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If you are considering adopting a Norwegian Forest Cat, make sure you have room in your home - and heart - for a second one! This is the experience I have had since I started breeding in 1998 from one of the very first NFC males to be born in Australia. Almost everyone who has adopted one from me has come back for a second and even a third, as they are such good company for their owners and each other. Inquisitive, intelligent to the point of outsmarting their owners, confident and highly affectionate, these cats make wonderful pets. If you are a breeder, I can guarantee your Norwegian will become one of your favourite cats and you will want to keep one as a special pet, as they are so engaging and entertaining.
Their coats are long and water-resistant, but they moult once a year in mid-Spring when they will need some extra grooming help. They love being brushed or combed, and roll over in ecstasy, showing their tummies and purring loudly to get your attention. Because they are naturally excellent climbers, being one of the few breeds that will come down a tree headfirst or can scale an almost vertical rock face, they have large claws which need trimming on a regular basis so that they don’t hook your clothes when you cuddle them. Trim the nails gently and carefully, speaking to your “Wegie” soothingly, and he will always be co-operative when you need to perform this regular duty of care. A good scratching post with several different levels, tunnels and strong ‘trunk’ will be well used and give your pet(s) lots of fun and exercise, and keep those claws in trim.
With triangular-shaped heads, the Norwegian peers nobly down its long, straight nose at you, commenting on everything you do with intelligent observation. Its large paws often knead the air to accentuate what it is trying to say! Strong, robust and generally enjoying excellent health, the Norwegian’s lifespan can reach 20 years or more, if well looked after. Which is a long time to enjoy the company of the best friend you’ll ever have! Loraine Smith |
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