How Much Does a Norwegian Forest Cat Cost? (2024 Price Guide)

The Norwegian Forest cat is one of the most affectionate large cats around, but do you know how much Norwegian Forest cats cost? Also known as Wegies, they come at a pretty reasonable price. Read along to learn more!

While these purebreds may sometimes fetch a hefty price, they are generally more affordable compared to other cat breeds. 

However, if you want to have a Norwegian Forest cat, you need to learn the other expenses that go along with it.

If you want to prepare and lessen your financial burden, this guide is for you. Read along to learn the nitty-gritty details of the Norwegian Forest cat price! 

The Average Cost of a Norwegian Forest Kitten

The Norwegian Forest cat is generally priced between $800 and $1,500. However, a Norwegian Forest cat from champion breeding lines can range between $1,500 and $4,000. Aside from lineage, factors such as age, coat color, and the breeder’s reputation affect the price of a Norwegian Forest kitten.

Norwegian Forest cats are considered rare outside their home country of Norway, so breeders in the United States may raise their selling price. A good pedigree also ups the cost significantly. 

Moreover, reputable breeders may also ask for additional payment for genetic testing, vaccinations, and reservation fees. 

These are only some of the things affecting the cost of a Wegie. Learn more about these factors in the next section. 

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Norwegian Forest Kitten

Breeders consider many factors when selling Norwegian Forest Kittens. These include the breeding process, lineage, coat color, age, and more. In this section, we’ll dive deeper into each of these.

Below is a list of factors that affect the asking price for a Norwegian Forest kitten:

• Lineage: A purebred Wegie with an exceptional heritage may fetch an additional $1,000 or more due to their excellent genes and exquisite physique. As expected, a good lineage plays a significant factor when determining the asking price of a Norwegian Forest kitten. 
• Coat Color: The color of the kitten is another factor that affects the cost of a Wegie. Like most cat breeds, different color variants have different price tags. For Norwegian Forest cats, ginger and white are more expensive colors due to their rarity. However, in the United States, black Wegies are pretty rare; hence, they are often the costliest.
• Age: Age can influence the cost when purchasing pets. This fact also applies to Norwegian Forest cats. While kittens are often more expensive, in some cases, adult Wegies may also get higher price tags. 
• Registration Fee: This may be an optional cost, but having your Norwegian Forest cat registered to a renowned cat registry will prove that your pet is purebred. Organizations like the American Cat Association (ACA) or the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) are your best bets if you want your Wegie registered. 

Breeders may ask you for other associated costs, such as stud fees, genetic testing, and microchipping, to name a few. All these costs can add up and drive up the cost of your Norwegian Forest cat.

How Much Does it Cost to Adopt a Norwegian Forest Cat From a Rescue?

If you go for adoption, a Norwegian Forest cat will only cost you between $50 and $200. That’ll save you up to $500 or more! You can opt to divert those extra funds to other necessities for your kitty.

Vaccination shots and spaying/neutering fees are also covered for most adult Norwegian Forest cats in shelters. Expect Wegie kittens to be more expensive to adopt since you’re likely to shoulder preventative medication.

On the downside, due to the rarity of Norwegian Forest cat breeds here in the United States, you may have difficulty looking for one in rescues or shelters. 

Fortunately, we have prepared a list of places to help you in your search. You can learn more about this in a later section of this guide.

Initial Cost of Norwegian Forest Cat Ownership

We’ve covered everything you need to know about the price of a Norwegian Forest cat, but what about initial expenses? In this section, you’ll learn all the necessities your Wegie requires for its first year with you.

Once you’ve read all the nitty-gritty details, you’ll see a short table at the end of this section for your reference.

These are the initial costs associated with owning a Norwegian Forest kitten:

