Norwegian Forest Cat FAQs
In the following article I hope to give you an insight into the history of the breed and cat breeds, how it came to the UK, what Norwegian Forest Cats are really like and hopefully, more besides.
- The History of the Breed
- Physical Attributes
- The Arrival of Norwegian Forest Cats in the UK
- Temperament / Living with a Forest Cat
- Breed Status - The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
- Breed Status - The Cat Association
- Norwegian Forest Cat Clubs
- Joining a Club
- Looking for a Kitten?
The History of the Breed
The Norwegian Forest Cat ( skogkatt ) is truly a natural breed, originating from the farms of Norway. Its exact origins will never be precisely established, but one thing is certain about the , the Forest Cat was produced by Mother Nature.
Forest Cats are famed for running down trees head first !
There are many tales about Forest Cats to be found in Norwegian folklore. It is even reputed that these cats were the family pets of the Vikings.
Over the years, there have been many references to Forest Cats. Mention of Forest Cats can even be found in a number of folk tales where they are referred to as "Huldrekat" which translates as "Fairy Cat."
They are also known as "Eventyrkatten" which means "Fairytale Cat", which is most appropriate as it is in Norwegian Fairytales that many of the first references of Norwegian Forest Cats can be found.
Some tales have described the Cats as "wood" or "forest" cats with thick, bushy tails. Possibly the first documented Forest Cat was in a children's book. The Norwegian author Gabriel Scott wrote a book in 1912 entitled "Solvfaks." The main character in this book is actually a Forest Cat that was called "Solvfaks."
The Norwegian Forest Cat as we know it today has developed through natural selection, as only the toughest cat, with the thickest waterproof coat, longest legs, etc. would be able to survive in Norway's harsh climate.
It was not until the 1930's that the Forest Cats were looked at with interest. But, with the outbreak of War, this interest was put on the back burner. In the early 1970's, interest was once again shown in the Forest Cats. By this stage it had become apparent that Forest Cats were facing extinction, and that if they were to be saved from disappearing altogether a specialised norwegian forest cat breeding programme had to be developed. In 1975, enthusiastic Norwegian breeders formed the Norsk Skogkattring (the first Norwegian Forest Cat Club).
In those early years, many norwegian forest cat difficulties arose in establishing a breed standard. Carl (Freddy) was a driving force in getting the breed recognised. Freddy (a member of the specially formed Breeder's Committee) saw photographs of a cat called Pans Truls.
These photographs made the Breeder's Committee believe that a widely accepted and agreed official standard was achievable. Pans Truls lived with the Nyland family near Oslo. Freddy and other members of the Breeder's Committee went to see the Nylands and Pan's Truls (a brown tabby and white kitten). After seeing Truls in the fur, it was soon apparent that norwegian forest cat was indeed the cat that they were looking for. Pan's Truls became the "model" cat and a standard of points was formulated. This standard is still in effect today.
The best description of a Norwegian Forest Cat
A norwegian forest cat is a large semi-longhaired cat, the most important features being type and coat quality. As the breed originated as a natural outdoor working cat on Norwegian farms, the appearance of the Norwegian Forest Cat should reflect this natural heritage. The cat should have an alert expression, be in good general condition and well presented.
The Norwegian Forest Cat matures slowly, and full development of the can take up to four years. The cats should be well built, and both the males and female norwegian forest cat have broad chests. The entire females can weigh between 8-12 lbs., and the entire males between 14-16 lbs. Neutered cats can weigh a few pounds more. (Please note, these weights are approximations, based on the average cat, but much bigger cats could soon be the norm). Indeed, my first encounter with a Forest Cat was with a huge brown tabby neuter who weighed two stones. His owner answered the door to me staggering under the weight of this giant norwegian forest cat. I did not notice much about the gentleman or his hallway as the whole doorway was filled with this cat !
Probably one of the 's most important features is its distinctive double coat. Without this, the cats would not be able to survive the harsh climate of Scandinavia. The coat colour itself is irrelevant, but Skogkatt's do actually come in a large number of colours - over 64 colours are recognised by the GCCF in the UK.
The official GCCF Standard of Points against which the norwegian forest cat are judged can be found on the Society web site.
