Norwegian Forest Cat | Cat Breed Information & Facts – Pictures

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a fluffy beauty of rather large size – it is larger than breeds such as the Pixie bob and the Somali cat, but almost half the size of the Maine Coon.

Despite the wild past, the kitty is ready to demonstrate a kind, calm and balanced Nordic character.

[foogallery id=”44347″]

The size of the cat in Norwegian forest cats varies from average to large. Like the other large breeds, they reach maturity quite late – at 4-5 years old. These cats seem more massive due to thick wool. The exact size and weight indicators are not indicated by the purebred standards of the WCF, but experienced breeders say that the standard for an adult is 30 to 40 cm high, the weight depends considerably on sex: males males weigh on average 5 to 9 kg and females weigh 4 – 7 kg.

• Body: elongated, strong, with massive bones. The sizes are medium to large.
• Head: in the shape of an equilateral triangle.
• MUSEAU: Long and right profile, without stop.
• Ears: large. The base is wide. Attached very high on the head. The external line of the ear runs along the cheeks in a straight line. The atria have a long edge inside. On the tips – “lynx” acorns.
• Eyes: oval, large and well open. Color – Even, corresponds to the color of the coat.
• Members: muscular, long. Those from behind are longer than those in front.
• Paws. Round, wide shape. Between the fingers – woolen tufts.
• Tail: very long and bushy. Must be equal to the length of the body or higher.
• Pelage: two layers. The upper guard hairs are long, shiny, hard and have water -repellent characteristics. The sub-point is thick and fluffy. The guard dress covers only: the back, the sides, the anterior limbs, the external part of the posterior limbs and the upper part of the tail. The lower part of the body and the rear of the hind legs have only underpoil. On posterior limbs – “pants -culottes”. Cheeks hang a “beard” in the shape of a triangle.

The Norwegian Forest Cat loves people and grows best with human company. Sometimes they can insist on attention. On other occasions, however, they will be fairly independent. They are usepesrd to the outdoors and are perfectly suited for wandering and hunting. The Norwegian cat is an attentive and affectionate cat with its guardians, so it is an ideal companion for families, because it gets along well with the little ones in the house.

He will take care of the house as a caretaker, because he is a cat is quite territorial, moreover his wild origins make his hunting instinct very awake, he will appreciate very much to play with his toys. It is true that this breed of cat loves to climb, so it is recommended to provide scrapers with several floors or heights for the immense pleasure of our Norwegian forest cat.

In this way, we will prevent him from climbing on our furniture, from damaging it or from feeling frustrated because he does not see his main needs covered. As we said, the temperament of the Norwegian forest cat is characterized by its patience and its intelligence. In this way we can try to teach them small tricks, in addition their training will become much easier than with the other breeds. His emotional maturation is slow, up to 5 years, so we have time to train him well and teach him the rules to follow at home.

Norwegian forest cat is considered a relatively healthy cat breed. Many pure animals suffer from the development of genetic diseases, which is rare for a Norwegian. However, certain diseases are inherent in this particular breed:

• Glycogen’s IV glycogen storage disease, a rare hereditary disease that affects glucose metabolism;
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, heart disease, in the Norwegian forest, hereditary transmission has not been proven;
• Retinal dysplasia – an eye disease;
• Renal polycystosis.

Since the Norwegian forest cat has a thick coat and undercoat, it must be carefully combed. It is best to do it twice a week using a stainless steel comb or a metal brush. In addition, keep in mind that with the advent of the hot season, the Norwegian forest loses a lot.

As for washing, the dense coat and the thick sub-point do not get wet easily, the Norwegian cat can therefore take a bath twice a month. In normal circumstances, this is enough. The claws are usually cut once a week.

Also, don’t forget to brush your pet’s teeth at least three times a week, and preferably every day. The mucus accumulated in the corners of the eyes must be wiped every day with a cotton cloth. Do not forget to check and clean your ears at least once a week.

• Norwegian Forest kittens cost about $ 200-1200. Appearance, pedigree history, and more are decisive. The cheapest is the pet-class kitten, then the breed, and the most expensive is the show. Such cats are usually shown at exhibitions.
• The fur of the Norwegian cat can repel water. He is adapted for both home life and the harsh forest conditions. And it is not very hot in Norway there.
• Norwegian forest cats are not particularly tender. They do not like to take up space on the owner’s lap for free. And they will gladly find themselves another occupation.
• Representatives of the breed are born hunters. Small animals should not be near them, even in cages. In addition, such a neighborhood without the ability to catch prey will negatively affect your pet’s nerves.
• The body temperature of a Norwegian Forest cat is always higher than that of a person. And the coat on the back is stiffer than on other parts of the body. There may be an increased release of fat in this place. Do not be afraid, the kitty is absolutely healthy.

The Norwegian Forest Cat is not as simple as it sounds. Until now, animal lovers have no idea where and why he came to Norway.

Experts agree that the Norwegian forest cat appeared as a result of adaptation to the cold Scandinavian climate of its distant, thoroughbred and not quite, ancestors.

These could have been imported Angora or wild cats of Scotland. Whatever it was, but already in 1841 in the Norwegian cat fairy tales there is a description of seals, very similar to the Norwegian forest ones.

In Norway, this kitty was very popular. However, after 1945, the Norwegian Forest cat breed, a photo of which often flashes on the Internet today, almost disappeared.

They began to actively cross it with other breeds, and there was a threat of extinction of a pure species. Ideological cat lovers sounded the alarm.

They have created a set of rules and standards governing the registration of Norwegian forestry. Such efforts were crowned with success, and in 1977 the breed of these cats was officially recognized.