As a cat owner I love sharing my home with my girls. Just as a home with a baby has toys and such strewn about, a house with cats is similar. There are cubes with toys and scratching post strategically positioned, however, there is one thing my house has that a baby's does not; Cat hair. Of course, some cats shed more than others. My tortie, Beans, is a short hair. She sheds lightly. My other cat, Monkey, sheds heavily in the spring and fall. So it goes with having the privilege of sharing my home and life with a Norwegian Forest Cat.
Norwegians in mythology
The Norwegian Forest Cat has quite the history. Some feel it is the cat who stars in the Norwegian mythological tale of the Skogkatt, which translates into "forest cat". This cat was a favorite among the Norse Gods. Freya, the goddess of love and beauty, had an affinity for this cat. Some say she traveled with a chariot pulled by felines. There are tales of Thor interacting with gods disguised as a skogkatt. In fact, King Olaf V of Norway gave this magnificent creature the title of the country's national cat.
Personality
The Norwegian Forest Cat, known as "wegie" for short, has a beautiful personality. They are close to their family members, and like to be wherever they are. If you were to move from one room to the other, it wouldn't be long before the wegie would follow. This cat has a gentile nature. They can be a little reserved around strangers, and they aren't much for speaking. They usually save their voice to remind you of supper time, or any other time they want something specifically. They are great around children, especially sweet children. They love being scratched under the chin and between the ears. They also love head rubs. My wegie wakes me very gently in the morning. I feel her paw so gently touch my face. She crawls on me, nudging me, trying to bring me to life for breakfast. Is there a better way to start the day? Nope, not for me!
Health
This cat was built by mother nature. They can withstand the very cold climate of Scandinavia. While it is generally a healthy cat, there have been several diseases that seem to run in the breed. For example, Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic condition which progressively destroys the kidneys. There isn't a DNA test for the wegie, however, the disease can be detected by ultrasound as early as ten months of age. Retinal Dysplasia can cause spots to appear on the retina, but it does not affect the cat's vision. These examples are just a thumbnail's scratch of health problems within the breed, and it's always best to check with your vet. They live an average of fourteen to sixteen years,
Personal care
The wegie needs brushing at least twice a week. His fur tends to get matted, and when it does you'll have to use a brush specifically designed for knots. My Monkey used to run when I would break out the brush, but now I use it to get her attention. She has learned to love being groomed. Whenever I stroke her she starts to groom herself. It has become a bonding ritual for us. There is even a spot at the base of the tail that when scratched, it causes her to groom as well. We call it the licky-button.
All cats are precious, and they each have a distinct personality. Your breed of cat will help you to know what to expect from their personality, however, they are distinct beings and may differ in personality traits from breed standards. You will enjoy your new fury friend, and once they have chosen you to be their human, embrace it. They are smart, sweet, and full of surprises. The amount of cat videos on youtube can attest to this. I love my Monkey, hairballs and all.
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