The Norwegian Forest Cat is a breed of domestic cat native to Northern Europe, and adapted to a very cold climate. In Norway they are known as Skogkatter or Skaukatter (skog and skau being forms of the word for ‘forest’ in different Norwegian dialects).

History: The Norwegian Forest Cat origins can be traced back to the days of the Vikings and before. These cats that migrated to Norway in primitive times are thought to be descendants of the Skogkatt. These cats were useful in farms for catching rodents. It was after the 1930s that the Norwegian Forest Cat came into favor in Norway. Today the Norwegian Forest Cats are often seen at cat shows and became popular in many countries, in particular Scandinavia.

Appearance: Moderate in length, solidly muscled and well-balanced, with a substantial bone structure underneath it all, with large round eyes which can be of different colours. The tail is long and bushy. The long overcoat (guard-hair) is water repellant. Their big paws are covered with thick fur that also grows underneath and between the paw pads. They also have a heavy ruff around the neck and chest that protect them against the weather. The coat is significantly shorter in the summer than in winter. The cat may be any colour except lilac, chocolate, or siamese pattern and may have any amount of white markings on the paws, chest, belly or face.

Size: Weight: male – 13-22 lb (6-10 kg)
female – 6.5-11 lb (3-5 kg)

Temperament: The Norwegian Forest Cats is an intelligent, playful and strong breed. It can be considered a beautiful, gentle and friendly feline companion. Norwegian Forest Cats love people and thrive on human company. They are used to an outdoor life and are well adapted to roam outside but they can be very happy as indoor cats provided they have plenty of room to move about. They are sociable and amiable creatures. Despite their great affection for the outdoors, nevertheless, they enjoy the company of humans and other pets as well and will sometimes go looking for company if left alone by their owners. They are hardly stressed and are quite patient, which makes them great for a family with children. These cats are very great hunters and love to tree and rock climb.

Health: The Norwegian Forest Cats have no specific health problems and can live a long healthy active life. They should, like all breeds of cat, be annually checked from about the age of eight or nine years in order to have their teeth, liver and kidney function controlled.

Life expectancy: 15-20 years

Grooming: The Norwegian Forest Cats look after its coat very well themselves but there will be a need for additional grooming particularly if the cat is to be shown. If introduced to a brush and comb as a kitten the cat will come to enjoy regular grooming as part of the relationship between cat and owner.

Kitten price: $300.00