Breed Details
From the land of mountain , fiord , and inhuman winters comes the Norwegian Forest Cat , a kat breed that once sailed with the Vikings .
Despite their large sizing , unwarranted appearing , and strong hunt instinct , these kat are incredibly warm and tranquil .
Though they have the same needs as other breeds ( like a arrant and balanced diet , mental stimulus , and sporty litter box seat ) , there are some strain - specific things that are helpful to recognize about the Norwegian Forest Cat before adopting one .
History and Origin
The Norwegian Forest Cat has been a distinct strain since at least the eighth C . It was probable the Caterpillar that the Vikings contribute on their sea voyages to keep mice in bridle .
Aptly named Skogkatt ( Forest cat in Norwegian ) , they live in Norway ’s countryside , land dominated by mess and deep forests . The Norwegians welcome these skilled hunters and climber on their farms and stables to control gnawer .
The Norwegian Forest Cat also figured into mythology , which was an important part of Norse living during this catamenia . One story tell apart ofFreyja , a goddess whose chariot was pull by jumbo - sized Norwegian Forest Cats .
By the 20th one C , this former warrior cat became threaten due to centuries of inbreeding , prompting a radical of cat lovers to work towards its preservation . With all eyes on World War II , however , their plans were postponed .
Cat enthusiasts started a novel , successful breeding program in the 1970s , and in 1977 , theFédération Internationale Félineassigned the Norwegian Forest Cat its prescribed realization . The stock arrived in the United States in 1979 , and in 1984The International Cat Association(TICA ) awarded it championship status . This was follow by theCat Fanciers Association(CFA ) , who accepted it for registration in 1987 and for challenger in 1993 .
While their Viking days may be over , some Norwegian Forest bozo still know in Norway ’s countryside . Mostly however , they ’ve become popular companion animals . Since 2012 , the Norwegian Forest Cat has ranked between 11 and 14 ( of 45 ) breeds on CFA ’s Top Breeds inclination , and are reportedly one of the most popular computerized axial tomography breed in Scandinavian country .
Norwegian Forest CatPhysical Characteristics
The Norwegian Forest Cat ’s forcible features talk to its successful version to hundred of dusty Scandinavian winters .
These khat are big - deboned and mesomorphic , and along with breed like theMaine CoonandPersian , they ’re typically larger than most qat . Females weigh between 8 to 15 pound and Male from 10 to 18 pounds , saysDr . Robin Downing , infirmary director at The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management in Windsor , Colorado . “ That say , a healthy Norwegian Forest Cat will not weigh at the eminent remainder of that range . ”
Their paws are large and equipped with sharp , foresightful claws , which give them their higher-ranking climbing skill . Most cats can go up up a tree , but the Norwegian Forest Cat is the only strain that can climb down oral sex first . They share this in common with wild leopard !
They have fairly of a triangular - shaped head with wide - set ears that are tufted at the peak . Their nose is longsighted , and their large , almond - shaped eyes do in green , gold , and green - amber . White and partly - lily-white Norwegian Forest Cats may have depressed eyes .
The pelage makes them look even braggy than they already are . It ’s double - coated , consisting of a average - retentive , silky , pee - resistant , thick , top coat over a blockheaded undercoat .
They come in most colors and patterns ( like calico , tortoiseshell butterfly , and tabby ) except for colorpoint , which is present in just a few stock like theSiameseandRagdoll . deterrent example of color combinations are Black , naughty Smoke , Mackerel Tabby , Patched Tabby , Silver Tabby , Red Tabby , Tortoiseshell , Calico , Cream , and Van Calico .
Because they age more tardily than other strain , it can take up to 5 years for a Norwegian Forest Catto become a full - fledged grownup cat .
