You might be familiar with Ragdolls, Persians, Maine Coon and Siamese cats, but there's a lesser-known cat breed that might be the purr-fect addition to your feline family.
The Norwegian forest cat is a semi-longhaired breed that originated in Norway. It's often mistaken for a Maine Coon, but it has some distinctive features—including a muscular build, insulated waterproof double coat and diverse coat colors—that make it a breed all its own.1
Thanks to their size and appearance, Norwegian forest cats are legendary in their Scandinavian homeland, taking the lead roles in local mythology that sparked a commitment to preserving the breed's heritage.2
History and origin of the Norwegian forest cat
There are several interesting Norwegian forest cat facts.
As its name suggests, this cat originated in Norway. The ancient breed, called “Skogkatt" or “forest cat" in Norwegian, is a fixture in folk tales and mythology. Legend says that Freya, the Norse goddess of love and beauty, traveled in a Skogkatt -pulled chariot.2
After World War II, the Norwegian forest cat nearly went extinct due to crossbreeding. Cat fanciers wanted to save the breed and developed a breeding program to restore the population of Norwegian forest cats.3
King Olaf V declared it the official cat of the Scandinavian nation,and the first Norwegian forest cats arrived in the United States in November of 1979.1
Unique Norwegian forest cat breed characteristics
Norwegian forest cats are more than just longhaired cats. The breed has distinct traits that help it stand out from its feline friends.
Norwegian forest cat size
The breed is described as large, muscular and substantial. A Norwegian forest cat size weighs between 12 and 16 pounds or more (males) or 9 to 12 pounds (females).3
Coat type and grooming requirements
Norwegian forest cats were bred to handle the cold, harsh Norwegian climate. In addition to their insulated and waterproof double coats, other traits include an iconic ruff around their necks, bushy tails, thicker rear britches, wooly undercoats and tufted paws that provide added insulation during Scandinavian winters.1
The semi-longhaired breed has a double coat that includes a dense undercoat and water-resistant outercoat. You might be asking, “Do Norwegian forest cats shed?" Unlike other longhaired breeds, this cat doesn't shed much and requires minimal grooming. Though it's not a hypoallergenic breed, its coat is low maintenance and requires minimal brushing, with extra grooming in the spring when it sheds its thick winter coat.3
Common color patterns and variations
Norwegian forest cat colors are diverse. The breed standard permits several coat colors and patterns from pure white, black and blue to chinchilla silver, patched tabby and smoke tortoiseshell.1
Personality and temperament
Norwegian forest cats can be aloof and affectionate in equal measure. The breed enjoys being part of a family but will also happily spend time solo.3
As a large, athletic breed, Norwegian forest cats are natural climbers and will seek out high spots in the house to perch—and these adept hunters and climbers aren't afraid to come down from a high perch headfirst. Their waterproof coats mean that these cats often don't mind the rain (or baths).3
Compatibility with children and other pets
Norwegian forest cats are adaptable and fit in well in homes with children and other pets.3
Tips for training and socialization
Like all breeds, Norwegian forest cats benefit from early socialization and consistent training. Introducing your cat to a range of people and pets can help them gain confidence and feel more comfortable. This can also help avoid some of the issues that are common in unsocialized cats, including litter box avoidance and destructive behavior. It's easiest to socialize Norwegian forest cats as kittens, but with time and patience, adult cats can be socialized, too.4
Norwegian forest cat health and care
The Norwegian forest cat has minimal health issues, but as with any purebred cat, they may be more prone to genetically based diseases. One of these is glycogen storage disease, which causes muscle tremors and trouble walking. Heart disease or cardiomyopathies are also occasionally seen in these cats. Overall, though, it is considered a healthy breed.3
Importance of regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations
Routine vet visits are essential. Norwegian forest cats should get annual wellness checks that include health screenings, bloodwork, fecal exams and vaccinations. Preventive care can help keep your cat healthy and identify any health issues that require treatment.5
Tips for maintaining the breed's overall health and well-being
The Norwegian forest cat lifespan is 14 to 16 years.3 This cat's care is similar to other cat breeds. To keep them healthy and happy, provide:6
- Nutritious food
- Fresh water
- An indoor home with cat-friendly spaces to rest
- Litter box
- Routine vet care
- Regular grooming
- Exercise
- Mental stimulation
- Companionship
Diet and nutrition
Norwegian forest cats require proper nutrition to fuel growth and development. All cats, including this breed, are obligate carnivores that require animal proteins. The ideal Norwegian forest cat diet includes dry or wet commercial cat food that provides the ideal balance of calories, protein and water in flavors that will appeal to your feline's finicky palate.7Always feed a growth formula to kittens, and transition to adult cat food when the cat is full grown—usually around a year of age.
Indoor vs outdoor living
Although the breed evolved to live outdoors in harsh climates, an indoor home is the safest environment for a Norwegian forest cat. It's important to provide opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation, including climbing trees, window perches and interactive toys to keep this cat happy and healthy.1
Exercise and activity requirements
Norwegian forest cats might not go for walks, but it's still important to provide regular exercise. Cats need at least two 15- to 20-minute exercise sessions per day. Climbing trees, scratching posts and interactive toys are ideal ways to get cats moving.8
Last word
Norwegian forest cats are a breed with a distinctive appearance and a long history as prized companions. Saved from the brink of extinction, these cats make laid-back, low-maintenance companions, but do your research and understand the breed's characteristics before making a commitment to owning one.
A note from Pets Best
No matter the breed of your furry family member, Pets Best can help you afford the best veterinary care available and reimburse you for eligible expenses. Get a quote to start protecting your cat today!
Sources/Citations
1“Norwegian Forest Cat." The Cat Fanciers' Association. https://cfa.org/norwegian-forest-cat/. Accessed January 20, 2023.
2Kirstin Fawcett. “10 Facts About Norwegian Forest Cats." Mental Floss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/69586/10-furry-facts-about-norwegian-forest-cats. Updated July 7, 2022. Accessed January 20, 2023.
3“Norwegian Forest Cat." Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. https://www.gccfcats.org/getting-a-cat/choosing/cat-breeds/norwegian-forest-cat/. Accessed January 20, 2023.
4"Socialization." PAWS Chicago. https://www.pawschicago.org/news-resources/all-about-cats/understanding-cat-behavior/socialization. Accessed February 12, 2023.
5“Why Are Regular Veterinary Visits Important?" American Animal Hospital Association. https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/why-are-regular-veterinary-visits-important/. Accessed January 20, 2023.
6“General Cat Care." ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/general-cat-care. Accessed January 20, 2023.
7“Feeding Your Cat." Cornell Feline Health Center. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feeding-your-cat. Updated July 2017. Accessed January 20, 2023.
8“Exercising Your Cat." PDSA. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/exercise-for-your-cat. Accessed January 20, 2023.