Norwegian Forest Cat Breed: Appearance, Care, and Diet

The Norwegian Forest Cat, also known as the “Wedgies” and “Skogkatt,” is one of the most popular cats in the world. These felines have unique large sizes, beautiful long coats, and unique personalities. Found in Norway, the Norwegian Forest Cat is known to have excellent climbing skills and the ability to withstand cold climates. With their gorgeous green eyes and captivating appearance, these majestic cats have captured the hearts of cat lovers worldwide. 

So, if you’re planning to get a Norwegian Forest Cat and are curious to know more about this breed, you’re on the right page! Today, in this blog, I’ll share everything about this remarkable large cat breed. From Norwegian Forest Cat personality and appearance to its health problems and diet requirements, this guide has all the detailed information you’ll need before buying a Norwegian Forest Cat. 

So, let’s get into it.

History

• The origin of this beautiful Norwegian Forest Cat is considered to be Norway.
• This cat breed is continuously mentioned in Viking legend and mythology as one of the brave companions of humans.
• They have a wild and rugged appearance, which helps them to withstand harsh Nordic climates.
• They also have amazing hunting powers and often travel on ships with their owners.
• In the early 20th century, breeders put the Norwegian Forest felines on a special breeding program. 
• They worked hard to save them from extinction, and later received royal recognition from King Olaf.
• Today, these gorgeous cats are admired by people all around the globe.

Appearance

What does a Norwegian Forest Cat look like? 

• The Norwegian Forest Cat has a striking appearance, making anyone fall in love with it easily.
• These are one of the largest cat breeds with a large, athletic, and muscular body.
• On average, males weigh around 20 pounds, while females weigh 12-15 pounds. 
• These cats have sturdy legs, tufted ears, and long bushy tails, but their most distinguished feature is their fluffy double coats. 
• These cute cats also have almond-shaped eyes, often emerald green or copper, giving a more captivating and powerful presence. 

How big is a Norwegian Forest Cat? 

Here is the Norwegian Forest Cat size chart for your reference: 

Age	Male	Female
3 Months	1.5 – 2.2 kg (3.3 – 4.8 lbs)	1.3 – 2.1 kg (2.9 – 4.6 lbs)
4 Months	2.5 – 3.5 kg (5.5 – 7.7 lbs)	2.3 – 3.3 kg (5– 7.3 lbs)
5 Months	3.2 – 5.0 kg (7 – 11 lbs)	2.5 – 4.5 kg (5.5 – 9.9 lbs)
6 Months	3.5 – 5.5 kg (7.7 – 12.1 lbs)	2.7 – 5 kg (6 – 11 lbs)
7 Months	3.7 – 6.0 kg (8.2- 13.2 lbs)	2.9 – 5.5 kg (6.4- 12.1 lbs)
8 Months	3.9 – 6.5 kg (8.6 – 14.3lbs)	3 – 6 kg (6.6 – 13.2 lbs)
9 Months	4.1 – 7.0 kg (9 – 15.4 lbs)	3.1 – 6.5 kg (6.8 – 14.3 lbs)
10 Months	4.2 – 7.5 kg (9.3 – 16.5 lbs)	3.2 –7 kg (7 – 15.4 lbs)
11 Months	4.3 – 8.0 kg (9.5 – 17.6 lbs)	3.3 – 7.5 kg (7.3 – 16.5 lbs)
1 Year	4.4 – 8.5 kg (9.7 – 18.7 lbs)	3.4 – 7.7 kg (7.5 – 17 lbs)
3 Years	4.5 – 9 kg (10 – 20 lbs)	3.5 – 8 kg (8 – 18 lbs)

Coat Colors 

The Wegie cats are available in various coat colors and patterns, including:

• Black
• White
• Blue
• Red 
• Cream
• Fawn
• Tabby

Apart from solid colors and tabby patterns, the Norwegian Forest Cat is also widely available in bi-colors, such as black and white, white and blue or grey and white. So, you can check online or with local breeders for Norwegian Forest Cat black colors or patterns. 

Temperament

When we adopt any pet, knowing their temperament and characteristics is essential. This will help us to understand them better and provide a healthy living environment for our beloved pets. 

• When it comes to the behavior of the Norwegian Forest Cats, they are friendly and gentle in nature. 
• These felines are intelligent and playful, which means they generally behave well around humans and other pets.
• These cats are affectionate and create strong bonds with their families. 
• They also love interacting and playing with humans and can adapt to different environments. 
• They are friendly with children, elders, and other pets; the Norwegian Forest Cat is a great family pet. 

