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32 Reasons To Love Norwegian Forest Cats
Norwegian forest cat.
When it comes to reasons to love Norwegian forest cats, we have to admit we had a hard time narrowing things down as this sweet-natured and mellow kitty is just so darn lovable!
But, given that we know you don't have all day to be looking at cute cat pics and reading adorable facts, we've managed to achieve what we thought was impossible and selected the things we think you absolutely have to know about if you're thinking of welcoming one of these gentle giants into your family.
Spoiler alert: you'll want plenty of the best cat toys on hand if you have a Norwegian forest cat in the house as this is a playful and active breed that will relish any opportunity to exercise their outstanding hunting abilities.
There are so many reasons to adopt a cat but we have to admit that while we love all breeds, there's something particularly special about the Norwegian forest cat. Here's everything you need to know about the feline who's bound to steal your heart from the moment you lay eyes on them...
32 reasons to love Norwegian forest cats 1. They make great family petsWoman holding Norwegian forest cat outside
If you're looking for a companionable kitty that's calm, gentle, and affectionate, the Norwegian forest cat is well worth considering. They get on beautifully with people of all ages and stages and are good with other pets too, meaning you won't have to worry about keeping the peace in a multi-cat household or spend your time breaking up scraps between your kitty and your canine companion! Adaptable and flexible, they'll slot right into almost any family situation, environment, and lifestyle.
2. They're Norway's national catNorwegian forest cat in the snow
The feline of choice in Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Sweden. Norway's King Olav V declared the Norwegian forest cat Norway's national cat in 1938 and the breed remains a national treasure to this day.
3. Extinction was once a real possibilityNorwegian forest cat
In 1940, the first Norwegian forest cat club was formed in an attempt to ensure the breed's survival. However, the club's existence was almost short-lived when World War II threatened the breed's survival due to both famine and cross-breeding.
Thankfully the club resumed their efforts to save the Norwegian forest cat once the war was over and created a breeding program that allowed this much-loved feline to survive.
4. They once sailed with VikingsViking ship in Norway
Yes, believe it or not, the Norwegian forest cat started its life aboard Viking ships, journeying from Great Britain to Norway in 1000 A.D. They lived in Norwegian forests for hundreds of years before being domesticated — no wonder their hunting and climbing skills are so spectacular!
5. They're mythical creaturesNorwegian forest cat
We always love learning new little known facts about cats and dogs, so we were delighted to discover that the Norwegian forest cat exists in myths that describe large, long-haired fairy cats that lived in the mountains and climbed rocks. Known as Skogkatt (which translates to forest cat), this breed is frequently mentioned in Norwegian urban myths and folklore.
6. Their nickname is adorableNorwegian forest cat
Let's face it, Norwegian forest cat is a bit of a mouthful, but thankfully pet parents in this breeds native homeland have given them one super cute nickname indeed — affectionately calling them 'Wegies.'
7. Wegies are one of the biggest cat breedsNorwegian forest cat
The second largest cat breed after the Maine coon, the Norwegian forest cat is one big ball of fluff and muscle, with males reaching weights of up to 20lbs!
8. They're fantastic swimmersNorwegian forest cat in the water
There aren't that many cat breeds that like water, but the Norwegian forest cat is definitely one of the few! Wegies adore swimming and their water-resistant overcoat and dense undercoat means they can splash about in very cold water and they'll stay warm and dry.
9. Climbing trees is one of their specialitiesNorwegian forest cat up a tree
If you've ever watched a cat climb a tree before then you most likely know that they're excellent at going up and not so good at coming back down again. But the Wegie is a notable exception, being able to climb back down head first with ease. Incredibly skilled climbers, we highly recommend investing in one of the best cat trees if you're planning on welcoming one of these felines into your family.
10. The Norwegian forest cat is related to the Maine coonMaine coon
The Norwegian forest cat and the Maine coon are both large, long-haired and majestic looking felines and while the Maine coon is the bigger and chattier of the two breeds, genetic testing suggests they're a direct descendant of the Norwegian forest cat.
11. It takes them a long time to matureNorwegian forest cat
Being one of the largest cat breeds in the world means that Wegies take longer to mature than some of their smaller feline brothers and sisters. It can take up to five years for a Norwegian forest cat to fully mature and they retain their lively, kitten-like personalities well into adulthood.
12. They have a built-in winter coatNorwegian forest cat
One of the best cat breeds for cold climates, the Norwegian forest cat has an incredibly thick and plush undercoat that keeps them toasty and warm in even the chilliest of environments. Their fur sheds to a shorter length in the summer months, but once winter returns so too does the impressive ruff they sport around their neck and the rather adorable fluffy pants that wrap around their hind legs.
13. They're a relatively new breed in the U.S.Norwegian forest cat
While they've roamed the forests of Norway for thousands of years, the Wegie is a relatively new breed in the U.S., with the first Norwegian forest cats arriving in the country in 1979.
14. Wegies have a muscular bodyNorwegian forest cat
Muscular yet elegant, the Norwegian forest cat has a robust build and is both fast and agile. They are outstanding athletes, equally at home on both land and water, and their long hind legs make them fantastic jumpers and climbers.
