Caring For Your Norwegian Forest Cat: A Comprehensive Guide

Norwegian Forest cats are an adaptable breed that can live happily with families, including children and other pets. They are affectionate, loyal, bright, and playful, and they can live up to 15 years with proper nutrition and care. Norwegian Forest cats are a large breed, so they need to eat more than smaller cats. They are also prone to hip dysplasia and heart disease, so it's important to consult your veterinarian about their health. Grooming is also important for this breed, especially during their heaviest shedding period in spring.

Diet and nutrition

Norwegian Forest cats require a diet high in protein, vitamins and minerals. As obligate carnivores, their diet should be meat-based, with meat listed as the first two ingredients on the package. This will provide them with vitamins A, B complex, D, and E, as well as a broad spectrum of minerals. Taurine, an essential amino acid for good vision and heart health, should also be included.

To prevent your cat from becoming overweight, it's important to feed them measured meals on a regular schedule. The daily recommended feeding amount can be divided into two meals, with 1/3 of a cup given in the morning and 1/3 at night.

Always ensure there's plenty of fresh water available, placed away from their food bowl. Incorporating water into play can be a good idea, as Norwegian Forest cats love water.

Grooming

Norwegian Forest Cats are larger than the average domestic feline, so they need to eat more than smaller cats. You should follow the serving suggestions on your cat food packaging, but be careful not to overfeed your cat to prevent them from becoming overweight or obese. Norwegian Forest Cats can develop hip dysplasia, so you should talk to your veterinarian about whether your cat can benefit from a joint supplement.

Norwegian Forest Cats require a general groom once a week, but kittens and elderly cats may need daily grooming to keep their coats clean and tangle-free. The heaviest shedding period for Norwegian Forest Cats is in spring, so brushing well at this time can help speed up the process.

Common health issues

Norwegian Forest Cats are a large breed of cat, and as such, they need to eat more than smaller cats. It is important to feed them the right quantity of food to maintain their 'ideal body condition' and to prevent them from becoming overweight or obese, which can be especially problematic given the breed's propensity toward hip dysplasia.

Norwegian Forest Cats can also be prone to heart disease, which is characterised by thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophy). As the disease progresses, the heart fails to pump effectively, leading to congestive heart failure. Cats with this disease may also be prone to blood clots that can be fatal. Symptoms can include loss of appetite, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. Your veterinarian may use an EKG, X-ray, and/or ultrasound for diagnosis, and the cat may need to be hospitalised and placed on lifelong medication.

No special eye care is required for Norwegian Forest Cats, but if you notice any changes in your pet's eyes, such as redness or discharge, you should consult your veterinarian.

The adult cat will require a general groom once a week, however, kittens and elderly cats may require daily grooming to ensure their coats are clean and tangle-free. The heaviest shedding period for Norwegian Forest Cats is in spring, and brushing well at this time can help speed up the process.

Eye care

Norwegian Forest Cats are generally healthy, but they are prone to hip dysplasia and heart disease. They are a large breed, so they need to eat more than smaller cats. They also need to be groomed once a week, with kittens and elderly cats requiring daily grooming.

No special eye care is required for Norwegian Forest Cats. However, if you notice any changes in your cat's eyes, such as redness or discharge, you should consult your veterinarian.

Exercise

Norwegian Forest cats are highly independent and love to roam. They are excellent climbers, so they need plenty of outdoor space to exercise in, with high perches and towers to climb on. They have moderate to high exercise requirements, so they need access to the outdoors and lots of toys and games to prevent boredom.

Norwegian Forest cats can retain their kitten behaviour for longer than other breeds, so they can be a lot of fun to be around. They are also very social, but they do need some time alone, so it's important to ensure they have a safe place inside to retreat to.

If you are looking for a cat that doesn't need a lot of direct attention, a Norwegian Forest cat could be a good choice. However, while they don't seek constant attention, they still need environmental enrichment and exercise to maintain good health.

Frequently asked questions