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Norwegian Forest cat

Appearance

Gallery

Origin

Temperament

Appearance

Gallery

Origin

Temperament

Home

Norwegian Forest cat

Appearance

Gallery

Origin

Temperament

Appearance

Gallery

Origin

Temperament

Norwegian Forest cat

Other names: Skogkatt

The Norwegian Forest cat is a breed of domestic cat native to Norway. This large cat is adapted to a very cold climate with its thick, long hair and wild appearance. It is believed that the breed's ancestors may have been a landrace breed of short-haired cats brought to Norway around A.D. 1000 by the Vikings. The Vikings may have also introduced long-haired cats, similar to those ancestral to the modern Siberian and Turkish Angora breeds. The Norwegian Forest cat is a popular breed in Scandinavian countries, as well as in France and the United Kingdom, where it ranks among the top ten most represented breeds.

Male

Female

length

30-46

11.8-18.1

cminch

cm inch

hight

23-30

9.1-11.8

cminch

cm inch

weight

4.5-9

9.9-19.8

kglbs

kg lbs

weight

3.5-8

7.7-17.6

kglbs

kg lbs

life span

14-16 years

Size

Large

Country of Origin:

Norway

Fur Length:

Long

Breed origin:

Natural

Recognized by: 8 registers

ACFA

CCCOFA

CCA-AFC

ACA

GCCF

LOOF

TSACC

CFSA

ACF

FIFE

WCF

NZCF

TICA

CFA

Appearance

The Norwegian Forest cat is a powerful, large, and solidly built breed. They have moderately high legs with strong musculature and large, round paws with tufts of hair between the toes. Due to their very strong claws, they are excellent climbers and can scale rocks. The tail is long, bushy, and carried erect, with the ability to touch the neck. Their ears are large and broad at the base and may have tufts of hair similar to those of a lynx. The almond-shaped eyes can come in various colors. The coat of the Norwegian Forest cat is long, thick, glossy, and water-repellent, consisting of a top layer and a woolly undercoat that is thickest at the legs, chest, and head. This breed can have a variety of coat colors, but not chocolate, lilac, fawn, or cinnamon.

Coat type

Fur colour

Body type

Ears

Eyes shape

Fur length

Fur type

Head shape

Tail

Coat type

Fur colour

Body type

Ears

Eyes shape

Fur length

Fur type

Head shape

Tail

Gallery

View 17 more photos

Gallery

View 17 more photos

Origin

The origin of the Norwegian Forest cat is not definitively known, but it is speculated that the breed may have descended from cold-adapted black and white British Shorthair cats brought to Norway by the Vikings after 1000 AD, as well as longhaired cats introduced by Crusaders in the 14th century. These cats likely interbred with local farm and feral cats, eventually evolving into the distinct Norwegian Forest breed. Additionally, ancestors of the breed could include the Siberian and Turkish Angora cats from Russia and Turkey, respectively. In Norse mythology, the Norwegian Forest cat is referenced as a skogkatt, described as a mountain-dwelling fairy cat with exceptional climbing abilities. This folklore further adds to the mystique surrounding the breed. The name "skogkatt" is still used by some breeders and organizations to refer to the modern Norwegian Forest cat. The Norwegian Forest Cat Club, established in Oslo in 1938, was the first organization dedicated to the breed. King Olav V of Norway officially declared them the national cat in the 1950s. By the 1970s, the breed was registered in Europe and later in the American Cat Fanciers Association in 1994. Sweden recognized the Norwegian Forest cat as an official breed in 1978, and the United Kingdom followed suit in 1989 through the Norwegian Cat Club of Britain. The Norwegian Forest cat has since gained popularity and recognition worldwide.

Parent animals

African Wildcat

Breed origin

Natural

Origin countries

Norway

Temperament

Norwegian Forest cats are known for their gentle and good-natured temperament. They are considered easy-going and playful, often forming close bonds with their owners. These cats are usually sociable and can get along well with other cats in their territory or apartment. They are also well-suited for families with children. Norwegian Forest cats are friendly, intelligent, and have plenty of energy. They communicate through a range of high-pitched 'chirping' vocalizations. While they can live indoors, they enjoy spending time outside. Norwegian Forest cats that have outdoor access often display impressive hunting skills.

Behavior:

Friendly toward other pets

Friendly toward humans

Activity Level:

Active

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences

Reproduction

Grooming

Common health issues

Diet preferences

Reproduction

Grooming

Common health issues

Norwegian Forest cats do not have specific dietary requirements, making them easy to feed with either dry or wet high-quality cat food that is protein-rich. Ensuring they have constant access to fresh, clean water is vital for their overall well-being. Due to their susceptibility to hip dysplasia, it is beneficial to incorporate supplements like glucosamine or opt for food containing omega fatty acids to promote optimal bone health and strength.

Kittens of this breed are typically born strong and healthy. The adult coat first appears at the age of 3 to 5 months. The Norwegian Forest cat is a slow-growing breed and reaches full development at about 5 years of age.

Despite having a dense double coat, the maintenance of the Norwegian Forest cat doesn't take too much time. Brushing once a week is enough to prevent matting and keep its coat smooth. Make sure to regularly trim your cat's nails and provide a scratching post to help it keep its claws in shape. Teeth brushing is also very important because it helps prevent the risk of dental disease.

Shedding

Frequent

Grooming intencity

Requires lots of grooming

Before adopting a Norwegian Forest cat, potential owners should be aware of certain health conditions that the breed is prone to. One of the main concerns is glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV), a hereditary disease that can be fatal. This disorder can lead to perinatal hypoglycemic collapse and late-juvenile-onset neuromuscular degeneration. While rare, GSD IV can be life-threatening for affected cats. Additionally, Norwegian Forest cats may also be at risk for hip dysplasia, a partially hereditary condition that affects the hip joint. It is important for owners to be informed about these health issues and be prepared to provide appropriate care and monitoring for their cat if needed.