Group Classification: Longhair
Country of Origin: Norway
Date of Origin: 1930s
Weight (M): 16-20 lbs.
Weight (F): 8-12 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 15-20 years

History
Like many other long established breeds, there are lots of guesses about the true history of'wegies'. What is known is that cats were in Norway as of the year 1000, when the Vikings were regular traders with Byzantium (Turkey), where wegie type cats were already present. Perhaps these eastern cats came to Scandinavia on one of those trade ships. They were ideally suited to survive the harsh climate of the region; perhaps they became popular with farmers.

Others note that Viking legends speak of a'fairy cat' and the silver tortoiseshell Norwegian certainly looks like one. Another Viking theory supposes that the cats roots come from Norsemen visiting the northeastern coast of the U.S. and Canada. Bringing back the cats they found there and breeding them at home could have created the wegie.

While the truth is shrouded in mystery, the Main Coon, the Norwegian Forest and the Siberian have certain similarities. All are natural outdoor working cats, evolved to survive in all conditions.

General Description
Big and strong-legged, Norwegian Forest Cats love the outdoors, where they are terrific climbers and skilled hunters. They have elegant profiles thanks to their triangular heads, pointed tufted ears and large ruffs. Solidly muscular, they are gentle pets who enjoy human companionship as long as they can be independent when outside.

Colors
All colors and patterns

Coat
The wegie coat is smooth and glossy. The water repellent top coat and wooly undercoat make for doubly dense and thick protection.

Notable Features
Powerful and imposing, these are large cats with tufted ears, long busy tails and a full ruff.

Health and Care
Like the Main Coon, these cats need very little grooming to look their best since their coats do not mat. Regular brushing to remove dirt and debris will keep them looking their best. They shed their wooly undercoat each spring, but otherwise do not drop a lot of hair.

As with many large breeds, wegies are slow to mature and will not reach full adulthood until around age five. They are mild natured, get along well with other animals and are gentle with children. They do not do well if left alone for long periods of time.

Resources
Norwegian Forest Cat Fanciers' Association at www.forestcats.net; The Norwegian Forest Cat Club of the United Kingdom at www.nfcc.co.uk