Variety Overview
English Name: Norsk Skogkatt
Also Known As: Forest Cat
Size: Medium
Origin: Norway
Height: About 50cm
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Norwegian Forest Cats are gentle giants. They are big and athletic, so you might often find them perched at the highest points in your home, without any hesitation to jump down. While they adore their families, they tend to be reserved around visitors.
Being a relaxed and independent breed, they don’t need constant attention. Norwegian Forest Cats are happy just being in the same room with their human companions while entertaining themselves. These cats are moderately active—they play energetically but also enjoy long naps—and they love playing in water. They get along well with other dogs and cats, as well as polite children.
Development Origin
Norwegian Forest Cats hail from Norway and have origins dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. There are various theories about their ancestry. Some suggest they are descendants of long-haired cats from Turkey, brought to Norway by Scandinavian warriors who served in the Byzantine Empire. Others believe they may be related to Siberian cats from Russia.
These large felines were first showcased at the Oslo Cat Show in 1938, but World War II halted any further development plans for the breed. It wasn’t until 1977 that the Norwegian Forest Cat was officially registered as a breed with the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe). They were exported to the United States in 1979, where they quickly gained popularity. By 1987, the breed was recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and achieved full championship status by 1993.
Ideal Audience
Families with kids and other pets.
Feeding Guidelines
Forest cats have a preference for warm meals, as consuming cold or chilled food can lead to digestive issues. Ideally, their food should be served at a temperature of 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. Their diet should mainly consist of light foods. You can occasionally offer chicken breast or beef as supplementary treats, but their primary diet should be cat food, preferably one that is mild in flavor.