NORWEGIAN FOREST CAT

Breed 67

General Type Standard

(Reproduced from the GCCF Official Standard of Points, June 2005)

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, heavy boned, yet elegant semi-longhaired cat, the most important features being type and coat quality. Originating in harsh natural conditions, the breed became an outdoor working cat on Norwegian farms. The appearance of the Norwegian Forest Cat should reflect this natural heritage.

The Norwegian Forest Cat matures slowly, and full development of the cat and its coat can take up to four years. A distinctive double coat is required. Coat colour is irrelevant. A cat should not be penalised if apparently wrongly registered as there are no points for colour.

The cat should have an alert expression, be in good general condition and well presented.

Head - Triangular, where all sides are equal. Long straight profile without break in line. Forehead slightly rounded. Strong chin.

Ears - Large, not rounded, with good width at the base. Ear placement high, and open set so that the lines of the ears follow the line of the head down to the chin. With lynx-like tufts and long hair out of the ears.

Eyes - Large, oval, well opened, obliquely set and alert expression. All colours allowed.

Body - Big and strong built, long and muscular with solid bone structure. Having a deep chest and powerful neck.

Legs and Paws - High on legs, with back legs longer than front legs. Paws large and round, in proportion to the legs. Tufts of fur between toes.

Tail - Long and bushy, should reach at least to the shoulder blades, but preferably to the neck.

Coat - Semi-long. The woolly undercoat being covered by a smooth, water-repellent overcoat, which consists of long coarser and glossy guard hairs covering the back, sides and tail. A fully coated cat has a shirt-front, a full ruff and knickerbockers. (A shorter coat in summer is acceptable).

Colours - All listed colours are allowed (except chocolate, lilac, apricot, caramel, cinnamon, fawn, and Siamese pattern). Any amount of white is allowed i.e. white on paws, chest, belly or blaze, locket, etc.

Scale of Points

Withhold Certificates or First Prizes in Kitten Open Classes for;

1. Cobby, small or delicate build

2. Break (stop) in profile

3. Round or square head

4. Short tail (not reaching to back of shoulder blades)

5. Dry, knotted or to soft a coat

6. Short legs

7. Round legs

8. Any defect as listed in the preface to the GCCF SOP booklet.

Fault:

1. Small ears.