INTRODUCTION
Norwegian Forest Cats are a breed that emerged centuries ago from the rugged forests of Norway. This breed was shaped by nature with a thick uneven coat that has both a top weather-proof quality, and a short, dense undercoat which insulates the body. They have strong bones and a compact, muscular body. And of course, an instinctual love for the outdoors. These remarkable creatures have won the hearts of many throughout the world with their purity of mind and the freedom of their spirit. Despite their supposed domestication, these cats are truly wild at soul.

APPEARANCE
If ever there was a cat built to match its environment, it is the Norwegian Forest Cat. It has developed over many years of natural selection into a breed able to survive the long harsh winters of Norway. It is a sturdy cat with a double coat which has protective, water-resistant guard hairs over a downy, warm undercoat. The coats of the free-roaming cats do not mat because the loose hair resulting from their annual malt is removed by rubbing against such things as tree trunks and brambles. This type of coat is needed to survive the snows and moist, cold air in its native country. The ears are heavily furnished and, although they are moderately large, they are set somewhat low on the head to prevent excessive heat loss. The feet are heavily tufted, which provides a protective layer of fur between the feet and the cold ground and snow. The rear legs are heavily muscled with strong heavy boning on both the front and the rear legs and thick claws on all four feet. The rear legs are longer than the front legs. The cat in the wild spends a great deal of time in the trees so the strength of bone, the heavy muscle and the thick claws are needed to make the climb to its lofty perch in the forests of its native land. It is not uncommon
to see the cat descending from tree trunks head first.

Today's standard

	GCCF
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 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 strongly 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 shirtfront, a full ruff and knickerbockers. ( A shorter coat in summer is acceptable).
Faults	Cobby, small or delicate build. Break (stop) in profile. Round or square head. Short tail (not reaching to back of shoulder blades.) Short legs. Dry, knotted coat or too soft a coat. Small ears. Round eyes. Any defect as listed in the preface to the SOP booklet.

CHARACTERISTICS
The Norwegian Forest Cat is very much a homebody. It enjoys being with
people and other pets and is excellent with children. They are very
patient animals and are not stressed easily. They are fairly intelligent
and have a natural curiosity. During the hot months do not expect a lap
cat, they are much happier laying at your side than on your lap. Once you
have one you feel the need for another and another.

Standard in 1976


Type	Broad build and high/tall legs
Head	Long triangular, straight profile or slightly concave bend without 'stop' or break good chin
Eyes	Large open, colour matching the coat
Ears	High, with tufts. They have to sit high on the head but not too close.
Coat	Long, slightly 'woolly' undercoat. Overcoat smooth, hanging, more of an oily quality than that of a Persian so that it doesn't become matted. 'Knickers' on the back legs, 'collar', 'shirt on the breast', 'cheek-breast' preferably in a triangular shape from the ears. All colours allowed.
Tail	Long and bushy (fox's tail)
Condition	Muscular and strong and broad
Note	The girls are very feminine and the profile usually doesn't become as full as that of the boys. Smaller and finer than the boys

Nylakatts NFC - Norwegian Forest Cat Breeders in Essex