Norwegian Forest Cat

It is a natural cat of the Scandinavian forests, shaped over centuries by snowy winters: a water-repellent double coat, a thick ruff, tufts on the ears and between the toes, and strong claws for climbing rocks and tree trunks. After the Second World War it was almost diluted away by crosses with domestic cats, and a group of Norwegian breeders rescued it with a breeding programme; FIFe recognised it in 1977. It differs from the Maine Coon in its triangular head and straight profile, with no curve in the nose. In character it is affectionate but in its own way: sociable, not clingy and with a great need to climb high.

Weekly combing with a long-toothed comb, and daily during the spring moult, when it drops its undercoat all at once. Outside the moult, the top coat tangles little. Height is essential: floor-to-ceiling cat trees, wall shelves, bookcases. It adapts to a flat if it has somewhere to climb; with a balcony, always use netting. It matures late, at around 4–5 years, and gains weight easily if it does not get enough exercise.

Glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV), an inherited metabolic disease with a DNA test (GBE1 gene): affected kittens die at birth or develop severe muscle weakness in their first months. Also pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-def, testable), HCM (echocardiograms for breeding cats) and hip dysplasia. Ask for the parents' GSD IV and PK-def tests.