Cats are very popular pets in the UK, with an estimated 26% of UK households owning a pet cat. With so many breeds to choose from it is no wonder people get confused over which cats will most suit them and their families. It is always a good idea to research cat breeds before committing to owning one as they all have very different temperaments and traits, and each breed may not suit every family.

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What is the history of a Norwegian Forest cat?

The Norwegian Forest cat originated in Scandinavia and is spoken of in Viking mythology, having been thought to be brought to Norway by Vikings in around 1000 A.D. They originally lived wild in the forests of Scandinavia and Northern Europe, before being domesticated, with modern breeding starting as early as the 1940’s with the founding of the first Norwegian Forest Cat Club. This effort sped up in the 1970s. And by 1994 the breed was officially recognised by the American Cat Fanciers Association. 

How does a Norwegian Forest cat compare to other cats?

A Norwegian Forest cat is a large domestic cat with an average weight anywhere between 5.8-10kg. Traditional domestic cats are often closer to the 4kg mark. So these cats can be 50-100% bigger than your traditional domestic cat.

They are strikingly beautiful cats with long coats, high set ears, and slender triangular heads. They have fluffy legs and tails and need regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition. They’ll moult a lot due to their long fur. And during the summer have a shorter coat more suited to the warmer weather.

Important things to know about Norwegian Forest cats

These cats can be prone to overheating, due to originating in Northern Europe where climates are cooler and having long thick coats to provide warmth. It is important they are not kept in overly warm environments and have suitable access to cool quiet areas with a continuous supply of water all year round, especially on warmer days. 

They are affectionate friendly cats who prefer quiet, relaxed environments. They like to go outside and explore and are good climbers. So cat proof fencing is essential if you don’t want them to get out of the garden! Having trees they can climb is great enrichment for them; as well as furniture that allows them to climb and explore. 

As mentioned earlier they have a long, beautiful coat, but this means they will need grooming at least once a week, and sometimes more frequently depending on the time of year, age of the animal and condition of their coat.

They can be known for vocalising and will often ‘talk’ more than other domestic cats.

Health problems the breed is prone to

Like many other large breed cats, Norwegian Forest cats are reported to be at an increased risk of developing heart disease, especially hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM.

They also seem to have a higher chance of developing diabetes mellitus than most other cats; with some studies suggesting them to be as much as three and a half times more likely to develop the condition.

Do Norwegian Forest cats make good family pets?

These cats prefer relaxed, quiet environments. They are generally sociable and enjoy affection in small quantities. But they are not really thought of as lap cats. They may be suited to a quiet, grown-up family but are likely to be less suitable for a young, noisy busy family as they may find this environment over stimulating. They can be shy and take a while to get used to their new environment, so it is important to make sure you are patient and relaxed with these cats so as not to overwhelm them. 

So, do Norwegian Forest cats make safe pets?

The short answer is yes! They are beautiful animals and ideal for first time cat owners. The most important thing is to assess your suitability to them. If you have young children who you think will not give them space and want to handle them often and pester them, then this breed probably isn’t for you. If you have a quiet relaxed household with a large garden for exploring and are prepared to be patient and let this cat live a relaxed lifestyle, they are likely to be an excellent companion.

Always remember to do full research on any breed before you commit. Speak to your veterinarian about any potential health and behaviour issues you should be aware of before taking them on as a pet.

You can read more about the Norwegian Forest cat here:

Summary:

  • Norwegian Forest cats date back to the Viking era and are thought to have originated in Northern Europe.
  • They are large affectionate cats with beautiful coats and striking features.
  • These cats prefer relaxed quiet environments and are less suited to busy loud family environments.
  • They can make great first-time pets if you have the right environment for them, and they love exploring outside and climbing.

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