The Norwegian Forest Cat, affectionately called the Wegie (pronounced Wee-jee) or, if you’re in Norway the Skogkatter or Skaukatter (skog and skau being forms of the word for 'forest' in different Norwegian dialects) or more properly, the Norsk Skogkatt (literally, Norwegian Forest Cat), is a beloved breed that is growing in popularity and is recognized in most parts of the world. Developed by Mother Nature rather than selective breeding, the Wegie is a domestic breed - no wild blood flows through this cat’s veins, despite its feral facade and jumbo size

With its powerful physique and large size, the Wegie could be a formidable foe. It’s a good thing this is a affectionate, well-mannered breed, hard to provoke into unruly behavior. In fact, Wegies are known as jumbo packages of love and are usually tolerant of even the most rambunctious children and dogs. Wegies are gentle, friendly, family-oriented cats with a large supply of affection for their human companions. Don’t let those huge feet and gleaming fangs fool you- Wegies want nothing more than to sit by your side, casting you loving looks with those large, liquid eyes and rumbling their motorboat purr. After all those years prowling the cold forests of Norway, where only the strong and resilient survive, the Wegie seems happy to lounge by a warm fire and accept treats and caresses from loving hands. Wegies haven’t lost the versatility and skill that enabled them to survive their unforgiving mother country. The ability to adapt to virtually any situation is one of the traits that make the Wegie such a delightful companion.

Whether you live in a flat, bungalow or house, the Wegie is able to adapt to virtually any environment. As long as they are supplied with attention, lots of food and companionship (human or animal) they are happy!

That’s not to say Wegies aren’t above a mischievous prank or two. Highly intelligent, courageous and playful, particularly when young, Wegies will find ways to amuse themselves if you are momentarily distracted from your primary job as cat entertainer. Wegies retain their fun-loving spirit throughout adulthood. Because of their well-honed hunting instincts, they are eager and relentless hunters. If you wisely keep your Wegie indoors (most breeders demand it), be sure to cater to this breed's desire to hunt and need for play by providing a steady supply of catnip mice, soft balls for fetching and interactive toys. Whirling feather toys are always popular

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Above: Roma relaxing watching her favourite TV show.

Because of their muscular physique, Wegies are natural athletes who love to investigate the highest places in the house. A tall, well-built cat tree for climbing and scratching is a must if you don’t want your Wegie wedged on top of your tallest bookcase or highest window treatment.

Above: Bella going for gold!

What do they look like?

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a sturdy cat with a distinguishing double coat and easily recognizable body shape. The body is solidly muscled and well-balanced, showing considerable girth without being chubby. It’s moderate in length with a substantial bone structure, a broad chest, and a powerful appearance.

Males are large and imposing, with females being smaller and more refined. Males can weigh 10 to 16 pounds and sometimes more. Females usually weigh 8 to 12 pounds. Slow to mature, this breed attains its full size at approximately five years of age. The legs are medium length with the hind legs longer than the front, making the rump higher than the shoulders. The thighs are heavily muscled and the lower legs are substantial. When viewed from the rear, the back legs are straight. The paws are large, round and firm with heavy toe tufting (snow shoes). The tail is long and bushy and broader at the base. The desirable tail length is equal to the body from the base of the tail to the base of the neck.

The head is an equilateral triangle, where all sides are of equal length as measured from the outside of the base of the ear to the point of the chin. The neck is short and heavily muscled. In profile, the nose is straight from the brow ridge to the tip of the nose without a break in the line. The flat forehead continues into a gentle curved skull and neck. The chin is firm, gently rounded in profile, and in line with the front of the nose.

The ears are medium to large, rounded at the tip, broad at the base, and set as much on the side of the head as on the top. They are alert, with the cup of the ear pointing slightly sideways. The outsides of the ears follow the lines from the side of the head down to the chin. The ears are heavily furnished, with lynx tips are desirable but not required. The eyes are large, almond shaped, well-opened and expressive, set at a slight angle with the outer corner higher than the inner corner. Eye colours are shades of green, gold, green-gold or copper; white cats and cats with white may have blue or odd eyes.

One of the distinguishing features of this breed is the thick double coat, consisting of a dense undercoat covered by long, glossy and smooth water-resistant guard hairs hanging down the sides.