Birman vs Norwegian Forest
Compare Birman and Norwegian Forest side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Birman
Norwegian Forest
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
25 – 30 cm
30 – 35 cm
Weight
2 – 5 kg
5 – 10 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 16 years
12 – 15 years
Child friendly
5/5
5/5
Energy level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
4/5
4/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
2/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
4/5
Barking level
0/5
0/5
Aggressiveness
0/5
0/5
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Characteristics
Birman
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Low grooming
Norwegian Forest
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Summary
About Birman
The Birman is a medium‑large, semi‑longhaired pointed cat with deep blue eyes and distinctive white “gloves.” Its silky coat is easy to maintain. Affectionate and people‑focused, it is moderately active, gentle with children and pets, and thrives on regular company and interaction.
About Norwegian Forest
The Norwegian Forest cat is a large, muscular Scandinavian breed with a dense, water‑resistant double coat and strong climbing ability. Slow to mature, they are gentle, affectionate, and intelligent, needing vertical space, regular grooming, and play to stay healthy and content.
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