Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat
Personality
The Norwegian Forest Cat or Wegie as it is commonly known amongst its fans is an affectionate yet independent breed. While they love their family they are not constantly underfoot demanding attention and can do quite well on their own at home. They do not tend to be overly friendly with strangers and even with their humans they are not keen to snuggle in a lap. A simple head or chin scratch is all this breed needs. Nicely quiet, you will only hear this cat meow if dinner is late or the litter box is dirty
These athletic cats love to climb so a tall cat tree will be well used. Because these cats’ descendants lived in the wild and were used to keep farms rid of vermin they think nothing of splashing in water after a fish or just for a bit of fun. So it is not a good idea to have an aquarium or koi pond around this breed. In addition, their waterproof coat serves to keep them quite dry.
The Norwegian Forest Cat loves the outdoors but does just as well inside. An outside enclosure will serve their needs readily. This breed is quite intelligent and very alert. They play well with busy children and can be taught fun tricks.
Breed Characteristics | |
|---|---|
Life Span | 14-16 years |
Size | 13-22 lbs |
Health | |
Playfulness | |
Intelligence | |
Affectionate | |
Shedding | |
Kid-Friendly | |
Pet Friendly | |
Easy To Groom | |
Friendly To Stangers |
Health
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a fairly healthy cat with quite a long life span. These diseases have been seen in this breed:
- Retinal Dysplasia that results in retinal spots, but does not affect vision.
- Glycogen Storage Disease IV - glucose cannot be metabolized properly. This disease expresses itself very early in kittens and is fatal. DNA tests can confirm if a cat is a carrier.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - heart disease.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease which can be diagnosed via ultrasound.
Care
The Norwegian Forest Cat has very long hair that should be brushed a few times a week using a comb, bristle brush or wire brush. There is really no need to bath this cat as the long hair easily absorbs natural oils.
Teeth should be brushed daily or as often as possible. Nails should be trimmed monthly. Discharge from their eyes can be removed gently with a soft wet cloth. Cats with folded ears need special attention. Make sure the ears are clean. If they appear to have dirt wipe gently with a cotton ball. If your Wegie’s ears have a yeasty smell or your cat shakes his head persistently seek medical care.
The Norwegian Forest Cat should be kept indoors only unless supervised or contained in an outdoor cat enclosure. They are a rare breed and owner’s risk their cats being stolen if let outside unsupervised. Be sure the litter box is cleaned daily as this breed is a very particular creature when it comes to cleanliness and will go outside the litter box if he considers it to be dirty.
Coat Color
The Wegie’s weatherproof double coat can vary in length. He typically has a short neck collar that lengthens on the sides and down the front. The hind legs have long hair and the rest of the coat can change in length as the seasons change. This cat’s coat can come in any color or pattern including pointed like a Siamese.
Children and Other Pets
The Norwegian Forest Cat is an excellent choice for children and cat friendly dogs. This breed is very relaxed, laid back and friendly and enjoys interacting with children who treat him gently. He is perfectly content to don a bonnet and be pushed in a baby carriage.
Rescue Groups
