Norwegian Forest Cat
history/ profile of Norwegian forest cat
The Norwegian forest cat is one of the oldest breeds. There
are authoritative opinions that the ancestors of modern Norwegian forest cats
were mentioned in the Viking sagas, although, of course, it is difficult to say
with precision now. In ancient legends, there is a mention of "fabulous
cats" (the chariot of the goddess Freya was drawn by six cats). In
addition, it is known that cats lived with the Vikings, and they greatly
appreciated them for catching rodents, affection, and ingenuity.
Another authoritative opinion states that in Norway these
cats appeared as a result of trade, and were imported by merchant ships from
Turkey. Accordingly, in this case, the nearest ancestor of the Norwegian forest
- angora. Another option of origin - Siberian cats. In any case, this
breed belongs to the ancients, was not bred artificially, and developed in the
natural environment, in the forests and mountains of Scandinavia.
The harsh climate allowed these pets to evolve, to get a
very reliable, warm, long coat with a dense undercoat, which makes them almost
invulnerable even in severe weather, rain, and wind. After 1930, the European
group of breeders decided to create a full-fledged breed with characteristic
features, which could reproduce according to certain rules to preserve those
very features.
The name of the breed came by itself, so to speak, due to
historical patterns. In their homeland, this cat is called "Norsk
Skaukatt" - several such skakuatts took part in the cat exhibition in
Oslo, in 1938, just before the outbreak of World War II. They were represented
by Norway's oldest cat club. The breed "Norwegian forest cat" was
received very well, and deserved positive feedback from the judges.
However, with the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the
breeding program almost completely ceased, and the huge population became
extinct. It took almost 40 years for the Scouts to re-interest the breeders.
The largest European registry of thoroughbred cats, the Federation
Internationale Feline (FIFe) officially recognized the Skaucattes in 1977, at
the same time the breed was awarded full championship status.
Ten years later, namely in 1987, the American Cat Lovers
Association also recognized this breed, although, the status of the
championship Norwegian forest cat in America received only 6 years later, in
1993. That is, despite the fact that the breed is one of the oldest, at the
American cat show it performs relatively recently. Norwegian forest cat is now
actively bred in other countries of the world.
Characteristics of the Norwegian forest cat breeds
Adaptability 10/10
Attachment to the
family 10/10
Gaming
activity 06/10
intelligence 08/10
General
health 06/10
Wool
fallout 07/10
Friendliness to
children 08/10
Friendly to
dogs 10/10
Love for meows 02/10
Norwegian forest cat breeders information
The Origin |
Norway |
lifetime |
12-16 years old |
size |
Large |
weight |
Cats: 4-9 kg, Cats: 3-7 kg |
The type of wool |
long-haired |
Color |
any colors and drawings of wool |
lifestyle |
Outdoors / indoors |
price |
800 - 1200 $ |
description of Norwegian cat
Breed Norwegian forest cat has a large physique, hind legs
longer than the front, it has a developed chest, strong muscles. The ears are
longer than usual and resemble lynx ears. These animals feel great in a
private house, where there is a garden and lawn, the opportunity to climb
trees, hunt down prey, and luxuriate in the sun.
The Norwegian cat will be a great friend for children and
adults. They have an affectionate, kind temper, they almost do not get sick and
feel great in the family. The main thing - do not deprive them of activity, if
you live in an apartment, play with them and devote time. After all, genetic
capacity has developed the instincts of the hunter, and his body requires at least
imitation of such activity. Life expectancy - 12-16 years.
the personality of Norwegian cat
With regard to personality traits, first of all, it should be
noted that the Norwegian cat has a very stable and balanced character, as well
as a sharp mind. These pets are ready to give each of their family members
great kindness and affection, they love when they are stroked, like to sit on
their knees or in a chair with their owner. However, they are not too demanding
about attention, do not pester you beyond measure, and can easily find an
interesting occupation.
A long period of rock formation in the conditions of harsh
Norwegian forests, developed a number of instincts, in addition, it affected
the structure of the body. Skakucatts have strong din claws, powerful paws,
developed musculature, they love to climb trees, fences, love hunting, and
hunting prey. Even in the conditions of the city apartment, Skacutt will look
for a high point - for example, a closet. There he will sit, as on the throne,
and watch what is happening around.
Thanks to a stable psyche and kindness, the Norwegian forest
cat is well suited for families with young children. She also tolerates other
pets well. The exception is fish tanks, as waterproof wool and natural
environment have made cats tolerant to water. And if you add here the
millennial instincts of the hunter - the conclusions are obvious.
Common diseases Norwegian forest cat
Both thoroughbreds and mixed skaucatts may have various
health problems, some of which may be genetic.
- Glycogen IV, a rare hereditary disease that affects glucose metabolism;
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, heart disease, Norwegian forest hereditary transmission is not proven;
- retinal dysplasia - eye disease;
- polycystic kidney disease.
Otherwise, they are very healthy and strong cats, with
excellent immunity, good appetite, and excellent metabolism.
How to take care of a Norwegian forest cat?
Since the Norwegian forest cat has thick hair and an undercoat,
it needs careful combing. It is better to spend it twice a week using a
stainless steel comb or a wire brush. In addition, keep in mind that with the
arrival of the warm season, the Norwegian forest sheds and drops a warm winter
coat. This means that the owners of the cat will have more work to do.
As for washing, dense wool, and thick undercoat, it is not
easy to get wet, because the bath Capcutt can take twice a month. Under normal
circumstances, that's enough. The claws are usually trimmed once a week.
Also, do not forget to brush your pet's teeth at least three
times a week, and better - every day. The mucus accumulated in the corners of
the eyes should be wiped every day with a cotton cloth. Don't forget to check and
clean your ears at least once a week. The Norwegian cat will feel extremely
uncomfortable if its tray will be dirty - it should be kept clean.
Beautiful pictures of Norwegian forest cat
Norwegian cat |
forest cat |
Forest cat |