![]() ![]() (T hough they might have crossed the Atlantic with Leif Erikson around 1000 AD-we'll never know for sure!) Since their recent reintroduction to North America, they have become a very popular cat breed in all corners of the world. They first stepped foot in the United States in 1979. These cats were granted full championship status in the European show ring and elected the official cat of Norway in the 1950s, thanks to King Olav. Norwegian Forest cat fans had to work hard to preserve the breed, as they almost came to extinction in the 1930s due to hybridization with local free-roaming Domestic Shorthairs in Norway.Īfter WWII, admirers of the Norwegian Forest cat were able save the breed through a careful breeding program. To survive in a rough climate, the skogkatt learned to be resilient and quick-witted, which has carried over into the domestic Norwegian Forest cats of today. While much is unknown about their history, it’s likely that shorthaired cats made their way into Europe more than a thousand years ago and learned to adapt to the harsher climates, producing long-haired kittens that could better withstand the cold. The Norse goddess Freya was said to drive a chariot pulled by two giant cats. They traveled with the Vikings, keeping their ships and villages free of vermin. Norwegian Forest cats exude magical energy. Norse mythology tells many stories about long-haired forest cats that knew more about people than people knew about themselves. Instead, they most likely descended from domestic cats that were brought to Europe by the Romans. While this breed might appear to be unruly and feral, they do not come from a line of wild cats. Known as the skogkatt (which means forest cat or fairy cat) in Norway, the Norwegian Forest cat came from, you guessed it-the Norwegian forest! This breed carries history and magic with them, dating back hundreds of years. They will stick by your side for years to come as long as you keep up their care. This is a cat that will see you through major life events. Norwegian Forest cats can live for 12 to 16 years. Their coats require constant grooming to maintain. Nearly every color and pattern known to cats can be presented in the Norwegian Forest cat, other than colors resulting from hybridization. These cats have a double coat: the undercoat is thick and dense, and the topcoat is glossy and water-resistant. The Norwegian Forest cat has semi-long hair that is thick, soft, and warm. Typically, they range from 12 to 18 inches long, and some easily surpass that. They also have long muzzles and long legs they easily stand out from their feline peers. The Norwegian Forest cat ranges in length, but their bodies and tails are often very similar in size. This breed is slow to mature and won’t be full-sized until they are 5 years old. Now their strength is used to pounce on lasers, climb cat trees, and chase after gleeful children.Ī typical male Norwegian Forest cat weighs between 12 and 20 pounds, while a female Norwegian Forest cat weighs between 8 and 16 pounds. They are a sturdy breed with a very muscular body, which helped them to thrive in the wild for centuries. The Norwegian Forest cat is larger than the average domestic cat breed. Because these cats are so large with luscious coats, it's important to be prepared for how to properly care for them. Having a Norwegian Forest cat is a big responsibility that truly pays off in the loyalty that they give. ![]() Learning about the cat breed you hope to one day welcome into your home can help you prepare for many years of care and nurturing. If you want a cat that will be tolerant and impactful in your family, they are a great choice. ![]() These cats can work well within big families because they are adaptable and patient with children. A friendly cat that isn’t in constant need of attention, the Norwegian Forest cat is an incredible companion breed. Semi-long, dense various colors & patterns In addition to their sturdy bones, their thick hair makes the Norwegian Forest cat appear even bigger, resulting in one of the largest domestic cat breeds. These cats stand out with their rugged appearance and size. The Norwegian Forest cat is a stunning, strong-boned, semi-long-haired domestic cat breed native to Norway.
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