Norwegian Forest: everything you need to know about the cat breed

 Norwegian Forest: everything you need to know about the cat breed

Tracy Wilkins

The Norwegian Forest cat draws attention wherever it goes, mainly because it is considered a giant cat. The size of the domestic feline really impresses, as well as the robust body, covered with long and smooth hair, which makes the Forest cat look very cute and tight. The breed is super gentle and affectionate, so it manages to win over everyone with ease. How about it?know a little better the Norwegian Forest? Price, physical characteristics, cat behavior and all the necessary care with the breed are just some of the information we have separated about the kitten. See below and fall in love!

What is the origin of the Norwegian Forest Cat?

As the name implies, the Norwegian cat originated in Norway and has had its standards officially recognized by the Norwegian Cat Association. Fédération Internationale Féline Despite the recent recognition, this is a kitty that has been in history for a long time. There is no shortage of Nordic myths and legends that include the "Norwegian Forest cat" - or simply Forest cat - as one of its characters. The breed is also commonly associated with Viking ships, which would be responsible for spreading specimens of the kitty throughout the world.the European continent.

In 1979, the Norwegian Forest cat arrived in the United States and began to catch the eye of many cat owners. It was only a matter of time before the breed was also recognized around the world. So, a few years later the Norwegian cat has conquered a definitive space in the homes of many people, especially those who are interested in cat shows and competitionsor has a great admiration for big cats.

The Norwegian Forest dweller has unmistakable physical characteristics

It's not hard to recognize the Norwegian Forest Cat when you see one. For starters, this is a large cat breed that weighs between 4 and 9 kg, and has a height that ranges from 25 to 35 cm. The size alone is quite eye-catching, as most cats tend to be smaller in size. In addition, the long, smooth, dense and shiny coat covers the muscular and robust body, making the Norwegian Forest CatBecause of the thickness of the hair, people often get the impression that the kitten is bigger than it really is.

As for the colors of the Norwegian cat, different patterns are accepted, with the exception of the characteristic coat of the Siamese cat. Thus, the animal can have a solid and unique color, but it can also be bicolor or spotted. The shades of the Norwegian Forest cat are diverse: red, beige, silver, blue, among others. Most of the time, the kitten has white spots scattered over the body.

Norwegian Forest Cat: calm temperament and very intelligent

  • Coexistence

Despite its size, the Norwegian Forest cat is an extremely gentle, loving and affectionate cat. With a very sociable and playful personality, the cat loves to interact and be close to its humans at all times, following the guardian around the house or calling to play. The Norwegian cat also tends to adapt well to adverse everyday situations and few things take it seriously.He is always in a good mood and is very patient.

Driven by natural instincts, the Norwegian Forest cat breed has vertical behaviors. This means that these cats are more athletic and love to live in heights, climbing shelves or any furniture that is higher. Because of this, it is important to have a well-catified home to meet the needs of the Norwegian cat.

  • Socialization

The Norwegian Forest cat breed is super suitable for families with children. The kitty is very fun and likes to be always around, so he will be quite a companion for the little ones. Another positive point is that the Norwegian Forest cat also gets along super well with other pets and different types of people. It just takes him a while to get used to and trust strangers,But once trust is gained, it's all love! To ensure that there will be no problems in adulthood, the ideal is to socialize the Norwegian Forest Dog correctly as a puppy.

  • Intelligence and training

The Forest cat is super intelligent! This more sociable, communicative side and the natural curiosity are clear signs of this. To further stimulate the animal's abilities, cat training is a possibility. The Norwegian Forest cat can learn several tricks very quickly, such as giving the paw and sitting. In addition, they are patient and adapt well in any environment. However, it isIt is important to take into account that the learning process of felines is quite different from that of canines.

6 curiosities about the Norwegian Forest Cat

1) The full development of the Norwegian Forest Cat is slower than other cat breeds. They usually take more than 3 years to reach the age of an adult cat.

2) The Norwegian cat breed is very resistant to cold.

3) Forget the idea that felines don't like water, because with the Norwegian Forest Cat that's far from the truth. This breed loves the aquatic environment!

4) In addition to the typical cat meows, the Norwegian Forest Dog also makes other noises and sounds - some of them even resemble the sounds that raccoons make.

5) Because of their large and robust size, many people believe that the Norwegian cat and the Maine Coon are related, although this is not scientifically proven.

6) The Forest cat was declared the official cat of Norway by the Norwegian King Olaf V.

Basic care routine for the Norwegian cat

- Hair brushing and hygiene:

As the Norwegian Forest cat has a very dense and long coat, it is necessary to invest in a grooming routine. Ideally, brush the cat at least three times a week to untangle possible knots and remove dead hair. During the spring, the Norwegian Forest cat may shed more hair than usual, a natural process of coat change for the species. During this period,the ideal is that brushing is done daily to prevent hair from spreading around the house. It is worth remembering that bathing is not recommended for the Norwegian cat. Even though they like water, they are able to take care of their own hygiene on their own.

