Norwegian Forest Cat: Characteristics, Personality, and Care

The Norwegian Forest cat is not as well-known as the Maine Coon, but it possesses the same qualities. It is a large cat with a robust, muscular body and abundant fur. Originally a hunter, the Norwegian cat is actually a very affectionate pet. Sociable and friendly, this long-haired cat will captivate feline lovers with its unique character.

• Origins of the Norwegian Forest Cat
• Characteristics of the Norwegian Forest Cat
• Types of Norwegian Forest Cats
• Personality of a Norwegian Forest Cat
• How to care for a Norwegian Forest Cat
• Health problems
• Proper nutrition

Origins of the Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest cat, or Norsk skogkatt (literally translating to "forest cat"), is a very old breed whose history can be traced back to the Vikings. Legend has it that the Norse goddess Freya owned a chariot pulled by strong, long-haired cats. The Norwegian cat was primarily used as a rat hunter in places where food was stored. It has lived in the wild in Norwegian forests for a long time. It is not the result of extensive selection, but of natural evolution.

The official feline origins book (LOOF) tells us that Norwegian cats only began to be bred in the 1930s, then gradually fell into oblivion. In 1963, the breed was saved at the last minute by enthusiasts who created the "Norwegian National Pedigree Cat Association" and validated precise criteria that would determine which semi-wild cats belong to the so-called Norwegian breed. The breed was recognized in 1976.

Characteristics of the Norwegian Forest Cat

The physique of the Norwegian Forest cat is captivating. Less tall than Maine Coon cats, but still imposing, its thick fur is unique. The Norwegian has a muscular body, giving it a powerful appearance. It typically weighs between 5 and 8 kg. In terms of size, a Norwegian can measure up to 38 cm at the shoulder.

The Norwegian Forest cat's head is triangular, with large ears at the base, but ending in a rounded shape, generously covered with tufts of fur both inside and at the tips. The almond-shaped eyes of the Norwegian cat are golden-green to blue, sometimes even different colors.

It is strong, with front legs shorter than its hind legs. Its paws are broad and round, with tufts of hair between the toes. During the summer, in the shedding period, the Norwegian will lose some of its fur, except for the bushy tail and the tufts of fur on its paws.

The Norwegian cat is highly recognized for its opulent fur, which protects it from rain and low temperatures. Its fur is medium-long or long, silky, and shiny. The undercoat is woolly and gives its fur a voluminous and deep feel. Its colors are varied, from the most intense black to the purest white.

Attention: the fur of the Norwegian Forest cat requires careful grooming from its owners. It should be regularly brushed to avoid tangles and give it shine.

Some characteristics at a glance:

• Weight: male, 8-9 kg, female, 4-5 kg
• Life expectancy: 8 to 14 years
• Eye color: blue, green, golden, heterochromatic
• Fur color: white, black, reddish, blue (blue Norwegian), cream, brown, silver, bicolor, calico, tabby or tortoiseshell (Tortie), smoky or ombre (Smoke/shaded Norwegian)

Types of Norwegian Forest Cats

The Norwegian Forest cat's fur comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Colors include white, black, blue, reddish, orange, cream, silver, and gold. This fluffy coat can also have solid, bicolor, tortoiseshell, calico, and tabby fur patterns.

Blue Norwegian

It has fur of a superb dark slate gray to a light blue-gray, on a grayish base color. Basically, its color is a diluted black. But it is just as beautiful as its more famous relative, the Russian Blue. Usually, its eyes are brilliant green or blue.

Smoky/Ombre Norwegian Forest Cat

If a cat effectively has a solid color, but has distinct white hair roots, then it is called Smoke. They are a kind of silver tabby, very dramatic and beautiful. During the winter months, the long, luxurious fur of Norwegian Forest Cats appears almost pure silver. In summer, the color is darker, sometimes showing very attractive spots.

Bicolor Norwegian Forest Cat

The bicolor Norwegian Forest cat will have brown, orange, sometimes dark gray, tabby or silver fur, always in combination with white. In most cases, it will have white "socks," as well as a white chest, abdomen, and muzzle.

Tabby Norwegian Forest Cat

Dense, bold, and clearly defined markings. The face has uninterrupted lines from the outer edge of the eyes upwards. Tabbies usually have a distinct "M" on their forehead and dense, bold swirls on their cheeks. Vertical lines on the head extend to the shoulders, with a shape reminiscent of butterfly wings. Usually, the markings are symmetrical on either side of the spine, laterally. The tail is perfectly ringed. It doesn't lack "socks" on its feet, and its fur has a marbled effect.

Tortie Norwegian Forest Cat

Tortie or tabby is probably the most common pattern of Norwegian Forest Cat and most closely resembles its origins. Sometimes, darker rosettes can be seen in its fur, hence the name "tortoiseshell."

