The Norwegian Forest Cat can be considered one of the oldest known breeds.
Let’s get to know this adorable cat better, its characteristics, character, care, and antics. Can you come with us?
The Norwegian Forest Cat and the Long Hair Jane
Although there is no definitive theory of their origin, they are believed to have reached Norwegian territory around the year 1000, through trade routes established at that time, between the Vikings and the Byzantine Empire.
And with them, the gene for long hair, unknown in the cats of ancient Europe, revealed its existence.
The abundant fur gave the Norwegian forest cat, important advantages and will be one of the main characteristics of the cats of the north of the continent.
There are theories in Norse mythology about their origin, such as the troll cats in Norse fairy tales.
However, it is also said that its expansion began thanks to the Vikings, who traveled with them in their ways and their conquests.
Norwegian Forest Cat character
The Norwegian Forest Cat, despite its wild origin, is a very loving and affectionate domestic cat with its owner.
They are inherent hunters, as they often treat their toys as if they were real prey
They are also agile climbers, they love it and are happy to climb to the highest place in the house.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has great communication skills with people as well as with other pets.
Cats of this breed love to live outdoors, however, they can adapt to living in an apartment if you have large areas where they can move around and play without feeling uncomfortable.
Characteristics of the Norwegian forest cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat breed has been recognized since 1930. They are distinguished by beautiful, elegant physiques and a thick and strong coat.
They have a strong physique, long and muscular legs with the hind legs being slightly longer than the front legs, and webbed toes for walking more steadily on snow.
Its tail is long and wide. With a long and oblong torso, triangular head with expressive almond-shaped eyes, and large open ears. With a long and straight profile, it resembles a Siberian cat.
They are attractive because they have long hair. With a dense and woolly coat, which in turn has a waterproof undercoat in which the hair is long and thick, it acts as a kind of warm scarf to protect it from the cold.
However, this begins to develop in adulthood, when they are born with short, fine hair.
Norwegian forest cat size
They are large cats, and they can weigh between 6 and 8 kg, and females weigh less than males, reaching 6 kg, while males easily reach 8 kg.
Norwegian forest cats have a peculiarity, during the fall their appetites grow significantly because during this time they begin to prepare for winter.
This breed is often confused with the Maine Coon, due to the similarity in their colors, except that the Norwegian Forest Cats are smaller in size.
Norwegian Forest Cat health and care
Since the Norwegian Forest cat has long hair, it is important to pay attention to them to avoid hairballs. Especially when they are in hair removal season.
Since if not evacuated, it can cause a serious intestinal obstruction. It is advisable to brush their hair regularly (at least 3 times a week), take care of their diet, and you can give them prebiotics to maintain healthy intestinal flora.
Beware of gaining weight
It is important to take care of the weight of the Norwegian Forest Cat. Due to the diseases of this breed, excessive weight gain should be prevented, as it can generate various health problems such as dysplasia of the hip joint.
To prevent weight gain, the cat should engage in regular physical activity, since one of the main reasons is a sedentary lifestyle.
Also, prevent excess calories by paying attention to her diet.
On the other hand, it is necessary to attend the veterinarian regularly for the prevention of some diseases and their timely detection.
In addition, it is not enough to remember the importance of updating vaccinations and taking care of her diet.
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