Norwegian Forest Cat (photo): kindness dressed in a Nordic character

Norwegian Forest Cat is a semi-longhaired breed popular in Northern European countries such as Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. Norwegians are a combination of stature, beauty, intelligence and hunting skills. In this article you will learn how to distinguish a Norwegian cat from a mestizo and other breeds, how to care for the thick fur of northern beauties and where to buy a purebred kitten.

Breed	Norwegian Forest Cat (Norway)
Type	Aboriginal breed
Origin	Scandinavia
Coat	Semi-longhair with thick undercoat
Lifespan	15 – 17 years old
Kitten price	10 – 35 thousand rubles

History of the Norwegian Forest Cat breed

Norwegian Forest Cat
As you can guess from the name (in different dialects of the Norwegian language, “forest” sounds differently, so there are two options in use - Norsk skogkatt or Norsk skaukatt), these fluffy beauties come from the Scandinavian forests. Scientists today do not have accurate data on how long they live next to humans. The hypothesis is very popular that the countdown dates back to the 16th century, when Angora cats arrived in Western Europe from Ankara. The harsh climate of the peninsula and the need to climb trees a lot led to the appearance of undercoat, strengthening of the claws and the formation of an athletic physique.

However, we cannot completely discount the possibility that, under the influence of external factors in the new environment, the Angora mutation responsible for the length of the coat occurred and became established in Felis silvestris grampia, regardless of its Mediterranean relatives. And those same wild Scottish cats were brought to the territory of modern Norway by the Vikings, who colonized the Shetland, Orkney and Hebrides islands back in the 9th-10th centuries. This version is supported by the traditional image of the leader of the Valkyries, the goddess of fertility, love and war, Freya - the ancient sagas depict her in a chariot drawn by two cats, whose bushy tails are clearly reminiscent of our today's heroes.

In the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries, many Norwegian and Swedish families kept these cats as pets. In the 1930s, after their triumphant appearance at an international exhibition in Germany, serious work began on the phenotype of the breed, the goal of which was to preserve the best natural qualities and weed out undesirable traits. But with the outbreak of World War II, this had to be forgotten, and in the second half of the 40s, the very existence of the Norwegians was threatened due to spontaneous crossing with other cats. The situation was brought under control only by the efforts of enthusiasts. A special committee was created that gave permission for breeding only to those owners whose animals met the standard. The efforts of the Norwegian Association of Pedigree Cat Fanciers were rewarded: King Olav V recognized Skogkatts as the official breed of the country, and in 1977 Pans Truls received the coveted registration with the International Cat Federation (FIFe). By the way, it was he, together with Pippa Skogpuss, who is considered the founder of the modern breed. Born from their union, Pans Silver became the father of 12 litters at once and today is mentioned in almost every pedigree of a purebred Norwegian.

World recognition gave breeders the right to draw up international pedigrees. At the same time, the export of Norwegian forest cats abroad began. Now most of these pets live in Sweden, but other European countries are not far behind. In the USA, local Maine Coons (which, by the way, some are inclined to consider as descendants of the Norwegians) are too serious competition for guests from overseas to speak of real popularity. In Russia, among large breeds, Siberians are still numerically superior, although specialized nurseries have already been opened in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Vladivostok and some other cities.

Habits and character

The Norwegian cat has a calm, balanced character. Little kittens quickly get used to their new place, they like to spend a lot of time with a person. They do not like to sit on their hands or knees; they will comfortably sit next to them on the sofa.

They are distinguished by their stubbornness; getting these cats to do anything is difficult or even impossible. However, they get along well with other pets.

There is no need to worry if there are children in the family. Thanks to their developed hunting instincts, they like to play with balls and “rustles”. Such entertainment will appeal to the child and the animal itself. In this case, aggression towards people is not typical for them.

Conflicts, and especially fights, are an exception to the rule for a Norwegian cat. They will do their best to avoid this. However, if violence is shown to them from other animals, they will receive it in return. It is important to take into account the size of the cat; most likely it will come out the winner.

Appearance of the Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Kitten
The size of the Norwegian Forest Cat ranges from medium to large. Like other large breeds, they reach final maturity quite late - at 4-5 years. Animals appear more massive due to their thick fur. The exact height and weight indicators are not indicated by the WCF breed standards, but experienced breeders say that the norm for an adult is a height of 30-40 cm, weight depends significantly on gender: cats weigh on average 5.5 kg (although graceful 4-kg cats are often found ladies), and males reach 6-9 kg.

