Norwegian Forest Cat - What To Look For?

1. Introduction
2. History
3. Behaviour
4. What To Look For
5. Standards
6. Conclusion

If you are looking for an intelligent, strong, gentle cat that will adapt well to family surroundings, then this ancient breed may be for you.

Sometimes somewhat reserved with strangers, Norwegian Forest Cats are usually the most gentle and friendly of cats. Because of their size, they tend not to be 'lap' cats, but do enjoy head bumping and chin scratching. They are not hugely demanding of your attention, and will certainly let you know when they need something, whether it is a lunchtime feed, or a tickle behind the ears.

These are a robust strong breed, with long strong legs and an uncanny ability to climb almost anything. They are agile and very acute in assessing their surroundings and conditions. Adaptable and happy, they adore climbing, so provision should be made for this requirement if at all possible.

If you own a pond with fish, you had better keep an eye on your Norwegian Forest Cat because fishing comes naturally to this breed, and a frequent lunch of your very expensive and rare Koi Karp would not endear this friendly furry fellow to you for long.

You will notice that this breed’s back legs are usually longer than the front. This has evolved naturally to keep the underbelly out of the snow and rain when stalking prey in their natural forest environment.

Norwegian Forest Cats have the most luxuriously cosy coat. It comprises a soft thick woolly undercoat, covered by a somewhat coarser fur coat, which appears glossy and very slightly waxy. This is to waterproof the animal during harsh weather.

The face is usually quite triangular, with ears having tufts on the point. Unlike the Maine Coon cat, which is similar in many ways, the Norwegian Forest Cat does not have the look of feral fierceness in its eyes the way Maine Coons sometimes do.

Norwegian Forest cats bond quickly to their owner and openly show their affection and pleasure at being with him or her. It does not need constant reassurance or petting from you, and does not constantly chat to you. But if something needs to be said, then this breed will definitely let you know in no uncertain terms, turning up the volume if he or she is ignored after the first attempt.

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