Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Norwegian Forest Cat |  Siberian |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Norway | Russia, a natural landrace formalised in the late twentieth century |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Coat | Long | Semi-long |
| Weight | 4.5–9 kg | 4.5–9 kg |
| Lifespan | 14–16 yrs | 12–17 yrs |
| Energy | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Affection | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Grooming needs | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Vocality | 3/10 | 3/10 |
| Good with kids | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Good with pets | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Shedding | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Flat fit | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Editor score | 4.5 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 |
| Running cost | €104 / month | €94 / month |
Norwegian Forest Cat verdict
Built by Scandinavian winters
Get one if
- · Homes with a garden or secure outdoor access
- · Owners out during the working day
- · People who can provide real climbing height
Think again if
- · Small flats with no vertical space
- · Owners wanting a constant lap cat
- · Anyone who cannot cope with a heavy spring moult
Siberian verdict
A forest cat built for weather, with a temperament far softer than the frame suggests.
Get one if
- · You want a large, sociable cat with real presence
- · You will comb twice a week and daily during the moults
- · There are children or other pets in the home
Think again if
- · You need a guaranteed low-allergen cat
- · You want a tidy, low-shedding home
- · You are unwilling to comb at all