Here’s the expert in cat naps and snacks, telling you how to keep a Norwegian Forest cat purring and not plotting your doom. Ready? Let’s jump right in:
Hi, I’m Frosty! As a Norwegian Forest cat, I adore watching my followers from up above. My cat tree is the highest of them all! I’m an independent fellow, but boy, I sure appreciate a good playing session.
And, I’m a bit of a talker, so a chat now and then keeps me feeling loved and connected.
🐈 Frosty
Stick to it and you’ll avoid becoming just another servant. You might even earn the title of “favorite hooman”, the highest honor in cat society!
Temperament & Personality
This fabulous cat has a complex and admirable personality, that matches its appearance. The temper of the Norwegian Forest cat is a harmonious blend of affection and friendliness, playful spirits, independence, curiosity, and notable intelligence. It’ll form lifelong bonds with its family members.
It is one of the few cat breeds that actually cherish companionship.
The Wegie has a playful nature. It loves engaging in interactive games that stimulate its predator instinct and keep its energy levels optimal. Although, an overly stimulated cat may become aggressive towards humans and objects around it.
Its native independence takes it wandering around, happily exploring the surroundings. It doesn’t require constant attention from its owner but appreciates it on its own terms.
The Norwegian Forest cat’s curiosity is a testament to its intelligence; it often displays cleverness in its actions or problem-solving. It’s perfectly capable of adapting quickly to new places, routines, households, or new faces.
This breed is perfect for families with children. It displays gentle and patient behavior towards the little fellows.
Physical Characteristics
This cat has a very robust, muscular body that is both sturdy and agile. Adult males typically range in weight from 13 to 22 pounds (6 to 10 kg), while females are generally smaller, weighing from 9 to 18 pounds (4 to 8 kg).
The Wegie’s fur will dazzle at first sight. It has a thick double coat, with a glossy, long, water-resistant outer layer and a thick, wooly undercoat. Having such fur makes them well-suited for the cold climates of Scandinavia.
The ruff around its neck enhances its wild appearance and provides extra insulation. Its fur comes in a lot of colors: white, black, blue, red, and cream, with or without patterns.
The Norwegian Forest has a massive, triangle-shaped head, topped with giant ears. A distinct feature of its ears is the fluffs of hair that give it a unique appearance. Its glowy, large, round eyes, of green, yellow, gold, or copper shades will melt your heart.
Another distinct feature is its long and bushy tail, often as long as its body, which serves as a perfect tool for maintaining balance when climbing.
The Wegie has powerful medium-length legs, with big paws covered in fluffs.
Compatibility with Kids & Other Pets
A big cat like this may seem imposing at first glance, but it’s quite the sensitive type, making their size an irrelevant concern in compatibility matters.
Because of its affectionate and playful temper, the Wegie is well-suited to family life and pairs well with young members of the family. Gentle by nature, it exhibits patience when children play with it.
The Norwegian Forest acts carefully around infants. It is a curious observer yet maintains a respectful distance.
It might not appreciate the games children want to play with it, but it won’t become aggressive, and would rather avoid them.
Because of its generally tolerant nature, it can coexist peacefully with dogs, other cats, or animals, with proper previous socialization.
Norwegian Forest Kittens
The Norwegian Forest kitten is an adorable, robust little miniature of its parents. Equipped with fluffy fur, and a short fuzzy tail, it has the overall appearance of a fuzzball. From the moment it’s born, it only wants to play and explore around.
During its first weeks of life, it grows incredibly fast. Its daily weight gain is approximately 10% of its total body weight. This is because, as an adult, it will grow into a medium-large-sized cat.
A healthy, 3-month-old Wegie kitten will weigh approximately 3 to 5 pounds (1.4 to 2.3 kg). Proper nutrition is crucial throughout kittenhood, to support its rapid growth. Its bones and muscles will need highly rich proteins to develop properly.
Vitamins and minerals are also a must, a veterinarian will supplement the diet with specially conceived vitamin formulas for kittens.
An important aspect of good breeding practices is genetic testing. As with any other perfected cat breed, it has certain specific pathologies.
Vaccination and parasite control must begin early in life, for the kitten’s protection.
It requires regular vet check-ups, to monitor the overall health as it grows.
The Wegie kitten needs regular grooming, a few times a week will do the trick. Otherwise, its fur will matte and tangle.
