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 ways of movement, the statement that “the clever will not go uphill” applies specifically to these animals. In addition, cats are very graceful and have a unique flair, are well oriented in space and have some magical and attractive power. The color of animals is diverse, they can have a plain coat or be three-colored.
To date, more than 100 species of cats have been identified, which are allocated in 4 categories and 4 groups. One of the most interesting breeds is the Norwegian forest cat.
General characteristics of the breed
Representatives of this type of cats have semi-long hair and are a breed that appeared naturally. The birthplace of these animals is Scandinavia. They have excellent health and are well built.
However, uncontrolled crossbreeding has led to the fact that the breed is gradually degenerating. Now, in order to get permission for breeding, 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 allowed it to survive in the harsh nature of the Scandinavian region. For the same reason, animals have a thick and warm “coat”.
The claws of the 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 came from an Angora cat. It is the Angora species that is considered the ancestor of the Norwegian. Angora itself was introduced into the territory of the Scandinavian countries (Norway) in the 16th century. However, the peculiarities of the local climate did their job, periodic mating with local wild cats led to the emergence of a new variety - 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, Norwegian cats were brought to Scandinavia by the Vikings.
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 Freyja were accompanied by cats of the Norwegian forest breed. Traditions say that it was Freya who harnessed this breed of cats to his chariot.
And in Norwegian fairy tales, a Norwegian forest cat is a collective image and is compared in its behavior to trolls.
Cats of this species have not been considered thoroughbred for a long time, they lived next to farmers of the Scandinavian countries. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, everything changed. Kotov was presented at an exhibition in the city of Oslo in 1938. This creature had white-red hair.
During World War II, the breed almost disappeared. But thanks to the incredible efforts of the felinologist Nordan K.F. from Norway, the breed was restored. After 7 years, the species was officially registered, and the distribution of animals began around the world.
Breed characteristics
The Norwegian Forest Cat had a huge impact on the formation of the 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 growth up to 40 centimeters at the withers.
Other features:
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Wool |
Thick and long. The undercoat has a peculiarity - it does not pass moisture at all. This allows the animal to sleep in the snow. |
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Color |
Cream, blue, black or red. |
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Body |
This type of cat is medium in size, but rather large individuals are found. The neck is powerful, but very flexible, with a smooth transition into a wide chest. |
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Paws |
The animal has athletically folded legs, the hind legs are slightly longer and much more developed. Bunches of wool are observed between the toes, since the origin of the species is still wild. |
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Muzzle |
The head of a cat has a triangular shape. The ears are set high and slightly rounded. Sometimes brushes are observed at the ends of the ears, like trotters. |
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Jaw |
Very well developed, with strong and sharp teeth that can chew on the hardest food. These teeth can even grind bones. |
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Tail |
Long enough, usually equal to the length of the body. Abundant undercoat is observed on the tail, with a uniform edge. |
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Eyes |
They are oval, wide open. The color of the eyes is usually fully consistent with the color of the coat. |
Health
For breeders and people who contain such animals, it is very important not only to describe the breed of the Norwegian forest cat, but also its health.
Purebred individuals are distinguished by good health, very hardy, although prone to hereditary pathologies. Most often, type IV glycogenosis occurs. The disease is characterized by impaired glucose metabolism. This hereditary disease is found in the animal gene. Very often, children from sick parents are born dead or die soon 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 in 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 Norwegian forest cat of a white color.
Nature and behavior
Despite the harsh climate where the cat appeared, the character of the animal is very friendly and quite accommodating. The behavior of a cat is characterized as kind and open, yet it is a slightly wayward animal. At the same time, it gets along well with children and strangers.
Like most animals, this cat always carefully examines the new environment, always notices if 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 got a Norwegian cat, then you should not leave it alone for a long time, otherwise it will certainly show its "northern" character. The animal is very fond of petting and scratching.
How to feed?
The description of the Norwegian forest cat will be incomplete, not to mention how to feed the animal. The cat does not mind eating fish, mainly marine varieties. In the wild, cats rarely manage to taste fish, so often they should not feed their pet. Not more than 1 time per week.
For daily feeding, it is better to give preference to dietary varieties of meat, turkey, rabbit, chicken and veal.
Offal, heart and kidneys of animals can be introduced into the diet. It is best to mix them with vegetables and herbs, for example, with stewed cabbage or carrots. Never forget that a cat should have enough water.
In no case is it recommended to give the cat sweet treats, pickles and smoked.
How to care for an animal?
In any cattery they will tell you in detail how to care for a Norwegian forest kitten, cats. The main emphasis must be made in autumn and spring, when the animal must be combed thoroughly. However, in the off-season, the procedure is recommended to be performed at least twice every 7 days.
Do not overdo it with swimming, although the animal really tolerates water procedures well. However, too dry shampoo coat and skin can be a real problem for the cat.
Be sure the animal needs to clean its eyes and ears, it is possible with the help of cotton swabs.
The best way to save a cat from 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 quite the usual time of the year. An animal that indulges in the snow will perfectly clean its coat of dirt and dust. As a rule, if you train your pet, he perfectly tolerates walks on a leash.
Reproduction and price
A Norwegian forest cat costs from 2 to 25 thousand rubles per individual, depending on the pedigree. Although, to find a purebred animal in the same Russia, it may take a lot of years.
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 repaid with affection. For kittens, you need to purchase a claw tip so that they learn to "scratch" their claws not on furniture. The animal reaches full age only by 5 years. Therefore, in females, estrus comes quite late. At the same time, she manages to endure the babies only after 3, or even 4 estrus. The best offspring comes from the “original” representative of the species.
The price of a Norwegian forest cat is a small price for a real friend, handsome and smart.
Where to get the animal, a brief description
There are not so many nurseries of Norwegian forest cats in the country. One of the most popular is the Novosibirsk center called Fashion Peak. It is registered under the WCF system in 2011. The nursery got its popularity due to the fact that many graduates became winners of world exhibitions.
The next in the list is the nursery located also in the northern part of the country in St. Petersburg and is called North Cape * RU - this is a monobreed nursery. The main emphasis, according to the administration of the center, is on health and maximum compliance with breed standards. Many graduates became champions of the Scandinavian, European and world championships.
One can not help but mention another Novosibirsk cattery of Norwegian forest cats - Faery Cat. The animals purchased in this center are certified according to the FIFE system, and this is one of the highest European statuses.
So to get a really real and thoroughbred animal in our country does not seem to be a problem.
