All About Norwegian Forest Cats
Every cat needs at least some occasional grooming, but some need it more frequently and extensively than others. The Norwegian Forest Cat is not the most demanding of all cat breeds, but it does require more consistent grooming because of its unique coat. Wegies tend to shed less than other breeds, but still need their coat brushed and cleaned to help prevent knotting and excessive hairballs from forming when cleaning themselves.
Fully mature adult Norwegian Forest Cats usually weigh between 12 to 16 pounds (males) and 9 to 12 pounds (females). These sturdy cats descended from rugged ancestors on Viking ships are well-muscled, large pets who need a high proportion of protein and fat to stay happy and healthy.
Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons are thought to have a distant common ancestor and share many characteristics, but they do have several key differences. Norwegian Forest Cats are also known as Skogkatt (or Skaukatt in Norway), and are also fondly referred to as Wegie. Maine Coons are sometimes referred to as Coon Cat or Maine Cat, Snowshoe Cat or Maine Shag, American Longhair and Gentle Giants. As their names imply, Norwegian Forest Cats hail from Norway while Maine Coons call the northeastern United States their home.