The Norwegian Forest cat has undoubtedly grown much in popularity in recent years and that probably has to do with its stunning appearance and its fluffy coat. Of course, weren’t it not for their loving, yet independent, personality, this cat breed would definitely not be as appealing. If you aren’t quite acquainted with this particular feline, I suggest you start gathering information about it. Who knows, it might just become your next pet.
There are definitely a lot of things that you should learn about this breed, which is also affectionately called the Wegie by its fans. If you are thinking of getting this feline as a pet, then the learning process is even more necessary. Even if you don’t end up bringing this cat home, though, getting adequately informed about it will undeniably come in handy. If nothing else, you can join in on the conversation when people start talking about it.
Whatever your reasons might be, the fact that you have found your way to this page tells me that you are ready to learn about this cat breed. Whether you simply want to get informed or you are quite interested in getting a Norwegian Forest kitty, that’s up to you. The point is that you want to understand this breed properly. So, let us start the learning process right away.
Origin
Unsurprisingly, the first thing we need to talk about is the origin of this feline. As the name says it, Norway is its home. This breed has been featured in a lot of Norse folk tales for centuries, which immediately leads us to the conclusion that it is quite old. Yet, saying that this cat comes from Norway is not enough, since its origin is quite more complicated than that.
This article can help you get more info about it: https://www.lifeinnorway.net/norwegian-forest-cat/
To put things simply, it appears that the origin of the Wegie is pretty much unknown. There are a lot of speculations, but none of those can be confirmed. Some claim that the Crusaders brought these felines to Norway, but, once again, that’s a theory that cannot actually be confirmed. There is a veil of mystery surrounding the origin of this breed, which probably makes it even more appealing to everyone. It has become known to the rest of the world in the late 20th century, even though it has been alive for a much longer period of time.
Appearance
If you type the name of this cat in any search browser, you will be able to see a lot of amazing photos that will help you understand how these felines look. Yet, even though the photographs can be quite beautiful, the truth is that they aren’t giving the Wegie any credit. In other words, this breed is even more beautiful and majestic in person. Its large paws and its long, sturdy body will leave no person indifferent.
This breed reaches maturity around its fifth year and it won’t stop growing up until that point. In the end, it can end up weighing anywhere between 13 and 20 pounds, which is, you must admit, pretty large for a feline. Its eyes come in different shades of green, gold and copper. White colored Norwegian cats are actually known for having eyes in different colors, which is another rather appealing feature.
Its straight and muscular legs ending in large and round paws allow these animals to get by very well in any outdoor circumstances. The thick fur that this breed features is the reason why it has been able to survive the harsh Scandinavian winters and any weather circumstances. As for the colors, the fur of these felines can come in numerous colors, ranging from completely white to pitch black.
Personality
Now, there is no point in talking about the Wegie without mentioning its personality traits. When you decide to get more info about this breed, you will definitely be amazed at the characteristics that you will end up learning about. Despite their almost threatening appearance, these cats seem to be rather cuddly and affectionate. Yet, don’t let that fool you and make you think that they will be annoying and always seeking for attention.
The truth is that these Norwegian cats are actually still quite independent and that they won’t bother you if you need some time alone. They are usually not the ones to approach people. Instead, they will let you approach them and that’s when they will enjoy those cuddles. To put it simply, this is a breed that can survive all on its own but still chooses to be around humans, purely out of love. So, when it comes to your lap, you’ll know that it’s not because it needs attention and assurance, but merely because it loves spending time with you.
Health
If properly taken care of, these animals can live up to 15 years. The Norwegian Forest is generally healthy, but it is prone to a few hereditary diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia. This is why taking your feline to the vet regularly is extremely important and so is observing their behavior with the aim of noticing any types of changes that could indicate certain diseases, such as those mentioned above. If, however, you take good care of your cat, it will be perfectly healthy and you will enjoy its company for a long, long time.
