Q: Is this the breed for me?
A: The Norwegian Forest Cat t is a strong, big cat, similar to the Maine Coon breed, with long legs, a bushy tail, and a sturdy body. The breed is very good at climbing, since they have strong claws. The lifespan is usually 14 to 16 years. The Norwegian Forest cat has a quiet voice but can develop a loud voice if kept in a house with a dog, but generally is talkative unless it was raised with a dog, it is then seemingly shy. It is good with people, being friendly and intelligent, but has a high amount of energy, and can be very demanding of attention at times. Many cats can be primarily outdoor, where they can make swift and effective hunters, but the breed can also adapt to indoor life.
Q: What are some of the characteristics of the Norwegian Forest Cat?
A: Just like Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest cats are basically robust, intelligent, playful and very affectionate. They enjoy human company, as well as the company of other pets. Sometimes they look for company if the owners haven't given them enough attention. But they can always amuse themselves if you are momentarily distracted from your primary job as cat entertainer. Due to their background, they also like the outdoors very much. Moreover, some owners are strongly convinced that these cats do have to spend time outdoors. Wegies are great hunters. This instinct cannot be ignored so you had better keep other vulnerable pets (such as birds and rodents) appropriately housed for their own safety. Besides, don't forget to provide your cat with soft balls for fetching and interactive toys; whirling feather toys are always popular. Wegies may be quite friendly with other cats in your neighbourhood. Moreover, it is not easy to stress Norwegian cats since they are rather patient. This makes Norwegian Forest cats great for a family that has children. They love high vantage points and enjoy climbing trees. If they are indoor cats, they appreciate climbing on appliances, bookshelves, and other similar surfaces. So you may want to buy a special cat tree.
Q: What is the life expectancy of the average Norwegian Forest Cat?
A: With the proper care and attention, a Norwegian Forest Cat will live anywhere from 14 to 16 years of age.
Q: Is the Norwegian Forest Cat a "lap cat"?
A: Well, some can be, but remember this is a BIG cat and at most times it will feel more comfortable at your side or your feet.
Q: Which sex makes a better pet, a boy or a girl?
A: Both males and females make wonderful pets. There is little variation in their personalities, once they have been de-sexed. The boys usually won’t spray once desexed. It all comes down to individual personalities. Some "generalized" cat care books state that males are more extraverted and more apt to adapt themselves with strangers. And, females are said to be more stand offish and need more time to bond with their owners or adapt to company or strangers. We have found that with the Norwegian Forest Cat breed this is not always necessarily so. Part of the intrigue with Norwegian Forest Cat’s in general is how wonderful they are with their human companions. Their main difference is size, being the boys are bigger than the girls by a couple of kilos.
Q: Why should I buy a pedigree cat from a breeder?
A: Most breeders will work on their line of breed to improve on their health, their temperament, their size and their looks, they do this by raising their breeders from kittens and knowing there background and pedigree so they are able to select the best breeders in the future. In the long run every one ends up with a stronger, healthier and better looking kitten with a great temperament.
Q: Why are pedigree cats so high priced?
A: Breeders work very hard to produce healthy, social kittens and most of your payment covers expenses such as food, litter, vet care and the obtaining of a well bred kitten. Most breeders feel payment is a reward, not a money making business.
Q: I saw a Norwegian Forest Cat in a Pet Store, why is that not a good kitten to buy?
A: It is VERY SIMPLE. Any person who would place their kittens into a pet store does not care about their babies. If they do not care who has their kittens, then just imagine how the kittens were raised. Breeders place their kittens into pet stores because they can make a quick sale, spend less money on the kitten, and not have to worry about guarantees if something should happen to the baby. On top of all this, pet stores normally charge more than one of your local breeders because they are acting as a broker and need to make money as well. In the long run, most kittens purchased in this manner end up with behaviour problems from leaving their mothers too young, health problems from the conditions they were raised in, and socialization problems from lack of love when they were tiny.
Q: Do you sell un-desexed cats?
A: No, I don't let any of my kittens go until they're desexed, unless he/she is going to a registered Breeder.
Q: Is it safe to early neuter and spay?
A: Yes, it is very safe, and easier on kittens than older kittens or adult. The concept of early spaying and neutering is not a new one, it has been practiced for over 50 years in North America and is endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association. There are huge benefits to altering such as; spaying a female can actually protect her against mammary cancer and uterine infections. In males, neutering reduces the risk of testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate and related infections, as well as the spraying that a whole male will do.
There are many other positives, for more information, please read Early Spaying / Neutering in the cat on our Info page.
Q: Should I adopt one kitten or two?
A: It is recommend adopting two kittens at the same time if possible for many different reasons.
1. The main reason is if you have two cats, they can keep each other company and will never be lonely. Norwegian Forest Cat’s are very affectionate and love constant companions. But don't worry they will still love their humans just as much!
2. The second cat does not demand much more work than having only one cat.
3. Cats love to play and having a companion with them will keep your cat in better shape and better health from exercise!
4. Two cats together will create a wonderful bond between them and will help keep each other clean with helpful grooming in those hard to reach places :-)
5. Cats also tend to have less destructive habits when they are not bored. Having another cat around gives mental and physical stimulation.
6. And most of all.... you get twice as much love!!!!
Q: Is it first come first serve?
A: No, I usually have a waiting list so the people on the list will have first priority.
Q: How do I go about putting my name down for a Norwegian Forest Cat kitten?
A: You can either phone or email me. There is usually a waiting list, but not always. I would like to know a little about yourself and your family before I put anyone on my waiting list. I’m sure you can understand that I only want the best for our kittens.
Q: When do I need to pay my deposit?
