Norwegian forest | Facts & Information

Other names: Norwegian Forest, Norwegian Forest cat, Norsk skogkatt, Norsk skaukatt

Norwegian Forest is native, as its name suggests, from the Scandinavian Peninsula.

It is an ancient breed and is mentioned in northern legends. In Scandinavian mythology, Freya, the goddess of beauty, love and fertility, (Aphrodite's correspondence), was driving a chariot pulled by a pair of cats, and the great god Thor was defeated in a race by Jormungand (embodied by a cat), failing to lift her completely from the floor.

Cats from the Nordic countries were taken on their travels by Vikings who used them to control the rodent population on ships.

The breed was recognized in Norway in 1930 and first participated in a competition in 1938.

Initially, it was not allowed to remove the breed from the country, later reverting to the decision, the breed also obtained international certification.

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Appearance Norwegian Forest Cat

They are also known as Skogkatt. Norwegian Forest is a cat of large stature, but elegant. This breed develops more slowly and may not fully develop until around the age of 4. They have a solid body, medium length and well proportioned.

Males are massive and imposing, while females may be smaller and more delicate. The head is triangular in shape with a strong chin. It has a long, straight profile. The eyes are large, expressive and can be of any color, regardless of the color of the coat.

They are located at an angle, the outer corner being higher than the inner one. The ears are located quite high on the head, of medium/large size, rounded at the tip, wide at the base and alert, the pavilions being directed slightly to the side.

Tufts of hair are abundant, and Lynx tips are preferred, but not mandatory. The nose is perfectly straight, and the forehead is flat. The chin, slightly rounded in profile, is firm and should be in line with the tip of the nose.

The limbs are of medium length, and the thighs have a strong musculature. The hind limbs are longer than the forelimbs. The paws are oriented slightly to the side, are round and have tufts of hair between the fingers.

Behavior Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest loves people and develops well in their company.

They do not like to be left alone at home, even for short periods of time, and demand a great deal of affection from their owners.

They are used to living outdoors, adapting very well to living in a yard; but they adapt quite easily to life in the apartment, especially if they have a lot of space at their disposal.

They are very intelligent and can be reliable companions, being extremely friendly and playful.

Features Norwegian Forest Cat

Determining for the maturity temperament of the Norwegian Forest is the environment in which it developed in the first months of life.

A kitten raised among people who treated him with affection and care will behave totally differently from one who grew up in isolation or in the wild. Endowed with intelligence and a natural curiosity, Skogkatt are calm, patient cats and do not get stressed easily.

Don't expect them to sit on your lap during the summer; they generally prefer to lie next to you. Besides, it's not noisy either.

The forest Norwegian is very careful with her fur, ingrown quite well and alone. However, it is best to give her a minimum of attention, especially if you participate with her in exhibitions and competitions.

If you accustom her to brushing and polishing as a child, she will get to enjoy regular care as part of the relationship between the cat and the owner.

The coat is double, consisting of an abundant undercoat, which is covered by a long, shiny and impermeable hair. The bib is made up of three different sections: the collar around the neck, consisting of a sub-layer of short hair, is covered by an abundant one of long, rich hair, which continues with the third part, the rich favorites.

Fur may be more abundant in winter than in summer because the dense undercoat does not fully develop until the cold season. In evaluating a specimen, the type and quality of the coat are paramount, with color and pattern being secondary.

Any color or pattern is accepted, except for those denoting a hybridization: reddish-brown, dark brown, lavender color, Lilac, yellowish-brown (cinnamon), beige.

Diseases Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest has no specific health problems and can lead a long and active life.

However, all breeds of cats must be taken to a routine check-up every year, starting at the age of eight, to check their teeth and kidney function.