Norwegian Forest Cat: A Domestic Breed

Originally from Scandinavia, the Norwegian Forest Cat is large – males can weigh up to 10 kg – and was once the pet of the Vikings. These cats can live up to 18 years, have a double coat of fur to withstand the harsh Nordic climate and, in addition to being wild and homely, they are great fishers. So be careful with ponds and aquariums.

Did you know that there is a breed of cat called the Norwegian Forest Cat? At first glance, it may seem like we are talking about a summer vacation spot, but the truth is that these cats do exist. They are wild and homely at the same time, and due to their large size, they are very similar to the North American Maine Coon, with which they can even be confused.

Origin of the Norwegian Forest Cat breed

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a breed of cat that originated several centuries ago. There are several theories about how they came to Norway, but one of the most widely accepted is that they were brought by Vikings sailing the North Sea. The cats were valued for their ability to keep mice and other rodents off Viking ships.

For centuries, Norwegian Forest Cats bred naturally in the forests of Norway and adapted to the harsh, cold climate. In the 20th century, the breed began to be selectively bred, and a standard for the breed was established in 1930. Since then, the breed has gained popularity worldwide and has become one of the most popular cat breeds in many countries.

In their Scandinavian homeland, these cats are popularly known as “Norks Skogkatt” and are part of Norse mythology, as they were feline pets that lived with the Vikings and used to accompany them on their journeys.

Physical characteristics of the Norwegian Forest cat

With a robust and muscular body, the greatest attraction of the Norwegian Forest cat is its coat, which is semi-long and has two layers, perfect for withstanding the rigors of the typical cold climate that usually prevails in Scandinavia, the territory where they originate.

The first layer is close to the body and is woolly, and the second is the outer layer which has oily and waterproof protection that protects against rain. As for colors, it is possible to find all kinds of patterns and shades, although the officially recognized colors are chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, and colorpoint.

How tall and heavy is the Norwegian Forest Cat?

Males can weigh up to 10 kg and measure up to 50 centimeters in height.

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, muscular breed of cat with a wild and majestic appearance. Here are some of its physical characteristics:

  • It is a large breed of cat, with an average weight of 4.5 to 7 kg for females and 5.5 to 9 kg for males.
  • It stands out for its strong and muscular body, with long legs and a thick, furry tail that resembles that of a fox. 
  • Its hind legs are longer than its front legs, which gives it a unique and athletic appearance.
  • The Norwegian Forest Cat’s head is broad and triangular, with large, pointed ears that are slightly tilted forward. Its eyes are large and almond-shaped, with colors that can vary from light green to deep gold.

What is the Norwegian Forest cat’s fur like?

The Norwegian Forest Cat’s coat is long, thick, and dense, with a water-resistant top coat and a soft, woolly undercoat that provides insulation. The coat can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including brown, black, gray, cream, and red.

How to care for a Norwegian Forest cat

They are cats that need to exercise and maintain a high level of physical and mental activity, which means stimulation exercises, interactive toys, and the possibility of living outdoors for a good part of the day. However, be very careful with ponds and aquariums because the Norwegian Forest Cat is a great fisherman in the wild, an innate ability that remains in its DNA once domesticated.

On the other hand, having long fur means to the owners that it means, daily brushing and a good vacuum cleaner to remove hair from sofas, armchairs, and all corners of the house, although if we have a garden the work in this regard will surely be less.

Some basic care for a Norwegian Forest cat is:

  1. Healthy Diet: Feed your Norwegian Forest Cat a balanced diet with high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Norwegian Forest Cats can be prone to obesity, so it’s important to monitor the amount of food you give them and not leave food out all the time.
  2. Exercise: Norwegian Forest cats are active and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Provide them with toys and scratching posts so they can climb, jump, and play.
  3. Grooming: The Norwegian Forest Cat’s long and dense coat needs regular brushing to keep it soft and tangle-free. It’s also important to keep its nails trimmed and to clean its ears and teeth regularly.
  4. Safe Environment: Make sure your home is a safe and stimulating environment for your Norwegian Forest Cat. Provide them with safe toys and avoid having toxic plants in the house. It is also important to provide them with a scratching post and places to climb to satisfy their natural need to scratch and climb.
  5. Veterinary Care: Schedule regular vet visits to ensure your Norwegian Forest Cat is up to date on vaccinations and health checks. It’s also important to detect and treat any health problems early.

How long do Norwegian Forest cats live?

The Norwegian Forest cat has a life expectancy that averages between 12 and 16 years.

This does not mean that they are not prone to certain health problems:

Health problems

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): A genetic disease that causes cysts to form in the kidneys.

Hip dysplasia: a malformation of the hip joint that can cause lameness and pain.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): A heart disease that can cause breathing problems and weakness.

When owning a Norwegian Forest cat, it will be essential to ensure that your pets have a healthy, balanced diet and that they receive regular veterinary care to detect and treat any health problems early. It is also important to ensure that Norwegian Forest cats get enough exercise and are in a safe and stimulating environment to prevent injury and illness.

How much does a Norwegian Forest cat cost?

The price of a Norwegian Forest cat can vary depending on the location and the breeder, but generally, the cost is between 400 and 1,600 euros. As in all cases, the price depends on the quality of the cat and its pedigree, so certain specimens of this breed can cost even more.

It is important to remember that the price of this pet, like any other, is not limited to the purchase price, but also includes food, supplies, veterinary care, and other unforeseen expenses. Another option is to adopt a pet from a shelter or animal shelter.