The Norwegian Forest cat is most common in Norway, Denmark, France, Iceland, and Sweden. The breed is rare in America.
History
The Norwegian Forest cat hails from Norway, where they were given their name "skogcatt", which is the Norwegian word for "forest cat".
It is believed that the Vikings brought the breed's shorthaired ancestors to Norway along with longhaired cats around 1,000 AD.
These naturally occurring cats adapted to North Europe's cold climate.
The Norwegian Forest cat was near extinction during World War II, although a group of cat fanciers were successful in their efforts to preserve the breed.
Many have their own theories of when the breed was brought to North American, but no one is quite sure when.
In the year of 1977, they were registered with FIFe.
In 1987, they were registered with the CFA. And in 1993, were accepted for championship status.
Appearance
Norwegian Forest cats have a coat of thick, glossy, long water-resistant fur with a dense undercoat that varies in color and pattern.
They have a triangular-shaped head and almond-sized eyes that come in several different colors.
The breed has large, tufted ears similar to that of a Maine Coon's.
They are well-balanced, muscular, and heavy-boned.
Females weigh between 8-18 pounds and males 10-20 pounds.
Personality
The breed is known to not only meow but chirp.
They are playful, friendly, intelligent, energetic, affectionate, easy-going, and loyal.
Seeing how they have a water-proof coat, the breed enjoys a quick swim every now and again.
They are good with children, dogs, and other cats.
Unlike most cat breeds, the NFC doesn't usually bond with one person but rather loves the whole family equally.
Thanks to their strong claws, Norwegian Forest cats are excellent climbers.
Health & Care
The Norwegian Forst cat should be groomed daily, like other longhaired breeds.
These breed's teeth should be brushed daily, just like other cat breeds, including cats of mixed breeds.
The breed is fairly healthy but like any other cat, they are capable of acquiring diseases and conditions, such as hip dysplasia, perinatal hypoglycemic collapse, Glycogen storage disease type IV, Toxoplasma gondii, luxating patella, familial cardiomyopathy, and Eosinophilic granuloma.
Works Cited
"Norwegian Forest Cat Cat Breed Profile | Petfinder," Petfinder,
"Norwegian Forest Cat Guide - CWVC Limited," 30th, November 2017, Cat Whisker's Veterinary Care,
"Norwegian Forest Cat - The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc," CFA,
"Norwegian Forest Cat - Wikipedia," Wikipedia,
A bird just sits there, just chirping away at a cat, and then the cat chirps back? We going to need a bird asylum soon lol