Norwegian Forest Cat Breed (Felis catus) Description and Care Guide

October 25, 2023 Agric4Profits

The Norwegian Forest cat (Felis catus) has evolved to withstand the harsh climate of Norway. Its predecessors may have included longhaired cats brought to Norway by Crusaders in the 14th century as well as black and white British shorthair cats that were cold-adapted and arrived in Norway from Britain sometime after 1000 AD.

These cats might have crossed with feral and agricultural animals to reproduce, eventually developing into the contemporary Norwegian Forest breed. Longhaired cats from Russia and Turkey, the Siberian and Turkish Angora, are other potential forebears of the breed.

According to Norse mythology, the skogkatt is a “mountain-dwelling fairy cat with the ability to traverse precipitous rock slopes that normal cats could not handle.” Because the Norwegian Forest cat is a skilled climber, author Claire Bessant believes that the skogkatt folktale may be about the ancestor of the modern Norwegian Forest breed.

Norse skogkatt is a term used by some breeders and fancier organizations to describe the modern breed.

On Viking ships, the ancestors of the Norwegian Forest cat most likely served as ship’s cats (mousers). The original landrace lived for many ages in Norway’s woodlands. They were later prized for their hunting skills and used on Norwegian farms until early 20th-century cat enthusiasts found them.

King Olav V designated them as Norway’s official cat in the 1950s. The cat didn’t leave Norway until the 1970s, thus until Carl-Fredrik Nordane, a Norwegian cat enthusiast, became aware of the breed and made attempts to register it, it wasn’t recognized as a breed in the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe), the pan-European federation of cat registries.

By the 1970s, the breed had been recognized in Europe, and by the American Cat Fanciers Association in 1994. The Norwegian Cat Club of Britain accepted them as a breed in the United Kingdom in 1989, and they were acknowledged as a legitimate breed in Sweden in 1978.

In Sweden and Norway, the Norwegian Forest breed is extremely well-liked. There are between 400 to 500 births each year in France, where it has ranked as the fifth most popular cat breed since 2003.

A breed of domestic cat that evolved in Northern Europe is the Norwegian Forest cat, sometimes referred to as the Norsk Skogskatt or Norsk Skaukatt. This natural breed is suited to an exceptionally cold region thanks to its long, glossy, water-shedding top coat and woolly undercoat for insulation.

It is a large, powerful cat that resembles the Maine Coon breed. It has long legs, a bushy tail, and a powerful body. It has robust claws that make climbing quite easy. 14 to 16 years are considered to be the typical lifespan. The breed has a history of kidney and heart problems.

The Norwegian Forest cat is bigger than the typical cat and has a powerful build. Adult females weigh between 3.6 and 8 kg (8 and 18 pounds), whereas adult males weigh between 4.5 and 9 kg (10–20 lbs).

The breed features long legs, a bushy tail, and a long, strong torso. The coat is made up of a woolly undercoat that is thickest in the legs, chest, and head and is long, thick, glossy, and water-repellent on top.

There is a ruff of the undercoat. Breeds typically have a straight profile. In order to survive in the harsh Scandinavian climate, cats developed a coat that is water-resistant and has a rich undercoat.

The head is long and roughly equilateral triangle-shaped, with a prominent chin and a medium-length muzzle; a square or round head is viewed as a fault. The almond-shaped, oblique eyes can be any color and have any shape.

Like the ears of a lynx, the ears are large, wide at the base, and high set. They have a tufted top, are positioned in the extension of the triangle formed by the head, and end in a tuft of hair.

The classic, sepia, and mink categories accept coats of all hues and divisions. The cats can climb even rocks since they have claws that are quite strong.

Although the breed may easily adapt to life indoors, Norwegian cats that spend the majority of their time outside develop into swift and skilled hunters. Typically, cats live between 14 to 16 years. They eat more than the bulk of domestic breeds since they are tall and have substantial bones.

