The Norwegian Forest Cat has a semi-long, water-resistant double coat that he puts on and takes off according to weather conditions. In winter he is protected by a dense, woolly undercoat, a full ruff, and a long, flowing tail that he can wrap around himself to stay warm. In summer, the downy undercoat disappears, giving him a completely different look, with only the ear tufts and tail retaining their full glory. Kittens start to develop their adult coat when they are about three months old. This process can take several months, and you may begin to wonder if you have acquired a mutant Wegie with a short coat. The coat does not reach complete maturity until the cat is two years old. The Wegie’s coat will tangle or mat if it is completely neglected, but for a longhaired breed he doesn’t need a huge amount of grooming. He can get by just fine with weekly combing or brushing, although you will find fewer dust bunnies and hairballs around the house if you groom him two or three times a week. You will definitely want to comb him more often during his spring shed. The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually weekly. Check the ears every week for redness or a bad smell that could indicate an infection. If the ears look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle ear cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. The Norwegian Forest Cat is prone to periodontal disease, so it’s important to brush his teeth at home and schedule veterinary cleanings as needed. Start brushing, nail trimming and teeth brushing early so your kitten becomes accepting of this activity.
Brush or comb the Norwegian Forest Cat’s long coat once or twice a week, using a bristle brush, wire slicker brush or stainless steel comb. If you run across tangles, work them out gently so you don’t hurt the cat. A bath is rarely necessary, which is a good thing. With the Wegie’s practically waterproof coat, it can be very difficult to get him wet enough for a bath.Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Wipe the corners of the eyes daily with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading any infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear.Keep the litter box spotlessly clean. Like all cats, Wegies are very particular about bathroom hygiene. A clean litter box will also help to keep their fur clean.He is certainly built to survive a cold climate, but it’s a good idea to keep a Norwegian Forest Cat as an indoor-only cat to protect him from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a car. Wegies who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such an unusual cat without paying for it. If possible, build your Wegie a large outdoor enclosure where he can enjoy the elements safely.
