How big is an average Norwegian Forest cat?

What is the lifespan of a Norwegian Forest Cat?

The cats usually live to be 14 to 16 years old. As they are heavy-boned and tall, they eat more food than most other domestic breeds. They are friendly, intelligent, and generally good with people. The Norwegian Forest cat has a lot of energy.

Are Norwegian Forest cats hypoallergenic?

Norwegian Forest Cats are smart, friendly and playful. Origin: Norway. Life span: 12-16 years. Hypoallergenic: No. Popularity (2018): #13. Cat Breeds List

Why are Norwegian Forest cats so popular?

Norwegian Forest Cats, the beautiful and playful cats of Norway, are becoming a more popular breed around the world every year. Their kind, loving, and gentle personality combined with a distinctly beautiful appearance have made the Wegie a favorite among fanciers and families alike.

Do Norwegian Forest cats cause allergies?

According to a recent survey done in the United States with the Norwegian Forest Cats owners, the biggest thing that often seems to cause constantly triggering people’s Allergies is their saliva as well as danders. In Norwegian Forest Cats, you might expect to see some allergens because they tend to carry some serious allergens in their body.

What kind of cat is a Norwegian Forest Cat?

The Norwegian Forest cat, also known as a “wegie” is a breed of cat originating from Northern Europe. It’s one of the biggest domestic cat breeds and has a long, thick coat of fur, suited for the coldest of environments. This cat has a triangular-shaped face and oval-shaped eyes.

What makes the Norwegian Forest cat so special?

With strong origins in Northern Europe, the Norwegian forest cat is well-suited to a cold climate. Its eye-catching top coat of long, glossy hair and a woolly undercoat provide insulation, while its climbing skills help it find shelter and hunt. References to a similar cat can be found all the way back to the time of the Vikings. Interested?

When was the first Norwegian Forest cat imported to the US?

The first Norwegian forest cats were imported into the United States in 1979. The Norwegian forest cat was accepted for championship status with The International Cat Association in 1984. The Cat Fanciers Association accepted the Norwegian forest cat for full championship status in 1993.

Do Norwegian Forest cats live in Norway?

While their Viking days may be over, some Norwegian Forest Cats still live in Norway’s countryside. Mostly however, they’ve become popular companion animals. Since 2012, the Norwegian Forest Cat has ranked between 11 and 14 (of 45) breeds on CFA’s Top Breeds list, and are reportedly one of the most popular cat breeds in Scandinavian countries.

Where did the Norwegian Forest cat come from?

The Norwegian Forest Cat was first exhibited at a cat show in Norway before World War II. It took a while for the Norwegian Forest Cat to make her way to the United States where the Maine Coon, the United States’ native forest cat, already held the country entranced.

Why do Norwegian Forest cats have long tails?

Tufting between the toes act as snowshoes providing insulation from the freezing cold ground. Long fluffy tails make the ideal wrap when sleeping during the cold winter months. If you want a cat with a loving, friendly personality, the Norwegian Forest cat is the perfect choice.

Is it possible to bring a Norwegian Forest cat home?

We’ll warn you now that if you visit a litter of adorable Norwegian Forest Cats, you might not be able to resist bringing a sweet kitten home with you. While they might be cute, you need to be sure that you’re up to the challenge of owning a Norwegian Forest Cat.

Where are Norwegian Forest cats most popular?

The Norwegian Forest breed is very popular in Norway and Sweden. Since 2003, it has been the fifth most popular cat breed in France, where there are about 400 to 500 births per year.

When did the Norwegian Forest cat come to the US?

Efforts after the war were finally successful, resulting in the Norwegian Forest Cat being not only welcomed into the show ring in Europe, but also designated the official cat of Norway by the late King Olaf. They were not exported from Norway until the late 1970s, and the first pair arrived in the United States in November of 1979.

How did the Norwegian Forest Cat become nearly extinct?