They are considerate and intelligent, and they get along well with others. The Norwegian Forest cat is very energized. They are gregarious, energetic cats who love to play with their family and hang out with them. The enthusiasts of these cats have remarked that they make a variety of high-pitched “chirping” vocalizations.

The Norwegian Forest is a larger-than-average cat that is graceful and powerful, with a sturdy body and a gorgeous semi-long coat. The Norwegian Forest is a powerful and sturdy dog with a tall, triangular head, high-set, tufted ears, long legs, and a magnificent bushy tail.

The body fur of coats sheds out to a shorter length in the summer, making them semi-long coats. The winter coat has a thick collar ruff, a shirtfront, and puffy pants around the back legs.

When no one is home, a Norwegian Forest cat, also known as a “Wegie,” is content to amuse itself. When someone is home, however, they are equally content to curl up next to them.

They can be reticent around guests and aren’t really lap cats (often because they can be prone to overheating), but they do appreciate cuddling up to their owners and receiving physical affection.

The Norwegian Forest cat can be a wonderful pet for a calm and tolerant family. They take a while to grow, and they can be quiet and reclusive, so they might not be the best choice for a home with a very loud family or a lot of visitors, but they are generally a decent fit.

Norwegian Forest Cat Breed (Felis catus) Grooming and Care Guide

Norwegian Forest Cat Breed (Felis catus) Description and Care Guide — Norwegian Forest Cat Breed

Norwegian Forest cats were not made by humans. Since they are a natural breed, the cats’ current characteristics are the result of natural selection.

For protection against the severe northern cold, Norwegian forests have particularly dense fur.

To prevent heat loss, these felines’ elaborately ornamented ears are positioned low on the skull. Additionally, their paws are completely tufted to shield their feet from the chilly ground.

Anyone adopting a Norwegian Forest cat must wonder how much brushing these cats require to prevent their long hair from being tangled beyond repair because there is so much hair everywhere.

1. Brushing your Norwegian Forest cat will benefit it

Despite having lengthy hair, Wegies rarely mat or tangle, so you won’t have to spend much time combing them.

A thorough brushing once a week is more than enough to keep your cat’s fur detangled and gorgeous-looking. The best tools for grooming a Norwegian Forest cat are a metal comb and a wire bristle brush.

2. Bathing your cat

Unless they become dirty, you don’t need to frequently bathe your Norwegian Forest cat (which they might if you let them play outside).

Wegies’ coats are water-resistant, so getting them thoroughly soaked may be difficult. Choosing a professional groomer may be a wise decision. The good news is that these felines are known to adore water, just like their Siberian and Bengal cousins, so bathing should be enjoyable for them.

3. Cleaning the teeth of your Norwegian Forest cat

You must brush the teeth of your Norwegian Forest as frequently as you can. Maintaining healthy teeth through good oral hygiene will greatly improve your cat’s overall health.

If you skip this step, your cat may quit eating, especially if you feed them dry food, as the plaque buildup on their teeth can result in painful gum inflammation.

Their teeth may get infected as a result of inflammation, which has the potential to spread to the bloodstream and the rest of the body. Resorption of the teeth would then be the least of the issues.

You should regularly brush the teeth of your Norwegian Forest cat to avoid issues. It is ideal to begin this routine when the child is still a young child so that they can get acclimated to the feeling.

Purchase a cat-specific brush and cat- and dog-specific toothpaste because human toothpaste can be harmful to your feline pet.

4. You need to file your Norwegian nails

Your Norwegian Forest cat needs a strong, substantial scratching post to keep their nails clipped. Because they have access to scratching posts, most cats don’t require nail trimming, but if your Wegie doesn’t use his claws frequently, you might.

When using cat nail clippers, be sure to only cut the white tip of the claw. If your cat’s nails aren’t colored, it will be easy to avoid the pink area. To avoid damage, take your pet to the groomer if it has dark claws.

Select cat toys for your Norwegian Forest cat that the whole family can enjoy playing with. With the help of soft, shimmery toys like the Shimmer Glimmer, all cats may enjoy themselves to the fullest. The wands allow you to switch out the toys to keep your Wegie entertained.

