Dr. Hilaria Pesci
Veterinarian Royal Canin Italy
Origin
Norway gave birth to this "fabulous" cat with a long and thick tail, which is still surrounded by numerous myths and legends, and it is likely that the Vikings imported cats from Asia Minor in the 8th century. (Caucasus, Anatolia ...) to track down the mice that flooded their boats, which also seems to explain the presence of cats with very similar traits in countries far from Norway. In the 1930s, some Norwegian breeders began a selection program to preserve and harmonize the breed. Unfortunately, World War II prevented the further advancement of this project, and only in 1975 the first Norwegian Forest Cat Club was created. In 1977, this breed was recognized by FIFe. (Fédération Internationale Féline) and subsequently by other international associations. Today in Norway this breed is recognized as a national breed and is called Norsk Skogkatt.
Quiet and affectionate
wild Norwegian forest cat has a very calm and relaxed character and is a great animal for children. He also agrees with other domestic species, especially dogs. The people with whom he lives describe him as loving and affectionate; in fact, it is generally a sociable cat that easily adapts to the environment. Smart and resourceful, he knows how to turn himself into a great playful one. He loves nature and, if he lives in an apartment, it’s good that he has a wide selection of games and opportunities for interactivity, so that he would not be bored. For example, a large scratching post is an ideal solution to offer him his own place where he can reveal all his climbing skills.
Norwegian Forest Cat - a great animal for children!
Natural beauty and solidity
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, sturdy cat with an impressive appearance, but at the same time it is extremely flexible. Its weight can vary from 3 to 9 kg (females are lighter than males). The head has a characteristic triangular shape, with a straight profile and a medium-length nose. Ears are wide at the base and slightly rounded at the end; the presence of long bunches sprouting from the inside, like a lynx, is appreciated. The alert and cautious expression of the almond-shaped eyes is typical of this species. Slightly beveled, they can be of different colors, although the most valuable are green and golden yellow. Legs of medium length, muscular and straight, with powerful bones. He likes to keep his thick tail feathers raised, which is so long that, if folded, he can reach the neck.
Coats and colors
The coat is undoubtedly one of the most amazing features of this breed, which has thick semi-long hair and woolly undercoat. A protective layer, shiny and water-repellent, protects it from elements. All colors are allowed with and without white, except for hybridizations obtained from pointy drawings (Siamese), chocolate, sable (seal), lavender (lilac), cinnamon and deer. There is also a unique color that has so far been uniquely identified in this breed (proved by DNA testing): amber, which is of two types, known as “amber” and “light amber”, with or without white, combing and combing should be regular, as swallowing hair can cause intestinal upsets. It is advisable to clean it every day during the costume.