During World War II, the breed became nearly extinct until efforts by the Norwegian Forest Cat Club helped the breed by creating an official breeding program.

What is the history of the Norwegian Cat?

Its ancestors may include cold-adapted black and white British shorthair cats brought to Norway from Great Britain some time after 1000 AD by the Vikings, and longhaired cats brought to Norway by Crusaders c.14th century.

Do Norwegian Forest cats shed a lot?

Once a year in the spring, the Norwegian forest cat sheds most of its undercoat in preparation for the warmer months of summer, when all that insulation is not needed. Shedding can be heavy during this seasonal dropping coat, so brush more frequently. Outside of this time, the Norwegian forest cat sheds moderately.

How old do Norwegian Forest cats have to be to adopt?

Finding a Norwegian Forest Cat can take time. Breeders generally don’t allow kittens to be available until 12 weeks of age, and some wait until 16 weeks. This helps properly socialize the cat. [11] If you want to adopt or rescue, you may need to continue searching for the right cat. Are Norwegian Forest Cats friendly?

How did the Norwegian Forest Cat become the National Cat of Norway?

Owing to cross-breeding with free-ranging domestic cats during the war, the Norwegian Forest cat became endangered and nearly extinct until the Norwegian Forest Cat Club helped the breed make a comeback by developing an official breeding program. In the 1950s, King Olav V declared them the official cat of Norway.

What are the most popular pets in Norway?

Alongside dogs, cats are one of the most popular pets in Norway. With strong origins in Northern Europe, the Norwegian forest cat is well-suited to a cold climate. Its eye-catching top coat of long, glossy hair and a woolly undercoat provide insulation, while its climbing skills help it find shelter and hunt.

When did the American Cat Fanciers Association recognize the Norwegian Cat?

The breed was registered in Europe by the 1970s, and in the American Cat Fanciers Association in 1994. In 1978, it was recognized in Sweden, and in 1989, they were accepted as a breed in the United Kingdom by the Norwegian Cat Club of Britain.

How often do Norwegian Forest cats shed?

The Norwegian Forest Cat’s coat comes in an array of different colors and patterns, except for color point (think Siamese ). Norwegian Forest Cats shed heavily a couple times per year, so regular brushing during this time is essential to remove loose fur.

How do Norwegian Forest cats behave?

Norwegian Forest Cats are content to simply sit in the same room with their humans and will happily entertain themselves while alone. These felines are moderately active, enjoying spurts of activity followed by long cat naps, and are happy to play in water.

How often should I brush my Norwegian Forest Cat?

Norwegian Forest Cats shed heavily a couple times per year, so regular brushing during this time is essential to remove loose fur. During non-shedding periods, brush their long coat one to two times per week, gently combing out tangles. Baths are rarely necessary, and their nearly waterproof coat makes it almost impossible.

What is the official cat breed in Norway?

Today, Norway considers the Skogkatt as the country’s official cat breed. Norwegian Forest Cats grow very slowly, sometimes not reaching their adult size until they’re 5 years old.

What are the physical characteristics of a Norwegian Forest Cat?

Physical Characteristics. If you have seen a Norwegian Forest Cat before you will know that they are big, beautiful cats. A male wegie can weigh between 13 to 22 pounds or more, and females are slightly smaller. They are strong, built felines and larger than the average domestic cat.

What is the Norwegian Forest Cat (skogkatt)?

The Norwegian forest cat ( Norsk skogkatt) is a hugely popular cat in Norway and across northern Europe. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating breed. Alongside dogs, cats are one of the most popular pets in Norway. With strong origins in Northern Europe, the Norwegian forest cat is well-suited to a cold climate.

What is the Norwegian Forest Cat’s Habitat?

With strong origins in Northern Europe, the Norwegian forest cat is well-suited to a cold climate. Its eye-catching top coat of long, glossy hair and a woolly undercoat provide insulation, while its climbing skills help it find shelter and hunt.