 The
Norwegian Forest Cat is a breed of domestic cat native to Northern
Europe, and adapted to a very cold climate. In Norway they are known
as Skogkatter or more properly, the Norsk Skogkatt (literally,
Norwegian Forest Cat).
The breed is a very old one which occurred as a natural adaptation
to the cold climate of the region, but it was not regarded as
anything other than a standard house-cat until the late 1930s, when
a small number of 'Skaukatts' were shown in Germany and received
very favourably by the judges. World War II brought an abrupt end to
the fledgling Norwegian show cat industry, and the breed was
forgotten until the 1970s. The cats are now being bred and shown in
several countries including the United States. The first
international association to accept the breed was FIFe, in 1977.
They are rumoured to be the early ancestors of the Maine Coon and
the long-haired Manx.
Norwegian Forest Cats have a thick fluffy double-layered coat,
tufted ears and a long bushy tail to protect them against the cold.
Their coat is essentially waterproof due to its coarse outer layer
and dense underlay. They are very large cats with adult males
weighing 6 to 10 kg (13 to 22 lb), while females are approximately
half that size. Their hind legs are longer than their front legs.
They are intelligent, playful cats that enjoy human company. The
nickname of "Wegie" began in the United States and is a shortened
version of the word Norwegian.
Behavioral characteristics
Like Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats are an intelligent, robust
and playful breed. They like the outdoors, are well suited to cold
conditions and are great hunters. Despite their great affection for
the outdoors however, they enjoy the company of humans and other
pets and will sometimes go looking for company if their owner is
out. They are not easily stressed and are quite patient, which makes
them great for a family with children. They enjoy high vantage
points and enjoy tree-climbing.
WHAT ARE NORWEGIAN FOREST CATS?
These are really the gentle giants of cats, with wonderful
easy-going natures and a devotion to those who share their lives, be
it other cats or humans. A semi-long haired, natural breed, they are
mentioned in Norwegian folk tales, but only became established as a
breed in the 1930's, when they were regarded as a separate breed in
their native land. Due to World War 2, interest in developing the
breed fell off, and only in the 1970's, when threatened with
extinction, was a proper breeding programme established by devoted
fans of this creature in Norway where its called the skogkatt
(translates as "forest cat"). Here, in the UK, it took until 1997
for recognition to be gained for the breed by the Governing Council
of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), with full championship status on the show
bench under this governing body. Many of the pedigree papers of
these cats show foundation stock as recently as 4 or 5 generations
back. This is still a relatively new breed. Look here for more info.
WHAT DO NORWEGIAN FOREST CATS LOOK LIKE?
Norwegian Forest Cats (NFC's) are a large breed of cat with weights
of full grown males averaging around 7-8kgs , with females weighing
a little less at 4-5kgs. As a slow-maturing breed they may take 3-4
years to 'fill out'. They are semi-long haired, with a double coat.
This comprises a woolly undercoat, topped with longer waterproof
guard hairs. this helps insulate them in their natural environment,
keeping them warm and dry in the snow of Norway. As a natural breed,
they have altered little since they wandered out of the forests, and
in their full winter coat are a magnificent looking cat. Adding to
the grandeur of a fully coated cat are the ruff, mane, fluffy
knickerbockers and beautiful long fluffy tail which should extend
back to at least the shoulders in a cat of good 'type'. They also
have hairy tufts between their toes (to protect feet from the cold)
and well-furnished ears with 'lynx like' tufts. In summer, the cat
loses a lot of the bulk of its winter coat in a seasonal moult. They
are a strong boned cat with a distinctive triangular head, with the
ears following the line of the triangle from the chin. In profile,
they have a straight appearance, with no nose break, and are very
distinctive. The eyes should be slightly almond shaped, and angled
up to the base of the ear. Altogether, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a
very handsome animal. Click here for full breed standard.
WHAT SORT OF TEMPERAMENT DOES THE NORWEGIAN FOREST CAT HAVE?
Here is where the NFC excels, as the perfect companion to humans,
other cats and even dogs. They are friendly, intelligent, loyal,
energetic animals who will return any love offered ten-fold!!
Because of their fearless nature, many breeders recommend that they
be kept indoors (for their own safety) or in a safe cat garden. They
love to climb and hunt, and for a large cat, can exhibit an
incredible turn of speed. The NFC is playful and inquisitive even
into adult life, and craves company, but on its terms. They like to
be boss, and will quickly take over any household.
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