People may have a cat in the family for a wide variety of reasons. For some people, it’s the fact that a cat can be quite affectionate and they may be found on your lap at any given time. Other people appreciate the fact that cats are often able to take care of themselves and they do so quite readily. For those who own a Norwegian Forest Cat, it seems to be a combination of the two. They can often be found in the lap or by your side but it doesn’t mean that they are demanding of your attention at all times.
As the cat’s name would suggest, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a native of Norway. The breed itself has been around for hundreds of years and it is even steeped in folklore. Although it is unlikely that it has anything to do with the Norse goddess Freya, there really is not any real indication as to how they were developed. It is thought, however, that Scandinavian warriors may have brought long-haired cats from Turkey and they may also have some ties to the Russian Siberian cat. Although they can often be found as a part of the family today, they used to be left to fend for themselves and they were excellent to have around, as no rodent would be safe.
Now that the Norwegian Forest cat has become a popular breed, the families that have one in their home recognize how wonderful they truly are. They will often be found by your side but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t going to demand your attention from you at all times. More than likely, they will just be nearby and if you have the opportunity to pet them, they will gladly accept. They do tend to climb a lot, so you might want to give them the opportunity to climb in areas within the home.
It doesn’t matter what breed of cat you are discussing, it is possible that they are going to experience some type of health issue. The same is also true of the Norwegian Forest Cat, although they tend to have a long life and may live up to 16 years or longer. Some of the different diseases that may be a problem for this breed include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease and a genetic condition known as glycogen storage disease IV.
This breed of cat can shed considerably so brushing them on a regular basis will help to limit the amount of hair that they deposit around the home. It will also help to keep their coats shiny and healthy as it distributes natural oils that are found in the skin.
If you’re looking for a house cat that will enjoy your company but not get under your feet at all times, the Norwegian Forest Cat may just be the breed for you.