Few people in the world are indifferent to cats. These are mysterious creatures whose habits are very difficult to understand and explain. Legends say they have 9 lives. Cats never choose dangerous paths of movement, the statement that "the smart one will not go uphill" applies specifically to these animals. In addition, cats are very graceful and have a unique flair, they are perfectly oriented in space and have a certain magical and attractive power. The color of animals is diverse, they can have a solid coat or be tricolor.
To date, more than 100 types of cats have been identified, which are divided into 4 categories and 4 groups. One of the most interesting breeds is the Norwegian Forest cat.
General characteristics of the breed
This type of cat has a semi-long coat and is a naturally occurring breed. These animals are native to Scandinavia. They are in excellent he alth and are well built.
However, uncontrolled crossbreeding has led to the fact that the breed is graduallydegenerates. Now, in order to obtain a breeding permit, you will have to go through many checks and provide irrefutable evidence of the purity of the breed.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has tenacious claws that have allowed it to survive in the harsh nature of the Scandinavian region. For the same reason, animals have a thick and warm "fur coat".
The claws of an animal allow the animal to move through the trees not only like ordinary cats, up and down, but also in a spiral, like squirrels.
Origin of the species and myths
There is a version that the Norwegian species originated from the Angora cat. It is the Angora species that is considered the progenitor of the Norwegian. The Angorka itself was brought to the territory of the Scandinavian countries (to Norway) in the 16th century. However, the peculiarities of the local climate did their job, periodic crossing with local wild cats led to the fact that a new variety appeared - the Norwegian Forest cat.
According to another version, the species appeared as a result of a mutation of the Scottish species. According to some reports, the Vikings brought Norwegian cats to Scandinavia.
All the legends and myths of the peoples living in the north European part of the continent are necessarily associated with this cat. It is believed that the god Thor and Freya were accompanied by Norwegian Forest cats. Tradition says that it was Freya who harnessed this breed of cats to her marching chariot.
And in Norwegian fairy tales, the Norwegian forest cat is a collective image and is compared with trolls by its behavior.
Cats of this species were not considered thoroughbred for a long time, they lived next to Scandinavian farmerscountries. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, everything changed. Cats were presented at an exhibition in the city of Oslo, in 1938. This creature had white and red fur.
During the Second World War the breed practically disappeared. But thanks to the incredible efforts of the felinologist Nordan KF from Norway, the breed was restored. After 7 years, the species was officially registered, and the distribution of animals began around the world.
Characteristics of the breed
The area of residence had a huge impact on the formation of the Norwegian Forest cat breed. After all, the Scandinavian countries are famous for their harsh climate, so the animal has a very thick coat, quite large, up to 9 kilograms, with a height of up to 40 centimeters at the withers.
Other features:
| Wool | Thick and long. The undercoat has a peculiarity - it does not let moisture through at all. This allows the animal to sleep on the snow. |
| Color | Cream, blue, black or red. |
| Body | This type of cat has a medium size, but there are quite large individuals. The neck is powerful, but very flexible, with a smooth transition into a wide chest. |
| Paws | The animal has athletically built legs, the hind legs are slightly longer and much more developed. Tufts of wool are observed between the toes, since the origin of the species is still wild. |
| Muzzle | Headcats are triangular in shape. The ears are set high and slightly rounded. Sometimes there are tassels at the ends of the ears, like a lynx. |
| Jaw |
Very well developed, with strong and sharp teeth that can chew through the hardest food. These teeth can grind even bones. |
| Tail | Sufficiently long, usually equal to the length of the torso. On the tail there is abundant undercoat, with a uniform edge. |
| Eyes | Oval shape, wide open. The color of the eyes usually matches the color of the coat. |
He alth
For breeders and people who keep such animals, not only the description of the breed of the Norwegian Forest cat is very important, but also its he alth.
Purebred individuals are distinguished by good he alth, very hardy, although they are prone to hereditary pathologies. Type IV glycogenosis is the most common. The disease is characterized by impaired glucose metabolism. This hereditary disease is found in the gene of the animal. Very often children from sick parents are born dead or die shortly after birth. Often there are cases when the baby lives up to 5 months and then suddenly dies.
Color
There is a Norwegian Forest cat black, lilac, chocolate, fawn or color-point. The standard colors of the breed also include:
- cinnamon;
- Acromelanic.
