Norwegian Forest Cat

A naturally occurring cat in his native country of Norway, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a large semi-longhair with a dense waterproof coat and long plumed tail, a coat designed to protect him through harsh Scandinavian winters. Indeed, many believe that the origins of the Maine Coon lie with Forest Cats who arrived with Norwegian sailors on the Eastern seaboard of the USA.

They have a place in Norwegian folk tales, described as the “Fairy Cat” and believed to be housecats of the Vikings. Until recently they were a semi-wild cat, hunting around the farmstead and taking advantage of humans when they offered shelter. They came close to being lost as a breed due to hybridisation with domestic shorthairs and a programme was launched to preserve the breed. The late King Olaf designated them the official cat of Norway and their future was secured.

The Norwegian Forest Cat is calm and friendly, well-suited to living in the family though with a fondness for climbing trees provision must be made for them to have high vantage points. The coat does not require more than a weekly comb through. All colours are allowed except chocolate, lilac and Himalayan (Siamese) pattern.

They have grown steadily in popularity in the UK, rising from 161 registered in the UK in 1994 to 938 in 2003.

Although Norwegian Forest Cats have no particular health problems, it makes good sense to insure your cats.  Many breeders sell their kittens with six weeks free insurance cover.  More and more owners are now insuring their pets as advances in veterinary medicine, plus the soaring costs of drugs can mean astronomical bills.

Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Clubs & Rescue

• Norsk Skogkatt Society
• Norwegian Forest Cat Club

Norwegian Forest Cat Breeders

Contact the Breed Clubs who will have lists of Breeders and may have Kitten Lists.