Norwegian Forest

Norwegian+Forest

Norwegian Forest Cat Breed

Appearance:

  • The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large and sturdy breed with a robust and muscular body.
  • They have a dense double coat that consists of a water-resistant outer layer and a thick, insulating undercoat.
  • Norwegian Forest Cats have a variety of coat colors and patterns, including tabby, solid, tortoiseshell, and more.
  • They have a triangular-shaped head with high cheekbones, large almond-shaped eyes, and tufted ears.
  • One of their distinguishing features is their long, bushy tail, which helps them maintain balance in their natural environment.

Temperament:

  • Norwegian Forest Cats are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They are often described as being calm and sociable.
  • They are generally intelligent and curious cats, always exploring their surroundings and enjoying interactive play sessions.
  • Norwegian Forest Cats have a strong hunting instinct and may enjoy activities like climbing and chasing toys.
  • They are typically good with children and other pets, making them suitable for families or multi-pet households.

Care and Health:

  • The Norwegian Forest Cat's long and dense coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep it in good condition. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
  • They are generally a healthy breed, but like any cat, they may be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor their overall well-being.
  • Providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental stimulation through playtime and interactive toys are essential for maintaining the health and happiness of Norwegian Forest Cats.

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a majestic and friendly breed known for its striking appearance and gentle temperament. Their thick coat and outdoor origins make them well-suited for colder climates. Their loving and sociable nature make them wonderful companions for individuals and families seeking a loyal and affectionate feline friend.

History

The Norwegian forest cat is native to Norway and has a history that goes back hundreds and maybe thousands of years. He plays a role in fairy tales and legends, one of which is that the Nordic goddess Freya's carriage is pulled by six giant cats. Where or how the cats came to be is still a mystery. They may be descendants of long-haired cats from Turkey, brought from Byzantium by Scandinavian warriors who served the Byzantine Empire, or they may be related to the Siberian cat from Russia. They could have been the prey of the Vikings or simply the result of natural selection: short-haired cats whose adaptation to the harsh, almost arctic climate gave offspring with a woolly undercoat and long outer coat that secreted water without problems.

For centuries, forest cat - a Norwegian word translated as "forest cat" - survived from its senses or offered its services as digestion to farmers and housewives in exchange for protection in barns, stables or houses. In 1938, the cats were shown at an exhibition in Oslo, but World War II interrupted all plans to develop them as a breed. Fortunately, they barely survived the war, but there were still some tough decades left and little was done with them until the 1970s. In 1977, they were finally registered as a breed with the European Federation Internationale Feline. Two years later, a pair of NFCs were exported to the United States for the first time. Since then, the breed has become popular in Europe and the United States.

Size

They are big cats. Men can weigh 13 to 22 pounds or more, while women are slightly smaller. The road matures slowly and does not mature until it is 5 years old.

Personality

The gentle and friendly Norwegian forest cat - in short Wegie - loves family members, but does not require constant attention and petting. He is happy to be in the same room with people and will chat when no one is home. Although he values human business, he can be a little wary of visitors. He is not a big lap cat even with the family, but a nice scratch between the ears or under the chin is always welcome, and he usually returns with a nice rub on the head or cheek. He communicates with classic Scandinavian restraint. His low voice is used only when he needs something - perhaps in time for dinner - and rises only when he is ignored.

Not surprisingly, this tall and athletic cat is a climber. You can often find him at the highest point he can reach in the house and, unlike some cats, he has no qualms about descending trees or other heights up and down. Thanks to the wilderness and the origin of the domestic cat, not to mention the waterproof fur, Wegie does not like to fish in a water source for a good meal. Aquarium and koi pond residents watch out! Although he loves nature, he is content to live quietly in a house.

This is an intelligent, independent cat who is quick to learn and has an alert attitude. He likes to play and enjoys a busy family that loves him.

Health

Both pedigree and mixed breed cats have different frequencies of health problems that can be genetic. Norwegian forest cats are generally healthy and have a long lifespan of 14 to 16 years. The following diseases have been observed in the breed:

  • Glycogen storage disease IV, a rare inherited disease that affects glucose metabolism. Most kittens with the disease are stillborn or die within a few hours of birth, but sometimes a kitten does not show signs until about 5 months of age and usually dies within a few months. There is a DNA test that can identify affected and carrying cats.
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease that is inherited in certain cat breeds such as the Maine Coon. Heredity has not been proven in the Norwegian forest tax.
  • Polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder that gradually destroys the kidneys. A DNA test for the disease is not available for Norwegian forest cats, but ultrasound can detect the disease as early as 10 months of age.
  • Retinal dysplasia, an eye defect that causes spots on the retina but does not impair the cat's vision.

Care

Brush or comb the long hair of the Norwegian forest cat once or twice a week with a brush, wire brush or comb in stainless steel. If you encounter tangles, handle them carefully so as not to injure the cat. A bath is seldom necessary, and that is good. With Wegie's virtually waterproof coat, it can be very difficult to get him wet enough for a bath.

Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Wipe the eyes every day with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so that you do not risk spreading an infection. Check the ears every week. If they look dirty, wipe them with a cotton ball or a soft, damp cloth dampened with a 50-50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the inside of the ear.

Keep the litter box completely clean. Like all cats, Wegies is very careful about bathroom hygiene. A clean litter box also helps keep the coat clean.

It is really built to withstand cold climates, but it is a good idea to keep a Norwegian forest cat intended as an indoor cat to protect it from diseases transmitted by other cats, attacks from dogs or coyotes, and the rest of the world Dangers cats are exposed for when they go outside, for example, hit by a car. Wegies that go outside also risk being stolen by someone who wants such an unusual cat without paying for it. If possible, build a large outdoor enclosure for your Wegie where he can safely enjoy the elements.

Fur color and grooming

The Norwegian forest cat is characterized by its long, thick, beautiful fur and its large size. The head has an inverted triangle shape which is directed towards the chin and then widens upwards on each side to the medium to large ears which are strongly tufted. Large, almond-shaped eyes are green, gold or copper in color, although white cats may have blue or strange eyes (one blue eye and one eye with a different color). The moderately long body looks powerful with its wide chest and heavily muscular thighs. Large round paws have fur between the toes. The bushy tail is as long as the body.

The weather-resistant double coat varies in length. "Bib" begins with a short collar at the neck, "sheep chops" on the side and a whole frill. Whole pants - long hair on the thighs - cover the hind legs. The coat on the body is long and flowing, but it changes with the seasons. A Wegie in the summer looks relatively naked compared to its full winter glory. The coat is available in almost all colors and patterns, with or without white, with the exception of chocolate, lavender or purple or a pointed pattern like the Siamese.

Children and other pets

The friendly, relaxed Norwegian forest cat is the perfect choice for families with children and cat-friendly dogs. He loves the attention he gets from children who treat him politely and respectfully, and he does not mind dressing up or taking the pram.

Thanks to his lovely nature, he also likes to live with other cats and cat-friendly dogs. Introduce pets slowly and under controlled conditions to ensure that they learn to get along with each other.

Characteristics

Activity
 
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Children
 
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