Travelling with a Norwegian Forest Cat Internationally
Norwegian Forest Cats (Wegies) are well-suited to travel in terms of temperament: they are calm, adaptable, and generally less anxious than some other breeds. The main practical consideration is their size, as adult Wegies can be quite large.
Size and weight considerations
Male Norwegian Forest Cats typically weigh 6 to 9 kg as adults, and some individuals exceed this. When combined with an IATA-compliant carrier, the total weight may exceed the cabin weight limit set by many airlines (typically 6 to 10 kg total).
Before booking, weigh your cat and add the weight of your carrier. If the total exceeds the airline’s cabin limit, you will need to book hold/cargo travel. For most long-haul international routes, cabin pets are not accepted regardless of weight, so this is mainly relevant for shorter European or domestic flights.
Health and fitness for travel
Norwegian Forest Cats are generally a healthy breed, though they can be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and glycogen storage disease (GSD). Before long-haul travel, have your vet confirm your cat is fit to fly. A cardiac check is worth doing for any cat travelling long-haul, particularly for adults over five years.
Crate requirements for cargo
If your Wegie travels in the hold, an IATA-compliant rigid hard-sided crate is required. The crate must be large enough for your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Most adults fit in a crate of around 60 x 40 x 40 cm, but measure your individual cat.
Preparing for travel
Introduce the crate at least two months before travel. Leave it open in the house with bedding inside so your cat can explore it voluntarily. Gradually build up time spent with the door closed. A Wegie accustomed to its crate will be significantly less stressed in transit.
On the day of travel, do not give a large meal within four hours of departure. Water should be available in the crate if travelling cargo.
Destination requirements
Norwegian Forest Cats follow standard destination country import rules. Check the relevant country guide for microchip, vaccination, titre test, health certificate, and import permit requirements for your specific destination.