Norwegian Forest cat

It is also known as Norsk skogkatt or Norsk shaukatt. This cat is a breed of domestic cat originating in Northern Europe. It is adapted to a very cold climate with a top coat of long, glossy, water shedding hair and a woolly undercoat for insulation. However, it is not sure that its ancestors may have been a land race of short haired cats. It is a strong, big cat

and has similarities with Maine Coon. It is very good at climbing because they have strong claws. This gentle and friendly cat is fond of family members but is not an attention seeker. It is easily recognized by its double coat and body shape. 

Norwegian Forest cat classification

Lets have a look at its classification: 

Norwegian Forest cat 

Fortunately, this cat is a healthy breed with fewer inherited illnesses. Overall, they are fun felines and charismatic cats. If you are having one or willing to own it then you should know some facts to keep your cat healthy and alive as long as possible. Its life expectancy depends on a number of factors including environment, diet and nutrition. It matures at the age of five years. If they are well cared, they can survive for up to 20 years. Their general lifespan is 14 to 15 years.

Norwegian Forest cat weight

They have sturdy, long bodies with long legs and a bushy tail. This breed is strongly built and is usually larger than an average cat. Male and female have different weights. Adult males have larger weights than females and weigh between 4.5 to 9kg. Adult females weigh between 3.6 to 8kg.

 Norwegian Forest cat size

They have a triangular head and muscular neck. They have medium sized ears. Their hind legs are slightly higher than that of front legs. Their paws are big, round and fur between the toes. Their paws are oversized. The abundance of fur makes its bigger than it is. Kittens grow slowly and reach a full size at the age of four or five. Its length ranges from 23 to 30cm. 

Norwegian Forest cat vs Maine Coon

They both are known for being an extremely large breed. But there are some differences on the basis of which you can differentiate them. Some of them are listed below:

• Maine cat tends to live between 12 to 20 years. On the other hand, Norwegian cat lifespan ranges from 14 to 16 years. 
• Main coon has wide muzzles that look like lions. While, Norwegian forest cats have a flat head, slanting eyes and straight nose. 
• Maine Coons have a variety of colors including black, cream, white and blue. On the other hand, Norwegian forest cats also have more variations in colors including blue, black, red, white, cream and amber. 
• Maine Coons are very local and chatty while Norwegian forest cats are quieter and calm. 
• Maine Coons are more loyal to their owners as compared to Norwegian forest cats. 
• Maine Coons are playful and active. On the other hand, Norwegian forest cats are lazy and tend to lower their activity after a while.

Norwegian Forest cat adoption

These powerful and large cats love to play. They enjoy being in high places. So, trees or cat towers are must for their breed. They are quite resourceful and love a long nap. When you have adopted them, keep them in an enclosed outdoor play area or indoors. They are quite territorial and have a dominating nature. So, if you are going to have more than one pet, you should adopt a different cat breed. 

Norwegian Forest cat allergies

As to allergies, they usually shed in the spring which might be a problem for people depending on its fur, saliva or dander. It depends on people’s sensitivity to fur and dander. If they are allergic to fur then these cats might cause allergies to them. However, these cats do not shed all the year so it causes little allergies. 

Norwegian Forest cat behavior

These cats are described as calm, friendly and gentle. They are adaptable to different families and lifestyles and are good with other animals. These cats are alert and intelligent and love human affection. They don’t meow a lot. They are sweet, playful and highly adaptable to the surroundings. They are not really lap cats and prefer to lay beside you, especially during warm weather.  They remain confident in ever changing conditions

Norwegian Forest cat cost

When you first see these cats, you might think that they are very costly. It’s a natural assumption. It’s not only the oldest breed but also the most stunning. Also, they are wonderful pets but this does not mean that they are high in price. Their average cost ranges from $900 to $1500.

