# Norwegian Forest Cat (*Felis silvestris catus*) A Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, fluffy breed with a thick coat built for cold weather. It is gentle and enjoys climbing. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Homes with climbing spots; cool climates - **Also known as:** Wegie ![Norwegian Forest Cat](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424728/objects/4446.jpg) ## Appearance The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, sturdy cat with a thick, shaggy double coat, often featuring a ruff and britches. Its waterproof fur comes in many colors and patterns, and it has tufted ears and a long, bushy tail. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Felidae - **Genus:** Felis ## Interesting facts - In Norway, they are proudly called "Skogkatt," which simply means "forest cat." - Some legends say these cats pulled the chariot of the Norse goddess Freya! - Their thick double coat is so waterproof it feels oily, perfect for snowy adventures! - These gentle giants don't just meow; they often "chatter" and trill to communicate! ## Special abilities - **Weatherproof Whiskers:** Norwegian Forest Cat has a double, water-repellent coat that helps them stay warm and dry in cold, snowy climates. - **Arboreal Ace:** Norwegian Forest Cat can climb trees expertly because of their strong claws and muscular legs, perfect for exploring. - **Master Balancer:** Norwegian Forest Cat has a long, bushy tail that acts like a counterbalance, helping them keep steady while climbing. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 55-75 cm - **Weight:** 3.5-9 kg - **Lifespan:** 14-18 years - **Speed:** 40 km/h - **Litter Size:** 4-6 - **Gestation:** 63-65 days ## Diet & Feeding They primarily hunt and eat small animals like rodents and birds. - **Primary Foods:** mice, voles, small birds, insects - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [House Mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-mouse) (*Mus musculus*) — Keeps rodent populations in check, especially on farms. - **Hunts:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Known to prey on small birds in their natural habitat. - **Hunts:** [Brown Rat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-rat) (*Rattus norvegicus*) — Effective hunters of larger rodents like rats. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Whiskered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/whiskered): Possessing prominent sensory hairs or vibrissae, often around the snout. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Brush gently and give them space to climb safely. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Norwegian Forest Cat? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Norwegian Forest Cat? 55-75 cm ### How much does Norwegian Forest Cat weigh? 3.5-9 kg ### How long does Norwegian Forest Cat live? 14-18 years ### How fast can Norwegian Forest Cat move? 40 km/h ### What does Norwegian Forest Cat eat? They primarily hunt and eat small animals like rodents and birds. ### Where is Norwegian Forest Cat usually found? Homes with climbing spots; cool climates ### How does Norwegian Forest Cat hunt? Ambush ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Norwegian Forest Cat: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/norwegian-forest-cat)