The Norwegian forest cat combines all the qualities most loved person: the beauty, elegance, calm and restraint, friendliness and intelligence.
This breed appeared on the world stage not so long ago, but has already won the hearts of many. It is interesting to all: from origin story to freedom-loving and independent character.
Origin story
The exact history of the origin of these beautiful animals is unknown. There are two versions.
According to the first, once in Norway in the company of Vikings arrive Angora cats, which then began to interbreed with the local cat in the Diaspora. The resulting offspring had to survive in difficult environment, so animals had to develop the strength and agility and to learn to freely climb trees. In addition, they needed a good warm undercoat, which they successfully acquired.
In the second version, the Norwegian forest cat – the descendants of the unions of regular cats with the Bobcat. In favor of this view say ear tufts and a strong predatory claws. And the ability to travel through the trees, too, hints at wild feline ancestors.
The beauty and dignity of these animals has led to the interbreeding with different species, the purpose of which was to obtain a new one. But in the early XX century such enthusiasm nearly led to the complete disappearance of a purebred Norwegian forest cats. Therefore, such crossing was prohibited.
Registration of the breed took place in two stages. In 1939 it was officially recognized in Norway, and only in 1977, in FIFE – International Federation of cats. In our days the Norwegian forest cats are recognized by nearly all feline organizations.
Norwegian forest cats produce a very strong impression due to its volume. But this is only apparent. In fact, the dimensions of these beauties is pretty standard, body weight varies from 5 to 7 kg. the Impression of massiveness created from rich wool cover.
Appearance
Norwegian forest cat looks similar to something between representatives of Siberian cats and Maine coons.
Officially established following breed standards:
- medium or large flexible body with well developed muscles;
- long muscular legs and well tufted between the toes, the hind legs longer than the front;
- fluffy and long tail, similar to the fan;
- large, wide, tall ears, pointed at the tips located woolen tassels, reminiscent of a lynx;
- straight nose of medium length, in cats it can be smoothly curved;
- the head in the form of a regular triangle;
- long straight profile;
- strong well developed chin, medium size;
- muscular neck, can be srednedlinny or short;
- large, oval, slightly slanting eyes any color;
- shiny hard coat of medium length with a thick undercoat;
- long oversized collar on the neck;
- guard hairs with a water repellent on the sides and back;
- color can be almost anything, not only accepted Siamese, chocolate and lilac.
Character
“Persistent, Nordic character” – this quote is the best suited representatives of the Norwegian forest breed. Calm and patient, they behave calmly even under intense running children and dogs.
The Norwegian forest cat is very friendly, and their friendly attitude extends not to one master, and the whole family. When a new person in the house pet is usually alarming, but as familiarity relaxes and becomes as pleasant as dealing with the household.
Despite the independent nature of these fluffy beauties love to take part in all household matters, almost without leaving people. To the affection and attention they are treated very favorably, but on hands and knees adult animals do not like to sit. But kittens you can pet forever, they won’t mind.
Wild hunting past regularly reminds himself, so Norwegian cats do not get along in the same house with birds, fish, rabbits, hamsters and similar small creatures. Even in the presence of cells sooner or later tragedy. Forest cats are smart, agile and strong, so the thin twigs for them is not an obstacle.
Content features
Norwegian forest cats love freedom. Therefore, in an urban apartment, they will not be too comfortable. Much more suitable for a private house with its own plot. There, the cat will be able to walk freely, climb trees and catch birds, and to satisfy their hunting instincts.
Of course, the Norwegian forest cat can live in a city apartment. But it is desirablethat the dwelling was a large area that the pet does not feel cramped. Also note the Norwegian love of cats to the altitude. It’s not necessary to grow in the flat tree, just enough to hang on the walls more shelves. You can place them at different heights and equipped with various toys hanging from the rope. This attraction will appeal to an adult Norwegian forest cat and the kitten.