Norwegian Forest cat colors

Their eyes are oval and large and slightly oblique towards the base of ears. They have sparkling eyes and show any color not associated with a coat pattern. However, these cats exist in almost any color including blue and black, white, cream and red, light amber and amber. Also these colors can exist with silver like tabby, smoke etc. These colors may have

patches of white like white toes with white patches (bicolor pattern). These colors may also have a tabby pattern like mackerel, blotched, ticked and spotted. Also, these colors can be in tortie i.e. patched with cream and red resp.

Norwegian Forest cat characteristics

They have a lot of characteristics. Some of them are listed here:

• These cats are large and sturdy. As the name identifies, they are originated in Norway and now a popular pet
• They are referred to as “Wegie” for short
• They have a double coat that varies in length.
• Their coat is specially designed for Norway, so are water resistant and warm
• They have long ears with wispy hairs to deflect cold winds
• They have large tufted paws that are perfect for treading on snowing grounds. 
• Their back legs are longer than front legs and thus, are excellent tree climbers
• They are quite and become lazy after a while
• They have a dominating nature but enjoy the company of family members
• They are not exposed to theft, so can also live in outdoors but mostly they prefer to live indoors

Norwegian Forest cat diet

These cats are obligate carnivores. They are descended from hunters and they prefer a high meat and high protein diet. The amount of food provided to them will change depending on weight, age and activity level. Foods rich in nutrients can be served to them in smaller amounts. If the cat is indoor, it should receive 20calories per pound and if the cat is

outdoors, it should receive 35 calories per pound. If their food does not comply with this preference then they become picky. They do not like to eat crabs, so try to avoid it. They usually eat more as compared to other cats and so are larger in size. Brands of cat food have also been made for these cats. 

Norwegian Forest cat Facts

Let’s explore some of its interesting facts:

• These cats can be related to white and black short haired cats from from Great Britain
• These cats are stuff of legend. These cats have served as a real life inspiration for skogkatt because of their coat, size and tree climbing abilities
•  King Olaf V of Norway announced these cats the country’s national cats.
• These cats have mousing skills 
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• They have tufted toes and ears which work like boots and carmuffs
• These cats have sturdier claws and are great tree climbers
• One interesting fact about them is that they are water repellent
• This breed is near to extinction

Norwegian Forest cat eyes

They have large, almond shaped eyes. Their eye color may be gold, green or copper. Their eye color depends on coat color. If they are white in color, their eyes will be blue. They also have mismatched eyes, where one eye is blue and the other one has a different color. Its distinctive feature is eye shape. They are easily recognized by their almond shaped eyes.

Questions & Answers

How much is Norwegian forest cat?

These cats are very beautiful. When you first look at this, you might think that it is very expensive because it’s a natural assumption. Cats that live outdoors are effective hunters but can be adapted to indoors. Their price depends on where you are buying. If you are buying from professional breeders, their price ranges from $900 to $1500. 

Which is the bigger Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat?

Maine Coon is bigger than the Norwegian forest cat but the difference is little. Let’s have a look. Maine Coon males weigh between 7 to12 kg and Norwegian males weigh between 6 to 9 kg. Maine Coon females weigh between 5 to 8 kg and Norwegian females weigh between 4 to 6 kg. 

Are Norwegian Forest cats good pets?

These cats are calm, friendly and gentle. They are friendly and intelligent and some are also described as dog-like. They are generally bold, inquisitive and adaptable. They love the company of family members and are good with children. These characteristics make them good family pets. 

How big is a Norwegian Forest cat?

These cats are usually larger and bigger because they eat more than any other cat. These cats have an overall height of 9.0 to 12.0. These cats are 12 to 18 inches in length. They have an average weight of 6 to 9 kg. 

Do Norwegian Forest cat meow?

These cats are less active and quiet. They are not very vocal and do not meow too much. If you dislike cats that meow too much and need a lot of attention then these cats are perfect for you because they are not attention seekers. They are not fond of sitting on your lap rather enjoy lying beside you. 

Do Norwegian Forest cats like to cuddle?

These cats are not attention seekers but it does not mean that they do not love attention. They love attention but do not demand for it. They love to live indoors and are playful. They enjoy the company of family members and other animals. These cats are independent and are affectionate members of the family.