Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Guide
A playful and adventurous breed like this pooch is highly adaptable to live in many different environments. Though they are built for the cold, the Norwegian Forest Cat can also thrive in the sunny, summer season. In this guide, we will share the ins and outs of caring for this floofy pooch and important information before you become a pet parent to one.
History of the Norwegian Forest Cat:
Originally from Norway, this breed dates back to the period of the Vikings. The Norwegian Forest Cat is also called ‘wegie’ and the country has named it the skogkatt, directly translating to ‘forest cat’. Interestingly enough, there are old fairytales that the breed was used to pull the chariot of a goddess called Freya.
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a species that existed without the need for humans, meaning they can live and function well on their own. At one point, the breed was nearly extinct due to cross-breeding. To prevent this from happening in the year 1938 Norway named the Norwegian Forest Cat their national cat breed. Ever since the country has been carefully breeding the species with only its kind to continue the survival of such cute floofs!
What is a Norwegian Forest Cat’s appearance like?
This pooch is very fluffy, with water-resistant fur, and can weigh between 5.8 and 10 kilograms. As a medium-sized pooch, these kitties have a five-year growth period and can reach the size of 30-46cm! Their coats used to come in many colours, but because there is no longer cross-breeding of the species. You can find them in almost any colour combination besides lilac, lavender, and chocolate. They are often a blend of orange, black, or grey with white on their tums, paws, or face.
Fun fact: The Norwegian Forest Cat is often mistaken for the Maine Coon!
Is the Norwegian Forest Cat friendly?
Yes, this cat is extremely friendly with the family, visitors, and other pets! One of their most common traits is independence and this is likely why they don’t fancy cuddles, but they also love to spend time in the company of others. They are bred for adventure, so be sure to take them outside to climb the trees, chase after squirrels, and have proper mental and physical stimulation. If you have a smaller outdoor space, try getting them a surface-scratching toy or an object to climb. These kitties love to watch the birds and squirrels outside!
How to care for one?
These kitties are floofy and tend to have longer hair, meaning they shed quite often. It is important to brush them weekly to prevent knots and excessive shedding so you have less fur to clean around the house. During the summer, this cat will shed a lot of its undercoat so be extra attentive to brushing in this season.
Bathing your pooch is also a must, but not too often as it can damage the natural oils on their skin. To bathe this kitty, like many other breeds, it is not meant to be done more than once a month and we all know they already dislike bath time! Their water-resistant fur means extra careful scrubbing may be necessary as well.
How much does a Norwegian Forest Cat cost?
Adopting a Norwegian Forest Cat is costly, especially when purchasing them as a kitten. From a reputable breeder, this kitty can cost between £900 and £1,200. As orange and white Norwegian Forest Cats are the most popular, this coat colour may be more pricey. There are often added fees when purchasing this breed as they may already have the necessary vaccinations and a microchip. Although they are on the more expensive side of cats, do your best to find a reputable breeder to ensure the kitty is going to a safe, cosy home with nice pet parents.
The breed is not often found at local shelters, and though adopting and not shopping is a fantastic way to re-home a kitty, this breed’s near extinction means you will want to find the purest pooch possible. Asking your local veterinarian or friends, and reaching out to different breeders will ensure you get the purest-bred kitty of the bunch!
What do I feed a Norwegian Forest Cat?
Like all kitties they’re obligate carnivores, so require a diet high in proper animal meat to thrive to get all the essential vitamins. The Norwegian Forest Cat needs to be fed meat along with 41 specific nutrients daily to upkeep its high energy. Quantity is important to keep track of as well to make sure you don't overfeed your kitty. To ensure they do not become too floofy, giving them proper access to the outdoors is important as they have lots of energy to burn. Here is how to check your cat’s weight to ensure they are just the right amount of floofyness. For food, either sticking to wet, dry food, or a combination of both will make your kitty happy, healthy, and playful!
How can Scrumbles help?
To ensure your Norwegian Forest Cat eats enough nutrients and meats on a daily basis, we recommended trying our pro and prebiotic, gut-friendly, and high-protein foods. For new pet parents, we recommend trying out our Salmon & Chicken Dry Food recipe or the Chicken Pâté. This will ensure your Norwegian Forest Cat is provided the essential amino acids and nutrients they need daily. If you are unsure what type of meat your kitty will like, give our Wet Cat Food Variety Pack a try!