• Food and Treats: The most important item to keep your Norwegian Forest cat happy and healthy is food and treats. Buying your initial supply of cat food and treats isn’t that costly, and there are many brands to choose from. Expect to spend $20 to $50 for your cat’s initial pack of food and treats.
• Food and Water Bowls: This is another essential item you shouldn’t skimp on. For food and water bowls, it is recommended to buy high-quality stainless steel bowls. Not only are these sturdier than plastic bowls, but they are also easier to clean. Prices for bowls range from $10 to $25. 
• Litter Box: Similar to the previous item, a litter box of good quality can last your pet for years. The price of a litter box can fetch around $20 to $160, depending on the brand and material. There are nuances to choosing the correct litter box for your cat, depending on size, shape, and depth. Generally, you must ensure that the litter box is spacious enough for your cat to fit comfortably, move around, and dig without stepping out.
• Litter Sand: Cleaning out your kitten’s deposits can be daunting, especially for first-time cat owners. Fortunately, that’s easy to mitigate as there are only two significant preferences of cats regarding litter sand: fine-particle and unscented litters. Buying your initial supply will cost around $15 to $25.
• Collar and ID Tag: This is a must-have item before picking up your Norwegian Forest kitten from your breeder or rescue. Make sure to buy a collar that is adjustable, easy to clean, and rust-proof if you prefer one with a metal nameplate. This will only set you back around $5 to $20. 
• Cat Bed: Norwegian Forest cats, like all other cats, can lay down anywhere they like. But it’s still best to let them have comfortable beds to prevent muscle and bone problems later on. You can buy a high-quality bed for your Wegie for around $15 to $30. 
• Cat Carrier: Norwegian Forest cats are naturally adventurous and attuned to the outside world if their lineage is anything to go by. This is why it’s essential to purchase a cat carrier to take them on trips. Suitable quality carriers will cost around $20 to $60.
• Toys and Scratching Post: The Norwegian Forest cat is known to be playful and adventurous and loves climbing hard-to-reach places. A tall scratching post where they can climb is also suitable for the kitties. The cost will be approximately $15 to $70, depending on the quality of the toys. 
• Grooming Essentials: Wegies are known for their thick, long, and fluffy coats. Thus, they require regular brushing and grooming to maintain their beautiful coats. It’s a good thing grooming essentials aren’t expensive, and a complete set of hairbrushes, clippers, and shampoo will only cost around $25 to $35. 
• Initial Vet Visits: Another non-negotiable is the initial visits to the vet to perform preventative medications on your Norwegian Forest cat. This will set you back around $100 to $250. It should be noted that prices may vary depending on location and vet rates. 
• Initial Vaccine Shots: Sometimes, breeders would sell Norwegian Forest kittens that are already vaccinated. But if it’s not, your Wegie must have its vaccine shots to protect against diseases such as feline distemper, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and rabies. Shots cost about $25 to $50. 
• Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications: The Norwegian Forest cat’s long coat makes it susceptible to fleas and ticks but can be easily controlled with the proper medications. Anti-parasitic medications help flush out or kill gut parasites to keep your Wegie healthy. Prices for these meds range from $30 to $100. 
• Neutering or Spaying: Some reputable breeders would already sell you a neutered or spayed Norwegian Forest Kitten to ensure you don’t use your pets for breeding. But if you need to shoulder those expenses, it’ll cost between $200 and $500. If you opted to adopt an adult Norwegian Forest cat, there’s a big chance it’s already spayed or neutered. 
• Microchip: An ID tag and collar will help you if your Wegie gets lost. But to increase the chances of finding your lost kitten immediately, a microchip can make all the difference. This piece of awesome tech can cost you only $40 to $60. 
• Miscellaneous Supplies: There are other items not mentioned above but are just as essential such as cleaning tools, vitamins, and supplements, to name a few. Setting aside at least $15 to $30 for these miscellaneous expenses is a good habit. 

Think of this list as your cheat sheet if ever you forget some of the initial costs for your Norwegian Forest kitten:

The total initial expenses for a Norwegian Forest kitten range from $555 to $1,465.

It’s important to note that your actual spending may vary, but this gives you an idea of what to expect and may help you assess which items you already own.

This will save you time and money and help you prioritize other needs for your Wegie. Also, there’s nothing wrong with asking your breeder if they offer freebies.

Annual Cost of Owning a Norwegian Forest Cat 

If you’ve already decided on purchasing or adopting a Norwegian Forest Cat, then you’re ready to take full responsibility for your pet for its lifetime. 

This time, you have to consider the yearly cost of taking care and maintaining a comfortable life for your Wegie. Paying these costs for the next 12 to 16 years, potentially even 18 years, is not a small feat.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the yearly cost when you have a Norwegian Forest cat:

As you can see, the monthly cost of owning a Norwegian Forest cat is not that high. In fact, it is comparable to other domestic cat breeds such as the Persian and the Maine Coon.

However, your cat’s toys and scratching posts must be replaced frequently since they will most likely wear out quickly. Moreover, the grooming cost, running from $100 to $200, is another extra thing to add to your budget.

All of the annual expenses above are estimates and do not reflect your actual costs. They may be higher or lower depending on how you manage your finances or possibly due to unforeseen circumstances. 

Other Potential Expenses

We’ve covered the initial and annual costs for your Norwegian Forest cat, but some potential expenses may stem from unforeseen circumstances.

Potential fees include pet daycare, grooming, emergency medical costs, and the like.

Here is a detailed list of possible expenses for a Norwegian Forest cat:

• Pet Daycare: Norwegian Forest cats don’t mind being left alone. However, to ensure your cat’s safety while you’re away, you can pay for the services of a pet daycare. This will usually cost around $20 to $30 per day. 
• Pet Sitter: A pet sitter would be just as reliable if you want a cheaper alternative to pet daycares. These are neighborhood folks you can tap to watch over your Wegie, and they only cost about $10 to $20. 
• Grooming Services: It’s better to groom your Norwegian Forest cat at home. However, due to its long, fluffy coat, it may need a trip to the groomers from time to time. This will set you back around $50 to $100 and includes bathing, brushing, trimming, and ear cleaning.
• Emergency Medical Costs: Accidents or severe diseases are inevitable and may happen unexpectedly to your Norwegian Forest cat. It pays to save up an extra fund for your pet. It can significantly lessen your expenses in case the worst happens. Emergency treatment for pets can go as high as $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the severity and case. 

