The Norwegian Forest cat is, indicates, a cat of Scandinavian descent. A breed believed to be between 1,000 and 2,000 years old, the "Wedgie" was the cat of the Vikings, living as a ratter on both farm and ship.
Breeders from Finland describe the cat as the "mystic wildcat of the fairy tales." The Norse mythology tells that these cats were the favorites of Freyja (also spelled Freya, Freja, or Frejya), goddess of love, fertility, and the hearth. They were used by Freyja to travel to the funeral of her lover, Baldur.
Intelligent and resourceful, the Forest Cat is a mild-mannered breed that adapts easily to its environment. Their purr boxes are constantly working and continually exhibit their love of people. If the Forest cats have a fault, it is that they want to be with you and love you all the time. Forest cats are exceedingly alert and brilliant. A Norwegian Forest Cat is a significant and strongly built cat with a medium-length body and hind legs higher than the front legs. It is muscular and heavy-boned. The head is triangular-shaped, with all three sides equal. The profile is long and straight with no break, stop, or bump, and the cat has a strong chin. The eyes are incredibly expressive, large, and almond-shaped, set at a slight angle with the outer corner higher than the inner corner. These cute forest cats have a wide range of eye colors. The ears are medium-large, set on the head to follow the line of the triangle from the base of the ears towards the chin with their large tails. Tufted ears and many of the cats have lynx-like tips. The Norwegian Forest Cat is accepted in all colors and patterns except color prints.
They are very interactive cats who enjoy being part of their family environment and love to play with anyone who wants a game!
The Wedgie's body is large, muscular, and substantial. Its strength and agility make it a born hunter able to climb any surface. Their water-resistant, semi-long coat with a dense undercoat was developed to help the cat survive in the harsh Scandinavian climate. During the cooler months, the ruff is complete, and the dense woolly undercoat thickens to protect the cat from the cold. The coat will be shorter in the summer, although it will still have a water-repellent texture. The tail is long, complete, and flowing. While the skin is full and dense in the winter, it is also a coat that does not require the daily care of other longhaired breeds. It is a good idea, though, to give a little extra combing in the Spring when it is changing its heavy winter coat for its summer one. Its minimal care requirements make this the ideal longhair for the busy, active family!
The overall appearance is of an alert, very healthy, firm, muscular, and well-proportioned cat. The males are large and imposing (averaging 10 to 16 lbs.), while the females are considerably smaller. It has to be noted that this breed is not fully mature until five years of age. The Norwegian females are excellent mothers, keep their offspring in tow as long as you will let them, and have been known to adopt other kittens as well readily.
The first breeding pair got into the United States on November 1, 1979. Currently, there are over more than 500 registered Norwegian Forest Cats in the U.S. The Wedgie Cat has been accepted for registration in six associations: ACA, ACFA, CFA, CFF, CROWN, and TICA. They are taken for championship competitions in ACFA, CFF, CROWN, and TICA.
The Norwegian Forest Cat's head is the shape of an equilateral triangle, the nose profile long and straight. Eyes are large, almond-shaped, set at an oblique angle, and very expressive. Ears are extensive, broad at the base, and arched forward. Variety is the spice of life, and the Norwegian Forest Cat comes in a rainbow of colors for you to choose from.
Breeders from Finland describe the cat as the "mystic wildcat of the fairy tales." The Norse mythology tells that these cats were the favorites of Freyja (also spelled Freya, Freja, or Frejya), goddess of love, fertility, and the hearth. They were used by Freyja to travel to the funeral of her lover, Baldur.
Intelligent and resourceful, the Forest Cat is a mild-mannered breed that adapts easily to its environment. Their purr boxes are constantly working and continually exhibit their love of people. If the Forest cats have a fault, it is that they want to be with you and love you all the time. Forest cats are exceedingly alert and brilliant. A Norwegian Forest Cat is a significant and strongly built cat with a medium-length body and hind legs higher than the front legs. It is muscular and heavy-boned. The head is triangular-shaped, with all three sides equal. The profile is long and straight with no break, stop, or bump, and the cat has a strong chin. The eyes are incredibly expressive, large, and almond-shaped, set at a slight angle with the outer corner higher than the inner corner. These cute forest cats have a wide range of eye colors. The ears are medium-large, set on the head to follow the line of the triangle from the base of the ears towards the chin with their large tails. Tufted ears and many of the cats have lynx-like tips. The Norwegian Forest Cat is accepted in all colors and patterns except color prints.