- Nails, teeth and ear:

Don't forget to trim your Norwegian Forest cat's nails regularly. While scratchers will help reduce the size of the claws, nail clippers are still necessary to prevent them from getting too long and potentially hurting the cat and those who live with them. It's also important to brush your Norwegian Forest cat's teeth from time to time to reduce the chances of oral problems, such as cat scratch.The same goes for your cat's ears, which should be cleaned to remove dirt and prevent otitis.

- Housekeeping and physical exercise:

The Norwegian Forest is a born climber who loves to be on the move, so he needs to be stimulated every day, both physically and mentally. The catification of the house is super important: by installing niches and shelves, you can guarantee the quality of life that your kitten deserves. Cat toys are also super welcome, since the hunting instinct of the Norwegian Forest is very important.The Norwegian cat is super affluent. He won't think twice about running after a little mouse on a string or anything that moves. So, here's the tip: scratchers, niches, shelves, sticks, lasers. All of this promotes a well-enriched space for your kitten. If he doesn't receive this care, the Norwegian of the Forest may suffer from obesity.

What to expect from Norwegian Forest puppy behavior and how to care?

Norwegian Forest Cat kittens sleep a lot and are quite lazy in the first few weeks of life, but they become natural explorers as they grow. It takes them a long time to reach adulthood, so it's good to get used to this curious spirit for a while, as the Norwegian Forest Cat kitten will want to know every corner of where they live. They will even love climbing up and over the trees.various pieces of furniture in the house.

An important precaution, however, is to ensure that the Forest cat has all vaccinations and is dewormed after it turns 2 months old. This helps prevent a number of dangerous diseases for felines. If it is possible, also consider neutering Norwegian cat as soon as possible: this helps prevent territorial behavior in adulthood and also ensures that the animal does notrun away from home.

Oh, and remember: before buying a Norwegian Forest Dog, price is important, but you should also remember the other expenses that puppies require, both at this early stage and throughout the rest of their lives.

The Norwegian Forest Dog's diet should be appropriate for its size.

Every kitten needs a proper diet, and with the Norwegian Forest cat this is no different. Among the options available, Premium and Super Premium kibble are the most recommended because they contain all the nutrients necessary to take care of the kitten's health. Cat sachets are also a delicious option, and the Forest cat loves it! It is only important to take special care with the food.Don't forget to check that the food you have chosen is appropriate for the size and age of your Norwegian Forest Dog (if you think it is necessary, talk to your vet first).

See_also: Dog dragging its buttocks on the floor: what health problems can it indicate?

As for hydration, the Norwegian cat is one of the rare exceptions that likes water. Still, it is important to make sure that he is ingesting the ideal amount. A good tip is to invest in cat water fountains or leave pots scattered around the house to encourage the hydration of the Forest cat.

Norwegian Forest Cat: price is higher than usual

If well treated and cared for, the Norwegian Forest cat tends to be quite strong and healthy. However, it is necessary to watch out for some health problems, as the breed has a genetic predisposition to diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy and may suffer from glycogen enzyme deficiency. Just in case, it is possible to identify when the Norwegian cat is a carrier of these diseases withexaminations given by the veterinarian.

Another common problem in large cat breeds - such as the Norwegian Forest Cat - is coxofemoral dysplasia, a condition in which the head of the femur (leg bone) does not fit snugly into an area of the pelvis. This causes the femur to slip whenever the animal moves and can trigger an uncomfortable and painful inflammation in the cat's bones.

See_also: What is the difference between renal dog food and urinary dog food?

To take good care of your Norwegian cat's health, it's important to visit your veterinarian annually for routine checkups. Also, don't forget to keep your pet's vaccination schedule up to date, as well as their dewormer.

Norwegian Forest Cat: price is higher than usual

If you have completely fallen in love with the Norwegian Forest cat, buying one requires good financial planning. The kitten is among the most expensive cat breeds in existence. Usually, when it comes to Norwegian cat, the price of a kitten varies between R $ 3 thousand and R $ 4 thousand. Several factors influence the final value, such as the sex and color of the animal's coat.

The cattery you choose makes a lot of difference when it comes to getting a Norwegian Forest cat. Price is set by the breeders, but it's good to look for a reliable place that is well rated by other customers to avoid falling into traps or financing establishments that mistreat animals. When it comes to a "Norwegian Forest" cat, too cheap a price is sometimes a warning sign.

X-ray of the Norwegian Forest Cat

  • Coat: long, smooth and dense
  • Colors: red, beige, silver, blue, black and brown - can be solid color, two-tone or spotted
  • Personality: sociable, attached, playful, docile, curious and intelligent
  • Energy level: moderate
  • Health: dilated cardiomyopathy, glycogen enzyme deficiency, coxofemoral dysplasia and obesity are common
  • Life expectancy: 14 to 16 years

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.