Norwegian Forest Cats

Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Introduction

The Norwegian Forest cat is a European breed of great, furry cats. Norwegian Forest Cats generally resemble Maine Coon Cats on the other side of the Atlantic. In North America, the breed is also known by the nickname, "Wegie."

Norwegian Forest Cat Behavior/Personality

Source: Wikipedia (March 2006)

Norwegian Forest Cats are generally said to be intelligent and playful, and to enjoy being around humans.

Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Standard/Physical Description

Here are some facts on the Norwegian Forest Cat breed based on the Cat Fanciers Association's breed standard.

• Head: equilateral triangle
• Ears: medium to large, rounded at the tip, broad at base
• Eyes: large, almond shaped
• Body: solidly muscled, moderate in length
• Legs: medium, hind legs longer than frontlegs
• Paws: large, round
• Tail: long and bushy.
• Coat: distinguishing double coat, consisting of a dense undercoat, covered by long, glossy and smooth water-resistant guard hairs hanging down the sides

Norwegian Forest Cat History

Source: Wikipedia (March 2006)

The Norwegian Forest Cat is another European breed of cats with a very long history as a common house cat breed of its native country, before finally being selectively bred and exported in the 20th century.

Presumably, Norway's housecats evolved thicker coats as an adaptation to the cold. In the late 1930s, some of the cats, called Skaukatts, were selectively bred and shown in Germany. The breeding program was largely forgotten during WWII, only to be resumed in the 1970s. In 1977 FIFe became the first international cat breed group to recognize the breed.

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