Imagine a Viking warrior decided to be a cat – that’s a Norwegian Forest Cat. A feline straight out of Norse mythology, these cats are nothing less than a mini-Viking. They come with a waterproof coat and a powerful build coupled with a nonchalant swagger. The elegant and glorious coats of theirs have mesmerized millions of people worldwide.
Before getting to the personalities of these felines, you must know the interesting myths and legends about their history.
These large cats are thought to be around 1,000-2,000 years old, but their exact origins are unknown. Some people believe that Norwegian Forest Cats or ‘Wegies’, as they are popularly known, are related to short-haired cats from Great Britain, used by Vikings to catch mice on their ships. Others think that they might be descendants of long-haired cats brought to Scandinavia by Crusaders. (4)
Norwegian myths describe large, long-haired fairy cats who live in the mountains and climb rocks called ‘Skogkatt.’ (which literally translates to ‘forest cat’). Old Norse mythology describes these cats as being so big that not even the Gods could lift them. A legend depicts Thor, the strongest of all the Gods, losing in a show of strength to sea serpent Jormungandr who was disguised as a Norwegian Forest cat. (4)
Interesting right? Let’s talk about their personalities in the real world now. If we were to use some adjectives to describe these cats, they would be –
Gentle – They may look like mini-Vikings, ready to rule to world, but are softies from the inside. They have a calm and composed demeanor that makes them great with children as well.
Outgoing – These cats do not like to spend most of their days inside a house. They love climbing trees and won’t be afraid to come down head-first as well.
Playful – When inside, they love playing with interactive toys that keep them physically and mentally stimulated. In your absence, they may find ways to entertain themselves as well. So, don’t be surprised if you come home one day and find your cat attempting feats of acrobatics in the house.
Intelligent – The reason they love interactive games and puzzles is because they are good at them. They have high levels of intelligence.
Reserved – While they love spending time with their human families, they wouldn’t mind being alone for some time after a good social session. You may find them behaving reserved especially with strangers and visitors.
Affectionate – Lastly, they are very affectionate. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners. You may find them greeting you at the door and following you around the house most of the time.
Now, let’s answer some specific questions that we saw people asking on the internet.
Do Norwegian Cats Like to be Held?
Wegies have a friendly disposition and are not very aggressive towards humans. They would not mind being held. However, individual preferences may vary from cat to cat. Some have been known to be very territorial and dislike picking them up against their will. (2)
But as mentioned above, they may seem reserved with visitors and strangers though. The way to approach them is to let them make their own choices. You never know, they could even become best friends with a friend who came over to your house after 10 years.
Are Norwegian Forest Cats Cuddly?
Norwegian Forest Cats love spending time with their human families, especially with the one person they have a special bond with. Cuddles can be one of their ways to spend time with them. However, they would not really ask for cuddles out loud. They are known to be less vocal about their needs. They would rather entertain themselves or just come and sit right next to you.
What are the Disadvantages of a Norwegian Forest Cat?
Overall, this is one of the most loving and gentle cat breeds out there. However, there are some characteristics which may seem unwanted to some people. These include –
Grooming needs – Their thick, water-resistant double coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. A lack of it can result in an unhappy cat leaving a lot of loose fur around your house.
Size – They may be mini-Vikings but are mega-cats. They are bigger than other average domestic cats. Hence, they may require a big space to exist and jump around.
High energy levels – While these cats can pretty much be independent, they do require a good amount of mental and physical stimulation. This means you’ll have to spend time and money on getting some interactive toys and games for them and even play with them sometimes.
Cost – This may be the biggest disadvantage of a Norwegian Forest Cat. They are rare in the US and hence a bit on the expensive side. (we have an entire article for you on Norwegian Forest Cat Costs – check it out)
Not your typical lap cat – If you’re looking for a cat that loves to snuggle on your lap for hours, then these cats may not be the best choice for you.
Can I Have a Norwegian Forest Cat in an Apartment?
As we mentioned above, these cats are big and require a big enough space to exist and play. Their body needs physical and mental stimulation throughout the day to keep them from getting bored. This may get difficult for them in a small apartment where there’s no place to run freely.
However, you may be able to tackle this by taking them out for a couple of hours every day and getting them some good interactive toys to play with inside the house. We cannot guarantee unbroken furniture or glasses though.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
If you’re already planning to get one home, here’s something very important about them that you should know – the medical conditions they are prone to. They include – (3)
Cat Insurance helps to provide pet parents with additional financial support and peace of mind when it comes to the health and wellness of their pets. With a Spot plan, pet parents can receive up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills. This way pet parents can focus on caring for and supporting their pets. Spot's also offers preventive care add-ons, which can help cover the eligible costs of spaying and neutering, dental cleaning, vaccinations, and other routine care services.
Get a quote today!
Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Information | Purina. (n.d.). https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/cat-breeds/norwegian-forest
2. Preciousfur. (2023, July 10). The mythical “Fairy-Cats”: all about Norwegian forest cats. precious-fur. https://www.preciousfur.com/post/norwegian-forest-cats
