Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian forest cat is one of the most beautiful and large breeds of domestic cats. There is a theory that the Norwegian cat is the progenitor of the Maine Coon breed, which is distinguished by its large size.

Differences in the breed

The breed of cats in Norway is distinguished by the following external features:

1. Long, thick coat. To survive in the cold Norwegian forests, cats needed a thick and very warm coat. Therefore, in cats of this breed wool with a long coarse hair and a very dense undercoat. The wool coat of the Norwegian cat is not only thick, but also water-repellent, with oily waterproof hairs. Wool is especially long around the neck, forms a kind of collar, on the paws - "panties". The color of the coat can be anything, except for the Siamese.
2. The weight. Cats of the Norwegian breed are quite large. Their weight reaches 7.5 kg.
3. The structure of the body. The legs of this breed of cats are long, not short, which gives them a particularly graceful look. The head is triangular in shape. Ears are sharp, with brushes, which makes these cats look like a lynx; ears are high, the distance between them is wide. Another distinctive feature of this breed is a long straight nose and strong chin.
4. Character. Norwegian cats are very sociable, like people, willingly greet guests and sit down on their knees, demanding attention. Loneliness, these animals do not tolerate very well, so they can suffer if they are left alone for a long time. One of the peculiarities of Norwegian forest cats is their ability to slice down from trees. At the same time, the cat "dances" as if writing a spiral along the tree.

Norwegian Forest Cat: care

The Norwegian forest cat needs care, like any cat with a relatively long coat. Its peculiarities with respect to longhaired breeds and medium-length wool consist in regular combing, especially in winter, when moult begins in animals. Kittens from the Norwegian forest cat should be trained to comb the hair from childhood, so that, as adults, they are not afraid of the procedure and do not leave marks on their protest in the hands of the owner. Regular care for the hair will prevent the development of feline diseases associated with clogging the stomach.

Norwegian Forest Cat: food

The Norwegian cat is very unpretentious in eating, but meat in its diet should be mandatory. Norwegian cats are real hunters, they are used to extract and "cut" the meat themselves, so very soft and tender pieces of meat should not be the basis of their nutrition. Like any animal, a Norwegian cat will like a balanced diet, designed with due regard for its age and weight. Also, do not forget that the cat should have access to green grass, helping to clean the stomach in case of blockage with wool.

Norwegian Forest Cat: Diseases

Cats of this breed are strong enough and resistant to diseases, but with lack of proper care and they can get sick. The weak spot of all cats with long hair is the stomach. Prevention of his diseases is the regular combing of wool. If a domestic forest cat rushes out into the street or into a corridor, it risks bringing fleas or picking up lichen from accidental contact with a contagious animal. "Calculate" the infected cat is easy enough: it will be itchy all the time. Perhaps she will have an unforeseen "moult". In this case, it is better to apply immediately to the veterinary clinic, because the diseased animal will be more often licked, and can "eat" a decent portion of abundantly dropping long hair.