The Norwegian forest cat is a domesticated descendant of a wild forest beast

Most breeds of cats appeared due to selection work - to obtain perfect animals, from the point of view of mankind, breeders select the best representatives of felines and consolidate their dignity for further breeding. The Norwegian forest cat was cultivated thanks to the nature and harsh climate of the north, without the intervention of people.

The origin of Wegie is unknown, but many agree with the opinion that it is a European forest cat adapted to the weather conditions of northern latitudes. Until the 20th century, thanks to hybridization with imported cats, "clean" Norwegian was not preserved.

For the first time, a Norwegian forest cat was described in 1599. The priest-naturalist saw before him a "predatory cat." This breed is very popular in Norway. About it, many myths and legends are made up. In one it is told about a cat of huge sizes, which even the mighty god of Vikings could not raise - Thor.

Another tells that Freya, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility, traveled north in a chariot in which a pair of huge Norwegian white forest cats were harnessed. Published in 1841, "Norwegian Folk Tales" made these fluffy cats heroes of folklore.

Norwegian forest cat. Characteristics of the breed

A well-built animal of medium size, with an elongated body, high legs. The assumption that Wegie is the result of natural selection is based on its characteristic features. The unique capabilities of this representative of the cat helped him survive in the most difficult conditions of the northern forests. The visiting card of the Norwegian cat is its fur coat, the quality and type (not color) which helps identify the breed.

The Norwegian cat has a two-layered coat with a thick undercoat and a long water-repellent cover coat. Undercoat is dense, getting to the skin is almost impossible. An animal's fur needs care, although it does not fall down.

Another feature - a triangle from the cheeks drops a long coat, like a beard. On the neck there is a long collar.

The Norwegian cat - the owner of "trousers" on hind legs, on the back side of which there is no ostevaya wool (they are covered with a long tail hair). And this is a mandatory indicator.

Color and pattern in the definition of the Wegie breed play an insignificant role - all variations, even two- and three-color with a white undercoat, are permissible. Only Siamese color is inadmissible.

The Norwegian cat ripens only to 4-5 years. Thanks to two-layered wool, it seems very large, although it weighs up to 9 kg, the cat - a little less, up to 7.

Wegie has a broad chest, a muscular, strong body. Suffice high straight limbs, hind legs - pubescent. Strong, round paws with bunches of wool between the fingers (which makes it possible to move easily and quickly through the snow).

Very expressive large almond-shaped eyes, outer corners of which are raised upward. The color can be from emerald to gold. Wide at the base of large ears are set high enough. Ears end with fluffy brushes, which makes the cat look like a lynx.

The Norwegian forest cat is a wonderful hunter, he is brave and cold-blooded. About his ingenuity and intelligence are legends. The people are friendly, extremely rarely restless and excited. To life in an apartment adapts with ease.

An arrow can climb up a tree by any cat, but only the Norwegian forest can be able to go down the spiral in a spiral.