Devon Rex vs Norwegian Forest Cat

Where Devon Rex and Norwegian Forest Cat differ most

• Adult weight: Devon Rex 6–9 lbs · Norwegian Forest Cat 10–22 lbsNorwegian Forest Cat much heavier
• Shedding: Devon Rex 1/5 · Norwegian Forest Cat 4/5Norwegian Forest Cat much sheds more
• Lifespan: Devon Rex 9–15 yrs · Norwegian Forest Cat 14–16 yrsNorwegian Forest Cat much longer-lived
• Energy level: Devon Rex 4/5 · Norwegian Forest Cat 3/5Devon Rex higher-energy
• Grooming needs: Devon Rex 2/5 · Norwegian Forest Cat 3/5Norwegian Forest Cat more upkeep
• Trainability: Devon Rex 4/5 · Norwegian Forest Cat 3/5Devon Rex easier to train

Full trait-by-trait breakdown

Which one should you choose?

The Norwegian Forest Cat is built for cold climates — a large, sturdy frame under a weatherproof double coat — while the Devon Rex is the opposite in nearly every physical respect: small, slight, and covered in sparse, wavy fur that offers little insulation, leaving it among the most cold-sensitive breeds you'll find in any comparison on this site.

Grooming needs run in the Forest Cat's favor of "more but simpler" — its coat wants a fairly consistent brushing habit that ramps up during seasonal coat blows, though it skips the skin-care attention some low-coat breeds require. The Devon Rex needs comparatively little brushing but benefits from a warm home environment and sometimes a sweater in cooler weather.

Temperament tips toward playful curiosity for the Devon Rex, often described as mischievous and dog-like in its people-focus, while the Norwegian Forest Cat tends to be more independently confident, happy to climb and explore on its own terms. A colder household or one with more outdoor access suits the Forest Cat better; a warmer, more climate-controlled home suits the more delicate Devon Rex.