It is believed that the first Norwegian Forest Cats (skogkatt)were brought into this country in 1986 and came from Holland. In 1987, further Forest Cats arrived from Norway. These first cats were the basis of a breeding programme that is still continuing today. These days, Forest Cats are still being brought into this country (to further expand the bloodlines), with many coming from Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Denmark and Sweden.
Thanks to an extensive breeding programme, there are now in excess of 1,000 Forest Cats in the United Kingdom. Some of the original importers of Forest Cats are in fact still breeding them today. Breeders can now be found all over the UK, although norwegian forest cats are still predominantly in the South of the Country.
Over the last few years several norwegian forest cats have been imported from abroad introducing new blood into the gene pool. They have been imported either through quarantine or via the "Bali Directive". For up to date details take a look at our import page.
A skogkatt is alert, inquisitive, fearless, courageous, intelligent, friendly, mischievous, strong, loving, playful and adaptable. These are all terms that are regularly used to describe s, but are they true?
Alert, Inquisitive, Fearless
Ask anyone who has lived with a Norwegian Forest Cats and they will agree that yes, a is indeed every one of these things (they will probably also give details of other terms that they use, that probably could not be printed here !).
Skogkatt 's are indeed very friendly, and they love their human companions; whatever amount of love you give to your Norwegian Forest Cats, it will come back to you ten times over. They are inquisitive and very playful, and although they ideally like lots of space, they will happily tolerate smaller spaces, provided that they have lots to do, things to climb, places to hide.
Norwegian forest cats make ideal family cats, they are happy to get on with children and animals alike, but beware, they will probably want norwegian forest cats to be number one, and somehow the rest of the household usually lets them. No matter how happy they are with other animals, they do especially love their human friends; they may even follow you from room to room as you move about your home.
These days, many cat breeders advise keeping cats indoors. Skogkatt's will happily live indoors and have their exercise on the end of a harness (Forest Cats can be trained to walk on a harness) or if preferred, an enclosed run can be built in the garden.
Elfentanz Marit
Whichever way you choose to keep your norwegian forest cat, they will easily adapt, and even though you may be concerned about keeping them indoors all the time, they will quite happily take to this life.
The important thing to remember if you do keep you Skogkatt's indoors is that they will need to be kept occupied and active. Not only will this benefit your cats, but it will also benefit your furniture! Ideally, they should have something to climb up and scratch on, a variety of toys to keep both their minds and bodies agile (an empty cardboard box is highly regarded), and if possible, a perch high up and out of the way that they can call their own norwegian forest cat and feel secure in.
Indeed, in Scandinavia, many breeders live in large cities, and quite often in apartments; it is therefore considered the norm that the cats live indoors. I myself have six Norwegian Forest Cats's who all live happily indoors together. As both my husband and myself work full-time, we have provided the cats with a variety of climbing poles and activity centres in different rooms around the house. When we are at home, the cats also have access to a small outdoor run that is attached to the house, even then you will often find one or two curled up in their favourite spots indoors.
Forest cats are low maintenance cats, their naturally robust natures tend to make their lives healthy and uncomplicated. Although they do have thick winter coats, these are usually maintained by the norwegian forest cats themselves. The annual moult usually takes place in Spring and at this time the cats will probably appreciate some extra grooming. General norwegian forest cat grooming is probably only required once or twice a week, but many new owners find that daily grooming of their new kittens is a good way of building up a special relationship with their new arrival, and indeed, it is very rewarding to hear the contented purr of a happy norwegian forest cats. Grooming is also a good way of keeping in touch with your cats condition and any changes can then be picked up very quickly.
Breed Status
In 1990, the GCCF finally recognised the Norwegian Forest Cat and gave the breed Preliminary Status. This meant that Forest Cats could attend shows and be awarded Merit Certificates. (A norwegian forest cats Merit Certificate is awarded to a cat that conforms to its Standard of Points. The Standard of Points is laid down by the Breed Club and agreed by the GCCF). The cats do not compete against one another for Merit Certificates. The first Norwegian Forest Cats were officially shown at the Supreme Show in 1990, thanks to a special dispensation given by the GCCF.