Such an intelligent, energic furball will bore easily. It requires ample space and places to climb safely. Don’t worry if your kitten sleeps a lot during the day and plays during night time. It’s perfectly normal.
And it sure loves to find different spaces and things to play with. The spaces designed for play must be free of small objects that it might swallow, hazardous substances, or small spaces that can trap the kitty.
Proper care and attention for the Norwegian Forest kitten set the foundation for a healthy, vivacious furball ready to charm with its fearless yet affectionate personality.
Traits, Training & Social Skills
As we’ve said, the Norwegian Forest cat is known for its intelligence and trainable nature. It’s a fast learner, eager to engage with its environment.
Training such a cat can be a rewarding experience. It responds well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as motivation and rewards. Never punish a cat that won’t cooperate from the first attempt.
Try picking the perfect timing, by observing it. A good time to start is after it rests or before feeding time. This will stimulate it to be more patient and cooperate.
As a natural climber, it’ll need climbing opportunities incorporated into its training. Cat trees that have various boxes to hide and climb do the thing. This approach keeps your cat mentally and physically stimulated.
It also possesses great social skills. Well-behaved when introduced to newcomers and new faces, it will adapt quickly in homes with multiple pets or frequent guests. The introduction must be made gradually, because the cat may become scared and retive.
Playtime & Activities
Playtime is a serious matter for the Norwegian. A natural born climber, high spaces where it can play stimulate its agility and hunting instincts. Also, it loves games that retain its hunting behavior.
A set of wall shelves, where it can climb and watch everything around it from above, will do the trick. If not, at least use a tall cat tree.
These aspects are also important when it comes to other animals it lives with. If another dog or cat may chase it down, it needs a safe space to climb to.
It loves interactive toys, like laser beam toys, feather wands, balls, and other small chasing toys that move around fast and stimulate its desire to hunt them down. Variety is magic. Try rotating its toys to keep the interest awake.
Puzzle feeders that encourage active engagement help it exercise its cognitive abilities.
Incorporating 15 minutes of play daily will keep the Norwegian Forest cat’s muscle tone perfect. This will also help manage weight, prevent joint problems, obesity and unwanted behavior.
Any bored cat will find an activity that keeps it happy. You wouldn’t want it to rip out your curtains or knock objects from their places, right?
Playing with your Norwegian Forest cat is more than just fun; it’s a crucial aspect of its care that contributes to physical and emotional well-being.
Grooming Needs
The Wegie’s luxurious double coat requires a lot of attention and regular grooming.
Its fur is comprised of a water-resistant topcoat and a woolly undercoat, and is especially dense during the colder months. Grooming prevents matting and tangling and also lessens shedding.
Brushing
Brushing your cat’s fur at least twice a week helps evenly distribute natural skin oils, thus keeping the coat glossy. Also, the wooly undercoat is prone to tangling with the outer longer layer.
This happens especially when the undercoat hair begins to fall and it remains trapped inside the outer layer. A wide-toothed comb or a long-bristled brush will do the trick.
The underarms and behind the ears are the areas prone to knotting. Make sure the tools you use for grooming won’t cause discomfort or hurt the cat’s skin.
Shedding Seasons
In spring and fall, The Norwegian Forest cat undergoes more intense shedding and will require daily brushing to manage its coat transition and maintain comfort.
Use quality grooming tools, like metal combs, slicker brushes or a de-shedding tool, especially during shedding season.
Bathing
A cat usually won’t require bathing, because it cleans itself a few times a day. But if it really does need it, make sure you use a cat-friendly shampoo, preferably for long-coated cats, that includes conditioner. Also, dry the cat thoroughly afterward, to prevent a chill.
Lifespan, Health Issues & Nutrition
Typically, a Norwegian Forest cat has a lifespan ranging from 10 to 16 years, though some cats can live even longer if properly cared for.
Unfortunately, these cats are prone to certain genetic conditions, such as:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition that leads to the thickening of the heart muscle, potentially causing health complications.
- Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV, a rare genetic inherited condition that affects metabolism and can be fatal.
- Hip Dysplasia, though less common than in dogs, can occur in this breed and cause joint problems.
Genetic conditions underline the importance of buying kittens only from renowned breeders and genetically testing them.
A specific cause of feline hip dysplasia has not been identified, although the condition is widely thought to have a genetic component, since it seems to be more prevalent in certain breeds …
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Annual health checks are recommended to manage and prevent these conditions from worsening. Be vigilant and seek veterinary attention if any symptoms or changes occur in your cat’s behavior.
