: : : Norwegian Forest Cats : : :
Norwegian
Forest Cats are big and sturdy creatures with triangular head, straight
nose, short and strong neck and hind legs slightly higher than the front
ones. They have beautiful bushy tails, collars and britches as well
as heavily furnished ears sometimes with lynx tips. The double coat
characteristic for Norwegian Cats consists of waterproof, long and glossy
hair on the sides and back and wooly undercoat which protects the animal
against cold. In summer the fur is usually not so spectacular as in
winter; often the only visible signs of the breed are bushy tail and
hairy ears. Norwegian Forest Cats weren't bred on purpose and they certainly
are not the result of careful breed planning. Nobody knows since when
they are present in Scandinavia. They are mentioned in old northern
sagas, and generally it is thought that they came to Norway together
with Vikings. Arctic climate is responsible for development of certain
characteristic feathures that enable the cats to sustain difficult conditions.
Breeders first started to watch these cats in the thirties and in the
seventies first serious breeding plans were implemented. In 1976 the
breed was officially acknowledged by FIFe - the biggest international
"cats' " organization in the world. In Poland Norwegian Forest
Cats were introduced in 1989.
Norwegian
Forest Cats are big and heavy animals for a domestic cat: adult male
weights between 5.8 - 6.8 kilo while female between 3.8 and 4.8 kilo.
Kittens develop slowly - often it takes them up to four years to achieve
full physical development. These are bold, self-confident and smart
creatures, full of curiosity and temperament. They appreciate the presence
of human beings and usually get along well with children and other domestic
animals. Friendly but rather distanced, they usually prefer lying next
to their owner than on his lap. Their curiosity is overwhelming - they
always have to check what's going on and are deeply interested in anything
new their owner brings home - especially shopping bags and carton boxes:-)
They are equally happy living in a flat or in a house with well-protected
catrun. The outside world fascinates them so window sills and balconies
are they favourite places. Those playful lively and cheerful creatures
should be given opportunity to play, run and climb - they love shelves,
kitchen cabinets and other high places. If you look for a long-coated
and friendly cat that doesn't need a lot of tending this breed should
be your natural choice.
translation:
mww