Norwegian Forest Cat

• Norwegian Forest Cat Size: large to very large, head-tail length 100 to 130 cm
• Classification: semi-long-haired cat
• Color: medium-long coat with woolly undercoat and water-repellent top coat on the back and flanks, in winter coat with a dense ruff; all coat colors except lilac, chocolate, cinnamon and fawn are permitted
• Body care: needs to be brushed several times a week during the coat change
• Character: friendly, attentive, intelligent, strong character, active
• Norwegian Forest Cat Origin: Norway
• Weight: Female 3 to 6 kg, Male 5 to 10 kg, in exceptional cases up to 12 kg
• Eyes: large, oval, all colors are allowed
• Life expectancy: 8 to 15 years

Origin and history of the Norwegian Forest Cat

The origin of the Norwegian Forest Cat is still largely unexplored. Experts suspect that the Vikings may have brought ancestors of these cats with them from Persia and that they crossed with domestic cats. Other experts believe that the typical long hair and climbing ability of this large cat may have come about through natural mutations. This is supported by the large number of legends and myths that tell of goblin-like forest creatures in cat form long before the Viking Age. Nordic mythology also contains evidence that a Norwegian Forest Cat pulled the chariot of the fertility goddess Freya.
Even today, some representatives live freely and independently of humans in Norway’s forests. The Norwegian Forest Cat looks very similar to the European wildcat. From the 1930s onwards, lovers in Norway began to take a serious interest in the wildcat-like breed. Targeted breeding began and soon bore fruit. The first bred Norwegian Forest Cat appeared at an exhibition before the Second World War. Due to the chaos of war, the breeding of these fluffy giants was forgotten for a while. But in 1975, breeders finally founded the Norwegian Forest Cat Association (Norsk Skogkattring). One year later, in 1976, the international breeding association Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) recognized the Norwegian Forest Cat as an independent breed.

General Appearance

The Norwegian Forest Cat, with its thick coat and lynx-like tufts on its ears, looks very much like a wild cat. The pretty markings make this rustic beauty an irresistible eye-catcher. Reason enough to take a closer look at the kitty’s appearance.

Like the Maine Coon and the Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cats are semi-long-haired cats. Their coat consists of a thick, woolly undercoat and a greasy, water-repellent top coat with a beautiful shine. The cat also has a shirt front, ruff and knickerbockers. These terms refer to the lush hair that adorns the Norwegian Forest Cats’ neck, chest and hind legs in winter. In these places, the soft, dense undercoat is particularly lush in the cold season and is covered by the long guard hairs.

Norwegian Forest Cats have a triangular head, a long, straight nose, a strong chin and almond-shaped eyes. The animals usually have golden or green eyes, but other shades are also permitted according to the breeding standard. Norwegian Forest Cats in white, for example, often have blue or copper-colored eyes. The ears are large and set far apart. The pointed tufts of fur are striking, reminiscent of a lynx.

As large to very large cats, Norwegian Forest Cats reach a size of 100 to 130 centimeters. Their body is stocky, long and sturdy, with a broad chest. They also have round paws and a thick, long tail. The females differ greatly from the males and are often considerably smaller and lighter. A fully grown male Norwegian Forest Cat can weigh between five and nine kilograms. Female cats weigh between three and six kilograms.

Character

Despite their wildcat-like appearance, Norwegian Forest Cats are known for their gentle, open-hearted character. They form close bonds with their owners and prefer to follow them everywhere. Aggression is far from the large domestic cats. They are tolerant and patient when playing and romping. This makes them a good family cat. They usually accept small children or dogs without any problems and are good friends with them.
Furthermore, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a real bundle of energy that loves to move around. They play long and persistently with other cats and people. This velvet paw also likes to have relaxing hours of rest. From a perch on the windowsill, they eagerly observe their surroundings or they retreat to their scratching post to doze.
One thing is certain: a Norwegian Forest Cat never gets bored. They are always in the thick of things when there is hustle and bustle somewhere. Their intelligence and natural curiosity make it easy to get them excited about all kinds of games and activities.

