Norwegian Forest Cat

Life expectancy: May live up to 15 years
Origin: Estimated origin from Ethiopia.
Colors: Majorly, coats are colored in brown and black, reddish, cinnamon, lilac, fawn, etc.
Height: Female: 23-28 cm, Male: 23-30 cm
Temperament: Playful, Gentle, Cheerful, Sensitive, Feisty, and Affectionate
Weight: 3-5 kg, Male – 3-5 kg

About Norwegian Forest Cat

It is often difficult to comprehend that cats can be people-pleasers too. Yes, that’s right! The Norwegian Forest Cats are the jokers of the cat family. They love to perform unusual acrobatic stunts to please you.

From leaping onto your shelves and jumping from the top of the bedroom cupboards, they’re up for it all. Norwegian Forest Cats are curious by nature. They love to explore and carry a great sense of humor.

These cats have a playful nature and are wild. Having them around is never dull.

More About This Breedx

Different Colours

Characteristics

The mid-sized cats are otherwise built and have strong muscles. Their bone structure makes them look powerful and broad-chested.
Because of their heavy muscles, their necks are short, and their ears are in the form of an equilateral triangle.
Furthermore, their nose is straight, and their forehead is flat. With a firm chin and a round profile, these cats are worth the cuddle that they ask for.
Their large and almond-shaped eyes are very well visible and are very expressive. Their eye color generally varies from green, golden-green, or gold.
Furthermore, the cats with white coats may have blue eyes, and their fur is much thicker. This same color of their fur makes them a “looker” of the family.
Another attractive characteristic that the cats have is that their front legs are shorter than their hind legs. Their thighs are heavily muscled, and the lower legs are comparatively sleek.
They have a long and bushy tail that is broad at the base. The tail is usually long and has guard hairs. Their coats are complete during the winter than in the summers.

History

The Norwegian Forest cat was initially called the Skogkatt. They were the natural breeds or the pure breeds despite the feral appearance that they have. The Norwegian cats are believed to have arrived from Europe. Contrary to common belief, these cats are not the descendants of any wild cat.

Because of the various continental gallivanting, these cats are good at withstanding different weather conditions. They can survive in extreme conditions.

Personality

These Norwegian Forest Cats are born athletes. Their love to investigate everything makes them the most adorable breed. They are very playful throughout their life span.
If you have lofts, bookcases, and cupboards, then be ready to find them jumping on those. They have a very high spirit and love their families.
The Norwegian Forest Cats love human companionship and are very friendly. They also love cuddling. They would rather cuddle than prowl in the house.
Because of the high-quality coat, these cats can withstand extreme temperatures. This quality has everything to do with their Norwegian origin.
They love to purr and are silent cats. They would rather spend some quality time alone and relax alongside their favorite human.
They do not just bond with one person. They’re people’s cats. They like to dwell amongst people, which is quite a polar opposite trait of this breed than other breeds of cats.

Common Health Problems

The Norwegian Forest Cats are one of the healthiest breeds of cats. They are otherwise not known for any diseases.

However, the minor Illness that surrounds them sometimes primarily arises due to genetic disorders.

Some of such common diseases inherited by these cats are

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary issue of the hip socket.
Glycogen storage disease type IV
Polycystic kidney disease
Retinal dysplasia
Obesity

Diet

Since these cats do not reach an age of maturity until they’re five years old, they will need very nutritious meals. You can cook healthy food for them and then switch to adult cat food later.

Their diet has to be on continued vigilance. Otherwise, they might just binge on food.

Coat Color and Grooming

The shade of their cots varies in different colors. These cats have semi-long coats that are water-resistant. They generally have double coats that turn dense during winters.

Their fluffed coats help them to stay warm during winters. Their coats grow fast and are easy to maintain.

Grooming them usually involves the standard list of chores such as trimming their nails weekly, checking their ears. Wipe the ears with a cotton ball once in a while. Use an ear cleanser if you have to.

It is vital to brush their teeth; otherwise, it can attract some potential diseases. Start all these grooming from an early age to make them acquainted with the routine.

Exercise

Since they’re very athletic, keeping them busy with some exercise is very necessary. It is vital to keep them engaged so that their energy is not directed towards any destructive behavior.

It is necessary to keep them at the go otherwise there is a potential threat to their health because of obesity.

Norwegian Forest Cat