The Perfect Choice for a Family Pet
If you’re looking for an affectionate, happy, purring machine, then look no further than this breed that is said to have traveled with the Vikings.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a reputation for being a family-friendly, easygoing feline companion. This personality coupled with the breed’s beauty make it a much sought after domestic pet.
Origin of the Norwegian Forest Cat
Norway was the original home to this breed. They are referred to there as the skogkatt which means forest cat. They have a long history in that part of the world and are believed to have been around during the Viking age. They would be taken along on expeditions to deal with rodents on ships.
Norwegian Forest Cats in the United States
In the US, they are guided to as Wegies and are thought to be the ancestors of the Maine Coon Cat. While it’s possible they arrived in North America with Viking explorers, the first breeding pair was actually introduced in the United States in 1979 when Norway began exporting them after years of perfecting breeding programs.
Physical Traits
The Forest Cat has a furry, semi-long coat. They develop a ruff around the neck in the front, back and sides. Outdoor cats grow more of an undercoat. It is best to brush them out about once a week. Their coat doesn’t grow in fully until about age 2 years.
They are stout and muscular but are balanced in height and weight with the males growing up to 15 pounds and females smaller. They may be tabby, solid, bicolor, or multicolored in a range of hues.
Their beautiful almond-shaped eyes range in color from yellow to dark green. They are slow to mature taking five years to reach their full size.
Personality Traits
Nicknames abound for the Wegie, especially purr box, purr factory, and happy cat. They sometimes purr so much that when they are sitting it forces their entire body to rock back and forth. They are good hunters, tree climbers and make great barn cats. They also thrive indoors as the family house cat and make good indoor mousers.
The Forest Cat loves people. Once they attach themselves to someone it’s hard to shake them. They are very affectionate and make good pets for children as they love company and won’t ignore kids like other breeds might. The Norwegian Forest Cat is the perfect breed for people who love cats and are looking for an affectionate, happy addition to the household.
Conclusion:
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a reputation for being a family-friendly, easygoing feline companion. In the US, they are referred to as Wegies and are thought to be the ancestors of the Maine Coon Cat. The first breeding pair was introduced in the United States in 1979 when Norway began exporting them. The Norwegian Forest Cat is the perfect pet for people who love cats and are looking for an affectionate, happy addition to the household. They are good hunters, tree climbers and make great barn cats. They also thrive indoors as the family house cat and make good indoor mousers.