White Norwegian Forest Cat

White color is the result of a complete lack of hair pigmentation. It is a unique gene that is dominant over all other colors. The dominant gene actually masks the cat's true color, and sometimes this only appears after the cat mates. The cat still produces pigment as its eyes become colored. It is a popular misconception that white cats have any connection to the albino gene. In this case, no color pigmentation appears in the body, which is why albino animals have pink eyes. Some white kittens are born with spots on their heads that normally disappear completely by 6 months of age. White Norwegian cats can have eyes of different colors, including blue, green, copper, orange, and also different colors at the same time.

Personality of a Norwegian Forest Cat

While its wild appearance might initially suggest the Norwegian Forest Cat is unsociable, this is not the case. Pleasant, gentle, friendly, and sociable, it is a cat that knows how to find its place in the family. Calm and affectionate, the Norwegian needs to expend its energy and will enjoy playing with its owners. Elevated cat trees and toys will make it happy. The Norwegian has never forgotten its origins and remains a hunter at heart. It loves to chase toys as if they were living creatures. It also possesses a strong territorial instinct and checks its surroundings several times a day to ensure everything is in order. Despite its large size, it adapts perfectly to apartment living. The Norwegian is very attached to its home and gets along very well with the children in the family.

How to care for a Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat tends to maintain its weight independently, by increasing physical activity and reducing food intake when necessary. If it has enough time and space to run and hunt, it usually doesn't need to be put on a diet.

Due to its strong territorial instinct, the Norwegian needs to claim the space it occupies. It likes to run, hide, and stalk its toys. Its space should be equipped with a resting area, as well as perches, branches, or elevated cat trees, and an area for running.

The Norwegian needs daily brushing to prevent matting, especially during shedding season. Brushing can be incorporated into play sessions, but usually, these cats love to be groomed and brushed. Like any other cat with thick fur, during the shedding period, it may need treatment for hairballs.

Health problems

The Norwegian Forest cat does not have fragile health. Due to its wild origins, the Norwegian is a sturdy cat with no real health problems. However, it can be affected by glycogen storage disease GSD IV or type 4, a genetic disease specific to its breed, which weakens the cat and leads to its early death.

Most kittens affected by this genetic disease are born stillborn or die a few hours after birth. However, 12% will survive and live normally for a maximum of six months, while exhibiting a severe deficiency in GEB, or glycogen branching enzyme. This is an enzyme that transforms glycogen, which is the molecule that allows glucose to be stored in the body. Unused by the body, glycogen is gradually distributed to different organs and cells of the body, especially muscles, including the heart, neurons, and immune cells.

Around the age of six months, the kitten develops the first symptoms of the disease. It has a permanent fever (hyperthermia), suffers from muscle tremors, and is apathetic. Its muscles slowly atrophy, leading to total paralysis of all four limbs. Inexorably, the cat dies between 10 and 14 months; very often, it is euthanized earlier due to its severely deteriorated condition.

Proper nutrition

The Norwegian cat needs a diet rich in animal protein, trace elements, and vitamins. The basic foods are meat, fish, and vegetables. It requires a balanced diet that includes both dry and wet food.

• Equilibrio Long Hair dry cat food, 7.5kg, with poultry, peas, rice, and vegetable fibers, will provide your Norwegian cat with the necessary protein, fiber, and fat.
• Animonda Carny Ocean White Tuna + Shrimp wet cat food 80gr contains fine fish fillets; thus, adult cats will receive a tasty high-quality delicacy for a balanced diet.
• Royal Canin Indoor 27 dry cat food, 10 kg is specially designed for indoor cats who spend more time eating or sleeping, at the expense of physical exercise. It is also suitable food for eliminating hairballs swallowed during grooming.
• Rafine Soupe adult wet cat food with Chicken in Cream Sauce 100gr offers delicious, healthy, and balanced nutrition for adult cats up to 6 years old, with tender pieces of meat in a delicious sauce or jelly.
• Carny Kitten Poultry Cocktail wet cat food 200gr, prepared with fresh meat ingredients, is a delicious, healthy food for kittens in their first year of life.

Portions of food vary depending on temperature (summer, winter, etc.) or its lifestyle (more active or less effort).

Remember that after spaying or neutering, to prevent obesity and other possible health problems, such as kidney issues, it is recommended to switch its food to one specifically designed for this case. For example, Royal Canin Sterilised 37 dry cat food, with a protein content of 37%, 12% fat, and 6% fiber, is a suitable choice to regulate weight gain and the appearance of health problems in your cat after neutering or spaying.

Also, adequately feed pregnant and lactating cats and kittens. Royal Canin Mother & Babycat dry cat food 2 kg is a suitable option that will provide your animals with specific needs a complete and balanced diet.

And last but not least, like any long-haired cat, it needs cat grass from time to time to help it eliminate ingested hair after grooming.

To learn more about this topic, also read: All about cat nutrition. How to feed them, what food they prefer, and how to keep them healthy

Adopting an animal is a commitment and a decision you will need to consider carefully. Recommendations, such as those provided above, can help you make the right choice. Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian, who can offer the best advice regarding adequate nutrition and the prevention and monitoring of various conditions. This way, you will enjoy the affection and attention of your fluffy companion for a long time.

Photo source: Shutterstock

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