Norwegian Forest Cat

This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.

A forest cat that climbs first and asks later

Norwegian forest cats are large, about 12 to 16 pounds, and often live 14 to 16 years. The double coat, the ear tufts, and a heavy bone are the picture. They are friendly and also capable of ignoring you from the top of a bookcase. Activity is moderate to high. A cat tree that is a carpeted stick will be scorned. Give something that holds a big cat.

They are usually steady with dogs and with children who are not rough. The shed is the housework. During the blow you will think you have two cats' worth of hair and one cat.

A kitten disease you can test for

Glycogen storage disease type IV kills affected kittens. The DNA test is the point of a careful breeder. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia are the adult worries. A murmur, a cat that breathes fast at rest, or a sudden hind-limb weakness from a saddle thrombus is an emergency. TICA is a registry, not a health guarantee. Breathing effort is a same-day clinic trip, and appetite loss is the not-eating guide.

Norwegian forest cat questions

Do they need a cold climate?

They handle cold better than a Devon rex. They still belong in the house. A barn cat fantasy ends in mats, ear mites, and a cat that never saw a vet.

What is GSD IV?

Glycogen storage disease type IV, fatal in affected kittens, and carried by some Norwegian forest cats. Ask for the DNA test. There is no home diet that fixes it.

How much do they shed?

Heavily, in a seasonal blow. Comb to the skin through the trousers of fur on the hind legs. A bath does not replace that comb.