Regarding nutrition, this large cat requires a specific plan to maintain its health and characteristic robust physique. A mix of both wet and dry food will ensure adequate hydration and nutritional variety.
| Key nutrients | |
|---|---|
| Proteins | Essential for muscle development. |
| Fats | Used for energy and healthy coats and skin. |
| Fiber | Aids digestion and prevents hairball buildup. |
| Taurine | Protects the cardiac muscle and retina. |
Meals provided for adult cats have to be measured, in quantity per pound/kg. The Norwegian Forest cat loves to eat and free feeding leads to obesity, especially in neutered cats.
It’s important to divide the cat’s meal into two smaller portions. Usually, the amount of dry or wet food the cat requires is written on the food packaging of your choice.
While the food manufacturer stated quantities might not always be very accurate (for obvious reasons; most increase the proper quantity by 5-25%) they can be used as a good initial guidance.
The Norwegian Forest cat’s diet has to be tailored to its age, weight, and activity level, and portions have to be adjusted as necessary. Your vet will help you to identify any breed-specific health concerns that may impact dietary needs.
Vocalizations & Body Language
Wegies have a unique way of communicating that encompasses both vocal sounds and body language.
One distinctive sound they make is known as the “trill,” a high-pitched meow that blends a purr and a meow. This sound is often used as a friendly greeting to their owners, other cats or when in certain situations.
For example, a Wegie can make this sound when it watches a bird outside a window. Some say the cat is trying to mimic the bird, to fool it into getting closer and catching it.
Another vocal cue is the “chirp” a short, high-pitched call the Wegie uses to get attention, usually when it wants to play or is bored.
These cats also utilize an array of body signals. If you watch the positioning of its ears, tail, and whiskers, you will find out its emotions and intentions rather quickly.
An upright tail may indicate happiness, while a low tail suggests caution, fear or uncertainty. When it turns back her ears, beware, it’s probably irritated and might become aggressive.
If you watch and understand its body language, you’ll be able to anticipate its needs, moods and desires. This will foster a strong bond between you and your cat.
Cost of Ownership
If you purchase a Norwegian Forest cat from a certified breeder, the price can vary significantly. While we cannot estimate exact figures, it’s probably around $800 to $2000.
A kitten provided from champion breeding lines will always cost more than an average one (think double or triple the price tag above). Always, when you buy a kitten, ask the breeder for its origin papers.
Adoption costs from shelters are more affordable (again, varies, but you should expect it to be around $100) and usually include spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping. Always count the visit to the vet, and possibly genetic testing.
High-quality wet and dry food is essential.
Add routine monthly vet visits to your pay list, which will include treatments for common health issues. Annual cat health insurance can prevent unexpected veterinary bills. These usually also cover regular vaccinations and some preventive treatments for parasites.
Other potential one-time costs is neutering or spaying and microchipping, if not provided by the breeder.
Adoption & Rescue Options
If you consider adopting a Norwegian Forest cat, you have a variety of options. Adoption centers and rescue organizations will make things easy for you.
Visit local shelters, where you might find a Norwegian Forest cat among other breeds. You may also contact breed-specific rescue groups. They dedicate their activity to rescuing and rehoming Norwegian Forest cats exclusively.
A significant advantage of adopting a Wegie from shelters or rescue groups is the support they offer during the adoption process. You will be provided with vital information about the cat’s health, temperament, and history.
Usually, they give away the cats already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. The only inconvenience of this option is that mostly adult cats are put up for adoption. The chances of finding a kitten are quite small.
If you wish to adopt a purebred or a cat with a known lineage, you must reach out to professional breeders. It is essential to find reputable catteries, that have responsible breeding programs that prioritize the health and well-being of the Norwegian Forest cats.
These catteries will provide transparency about their breeding practices and the lineage of their cats.
To ensure a successful adoption, you should be prepared to commit to the needs of the Norwegian Forest cat. This includes providing adequate space for this large and active breed, ensuring regular grooming, and spending quality time with it.
Preparing Your Home
Originating from Norway, this breed is well-suited for cold climates. It loves chilly spaces where it can maintain a comfortable body temperature but needs a warm and stable indoor environment to retreat to.
These large, powerful cats need ample space to roam and explore. Outdoor access is beneficial for them, but the area must be safe and secure. A catio or enclosed garden offers a controlled outdoor experience, enabling exploration while preventing escape or accidents.