Head

In the shape of an equilateral triangle, the outlines are smooth, the profile is straight, without a “stop”, the forehead is high and almost flat. The cheekbones are not pronounced, geometrically straight and long. The nose is of medium length, almost always pink. The jaws are powerful. The chin has a square or round outline.

Eyes

The eyes of the Norwegian Forest Cat are large and expressive. They have an oval or almond shape. Placed a little askew. The preferred color is green, gold and shades thereof, although other options are not considered a disadvantage. In white cats, heterochromia (eyes of different colors) is allowed.

Ears

Medium in size, with a wide base and slightly rounded tips on which “tassels” are desirable. Set high and wide on the head, the outer edge continues the line of the head. The inside is covered with long hair.

Neck

Medium length, flexible, well developed muscles.

The muzzle of a Norwegian forest cat

Body

Red Norwegian Forest Cat

The body of the Norwegian forest cat is large, powerful, and relatively long. The bones are strong, heavy, the muscles are dense and well developed. The chest is round and wide. The back of the body is above the shoulder line.

Limbs

The front ones are of medium length and powerful. The hindquarters are significantly longer, athletic, the thighs are strong and muscular.

Paws

Round or oval, wide. The toes are well developed, with thick tufts of hair located between them.

Tail

Flexible and long - when bent, it reaches the line of the shoulders or neck. Placed high. Wide at the base, somewhat tapering towards the tip, always fluffy.

Wool

Semi-long, thick, with a fluffy and moderately wavy undercoat. The outer hair is smooth and has a water-repellent effect due to its oiliness. Because of this feature, the Norwegian Forest Cat's coat can look a little unkempt. The length depends on the location: the shortest hairs on the shoulders and back gradually lengthen, turning into a spectacular “collar”, “bib” and “pants”. The degree of expression of such decorating fragments may vary and is not strictly regulated by the rules.

Color

Norwegian forest cat tortoiseshell color

Can be solid, bicolor, shaded, smoky, tabby. In general, 64 color variants of Norwegian forest cats are recognized, but the list depends on the specific organization. Thus, the International Federation does not allow light brown, yellowish-brown and shades that are characteristic of Burmese cats, but considers white in any variations to be the norm. And the French Central Society of Cat Fanciers (SCFF) outlaws chocolate, lilac Stogcatts and color-point cats.

Flaws

Sizes too small. Insufficiently strong bones. Poorly developed muscles. Square body. The head is square or round. A profile with a “stop”, that is, a transition from the forehead to the rest of the muzzle with a pronounced depression. Small or round eyes. Small ears. Short legs. Short tail.

Disqualifying Faults

The coat has a silky texture, is dry or matted. Amputated claws, deafness, location of the testicles outside the scrotum.

Who is a forest cat

The wild forest cat, otherwise called the European cat, belongs to the cat family and is recognized as a wild mammal. According to researchers, it originated from domesticated forest cats about 10 thousand years ago. This happened in the Middle East. Storing crops grown here attracted rodents. And wild cats also decided to hunt for such a “delicacy”. The closest relative of the forest animal is the sand cat.

The closest relative of the forest cat is the sand cat.

Over the past few decades, the population has declined sharply. On the territory of the Russian Federation, animals are kept in nature reserves, as they belong to a rare species. The main threat to the population is the reduction of forests. The number of species is also related to the number of main prey - rodents. The highest population density is 20–30 individuals per 1 sq. m. The cat is listed in the CITES Convention (Appendix II), as well as in the Red Book.

Photos of Norwegian Forest Cats

Personality of Norwegian Forest Cats

Norwegian forest cat with a person
Speaking about the inner world of Stogkatts, first of all, it is worth noting that by their temperament they are typical children of Scandinavia. Balanced, outwardly they rarely show emotions, prefer not to get involved in conflicts, treat others kindly, but do not tolerate violations of the boundaries of personal space - in a word, the character is Nordic.

Since Norwegian Forest Cats have long been left solely to the care of nature, they have a fairly strong desire for a “wild” life. Of course, Norwegians can be kept in a city apartment, but they will feel most comfortable in a private home, where they have the opportunity to go for walks every day and hone their hunting skills. In this case, do not be alarmed if your pet disappears from sight for several hours or even a whole day - periods of independence and “roaming” are completely normal for representatives of this breed. But at other times, you may well receive a severe reprimand for a long absence, because Norwegian forest cats really don’t like being alone when the soul requires company. A particularly acute reaction is caused by the absence of the “main person” - that family member whom everyone’s favorite person distinguishes with his deep affection and with whom he spends his evening rest more willingly than with others.

