Do Norwegian Forest Cats keep kittenish climbing habits into their older years?

Absolutely-and I think that's one of the most charming things about them. I've had my old man, Loki, for over twelve years now, and he still treats the cat tree like it's Everest every morning. Even with a bit of creaky stiffness, he'll find a way to scale the bookshelf or perch on the highest kitchen cabinet just to survey his kingdom.

There's something really heartwarming about it. It's like they never quite lose that playful, curious kitten spark. Of course, you'll want to keep an eye on their joints as they age and maybe add a few soft landing spots or lower-level climbing options. But honestly, watching a senior Norwegian Forest Cat still leap for a feather toy or scramble up a scratching post? That’s pure joy. They just stay young at heart.

Sure, they might still climb, but let's not pretend it's the same manic kitten energy. I've seen plenty of older Wegies take the scenic route-meaning they'll size up a jump, think better of it, and use the stairs or a chair to get to the same high shelf. The instinct doesn't vanish, but the execution gets a lot more pragmatic. They're not stupid; they know their joints aren't what they used to be. If you see a ten-year-old Norwegian Forest Cat scaling a curtain rod, check if there's a treat involved-otherwise, odds are they'll choose the easy path.

No. Look, I’ve owned Norwegian Forest Cats for nearly twenty years, and I’ll tell you flat out: the climbing obsession fades once they hit about eight or nine. People romanticize this breed as eternal kittens, but that’s nonsense. My oldest tom, Bjorn, was a fearless tree-climber as a youngster, but by age ten, he’d rather nap on a heated pad than scale a cat tower. They’re built for cold climates and heavy coats, not constant acrobatics. The breed standard doesn’t mention perpetual climbing-it mentions patience and adaptability. If yours is still bouncing off the curtains at twelve, that’s the individual cat’s personality, not the breed’s trait. Don’t confuse charm with reality.