KELTISKATTEN NORWEGIAN FOREST CATS

WHAT ARE NORWEGIAN FOREST CATS?
These are really the gentle giants of cats, with wonderful easy-going natures and a devotion to those who share their lives, be it other cats or humans. A semi-long haired, natural breed, they are mentioned in Norwegian folk tales, but only became established as a breed in the 1930's, when they were regarded as a separate breed in their native land. Due to World War 2, interest in developing the breed fell off, and only in the 1970's, when threatened with extinction, was a proper breeding programme established by devoted fans of this creature in Norway where its called the skogkatt (translates as "forest cat"). Here, in the UK, it took until 1997 for recognition to be gained for the breed by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), with full championship status on the show bench under this governing body. Many of the pedigree papers of these cats show foundation stock as recently as 4 or 5 generations back. This is still a relatively new breed. Look here for more info.

WHAT DO NORWEGIAN FOREST CATS LOOK LIKE?
Norwegian Forest Cats (NFC's) are a large breed of cat with weights of full grown males averaging around 7-8kgs , with females weighing a little less at 4-5kgs. As a slow-maturing breed they may take 3-4 years to 'fill out'. They are semi-long haired, with a double coat. This comprises a woolly undercoat, topped with longer waterproof guard hairs. this helps insulate them in their natural environment, keeping them warm and dry in the snow of Norway. As a natural breed, they have altered little since they wandered out of the forests, and in their full winter coat are a magnificent looking cat. Adding to the grandeur of a fully coated cat are the ruff, mane, fluffy knickerbockers and beautiful long fluffy tail which should extend back to at least the shoulders in a cat of good 'type'. They also have hairy tufts between their toes (to protect feet from the cold) and well-furnished ears with 'lynx like' tufts. In summer, the cat loses a lot of the bulk of its winter coat in a seasonal moult. They are a strong boned cat with a distinctive triangular head, with the ears following the line of the triangle from the chin. In profile, they have a straight appearance, with no nose break, and are very distinctive. The eyes should be slightly almond shaped, and angled up to the base of the ear. Altogether, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a very handsome animal. Click here for full breed standard.

WHAT SORT OF TEMPERAMENT DOES THE NORWEGIAN FOREST CAT HAVE?  
Here is where the NFC excels, as the perfect companion to humans, other cats and even dogs. They are friendly, intelligent, loyal, energetic animals who will return any love offered ten-fold!! Because of their fearless nature, many breeders recommend that they be kept indoors (for their own safety) or in a safe cat garden. They love to climb and hunt, and for a large cat, can exhibit an incredible turn of speed. The NFC is playful and inquisitive even into adult life, and craves company, but on its terms. They like to be boss, and will quickly take over any household.