In general, Norwegian forest cats are very friendly and are perfect for living in a large family with small children and other animals. In response to obsessive attention from children or dogs, you will not see aggression; Norwegians prefer to retreat and wait out the unpleasant situation in a secluded place.

Norwegian Forest kitten with dog

If you want to teach your cat funny tricks and basic commands, choose anyone other than Norwegian cats. Understanding perfectly well what they want to achieve from them with words and treats, these wayward northerners simply ignore the trainer. They make their own decisions and refuse to obey the whims of others.

High intelligence goes hand in hand with curiosity and excellent memory. Skogkatts like to monitor the movements and habits of household members; they know exactly what order of things is typical in their home, and immediately draw the owner’s attention to any deviations from the norm, be it water dripping from somewhere or a bag of groceries left for a long time in the middle of the room. Norwegian forest cats have a quiet voice compared to other relatives, and they do not use “sound notifications” too often, so they will not bother their neighbors with their concerts in vain.

Breeders note the playful disposition of this breed, and it is not strictly tied to age. Even older cats (if their health allows them) with great pleasure and enthusiasm of a small kitten hunt for toy mice, balls and the mark of a laser pointer.

Mr. Cat recommends: temperament

He has a gentle disposition, tolerance, and friendliness. The pet loves its owners and obeys them.

Reviews about the breed are positive. Pets are absolutely safe even for small children. It is almost impossible to provoke them into bad behavior.

The cat is very talkative and loves to play with various toys: balls, laces, bows, etc. Prefers to be on top. From above he watches everything that happens.

The pet is devoted to its owners, but has a negative attitude towards strangers. Doesn't like it when strangers come into the house. He rarely sits on his knees. Prefers to lie nearby, curled up in a ball. The pet does not like to be “kissed”, but he loves to be scratched and stroked.

Care and maintenance

Handsome!
As already mentioned, the ideal home for a Norwegian forest cat would be a private home with its own yard. This way you can guarantee sufficient physical activity, in addition, it is the fresh air that promotes a healthy shine to the coat. If you only have an apartment at your disposal, it is strongly recommended that you take your pet for a walk at least once a month, remembering to wear a harness of the appropriate size to prevent attempts to go on an independent journey or climb to the very top of a spreading maple tree. By the way, the ability to climb vertical surfaces is very important for Norwegians, as it is part of their natural behavior. As a result of constant training of many generations of ancestors, the claws on all four paws became so powerful that this cat (the only one among the domesticated ones, by the way!) is able to climb down a sheer trunk upside down without any problems. When keeping an apartment, you should definitely purchase a special cat tree with a large platform on top, from where she can watch what is happening in the room.

Experts do not put forward specific requirements for the daily diet of the Norwegian forest cat. The only point that deserves special attention is the serving size. Since Norwegians are larger than many other breeds, they require slightly more food. When calculating, it is necessary to take into account the current weight of the pet. Otherwise, the advice is standard: professional premium food or a balanced natural diet, which includes animal proteins, grains and vegetables. It is important not to overfeed an animal at any age, since obesity provokes many serious diseases. It is imperative to ensure constant access to fresh water, especially if you have opted for dry food.

I ate my fill

Looking at the luxurious fur coat of the Norwegian Forest Cat, many are sure that with the advent of such a pet, all their free time will have to be devoted to caring for the fur. In fact, the situation is completely different. Nature has made sure that thick and long fur does not cause serious trouble for the animal, because in the northern forests one can hardly count on regular visits to grooming salons. The special structure of the undercoat and guard hairs prevents matting, so there are no problems with the formation of tangles (as, for example, in Angora and Persian cats). Of course, in spring and autumn, during the period of active molting, it is recommended to thoroughly comb the animal every two days, or even daily. This way you will avoid the formation of an additional “carpet” of fallen hair on all surfaces in the house. The rest of the time, it is enough to take up a special comb once a week.

Washbasins

The water-repellent fat layer on the coat plays an important role in maintaining the health of Norwegians, so bathing them should only be done as a last resort:

• if flea treatment is necessary;
• if the cat got really dirty during a walk;
• before participating in the exhibition.

