Are Norwegian Forest cats meant to be big?

NFC in the snow. Image: Reddit.com

Some people think that Norwegian Forest cats are big and that they're meant to be big. They are, in general, bigger than the average domestic cat. But they are not as big as Maine Coons. People sometimes take them for Maine Coons and vice versa but they do look different. The biggest difference is the muzzle which is quite square for the Maine Coon and quite pointed for a genuine Norwegian Forest Cat.

Norwegian Forest Cat. Photo: Pinterest.

The answer as to whether Norwegian Forest cats should be big can be found in any cat association breed standard. In this instance I have selected the CFA breed standard. The introduction to the breed standard states that this is a "sturdy cat" with a recognisable body shape. But no mention of the cat being large.

However, under the section "body" they say that this breed should be:

 "Solidly muscled and well-balanced, moderate in length, substantial bone structure, with powerful appearance showing a broad chest and considerable girth without being fat. Flank has great depth. Males should be large and imposing; females may be more refined and may be smaller.". 

It's quite clear in the description that this should be a substantial cat if it is going to win cat shows and be "to type" meaning in line with the breed standard.

So you should expect a male Norwegian Forest Cat to be big and some of them will be large cats in a similar league to the Maine Coon. The female might, on occasion, be similar in size to standard cats. Their coat makes them look larger.

ASSOCIATED PAGE: Comparing Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest and Siberian Cats