Other colors are also not a sign of breeding. Often there is a white Norwegian Forest cat.
Character and behavior
Despite the harsh climate where the cat appeared, the character of the animal is very friendly and quite accommodating. The cat's behavior is characterized as kind and open, yet it is a slightly wayward animal. At the same time, he gets along well with children and strangers.
Like most animals, this cat is always very attentive to new surroundings, always noticing when things are out of place.
Favorite toys for the cat will be candy wrappers and artificial mice. Although you should not expect that the animal will bring itself to complete exhaustion and fall asleep. Cats of this breed lead a very measured way of life.
If you have a Norwegian cat, then you should not leave it alone for a long time, otherwise it will definitely show its "northern" character. The animal loves petting and scratching.
How to feed?
Description of the Norwegian Forest Cat would be incomplete if not to say what to feed the animal. The cat is not averse to eating fish, mostly marine varieties. In the wild, cats rarely get to eat fish, so often she should not feed her pet. No more than once a week.
For daily feeding, it is better to give preference to dietary meats, turkey, rabbit meat, chicken and veal.
Offal, heart and kidneys of animals can be introduced into the diet. Best mixed withvegetables and herbs, for example, with stewed cabbage or carrots. Never forget that the cat must have enough water.
In no case is it recommended to give the cat sweet treats, pickles and smoked foods.
How to care for an animal?
Any cattery will tell you in detail how to care for a Norwegian Forest kitten, cats. The main emphasis should be made in autumn and spring, when the animal needs to be carefully combed out. However, during the off-season, the procedure is recommended to be carried out at least twice every 7 days.
Do not overdo it with bathing, although the animal does tolerate water procedures quite well. However, over-shampooed hair and skin can be a real problem for a cat.
Be sure to clean the eyes and ears of the animal, you can use cotton swabs.
The best way to get rid of boredom is to take him for a walk in the fresh air. Moreover, such walks are required in the winter, because for this cat the winter season is a completely familiar time of the year. An animal that indulges in the snow will perfectly clean its coat of dirt and dust residues. As a rule, if you train your pet, he tolerates walking on a leash.
Reproduction and price
Norwegian forest cat costs from 2 to 25 thousand rubles per individual, depending on the pedigree. Although it may take many years to find a purebred animal in the same Russia.
The offspring of this breed of cats is quite obedient,but it will not be possible to avoid purely childish pranks. All aggression and excessive playfulness can usually be extinguished with affection. For kittens, you need to purchase a scratching post so that they learn to “scratch” their claws not on furniture. The animal reaches full age only by 5 years. Therefore, in females, estrus occurs quite late. At the same time, she manages to bear babies only after 3 or even 4 estrus. The best offspring comes from the "original" member of the species.
The price of a Norwegian Forest cat is a small price to pay for a true friend, beautiful and smart.
Where to buy an animal, a brief description
Norwegian forest catteries in the country are not so many. One of the most popular is the Novosibirsk center called Fashion Peak. It was registered under the WCF system back in 2011. The cattery gained its popularity due to the fact that many graduates became winners of world exhibitions.
Next on the list is a cattery located also in the northern part of the country in St. Petersburg and called North CapeRU - this is a monobreed cattery. The main emphasis, according to the administration of the center, is on he alth and maximum compliance with breed standards. Many graduates have become champions of Scandinavian, European and world championships.
It is impossible not to mention another Novosibirsk cattery of Norwegian forest cats - Faery Cat. The animals purchased at this center are FIFE certified, which is one of the highest European statuses.
Sothat it is not a problem to acquire a truly genuine and thoroughbred animal in our country.
Some interesting facts about animals
A very rare animal can boast that it has become the official symbol of the country. This honor was awarded to the Norwegian cat, which was immortalized by King Olaf V of Norway.
For many years, the northern countries valued this animal for its excellent ability to catch mice. These cats were chosen by sailors, taking them on long sea voyages, by farmers who were helped by animals to save their crops. It is for this reason that cats were never considered purebred, and in the post-war years the species was in danger of complete extinction.
Norwegian cat breed is not popular in America, but in Europe it is at the peak of popularity. In the US, these cats don't even make it into the top 10 most popular pets.
Because of their massive and strong paws, Norwegian cats can even move on rocks and run headlong from a tree trunk, moving upside down, which is not typical for felines.