It is worth considering that the washing process, due to the nature of wool, requires time and patience. The liquid simply drains from the guard hairs, leaving the undercoat dry, so experienced breeders advise first rubbing a special shampoo for oily wool dry, and only then turning on the water. It is likely that you will need more than one soaping, but conditioner will definitely be superfluous. If the room temperature does not threaten the Norwegian Forest Cat with hypothermia, it is better to simply dry it with a towel and wait until the fur coat dries itself.

Animals that do not have free access to the outside world should have their nails trimmed every two to three weeks. The ears are cared for at the same frequency using cotton swabs and special products.

Norwegians love boxes too...

And packages

Life in captivity

Since the wild forest cat is listed in the Red Book, its purchase and sale is illegal. Consequently, in captivity this wild cat can only be found in a zoo or nature reserve.

Conditions of detention

This exotic pet loves space, so it is better to keep it in a small fenced area or by setting up an enclosure. At the same time, you need to remember that the animal jumps 3 meters in length, so it is better to make the fence a little higher. The enclosure must have trees or logs for the pet to climb, as it did in the wild. In a zoo, the conditions for keeping an animal should be the same.

Of course, in a reserve, where an animal feels like in the wild, it lives better than in a zoo.

In captivity, cats reproduce well. Thanks to their maintenance in nature reserves and zoos, the population is preserved.

A forest cat's enclosure should contain trees or logs that it is used to climbing in the wild.

Caring for such a pet is not difficult - it is enough to comb the animal’s fur weekly and bathe it monthly (but this should not be done often). The wild forest cat does not like change, so “his things” do not need to be swapped. These animals are quite strong physically, but they still need to be visited by a veterinarian every six months, who will help eliminate the following diseases characteristic of the breed:

• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart disease);
• polycystic kidney disease;
• retinal dysplasia.

It is not recommended to castrate or sterilize a wild pet, as it does not tolerate anesthesia well.

A friend of mine constantly sends photographs of her wild forest cat, since she lives far away and I have no opportunity to see the animal. A friend says that her pet’s character is not very flexible, but she attributes this feature to the animal’s wild nature. The girl says that, on the contrary, this suits her. A friend of hers bathes her pet quite rarely, and practically doesn’t care about its appearance at all, which is very convenient for her, since she, one might say, “lives” at work. And the cat, although with character, misses her, but lately he has become accustomed to this routine. The main problem is feeding the purr - my friend chose natural food for him, which has to be prepared in advance. Usually this takes up a decent part of the weekend, which, of course, makes the girl indignant. However, according to her, it’s worth it, because a real predator lives next to her. A friend arranged a special house for the animal, reminiscent of a small enclosure. Sometimes she lets the cat out for a walk around the outskirts of her property, but she is very afraid that the wild nature will overpower her love for her owner, and the pet will run away.

Health and disease of the Norwegian forest cat

Natural selection, which determined the development of the breed for several centuries, led to the formation of a strong and healthy population. Of course, recent human intervention - selective breeding, a limited number of genetic lines - has had negative consequences, but in general, Norwegian forest cats remain strong and hardy. They are at risk of only a few serious diseases:

• restrictive cardiomyopathy – decreased compliance of the heart muscle and subsequent development of chronic heart failure;
• diabetes – dysfunction of the endocrine system due to insulin deficiency;
• hip arthrosis is a chronic joint disease;
• retinal dysplasia - abnormal formation of retinal layers during intrauterine development;
• chronic renal failure – decreased kidney function;
• glycogenosis type IV - a genetic disease that provokes liver metabolic disorders and cirrhosis, such kittens are born dead or die soon after birth, in rare cases they live up to 4-5 months;
• Purivate kinase deficiency is another genetic disease that causes a reduction in the number of red blood cells and anemia.

The last two are becoming less common today, since genetic analysis makes it possible to identify carriers of recessive genes and exclude the possibility of having a litter from two carriers.

At the age of 6-8 weeks, the first injection of a polyvalent vaccine is carried out (most often this is the concern of the breeder, not yours), repeated vaccination is carried out at 6-8 months. Next, it is enough to do the vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian annually.

With due attention to the health of the cat on the part of the owners, proper nutrition, sufficient physical activity and the absence of congenital diseases, Norwegian forest cats live 15-16 years, maintaining activity and a tenacious mind.

