Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Information Breeders Kittens Australia

Temperament: Affectionate strong willed independent
Size: Large one of the largest breeds which is even larger because of long thick fur
Health and lifespan : Average 15 years, extremely healthy breed few known problems
Suitability as a pet: suited to active owner looking for a playmate as opposed to lap cat

Like the Bengal  cat, the Maine Coone and this Savannah Cat, the Norwegian Forest cat are very large breed of cat. Neutered males can reach weights  of up to 10 kg (as large as a Tom but heavier as they carry a bit more fat) with females only slightly more delicately built and lighter. They are native to parts of northern Europe and coming from such a cold region of the world they are very thick coated. The outer coat is long glossy, and water resistant covering a thick woolly undercoat. These are not warm weather cats.

It is likely the ancestors of the Norwegian Forest cat were brought by the Vikings to this part of the world and would have included a mix of shorthaired cats and long-haired cats such as the Siberian and Turkish Angora. Breeding of cats at the time were focused far more on survival of the fittest than any breed standard and natural selection would have favored cats and grow a thick coat.

A large cat regardless of their coat this is further emphasized by its willingness, especially around the neck area where there thick fur often resembles a lion's mane. They have no specific colour pattern by colours cabbies in many different solid colours seen. Apart from their size and trademark thick coat they are known tackily plumed tail in a slightly forward crouched appearance is there front legs a slightly shorter than there really is.

Temperament
while lacking the people neediness of the Oriental cats they are certainly more affectionate than the Bengal or the Savannah cat(not available in Australia). By no means could there be considered a lap cat, they like to be active a busy animals and are unlikely to be happy is an indoor cat. Additionally they do love the hunt so if you wish to keep a Norwegian Forest As a pet in Australia we recommend you get a cat run for them otherwise expect the native animal population to drop.

Grooming
if you are intending to keep this In Australia be aware you should only be considering doing so if you live in the cooler southern areas preferably the high land areas of Australia. These are cold weather animals that usually prefer the outdoors of being cooped up inside.
There thick coat will require brushing weekly or perhaps more often. Unlike the coat of the Angora of the Oriental longhair their outer coat is massing resistance so you won't need to brush a daily. They shed dramatically at the end of winter at which time they will require daily brushing.

If your cat’s coat gets dirty you may have trouble cleaning it is water resistant coat can make shampooing difficult(not your cat will happily permit this in any case.)

Health
Like most breeds when natural selection has played a strong role in their development the Norwegian Forest cat are extremely healthy and hardy breeds. They have been rare cases of kidney and heart disease as well is progressive retinal atrophy. Even more rarely individuals have shown to be afflicted with fatal genetic conditions if buying a Norwegian Forest cat, your breeder and that should be provide testing to ensure your cat is free from condition.

Their remote and Northern development location has been a dull edge sword in some ways. Whilst this has resulted in a strong and hardy Breed they have not been exposed to certain food types such as avocados, grapes, macadamia nuts, Coffee and other similar warm weather fruits and plans and as a result had developed no ability to digest some of the enzymes found in them the result being that toxic Norwegian Forest cats being harmless to most other animals including humans.

Suitability as a pet in Australia
It's interesting that the Norwegian Forest cat has been permitted to be imported into Australia at all. They are large independent aggressive hunters and being active cats it is difficult to keep them happy in a large house let alone an apartment. Other similarly large aggressive breeds such as the Savannah cat have been banned in Australia, though it is most likely this is because of their African wildcat heritage rather than the size and wildness of the Savannah Today.

The Norwegian Forest cat will suit an owner looking for a large cat that is equal mix of independent active animal and affection. Individuals have been known to accept a harness and to go for walks with their owners.

They are moderate level maintenance cats belong coat not needing a lot of care in comparison to other long coat cats most of the year however in spring it will require daily or even twice daily brushing.