Known as the Skogkatt in its native Norway, the Norwegian
Forest Cat is a large, semi-longhaired cat whose rugged
appearance fits its name. Despite the hardy facade, this
breed is very much a homebody that enjoys the company of
other pets and particularly their human companions. Their
relationship with you can best be described as “on their own
terms.” Yes, Forest Cats can be lap cats, but THEY will decide
when to get on or off that lap. At a minimum, Forest Cats
insist on being near their people in a place of their choosing:
chair, bed, or desktop. A scratching post and a cat tree,
preferably tall, are musts for the Norwegian Forest Cat home.
These are moderatley active cats; there will be bursts of energy
followed by long naps. Sensitive yet social, you will find them
to be intelligent cats that adapt readily to change. Breeders are
often asked if these cats need to be outside. As with all cats,
inside the home is quite suitable and is certainly the safest
environment. Providing interesting toys, perches with outside
views, and most importantly, regular one-on-one time will
result in a well-adjusted cat.
To the inexperienced eye, the Norwegian Forest Cat may
resemble other semi-longhaired breeds such as the Maine
Coon or even some random bred longhaired cats. In fact, there
is considerable difference. Without a doubt, the expression of
the Norwegian Forest Cat is striking and distinctive among
pedigreed cats. Large, almond-shaped eyes with their oblique
set and the equilateral triangle-shaped head contribute to the
unique appearance of this breed. Viewed from the side, the
Forest Cat has a straight profile, i.e. straight from the brow
ridge to the tip of the nose. Heavily furnished ears that fit
into the triangle finish the look.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has an insulated, waterproof
double coat that was designed to withstand the Scandinavian
winters of its origin. The texture of this coat also matches
that environment – longer, coarse guard hairs over a dense
undercoat. A full frontal ruff, bushy tail, rear britches, and
tufted paws help to equip this feline for life in a region that
borders the Arctic. Surprisingly, this coat does not require
the care of some of the longhair breeds: weekly combing
along with a little more attention in the springtime should
cover it. Often identified by their brown tabby and white
coats, Norwegian Forest Cats actually come in most colors,
from pure white to deepest coal black, with every possible
coat pattern and color combination in between, with the
exception of the colorpoint colors as seen in the Siamese or
Persian-Himalayan, such as seal point or chocolate point.
The fully mature (approximately age five) Norwegian Forest
Cat is a large, sturdy cat, well-muscled with significant
boning. Expect a male to weigh from 12 to 16 pounds; fully
grown females will weigh from 9 to 12 pounds.
Although the Norwegian Forest Cat is a relatively new breed
in the United States, it is a very old breed in Norway, featured
in folk tales and mythology for centuries. The term skogkatt
literally means “forest cat.” In all probability, this was the
cat the Viking explorers took with them to keep their ships
clear of rodents, the same job they had in the barns in the
Norwegian countryside. Their first arrival on the east coast
of North America may have been with Leif Erickson or his
contemporaries in the late 900s.
Norwegian Forest Cats were almost lost as a distinct breed
through hybridization with the free-roaming domestic
shorthairs in Norway. Interest was aroused among Norwegian
cat fanciers who became determined to save the breed, but
World War II put a hold on their efforts. Efforts after the war
were finally successful, resulting in the Norwegian Forest Cat
being not only welcomed into the show ring in Europe, but
also designated the official cat of Norway by the late King Olaf.
They were not exported from Norway until the late 1970s,
and the first pair arrived in the United States in November of
1979. The Norwegian Forest Cat was presented to the CFA
Board for registration acceptance in February 1987 and in
1993 was accepted for full championship status.
Breeders usually make kittens available between twelve and
sixteen weeks of age. After twelve weeks, litters have had
their basic inoculations and developed the physical and social
stability needed for a new environment, showing, and being
transported. As you discuss the price of a kitten, consider
that the breeder often makes one or more trips to Europe to
research and obtain cats for their breeding program. Other
considerations may include titles obtained by these cats in
competition or parentage, as well as preferred markings
and type. Discussions with the breeder should include
recommendations on spay/neuter surgery, feeding, and
information on registering your kitten. For more information, please send
inquiries to CFA at cfa@cfa.org.