Norwegian Forest Cat

Cat breed built for harsh winters

In contrast to what the tale claims, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a domesticated breed that is a natural breed rather than a hybrid or offspring of any wild cat.

Long-haired cats are described in Norse mythology, suggesting that they have existed for a very long time—possibly thousands of years. It's possible that the longhaired cats were Norwegian Forest Cats.

The original purpose of this cat breed was hunting on Viking ships and farming in Norway. The Norwegian Cat Club recognized the breed in the 1930s. After WWII, the breed was almost extinct, and interbreeding threatened its survival as a pure breed.

The Norwegian Forest Cat is frequently confused with the Maine Coon, but the latter has tipped ears and is also known as the world's longest domestic cat.

Wegies and Forest Cats are two nicknames for Norwegian Forest Cats. Denmark, Iceland, Norway, France, and Sweden are all big fans of this breed. King Olaf of Norway has named the cat the Norwegian national cat.

Features

The Wegie is a sturdy breed with a well-muscled, well-balanced body and a broad chest. His body type is easily discernible. His face is equilateral triangular, and his ears are medium to large. The tops of the ears are typically rounded.

The almond-shaped, big eyes are prominent. They typically come in hues of green, gold, green-gold, blue, or other odd colors. The Forest Cat typically has a long, bushy tail. The huge paws have thick tufting between the toes and are rounded and firm.

The Wegie has a double coat with a dense undercoat that is protected by long, glossy, smooth, water-resistant guard hairs. With the exception of chocolate, lilac, Himalayan pattern, or any of these combinations with white, the coat colors and patterns are diverse.

The Norwegian Forest Cat's winter coat is what allows it to adapt to harsh weather conditions. The mane of a fully grown Norwegian Forest Cat is long, dense, and impressive.

Male Wegies are heavier and have larger bones than female Wegies.

The Norwegian Forest Cat has a lifespan of 14 to 16 years.

Personality

Because of his powerful claws, this cat breed is an excellent climber. The Forest Cat is hence naturally athletic. He enjoys having fun and is active.

Because he is sweet, friendly, and family oriented, the Norwegian Forest Cat adores his human companions. He is adaptable to new people and situations in the same way that he is to harsh weather.

This large, strong cat has a quiet voice, though he has been known to become vocal when kept in a home with a dog. He has a loud purr when he is sitting with his human companions.

A Forest Cat that spends a lot of time outside will have faster, more accurate hunting abilities than a cat that spends most of its time indoors. This cat, which has a strong energy level from kitten to adult, requires human attention regardless of the living conditions.

Care

The Norwegian Forest breed is well-known for its ability to trap fur in the summer following the winter. The cat sheds its winter coat during the spring molting. In the fall, the summer coat is shed.

During these times, thorough combing is required to catch all of the dead fur. For the rest of the year, minimal grooming is recommended because it retains its coat for the harsh winters.

Compared to most domestic cat breeds, this huge, heavy-boned cat needs more food.

As a larger breed of domestic cat, the Norwegian Forest Cat is noted for having a big appetite, thus their food should reflect that. Although they might consume more food than other domesticated breeds, how much they consume will vary on their individual demands and degree of activity.

Nail trimming may be required once or twice a month. Once a month, the ears should be cleaned.

Norwegian Forest Cats are known for having a thick, waterproof coat that keeps them warm in cold weather. They may, however, require bathing on occasion to keep their coat clean and healthy.