NorKatz Norwegian Forest Cat


History

	GP RW Vanir Cassioet Kvasir of NorKatz	The Norwegian Forest Cat also known as Skogkatt (meaning forest cat), first originated out of the forests of Norway some 4,000 years ago. They are not feral but are among the most people- oriented cats. There are stories in Norwegian Mythology of large cats pulling the chariot of the sun goddess Freya. Viking history reports of large cats who traveled upon the ships in order to keep the rodent population under control.

The Norwegian Forest Cat evolved from the harsh climate of the Norwegian wilderness.

In order to survive these magnificent cats have needed to quickly adapt throughout the

years. They are large, strong, and most noted, is their dramatic change of coat. Shorter

days and colder weather is the cue for the cats to put on their thick woolen undercoat and

long hair. The mane/ruff is magnificent, being long, dense and very impressive, especially

on a mature cat, over five years of age. Additionally, the fur is quite long on the trousers,

and the hair in front of the ears, can reach a notable length. The long guard hairs on the

back, sides and on top of the tail, act like a raincoat, protecting the cat from the cold, wet

climate. For a nature cat who has adapted to such a cold climate, it is important for them

to retain heat as much as possible.

CH Vanir Denali of Foxykats

Once the weather begins to

warm up, the thick undercoat, and long fur of the mane,

quickly is lost after a short

time of heavy molting. The

thick, magnificent tail is the

only reminder of the cat being

long haired. With so much

coat there is very little

grooming needed for non-

show cats, it is suggested to

groom once a week, and

during the heavy shedding of

spring it is recommended to

groom a bit more often.

The overall impression of

a forest cat is a large,

muscular, elegant and

aware animal. Their face

has a sweet-expression,

with bright emerald green eyes trimmed with a band of gold. Soft to the touch, long

flowing hair, flashy ear and toe trimmings. They appear in most colors, from pure white

to deepest coal black. The Body is very muscular and especially the thigh muscles and

chest muscles are large and strong.

The back legs are higher than the front legs, which explains the characteristic

combination of running and long leaps that the forest cat is renowned for. They also,

love to climb and be up high so it is necessary to have good climbing trees in order to

satisfy this natural instinct.

Known for its kind, gentle, loving temperament the forest cat differs from many other

breeds. They are lively, playful, intelligent and affectionate as are many other breeds.

But, being a 'nature cat', the Norwegian Forest Cat must be intelligent and inventive to

be able to survive. In times of food shortage and bad weather only the most intelligent

individuals are able to obtain food and to keep warm in order to survive.

The Wegie readily

adapts to most any

home environment

including other cat

breeds, dogs and

children. They have unconditional, love

for their families.

They are perfect companions for active

families with children

and are usually excited

when you have visitors.

They sometimes

develop extreme

loyalty to one family

member and will follow

this person through

thick and thin. If more

than one person in

the family desires this

close relationship,

the solution would be

to bring more than one

Wegie into the home.

GP Vanir Orion of NorKatz

As loving as these wonderful cats are you should not expect them to be a lap cat. They

love to sit beside or close to you. At night rather than snuggling beside you they would

much rather sleep on top of the covers. The reason, remember these cats are made to

sleep outdoors in the forests of the extreme cold climate of Norway. They have a coat

made by mother nature to keep them warm, they do not need to look to people for warmth.

In the 1930s, the Cat Fancy in Norway started a movement to preserve the Forest Cat

as the Norwegian national breed. Interrupted by World War II and not restarted until the 1970s. At this time, the Skogkatt was nearing extinction, due to the crossbreeding of

forest cats and the shorthaired house cat. In 1975, dedicated breeders in Norway

organized a club to save the breed by developing a breeding program. In 1979, the first

breeding pair of Norwegian Forest Cats was imported into the United States. Two years

later, the first surviving litter of kittens was born in the United States. The Norwegian

Forest Cat secured championship status with CFA in 1993.

Currently, the affectionately named Wegie continues to qualify as a minority breed.

They can be very difficult to find and/or acquire, for breeders usually have waiting lists.

Having the opportunity to share your home with a magnificent Norwegian Forest Cat,

is a blessing, which will thoroughly enrich your life.

Your Wegie will always be there for you..."your own personal guardian angel".

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Please do not use without permission.