The Norwegian Forest Cat (Skogkatt in Norway and Wegie for short in the US) is large and rugged. Males weigh up to 16 pounds and females weigh up to 12 pounds. These cats have thick, waterproof, double coats with coarse outer guard hairs and an insulating undercoat made for surviving winters near the Arctic. The full ruff, bushy tail, tufted paws, and rear britches are also designed for a frigid, snowy environment. Wegies' almond eyes can be copper, green, or gold and their coats come in most colors and patterns.
Norwegian Forest Cats are born predators, so games that simulate the hunt are a good form of entertainment and exercise when their energy kicks in.
Wegies, like the Maine Coons they resemble and may be distantly related to, are known as gentle giants. They're sensitive, loving, sociable, and moderately active, but on their own terms. Norwegian Forest Cats sometimes want to play, sometimes want to be lap cats, and sometimes want to be left alone, and they expect everyone to abide their moods. They are known for their patience with children and other pets.
Skogkatts were loyal companions of the Vikings on their travels, and were valued for their ability to catch rodents aboard ships. "Skogkatt" translates to "forest cat."
Norwegian Forest Cats are sweet, affectionate, and gentle in spite of their lineage as rugged creatures in an unforgiving environment. They are playful and surprisingly athletic for their bulky appearance, and they are given to short bursts of energy followed by long catnaps. They purr, but are otherwise the strong and silent type.
Wegies take everything in stride with patience, adaptability, and high resistance to stress. They do well in all sorts of environments and are particularly good with children, other cats, and dogs. Unlike many other breeds, Norwegian Forest Cats don't usually select one person to bond strongly with, but instead develop good relationships with everyone who offers affection.
These cats have a bit of the aloof and independent personality that cats are famous for, but it comes and goes. They only sit in a lap when they feel like it, but they're usually close by. They have changing and varied moods and expect their whims and wishes to be respected, but Norwegian Forest Cats are too low-key to harass people for attention.
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a hardy and generally healthy breed and individuals can live 15 years or more with good care. Maintenance of a healthy weight, a nutritious diet, and annual checkups set the foundation for long-term wellness. Wedgies have a genetic predisposition to a few health problems.
Cats of this breed are more likely than others to develop periodontal disease. Proper dental hygiene is essential for prevention. They are also predisposed to hip dysplasia, a degenerative joint condition affecting the hips that can impair mobility. Hip dysplasia can be mild to severe, but it is usually manageable.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a common cause of feline heart disease, is another concern with Norwegian Forest Cats. They can be tested with an echocardiogram. Breeders should offer proof of screenings, but cannot guarantee a genetic line is free of the disease or that a cat won't later develop the condition. This breed is also at higher risk for glycogen storage disease type IV, which interferes with glycogen metabolism. This condition is rare but fatal, usually manifesting by 4 to 5 months of age.
Norwegian Forest Cats are born predators, so games that simulate the hunt are a good form of entertainment and exercise when their energy kicks in. They are avid climbers, and a tall cat tree is strongly recommended for any home with a Wegie. Shelves should be safely accessible, as these cats will climb at every opportunity.
Wegies also appreciate the attention and stimulation of clicker training. Teach them tricks and encourage them to perform between naps. Puzzle toys effectively challenge this breed's keen intellect and natural curiosity.
Despite the word "forest" in their breed name and their being built for survival, Norwegian Forest Cats are much safer indoors. The outside world is full of dangers, including vehicles, wild animals, poisonous substances, parasite-infested prey, and more; cats kept inside have significantly longer lifespans than outdoor cats.
The dense double coat of the Norwegian Forest Cat is surprisingly low maintenance, requiring less regular grooming than many other longhair breeds. Generally, a once-weekly brushing or combing with a medium-toothed comb suffices to prevent tangles and matting.
Kittens begin growing adult coats at around 3 months old, and it takes several months for the adult coat to develop fully. Wegies are heavy shedders, primarily in spring. They lose most of their undercoat in preparation for warmer weather and look quite different when summer arrives. Brushing or combing the coat daily during shedding season helps. If shedding is bothersome at other times, the coat can be groomed two or three times per week.
This breed is prone to developing periodontal disease. The teeth must be brushed regularly with a veterinarian-recommended feline toothpaste. Additionally, the ears should be monitored for wax or dirt buildup and cleaned as needed. The tips of the claws should be snipped off once every 10 to 14 days, taking care not to cut down to the quick.
Norwegian Forest Cats have a long, illustrious, legendary history. Norse mythology tells of these cats pulling the goddess Freya's chariot through the sky. They may also have sailed on Leif Ericson's ships, and they traveled around Europe with the Vikings. For centuries, they kept Norwegian farms free of mice and other pests.
This is one of the oldest cat breeds, believed to date back at least 4,000 years, but the breed only gained official recognition after being shown in Oslo in 1938. As with most breeds in Europe during World War II, Wegies almost became extinct in the 1940s. It wasn't until the 1970s that Norwegian breeders took real interest in preserving and promoting these cats.
Although they may have first landed in North America with Leif Ericson in the late 900s, the first official pair of Norwegian Forest Cats arrived in the US in 1979.
The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) accepted Norwegian Forest Cats for registration in February 1987 and granted them championship status in 1993.
