Norwegian Forest cat Facts for Kids

Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest cat is a special breed of cat that lives in Northern Europe. These cats are sometimes called "Wegies" for short!

This breed is perfect for very cold places. It has a thick double coat. The top layer of fur is long and shiny. It even sheds water, like a raincoat! Underneath, there's a soft, woolly undercoat that keeps them warm.

Long ago, these cats might have come to Norway with the Vikings. During World War II, this amazing breed almost disappeared. Luckily, a cat club in Norway worked hard to save them. They started a special breeding program. In the 1970s, a cat lover named Carl-Fredrik Nordane helped get the breed officially recognized. It was registered with the European Fédération Internationale Féline.

Today, the Norwegian Forest cat is very popular. You can find many of them in Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and France.

What Makes Them Special?
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What Makes Them Special?

Norwegian Forest cats come in many colors.

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a strong and large cat. It's bigger than most other house cats. Female cats usually weigh between 3.6 to 8 kilograms (8 to 18 pounds). Males are a bit heavier, weighing 4.5 to 9 kilograms (10 to 20 pounds).

These cats have a long, sturdy body, long legs, and a big, bushy tail. Their coat is long, shiny, and thick. It's also water-repellent, which means water rolls right off! The fur is thickest on their legs, chest, and head.

Their Head and Face

A Norwegian Forest cat's head is long and shaped like a triangle. They have a strong chin and a nose that's not too long. Their eyes are shaped like almonds and can be any color. Their ears are large and wide at the bottom. They are set high on the head and often have tufts of hair at the tips, just like a lynx!

Colors and Climbing

Norwegian Forest cats come in many different colors and patterns. They have very strong claws, which makes them excellent climbers. They can even climb up rocks!

Personality and Lifestyle

These cats usually have a quiet voice. But if they live with a dog, they might learn to be louder! They are friendly, smart, and generally get along well with people. Norwegian Forest cats have lots of energy and love attention.

Cats that live outside become very good hunters. But this breed can also live happily indoors. If you buy one from a registered breeder in the USA, they usually cost between $550 and $800. These cats typically live for 14 to 16 years. Because they are big and have strong bones, they eat more food than most other cat breeds.