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 Cat Breeds - There are a variety of different cat breeds. Read about the many domestic cat breeds, including the Maine Coon and Siamese cats. And view the many cat breeds pictures to see how each breed differs dramatically in coat length and overall look.
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Norwegian Forest Cat.Read all about this historic breed of cat. Information includes the history of the Norwegian Forest Cat, breed description and many photos.
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NORWEGIAN FOREST CAT
Norwegian Forest Cats are a historic breed of large, robust, natural
cats who really do come from Norway. A good Forest Cat has a
special expression - intelligent, calm, dignified, maybe even a bit
wicked - which makes it different from any other breed.
History
Forest cats are the result of Viking
sailors bringing home cats from far afield.These varied cats then interbred, and only those with
the most rugged coats and constitutions could survive the harsh
conditions and thrive to become the companions of isolated farmers
all over Norway and Sweden.
In the mid twentieth century, Scandinavian urban expansion threatened
the Norwegian Forest Cat, so a special breeding programme was put in
place in Norway to save them.
Nowadays they are very popular, not
only because they are so handsome and easy to care for, but also
because they make such easy-going, loving and interesting
companions.
Description
As the
breed originated as a natural outdoor working cat on Norwegian
farms, the appearance of the cat should reflect its natural
heritage.
The Norwegian Forest Cat is muscular with a large body of medium length.Their body is big and strong built,
with solid bone structure.The
legs are medium length with heavy muscles.
The front legs are also
thick.
Their legs should be long with the hind legs longer than the front and
with tufts between the toes.
The Forest Cat is an elegant semi-longhaired cat,
the most important features being type and coat quality.
It is not shaggy but
uneven looking.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a woolly undercoat covered by a smooth, water
repellent outer coat and glossy hair covering the back and sides.
It is a
fully coated cat, and has a shirt front of full ruff and
a long bushy tail. During the summer months the coat is considerably
shorter.
Colours: Most colours are permitted including all colours with white.
Pointed patterns, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon and fawn are not yet
permitted.
hardy outdoor breed, good hunter, extreme agile climber, intelligent
and independent. Good-natured and enjoys human company.
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An adult male weighs approximately 14 to 16 pounds while the female
can weigh between eight to 12pounds.
The females make especially good
mothers , often keeping their kittens "in tow" as long as you will
let them and have been known to readily adopt other kittens as well
The Norwegian Forest Cats head should be triangular, with a long straight profile without a break in line and
with a strong chin.
Their ears should be high and open with good width at the base(width between ears
being less than the width of one ear).
The ears should be high set so that the lines of
the ears follow the line of the head down to the chin. They should also ideally have 'Lynx like'
tufts and long hair coming out of the ears.
A Norwegian Forest Cats eyes should be large, well opened, slightly oblique. All colours allowed
regardless of coat colour.
The Norwegian Forest Cat matures slowly, and full development can take up
to four years.
Special Requirements
This cat loves the outdoors and is an excellent hunter. Therefore, Norwegian Forest Cats need plenty of access to outdoors.
However, they also
love to be petted and handled. They love attention and make loyal
and good companions.
Daily combing is necessary when shedding but
otherwise very little combing is required. This cat takescare of
itself.
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