Are Norwegian Forest Cats rare?

What kind of heart disease does a Norwegian Forest cat have?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease that causes thickening of the heart walls. HCM is the most common form of heart disease in cats. Hip dysplasia (looseness of the hip joint) is less common in cats than in dogs, but it can affect some larger, heavier breeds like the Norwegian forest cat.

What kind of health problems do Norwegian Forest cats have?

Identified health problems in the breed include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia and glycogen storage disease type IV. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats, and all Norwegian forest cats should be screened for the disease. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary defect of the hip socket.

Is there a DNA test for a Norwegian Forest Cat?

A DNA test is available that can identify affected and carrier cats. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease that is inherited in some cat breeds such as the Maine Coon. Heritability has not been proven in the Norwegian Forest Cat. Polycystic kidney disease, a genetic condition that progressively destroys the kidneys.

When to know if your Norwegian Forest cat has hip problems?

Purebred Norwegian Forest Cats should have X-rays performed on their hips at around the age of 2 years old. If possible, it can be helpful to determine whether your cat’s parents have good hips or a history of hip problems in the past. This could be an indicator that your Wegie might have a higher chance of hip issues since it is hereditary.

Is the Norwegian Forest Cat the right breed for You?

Despite their large size, the Norwegian Forest cat is a very gentle and loving breed with a strong, nurturing instinct. Their lavish coat makes them look even bigger but served as a natural protection when they lived in the forest. If you are looking for a “lap cat”, the Norwegian Forest Cat might not be the best choice.

Is there a test for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Norwegian Forest cats?

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) requires more diligence on part of the breeder as there are no DNA detection tests specifically for the Norwegian Forest Cat available at this time. HCM has been diagnosed in cats as young as four months old and as old as 16 years old.

Are Norwegian Forest cats warm in the summer?

The Norwegian forest cat’s coat is designed to insulate and protect them from the very harsh winters of their native Norway, but it does mean that they will tend to be a little overly warm in the summer.

Do Norwegian Forest cats have urinary problems?

The Norwegian Forest Cat is generally a robust and healthy breed. There is some anecdotal evidence that the breed is susceptible to Feline Urinary Syndrome (FUS) which can cause pain when urinating, and care should be taken with diet in this respect.

Are Siberian cats related to Norwegian Forest cats?

Siberians are often known as “Siberian Forest Cats,” as they emerged from the frigid forests of Siberia. As such, it’s natural to compare them to Norwegian Forest Cats. The two breeds look remarkably similar, with similar coat styles, body shapes, and more. They’re even close in terms of size.

Is the Norwegian Forest Cat a good pet?

With its handsome looks and kind disposition, it’s not surprising that the Norwegian Forest Cat is a popular pet and among the top 10 breeds registered by Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. Remember! All breed profiles are general and every cat is an individual.

Do Norwegian Forest cats have kidney disease?

Some Norwegian Forest Cats can have the gene but not get the disease, making them carriers and capable of passing it on to their kittens. Any good breeder will screen for this and not breed any cats that test positive for the gene. PKD is a disorder that deteriorates and destroys the cat’s kidney function.

What are the screening tests for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats?

76 Hertzsch S, Roos A, Wess G. Evaluation of a sensitive cardiac troponin I assay as a screening test for the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2019; 33: 1242 – 1250 . 77 Borgeat K, Sherwood K, Payne J, et al. Plasma cardiac troponin I concentration and cardiac death in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Do normal NT-pro-BNP results mean my cat is free of cardiomyopathy?

Normal NT-pro-BNP results do not assure that a cat is free of cardiomyopathy, especially when mild heart disease is present, nor do they guarantee that a cat will remain free of cardiomyopathy later in life. They do however indicate a low likelihood of cardiomyopathy that is immediately, clinically harmful.

What do Norwegian Forest cats like to do?

Even though the Norwegian Forest Cat comes from a cold climate, these kitties love to keep warm. They appreciate an indoor lifestyle with plenty of soft, comfortable surfaces to accommodate frequent naps.

Why does my Norwegian Forest cat have blood in his urine?

Norwegian Forest Cats can suffer from these conditions, which can be caused by stress, not urinating enough, infections and bladder stones or crystals. Cats suffering from cystitis make frequent, painful attempts to urinate, and blood is often found in the urine.

What kind of cat is a Siberian forest cat?

Siberians are often known as “Siberian Forest Cats,” as they emerged from the frigid forests of Siberia. As such, it’s natural to compare them to Norwegian Forest Cats. The two breeds look remarkably similar, with similar coat styles, body shapes, and more.

What is the difference between a Siberian and a Norwegian Cat?

The Siberian is a medium-large cat. Males weigh between 5 and 8kg (11-17 lb) and females between 3.5 kg and 5.5 kg (8-12 lb). The Norwegian is a large cat. Males are around 6-9 kg (13-20 lb) and females are 4-6 kg (9-13 lb). In both breeds, the colors chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, and fawn are not allowed.

Where do Siberian cats originate from?

Similarly, the Siberian name tells its origins: the breed originated from the cold forests of Siberia. In fact, Siberians are also called Siberian forest cats. Like for the Norwegians, their ancestors were also cats from the Middle East.

How old can a Norwegian Forest Cat Live?

If you consider the five freedoms of animal welfare, cater to their basic needs and give them love and space when necessary, a Norwegian Forest cat can live between 14 and 16 years old. As with all cats, the Norwegian Forest Cat is susceptible to many diseases.

Why does my Norwegian Forest Cat’s breath stink?

Keeping dental disease at bay has the added benefit of preventing stinky cat breath. Some bacterial and viral infections your Norwegian Forest Cat are susceptible to are panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.

Should cats be screened for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. Abstract. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats, and it can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Cats are often screened for HCM because of the presence of a heart murmur, but screening for breeding purposes has also become common.

Can echocardiography detect HCM in cats?

In cats, echocardiography is the gold standard for ante mortem diagnosis. However, echocardiographic screening for HCM is challenging, and in order to differentiate normal from affected cats, it is necessary to record differences in LV wall thickness to within fractions of a millimeter.

Is cardiomyopathy a benign disease in cats?

However, HCM is an extremely heterogeneous disease, both in terms of presentation and outcome. Whereas the majority of cats may remain asymptomatic, sadly other cats will progress to develop congestive heart failure, thromboembolic complications, collapse signs or die suddenly; so cardiomyopathy cannot be considered a benign disease.

What causes elevated NT-proBNP levels in cats?

Non-cardiac patients with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), hypertension (high blood pressure), or/and kidney disease can have elevated NT-proBNP levels. Cats with elevated levels of this hormone should have a cardiac ultrasound to verify the diagnosis of heart disease.

What is the role of NT-proBNP in the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

11. Wess G, Daisenberger P, Hirschberger J, et al. The utility of NT-proBNP to detect early stages of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats and to dif-ferentiate disease stages. J Vet Intern Med 2009; 23:747.

What does NT proBNP test for in cats?

This blood test measures the NT-proBNP hormone that is released by stretched or stressed muscle cells in the heart. The rise in the level of this hormone is proportional to the abnormal stretching and stress of heart muscles. This test has an 85% sensitivity for detecting heart disease in cats.

What kind of diet does a Norwegian Forest Cat need?

The Norwegian Forest Cat tends to control her nutrition well, increasing her exercise and cutting down on intake when she feels it necessary. If provided with adequate play times and room to run and roam, she will not usually need to be kept on a nutrition plan. Being territorial, the Norwegian likes room to make her own.