Norwegian Forest cat breed

Norwegian Forest cat can take up to five years to become fully mature. They should be fed a cat food that matches their age, size, activity level and any specific health conditions. They may prefer a high protein, high meat food. You may also find that they’ll eat more than the average cat due to their large size.

Norwegian Forest cats do love their food and can pile on weight so you'll order to maintain a healthy weight you’ll need to ensure you stick to the quantity guidelines on the food packaging. If you’re unsure, your vet will be happy to give you advice on the best food and how often to feed.

The Norwegian Forest cat's dense, semi-long coat is surprisingly easy to care for and they only moult once a year. Wegies do a very good job of grooming themselves. All they’ll need is a brush a couple of times a week to remove any tangles.

Wegies can be energetic – they’ll have a burst of energy and then take a long nap. As they are slow to mature, they can retain their kitten-like ways until they are around five years old. They have a high prey drive so will enjoy playing with toys that they can chase and ambush. If you plan on letting your cat outside, make sure you fit their collar with a bell, so birds and small mammals have plenty of warning to escape and avoid being preyed upon.

With their thick, warm coat, Norwegian Forest cats love to explore outside. But make sure any outside space is enclosed to keep them safe. Their strong claws make them especially good at climbing. They’ve even been known to run down trees headfirst. If kept indoors, make sure that they have a high perch or cat tree with a view outside and a scratching post.

Norwegian Forest cats are intelligent and can respond well to training. Kittens should be toilet or litter trained before they leave their mothers. If you want to teach your cats tricks, Norwegian Forest cats can learn all sorts of games and commands thanks to their intelligence and desire for tasty treats. Read our guide on training cats and kittens for some ideas.

Norwegian Forest cats can be affected by Glycogen storage disease type IV, a breed-specific inherited disease. The genetic defect causes a specific enzyme deficiency and chronic, progressive neurological signs. There’s no treatment for this condition and affected cats should not be bred from.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can lead to heart failure. An ultrasound of the heart to measure the thickness of the heart muscle is the best way to detect the condition. If diagnosed with HCM, lifelong medication will be needed. Norwegian Forest cat breeders should have their cats screened for the disease to make sure that their breeding lines are free of this condition.

Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and lameness. Signs are usually first seen in affected cats when they are less than a year old. While the condition is usually managed with anti-inflammatory drugs or a veterinary prescribed diet, surgery may be considered if the condition is severe.

With its large size, thick, fluffy coat and bushy tail, the Norwegian Forest cat stands out. They have a triangle-shaped head and almond-shaped eyes.

The average lifespan of a Norwegian Forest cat is 14 to 16 years. It takes up to five years for them to become fully mature.

The Wegie is a large, heavy-boned, muscular cat. Its body length is 30-46 cm and its height 23-30 cm – the size of a small dog.

Norwegian Forest cats are generally quiet and not as vocal or talkative as other cats. You may find that they only meow when they want food.