Domestic Norwegian cats are descendants of wild animals that once lived in the harsh conditions of the forests and rocky mountains of Norway. In cold climates, nature endowed them with a fluffy fur coat with thick undercoat, good health and amazing ability to tolerate frost.
Breed history
There are several tales and legends that tell the story of the origin of the forest breed of cats. One of them says that the original habitat of the animals was cold Scandinavia, where they ended up with the formidable Vikings. In those days, large cats were used to fight rats on ships. The sailors tried to keep the animals half-starved, hoping that a hunting instinct would manifest in them.
Another legend says that the forest breed of cats was used to transport the chariot of the goddess Freyja across the sky. The beautiful and unique goddess was the patroness of love. Mythologists even found a certain similarity with unusual cats.
There is also an assumption that the Norwegian forest cat lived in close proximity to people. The peculiarity of the animals was that they occasionally appeared in human huts, and then again went into the forest. Unlike their relatives, wild animals relied solely on their own strengths.
Currently, the forest breed of cats is one of the most popular breeds. Moreover, it is recognized in many countries, but in Russia - no. The thing is that we have our own Russian breed, which is known as the Siberian. It has many similarities with Norwegian. The same situation exists in Scotland, where there was its own Scottish forest cat.
Breed description
The Norwegian forest cat has an impressive size, which significantly distinguishes it among the fellow tribesmen. The weight of an adult pet reaches 9 kilograms. Females are smaller in size, their weight does not exceed 7 kg. Animals look much more powerful due to the thick coat, which adds volume.
The forest breed of cats has a muscular proportional body. Animals are flexible and agile, despite their impressive size. They won universal love and fame thanks to the magnificent wool and fluffy tail. The breed standard was approved in 1977.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has the following characteristics:
- The animal's head is like an equilateral triangle. The profile of cats is elongated and has a pronounced chin line.
- The ears of the pets are very large and high set. At their ends are brushes resembling a lynx.
- The eyes of the animal are wide open and have an almond-shaped shape.
- Norwegians have long legs. In addition, their limbs are very strong and muscular. On round paws there are tufts of wool that save from the cold in winter.
- The tail of the animal is always equal to the length of its body, and sometimes exceeds it. The hairline of the tail is uniform.
- The main advantage of the Norwegian forest breed is the composition and color of the coat. Cats have a soft undercoat with water-repellent properties. It is not located on the whole body, but only on the sides, back and tail.
- A distinctive feature of the breed are woolen “panties”, a beautiful collar and beard.
Breed color
The color of the Norwegian forest species is very unusual and characteristic only for this species. A combination of several shades looks very interesting. Moreover, a combination of a variety of colors is found in animals.
Among the Norwegians you can find the following colors:
- Marble.
- Plain.
- Striped tabby.
- Uniform colors.
- The combination of a white hue with other colors.
Experienced breeders know that a uniform uniform color is more preferable for the breed. That is, the coat should be evenly dyed from root to tip. If the pet is spotty, then a clear line should be observed at the place of transition of the flowers.
There is a legend that tells that the color of the pet depends on the original habitat. If we take this principle into account, it turns out that marble animals are characteristic of Scandinavia (central and eastern parts). But pets with tortoiseshell color are more common in southern Scandinavia. Near the sea, in the rocks it is more comfortable to dwell for representatives with plain black wool, thanks to which it is very convenient to mask.
Pet character
A description of the nature of the Norwegian forest cat is worth starting with the fact that you recall its wild origin. After all, this could not but leave its mark on the manner of behavior. The peculiarity of the animal is that it often shows a love for a free life. Cats need large spaces. Norwegians tend to hunt. Despite the notes of freedom, animals are well adapted to domestic conditions. They easily arrange their own place in an apartment or house for themselves.
According to the breeders, the pets are friendly and calm. They are very good as companions. Due to their nature, they quickly get close to all members of the family. They are peaceful and willingly play with guests. Despite their large size, Norwegian forest cats are good for children. They play great with them. Of course, as you grow older, playfulness wanes. And yet, in a good mood, cats are active.
Breed features
Adult pets are very friendly. But we should not forget that cats very quickly begin to feel like the owners of the room, keeping order. At the same time, the Norwegians get along well with other animals. But with rodents and birds should be careful. Hunting instincts are still inherent in the breed. Therefore, they can attack small neighbors.
Large cats, unlike their counterparts, absolutely do not like to lie on the lap of their owners. The animal prefers to take a fancy for a place near a person, but not in his arms. Norwegians love to swim. Moreover, after bathing procedures, animals experience the pleasure of combing their hair. Thick wool is the pride of the breed. However, on hot summer days, pets have a hard time. They try to find a cooler place for themselves. At the same time, appetite decreases markedly.
Norwegian forest kittens, as well as adult representatives, are considered one of the most savvy among other brethren. Norwegians have gained popularity due to the fact that they quickly become accustomed to the tray and do not spoil the furniture. Their presence in the house is not indicated by disorder.
