American Shorthair vs Norwegian Forest Cat
A side-by-side breakdown of size, cost, grooming load and lifestyle fit — with a straight answer on which suits which household.
Short answer
American Shorthair is the easier breed to live with for most first-time owners — it scores higher on apartment fit (5/5 vs 3/5); it scores better with children (5/5 vs 4/5); it sheds less (3/5 vs 4/5). Norwegian Forest Cat makes more sense only if you specifically want a higher-energy companion.
Comparison table
| Attribute | American Shorthair | Norwegian Forest Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Species | cat | cat |
| Origin | United States | Norway |
| Weight (kg) | 3.5–7 | 4–9 |
| Height (cm) | — | — |
| Lifespan (years) | 13–17 | 12–16 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $59 | $98 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $708 | $1176 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $1200 | $1250 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 2 | 4 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 3 | 4 |
| Energy (1–5) | 3 | 4 |
| Trainability (1–5) | 3 | 3 |
| Apartment fit (1–5) | 5 | 3 |
| Good with kids (1–5) | 5 | 4 |
| Vocal (1–5) | 2 | 2 |
What the numbers mean
- American Shorthair weighs 3.5–7 kg and lives 13–17 years; Norwegian Forest Cat weighs 4–9 kg and lives 12–16 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, American Shorthair runs about $59/month versus $98/month for Norwegian Forest Cat — a difference of roughly $39 a month, or $468 a year.
- American Shorthair has the higher apartment suitability score (5/5 vs 3/5) — this matters most if you rent or live in a flat.
- Norwegian Forest Cat has the higher shedding score (4/5 vs 3/5) — higher means more hair on your sofa.
- Norwegian Forest Cat has the higher grooming requirement (4/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more brushing and professional trimming.
- Norwegian Forest Cat has the higher energy level (4/5 vs 3/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
- Both have the same trainability score (3/5).
- American Shorthair has the higher kid-friendliness score (5/5 vs 4/5).
- Both have the same vocalisation score (2/5).
Cost over ten years
At the estimated monthly rates above, ten years of routine care (food, treats, grooming, medication, vet visits and supplies — excluding insurance, emergency treatment and purchase price) works out to roughly $7,080 for American Shorthair and $11,760 for Norwegian Forest Cat. The gap is $4,680 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
American Shorthair
Norwegian Forest Cat
Both breeds are associated with Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Hip dysplasia, so screening for these is worth raising with a breeder either way.
Which one should you pick?
- Choose American Shorthair if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $59 a month.
- Choose Norwegian Forest Cat if you want a more substantial dog to work with, can commit to serious daily exercise, and your budget covers about $98 a month.
- Neither, if the grooming load is more than you can sustain; both need regular coat care.