Norwegian Forest Cat Breed A Complete Overview In 2023

“Norwegian forest cats were favored by the goddess Freyja in Norse mythology. The big-boned and heavily furred Norwegian forest cat is often mistaken for the similarly built Maine Coon, but it has a big personality all its own. These cats get along well with just about everyone, but they’re also protective of their territory and endlessly inquisitive.”

In Norse mythology, the Norwegian forest cat appeared in different mythology called “skogkatt,” they were beloved by the Norse Goddess Freyja.

One of the descended of the Norwegian forest cut is the white and black British Shorthair cats, the Vikings brought them from Great Britain from Norway.

It is possible that other ancestors of the Norwegian forest cats are the Siberian Angora or Turkish, but both are long-haired cat breeds. If you wanna know about the cat in-depth, then keep scrolling through this article.  

Breed History 

The history of the Norwegian forest cats is believed to date back to the age of Vikings. Researchers found countless images and written descriptions that share a striking resemblance to the majestic felines. Furthermore, this is a breed that has deep roots in Norwegian folklore and culture. According to Norse mythology, Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, has a chariot that is pulled by six huge forest cats.

By the 20th Century, these cats were practically lost due to extensive and indiscriminate cross-breeding. As authorities took notice of the dire situation for this bloodline of cats, the King of Norway, King Olav V, declared these cats as a national treasure. This move discouraged breeders from cross-breeding and shot up the popularity of these cats. therefore, there were more people lining up to adopt these cats.

These cats arrived in the United States during the 1970s. By the end of 1984, the Norwegian cats were already accepted for championship status by the prestigious International Cat Association. Subsequently, these cats were further recognized by the Cat Fancier Association in the year 1993. Since then, these breed of cats are some of the most sought-after breeds by cat enthusiasts.  

Breed Overview  

Norwegian forest cats are regarded as Scandinavian work cats in order to keep small and large rodents away from ships or farms. But before we get to know more about the Norwegian forest cat, here are a few important details you need to know.

Physical Appearance Of Norwegian Forest Cats  

“Norwegian forest cats were the cats of choice for the Vikings! They are very strong and durable animals, and that did not go unnoticed by the warriors of Norway. They could bring these amazing cats abroad their ships and have them stay healthy and hearty while eating any rodents that happened to be abroad.”

The cat is known to have extremely long and thick fur, but the fur is known to grow in layers at the same time. The topmost layer of the mouth is water-resistant, long, and also glossy.

Having an undercoat, the Norwegian forest cat is able to keep themselves warm and well insulated, which is more of a wooly texture. These Norwegian forest cats are very much like the large Maine Coon cats.

Personality & Temperament  

Normally, Norwegian forest cats have been bred in harsh conditions, but that hasn’t hardened their personality as well. The Norwegian forest cats, also known as Wegies, are one of the most sociable and friendly felines in the world.

These cats tend to form strong bonds with the members of their family, which is why they make the ideal family pet, as they are great at being household pets.

Since these Wegies are known to be great as family pets, these cats are quite calm, gentle, and friendly. These types of cats are known to be very adaptable to any type of lifestyle and family life, and at the same time, these cats are great with most animals and children.

The cats are quite intelligent and alert in their nature, but at the same time, the Wegies are quite affectionate, lovable, and have a great connection with their humans. The Wegies are not needy animals, they would prefer to let the humans come to them as they are quite undemanding.

Read Alos: Cat Twitching In Sleep: When To Worry And What To Do

Care & Health  

As suggested by Nicole Goudey-Rigger, the CEO and Owner of Pets a Go Go, “Daily combing and bushing is essential if you do not wish to have a close, personal, and frequent relationship with your local groomer.”

Since these cats have long water-resistant coats, along with a dense undercoat, this is why the Wegie needs a lot of brushing at least twice a week. But at the same time, at times of heavy shedding, the brush needs to be more than just twice a week.

It is quite important that you trim the nails of your Wegie cat, or long nails can be hurtful to these cats since these cats are quite adventurous and playful. And another health risk you need to take care of is obesity in these Norwegian forest cats.

“When it comes to exercise, make sure your Wegie has plenty of room to run and play. You won’t need to go out of your way to get this athletic cat moving, but toys, cat trees, and time spent playing together will help keep him alive.”

When it comes to certain health risks, Norwegian forest cats are susceptible to many health risks, such as.

• Patella Luxation  

A health condition where the knee joints tend to slip out of their own position, which leads to unstable and loose joints.

• Hip Dysplasia  

It is a malfunction of the hip’s ball and socket joint, this can easily lead to health risks like arthritis, which should not be left unchecked.

• Cardiomyopathy  

This is a certain way of heart muscle disease in which the microscopic heart structure doesn’t seem normal at all. This is one of the most common heart problems that is found in several breeds.

• Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV  

This is a certain type of health problem where the glycogen breaks down to glucose and is then used in metabolic processes.

The way to understand these health risks is through episodes of collapsing, muscle tremors, and also muscle wasting. These signs are usually seen in kittens as well.

• Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex  

This is a type of skin disease that makes the skin look raised and has red bumps on the skin, which make the skin crusty and ulcerated. This skin condition is seen on the lower abdomen or even on the inner thigh, also on their faces in certain cases.

Diet And Nutrition

Due to their place of origin, these Norwegain forest cats are built sturdily. However, these cats have a propensity to become fat, something you must avoid at all costs.  If these cats gain weight, they would develop a myriad of health complications like diabetes, heart issues, hip dysplasia, along with other co-morbidity. Therefore, a balanced diet is seminal for the overall health of your feline.Due to these aforementioned reasons, it is quite important that you measure the amount of food you offer to your cat.

These cats are voracious eaters. Hence, it is very important that you say no to your cat from time to time. Also, it is a big no that you leave out food or snacks all day, this can cause the cat to eat more than it should. Subsequently, this can develop into an eating disorder. You also need to be mindful that your cat is not underfed. An underfed cat is equally dangerous as an overfed cat. Therefore, consult your vet for the best advice on feeding your cat.

Wrapping Up!  

Now that you have a more clear understanding of the breed of Norwegian forest cat and what are their certain health problems, and how to take care of these Wegies. So if you think that this article is helpful, then leave us a like and comment down below on whether you would like to own a Norwegian forest cat for yourself or not.

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