about norwegian forest cats

history

Norwegian Forest Cats are an ancient natural breed of cats native to Scandinavia.  The rugged climate built a very healthy, powerful cat with great hunting skills equipped to survive the snows and wind of Norway.  With their hunting prowess came an affinity for climbing and finding strategic HIGH places to scan for food and mates.  Emerging thousands of years ago, their ancestors were most likely shorthairs traveling from southern Europe during prehistoric times.  The SkogKatts, Norwegian for forest cat, are the traditional farm cats of Scandinavia.  These robust cat ancestors probably accompanied the Vikings on their ships for rodent control and most likely are the ancestral forbears of Maine Coon and the long-haired Manx breeds.

breed information

Adapting to the climate developed the beautiful coats, wide set ears with Lynx point tufts, rugged bone structure and larger, powerful hind legs.  Females weigh 9 – 12 pounds and males are 12 – 16 pounds with an occasional 18 pound male.  Norwegian Forest Cats are not fully grown until five years old.  Each year their winter coats increase in size and density.  Each year they molt the winter coat for summer.

Did I mention a tail as long as their body that will keep any nose and muzzle warm on a cold winter night?  The mood of a Forest Cat can be read in the flicks of that gorgeous tail whether it’s requesting dinner from its human or talking serious romance with a fellow feline.  Even a Persian would be “Tail Jealous.”

The beauty of this cat is only surpassed by their gentle, sweet personalities.  They will be your friend for life asking for your love and attention and a really good cat to human talk as you pet and stroke them.   They are affectionate with other cats and animals.  Our male, Blue Frost, insists on bathing his kittens holding them down with a firm paw grip.  He will even bath our 15 year old Siamese Sasha.  With chirps and gentle mews they will talk with you and their cat friends all day.  Their curiosity and playfulness will keep you smiling and laughing.