Norwegian Forest Cat Breed: Appearance, Care, and Diet

The Norwegian cat is known for their large and dense coat that helped their ancestors survive years in the forests of Norway. Today, a Norwegian forest cat makes an amazing house cat. If you are interested in knowing about this cat or want to adopt one, then this blog is going to be very useful to you. Here, we will tell you everything about this amazing cat breed. 

1. History  

The Viking era is said to be the time of origin of the Norwegian Forest Cat. From as early as the 16th century, there are depictions in writing of cats that resemble the Norwegian Forest cat. 

By the turn of the 20th century, the breed was almost extinct. When people realized that the breed was a national treasure, they paid attention. The Norwegian Forest Cat was designated as Norway’s national cat breed by King Olav V of Norway in 1938. 

In 1979, the first Norwegian Forest Cats arrived in the United States. 

2. Appearance

Norwegian Forest Cats natively dwell in forests and their body and appearance suggest the same. They have a strong bone structure and are heavily muscled. Despite having great girth and wide chests, these cats don’t appear to be overweight. 

The cat has longer hind legs than front legs. The breed has wide, rounded ears that range from medium to large in size. 

The unusual double coat of this cat breed aids in keeping the cat warm throughout the chilly Scandinavian winters. 

3. Size

Let’s see the Norwegian Forest Cat size. 

• Average Weight – The Norwegian Forest Cats have muscular bodies and can grow very heavy. Generally, the male cats will be larger than the female ones. The males weigh up to 12 to 20 pounds, and the weight of the females can be 8 to 16 pounds. These cats don’t sound like they are on the larger end of that spectrum. But you should truly be impressed when you look at their huge size of 16-20 pounds. Although many domestic cats today suffer from obesity, this breed is simply big.
• Average Height:- If we talk about Norwegian Forest Cat Size, Norwegians can be taller than the other average cats. The height of these cats is 10 to 12 inches. The smallest of these cats will be as tall as the average domestic cat.  
• Average Length:- The long legs and muzzle of Norwegian Forest Cats give them an air of grace that belies their untamed fur. They appear to have an overall lengthy body due to this. An average Norwegian can be 12 to 18 inches long. However, with their bushy tail, they can reach up to 36 inches. 

4. Temperament 

The Norwegian Forest Cat is an affectionate breed. This breed of cats becomes lazy if they are not challenged or stimulated. These cats thrive in an environment where they get the freedom to hunt, play, and explore. Norwegian cats are hunters, yet they have a kind and gentle nature. 

These cats will take some time to build a bond with their owners, but once built, they become very loyal. 

5. Care

The Norwegian Forest Cat has a dense coat. It requires thorough weekly brushing; at times of heavy shedding in the spring, it may require additional brushing. Apart from brushing, your cat will need to bathe every few months. 

Make sure your cat gets proper exercise for that, and provide her a proper space to run and play. Check their nails and ears, and make sure to clean them regularly. 

6. Diet and Nutrition 

When it comes to the diet & nutrition of the Norwegian, you need to be very careful. You must ensure that your cat does not put on much weight; it is the best way to prevent your cat from facing weight-related health issues.  These health conditions can be diabetes, hip dysplasia, and heart disease. 

A good diet helps a lot in keeping the health of your cat in check.  You must feed your cat twice a day. However, make sure you don’t leave the food out all day. You also make sure to feed them at set time intervals; otherwise, your cat will tend to overeat. You should also consult a vet for the food requirements of your cat. 

7. Health Problems

Like every other cat, the Norwegian cat faces some health problems. Here are some of the major ones:

• Hip Dysplasia – It is a condition where the hip’s ball and socket joint starts malfunctioning. It can also lead to arthritis if you don’t pay attention to it.
• Cardiomyopathy – It is a type of heart muscle disease where the microscopic structure of the heart does not function normally. 
• Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV- It is a condition where glycogen is not converted to glucose. As a result, the required metabolic function does not take place. The warning signs include muscle spasms, muscle atrophy, and recurrent episodes of collapsing, which commonly occur in kittenhood. 
• Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex – It is a kind of skin condition characterized by red, swollen pimples on the skin that may bleed and crust over. It appears on the cat’s lower tummy, inner thighs, and occasionally its face. 
• Patella Luxation – The knee joint slips out of place due to this ailment. Later, it may cause joints to become floppy and unstable. If you are buying a Norwegian Forest Cat, make sure to get it from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will actively screen the cat for health problems. 

8. Lifespan

The average Norwegian Forest Cat lifespan is 16 years. The only two things that can reduce the lifespan of this cat are – heart disease and kidney disease. 

If we compare this cat with a normal domestic cat breed, then Norwegian Forest Cats live longer than them. The average lifespan of the domestic cat is 10 to 15 years. At the same time, a Norwegian has an average lifespan of 14 to 16 years. 

9. Price

Finding a Norwegian cat is not difficult in the USA because it is not a rare breed. The Norwegian Forest Cat price stands anywhere between $400 and $1500. However, you should be ready to pay more if you want a kitten from an imported parent cat. The cost of a high-pedigree Norwegian cat can go up to $2,000. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts

At last, we would say that a Norwegian Forest Cat can make a perfect family cat. We have mentioned all the details regarding this cat breed in this blog. We hope that you have received all the crucial information about the breed. 

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