Norwegian Forest CatPersonalityTraits
Do n’t let the rugged exterior and chronicle as a Viking ’s assistant fool you . Norwegian Forest Cats are known for being affectionate , calm , and laid - back . “ They like to be with people and have more of a frank - like personality versus a standoff - ish computerized axial tomography posture , ” saysDr . Susan Jeffrey , a veterinary at Truesdell Animal Care Hospital in Madison , Wisconsin .
They ’re strong - willed , main creatures , but are also content to rest on your lick , saysDr . Sasha Gibbons , an associate veterinarian at Just Cats Veterinary Hospital in Stamford , Connecticut . “ Once they have gone out on their adventures , many love to come back and nuzzle . ”
They ’re also level-headed and have unassailable hunting instincts . And though they ’re talented climbers who would n’t waffle to ascend a nearby tree , they do n’t need to live outside , says Downing . “ Appropriate environmental enrichment help them to be well - adjusted indoor cat . ” She does however , recommend building an outdoor envelopment for your Norwegian . “ This allows them to experience the rankness of auditory , olfactory , and ocular stimulus while remaining safe from vehicles and vulture . ”
They do well in a variety of house , include those with child and other animals . “ If they are bring up with other pets ( including dogs ) they can be quite contented with an lengthened fur family , but like any cats , some Norse Forest Caterpillar prefer to be singleton , ” says Downing .
Norwegian Forest CatCare Guide
While the Norwegian Forest Cat is not a first-rate in high spirits sustenance stock , it can still benefit from some specific maintenance .
Diet and Nutrition
All computed axial tomography breeds , let in Norwegian Forest Cats , are carnivores . “ I think cats should eat on a combination of canned food and dry kibble from brands that [ contact AAFCO guideline ] , ” suppose Jeffrey .
TheAssociation of American Feed Control Officials(AAFCO ) is an organization that determines whether a best-loved food for thought is complete and balanced for optimal nutritional welfare . A product that cope with AAFCO guidelines will have a nutritional adequacy program line on the recording label .
As a large breed , they do require slightly more calories than the typical house Arabian tea , says Dr. Lauren Demos , chief veterinary officer ofPettable.com .
involve your veterinarian about the best diet for your cat ’s individual needs .
Exercise and Activity
While most Norse Forest CAT do n’t try constant attention , they still need environmental enrichment and exercise to preserve unspoilt health .
Norwegian Forest Cats are sound , which match with secure hunting instincts , makes them idealistic campaigner for games like fetch and cover and seek , tell Demos . Downing also advocate teaser game that allow them to “ track down ” for their food .
Grooming
Norwegian Forest qat do shed more frequently than other breeds , but because of how the top coating set over the undercoat , the pelt is less potential to entangle when compare with other tenacious - hirsute cat breed , says Gibbons . “ Weekly brushing is still recommended as a preventive measuring stick . ”
Downing recommends using a coarse , long - toothed combing in monastic order to strain down into the undercoat .
Cats are generally very clean animate being , adds Jeffrey . “ I do n’t urge bathing them unless they ’re dingy or require medicated bathing tub for dermatological conditions . ”
Norwegian Forest CatHealth Issues
In worldwide , the Norwegian Forest Cat is a healthy and hearty breed but is still at peril for several wellness issue .
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy(HCM):HCM is a reformist , irreversible heart disease found in all cat breeds , but more rife in some , including the Norwegian Forest Cat . “ The heart walls thicken , making the bedroom sizes much smaller which step in with normal circulation , ultimately leading to heart nonstarter and expiry . HCM can cause sudden death which may happen before there is any indication that the cat has a problem , ” pronounce Downing .
Cats diagnosed with HCM can be dictate medication to help cover animation anticipation , she tot up .
Hip Dysplasia : This is a deformity in the hip articulatio that leads to degenerative arthritis ( OA ) and degenerative joint disease ( DJD ) , and though it’smuch more common in dog-iron , the Norwegian Forest Cat is one cat breed that ’s susceptible , say Downing .