The Wegie cat breed requires regular physical activity as well as plenty of mental stimulation from engaging in play and interacting with people. To encourage their cats to play, cat parents can utilize cat toys like the Mousr or Cat Dancer. Your cat will be inspired to play by this.

The proper amount of food should be given to your kitties. When cats are overfed, their digestive systems are overworked and become obese. Numerous other health issues can develop while underfeeding. For guidance on how much to feed your Norwegian Forest cat, ask your veterinarian if you are unsure.

A good diet is required for the Norwegian Forest cat breed. With that said, a high-quality diet that is suitable for the cat’s particular stage of life is required. The most important component must be protein.

Considering that it encourages healthier gums and teeth, dry cat food is a common option. However, because it gives cats extra moisture, wet food is strongly advised by vets.

Cats don’t drink a lot of water, thus they occasionally become dehydrated. Additionally beneficial is wet cat food. Parents of cats can rest easy knowing that their cats are receiving a well-balanced diet by selecting a well-known name-brand cat food that has both scientific support and quality control.

Good nutritional support can be obtained from recipes with digestive support, hairball control management, a balanced formula, and all-natural substances. They are created with unique fibers that stop hairballs.

Norwegian forest cat for sale: The largest pet classifieds website in the UK, Pets4Homes, allows you to buy and sell kittens and cats nearby. You can find your Norwegian Forest kittens and cats there.

www.pet4homes.co.uk

Norwegian forest cat price: The average cost of a Norwegian Forest cat is between $800 and $1,500. A champion breeding line Norwegian Forest cat, however, can cost between $1,500 and $4,000. Aside from ancestry, other elements that determine the price of a Norwegian Forest kitten include age, coat color, and the reputation of the breeder.

Given their substantial physique, Norwegian forest kittens are surprisingly athletic, muscular, and active. They need strong muscles because they like to climb and jump, and a good, balanced diet will provide them that.

To help them develop muscular tone and grow to their full size, they also require a lot of physical activity. Ensure your Wegie kitten has a stimulating environment where they can jump and run around safely. Also, make sure they have a ton of interactive toys and play with them every day.

Kittens from the Norwegian Forest are very active. They have a lot of energy, and while they are affectionate and enjoy curling up next to you to sleep, they actually prefer playing and engaging in physical activity.

Raising a Wegie kitten demands a lot of attention and patience because they typically have high activity levels that indicate a tendency for mischief.

Although taking care of a small Wegie shouldn’t be difficult, kittens require significantly more care and attention than adult cats do. Create a schedule for your cats since they learn best when they are young and what they learn as kittens will stay with them forever.

Taking care of your tiny Norwegian requires:

▪ Frequent trips to the vet

▪ Necessary apparatus

▪ Routine grooming

▪ Playtime

▪ A diet that is balanced

If you are thinking about adopting a Norwegian forest cat kitten, you’ll be glad to know that these kittens have a charming disposition to go along with their attractive looks. It’s understandable why they are such a well-liked breed because they are both endearing and gorgeous.

Before bringing a small Wegie home, educate yourself on what they are like as companions and how to take care of them to keep your kitten happy and healthy.

Norwegian forest cat kittens mature slowly but grow quickly. When you bring a little kitten home, you should carefully observe their:

▪ Weight

▪ Development milestones

▪ Skeletal growth

▪ Muscle development

Most kittens of Norwegian Forest cats acquire 500 to 750 grams per month. Although it is a useful guide, you shouldn’t be upset if your cat grows more slowly. As long as their activity levels are regular, their appetite is healthy, and you can’t feel their bones through their soft fur, you don’t need to be concerned.

Norwegian forest cat kittens grow the most before the age of two, though they don’t fully mature until they’re four or five. Don’t overfeed them in an effort to accelerate their growth. Later in adulthood, it may result in obesity and other health problems.

Males in Norway should weigh between 5.5 and 7.2 kg at maturity, while females typically weigh between 4 and 5.5 kg.