Norwegian Forest Cats evolved over the centuries in the harsh climate of the Scandinavian forests. They had to forage, defend themselves and protect themselves from the weather. Only those cats that were good hunters and able to run away quickly from predators survived. Norwegian forest cats that survived their first winter had a regular, half-length, water-repellent coat, were well built, strong and intelligent.
HEAD . . . . . . 40 points
- shape – 8
- ears – 8
- eyes – 8
- Chin – 4
- Face – 4
- Profile – 8
BODY … … … … … … . 35 points
- ♪ Body – 7
- Limbs – 7
- Tail – 7
- Backbone – 7
- musculature – 7
COAT AND COLOR – … . 25 points
- Length – 5
- Texture – 20
CATEGORY: Traditional.
DIVISION: All.
COLOUR: All.
POSSIBLE OUTCROSSES: None
HEAD:
Shape: Shaped as an equilateral triangle, when measured from outer base of ears to chin and between outer base of ears; high cranial arch when viewed in profile; forehead slightly rounded.
Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, slightly oblique, with wary expression. All eye colors are permitted, except for multi-colored or blue, irrespective of the color of the coat.
Variegated and blue eyes are allowed only in white color and colors with white.
Ears: Large, broad at the base, pointing forward as if listening, with slightly rounded tips which appear pointed because of the lynx tassels. Tassels and brushes extending beyond the edges of the ears are desirable, but not necessary.
The outer edge of the ear should continue the straight line of the triangle of the head, from the outer edge of the base of the ear to the chin.
Muzzle: Repeats the line of the triangle of the head, without signs of “pinch” and rough lines.
Profile: Long straight profile, from tip of nose to forehead with even straight line, i.e. without “stop”.
Neck: Muscular; of medium length.
BODY:
Body: Medium length, solid.
Limbs: In proportion to body length, hind paws higher than front.
Paws: Large, round, well pubescent.
Tail: Long, well pubescent. Should not be shorter than body length.
Backbone: Powerful.
Muscles: Well-developed.
GARMENT/ COLOUR:
Length: Semi long. (The coat is unequal: shorter on the shoulders and gradually getting longer on the body.)
Texture: The thick, shaggy and wriggly undercoat is covered with a smooth, water-repellent main coat, which consists of a long, dense and shiny scruff coat covering the back and sides. The cat has a good collar, sideburns, jabots and pants.
Color: All colors of all the divisions of the traditional category are allowed, including all colors with white. Any amount of white is allowed anywhere on the cat.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Balance: Muscular cat with good proportions.
Temperament: Intelligent and independent.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Norwegian Forest Cats evolved over the centuries in the harsh climate of the Scandinavian forests. They had to forage, defend themselves, and protect themselves from the weather. Only those cats that were good hunters and able to run away quickly from predators survived. The Norwegian forest cats which survived their first winter had regular, half-length, water-repellent hair, were well built, strong and clever. These unpretentious character traits carry over to the show ring. Norwegian Foresters, are independent and attentive to their surroundings. They are mostly large or medium-sized cats with a sturdy build. They stand tall on their feet and their body is medium length, rectangular in shape. The hind legs are slightly higher than the front legs. They are cats with strong bones and well-developed muscles. The head is in the form of an isosceles triangle, when measured between the outer edges of the base of the ears and from the outer edge of the base of the ear to the chin. The profile is even long and straight, with no kinks or “stop”, with a strong chin. The eyes are expressive, large, broadly almond-shaped and obliquely set.
The Norwegian Forest Ears are large, open and wide at the base, the outer edges of the ears are in line with the triangular shape of the head. They can be well pubescent and have lynx tassels. The tail is long, drooping and high up. Norwegian woodlanders are known for their thick, rich fur with a padded undercoat covered with long dense spruce hairs.
This fur is very warm and water repellent. A fully “clothed” cat has a full collar, sideburns, jabots and rich pants. In the summer, the coat is short. Wool is dense to the touch, especially in tabbies. Monochrome, two-color, and three-color cats are more likely to have a softer coat texture. The Norwegian Forest Cat has a half-length coat, which means it does not have to be as long as the Persian.
GENERAL VISION:
An alert, healthy, robust, muscular and harmoniously built cat. Cats are large and imposing, often weighing 5-7 pounds or more. Cats can be significantly smaller. This breed does not fully develop until the age of 5 years.
ADMISSIONS:
Various white spots and medallions are allowed in all colors. The length of the coat, and the density of the undercoat varies with the seasons. Evaluation for the length of the coat is not reduced. Wool is judged primarily on the texture and quality. It is worth taking into account the difference in size between cats and cats. The very slow maturation of this breed should be taken into consideration. Mature cats may have a wider head than cats.
DISADVANTAGES:
Cats that are too small and thin-boned. Round or square head; profile with a kink (“stop”). Round eyes. Ears too small or narrow at the base. Legs short, thin – not proportional to the body, or with a cow-like posture. Short tail. Short or extremely long body. Dry or silky coat texture.