Enjoy the cat of the Vikings! About 4,000 years ago these cats came out of the Scandinavian forests to hang with the humans, and it’s no surprise that both sides feel special about it. “Wegie” (rhymes with “squeegee”) is their nickname, and charm is their game.

Pictured: Best of Breed GC, BW, RW TANA BRU’S CAELAN, Red Mackerel Tabby-White Norwegian Forest Cat Male
Photo: © Jim Child

These cats have a fascinating history. Domesticated cats moved with their people to Northern Europe, and some of them began living wild lives in the forests. Then they migrated back to living with people in Norway. Their forest time had worked lovely changes; a long, lush coat with a magnificent mane and tail, amazing tree climbing abilities, and serious hunting skills.

Purebred Norwegian Forest Cats are two cats in one. They are fully coated during the winter, and in the summer they shed the long undercoat and look almost shorthaired, except for their ears and tail. They come in any cat color, except for the “points” we see in Siamese.

Despite having two periods of wild living in their past, Wegies are highly affectionate and love other living beings. If they are going to be left alone for long periods, they really need a companion, which doesn’t have to be another Wegie. These Betas are highly social, so they are great choices for those with children and/or dogs.

While they love cuddling and petting, they are more likely to stretch out along our leg than curl up in our lap. Perhaps it’s just as well, as a full grown male can reach 22 pounds without being fat. That big size takes time to mature. We can’t consider them grown up until they are four or so, and that’s when they get the magnificent mane around their neck.

They love climbing and perching on high places, and so need some kind of outlet that will let them safely indulge their arboreal tendencies. They are such good tree climbers that they can actually descend head-first. They have highly developed predatory behaviors, and will love toys that let them “feel the hunt.” These are active and athletic cats who need more room and exercise than average.

They are also known for being highly intelligent, with all the curiosity that comes with it. Wegies love to figure things out, and creating puzzles and games for them is just as important as taking care of their physical needs.

To find Wegie traits in the shelter, we can look for the “lynx tips” on the ears. Distinguish them from the Maine Coon by noticing that Wegies are less stocky, and more lanky.

Check their profiles for the distinctive Wegie straight nose, often compared to a ski slope, while a Maine Coon’s is shorter and has a “break” (indentation) at the bridge. While both are very bright, another way to tell these two “natural” breeds apart is their personality. Maine Coons are usually mischievous goofballs, while Wegies tend towards a sweet, gentle, dignity.

These cats are not offshoots of each other; they developed similarities because they came from similar environments; rugged forests in northern latitudes. This has made them easy to care for, and easy to get along with.

Two of my present cats have Wegie influence. Mr. Bond is smart, dignified, and devoted, all to the point of maxing out these potentialities. Olwyn actually has more classic Wegie facial features, and she is quite bright and loving. Dignity, though… we don’t see much at this point.

Want a Norwegian Forest Cat? Find an ethical breeder who cares about their cats, or check out the cats needing homes at Norwegian Forest Cat Rescue. Use Petfinder.com to see if there’s one nearby, just waiting for a home.

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