The Norwegian Forest Cat is best known for its ear tufts and large size. They are strongly boned and flexible, semi-long haired domestic cats. The wide spectrum of allowed colors makes sure that everyone can find one they specifically like, unless one wants a cat with a mask, which is not allowed color/pattern in Norwegian forest cats. Despite their hair length, the Norwegians are easy to take care of as their hair does not usually get tangled, but remains tidy and does not require brushing or washing.

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However, the character is the thing that stole my heart in this cat breed. The Norwegian Forest Cat is a very social, playful and friendly breed; it often seeks human contact, and is happy to join any action at home. Most of the Norwegians I have met have been very cuddly and liked to be on lap, or at least near someone. You may even get a jogging friend if you teach your cat to be harnessed.

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A lively and energetic forest cat enjoys playing, but it also delights to sleep near people (for example, on your desk or over the book you are reading).

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Just like every dog breed, cats also have inherited diseases and abnormalities. Mostly, the diseases are inherited recessively, meaning that such tendencies can not be identified by appearance. Because cats can carry these recessive “disease” genes without being sick themselves, it may happen that two cats that are healthy are mated and produce progeny with hereditary diseases. So for the kitten to be sick it would have to be an unlucky individual and inherit this recessive gene from both of its parents. Often these obscure hereditary diseases will not start showing signs until the cat has already passed the kitten and teenage years.

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The diseases inherited in Norwegian Forest Cats include cardiac diseases (HCM) and metabolic disturbance (GSD), which is examined with a genetic test. Cardiac diseases are being examined with ultrasounds, as the gene for this disease has not yet been found to be identified by DNA testing.