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| When we talk about temper the Norwegian Forest cat does not quite resemble other breeds. A feral cat must be intelligent and inventive if it is to survive. In bad times when food is short or the weather is bad only the intelligent individuals who are able to use unorthodox methods to get food and shelter will survive. The Forest cat is courageous and fearless. For generations it has learnt that the best kind of defense is an attack. This gives it a very strong will and robust nerves. Forest cats do not become nervous or restless. They accept every change with surprising equanimity and easily adjust to new situations. At the same time the Forest cat is a lively, alert and strong cat. There is nothing to keep people from having a Forest cat in an apartment, but it will be necessary to provide good facilities for climbing and/or scratching. A tall scratching post and a shelf high up will provide for the cat's need of exercise. It is of course also possible for the cats to go outside. If this is your choice you will find that the Forest cat appreciates climbing in the tallest trees of the garden. Coming down the trees you may see them almost run down, and not rarely head first. Norwegian Forest cats, especially the females, are amazing hunters. They can easily catch a bird in flight. If they are kept indoors their favourite prey will be flies and the like. The Norwegian Forest cat agrees well with other breeds of cat, with dogs, and with children. The Forest cat usually attaches itself to one person i particular, whom it will follow through thick and thin. It is not unfriendly or uninterested in the rest of the family, as long as it can be with its favourite family member in quiet moments, in times of stress, during illness or birth. If more members of a family wish to establish a close relationship to a Forest cat it will be a good idea to get a cat for each. The cat will moreover appreciate the possibility of socialising with other members of its own kind when alone. As breeding animals the Forest cats are healthy and uncomplicated. It appreciates its owner's interest in the high points of its life, such as mating and giving birth, but it can quite easily cope alone. The intelligence of the Forest cat and its energetic and lively behaviour naturally makes certain demands on its owner, if the cat is to thrive physically and mentally. The Forest cat loves to learn through play. It quickly learns to walk on a leash, to fetch a "prey" or to jump on command - to mention just a few things. If you make sure that the Forest cat has something to play with, and that it gets to use its muscles your reward will be a happy, beautiful and interesting friend for both children and adults. | |
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