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Norwegian Forest Cat
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Physical Characteristics
- Bright, emerald green eyes with a band of gold
- Long flowing hair
- Jaunty ear and toe trimmings
- Their coats appear in most colors, from pure white to deepest coal black, with every possible coat pattern and color combination in between
- Darker cats require less coat to keep warm since they absorb more heat from the sun, while lighter cats tend to have fuller coats
Temperament
- Gentle, affectionate, playful, quiet, easy-going
- Great companion cat
- Good with other pets, dogs and children
- Needs lots of love and human companionship
Medical Conditions
- Needs boosters by 12 weeks old
- Annual vet visit for checkups is important
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
At Home
- Does best indoors
- Needs sufficient scratching device
- Declawing is not recommended
- Kittens are available after 12-16 weeks
- Low maintenance
Grooming
- Very little, if any, combing is required, but is recommended during spring shedding
- Trim nails regularly
Other Facts
- In the spring, these cats shed their downy undercoat that provides warmth and the long, non-tangling outer guard hairs that act as protection from rain and snow
Breed History
- These are the cats that explored the world with the Vikings, protecting the grain stores on land and sea; they are believed to have left their progeny on the shores of North America as a legacy to the future
- The skogkatt, meaning forest cat, came out of the Scandinavian forests some time in the last 4,000 years
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the Harrier Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit HCA Rescue
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