Norwegian Forest Cats: Top Tips for Caring for These Magical Creatures

annie rees
3 days ago
2 min read

With their thick coats, wise eyes, and ancient energy, Norwegian Forest Cats—known as Skogkatts in their homeland—are more than just beautiful pets. They’re soulful companions, rooted in Norse legend, and carry a presence that’s both wild and deeply nurturing. At Seidrkatts, we’ve shared our lives with these majestic beings for years. Here are our top tips for giving your Norwegian Forest Cat the love and care they deserve.

1. Grooming Their Magnificent Coat

Norwegian Forest Cats have a double coat designed to withstand Scandinavian winters. While it’s relatively low-maintenance compared to other longhairs, it still benefits from:

Weekly brushing to prevent tangles, especially in winter and spring when they shed.
A wide-toothed comb for the undercoat and a slicker brush for the top layer.
More frequent grooming during seasonal changes, when they “blow” their coat.

👉 Tip: Start grooming young so they associate it with bonding time—not a battle!

2. Feed for Strength, Not Just Size

These are slow-maturing cats, often taking 4–5 years to reach their full size and majesty. Choose:

High-quality, protein-rich food that supports slow growth and strong bones.
Supplement with raw or lightly cooked meat if appropriate.
Avoid cheap foods full of fillers—they can lead to weight gain without nourishment.

👉 Watch for: A tendency to become overweight if overfed or under-stimulated.

3. Room to Roam (Even Indoors)

Forest cats were born to roam treetops and chase through undergrowth. Indoors, they need:

Vertical space – cat trees, shelves, and perches.
Interactive toys and daily play sessions.
A secure garden or catio for supervised outdoor adventures.

👉 Enrichment is essential. Without it, they may become withdrawn or mischievous.

4. Gentle Giants Need Gentle Handling

Despite their size, Norwegian Forest Cats are often sensitive and sweet-natured. They:

Thrive with respectful handling and space to come to you on their terms.
Form deep bonds, often choosing a “person” in the family.
Are loyal, affectionate, but not usually clingy.

👉 They are watchers, not followers. Let them observe and choose connection in their own time.

5. Health Checks & Preventative Care

As a natural breed, they're robust—but still need routine care:

Annual vet checkups, vaccinations, and dental care.
Monitor for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)—a heart condition known in the breed.
Spay/neuter unless you’re part of an ethical breeding program.

👉 Ethical breeding matters. At Seidrkatts, we prioritise lineage, health, and temperament above all else.

6. Honour Their Ancient Spirit

We believe every Seidrkatt carries ancestral wisdom. Whether you see them as magical familiars, forest guardians, or simply soulful pets, they deserve to be:

Seen as individuals with personality, preferences, and deep inner lives.
Given time to trust, grow, and bond on their terms.
Surrounded by natural textures, calm energy, and meaningful connection.

👉 Caring for them is more than feeding and grooming—it’s a sacred bond.

Final Thoughts

Norwegian Forest Cats are not for everyone—but for the right people, they are family, guides, and even healers. If you’re lucky enough to share your life with one, honour their wild roots and wise hearts. They’re more than cats. They’re companions on the soul path.