15. Their fur is water-resistantNorwegian forest cat on rocks
If you're looking for a feline friend who's basically waterproof, the Norwegian forest cat is unbeatable! Their double coats are so thick that water rolls right off them, meaning that they can fully submerge in water and be fully dry seconds after planting their paws back on dry land.
16. They require a lot of groomingNorwegian forest cat
Take one look at the fluffy Norwegian forest cat and you can instantly see that this is not a low-maintenance kitty! While you can get away with grooming them just twice a week, brushing long-haired cats every day can help keep mats and tangles at bay. They also shed their thick and full coat every summer, so you'll find that daily grooming helps keep all that fur from gathering on your floors.
17. Their coat comes in a range of colors and patternsNorwegian forest cat
A striking cat that wears every shade well, the Wegie's coat comes in all sorts of different colors including gold, cream, silver, red, black, white, and blue. On top of the color of the coat itself, there are also a range of patterns ranging from solid and bicolor to tortoiseshell and calico.
18. Wegies are very calm and gentleNorwegian forest cat
One of the calmest cat breeds, the Norwegian forest cat is known for having a very friendly, gentle, and relaxed temperament. Because of that, they're super adaptable and will do well in a variety of different family situations.
19. They're highly intelligentNorwegian forest cat
Is clicker training for cats recommended? It's a definite yes if you have a Wegie in your family! These bright and intelligent felines have an alert nature and tend to pick up on things very quickly, plus, because they adore their humans and are eager to spend as much time with them as possible, teaching them new tricks will offer them the mental stimulation they need to thrive.
20. Norwegian forest cats love attentionNorwegian forest cat
If you're looking for ways to bond with your cat, you won't have to look very far when it comes to the Wegie who needs nothing more than your affection to be your friend for life.
With hearts as big as their bodies, the Norwegian forest cat isn't going to be hopping up on your lap for a long cuddle session (they'd rather be nearby you than on you) but they will happily receive all the pets you care to give them and will reward you by always sticking close to your side.
21. They love to playYoung Norwegian forest cat playing
You'll want to stock up on a range of the best interactive cat toys if you have a Wegie in your home because this is a kitty that loves to play. Retaining their kitten-like nature well into adulthood, they're particularly fond of pouncing on objects or engaging in any play sessions that enable them top put their superb hunting skills to good use. Toys that mimic mice or anything with feathers will prove particularly popular with this breed.
22. They're laid-back and undemandingNorwegian forest cat
If you're looking for a chilled and undemanding feline to welcome into your family, the Norwegian forest cat is well worth considering. This breed is known for being very quiet and rarely meowing, and while they crave human companionship, they have a very sweet nature which means they'll almost always hang back and let you come to them.
23. Wegies are super athleticNorwegian forest cat
With a thick frame and a muscular body, the Norwegian forest cat is an outstanding athlete who is almost unmatched when it comes to their hunting abilities and their incredible climbing skills. Strong and powerful, they may be big but don't let their size fool you — their agility and grace are nothing short of impressive.
24. You'll find training them a breezeYoung Norwegian forest cat
Can you train a cat? Absolutely! While we often think of training as being something we do with dogs, all of our feline friends have the capacity to be trained to obey basic commands. The inquisitive and eager-to-please Wegie is a particularly easy breed to train thanks to their high level of intelligence. When it comes to tips for training your cat, we recommend you tackle one skill or behavior at a time and be as patient and consistent as you can be.
25. They make brilliant outdoor catsNorwegian forest cat
There are some cat breeds that prefer being outdoors and the Wegie is certainly one of them. Active and energetic, these superb hunters and climbers will thrive in an environment where they have access to nature's backyard.
26. If you're a first-time cat owner, they're a great choiceNorwegian forest cat
Because they're so sweet-natured, gentle, and laid-back, the Norwegian forest cat is a fantastic choice if you're a first-time cat owner. They're very non-demanding and although they love being with their people, they're also independent and happy to balance their time between play and rest.
27. They're absolutely stunning to look atNorwegian forest cat
There's no doubt about it, when it comes to the most breathtaking cat breeds in the world, the Norwegian forest cat with its thick, fluffy coat is top of the list. Beautiful to look at and beautiful in nature, welcome one of these gentle giants into your family and any visitors to your home will find it impossible not to fall in love with them.
28. They tolerate cold climates really wellNorwegian forest cat
With a thick, double-layered coat that repels water, the hardy Norwegian forest cat is well protected from cold and wintery weather. Ideally suited to tough and snowy landscapes, you'll find the Wegie is so well insulated that it can thrive in even the most freezing conditions.
29. Wegies are softly spokenNorwegian forest cat
They deliver an adorable steady purr when they're happy and content, but aside from that the Norwegian forest cat is a softly spoken kitty who offers only an occasional chirp and rarely meows — except when they're hungry!
30. They have an independent streakNorwegian forest cat
Affectionate without being clingy, the Norwegian forest cat has an independent nature and doesn't require lots of direct attention. While they enjoy being around their humans, they also value their own space and would prefer to enjoy your company from across the room as opposed to being curled up on your lap.