In General, care of these furry Pets is very simple. They are unpretentious and do not require the creation of any special conditions.
They need a standard set cat inventory:
- the tray and scratching post, to which you need to teach your kitten from an early age;
- bowls;
- toys;
- comb.
On the last point it is worth saying in more detail.
Grooming
The coat of the Norwegian forest cats are extraordinarily beautiful, but requires special attention. Combing need to produce weekly and during shedding in spring and fall – every day. For this procedure, you need to purchase a quality brush, metal or rubber. Plastic will not work, because long hair is in contact with it will be electrified and confused. Quality brushes are, of course, much more expensive, but last a long time, and the use of them much more than cheap.
Also Norwegian cat needs regular bathing. Thus it is necessary to use special shampoos, products for men can damage the hair and cause problems with the skin. After bathing the animal should be brushed until dry. To facilitate this procedure will help special sprays and conditioners for cat hair, sold in pet stores.
Food
Norwegian cats in the past lived by hunting and fishing, so the best food for them is raw meat and fish. It is desirable to not give steam a product, and had lain for several days in the freezer. Otherwise, it could be infected with worms.
The diet can be diversified and other products, but to make sure the cat gets plenty of protein. This task can successfully carry eggs and milk – of course, not instead of meat and fish and as supplements to them. As additives can be given wheat or cat grass that you want to pre-germinate.
If you do not want to bother with food, you can give dry food. It is much easier. Besides, it has a balanced composition and includes a lot of necessary vitamins and minerals. But only if we are talking about the stern premium or super-premium class.
Economical cheap types absolutely not suitable pet. Their use will definitely affect its appearance. From this power fades the coat, which is the main advantage of appearance of the Norwegian cats. Besides, there are cases when cheap food causing severe allergies, kidney stones, and even other more serious health problems. Therefore, the savings on food can result in enormous expenses for treatment. And well even if the result is successful.
Regardless, the animal eats natural food or dry food, it should be monitored. If the coat begins to fade or fall, this may be a sign of a lack of nutrients in the body. Especially often this problem occurs in spring and autumn. In such cases, you need to give the cat a separate vitamin-mineral complex, which can be purchased at a pet store. If the pet will not change, then you need to show it to the vet.
Possible illnesses
Representatives of the Norwegian breed encouraging good health. This breed has only one possible genetic disease glycogen storage disease type IV. She appears in Norwegian forest kittens either immediately after birth or at five months of age. Unfortunately, this disease is not treated. Kittens born from its speakers, in any case die.
But in General, Norwegian beauties are hardy and strong, therefore, are not frequent clients of veterinary clinics. External conditions do nothing to them: these animals stand quietly and drafts, and cold. The lifespan of a Norwegian forest cat with proper care is an average of 15 to 17 years.
Buying a kitten
As a pet usually prefer to take a kitten and not an adult cat. First, the baby is easier to accustom to the rules of conduct in a particular house. And secondly, in the case of the Norwegian Pets role plays the price. Kitten costs about 12,000 rubles, but the purebred cat with the correct set of documents – about 70,000 rubles, and sometimes more expensive.
Despite the price, to acquire future pet is better still in the nursery. When buying from private individualswho cannot present the necessary documents cat, there is a risk that the animal will not be purebred. Of course, if we are talking just about a pet, then you can take the risk, because the purity of the blood in this case is still not critical. But if the plans include exhibitions, titles and breeding, to get a kitten should be in a reliable source.
When buying you must pay attention to the following factors:
- the reputation of the nursery – you need to pay attention to the length of his work and to see reviews from buyers;
- compliance with kitten breed standards;
- the presence of all necessary documents;
- the presence of all vaccinations, which were required age;
- healthy appearance and activity.
Each of these moments is very important. If we choose healthy purebred Norwegian kitten and then to surround it with love and care, it will grow into classy, strong, affectionate cat who will bring a lot of warmth and positive emotions to all family members.
