The Norwegian Forest Cat is a domestic cat breed. It is originated in Northern Europe. It can tolerate very cold condition. This Cat is very gentle and friendly. They are very much homebody and enjoy the company of other pets and human. It is a large, semi-long haired cat. They have a water-resistant coat which length varies from season to season.
Details on The Norwegian Forest Cat
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
History
This breed is the native cat in Norway. Thier story is about hundreds or thousands of years old. There are fairy tales that the Norse goddess Freya’s Chariot is pulled by six giant cats. They may become from Turkey or may be related to the Siberian cat from Russia. From many centuries, the ”skogkatt” which means “the forest cat” gave its service as a mouse to farmers in exchange of shelter.
In 1938 the first time a cat show was arranged in Oslo for developing them as a breed, but the second world war interrupted this plan. The Norwegian Forest Cat club helped the cat for coming back from the endangered condition. But until the 1970s they had to survive a lot. In 1977 they were finally registered as a breed and gradually become popular in Europe and U.S.A.
Appearance
The Cat is one of the largest cats. Its head is inverted triangular shape which pointed at the chin. It has medium to large ears. Ears are heavily tufted. Its eyes are almond-shaped. Eye colors are green, gold or copper. Its chest is broad and the body is muscular. Their paws are large and round. It has a bushy tail which as long as the body. Its long hair covers the hind legs.
source: Tonny Nagtegaal via flicker
Size and weight
They are a large and well-muscled cat. The weight of a male cat is about 12 to 16 pounds and the female cat is about 9 to 12 pounds. A female cat is smaller than the male cat. It matures slowly and its growth is not complete until 5 years old.
Coat Color
This breed of cat is very attractive for its beautiful coat color. It’s coat consist of long, glossy thick and woolly hair. They come in most color. Pure white does deepest coal-black is present in their coat color. Every possible color combination is possible in their coat. Some exception like chocolate, lavender etc is also found in coat color. Their coat change with the seasons. They exude extra hair that they don’t need during spring and summer. They being full in Winter to protect the harsh Winter weather.
Personality
They are very friendly and intelligent. It always appreciates the human company. But it is very much reserved with visitors. It becomes very happy to live with family members in the same room. They follow their owner around the house. It can entertain itself when no one is present at the home.
Related: 8 impressive facts of Noewegian Cats.
Norwegian Cat is a good climber. They can easily reach the top point of the home. They can learn quickly and has an alert nature. It has a quite voice. But they only develop a loud voice when they are hungry. They also raise his voice when they ignored and kept them with a dog. They have a great energy level. Norwegian cats are very friendly with the children and other pet. They love to receive attention from the children.
Children And Other Pets
This breed is the perfect family cat because they are very friendly with family members. They easily adjust to any environment and easily make friends with family members and other pets. They like children’s company and love to play with them. This cat also very adjustable with other cats and cat-friendly dogs. They want the attention of family members but never want continuous attention. Their polite voice and gentle behavior impressed anyone.
Related: An essay on the Maine Coon Cat Breed.
Health Problems
These cats have some health problems which is genetic in nature.
Glycogen Storage Disease IV: This disease affects the metabolism of glucose. With this disease most kittens are stillborn or die within few hours of birth. A DNA test is available that can identify the carrier of this disease.
Polycystic Kidney Disease: It is a genetic disease and it can destroy kidney. No DNA test is available for determining the disease.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: It is a form of heart disease but Heritability it has not found in them.
Retinal Dysplasia: This is an eye defect which create spots on the retina but it never spoil their vision.
Care
Norwegian Cat does not need extra care. The coat can be brushed once or twice a week. A bristle brush, wire slicker brush or stainless steel comb brush should be used. Bath is not necessary for them. Having a waterproof coat it is very difficult to get them wet.
Brush their teeth to protect them from periodontal disease. Weekly brushing is the better choice. The corners of the eyes should be wiped with a soft cloth. To avoid infection separate cloth should be used to clean each eye. Ears also should be checked weekly. Try to Keep them indoor for protecting them from the diseases of other cat and other wild animals attack.
Rescue Groups
Please contact with specializing rescue groups if you find a shelterless Norwegian Forest Cat. Also, contact them if you are interested in adopting a cat. Here we list out some best specialize rescue groups.
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