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| NORWEGIAN FOREST CAT |
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Although many breeds of cats have been developed by cat fanciers, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a perfect example of a cat which has developed by natural selection to survive in a harsh environment.
This sturdy cat has a double coat of protective water-proof outer hair and a thick, warm undercoat which combine to protect the cat in the snow and cold of its native Norway. The ears are heavily furnished with hair to prevent heat loss and the feet are tufted to with a protective layer of fur which acts as a 'shoe' to protect the feet from the cold ground. -1 he profusely coated tail is a trademark of this breed. As a native cat in the forests, it spends a lot of it's time in trees and therefore it is both an agile and heavily muscled cat. There are few people who would not be enchanted by the expression of the Norwegian Forest Cat with its large, almond-shaped expressive eyes. |
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This breed is not for those who do not like cat hair as it molts very heavily. However, it is not as prone to matting as some long coated cats but this may be because the breed tends to rub the molting coat against objects to remove the dead hair. In nature this was tree trunks, but in the family home it will probably be the sofa!
Norwegians also like to climb and survey their world from on high and, as they are best kept as indoor cats, it is necessary to provide them with a sturdy cat climbing tower.
Although the Norwegian Forest Cat was almost extinct due to crossbreeding with domestic cats, cat fanciers in Norway became concerned at losing such a unique breed and united to start a conservation program. The 'skogkatt', as it is known in Norway, was given recognition by 'King Olaf as the official cat of Norway. It was unknown outside Norway until the late 1970s when the first pair were exported 'to USA.
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The Norwegian Forest Cat has been part of Norwegian folklore for centuries and it is thought to have been the cat which Vikings took on their ships to kill rodents.
The Norwegian is a quiet and patient natured cat with a natural curiosity. It is not a 'lap cat' but has a friendly and outgoing nature and is generally excellent with children. |
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| Petcare Information and Advisory Service Australia |
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| Last Update: 25/03/07 07:34 |
Views: 5290 |
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