History of the NFC
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a truly natural breed and it really does originate from Norway. The exact origins of the Forest Cats will never be precisely established, but one thing is certain, the Forest Cats were produced by Mother Nature and no-one else.
The earliest tales of what we now recognise as Forest Cats can be found in Norwegian folk-lore, where it is said that these cats were the family pets of the Vikings. In 1599 a Danish-born priest called Peter Friis who was living in Norway described and categorised the Norwegian Lynx. The categories were the wolf-lynx, the fox-lynx and the cat-lynx. Some years later it became apparent that what Peter Friis had called the cat-lynx were most likely to be Norwegian Forest Cats. Indeed the similarities between the two make this very possible. Both are large with long legs, have big ruffs/manes, and ear tufts. Both indeed have a particular liking for water, with the ability to catch fish in lakes and streams.
Over the years there have been other references to the Forest Cats. They can be found in the folk tales of Asbjornsen and Moe, where they are referred to as ‘Huldrekat’ which translates as ‘Fairy Cat’. The Cats are actually described as ‘wood’ or ‘forest’ cats with thick, bushy tails. Possibly the first documented Forest Cat was seen in a children’s book, written by the Norwegian author Gabriel Scott in 1912 and entitled ‘Solvfaks’. The main character in the book is a Forest Cat called Solvfaks.

The NFC today
The Norwegian Forest Cat as we know it today has developed through natural selection, as only the toughest cat, with the thickest waterproof coat and other special features would be able to survive in Norway’s harsh climate.
It was not until the 1930’s that the Forest Cat was looked at with interest. But, with the outbreak of World War Two, this interest was put on the back burner. It was not until the 1970’s that the Forest Cats were looked at again. By this stage it had become apparent that the Forest Cats were facing extinction, and that if they were to be saved from disappearing altogether a specialised breeding programme had to be developed. In 1975, enthusiastic Norwegian breeders formed the Norsk Skogkattring - the first Norwegian Forest Cat Club.

In these early years many difficulties arose in establishing a breed standard. Carl Frederick Nordane (Freddy) was a driving force in getting the breed recognised. Freddy, a member of the specially formed Breeder’s Committee, saw photographs of a cat called Pans Truls. These photographs made the Breeder’s Committee believe that a widely accepted and agreed official standard was achievable. Pans Truls lived with the Nyland family near Oslo. Freddy and other members of the Breeder’s Committee went to see the Nyland’s and Pans Truls, a brown tabby and white kitten. After seeing Truls in the fur, it was soon apparent that here was, indeed, the cat that they were looking for. Pans Truls became the ‘model’ cat and a standard of points was formulated. This standard is still in effect today.

Physical attributes
The best brief description of a Norwegian Forest Cat is: a large but elegant semi-longhaired cat, the most important features being type and coat quality. The breed originated as a natural outdoor working cat on Norwegian farms, so the appearance of the cat should reflect this natural heritage. The Norwegian Forest Cat should have an alert expression, be in good general condition and well presented.
The Norwegian Forest Cat matures slowly, and full development of the cat can take up to four years. The cats should be well-built, and both the males and female have broad chests. The entire females can weigh between 8 - 12 lbs, and the entire males between 14 - 16 lbs. Neutered cats can weigh a few pounds more.
Probably one of the NFC’s most important features is its distinctive double coat. Without this the cats would not be able to survive the harsh climate of Scandinavia. The coat colour itself is irrelevant, but NFC’s do actually come in a large number of colours - over 64 colours are recognised by the GCCF in this country.

Arrival in the UK
It is believed that the first Norwegian Forest Cats were brought into this country in 1986 and came from Holland. In 1987 further Forest Cats arrived from Norway. These first cats were the basis of a breeding programme that is still continuing today.
These days, Forest Cats are still being brought into the country, to further expand the bloodlines, with many coming from Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Thanks to an extensive breeding programme, there are now in excess of 1000 Forest Cats in this country. Some of the original importers of Forest Cats are in fact, still breeding them. Breeders can now be found all over the UK, although they are still not so great in number outside of the South East of the country.

Living with a Forest Cat
Alert, inquisitive, fearless, courageous, intelligent, friendly, mischievous, strong, friendly, loving, playful and adaptable... All these terms are regularly used to describe NFC’s, but are they true? Ask anyone who has lived with a NFC and they will agree that yes, a NFC is certainly every one of these things.
NFC’s are indeed very friendly and they love their human companions; whatever amount of love you give to your NFC it will come back to you ten times over. They are inquisitive and very playful and although they ideally like lots of space, they will happily tolerate smaller spaces provided that they have lots to do, things to climb and places to hide. Forest Cats make ideal family cats, they are happy to get on with children and animals alike- but be aware that they will probably want to be number one and somehow, the rest of the household usually lets them! But, no matter how happy they are with other animals, NFC’s do especially love their human friends.

Please click on the link to see the GCCF Official Standard of Points for Norwegian Forest Cats.