Despite their wild, overly fluffy appearance, Norwegian Forest cats are even-tempered, independent creatures. Their quiet confidence makes them an instant hit with kids, other cats and even friendly dogs.
Personality and temperament
Norwegian Forest cats (known as Wegies) are sociable and playful in a confident, relaxed kind of way. They bond deeply with their humans but tend not to be lap-lovers. Instead, they’d prefer to spend time near you, not necessarily on top of you. In a questionnaire, they might describe themselves as affectionate without being demanding. True to their forest roots, Wegies are natural-born climbers and hunters who are protective over their space, while also being calm and patient with kids and other pets (and even friendly dogs).
Size and appearance
Picking up a Norwegian Forest cat for a cuddle will test your core strength! This is a slow-maturing breed that takes five years to reach adulthood. Once fully grown, males tend to weigh around 9kg and females aren’t too far behind. While Norwegian Forest cats are undoubtedly large, their abundance of silky fur – especially around their necks – makes them appear even larger. Their striking almond-shaped eyes and wedge-shaped face gives them a majestic, regal look, while their tufted paws and long bushy tail are designed for cold climates. Their thick fur is made up of a dense, woolly undercoat and a shiny water-resistant top layer which sheds twice a year. Invest in a good vacuum cleaner…
History
Originally from the snow-covered forests of Scandinavia, these mighty cats date back thousands of years. Revered for their rodent-catching skills and ability to survive harsh winters, they became a favourite of the Vikings, and it’s thought they took a few with them as mousers when they explored the seven seas. Wegies even appeared in Norse mythology as the companion (and chariot-puller) of the goddess Freya, symbolising strength and beauty.
After years of mixed breeding, though, the importance of the Norwegian Forest cats was finally recognised in the mid-20th century when they were made the official cat of Norway. The Norwegian Forest Cat is still considered rare in Australia and New Zealand though numbers are slowly rising.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
While a generally healthy breed, Norwegian Forest cats can be prone to some genetic and lifestyle conditions, including:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a genetic heart condition)
- Hip dysplasia (where the joints don’t form properly)
- Polycystic kidney disease (where cysts develop in the kidneys)
- Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV (A genetic disorder that can lead to organ and muscle damage)
- Inherited eye diseases, including progressive vision loss
- Dental disease
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Norwegian Forest cat healthy.
Food and exercise
Due to their enormous size, Norwegian Forest cats need a high-quality, protein-diet to fuel their muscles and keep their joints strong. Avoid overfeeding as they should stay on the leaner side due to their large frame. A mix of wet and dry food can help with hydration, and treats should be kept to a minimum (but don’t tell them that).
Their impressive hunting and climbing skills have been honed over thousands of years so they need plenty of exercise, especially if they’re indoor cats. A few 10-minute play sessions with their human throughout the day will help, as will puzzle feeders and climbing trees.
Grooming and maintenance
These lovely large felines have thick coats that shed heavily in spring and autumn, so constant grooming (and vacuuming) is essential. Regular brushing will also help reduce those nasty hairballs.
How to groom your Norwegian Forest cat
- Coat type: Long, double coat with a thick undercoat and a water-resistant top layer
- Fur: Brush two to three times a week (daily when shedding) to prevent tangles
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: check weekly for dirt or wax build-up
- Eyes: wipe gently if tear stains occur
Training and space requirements
Training Norwegian Forest cats can be easy and rewarding as they are intelligent and love interactive play with their humans. Start early with name recognition and good scratching habits, before trying basic commands. Keep training session short and be aware that your Wegie will most likely decide when they’ve had enough.
As their name suggests, Norwegian Forest cats have a wild streak in them. They need to climb and will innately practise their hunting skills whenever they can. While they can adapt to smaller living spaces, this breed needs lots of challenging vertical space to explore, climb and observe from. Plenty of climbing trees, secure outdoor space and perches will keep them purring.
Best suited for…
Norwegian Forest cats may look like they just walked out of the forest but in reality they are gentle giants, who process a quiet confidence. They’re best suited for families, multi-pet households and anyone looking for a playful, affectionate yet independent house mate.
