Cat Breeds: Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat originates in Scandinavia. They are generally described as the “kissing cousin” of the Maine Coon Cat. The lands they come from are certainly similar to the forested mountains of Maine. The Norwegian Forest Cat is a natural outdoor working cat on Scandanavian farms, and its powerful build and skill as a climber and hunter reflect this heritage.

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large but elegant breed with a semi longhair coat. The double-layered coat is heavier during winter, and keeps out both cold and wet. The generous frill and “shitr front” of fur of the neck and chest may be shed during the summer months. The breed is slow developing and may not be mature until four years of age. They have large eyes and may be any colour regardless of the colour of the coat. The ears have tufts and long hair flowing out of the ears. The body is long, muscular and strongly built with solid bone structure. There are tufts of hair between the toes.

Norwegian Forest Cats love people and thrive on human company. They are very friendly and playful and extremely intelligent. They do not like to be left alone for any length of time and are very demanding of affection. 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.