vs

Click on the breeds above to change the breed you want to compare.

Compare Norwegian Forest Cat and Arabian Mau side by side: temperament, energy, trainability, apartment fit, shedding, lifespan, weight and free adoption listings.

Breed traits

Character & behavior

Energy level
Playfulness
Intelligence
Trainability
Protectiveness
Sociability
Can stay alone

Lifestyle fit

Apartment-friendly
Yes
Yes
Good with kids
Yes
Yes
Good for first-time owners
Yes
Yes
Shedding
Noise level
Exercise needs

Physical & general

Life span
12–16 years
12–15 years
Weight
4.5–9 kg
3.5–5.5 kg
Height
30–40 cm
30–35 cm
Origin
Norway
Egypt
Grooming effort
Nutrition sensitivity
Health risk
Heat tolerance
Cold tolerance
The Norwegian Forest Cat and the Arabian Mau are both charming feline breeds with unique characteristics. The Norwegian Forest Cat originates from Norway and is known for its robust build and adaptability to cold climates, while the Arabian Mau hails from Egypt and is recognized for its sociable nature and tolerance to hot weather. Both breeds are playful and intelligent, making them suitable companions for families and first-time owners. However, they differ in size, grooming needs, and climate preferences, which can influence a potential owner's decision based on their living environment and lifestyle.

Norwegian Forest Cat — Advantages

Adaptable to cold climates
Good with kids
Suitable for first-time owners
Moderate exercise needs
Balanced energy level

Disadvantages

Heavier weight range
Higher shedding level
Moderate grooming difficulty
Lower tolerance to hot climates

Arabian Mau — Advantages

Lighter weight range
Lower shedding level
Easier grooming needs
Higher tolerance to hot climates
Very sociable nature

Disadvantages

Slightly shorter lifespan
Moderate noise level
Similar exercise needs as Norwegian Forest Cat
Can stay alone like Norwegian Forest Cat

Frequently Asked Questions

Which breed is better for families with children?

Both breeds are good with kids, making either a suitable choice for families.

How do their grooming needs compare?

The Norwegian Forest Cat has a moderate grooming difficulty, while the Arabian Mau is easier to groom.

Which breed can tolerate hot weather better?

The Arabian Mau has a higher tolerance to hot climates compared to the Norwegian Forest Cat.

Are both breeds suitable for first-time cat owners?

Yes, both breeds are good for first-time owners.

What is the lifespan of each breed?

The Norwegian Forest Cat has a lifespan of 12-16 years, while the Arabian Mau lives for 12-15 years.

free Norwegian Forest Cat adoption listings

all listings in this category

free Arabian Mau adoption listings

all listings in this category