The popularity of the Norwegian Forest Cat is on the rise in the Netherlands. And that’s no surprise — this stunning feline has both an impressive appearance and a sweet, friendly character that many cat lovers adore.
Are you considering bringing a Norwegian Forest Cat into your home? In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about its history, gentle nature, and striking looks.
History of the Norwegian Forest Cat
The name says it all: the Norwegian Forest Cat originates from Scandinavia. These majestic animals still roam the wild in some regions of Sweden and Norway. Interest in the breed began to grow in the 1930s, with the first show cat presented in Oslo in 1938. The breed wasn’t officially recognized until 1977.
What makes the Norwegian Forest Cat unique is that it is a natural breed, meaning it developed through natural selection rather than intentional breeding. They were once used to hunt vermin, which is why they are strong and agile animals.
Character of the Norwegian Forest Cat
Despite their tough and robust appearance, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a gentle giant. They get along well with other pets and children. This breed is known for being affectionate and sociable, making them ideal for family life.
Playfulness, intelligence, and curiosity describe the Norwegian Forest Cat perfectly. While they can live comfortably indoors, they need enough stimulation. Boredom is challenging for them, so provide plenty of toys and an engaging scratching post.
Appearance of the Norwegian Forest Cat
Large and striking, the Norwegian Forest Cat has a luxurious, water-resistant coat with a thick, woolly undercoat. In winter, they grow an impressive mane around the neck and maintain a bushy tail year-round — both signature traits of the breed.
They have a triangular-shaped head with pointed ears, often adorned with cute tufts at the tips. These tufts can also appear between their toes, adding charm to their large, strong paws.
Care and health of the Norwegian Forest Cat
Their long fur requires more grooming than most short-haired breeds. It’s important to start brushing early in kittenhood and pair grooming with rewards to create a positive association.
As a naturally selected breed, the Norwegian Forest Cat is generally very healthy. One known condition is GSD IV, a genetic disorder that causes affected kittens to be stillborn or develop symptoms by 5 months of age. Reputable breeders test for this.
Coat colors of the Norwegian Forest Cat
Although their fur is iconic, there are very few restrictions on coat color or pattern. They can be solid, tabby, striped, or spotted.
Common colors include amber, black, and blue, often with white accents. If you're considering an all-white cat, be aware of the risk of partial deafness. The only colors not accepted in the breed standard are chocolate, cinnamon, lilac, and fawn.
Buying a Norwegian Forest Cat – what is the price?
If you're excited after reading all this and want to buy a Norwegian Forest Cat kitten, expect to pay between €700 and €1000 from a reputable breeder.
A responsible breeder ensures proper socialization and thorough health screenings. Kittens should never leave their mother before 12 weeks. Prefer to give an older cat a second chance? Visit your local shelter — your new companion might be waiting there.
