The Norwegian cat is one of the largest in size, with an appearance similar to that of a lynx, but with a mild and sweet character that is almost atypical.

• Origins of the Norwegian cat
• Morphology of the Norwegian cat
• Size of the Norwegian cat
• Psychology of the Norwegian cat
• Norwegian cat care

Origins of the Norwegian cat

The Norwegian cat is the protagonist of countless Nordic legends that have earned it the name of Viking cat . In fact, it seems that this large cat accompanied the Vikings’ sea voyages until arriving in America; it could be the ancestor of the Maine Coon .

The first references to the Norwegian forest cat are attributable to the naturalist Peter Clausson Friis who in 1556 recorded a classification of the Norwegian lynxes and included the cat-lynx with reference to this feline.

Over time the purity of this breed has been put at risk through crossbreeding with normal sized cats. Only in 1972 it was possible to isolate the Norwegian Forest thanks to associations for the protection of the original standards, recognizing the original Norsk Skogcatt breed.

Morphology of the Norwegian cat

This large cat has very particular features: the head is triangular , with a pronounced chin, a straight profile and a strong nose.

The ears are large and erect, forming a triangle in harmony with the muzzle, adorned with a tuft of fur. Even the cheeks are characterized by a thick and long hair that reaches the throat, so as to look like a beard. The eyes are large, set wide apart and downward.

The hair colors  allowed by the standard are red, white, amber, cream, blue. They can appear in bi-color, tricolor, dotted , but also uniform formation . On the other hand, chocolate, lilac, chinnamon and fawn colors are not allowed, as are point designs such as those of the Siamese .

Size of the Norwegian cat

The Norwegian is a large-sized cat (it can weigh around 9 kg), with a well-defined muscular structure, but at the same time very elegant in its movements . It turns out to be one of the largest examples of domestic cats.

Psychology of the Norwegian cat

It is a very sociable animal   that carries in its DNA the instinct to hunt, now declined in intelligence, patience and the search for independence. He knows how to open doors of all kinds and invent fun games that show his goliardic and affable spirit , even with children. He also loves the company  of other pets, socializes easily and does not show any distrust towards strangers.

Norwegian cat care

Although the thick coat can suggest a heavy commitment, to take care of it simply brush it at regular intervals . Since this cat likes to be bathed, keeping it clean is also nice and easy. From a food point of view, a protein diet low in cereals and carbohydrates is recommended.

The life expectancy of the Norwegian is quite high but could be subject to some pathologies , such as polycystic kidney, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or type IV glycogenosis: it is therefore advisable to buy your specimen from serious and regulated breeding centers .