They are very interactive cats who enjoy being part of their family environment and love to play with anyone who wants a game!
The Wedgie's body is large, muscular, and substantial. Its strength and agility make it a born hunter able to climb any surface. Their water-resistant, semi-long coat with a dense undercoat was developed to help the cat survive in the harsh Scandinavian climate. During the cooler months, the ruff is complete, and the dense woolly undercoat thickens to protect the cat from the cold. The coat will be shorter in the summer, although it will still have a water-repellent texture. The tail is long, complete, and flowing. While the skin is full and dense in the winter, it is also a coat that does not require the daily care of other longhaired breeds. It is a good idea, though, to give a little extra combing in the Spring when it is changing its heavy winter coat for its summer one. Its minimal care requirements make this the ideal longhair for the busy, active family!
The overall appearance is of an alert, very healthy, firm, muscular, and well-proportioned cat. The males are large and imposing (averaging 10 to 16 lbs.), while the females are considerably smaller. It has to be noted that this breed is not fully mature until five years of age. The Norwegian females are excellent mothers, keep their offspring in tow as long as you will let them, and have been known to adopt other kittens as well readily.
The first breeding pair got into the United States on November 1, 1979. Currently, there are over more than 500 registered Norwegian Forest Cats in the U.S. The Wedgie Cat has been accepted for registration in six associations: ACA, ACFA, CFA, CFF, CROWN, and TICA. They are taken for championship competitions in ACFA, CFF, CROWN, and TICA.
The Norwegian Forest Cat's head is the shape of an equilateral triangle, the nose profile long and straight. Eyes are large, almond-shaped, set at an oblique angle, and very expressive. Ears are extensive, broad at the base, and arched forward. Variety is the spice of life, and the Norwegian Forest Cat comes in a rainbow of colors for you to choose from.
BREED OVERVIEW
WEIGHT: 13 to 20 pounds
LENGTH: 12 to 18 inches
COAT: Long; double coat
COAT COLOR: Ranges from white, black, red, cream, tabby to cinnamon
EYE COLOR: Green, gold, and gold-green
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 16 years
Characteristics of the Norwegian Forest Cat
Affection Level: Medium
Friendliness: Medium
Kid-Friendly: High
Pet-Friendly: High
Exercise Needs: Medium
Playfulness : High
Energy Level: High
Intelligence: High
Tendency to Vocalize: Low
Amount of Shedding: High
Diet and Nutrition
Norwegian forest cats are descended from hunters and prefer a high-protein and high-meat diet. They can sometimes be picky if their food does not comply with this preference. Reduce or avoid carbs as they are not meant to eat them and do not process them as well as dogs or other animals.
Wegies will eat more than a normal cat due to its larger size. If the cat becomes a difficult eater, a different brand of cat food that is high in protein and meat can be tried. There are also brands of cat food made specifically for Norwegian forest cats.
WEIGHT: 13 to 20 pounds
LENGTH: 12 to 18 inches
COAT: Long; double coat
COAT COLOR: Ranges from white, black, red, cream, tabby to cinnamon
EYE COLOR: Green, gold, and gold-green
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 16 years
Characteristics of the Norwegian Forest Cat
Affection Level: Medium
Friendliness: Medium
Kid-Friendly: High
Pet-Friendly: High
Exercise Needs: Medium
Playfulness : High
Energy Level: High
Intelligence: High
Tendency to Vocalize: Low
Amount of Shedding: High
Diet and Nutrition
Norwegian forest cats are descended from hunters and prefer a high-protein and high-meat diet. They can sometimes be picky if their food does not comply with this preference. Reduce or avoid carbs as they are not meant to eat them and do not process them as well as dogs or other animals.
Wegies will eat more than a normal cat due to its larger size. If the cat becomes a difficult eater, a different brand of cat food that is high in protein and meat can be tried. There are also brands of cat food made specifically for Norwegian forest cats.
