The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large breed from northern Europe that adapted to colder climates due to their thick fur. This ancient Viking breed was first seen around 1000 B.C.
Breed Overview
Height:
9–12 inches
Weight:
12–16 pounds
Lifespan:
14–16 years
Colors:
White/black, ebony/red, orange/blue
Suitable for:
Children, seniors, families, other pets
Temperament:
Sweet, loving, athletic
If you are interested in getting one of these longhaired cats for your home, keep reading as we take a closer look at their temperament, health problems, exercise requirements, breeding history, and other factors, so you can make an informed decision.
Norwegian Forest Cat Characteristics
Energy
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A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
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Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
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Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
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Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.
Norwegian Forest Cats are quite expensive, especially if you are interested in a show-quality cat from a well-known breeder. Your location compared to the closest breeder can also affect the price, and cats from the West Coast tend to be more expensive. There is more to the cost of your Norwegian Forest Cat than the price tag, of course. You will also need to pay for vet visits, food, treats, toys, and much more.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Norwegian Forest Cat
The temperament of the Norwegian Forest Cat is sweet and lovable, even though they often have a rough and rugged appearance. This cat will enjoy sitting on your lap and will never be far from a member of the family. They’re a favorite among children, who love their long hair, fluffy appearance, and friendly nature. They love to play games and will spend several hours a day chasing a laser or ball.
The Norwegian Forest Cat is also easy to train and can learn several tricks if you have the patience to spend a few minutes a day teaching them. Consistency is key when training, and they will soon follow several commands and come when you call them.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Yes, children love the cuddly appearance of the Norwegian Forest Cat, and they don’t mind being pet or carried around. They’re also suitable for the elderly because of their ability to be independent. Their intelligence also helps them learn the routines of their owners, so they’re less bothersome than some other breeds. They’re always at the door when you come home from work and often like to jump up in bed with you while you sleep.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Yes, the Norwegian Forest Cat gets along well with other cat breeds and is never aggressive. Their large size usually causes other cats to leave them alone, and they’re muscular enough to be a formidable opponent for many dogs, so they usually have few enemies. They will chase birds and rodents, including mice and hamsters, so you will need to be careful if you have these pets in your home.
Image By: Elisa Putti, Shutterstock
Things to Know When Owning a Norwegian Forest Cat
Food & Diet Requirements
Your Norwegian Forest cat can eat any brand of cat food that is healthy and provides a well-balanced meal. Cats are carnivorous, so brands with high-quality protein like chicken, beef, tuna, salmon, turkey, or lamb listed as the first ingredient are the best choices. These meats will provide your cat with the protein that they need for energy and to build muscle. We recommend a dry kibble because it helps clean teeth by scraping away plaque and tarter. That said, wet cat food is good for kittens, older cats, and those with a medical condition that requires it. Follow the instructions on the package closely to avoid overfeeding your pet, which can lead to weight gain.
Exercise 🐈
You won’t need to set aside much time to exercise with your cat because they will get plenty during their daily activities, especially if you have a large family or other pets to keep them busy. We recommend spending 15–30 minutes each day engaging your cat in high-intensity activities, like chasing a laser or a ball to help them get their heart moving. These high-energy activities can help your cat burn off excess calories and will make them less likely to cause mischief, especially if you do it right before bed.
Training 🧶
Unfortunately, cats can’t learn tricks as well as dogs, even smart breeds like the Norwegian Forest Cat, but with a little practice, you might be surprised at how well your pet learns. You can teach them to tell you when they need to go outside to use the bathroom or even how to use the toilet instead of the litter box. You can teach them to jump onto your lap on command and come when you call them. They can also retrieve toys by name, choose a dinner they want to eat, learn how to sing, and much more.
Training requires plenty of patience and treats, but all you need to do is keep motioning what you want the cat to do and give them a treat when they do it. Never look angry or disappointed, or the cat will see you as hostile and move on to doing something else. Cats have short attention spans, so you need to be ready at all times. Holding training sessions at specific times each day will also increase your chance of success because the cat will get into a routine, especially if there are treats involved.
Image By: Pixabay
Grooming ✂️
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a long, dense coat that will require a significant amount of brushing to keep it tangle-free but will require little maintenance beyond that. The waterproof nature of the coat helps keep odor at a minimum, and it also seems to repel dirt, so these cats rarely need a bath unless they get into something. It would be helpful if you manually brushed your pet’s teeth with cat toothpaste to help prevent the onset of dental disease, and you may need to trim the nails occasionally if they won’t use a scratching post, to keep them from tearing up the furniture.
Health and Conditions 🏥
Serious Conditions
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a form of heart disease that affects many cat breeds, including the Norwegian Forest Cat. This condition affects the left ventricle and its ability to pump blood. Signs include a loss of appetite, weak pulse, and difficulty breathing. Cats with this condition will need a restricted sodium diet and other specialized care.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition that results from a malformed hip joint. It progresses much faster in overweight cats and large breeds like the Norwegian Forest Cat. Signs of hip dysplasia include difficulty getting up and a decrease in daily activity. You may also notice a bunny-hop sort of gait when they walk. Weight control and medication can help a cat with this condition live a longer and happier life.
Minor Conditions
Dental Disease
Dental disease is a serious issue for cats, and many experts believe that more than half of cats over the age of 3 have some form of it. Dental disease can make chewing painful and cause your pet to become more aggressive, especially toward other animals. Manual brushing with cat-safe toothpaste and regular checkups are the best ways to prevent dental disease from affecting your cat.
Male vs. Female
The primary difference between male and female Norwegian Forest Cats is size. The males are much larger than the females and tend to look a little scruffier. However, there are few other differences between the two sexes, especially if you get them spayed or neutered, which is better for their health and might be a requirement with some breeders.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Norwegian Forest Cat
1. The Norwegian Forest Cat Has a Thick Waterproof Coat
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a thick double coat that enables them to feel comfortable in temperatures that would send other cats looking for shelter. The coat is also waterproof, so they don’t mind the rain and will even swim on occasion if they need to.
2. King Olaf Named the Norwegian Forest Cat the National Cat of Norway
After breeders finalized the Norwegian Forest Cat breed in the 1950s, King Olaf named them the official cat of Norway due to their strong yet majestic appearance. These cats were not exported until the 1970s, and the first ones arrived in the United States in 1979.
3. Norwegian Forest Cats Love to Climb
Norwegian Forest Cats are notorious for their climbing ability, and you will often find them on the roof or high up in a tree if you allow them to go outdoors. Unlike many other breeds, these cats usually don’t get stuck and are quite squirrel-like in their climbing ability.
Image By: Elisa Putti, Shutterstock
Conclusion
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large and cuddly kitty that will make an excellent pet in any home. They’re friendly, get along with children and other pets, and will be waiting at the door when you get home. They like to climb, so you will want to set up a few perches around your house, and you will also want to get your lap ready to be an often-used resting place for this 20-pound cat. They have few health problems and a long lifespan, so they’re sure to give you and your family many years of fond memories.
Ed Malaker is a veteran writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs covering a variety of topics, writing about everything from tools to pets. When he’s not writing, Ed is a musician and spends a lot of time helping people fix their guitars and composing music for independent films.