A: You can pay your deposit once you've chosen your kitten or made your definite decision on owning one. Once you've made your decision you can pay via bank deposit or in person. All deposits for pets are $100 non refundable and for Breeders $500 non refundable if you change your mind.
Q: Can we visit your home again and see our New Norwegian Forest Cat kitten after we have paid a deposit?
A: Yes, you and your family are more than welcome to visit. I send regular photos and updates via email, but you can visit as often as you wish. Just phone ahead. Don't forget your cameras.
Q: When can I pick up my Norwegian Forest Cat kitten?
A: Our babies are ready to leave home at 10-12 weeks of age.
Q: Why do I need to wait until the Norwegian Forest Cat kitten is 10-12 weeks old before I can pick the kitten up?
A: I get the kittens desexed at 10-11 weeks of age and they need time to heal. They also need to be mature enough to leave the comfort of their mother for a happy and healthy life.
Q: When are their vaccinations due?
A: They have their first vaccination at 8wks of age and a second at 12wks then yearly after that.
Q: Are the kittens litter trained before they go home?
A: Yes, all my kittens are fully litter trained before they leave.
Q: What sort of food do they eat?
A: We feed them Hills Science Diet Kitten mix dry food and VIP Gourmet mince. They also enjoy steak, chicken and steamed fish. Chicken necks or wings are good for maintaining healthy teeth. I will give more info when you get your kitten. DO NOT give them cow's milk.
Q: Why can't I give milk to my Norwegian Forest Cat kitten?
A: Cats are lactose intolerant; any milk product will upset their stomach and make them sick.
Q: Will you sell Norwegian Forest Cat kittens interstate or overseas?
A: Yes I do but I don't allow my kittens on a plane until they are at least 13-14 weeks old.
Q: Can a Norwegian Forest Cat kitten be trained similar to that of a dog?
A: YES. Many of our new owners have written back to us how their Norwegian Forest Cat will walk on a leash, play fetch with a ball and beg for a treat. Since the Norwegian Forest Cat likes to please its owners, almost anything may be possible especially if started at a young age.
Q: Do they like riding in the car?
A: Yes, if you start them at an early age they will love it.
Q: Do Norwegian Forest Cat’s get along well with other animals?
A: Actually, yes, very well. If they are introduced slowly, they will hiss at first, but usually after a week or so they become good buddies. Norwegian Forest Cat’s are extremely inquisitive, and have very little hesitation in meeting new animals. Just as long as the existing animal is friendly and gentle, then there should be no problems.
Q: Will they scratch the furniture?
A: All cats need to scratch their claws on something, so make sure you get them a scratching post or they will find something else to use instead, like furniture.
Q: Should you bath a Norwegian Forest Cat?
A: The Norwegian Forest Cat has a curiosity with water, many Norwegian Forest Cat’s actually enjoy being bathed, so long as they have started the process early on.
Q: Are you still involved with the kitten once he/she goes to their homes?
A: Yes if you want me to be. Any questions or problems please let me know and I'll do my best to help. Even if it's a few years down the track. I always love getting photos and updates on them as well, so feel free to email some through from time to time. (Please!)
Q: Do Norwegian Forest Cat’s lose a lot of fur and how much grooming do they need?
A: Norwegian Forest Cats have a dense fluffy double-layered coat, wegies have tufted ears and a long bushy tail. This luxurious fur, being waterproof, protects them against the cold, rain, and snow. A quick brush every week or so is recommended and enjoyed by most Norwegian Forest Cat. They are very easy to maintain but frequency will never be excessive because it will help to prevent furballs. These cats moult very heavily in the spring and summer and outdoor Norwegian cats groom naturally by rubbing against trees to remove loose fur.
Q: Will my Norwegian Forest Cat Mat?
A: Norwegian Forest Cat’s generally do not mat, but if you don't regularly groom them, like once a week, then they may.
Q: The house is empty most days, will the Norwegian Forest Cat kitten be lonely?
A: If it's just usual work or school hours, they should be fine. Although they would prefer company, whether it be humans or animals. If you work away or long hours, you would be better off with 2 pets or maybe look at a different breed. They really do love company and it would be cruel to leave them on their own.
Q: I'm interested in breeding, are you able to help?
A: Only if you are serious about breeding and have the best interest of the Norwegian Forest Cat breed in mind, I am only too happy to help. You must be a registered breeder and abide by the QFA Code of Ethics. I won't sell to anyone who is trying to make money from the cats by selling kittens to pet shops or not desexing there kittens before letting them go.
Q: What kind of litter do you recommend using?
A: We highly recommend breeders choice or Oz-Pet Litter . http://www.oz-pet.net.au
Q: What happens if I want to change the food that my kitten is eating?
A: We recommend feeding your Norwegian Forest Cat Hills Science Diet kitten dry food until he or she has reached at least one year of age. If in this time you choose to change the kitten's food dramatically, it could cause some stomach upset or diarrhoea. What we recommend is a gradual transition, adding a bit more each day, slowly mixing in a little of the new food with their existing food until completely switched over. This usually takes approximately two weeks. There are many good foods on the market, but of course we want to see our kittens only eating "premium" quality kitten foods.
Q: Is it true that people affected by allergies will not be affected by the Norwegian Forest Cat breed of cats?
A: FALSE. Allergies from cats do not come from the hair, rather it is found in cat Dander (Dried skin, a bit like dandruff). Therefore if you have an allergy to cats, this will hold as true for the Norwegian Forest Cat breed as it does for the hairless Sphynx.
Q: I am having litter box problems with my Norwegian Forest Cat, what can I do?
A: See the following article by Susan Little, D.V.M., Diplomat ABVD..Feline Practice,
A Practical Approach To Feline House-soiling
