Norwegian Forest Cat

Breed: Norwegian Forest Cat
Temperament: inquisitive and rascally though gentle
Cost: $300-$800
Lifespan: average 14-16 years
Maintenance: low, increasing when moulting
Recommended for: big cat fans

History

Norway is cold. Very cold. And with a yearly average temperature of around 5°C, it's no wonder the national cat doesn't have that sleek, sinewy appearance common to the felines found in the warmer climates of Asia and Africa.

In free-breeding cat populations not controlled by selective mating, it is the environment which most influences variation in an animal's appearance and behaviour. The world's warmer zones helped influence the evolution of the slender, short-haired 'Oriental' types. Whilst thickset, muscular and long-haired varieties evolved to withstand the colder, harsh Northern climates.

Although historical records show that cats have been present in Scandinavia for many hundreds of years, there are in fact no wild cats native to Scandinavia. The name may suggest otherwise, but the Norwegian Forest Cat, or 'Wegie' is likely a descendent of cats which arrived in Norway as a result of trade routes maintained by Vikings with the East. The harsh Scandinavian winter favoured the large, long-haired types which became proficient hunters accustomed to living amongst farms and woodlands. The type was not formally named in Norway until the 1930s and, after its near demise during World War Two, breeding programs did not recommence in earnest until the 1970s.

Appearance

Today, breeders say they desire to keep the breed 'natural' and as such have not set out to alter the appearance of the cat. Although any selective breeding program is likely to produce slight variations in a breed over time, the Wegie still remains much the same as it ancestor would have. With a broad chest and stout thickset body, the Forest Cat has a large round head with a moderately long, wedge-shaped face. A combination which suits the breed's strong hunting instincts. The legs are powerful, the hind longer than the front, which enables the cat to be an excellent climber. A short and woolly undercoat lies beneath the thick, water repellent topcoat. This double coat further contributes to the cat's massive appearance. And with a weight of up to ten kilograms, these are not small, dainty felines.

When in full coat, a large 'ruff' will surround the cat's neck and shoulders. The coat may appear in most colours apart from chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn or pointed (a solid colour with a different colour on the tail, feet and head). The ears are large and tufts on the tips are preferred, though not common.

Maintenance

Animals with a double coat invariably shed once a year. The Wegie is no exception, shedding its topcoat approaching the warmer months. Although regarded as a low maintenance cat for most of the year, when shedding occurs a regular grooming program is required. If shedding hair is not brushed out it's prone to mat, and breeders report that this is more so with white-coated Wegies. With a more dense coat than other coloured Wegies, the whites take on a more fluffy appearance. Once the Wegie's coat has fully shed (it takes about two weeks) the cat will simply have a soft, short coat all over. The water repelling properties of the topcoat can make Wegie-washing interesting too, if not problematic. Considerable shampoo is required to cut through the oil in the coat. Shampoos with degreasing properties work best.

Temperament

One factor which selective breeding has influenced is the Wegie's temperament. With a gentle disposition, the Norwegian Forest Cat retains none of that wild nature most likely seen in the farm cats of old. Described as people-loving and playful with a rascally streak, the Wegie is an inquisitive cat and prefers the company of humans and other felines. Despite its size, breeders agree that the Wegie is best kept as an indoor cat. Its climbing and hunting instincts are strong. A scratching pole is advised and should your curtains start to take a battering from a climbing Wegie, use a water spray to discourage its behaviour.Health

Kidney and heart disease has been reported in some cats bred in the United States. There have been no reports of these diseases in Australian Wegies, though conscientious Australian breeders will screen for these conditions regardless. Wegies have only been in Australia for about five years, though based on European evidence, a healthy cat's lifespan will average around 14-16 years.Cost

Prices range depending on the breeder. Although some Wegies fetch around $300 the average cost is closer to $800, a price which reflects the smaller supply of cats compared with other better known breeds. With girls weighing up to six kilograms and boys up to ten kilograms, feeding costs are slightly higher too.

Ideal owner

Called the 'lazy persons cat' the Norwegian Forest Cat is suited to most lifestyles and environments. Some will prefer their own company whilst others will look to be with their owners all the time. Apart from moulting time, the coat requires little grooming or maintenance and with such a personable disposition and easy going nature, the Wegie will equally please the elderly, singles or an active young family.

Further information

We filmed this Road Test in the Australian Capital Territory with Alison Roberts. For more details on Norwegian Forest Cats, contact Alison on (02) 6238 3196.

QLD
Queensland Feline Association Inc
Phone: (07) 3260 6575

SA
Judith Adams, breeder
Phone: (08) 8276 1723

TAS
Cat Association of Tasmania Inc
Phone: (03) 6261 4432

VIC
Loraine Smith, breeder
Phone: (03) 59 985506

NSW
Sandra Dukes, breeder
Phone (02) 4443 3622

WA
Greg and Liz Hogan, breeders
Phone: (08) 9439 3738

NT
Cat Association of the Northern Territory
Phone: (08) 8927 3865

Copyright 2003 CTC Productions