Norwegian Forest Cat: The Facts Every Owner Of This Cat Breed Should Know
Believed to date back to Viking times, the Norwegian Forest Cat is an ancient breed. References to this type of cat can be found in Norse mythology and Norwegian fairy tales, but the true origins of their breed are unknown. Domestic breeding of the Norwegian Forest Cat, known as ‘skogkatt’ in Scandinavia, began in 1930 by farmers, but was not recognized as a breed until the 1970s, when ‘Wegies’ (a nickname derived from the word ‘Wegies’) were bred. Norwegian’) became popular.
Norwegian Forest Cats lived in a harsh, cold climate for most of the year, so their coats are adapted to this environment. It is long and thick to protect them from hashish winters and practically waterproof. They get a summer coat in the spring, resulting in shedding that needs to be taken care of. Some say that grooming is not necessary, regular grooming of a Norwegian Forest Cat is a useful tool to combat shedding, although they shed much less than other longhaired cats. They require regular brushing to help deal with tangles and mats and may require a bath at times if they get too oily (the oil is what makes the coat waterproof). The coats themselves appear in many colors and patterns.
Adult male Norwegian Forest Cats will reach an average weight of thirteen to twenty-two pounds with females being about half that size. They will live fifteen to twenty years. Norwegian Forest Cats are intelligent, friendly, and patient, making them a good family pet for people with children. They are also friendly and gentle, so they get along well with other pets in the family. This breed loves to climb, so a cat condo is a must.
If a Norwegian Forest Cat is not allowed to climb regularly, it can become irritable or bored, which can result in destructive behaviors to relieve boredom. The meow of a Norwegian Forest Cat is not described as a meow, but as a soft melody. This is a hearty breed, although some may be prone to glycogen storage disease.
There is a website that has excellent information on Norwegian Forest Cats and most other cat breeds. It has details related to cat breed health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices, and more. The website is called: Cat and Dog Information, and can be found at this URL:
http://www.dogandcatfacts.com
By Robert W. Benjamin
Copyright © 2007
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