Here is the characteristic table of the Norwegian Forest Cat: 

Norwegian Forest Cat Characteristics
Affection Level	Medium
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	Medium
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Vocalize	Low

Diet and Nutrition

When it comes to food, every cat has its own particular likes, dislikes, and requirements – it is 100% true! 

• Norwegian Forest Cats are carnivores and must include 41 different and specific nutrients in their food to live healthy. 
• You should give your cat a balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients.
• You can give high-quality dry or wet food formulated for large breeds, but in limited quantities, as this breed is prone to obesity.

So, how much should you feed a Norwegian Forest Cat? 

Here is the general feeding chart for the Norwegian Forest Cat: 

Age	Weight Range	Daily Feeding Recommendation
Kitten (4-6 months)	4-8 lbs	3-4 meals per day
Kitten (6-12 months)	8-12 lbs	3 meals per day
Junior (12-18 months)	12-18 lbs	2-3 meals per day
Adult (18 months+)	12-20 lbs (Males)	1-2 meals per day
Adult (18 months+)	8-15 lbs (Females)	1-2 meals per day

NOTE:

The above chart is a general feeding schedule, and if your cat has health issues or different food requirements, you should consult a vet. They will prepare a diet chart for your cat’s activity level and lifestyle. 

Training and Exercise

How much exercise do Norwegian Forest Cats need? 

• These felines are active and playful, but still don’t require much exercise.
• The Norwegian Forest Cat requires at least a 15-20-minute daily walk and other indoor and outdoor activities. 
• You can engage them in climbing, running, or playing with toys.

Here are some fun activities for Norwegian Forest Cats:

• Playing with toys
• Spending time with family
• Scratching posts
• Learning tricks
• Food puzzles

How to train a Norwegian Forest Cat? 

• These felines are an intelligent breed known for their quick learning behavior. 
• Use positive reinforcement techniques for training or teaching tricks.
• They love to run outdoors. Hence, leash training and socialization are vital from an early age. 

Grooming

How to groom a Norwegian Forest Cat?

• This cat has a dense undercoat and a long, glossy outer coat. 
• These double-layered, thick coats protect them from extreme climate conditions. 
• However, the long coat comes with more grooming requirements.
• The Norwegian Forest Cat needs at least 2 -3 times brushing once a week to prevent matting. 
• And during the shedding season, the brushing increases, as these cats do shed a lot. 
• Apart from brushing, regular coat trimming, cleaning of the ears, and nail cutting are also essential parts of the grooming routine.

They’re known to be mythical creatures, with many folk tales describing them as mountain-dwelling fairy cats named ‘skogkatt’ and possessing extraordinary abilities. 

FUN FACT: Some people believe the Norwegian Forest Cats are mountain-dwelling fairy cats named ‘skogkatt’ with magical powers.

Common Health Issues

How long do Norwegian Forest Cats live? 

Norwegian Forest Cat lifespan is about 14-16 years, so they are considered healthy breeds. However, just like every other cat breed, these felines also suffer from a few health problems, including:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
• Glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV)

To avoid such situations, Norwegian Forest Cat care and visiting a vet regularly for veterinary checkups and genetic screening for predispositions are recommended. Also, follow a healthy diet plan and an active lifestyle to make your cat live a long and happy life. 

Are Norwegian Forest Cat Hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, the Norwegian Forest Cats are not considered hypoallergenic. They have long and dense coats that shed a lot and produce allergens. So, if you’re allergic to pet hair or dander, this breed is not recommended. 

Price

How much is a Norwegian forest cat? 

The Norwegian Forest Cat is one of the most popular breeds in the United States and other parts of the world. Due to their friendly behavior and unique appearance, these cats are expensive. 

So, how much does a Norwegian Forest Cat cost? 

The Norwegian Forest Cat price ranges from $800 to $1500. However, the price may be affected by factors like location, availability, and cat age. Also, make sure to get a Norwegian Forest cat kitten from a reputable breeder. If you’re looking for a Norwegian Forest Cat for sale, try adoption centers and resume clubs. 

Final Thoughts

So, this is all about the Norwegian Forest Cat. From secretive history to magical appearance, the Norwegian Forest Cats stand high among the largest cat breeds in the world. Whether you’re impressed with their stunning appearance or friendly personalities, these cute cats are great family pets. However, these felines need attention, care, and grooming. If you can provide all this, you can surely have this cat at home and enjoy a lifetime of companionship! 

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