The Norwegian Forest Cat (in Norwegian: Norsk Skogkatt) is also sometimes referred to simply as Norwegian. It is characterized by its semi-long, bushy fur and is one of the largest and heaviest cat breeds.
Despite her high urge to move, she is considered to be extremely affectionate and cuddly and has long been very popular with cat owners in Germany.
Key facts at a glance:
- Name: Norwegian Forest Cat, Norwegian
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: Norway
- Size: shoulder height 40 to 45 cm
- Weight: cats 3.5 to 7 kg/ tomcats 5 to 9.5 kg
- Fur: medium length, with a dense undercoat and water-repellent
- Outer hair, in almost all colors
- Character: intelligent, sociable, playful, gentle and good-natured
Origin and History of the Norwegian Forest Cat
The exact origins of this breed are not known. It is possible that several centuries ago, seafarers brought back Persian cats from their voyages, which then interbred with local domestic cats. This happened for centuries without the influence of humans.
Targeted breeding of today’s Norwegian Forest cat first began in the 1930s, with breeding programs temporarily halted by World War II.
This only changed again in the 1970s. The Norwegian Forest Cat has been recognized as a separate breed by the FIFe since 1977. Today, Norwegians are common as domestic cats throughout Europe.
Description of the Norwegian Forest Cat
The life expectancy of the Norwegian Forest Cat is usually between 12 and 15 years. She is one of the largest house cats ever. Female Norwegian Forest cats can weigh up to 7 kg, while males can even weigh up to 9.5 kg.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a strong, robust and muscular physique. The high-legged four-legged friends have an elongated body and, according to the breed standard, should have longer hind legs than front legs.
Norwegians have a triangular face with a long, straight profile with no stops, and a strong chin and long whiskers. Their high-set ears have dense tufts of fur on the inside and some have hair brushes on their tips that are reminiscent of a lynx.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a half-length, double-layered coat. It consists of a dense undercoat and water-repellent top coat and forms a clearly pronounced ruff. Their tail is bushy and their large paws have distinctive tufts of hair between the pads.
Especially in Norwegians who have not been neutered, there are clear differences between the density of the summer and winter coats. In their castrated conspecifics, however, these are not so pronounced.
There are almost no restrictions on the coloring of the fur. According to the breed standard, only cinnamon, fawn, lilac, chocolate and pointed markings are not allowed.
Nature of the Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian Forest cats are known to be gentle, playful, and good-natured. They are also very sociable, which is why they usually get along well with other dogs.
In addition, Norwegians are intelligent animals who are willing to learn and who are quite capable of opening doors. With appropriate attention, Norwegian Forest Cats develop a very close bond with their owner and prove to be loyal roommates.
Norwegian forest cat attitude
Norwegian Forest Cats like to have company. This breed is therefore only conditionally recommended for single keeping. Prospective cat owners should also consider that the large four-legged friends need a lot of space. Climbing possibilities in the house should be sufficiently stable due to size and weight.
Norwegians feel particularly at ease as outdoor cats. However, keeping them indoors is definitely possible. However, it is important that the docile animals are sufficiently busy in order to be challenged and utilized.
Grooming of Norwegian Forest cats is quite time-consuming and should be an integral part of the daily routine, at least during the moulting period. In the case of outdoor cats, it is also advisable to regularly check the dense fur for ticks during the warm season.
Norwegian Forest Cat Diseases
Due to the initially lack of breeding efforts by humans, the Norwegian Forest Cat was able to develop largely on its own. The breed is therefore considered to be extremely robust and healthy. However, there is a genetic predisposition to some diseases.
Due to their genetic makeup, Norwegian Forest Cats can be prone to the following diseases:
- Deafness: all-white animals are more prone to deafness than average. In Germany, however, pure white Norwegian Forest cats are not allowed anyway.
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency: this disease is potentially fatal. It causes anemia in affected animals.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: thickening of the left heart muscle causes cardiac insufficiency and cardiac arrhythmias up to fatal heart failure.
Norwegian forest cats are true climbers
Norwegian forest cats have enormous jumping power and can jump down from great heights without any problems. They are also excellent climbers who feel very comfortable in trees.
Some even claim that Norwegians can climb down tree trunks head first. However, this is not anatomically possible simply because of the backwards curved claws. Nonetheless, observing a Norwegian Forest Cat climbing can quickly give the impression that it is capable of it.