The Norwegian Forest is a domesticated cat breed from Northern Europe. This breed adapts well to cold climates.
The most distinctive characteristic is her long, thick coat and large size. This feline is similar to The Maine Coon breed with long legs and a sturdy body.
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Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Information
Country of Origin: Norway
Coat: Long, dense, smooth
Size: Big
Male: 10-20 lbs (4.5-9 kg)
Female: 8-18 lbs (3.6-8 kg)
The tendency to shed: Shed heavily a couple of times per year
Grooming needs: During this period, they need regular brushing to remove loose hair.
Cat Colors: White, black, red, cream and silver, and various patterns and shadings.
Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
Breed Characteristics
- Friendly to other pets
- Friendly to children
- Docile
- Intelligent
- Affectionate toward its owners
About Norwegian Forest cat breed
The Norwegian Forest is a gentle cat. They are large and athletic, so they like to climb and jump. This breed is devoted to their family but doesn’t like strange visitors.
Temperament
They are friendly, intelligent and have a lot of energy.
Norwegian Forest Cats enjoy being part of the family, they don’t demand constant attention and will happily entertain themselves while alone.
This feline get along with other dogs and cats, as well as mild-mannered children.
Health Issues
There are some conditions you should be aware of:
- Kidney and heart diseases
- Retinal dysplasia
- Patella luxation
- Hip dysplasia
Grooming
This breed sheds heavily a couple of times per year. During this time, they need regular brushing to remove the loose hair.
During non-shedding periods, they need one or two brushes a week to prevent tangles.
This cat breed has a waterproof coat, so baths are rarely necessary.
Diet
Norwegian Forest Cats don’t mature until they reach five years of age.
The kittens will transition to adult food before they reach this age.
Kittens need nutrients for proper growth.
Curious Facts about American Norwegian Forest Cat
- The ancestors of the Norwegian Forest cat served as mousers on Viking ships.
- Skogkatts is the nickname of the Norwegian Forest cat in Norway, which translates to forest cat.
- Another nickname for this cat is Wegie.
- King Olaf V designated the breed the official cat of Norway.
- A Norway fairy tale tells that six giant cats pulled the Norse goddess Freya’s chariot.
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