Are Norwegian Forest Cats healthy?
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a healthy, robust natural breed that developed over hundreds of years of natural selection in a harsh climate. They are a slow-maturing breed that may take up to five years to reach full maturity. This is a fairly low-maintenance breed, requiring minimal grooming.
Is a Norwegian forest cat rare?
These are heart and kidney problems – but they are very rare. The breed has also been known to suffer from hip dysplasia, a rare problem that affects the hip joints. The lifespan of a Norwegian Forest cat is between 12 and 16 years. Explore our Norwegian Forest cat insurance policies today.
Do Norwegian Forest Cats have eye problems?
Norwegian Forest Cats may experience problems with the light-sensitive part of their eye known as the retina. This can result from inflammation or detachment, due to trauma or high blood pressure.
Do Norwegian Forest cats shed a lot?
Because of their long water-shedding coats and dense undercoats, Norwegian forest cats need a lot of brushing. Brush at least two times a week; you’ll need to brush even more during times of heavy shedding.
Can Norwegian Forest cats be small?
Male Norwegian Forest cats (also known as Wegies) can weigh up to 16 pounds and females can weigh as much as 12 pounds! Plus, their origins, abilities, and appearances are so magical, they just might be those Norse, mountain-dwelling fairies referenced in so many folk tales.
Do Norwegian Forest cats shed?
Grooming Norwegian Forest Cat Cats Thisbreed has a long flowing coat and a full undercoat that needs to be brushed at least twice a week to prevent mats. During seasonal shedding times, this breed sheds so much of its undercoat that it looks like a different and smaller cat.
How do I tell if my cat is a Norwegian Forest Cat?
The ears are medium sized and the chin is strong, but slightly rounded. The hind legs of the Norwegian are slightly higher than the front legs. The legs are heavily muscled. The paws look a bit oversized; they are big and round, and have fur between the toes.
Are Norwegian Forest Cats big?
Norwegian forest cats are athletic, muscular cats with large bodies. These cats typically weigh between 12 and 16 pounds—with males typically being larger than females—and have a long, bushy tail and full coat of fur that makes them appear even larger.
What kind of health problems do Norwegian Forest cats have?
The breeder should be deeply knowledgable and honest about two very common health problems in particular that frequently occur during a Wegie’s lifetime. Norwegian Forest Cats suffer more frequently than many other breeds from Hip Dsyplasia and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This occurs when the heart muscles thicken.
When to take a Norwegian Forest cat to the vet?
Listen to your cat and watch their behavior, since this may be the only way to be alerted of a potential issue. Believe it or not, your cat will try to send obvious signs that they are feeling uncomfortable or in pain. Purebred Norwegian Forest Cats should have X-rays performed on their hips at around the age of 2 years old.
How big is a full grown Norwegian Forest Cat?
Size of an fully grown Norwegian Cat would be between 12-18 inches or 30.4-45.2 cm.
When do Norwegian Forest cats need hip x-rays?
Purebred Norwegian Forest Cats should have X-rays performed on their hips at around the age of 2 years old. If possible, it can be helpful to determine whether your cat’s parents have good hips or a history of hip problems in the past. This could be an indicator that your Wegie might have a higher chance of hip issues since it is hereditary.
Is the Norwegian Forest Cat a good breed?
The Norwegian forest cat is a natural breed and does not exhibit the health problems that sometimes pop up in mixed breeds. A DNA test at birth can let you know what diseases your kitten is at risk of getting. Norwegian forest cats are generally very healthy, but there are a few conditions that this breed seems prone to:
What kind of disease does Norwegian Forest cat have?
Norwegian forest cats are generally very healthy, but there are a few conditions that this breed seems prone to: Glycogen Storage Disease IV: This is a heritable condition that is often fatal. Fortunately, it is rare. Kittens are usually stillborn or die soon after birth, but it can present up to five months later.
What’s the name of the cat in Norway?
Meet the official cat of Norway. In his native country, he’s known as the “skogkatt,” which means “forest cat,” so when this cat came to North America, he was given the name Norwegian Forest Cat. That’s a mouthful, so he is affectionately referred to as the “Wegie.”
Do you need to wash a Norwegian Forest Cat?
The Norwegian forest cat has a double coat of long, water-resistant fur. It does not need to be washed except in special circumstances like exposure to filthy conditions or medical necessity. This cat breed should have their coat combed through weekly with a stainless steel comb or slicker brush.