Norwegian Forest Cat in its element

History of the species

Scientists believe that the Forest Cat appeared in the Pleistocene era, which began more than 2.5 billion years ago and ended 11.7 million years ago. Considering that humanity is only 2.8 billion years old, wild cats are at least 9 years older than humans.

The end of the Pleistocene era is characterized by an incredibly harsh climate. The planet had just experienced an ice age, the ice masses were retreating reluctantly, weather conditions also changed in waves - periods of sharp warming alternated with periods of the onset of very cold air masses. These processes served as an impetus for the transformation of flora and fauna. It was at this time that the woolly rhinoceros, mammoth, giant deer, cave lion and many other species appeared, most fully adapted to harsh climatic conditions.

With subsequent global warming, most animals of the glacial and post-glacial periods were unable to mutate and became extinct. The cat, which went into the shady forests and mountain ranges, managed to survive.

Thus, we can only talk about the approximate, latest date of the emergence of the European forest cat as a species - 11.7 million years ago. Although, most likely, this animal is older and has survived to this day since the Ice Age without any special changes.

The domestication of cats occurred much later, about 10 thousand years ago, when people began to lead a sedentary lifestyle, build homes, develop agricultural land and stockpile food.

How to choose a kitten

Like any other purebred cat, the Norwegian Forest should only be purchased from reputable catteries or from trusted breeders. An attempt to save money and buy a pet at the “bird market” or through private advertisements most often ends with you getting an ordinary fluffy “nobleman” or, even worse, a baby with a lot of genetic abnormalities. If you plan to participate in exhibitions, you should carefully check the pedigree of the parents and the compliance of the kitten with the approved breed standard, because minor flaws from the point of view of an amateur can lead to low expert ratings and even disqualification. It is extremely difficult to assess the quality of wool at a young age, so here they focus on the external data of the parents.

The general requirements for a kitten of any class are simple:

• mobility, playfulness and curiosity, which indicate normal development and health;
• a good appetite;
• clean eyes and ears without foreign secretions;
• pink gums;
• absence of skin parasites;
• slightly rapid, but even breathing after physical activity (the opposite indicates problems with the cardiovascular system).

Important indicators are also the living conditions of the mother and kittens - sufficient space for active play, cleanliness, availability of toys, regime and quality of food. Be sure to ensure that the first required vaccination has been completed.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the Norwegian forest cat:

• calm;
• loyalty to the owner;
• easy care;
• cheerful disposition;
• beauty;
• developed mind;
• good health.

The Norwegian cat breed also has a number of disadvantages:

• love of space;
• wool can cause an allergic reaction;
• risk of genetic diseases;
• The thick undercoat requires daily brushing during shedding.

Photos of Norwegian Forest Kittens

How much does a Norwegian Forest cat cost?

The price of a Norwegian Forest cat kitten varies widely.
This is not about the difference between a baby with a pedigree and one bought “from hand” - this issue is clarified above. The fact is that all purebred animals are divided into conventional classes. The most affordable option is the so-called “domestic” Norwegian, that is, a kitten whose exterior has more or less serious deviations from the breed standard. If you are looking for a friendly pet for the whole family, the length of its tail, the smoothness of its profile or the set of its ears are not decisive, are they? But the acquisition will not be a blow to the family budget: depending on the prestige of the nursery and the eminence of the ancestors, the price of such a fluffy starts from 10 thousand rubles.

For a future exhibition participant, breeders ask 30-40 thousand rubles and more, here the figure additionally depends even on the color and eye color. Only kittens born from a mother who is registered in the cat lovers club have permission to participate in competitions and breed. There, one-and-a-half-month-old babies undergo certification and receive an official metric. Without the latter, you will later (at the age of 6-7 months) not be able to obtain an international pedigree. The cost of Norwegian forest kittens from elite parents in the best nurseries can reach 100 thousand rubles.

Conclusions about the breed

The Norwegian Forest Cat is an interesting character in the cat world, which could easily end up in a couple of northern myths and legends. Let's summarize all the facets of this breed:

• what scares many who want to buy a cat with such fur is that the hard care of it is not justified in this case; caring for the animal’s coat is not burdensome;
• an ordinary breed animal has excellent health;
• the cat responds with love to love and attention, the animals are not at all aggressive;

• a good disposition does not spoil this hunter; in the house the cat will demonstrate natural strength and endurance.

The Norwegian cat becomes a good friend for every family member, so it is not surprising that the breed has become increasingly popular lately and is in demand.

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