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 pets
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 cat
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 possibility
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 Vikings
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 creatures
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 adorable
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 breeds
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 swimmers
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 specialities
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 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 mature
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 coat
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.
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 body
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-resistant
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 grooming
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 patterns
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 gentle
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 intelligent
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 attention
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 play
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 undemanding
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 athletic
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 breeze
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 cats
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 choice
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 at
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 well
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 spoken
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 streak
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 hunters
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 pets
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.