Care Rules
If you decide to buy a Norwegian forest cat, the cattery is the best place for this. After the appearance of the animal in the house, it must be accustomed to the tray. Procedures such as cutting claws, brushing ears and teeth should become regular. After a while, the kitten will calmly perceive all the manipulations, getting used to them. Simple procedures will avoid unnecessary scratches. Bath procedures should be carried out as needed. Despite the fact that animals like to swim, doing it too often is not recommended. For washing, you need to use special gels and shampoos, which are sold in a large assortment at pet stores.
Special care requires animal hair. It must be combed out at least several times a month. Before molting, the frequency of procedures must be increased. At the pet store you need to purchase a special brush for combing. It is better to use a thicker comb. In the process of combing, the tangles and dead hairs are removed. Complete the procedure is the application of an antistatic agent. After this care, your cat’s fur coat will shine, and will not fall off much later.
Food
Norwegians are very picky about food. But the owners should know that the health of their pet depends on the quality of the food. Products should always be fresh. The main condition for proper nutrition is its balance.
Many owners prefer to use ready-made feeds for convenience. In this case, you must give preference to premium products. They have a balanced composition. Using cheap feed is not recommended, as they can harm your friend’s health.
Natural feeding is more preferred. But here you can not do without a balanced diet. A sufficient amount should be present in the daily menu: proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and other substances.
Cats can be fed the following foods: beef, chicken, turkey, veal, liver. Natural yogurt, low-fat fermented baked milk, cottage cheese, squash, beets, pumpkin, sea fish, egg yolk should be introduced into the diet. As vitamin supplements, pets can be offered greens of germinated wheat and oats. Grass is a supplier of vitamins K and B to cats.
Nurseries
To acquire a kitten is necessary only in specialized nurseries. Norwegian forest cat is not cheap. The breed is not widespread in our country and is considered rare. The cost of a purebred kitten starts at 20 thousand rubles. The price largely depends on compliance with standards, gender and age.
In addition, on specialized sites you can often find offers to purchase a kitten for a thousand rubles. Such a low cost, most likely, indicates the absence of a pedigree. Cases of fraud are not excluded. Kittens of similar characteristics can be given out as Norwegians. Therefore, experts recommend purchasing a baby in nurseries. They are available in Moscow, Ufa, Novosibirsk, Orel, Penza region.
Disease
Norwegians have excellent health. In conditions of good care and proper nutrition, animals live up to the age of 15 years. In very rare cases, two genetic ailments can be detected:
- Glycogenesis is a violation of glucose metabolism, which results in damage to the liver. Such kittens die before the age of five months.
- Puruvate kinase deficiency is a lack of red blood cells that results in anemia. Cope with the disease will help therapy and diet. During periods of exacerbation in animals, appetite disappears.
Castrated cats are most likely to recover, as they tend to be overweight. Therefore, it is very important for such an animal to provide proper nutrition. Any veterinarian will help. It is not worthwhile to admit the development of obesity in a pet, since it leads to the appearance of heart ailments.
Representatives of this breed must be vaccinated. I give kittens the first injections in the nursery at the age of 1.5-2 months. Re-vaccinations are already done by new owners in 6-7 months. In the future, injections are made only once a year.
Advantages and disadvantages of the breed
According to experts, the breed has a lot of advantages and a very small number of disadvantages. Pleasantly pleased with a large selection of animal colors. Too many lovers dream of a red Norwegian forest cat. Although, all the colors are good. Particular attention should be paid to the color of the pet, if you want to get a show-class animal. There are limitations. For ordinary owners, the color of the coat is not so important.
The undoubted advantage of the Norwegians is their cheerful and playful disposition. Kittens are generally ready to have fun all day long. Animals are very good for babies. They entertain them tirelessly. Having matured, pets do not become less mobile, just their behavior changes a little. Cats welcome guests in the house. In addition, animals are not inclined to show aggression and take offense at the owners for a long time. Lovely creatures are full of love and energy. Their main feature is a great devotion to people. The animal quickly becomes attached and literally steps on the heels of the owner, showing a keen interest in all his affairs. The best companion and true friend is hard to find. It is very important that cats very quickly get used to any situation and adapt well.
Of the few shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the love of large spaces. But this does not mean that the pet will not live with you in the apartment. He just needs regular walks and physical activity, which is associated with its natural features. Otherwise, the animal may become obese.
Another small drawback is the dislike of pets to sleep in the hands of the owners. In addition, they do not like to be frankly squeezed and hugged. Although they will forgive the owners. But the animal willingly lies next to you if you scratch it behind the ear.
Ease of care and unpretentiousness of the breed led to its popularity in the homeland and other countries. The excellent hunting qualities that nature has awarded to cats make them irreconcilable hunters. Such a pet can be taken with him to the cottage, where he frolic and hunt rodents.
Instead of an afterword
If you want to make a true loyal friend who will bring a lot of fun moments to your life, then you should definitely pay attention to the Norwegian breed. A sweet and kind creature will very quickly become a full member of your family, earning universal love.