The exotic, wild-looking Norwegian Forest cats are a delight to have. Their endearing eyes and playful nature makes them the perfect companion. Their long, double-coat not only adds beauty to the cat but is also very convenient to take care of as it does not need much grooming. They make the perfect family cats! They are also known as skogkatt in Norway which means forest cat. In US, they are called Wegies. They will live on average 9 to 15 years. Their litter normally consists of 4 kittens.
History
The exact origin of the Norwegian Forest cat is not known. However, many stories are related to its history. The most plausible of them is the breed being a domestic cat brought to Norway by the Romans. They are also known to solve the rodent problem on the ships of the Vikings during their journeys and are also found in Norwegian fairy tales and mythology. They are known to have the art of disappearing whenever they want. Their coat adapted to the cold weather by growing long and water-resistant over years. In the US, they are known to develop the Main Coon breed. They were exported to the US from Norway in 1979 after the breed had been developed properly.
The cat almost went into extinction during WWII but in 1970s with the help of Carl-Fredrick Nordane formed a club to save the cat. Norwegian Forest cat was for the first time recognised and allowed to enter a show in 1938 in Oslo. In 1987, Norwegian Forest Cat Club was formed in UK. It also has a championship status in all major associations.
Appearance
Although they descend purely from domestic cats, they have a very exotic, wild look. Their double coat is most fascinating and silky soft. It changes its length according to the weather. In summers they shed their undercoat while in winters it grows back. The coat needs a lot of brushing in the shedding season (i.e. Spring) so that you don’t find cat hair around the house all the time. It grows fully into a dense fur by 2 years of age. The males and sometimes even the females grow a mane. There is a wide variety of colours and patterns available, from pure white to tabby and brown to jet black. The coat is also prone to matting so you must groom it regularly.
The bodies of Norwegian cats are muscular and well-built yet graceful. Their triangular face has a ski slope-like nose. They have big ears that are rounded, tufted and tipped. Their almond-shaped eyes are emerald green or golden. However, it is usual in white forest cats to have unusual eye colours such as blue. Their tails are long and dense, widening at the tip. Their big, rounded paws have tufts of hair between the toes. They have a ruff around the neck. The males weigh around 10-16 lbs while the females are comparatively lighter with their weight around 8-12 lbs. They take 5 years to grow to their final size.
Personality
They are a very curious, intelligent and active breed. They are one of those cats that keep the playful spirit alive even later in the years. Known by names such as purr box, purr factory, etc tells volumes of its talkative nature. They sound almost like birds when talking to each other. They love playing with their owners especially when they are being chased around. They are very loving and friendly and deeply attach themselves with their owners. They are also very social and love to cuddle with you. They love being with children and other pets also.
They are suitable as both indoor and outdoor cats. In fact, they make excellent barn cats. They also like to climb around and are good hunters. A climbing device can be installed for them to show their antics and invest their energies on. They are also very patient, making them highly suitable for children. Leaving them for short periods of time is also okay. They can also easily adapt to change and do not get stressed easily.
Health Problems
They normally lead a very healthy life. However, like all other cats, after attaining 8 years of age their teeth, kidney and liver must be checked regularly.
Recognising Associations
- The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy GCCF
- The International Cat Association TICA (1984)
- Cat Fanciers Association CFA (1993)
- ACA (1995)
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I notice a lot of the photos of the cats on this page are actually Siberians. The ones with the round faces and circular eyes are Siberians.
My baby Muezza is a mixed breed of norwegian forest and british short hair. . But she exactly looks like her beautiful mom which is norwegian. Muezza is super active, playful but calm. Her patience level is amazing. This is one of the best breed if you are looking for an affectionate companion.
I loved my little wegie. She was blessed with a good long life as she lived to be 18 years old. Her name was Fuzzy.