Norwegian forest cats

To those legions of fans of the Maine Coon breed, at first glance the Norwegian Forest Cats may appear similar. They are both big-boned large cats that have evolved naturally to survive in harsh climates. Whilst they do have these similarities, they are very different in other ways.

Judges at cat shows look for specific characteristics and award points to each animal based on how the animal conforms to the 'ideal' standard.

The head is supposed to be triangular, where each side is the same length. The head should also have a good height when viewed in profile with a slightly rounded forehead. The chin is best described as 'firm'. The Norwegian Forest show cat should ideally have large ears, wide at the base, with pointed tips and tufts of longer hair on the tips and protruding from within the ear. Eyes should be large and oval, wide open and set at a very slightly oblique angle with an alert expression. No penalties are imposed for any colour eyes, as all are acceptable.

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.

The name of this breed implies a huge aggressive cat suited to attacking and surviving in the harshest of climates. Whilst the survival aspect is true, you would be hard pushed to find another breed of cat who comes close to being so intelligent, playful, friendly and sociably companionable.

An ancient breed, entirely free of man's selective breeding, some people are convinced that the Norwegian Forest Cats are descendants of the Turkish Longhair breed (otherwise known as the Angora). This connection is made because some Turkish emperors in times gone by had Scandinavian guards (called the Vaeringer).