However, it was not until June 1997, that the Norwegian Forest Cat finally achieved Championship Status. At long last Skogkatt's are no longer the poor relations in the norwegian forest cats Fancy and can become titled cats. The GCCF licences shows across the whole of the UK, and at most shows you should be able to find a Forest Cat or two. At the moment, the GCCF do not split classes by colour, so you will see tabby patterned cats competing against solid coloured cats.
Norwegian forest cat's were recognised at Full Championship Status by the Federation Internationale Féline, FIFe, in 1977. Here, norwegian forest cat's exhibited with the Cat Association, CA, have competed for titles since the CA was founded in 1990. The cats are divided into nine colour groups for judging, and unlike GCCF shows, owners can choose to enter their cats in the Open Class only, if they wish. Miscellaneous Classes are available for those who wish to enter them. The CA's shows are mainly in the South of the country with a few norwegian forest cats in the Midlands. There are only a small number of norwegian forest cat's currently being shown at CA shows.
Norwegian Forest Cat Clubs
At present there are seventeen clubs, around the world, devoted to the Skogkatt.
In the UK there are two clubs catering for the interests of the skogkatt, the Norsk Skogkatt Society which is pre-affiliated to the GCCF and the Norwegian Forest Cat Club which is affiliated to the GCCF.
Membership of either or both clubs is a personal thing, and does not necessarily say anything about people as breeders. Both the above are known as Cat breeds clubs. That is to say, that they are devoted to this breed only. Cat breeds clubs differ from area clubs in that they pay more attention to the development, improvement and welfare of a particular breed.
They are concerned with the development of the norwegian forest cat breed in so much as how the breed is reproduced - i.e. are new offspring as healthy as their ancestors, are any faults developing in the breed, and can these faults be traced and remedied. The club should also seek to inform its membership of developments and changes affecting the breed. As well as providing a forum for people to share a common interest, information and ideas. There are also area clubs, that cover geographical areas and all breeds. These have similar goals and objectives to Cat breeds, but obviously cover the entire cat world not just a particular norwegian forest cat breed.
There are many types are cat breeds.
As the GCCF is the largest and oldest body registering cats in the UK many cat clubs seek affiliation with them. What this means is that the Club agrees to be governed by the norwegian forest cats GCCF rules and regulations. Some clubs choose to affiliate to the Cat Association, who in turn are affiliated to FIFe. FIFe is an equivalent to the GCCF in being the main governing body for Europe.
It is hoped that if people have joined a breed club, they are looking to be guided by that club. Most people join clubs in the hope of learning more about their chosen breed by having access to a bigger information resource. They also want to share their experiences / knowledge and learn from other members experiences / knowledge in order to improve, enhance and further their chosen norwegian forest cats breed.
But, being a member of a particular norwegian forest cat breed Club does not necessarily denote anything of importance. There are indeed a number of norwegian forest cats breeds who have more than one norwegian forest cats breed club devoted to that particular breed. Many people are also members of more than one Cat breeds club as well as a number of area clubs.
Joining a Club
To join most cat clubs a persons application usually has to be proposed and seconded by people who are already members of that norwegian forest cats club. If the person who you have bought your kitten off is already a club member then this is easy enough to achieve. If you do not own a cat of the particular breed, but have an interest in the breed, then in most cases a letter from your vet will obtain you membership of the club.
Want to learn more about Norwegian Forest Cats and be involved in their future health and welfare ?
Why not join the Norsk Skogkatt Society ?
Members are entitled to free space on the norwegian forest cats Society Internet site to advertise their cattery and kittens. So you can advertise kittens for sale.
Receive Skogkatt, the Quarterly Colour Newsletter of the Norsk Skogkatt Society.
Looking for Kittens for sale or a Cats for sale?
Choosing to buy a kitten from someone because they do or do not belong to a particular club is not to be recommended. Prospective buyers should visit various norwegian forest cat catteries and only buy from the cattery that they are most comfortable with. Base your decision on the cats and their environment and nothing else.
For up-to-date kitten or norwegian forest cat availability take a look at the Society kitten list, which includes Society recommendations on purchasing a kitten.
For a list of norwegian forest cat breeders who are members of the Society take a look at the Society Breeders List.
Click here to see a list of kittens for sale or cats for sale
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