Norwegian Forest Cats, commonly referred to as Wegies, originate from Scandinavia, where they live and work as forest cats controlling local pests. The harsh conditions of Scandinavia, where temperatures can often reach minus 40°C, has resulted in these cats developing fur that consists of two coats: a wooly undercoat which keeps them warm, and a waterproof top coat which keeps them dry. In the harsh winter months the Wegie can also be found with a full mane, shirtfront and knickerbockers, which provides added insulation. Other features of the Wegie that I love is their long, bushy tail, their thick legs and big paws and the special tuffs that grow between their toes.
The Wegie is a very intelligent cat who has a lovely disposition and friendly nature. They have an incredible amount of strength and need plenty of space to run around. I often find my Wegies on top of doors, and then have an interesting job trying to coax them down. They come in many different colours, and are very, very beautiful animals.
I am privileged to own four Wegies, with thanks to Firoza and Na'il Davies of Jotunkatts for Ambiance, Calimero & Humphrey, and with thanks to Lindsey and Don Grant of Vanaheim for Alexandrou.
Ambiance
Ambiance is a very playful cat who is always up to mischief. She loves being near her human owners and loves to demand fuss morning, noon and night. She will often climb on me for fuss, and loves it when people play with her. She is extremely pretty and somehow seems to know it.
Ambiance is a black mackerel tabby and white, and has beautiful markings down the back of her coat.
She recently entered her first show and gained second place in her open class, and consistently got second place in her side classes. I was very proud of her.
Calimero
Calimero is the ultimate lap cat (I was pre-warned about this but it's only now I truly appreciate what this means!!). She is the litter mate of Ambiance and they get along together fantastically. She loves water and at times spends hours sat in the empty bath trying to work out how to turn the water on. She is also an incredibly loving and affectionate girl, who will often meow to request information on my whereabouts, before coming running when her name is called.
Calimero is black and white, and has a beautifully marked coat. I love her markings, especially around her nose, which is mostly black with a hint of white.
Calimero also entered her first show recently, with her sister Ambiance. She was awarded first place in the open class and also received Best of Breed, beating off some stiff competition from some other NFC's. Again I was very proud of her.
Alex (Premier
Vanaheim Alexandrou)
Alex is an odd-eyed white NFC and is absolutely stunning. He is one of the most mischievous cats that I have ever had the pleasure of owning, but that just makes him more loveable. He has managed to find every nook and cranny, that no other cat in the household has thought to explore and every now and then I hear his little meow requesting help getting out. He has the most amazing tail ever.
Alex recently entered his first show, and at 9 months and 9 days old fell into the adult class. He did amazingly well though and was awarded 1st and PC in his open class, Best of Breed, along with two first's and a second in his side class. At just 12 months old he had obtained two more PC's and gained his title.
(photos by Robert Fox).
Humphrey
Humphrey is a black smoke Norwegian Forest Cat and is just 4 months old. I fell in love with his mum, Alexi-Rose, and was thrilled when I found out on my birthday that he was available. He is a much desired boy as I love the unusual colours on the black smoke.
Humphrey is still settling in but he is a very mischievous cat and extremely playful. He is also the ultimate purr box, especially when I am on the phone or trying to sleep.
Sister love
Currently, I do not breed these cats as I feel that I want to learn as much as we about Norwegian Forest Cats before embarking on this journey. However, I have set up a link to Jotunkatts website (breeders of Calimero, Ambiance & Humphrey) and Vanaheim website (breeders of Alexandrou) if you are interested in owning one of these wonderful animals.