Excluding emergency medical costs, most of these expenses are optional. You can always opt to take them out of your budget to cut down on costs or find cheaper alternatives.

You can always save up for these unforeseen circumstances by getting pet insurance. It helps for your peace of mind and ensures your finances are intact. 

Places to Find Norwegian Forest Kittens for Sale and Adoption

We’ve wrapped up everything you need to know about the cost of owning a Norwegian Forest cat. Now it’s time to take action and look for suitable places where you can buy or adopt your lovable companion.

Looking for a reputable source for your pet isn’t supposed to be a run-of-the-mill thing. It requires patience and much research. This is true for Wegies since they’re quite rare in the United States.

It’s also important to note that backyard breeders, kitten mills, and local pet stores may attract you with lower prices. However, this is not a good idea and comes with a high risk that your pet may be sickly.

Here’s a list of some reputable breeders where you can find Norwegian Forest kittens for sale:

• Skogberg Cattery – Based in Colorado, this cattery is certified by The International Cat Association (TICA) and Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). Skogberg Cattery breeds Norwegian Forest cats of various colors and with exceptional lineages. 
• Viking Tails – Viking Tails is a TICA-registered Norwegian Forest cat breeder in Minnesota. Their cats are already house-trained and litter-trained. They also have vaccinated Wegies, which you can already scratch out from your to-do pet list. 
• Finnishline – If you’re in New York or live near the area, Finnishline is right up your alley. This cattery has been producing top-of-the-line Norwegian Forest cats for shows since the 1990s, so you can be sure of their reputation. 

If you prefer to adopt, below are some places where you can find Norwegian Forest cats for adoption:

• Rescue Me! – Rescue Me! is a global organization that provides homes to unwanted pets, including the Norwegian Forest cat. This site has given over a million pets to hundreds of thousands of households. Check out their website for any inquiries about the adoption process.
• Petfinder – Petfinder is a reliable adoption website with a searchable database of pet listings, including Norwegian Forest cats. Here, you can tailor your pet breed search based on your location.
• Adopt-a-Pet – Founded in 2000, this non-profit organization advocates the adoption of pet animals, including dogs and cats. They have a reliable connection with over 12,000 pet shelters across the United States and Canada. On this website, you’ll find plenty of Norwegian Forest cats for adoption.

You can contact Norwegian Forest cat owners through online groups or your local community if you have more questions. More often than not, they’d be happy to help out.

Money Saving Tips for Norwegian Forest Cat Owners

Cats are loving in their own way and are quite a joy to have around. However, owning one comes with financial responsibility. Norwegian Forest cats are very affectionate and loving but are one of the most expensive breeds to maintain.

Some ways to mitigate expenses involve going for cheap alternatives or opting for more expensive, quality products.

Here are some tips to save money for Norwegian Forest cat owners:

• Spend more on high-quality items. Buying cheap products with substandard materials can be more costly in the long run. A wise move is to purchase quality items that’ll last your Wegie’s lifetime if possible. Think about the money you’ll save when you don’t have to replace accessories regularly. 
• Prepare homemade cat food. Wegies can be picky-eaters sometimes. Switching to different wet meals every now and then doesn’t solve the problem and isn’t sustainable in the long run. Trying out a different approach like cooking homemade meals isn’t only a fun activity you can do, but it’ll also help out your pockets. 
• Take your cat to the vet regularly. Regular health check-ups with your vet can point out health issues early on for your Norwegian Forest cat. This can save you from paying potentially expensive emergency medical fees. 
• Groom your Norwegian Forest cat at home. You may have difficulty grooming your Norwegian Forest cat due to its thick and long fur, but that’s something you can learn over time. Putting in the effort will not only save you money, but it will also strengthen your bond with your Wegie. 

Here’s a video to help you learn how to groom your Norwegian Forest cat:

Remember that expensive doesn’t always equate to what’s best for your pet. Finding the best options while not putting a dent in your finances can be sustainable for both owner and pet. 

Final Thoughts

The Norwegian Forest cat, from a financial perspective, isn’t for the fainthearted. Like most breeds, it is a reasonably expensive cat that will cost thousands of dollars. 

However, if you are wise with your spending, you can definitely care for this cat breed. Moreover, there are lots of ways to reduce costs without sacrificing the comfort of your new life companion.

Hopefully, you have learned a thing or two from this guide. If you have any tips on how to cut down expenses, leave them in the comments below. Also, share with us your thoughts about the cost of owning a Norwegian Forest cat!