“ Even though the Norwegian Forest Cat is identified as at risk for rosehip dysplasia , this is an uncommon condition , ” she sum . “ Should a cat be diagnosed with articulatio coxae dysplasia , there are splendid ways to slow the progression of osteoarthritis and to manage bother that happen as a result . ”
Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV : GSD IVoccurs when an unnatural amount of glucose is salt away in the muscles , liver , and nerve cells , cause reed organ disfunction and ultimately death . It ’s been identified in the Norwegian Forest Cat ( mainly kittens ) , most of whom die soon after birth .
A genetic run that identifies carriers of GDS IV in Norwegian Forest Cats is uncommitted . If take in a kitten through a stock breeder , ask if they test for it .
Norwegian Forest Cat Lifespan
Healthy Norwegian Forest Cats canlive into their mid - adolescent , “ if they can avoid serious diseases such as cancer or HCM , ” says Downing .
Interesting Norwegian Forest CatFacts
player Chris Hemsworth once cuddle up with them in a short picture calledThe Man Who daydream Only of surfboarding .
Although comparatively new to the U.S. , they are rumored to have sailed with Viking explorer , Leif Erikson to North America in the tenth century .
The Norwegian Forest Cat is the only domesticated computerized axial tomography breed that can climb down a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree head first . This is because of its large paws and long , sharp claw .
They played a part in Norse mythology , most notably as chariot drivers for Freyja , the goddess of love life , fertility , conflict , and death .
Some masses think they ’re a direct ancestor of theMaine Coon . Though they look very much alike , there are some difference . For example , Maine Coons are larger , have shaggy-haired tails , and are flash .
In the 1970s , King Olav V designated the Norwegian Forest Cat as Norway ’s national bozo .
Norwegian Forest CatAdoption Tips
It ’s not a very vulgar strain in the U.S. and Norwegian Forest Cat Rescues are hard to locate . This does n’t mean adopting a Norwegian Forest Cat is out of the question . Here are some choice to look at .
Purebred and mixed breed cat deliverance . Examples includeSpecialty Purebred Cat Rescue , a foster meshing ground in the Midwest , andTree House Humane Society , an all - cat rescue in Chicago .
Online adoption databases . you could do a hunt by cat breed at bothPetFinderandRescueMe .
Norwegian Forest Cat Breeders
When it comes to stock breeder , it ’s all important to know who you ’re doing clientele with . alternatively of relying on random internet search , attempt to fulfill breeders in somebody or most via cat stock breeder association like CFA or TICA .
Avoid becoming a victim of an Internet cozenage . Check out sites likeBBB ’s Scam TrackerandPetscams.comto be certain you ’re manage with a legitimate stock breeder .
necessitate a lot of questions . A few to consider :
Norwegian Forest kitten are pricy , usually ranging between $ 600 and $ 1,200 dollar mark . This does n’t let in the lifetime maintenance costs like nutritious intellectual nourishment , veterinary attention , and other supplies .
Norwegian Forest CatFAQs
Before making a Norwegian Forest Cat part of your feline family , it ’s significant that you have all of the basic selective information you need about the breed . Here are answers to some of the most normally asked questions about this big and affectionate cat .
How Big Do Norwegian Forest Cats Get?
They normally weigh between 8 to 18 pound but can be larger , especially if obese .
Are Norwegian Forest Cats Hypoallergenic?
No big cat breed is truly hypoallergenic , so the Norwegian Forest Cat can still spread dander and cause allergies . There are certain cat solid food and supplements that are give voice to reduce allergens in bozo hair’s-breadth and dander .
Are Norwegian Forest Cats Vocal?
Norse Forest Cats are one of the quieter cat strain , communicate in purrs and meows , as well as chirp .
Norwegian Forest CatPictures
With their striking gullible optic and recollective , silky coats , Norwegian Forest Cats are a vision to behold . Plus , their size of it make them one of the largest cat breeds . If you ’re like us and ca n’t get enough of these majestic felid , browse our gallery of Norwegian Forest Cat pictures to get your fix .
