All You Need To Know
Owning a Norwegian Forest in Malaysia
The Norwegian Forest or a Norsk Skogkatt is a calm and affectionate cat originating from Norway. It’s also affectionately known as a Wegie in the US and will give it’s household every reason to own a vacuum cleaner.
At Petchef, we believe that it is the parent’s responsibility to prepare the best living conditions for their furkids. Read on to know more about the history, physical traits, personality, care requirements, and reasons why the Norwegian Forest cat may be the cat for you.
Breed overview
Personality | Independent but affectionate, friendly and gentle |
Weight | 12-16 pounds (5.4-7.3 kg), Females: 8-12 pounds (3.6-5.4 kg) |
Size | Large |
Coat length | Long hair with a dense undercoat and a water-repellent topcoat. |
Coat color | Almost any colour or pattern with or without white markings |
Coat patterns | Most patterns except colorpoint like Siamese cats; tabby is common |
Eye color | Shades of green, gold, green-gold, copper, or blue (in white or partially white cats) |
Lifespan | Up to 16 years |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Origin | Norway |
Personality & Characteristics
Norwegian Forest Cats are friendly, gentle, and affectionate. They are intelligent, playful climbers, sociable with people and pets, independent yet loyal, adaptable, and generally quiet with a calm demeanour. While they are more than happy to “stick” to their humans as they move around the home, they are less likely to be a lap cat all night. Not to be mistaken as standoffish, these cats do enjoy the company of their human families but they prefer being nearby and not have humans be all up in their personal spaces.
Affection level | Medium |
Friendliness | High |
Kid-Friendly | High |
Pet-Friendly | High |
Exercise needs | Medium |
Playfullness | High |
Energy level | Medium |
Trainability | High |
Intelligence | High |
Tendency to Vocalize | Low |
History & Origin
Norwegian Forest Cats are believed to have been companions to the Vikings over a thousand years ago. They were likely brought to Norway by the Vikings from their travels. The breed developed naturally in the Norwegian forests, adapting to the harsh, cold climates.
Grooming & Care
Norwegian Forest cats are considered moderately high maintenance due to their semi-longhaired coat..
Here are some grooming and care tips:
Common Health Issues
Norwegian Forests are generally healthy cats, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Aside from the usual roulette of diseases that include Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Urinary tract issues, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and obesity, they may also face:
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and maintaining a stress-free environment can help mitigate these health risks and ensure a Norwegian Forest’s overall well-being.
Diet and Nutrition
Norwegian Forest cats require a balanced diet to maintain their large size and overall health. Here are some dietary considerations:
Starting from only RM75 a month (or RM2.50 a day), Petchef’s team of vets and chefs can curate the perfect meal plan for your furkid! Each meal contains quality meat (chicken, beef, buffalo) or fish (salmon, tuna) and vegetables to ensure your furkid fulfils all their nutritional needs. No preservatives, no additives, no fillers or grains; only food they were born to eat.
PS: Here are the answers to all the questions on Petchef’s meals you might possibly have. 😉
Lifestyle and Living
Living with Norwegian Forest cats is relatively easy because they are highly adaptable and can easily make themselves at home. Here are some tips for your cat to live their best life:
Where to Adopt or Buy Norwegian Forest
In Malaysia, there are several options for adopting or purchasing a Norwegian Forest cat:
- Animal Shelters and Rescues: Check local animal shelters and rescue organisations. While Norwegian Forests might not be as common in shelters as domestic shorthairs, there’s still a chance of finding one in need of a loving home.
- Breeders: Look for reputable Norwegian Forest breeders in Malaysia like Keranji Cattery. Ensure they are registered with a recognized cat breeding association, follow ethical breeding practices and have done the necessary tests to screen for genetics-related health concerns. You can find breeders through online directories, cat shows, or recommendations from local veterinarians.
- Online Platforms: Websites and online forums dedicated to pets often have listings for Norwegian Forest kittens or cats available for adoption or purchase. Be cautious and verify the legitimacy of sellers before making any commitments.
- Social Media: Platforms like Facebook or Instagram may have local groups or pages where breeders or individuals post about Norwegian Forests available for adoption or sale.
Use Diligence
When adopting or purchasing a Norwegian Forest, always prioritise the health and well-being of the cat. Ensure the seller provides health records, vaccinations, and proper documentation. It’s also essential to visit the cat in person, if possible, to assess its temperament and living conditions.
Conclusion
Living with a Norwegian Forest Cat is rewarding. Their friendly, gentle nature and playful spirit make them excellent companions. They balance affection and independence, making them suitable for a variety of households. Their intelligence and curiosity ensure that life with them is always interesting and enjoyable.
| Pros of Norwegian Forest Cats | Cons of Norwegian Forest Cats |
|---|---|
Affectionate, intelligent, social and great for families | Not a lap cat |
High tolerance for cold temperatures | Craves attention and can’t be left alone for long periods |
Distinctive regal appearance | High maintenance coat |
FAQs
Most common questions about Norwegian Forest cats asked and possibly not covered by the above sections.
How much does a Norwegian Forest cost in Malaysia?
Starts from RM2,000 to RM6,000 or more depending on factors such as the breeder, lineage, and overall quality of the cat.
Are Norwegian Forest cats good with kids?
Their friendly, gentle, and affectionate personalities make Norwegian Forest cats good with kids and even dogs.
What are special characteristics of a Norwegian Forests?
Norwegian Forest Cats are special due to their rich history, unique physical characteristics, friendly and intelligent personality, robust health, and relatively low-maintenance care requirements. Their combination of beauty, brains, and affectionate nature makes them exceptional companions.
Are Norwegian Forest cats high maintenance?
Norwegian Forest Cats are moderately high maintenance due to their grooming needs, requiring regular brushing and occasional baths, but are generally healthy
Article sources:
- Hip Dysplasia in Norwegian Forest cats – Petplan UK
