The hypothesis that the Norwegian Forest cat has arisen as a result of the natural selection caused by Norway's hostile climatic conditions is based on the special adaptations and traits that are to be found in the cat.
Some of these traits the Forest cat shares with other breeds, but no other breed has the unique combination of adaptations which allow it to survive in the Scandinavian wilds.
The coat.
The most noticeable is the Forest cat's dramatic coat change. A Forest cat develops a thick, woollen undercoat in the autumn. The colder and longer the winter is, the thicker and longer the coat becomes. While the undercoat develops the cat also develops the so-called 'knickers', and the ruff and 'shirt front'.
After the first warm weeks of spring the cat begins to shed the undercoat, and when the temperature reaches 15 to 20 centigrades, all the wool comes off within a few days. At this time the long, shiny guard hairs lie close to the body, and from a distance only the tail indicates that we are dealing with a longhaired cat. The guard hairs are quite special; they are long, vaguely oily and shiny. The back and sides of the cat, as well as the topside of the tail are covered with these hairs. When it rains they are almost like a mackintosh as they are waterproof. Without such an arrangement all wild animals would catch pneumonia in a cold and wet climate. This special combination of long, waterproof guard hairs and thick, woollen undercoat is the reason why the Forest cat can keep its coat in trim without help. Moreover the Forest cat has long hairs in front of and around the ears, especially in winter. This is important to reduce the heat loss in a free-ranging cat.
All colours and all amounts of white are permitted. The only exceptions are chocolate, lilac and siamese colours (cats with colour mainly at the points).
The body.
The Forest cat is a large, heavy and muscular cat with a long and agile body. There is a biological law which states that animals of the same species are small and slim in the southern reaches of their area of distribution, where it is hot, and large and heavy at the northern end of their area of distribution. The reason is that larger animals reduce their heat loss, since their surface area is less when compared to the cat's volume.
In the Forest cat both males and females have broad chests and great distance between their forelegs. When they spread their large paws you can see long toes and extra-long claws. The legs are long and strong. The advantage of this is that the belly does not get constantly cooled off because it is dragged through the snow. Moreover the back legs are longer than the front legs, and this explains the characteristic combination of running and jumping for which the Forest cat is known. The body is very muscular and especially the thigh muscles are well developed and heavy.
Head shape.
A correctly proportioned Forest cat head leaves you with an impression of a wild, alert and intelligent cat. The head shape is triangular when seen from the front. In profile you see a long, straight profile and a strong chin. The eyes are big, open, almond shaped and set slightly aslant. According to the standard for the Norwegian Forest cat all eye colours are permitted. The ears are placed so that the outer line of the ear continues the line from the chin along the outline of the cheeks so that the triangular shape of the head is extended. The ear is held upright, and the ear well faces slightly sideways. Moreover, it is pesirable that the ear points have lynx tufts and that the inner edge of the ear is very hairy.
The tail.
The tail is long and bushy and must at the very least reach to the neck. When the cat rolls itself up the tail is held close to the body, and thus it gives extra protection against the cold.
Temperament and Behaviour.
When we talk temper the Norwegian Forest cat does not quite resemble other breeds. A feral cat must be intelligent and inventive if it is to survive. In bad times when food is short or the weather is bad only the intelligent individuals who are able to use unorthodox methods to get food and shelter will survive.
The Forest cat is courageous and fearless. For generations it has learnt that the best kind of defense is an attack. This gives it a very strong will and robust nerves. Forest cats do not become nervous or restless. They accept every change with surprising equanimity and easily adjust to new situations.
At the same time the Forest cat is a lively, alert and strong cat. There is nothing to keep people from having a Forest cat in an apartment, but it will be necessary to provide good facilities for climbing and/or scratching. A tall scratching post and a shelf high up will provide for the cat's need of exercise. It is of course also possible for the cats to go outside. If this is your choice you will find that the Forest cat appreciates climbing in the tallest trees of the garden. Coming down the trees you may see them almost run down, and not rarely head first. Norwegian Forest cats, especially the females, are amazing hunters. They can easily catch a bird in flight. If they are kept indoors their favourite prey will be flies and the like.
The Norwegian Forest cat agrees well with other breeds of cat, with dogs, and with children. The Forest cat usually attaches itself to one person i particular, whom it will follow through thick and thin. It is not unfriendly or uninterested in the rest of the family, as long as it can be with its favourite family member in quiet moments, in times of stress, during illness or birth. If more members of a family wish to establish a close relationship to a Forest cat it will be a good idea to get a cat for each. The cat will moreover appreciate the possibility of socialising with other members of its own kind when alone.
As breeding animals the Forest cats are healthy and uncomplicated. It appreciates its owner's interest in the high points of its life, such as mating and giving birth, but it can quite easily cope alone.
The intelligence of the Forest cat and its energetic and lively behaviour naturally makes certain demands on its owner, if the cat is to thrive physically and mentally. The Forest cat loves to learn through play. It quickly learns to walk on a leash, to fetch a 'prey' or to jump on command - to mention just a few things. If you make sure that the Forest cat has something to play with, and that it gets to use its muscles your reward will be a happy, beautiful and interesting friend for both children and adults.
