: : : 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