Care and Nutrition of the Norwegian Forest Cat

The robust Norwegian Forest Cats are, apart from their need for space and exercise, quite uncomplicated. You should just keep an eye on regular grooming and a species-appropriate diet, as this breed of cat has some special requirements in this regard.
Since brushing is important to prevent the long top coat from matting, it is advisable to get the Norwegian Forest Cat used to using a comb and brush when it is still a kitten. If your furry friend accepts the grooming calmly and relaxed, the matter can be handled as a relaxing ritual with additional massage and petting.

How often do I have to brush a Norwegian Forest Cat?
Grooming is particularly demanding during the shedding season in spring:
the Norwegian Forest Cat loses almost all of its undercoat. You can help the cat by brushing it daily and combing out the loose hair. For the rest of the year, it is sufficient to groom the Norwegian Forest Cat thoroughly with a comb and brush every one to two weeks.

What do Norwegian Forest Cats like to eat the most? 
The active Norwegian Forest Cat needs meat above all for a healthy diet. Feed it high-quality, grain-free dry or wet food with at least 70 percent meat several times a day. Look for grain-free products without additives such as colorings, fragrances, flavors or sugar.
Since your furry friend’s energy needs change over the course of its life, it is advisable to take aspects such as age and agility into account when buying food. Special food for kittens, adult cats and seniors as well as for indoor cats and outdoor cats will help you put together the right menu for the primitive Scandinavian.

How do I keep a Norwegian Forest Cat?

When cat lovers hear the name Norwegian Forest Cat, they quickly conjure up images of the untouched wilderness of Scandinavia. It is easy to think that these big furry friends need dense forests and plenty of space to feel at home. Like other cats, Norwegians love to go outside, but they live happily and contentedly as pure house cats, provided their loved ones are with them. Daily play and cuddle hours with you and/or other cats are more important to the Norwegian Forest Cat than forays into the surrounding area.
Important: This breed of cat likes to climb a lot. Create different scratching and climbing opportunities for it so that it can live out this natural behavior. Take the size and weight of the animals into account and anchor the climbing furniture securely to the floor and/or ceiling. Furthermore, these giants require more space than smaller European Shorthairs and the like. So think in advance about whether you can give this agile Scandinavian beauty enough freedom of movement within your four walls.

Additional exercise for Norwegian Forest Cats

Norwegian Forest Cats have a great need for exercise, so daily outdoor exercise is ideal for the cat. If this is not an option, for example because you live on a busy road, a secured area in the garden is a good option instead, so that your furry friend can take walks in the fresh air. The following options are available to you:

• The simplest and cheapest solution is cat-safe balconies and terraces.
• Outdoor enclosures in a part of the garden offer the furry friends plenty of freedom of movement and are a cost-effective alternative to a completely secured garden plot.
• A professional cat fence around your property allows you to spend relaxing hours outdoors with your Norwegian cat.

For additional space on the terrace or balcony, a net that you attach to posts and fix to the ground is often enough. The mesh of the net should be about four centimeters wide.
With a little skill, outdoor enclosures can be built yourself from squared timbers, angles and wire mesh. It is nice if there is a tree inside the enclosure that the cat can use to climb. Otherwise, a climbing area made of tree trunks anchored in the ground with ropes, platforms and crossbeams is suitable as an adventure playground for the animals. Make sure that the climbing option is far enough away from the enclosure fence, otherwise your agile Norwegian will jump over the barrier from there.
A cat fence is particularly high at 2.50 meters and bends inwards at the top. This overhanging part is usually made of plexiglass. Since their paws cannot find any grip on the slippery material, the cat fence forms an insurmountable barrier for your Norwegian Forest Cat. The disadvantage: a professional cat fence with its concrete foundation and its height is relatively expensive.

What is the difference between Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat?

North American Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat look quite similar at first glance:

• Both forest cat breeds have a thick, long coat that provides optimal protection against wet and cold.
• They are among the largest representatives of their species, are agile, enjoy climbing and are active.
• Both large domestic cat breeds bond closely with humans and specifically seek out their company and closeness.

If you take a close look at both breeds, you will quickly notice some differences. The following characteristics are striking when comparing them directly:

• The Scandinavian house cats show a more even profile.
• The ears of the Norwegian are long and pointed, those of the Maine Coon are large and wide.
• The American’s head is more angular and has a long, broad snout.