Let us introduce you to the Norwegian cat, a gentle giant straight from the cold forests of Northern Europe. Strong and resilient, it is also a very kind and affectionate cat, sure to bring happiness to its surroundings. It is a large-sized breed, but be careful, it should not be confused with the Maine Coon. We explain everything in this article!
The origins of the Norwegian cat
Also known as the Norwegian Forest Cat or norsk skogkatt, the Norwegian is a rustic and natural breed, whose evolution does not result from crossbreeding or human selection. It was brought from Asia Minor to the Nordic countries in the 8th century by the Vikings. Hence its nickname: "the Viking cat"! At that time, the Norwegian’s mission was to hunt mice on boats.
Once a sea wolf, the Norwegian has become a forest dweller. Its fur evolved and became denser to adapt to the long winters and harsh climatic conditions of the Scandinavian forests.
Nordic mythology also honors them: Freyja, the goddess of love, drives a chariot pulled by two large and powerful cats, which remind us of Norwegians.
Its appearance
The Norwegian belongs to the family of semi-longhaired cats, like the Maine Coon and Ragdoll. It has a double coat, with an undercoat that keeps it warm, and a slightly oily outer coat that makes it waterproof. Its coat is so dense that it is difficult to reach its skin.
Its head is triangular, unlike the Maine Coon, which has a square muzzle. Its ears are positioned high on its head and are adorned with tufts of hair at the tips and between the ears. Around its neck, you can notice a fur collar that forms a heart shape. Adorable, right? Another feature of the Norwegian cat is the fur between its paw pads, which acts like snowshoes!
It is also one of the largest cat breeds in terms of size. Norwegians reach their full size only at the age of 2 or 3 years. Although they are less bulky than Maine Coons, they can still weigh between 4 and 9 kilos.
Its personality
The Norwegian is a big Scandinavian softie! Like Maine Coons, the Norwegian cat is considered a gentle giant. Zen and energetic, it loves both running and climbing, but also enjoys long naps. It is a chill cat, gentle and peaceful with those around it. Very balanced and calm, it occasionally has bursts of energy for play. Contrary to popular belief, while it enjoys the cold and open spaces, it also loves cocooning and the comfort of a heated home.
It can easily adapt to apartment life, as long as it is well arranged for it and has enough space available. After all, you are living in its space, not the other way around!
The Norwegian cat is very sociable and enjoys the company of children. It loves companionship, so if you are away during the day, we recommend adopting another cat so it won’t get bored.
The nutrition of the Norwegian cat
The secret to a healthy Norwegian cat with a shiny coat lies in its food! Like all other cats, it must have high-quality cat food that meets its nutritional needs and provides enough animal-based protein.
Its food should contain many essential nutrients for the quality of its coat and the proper functioning of its organs: proteins, sulfur amino acids (methionine and cysteine), essential omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic and arachidonic acid), omega-3s, minerals, vitamins A, E, and B-group vitamins, especially biotin (B9), trace elements (including copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, iodine), and of course water for proper hydration!
Robust by nature, the Norwegian cat is rarely sick. However, to maintain its health, it is still important to provide it with quality food and take it for a yearly veterinary checkup.
Adopted a Norwegian cat? Tell us about it! Its personality, appearance, we want to know everything!
Bonjour, j’ai mon Sherpa, mon doux envahisseur Norvégien, tout en tendresse. Sherpa à 4 ans adepte des câlins, il adore me tétouiller.
Bonjour Rachel,
On espère que vos deux beaux chats Norvégiens vont bien 😻
N’hésitez pas à nous contacter directement à hello@ziggyfamily.com. Nos Cat Moms vous partageront des conseils personnalisés pour que la transition avec Ziggy se passe bien. Vous pouvez également retrouver tous nos conseils dans notre petit guide sur la transition alimentaire juste ici : https://ziggyfamily.com/pages/guides-bien-etre-nutrition
Plein de caresses à vos petits chats 💛
Bonjour,
J’ai le bonheur d’avoir deux norvégiens. Ils sont adorables et vraiment beaux, je ne me lasse pas de les contempler. Je les sors en laisse et ils sont très sociables, ce sont des chats qui vous font les préférer aux chiens tant ils sont attachants ! Mon Poldark, male castré de 4 ans, a des soucis de selles molles parfois, surtout s’il a trop d’alimentation humide dont il raffole pourtant. Il mange des croquettes proplan et je cherche à faire la transition et essayer ziggy, auriez-vous des conseils s’il vous plait ? merci pour lui !
Bonjour Alain,
Oh vous avez bien de la chance ! Plein de caresses à votre petit Fripouille 😻💛
j’ai un chat norvégien depuis plus de 10 ans.
Il est adorable. Au début nous habitions une maison à Bordeaux et il adorait
aller se balader dans tous les jardins alentours.
Depuis 4 ans nous habitons un appartement à Perpignan (160 m2) mais
il s’est bien habitué. Il aime aussi quand nous l’amenons en vacances dans une maison
dans les Landes.
il adore boire au robinet. Je lui varie sans cesse son alimentation. Il adore le thon
cru.
Il s’appelle Fripouille. Il est ultra sociable. Il dort sur mon lit et aime quand il y a de la visite.
Il monte sur la table mais ne réclame jamais rien.
J’ai eu beaucoup de chat mais celui ci est un véritabletable
amour.
Alain ROUMAGNAC
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