Norwegian Forest cat is an attractive, strong, and beautiful cat. Many characters distinguish one Norwegian forest cat from another, and one of them is its long, lush fur.
When you look at them, their fur on their neck immediately brings a back image of the lion to your mind. This character is what makes them most attractive. If you are thinking of adopting a Norwegian Forest Cat, there are certain things you should know beforehand.
History
Norwegian forest cats are also known as Skogkatt or forest cat. It is found in Norway and, despite their wild appearance, Norwegian Forest cats are not descendants of any species of wild cat.
Basically, Norwegian forest cats came to Norway from Europe, and in Europe, it was introduced by the Romans. Norwegian Forest cats are believed to have existed thousands of years ago because big long-haired cats were mentioned in Norse mythology.
Norwegian Forest cats were present in every cat story, and the written form of the story varies greatly. Norse mythology was basically passed down orally until they were recorded in Edda poems that were written between 800-1200 CE.
Finally, when these forest cats arrived in the northern countries, this breed ancestor was short-haired. This cat survived in the north and began to adapt to its severe weather. If we talk about northern Norway, the sun never sets there from May 12 to August 1, and winter nights are hard, long, and cold.
But over time, Norwegian Forest cats developed a better survival instinct and a long, dense, water-resistant coat. Efforts began in the 1930s to bring this cat’s to the limelight, but during World War II, this breed was close to extinction until the feline lover in Norway began to preserve this attractive breed of cat.
Norwegian Forest cats are lovingly known as Wegie’s, and they came to the USA around 1980. In 1984, this breed was accepted into the competition for the championship. In 1993, the Norwegian Forest Cats achieved CFA champion status.
Personality
Norwegian Forest cats are natural athletes and love to investigate everything like the bookcase and the peak of their cat tree. Basically, Norwegian Forest Cats have a very playful and fun nature. They are family-oriented cats, and they love being around their human companion.
Norwegian forest cats lived in the wild forest for a long time, and so they like pampering more than prowling. Due to the many years, they spent in the Norwegian forest, nothing fascinates them too much. Norwegian Forest cats are equally good purrs when close to their favorite humans.
Their expressive and outgoing nature makes them love not only with one person but with everyone enthusiastically and unconditionally.
Size
Norwegian forest cats are large, their males may weigh more than 22 pounds, but females are somewhat smaller than males. This forest cat matures very late and fully grows at the age of 5 years.
Health
There are specific health problems present in the mixed breed and pedigree cats. These problems are believed to be present in their genes. Wegies are generally healthy cats, but certain diseases have been observed in this breed.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
It is a heart disease that is inherited in breeds like the Maine Coon. It is present in Norwegian forest cats, but its heritability has not yet been proven.
Glycogen Storage Disease IV
It is an inherited condition in Norwegian forest cats and affects glucose metabolism. In this disease, kittens are stillborn and die after a few hours of birth. A DNA test is present for the identification of this disease in affected cats as well as in carrier cats.
Polycystic kidney disease
It is a condition in which the kidneys are destroyed at an early age. Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic condition in Norwegian forest cats. There is no DNA test available for identification, but this disease can be detected with ultrasound at a very young age.
Care tips
There are certain tips for caring for Norwegian Forest cats. If you follow them, you will have a healthy and beautiful cat.
- Brush their long coat once or twice a week with a bristle brush or stainless steel comb. This regular brush will help escape from tangles. There is no need for a bath, and it is due to its waterproof coating.
- Brush the teeth of your Norwegian Forest cats to avoid periodontal disease. Brush their teeth twice a week. If you find any discharge around their eyes, clean it daily with a soft, damp cloth.
- Check their ears weekly for infection or dirt. Clean their ear with a cotton ball and a 50-50 mix of warm water and apple cider vinegar. Do not use a cotton bud to clean their ears.
- Always keep their litter box clean because they are very particular about bathroom hygiene.
- Norwegian Forest cats can survive in cold climates, but it is best to keep them indoors to protect them from disease and attacks from other cats and dogs.
Norwegian Forest cats lifespan
Wegies are healthy cat breeds and tend to live longer. Most of the reported life of Norwegian forest cats is between 15 and 16 years.
Are Norwegian Forest Cats friendly?
Norwegian Forest cat is a perfect cat for families of children and for families that have dogs. Wegie loves the attention they get from children or anyone who treats them politely, and they don’t mind going for a walk in a stroller either.
Do Norwegian Forest cat’s meow?
Norwegian forest cats are not a vocal breed. If you don’t like those cats that make too much noise and want a lot of attention, Norwegian Forest cats are the perfect cat for you.
The Wegies make no noise and like to sit on their owner’s lap. They prefer to stay close to you, but that doesn’t mean they always require your attention. They also prefer to live with more than one human company.
How much do Norwegian Forest cats cost?
If you are adopting a Norwegian Forest cat, it will cost you around $ 75- $ 100, but if you want to buy a Wegie from a reputable breeder, it will cost you between $ 600- $ 1,200.
Conclusion
Norwegian Forest cat or Wegies are perfect long coat breeds. It is the best breed for families with children and other pet animals. Furthermore, they don’t make noise, and they require less attention that makes them perfect family cat.