Such environments encourage exercise, the manifestation of the Norwegian Forest’s natural curious behavior and mental stimulation.
In colder climates, its dense coat offers protection, but even so, it shouldn’t be left outside in freezing temperatures for long periods.
Indoor spaces must have a lower temperature, between 66-72 °F (19-22 °C). Because of its thick fur, a higher temperature might cause discomfort and overheating.
Safety First
Inspect your home for potential hazards. Secure loose wires and furniture, on which the cat may climb on. Ensure that small objects that could be ingested are out of reach.
Check that all windows have secure screens, as Norwegian Forest cats are curious felines and may attempt to venture outside.
Space Consideration
Dedicate an area for feeding that’s far away from the cat’s litter box, to maintain hygiene. The Wegie loves clean spaces and won’t eat if its food is too close to their bathroom spot.
Climbing Structures
Norwegian Forest cats love to climb on anything tall. Install sturdy, robust climbing shelves or a cat tree, to satisfy its natural instincts. Try to find a cat tree that’s specific to large cat breeds (try searching Maine Coon cat trees on Amazon, and you’ll find some bigger, more stable cat trees).
It’s important to make sure the structure is robust enough to hold the cat’s weight and offers various levels for them to perch on. Otherwise, when the cat is climbing or playing in it, the tree might fall off and injure the cat or destroy the property around it.
Entertainment and Comfort
A stimulated Norwegian mind means a lot of interesting toys. These will also offer distraction when you’re not around to play with it. Feeding puzzles and feathered toys will help the cat keep its hunting instincts sharp.
For the cat’s comfort, put a cozy bed in a quiet corner, where it can retreat to when it needs solitude. If the cat prefers sleeping in bed, leave the bedroom door open, so it can retreat whenever it feels the need.
In conclusion, thorough preparation of your house for your new companion will make its transition to the new environment more smoothly and will ensure its well-being.
Interesting Facts & Quirks
The Norwegian Forest cat, often referred to as a “Wegie” as we’ve mentioned before (a lot, since it’s shorter), or the Skogkatt in its homeland carries a rich history interwoven with Norse mythology.
Legends tell us the story that this cat was the favored creature of Goddess Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. It appears in Norse mythology as the cat that pulled the Goddess’ chariot.
Vikings would prize these cats and embark them onto their ships, because of their impressive mouse-catching skills. Historical evidence suggests that the Vikings brought the breed to Norway around 1000 AD.
This cat will impress with its large size, with males typically weighing between 12 to 20 lb (5 to 9 kg) and females somewhat smaller at 10 to 18 lb (4 to 8kg).
Genetic testing has shown that Maine Coon is a descendant of this majestic cat.
Its thick, water-resistant coats and tufted ears and toes are adaptations to the cold Scandinavian climate. In fact, its double coat, which becomes denser during winter, makes it one of the few cat breeds that can tolerate such harsh weather conditions.
Although it has an imposing size, the Norwegian Forest cat matures slowly and only reaches its full growth around the age of five.
The Norwegian Forest cat is Norway’s official cat.
Norwegian Forest Names
Finding and choosing a name for such an imposing cat can be a delightful bonding process. Many owners prefer names within Norse mythology, but some prefer names that have a personal meaning.
For instance, Thor and Freya are names of Norse gods that symbolize strength and beauty respectively, linking to the cat’s majestic aura. Odin is another popular choice, representing the Norse deity of war.
If you don’t like precious names, you may opt for playful or affectionate names reflecting the cat’s personality, like Bubbles, Fluffy, or Cookie. Reddit also has some funky name suggestions.
Breed History and Origin
The Norwegian Forest cat’s native Scandinavian name is Norsk skogkatt or Norsk skaukatt.
It is believed that, around the year A.D. 1000, the Norwegian Forest began its journey around the world in Great Britain and it traveled along the Vikings straight to Norway. It was used as a mouser on Viking ships. Somehow, this majestic creature managed to adapt to the cold Northern climate.
Before World War II, breed lovers founded the Norwegian Forest Cat Club in Oslo, in 1938. During the Great War, the interest in breading programs halted, and crossbreeding appeared. The Wegie’s potentially pure lineage was almost gone.
The breed’s survival is credited to the efforts of post-war cat fanciers, that started to preserve its unique genetic traits. This led to their recognition by the Federation Internationale Feline and eventually to international admiration.
