteen to twenty five pounds. However, the two cat breeds have slow growth rates. Actually, both the Siberian and Norwegian Forest cats attain full maturity when they’re five years of age.
Siberian Cats
Siberian cats are medium-sized and they’ve been developed to deal with harsh winter climates in Siberia. These cats have muscular bodies that are covered by three layers of water-resistant coats, meaning that you can imagine how thick and dense their hair is. Siberian’s thick coats come in an array of natural colors including:
- Blue
- Black
- White
- Red
- Silver
Siberian cats’ coat patterns can be either:
- Calico
- Point
- Smoke
- Tabby
- Tortoiseshell
- Bi-color
In order to identify Siberian cats, you can simply at the shape of their heads. Siberians have semi-long coat lengths and their eyes come in different colors including gold and green, though on rare occasions, they can be blue. Some Siberians may have heterochromia cases.
Norwegian Forest Cats
Norwegian Forests are also large, muscular felines. They’re large and may typically weigh between twelve to sixteen pounds. Norwegian Forest ales are always larger than the females. Considering this build, domesticated cats have smaller appearances than these cats.
A notable physical characteristic of Norwegian Forests is their amount of fur. Their fur is water-resistant, shiny, and dense these characteristics keep them warm in cold winter climates.
These coats come in an array of colors including:
- Black
- Red
- Blue
- White
- Gold
- Cream
- Silver
For their coat patterns, they can be in any of the following patterns:
- Calico
- Tabby
- Tortoiseshell
- Solis
- Bi-color
For you identify Norwegian Forests when comparing them to Siberians, you’ll notice that their heads equilateral triangular heads. They also have long and straight side profiles from their nose’ tips to their round heads.
Temperament Comparison between Serbians and Norwegian Forests
Siberian Cat
Siberians have longer kitten phases; this means that it takes some time before Siberians mature physically and emotionally. You can expect them to be extremely sweet and playful. They aren’t loud or vocal cats, unless if they need something. In some instances, they’ll let out soft purrs as a way of expressing affection towards their human family.
Siberians are sociable and they get along well with young kids and other pets in your home. Even though a big chunk of their lives are allocated for their kitten stage, they are known to be well behaved.
Prey drive is one of the prominent personalities of these cats. They’re happy to have fun and adventures with you especially if they’re tasked with challenging games. If you encounter any rodent problems, getting adult Siberian cats will address the problem in no time.
Norwegian Forest Cats
If you want a companion in your pet, you can always choose the Norwegian Forest cat. These cats adapt easily to new surroundings and lifestyles. Having young kids in your home is fun though the environment becomes livelier if you have a furry feline around. Norwegian Forests are super affectionate and gentle, so you don’t need to worry about leaving them with young kids and other pets in your home in your absence.
Norwegian Forests loves being given attention and they actually crave for it, though they prefer if you take the first step. They aren’t overly demanding about it and they understand if you don’t have time because you are doing something. Try to give them some cuddles after coming from work.
Exercise Needs of Siberian and Norwegian Forests
Siberians
The Siberian’s physique shows that they are athletic enough and can handle physical and mental challenges comfortably. Serbians are rugged cat breeds that love the outdoors. Since they are home pets, you must give them regular exercise opportunities to get their paws moving. You can think of installing strong cat towers in your living area or allowing them to climb trees in the yard.
Also, you can try training Siberians to improve their mental strengths. Try using clickers and any other methods that will encourage them to master specific habits. Pets work and treats will work wonders!
Norwegian Forests
It’s a good idea to have an area or a yard where Norwegian Forests can play and have fun. They’re pretty active cats, so it’s ideal to let them run and pray. Purchasing cat toys and spending time with them during their playtime is an excellent idea. Not only are these cats stimulated but it gives you great bonding opportunities with the Norwegian Forest cats.
The Norwegian cat is keen about the surroundings and highly intelligent, making it easy to train him. Avoid resorting to harsh punishment methods as opposed to using positive reinforcements. More so, if you think that the Norwegian cat needs his tower, get one for him. He can exercise by climbing up and going down his place!
Grooming Requirements/Care of Siberians and Norwegian Forests
Since Siberians and Norwegian cat breeds have similar looking coats on the surface, it’s tempting to overlook the differences that they come with.
For instance, if you or any of your family members suffer from allergic reactions, Siberians could be your best pick. While Siberians aren’t wholly hypoallergenic, they shed less fur and Fel-D1 than many other cat breeds. Fel-D1 is a compound that’s contained in a feline’s saliva; it triggers allergies when it dries on dander and sheds fur.
Luckily, both Norwegian Forests and Siberians may need moderate grooming, especially if you compare them to other long-haired cat breeds.
Grooming the two cats breeds at least two or three times a week helps in keeping them clean and tidy.
Siberian Cats
Siberians have long coats that are predisposed to matting. These cats need brushing at least thrice a week for their coats to remain clean and tidy. As mentioned earlier, Siberians have water-resistant coats, meaning that bathing them shouldn’t be an often occurrence.
Provide Siberians with scratch posts to help in keeping their nails in the proper lengths. Also, trim their nails if they have overgrowth signs. Don’t skip cleaning their ears and eyes as well.
