This page reproduces the GCCF Breed Standard for the Norwegian Forest Cat (standard reference: GCCF Breed Standard NFO, last revised in council October 2021), with explanatory notes from the SWNCC breed-standard subcommittee where helpful.
On this page: Head & Body · Coat · Colour · Eyes · Tail · Full Point Score · Faults
Head & Body
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, strongly-built cat with a long body, a broad chest, and substantial bone. The head is a distinctly equilateral triangle when viewed from the front, with the outer ears continuing the line of the triangle to the chin. The profile is long and straight; there is no break in the nose, no pinch at the muzzle, and no trace of the domed head of the Maine Coon.
Males are noticeably larger than females. A mature male Norwegian will stand between 5.5kg and 7kg in good condition; a mature female between 3.5kg and 5kg. Full physical maturity is not reached until the fourth year.
Coat
The coat is the defining feature of the breed. It is double-layered and water-resistant: a long, glossy, coarse guard coat over a dense wool-like undercoat. The ruff is full and falls in three parts — a short collar around the neck, long side-mutton-chops, and a heavy frontal bib. The breeches are full and match the tail in length on the hind legs. The belly coat is shaggier and looser than the back coat. The fur is not combed — it should fall naturally.
Moulting is seasonal and can be dramatic in warm weather. A Norwegian in her summer coat will look dramatically different from the same cat in full winter coat.
Colour
All traditional colours are acceptable with the exception of chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn and any points (i.e. colourpoint patterns). The pointed-pattern restriction is specific to the Norwegian Forest Cat and reflects the breed’s natural origin.
Most common colours in the UK are: brown tabby (sometimes with white), black (solid and with white), black silver tabby, red tabby, tortoiseshell, blue and blue tabby. Amber and golden colourways (comparatively new in the UK) are now accepted in full championship classes.
Eyes
Large, almond-shaped, set a little obliquely. All shades of green, gold and copper are acceptable. Blue eyes and odd eyes are accepted in white or bi-colour patterns. The eye colour should be clear and deep.
Tail
The tail is long, carried high, and as bushy as the coat permits. When the cat lies in repose the tail should reach at least to the shoulder blades.
Full Point Score
| Feature | Points |
|---|---|
| Head (shape, profile, muzzle, chin) | 20 |
| Ears (shape, set, tufting) | 10 |
| Eyes (shape, colour, set) | 10 |
| Body (size, bone, muscle) | 15 |
| Legs & Feet | 10 |
| Tail | 10 |
| Coat (texture, length, ruff, breeches) | 20 |
| Condition | 5 |
| Total | 100 |
Faults
A round or apple-shaped head. A stop or break in the profile. A small or “doll-like” cat. A short, woolly, or cottony coat. Points. Chocolate, lilac, cinnamon or fawn colouring. Poor condition or any sign of ill-health.