With its luxurious coat, striking presence, and regal gaze, the Norwegian Forest Cat looks like it stepped straight out of a Viking legend. It’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with this majestic feline and start wondering about its price after just one glance. In this guide, we’ll break down what it costs to bring home a Norwegian Forest Cat—often affectionately called a “Wegie”—and what you can expect when adding one to your family.
Are Norwegian Forest Cats Rare?
Norwegian Forest Cats are a pure breed. This means they were developed without any intentional breeding. However, during World War II, they almost went extinct due to crossbreeding. Efforts have been made since then to protect the breed.
They are quite popular in Scandinavian countries, France, and even China. But in the U.S., they are considered a rare cat breed. (2)
How Much Does a Purebred Norwegian Forest Cat Cost?
Keeping their rarity in mind, a Norwegian Forest Cat kitty will cost you anywhere between $900-$1500 in the US. They are typically imported from their home country, Norway. The breeder’s reputation, genetics of the cat, color, etc., can also influence the price here. The high-titled breeding line ones may even cost you up to $4000. (1)
Why are Norwegian Forest Cats So Expensive?
This is because of simple demand and supply economics. One look at these magnificent creatures and you’ll realize that they must have mesmerized thousands of cat lovers, if not more. But on the other side, the supply remains limited in the US as they are imported from their home country, Norway. The breeders also need to make multiple trips to buy kitties to breed. These factors cause the prices to stay up, making these cats expensive.
Cost of Long-Term Norwegian Forest Cat Care
Here’s a breakdown of all the major monthly costs of maintaining a Norwegian Forest Cat –
Food and treats: These cats do not require any special diet. A good quality, vet-recommended high-protein diet made up of fish and lean meat would do. Expect to spend around $40-$50 on it and add another $10 for the treats.
Grooming: These cats do not require a lot of grooming. An occasional bath coupled with once-a-week brushing should do. The supplies here would cost you around $10-$20. A professional grooming session would cost you around $30-$50, depending on the type of service you opt for.
Healthcare: A routine vet visit is recommended for all cats at least twice a year. The frequency may be higher during young ages. Expect to spend around $100-$200 per visit. Add another $30-$40 per vaccine shot. Don’t forget to keep some money aside for emergency vet visits in case of illnesses and accidents. (We’ve got the best way to save on these costs below)
While these are the major repetitive costs, there are going to be some one-time costs as well. We’ve totaled them below.
Lifetime Cost of a Norwegian Forest Cat: $18,000 - $20,000
Adding up all the monthly expenses, you can expect the annual cost of maintenance for a Norwegian Forest Cat to be around $1000. Add initial costs of set up that include beds, crates, litter boxes, food and water bowls, etc., which can cost you around $300-$500 depending on your choices. The costs for treatment of medical conditions can vary depending on the severity. In case of serious conditions, the costs cost upwards of $5000 in some cases.
Adding all the costs, including the contingent ones, you can expect the lifetime cost of owning a Norwegian Forest Cat to be around $18,000-$20,000.
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Common Health Conditions in Norwegian Forest Cats
As long as you are planning your finances for owning these beautiful cats, here’s something that can put a big dent in your savings – Treatment for the medical conditions they are prone to. They include -
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): It is the most common heart disease in felines. It is caused by the thickening of the heart muscle, which leads to blood clot formation, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and heart failure.
Joint problems: Large felines like the Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats often tend to suffer from hip dysplasia. Some cases may even require surgery.
Polycystic kidney disease: This condition damages a cat’s kidneys, eventually leading to renal failure.
Apart from the medical conditions mentioned above that these breeds are prone to, they can also suffer from some lifestyle diseases in their lifetime. These include – (1)
Urinary tract diseases (bladder stones, cystitis)
Liver issues
Treatment for these can cause a big dent in your savings at times. With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% on covered vet bills. With Spot Pet, you can save many more costs.
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Key Takeaway
Owning a Norwegian Forest Cat is both a privilege and a responsibility—these majestic felines bring beauty, companionship, and personality to any home, but they also come with significant costs and care needs. From their initial price to lifelong maintenance and health expenses, being financially prepared ensures your Wegie receives the best care possible. With the support of Spot Pet Insurance, you can protect your cat’s health and your peace of mind while enjoying every moment with this extraordinary breed.
I’m Charlie: canine enthusiast with a knack for figuring out why my dog, Dallas, is more infatuated with tennis balls than me. My lifelong passion for dogs has created a dedication to help other pet parents better understands their furry family members!
Norwegian Forest Cat - price, personality, lifespan. (n.d.). Catbreedslist.com. https://www.catbreedslist.com/all-cat-breeds/norwegian-forest-cat.html