Norwegian Forest Cats
Norwegian Forests have a crazy amount and dense hair, meaning that they need to be brushed at least twice a week. Once the shedding seasons start, you can brush them more often. Although you can take Norwegian felines to cat groomers, brushing them yourself enables you to bond more with them.
Health Problems of Siberians and Norwegian Forest Cats
Siberian Cat
Siberians have an average lifespan of between eight to ten years. These cats are magnificent and they generally live healthy lives. However, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the biggest health threat to Siberian cats; it’s a condition in which the cat’s heart becomes enlarged and it can’t function normally. Other health concerns associated with the Siberian cat include:
- Kidney disease
- Urinary crystal
- Hereditary cancer
- Gum diseases
When choosing between the Siberian and Norwegian Forests, it’s essential to consider these health complications.
Norwegian Forest Cats
On average, Norwegian Forest cats have a life expectancy of fourteen to sixteen years. These cats live healthy lives though there are possible health risks including:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
- Patella Luxation
Cost Comparison of Siberian and Norwegian Forest Cats
The table below outlines the comparison in the prices of Norwegian Forests and Siberians:
Cat Breed | Siberians | Norwegian Forests |
Adoption Cost per kitten | 15 to 200 dollars | 75 to 100 dollars |
Reputable Breeders | 900 to 3,000 dollars | 900 to 3,000 dollars |
Ruff and Coat Comparison of Norwegian Forests and Siberians
While the Norwegian Forests and Siberians have plenty of fur, their coats are a bit different. Norwegian Forest cats have water-repellant and silky coats, and frontal ruffs around their neck areas. The fur is moderately long to long on their bodies, though it’s shorter on the chest and shoulders. The adult Norwegian Forests have full ruffs as compared to kittens.
On the other hand, Siberians have three coats. During winter, the ruffs are extremely abundant, making them to have similar looks to lions. These cats have medium to long hair lengths, though the hair is slightly on their chests and shoulders. Adult Siberians also have full ruffs.
Tail Comparison in Norwegian Forests and Siberians
Norwegian Forests and Siberians have fluffy, wide tails.
Norwegian Forests’ tails taper to tipping points, and they have flowing and full hair. These tails are as long as the length of their bodies from their shoulder to their tails’ bases.
Siberians’ tails are blunt at their tips and they aren’t as long as the Norwegian Forests’ tails. It makes up for the short length because the tail drapes gracefully on both sides.
Ears Comparison of Norwegian Forests and Siberians
Norwegian Forest cats have medium – large ears that are slightly rounded at their tips. These ears have wider spacing and are tilted more in the forward direction. They are set more on the sides of their heads.
Siberians have medium –large ears with wide bases and they have rounded tips. The ears are set approximately one to two ear widths from one another. They’re also set on the sides of their heads.
Eyes Comparison of Siberians and Norwegian Forest Cats
Norwegian Forests have almond shaped and large eyes that are set at slight angles.
Siberian cats have almost oval shaped and large eyes. The eyes are wide set and their outer corners are slightly angled towards the ears’ lower bases.
Two easy ways of differentiating Norwegian Forests and Siberians are by their eyes and ears. Siberians have large eyes that are almost round and set at medium widths apart. Siberians tend to have moderate sizes. In comparison, Norwegian Forests have almond-shaped eyes, and they have large ears.
Body Comparison of Siberians and Norwegian Forests
Siberians are moderately long and heavy. They have slight rumps that are higher than those of withers. Their backs are slightly arched, and they have convex masculine torsos and compact bellies as they age.
Norwegian Forests have medium lengths with high rumps. Siberians can be easily confused with Norwegian Forests because of their almost similar sizes. However, if you take closer looks, you’ll notice the most significant difference is their body shapes. Siberians have stockier and rounder bodies as compared to Norwegian Forests.
Legs Comparisons between Norwegian Forests and Siberians
Siberians have moderately long legs with musculature and heavy bones. These cats have longer hind legs and huge round feet. They have desirable toe tufts.
Norwegian Forests have longer hind legs that are medium in length. It’s the only cat breed that’s allowed in breed descriptions to be toe out.
FAQs of Norwegian Forests and Siberians
Which is the better breed between Serbians and Norwegian Forests?
For you to make a quick and easy decision, you must analyze their size differences between the two breeds. If you prefer medium-sized felines, you can choose the Serbians. However, if you want a cat that won’t require too much grooming, choose the Norwegian Forest cat.
They both have almost similar appearances and are energetic. Choose wisely to ensure you get a pet that will suit your needs and your family members’ needs.
What are the key differences between Norwegian Forests and Siberians?
In the United States, Siberians are still thought to be rare cat breeds. Despite being the Russian National cat, the cat was only introduced in the United States in the 1990s. Still, don’t let this fact hinder you from getting this affectionate cat. She’s gaining popularity globally because of her infectious and playful personality. This cat is ideal if you have young children and other pets.
Norwegian Forests are a bit laid back than Siberians, and they love being close to their human family. They also get along well with other pets and young children.
Final Say
Generally, there aren’t many big differences between the two cat breeds. Whichever cat you choose, you won’t be disappointed!