31. They're strong and natural huntersNorwegian forest cat
While they may have a kind and gentle nature where their human friends are concerned, the Norwegian forest cat is a strong and keen hunter who does best in environments where they can hunt, play, and explore. While they'll definitely keep your home free from spiders and insects, if you're not fond of them turning up with a dead bird or mouse between their teeth, you may want to think twice about adopting a Wegie!
32. Norwegian forest cats get on well with other petsNorwegian forest cat and Alaskan malamute
If you already have another cat or dog in your home and are looking for a kitty that will slot in without any hassle, the Wegie may just be the feline friend for you. They take new situations in their stride and adapt very well to multi-pet homes, thanks to their patient and mellow nature.
Cats Was So Bad Andrew Lloyd Webber Had To Get A Therapy Dog
The musical movie Cats had one thing going for it – being such a disaster it inspired creator Andrew Lloyd Webber to get a dog. Webber was even able to use his own negative feelings on the family movie to get his pet on a flight.
Webber composed Cats for Broadway and told Variety that, in the aftermath of seeing his work become that action movie, a pet was the only viable remedy. "There wasn't really any understanding of why the music ticked at all," he says. "I saw it and I just thought, 'Oh, God, no.' It was the first time in my 70-odd years on this planet that I went out and bought a dog. So the one good thing to come out of it is my little Havanese puppy."
In his eyes, Tom Hooper's adaptation was "off the scales wrong", and enough people agreed with him that the stress was enough to allow his new pup to travel with him on an aeroplane. "I wrote off and said I needed him with me at all times because I'm emotionally damaged and I must have this therapy dog, Webber explains. "The airline wrote back and said, 'Can you prove that you really need him?' And I said 'Yes, just see what Hollywood did to my musical Cats.' Then the approval came back with a note saying, 'No doctor's report required'."
At this point, Cats has been well litigated as a cinematic translation that misses the mark of the original work. Starring Taylor Swift, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, Idris Elba, and many more, the action movie has developed a fascination from fans of misguided cinema for its, well, weird way of doing everything, to be honest.
That all said, some very sincerely enjoy it. Jennifer Hudson claims to be "very proud" of her involvement. Maybe history will be kind to Hooper's vision – we'll need that butthole cut to know for certain.
Woman Refuses To Marry A Man Who Is Allergic To Her Cats — No Matter How Great He Is
A single woman revealed that she is on the lookout for her Prince Charming.
Aside from yearning for the usual affectionate, caring, and good-looking guy, there is one requirement the woman has for her future husband, and it will have some people asking if it is even reasonable.
Sharing her opinion to the subreddit r/AmITheBadApple, the woman in her 30s revealed that she owns two cats whom she loves more than anything. When it comes to dating, she has to make sure that her future partner feels the same way about her beloved pets and can be around them.
Ideally, the woman's romantic partner should not only be a cat lover but someone who is not allergic to cats. Essentially, she is not willing to rehome her cats regardless of how great a catch any future boyfriend might be.
Photo: Stokkete / Shutterstock
"Does this quality make me unattractive to potential guys?" the woman asked. "Should I just accept the fact that maybe I will have to get rid of them in order to be married?"
The woman feels as if she is disappointing her family by placing such a high value on her cats over a potential romantic partner.
She wonders if her expectations are unreasonable.
Most people felt that the woman was smart because she knew what she wanted in a future relationship.Many of them even agreed that your pets should always come before a hypothetical partner.
"Don't ever get rid of pets because of a potential partner. Pets are life," one Redditor commented. "Pets are a lifetime commitment. Relationships come and go. Establishing your boundaries early on helps to weed out the unacceptable partners before any deep feelings develop," another user noted.
"You'd be totally in the wrong to get into a relationship with someone with cat allergies or who does not like cats … Otherwise, one or both of you will be in perpetual misery, and you will become an object of ridicule on a cat-hating Reddit," another user wrote.
Photo: Syda Productions / Canva Pro
Others pointed out that the "perfect guy" for the woman will not be allergic to cats, and if he is, he will be more than willing to take allergy medication for her!
Being allergic to cats can be a dealbreaker for some couples, especially if one partner owns a cat or desires to have one in the future.Allergies can significantly impact the quality of life for the allergic partner, leading to discomfort, respiratory issues, and other health concerns. In such cases, couples may need to have open and honest discussions about their living arrangements and whether compromises, such as allergy treatments or keeping the cat outdoors, are feasible.
While having allergies to animals is something that is out of our control, some people may not even consider dating someone who is not a fan of pets.
Many of us pet owners know all too well that our animals are beloved members of our families, and dating someone who is not fond of them could put a strain on the relationship.
Photo: steffyguaqueta / Shutterstock
Similar to shared hobbies or interests, having a mutual fondness for animals can serve as a sign of compatibility and connection between partners.
For some of us, having our partners tell us that we're beautiful, pay for our meals, and whisk us away on vacations is how they can work their way into our hearts.
For others, the sight of them holding our cats and dogs is enough to make us marry them!
Megan Quinn is a writer at YourTango who covers entertainment and news, self, love, and relationships.
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