Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Norwegian Forest Cat is an ancient breed that developed over many centuries in the harsh climates of Scandinavia. References to large, strong, longhaired cats appear in Norse sagas and folklore. Thanks to their dense, water-repellent coat adapted to cold and humidity, these cats survived in forests and on farms, protecting grain stores from rodents. In the 20th century, the breed was officially recognized in Norway as a national treasure, and systematic breeding began. Today, the Norwegian Forest Cat is highly valued for its natural beauty, strength, and balanced temperament, while retaining a touch of wildness.
General Appearance
The Norwegian Forest Cat is large, well-balanced, and muscular, with a solid bone structure. It is characterized by a wedge-shaped head, expressive eyes, large tufted ears, a dense double coat with a rich undercoat, and a full ruff. The body is long and well-proportioned, with long, strong legs—hind legs higher than the front—creating the breed’s characteristic stance. The coat is thick, glossy, and water-resistant, perfectly adapted to cold climates. The overall impression combines natural wild power and majesty with refined feline elegance and grace.
Important Proportions
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a long, substantial body that must remain balanced and not coarse. The head is triangular, longer than wide, with a gently rounded forehead that flows into a straight profile. Ears are large, high set, continuing the line of the head. Eyes are large, almond-shaped, slightly oblique, and expressive. The legs are long, with the hind legs higher than the front, creating the characteristic silhouette. The tail is long and bushy, equal to or longer than the body, reaching the shoulder blades when extended. The chest is deep, and the musculature well developed. Proper balance between body length, leg height, and head size is essential.
Temperament and Character
The Norwegian Forest Cat is calm, self-confident, and independent by nature. Despite its impressive size, it is affectionate and loyal to its owner, getting along well with children and other pets. Intelligent and observant, it possesses excellent hunting instincts and enjoys active play. These cats are not aggressive but prefer to choose their level of interaction. They are curious, courageous, and easily adaptable to various environments. Their behavior reflects both their forest ancestry and their domestic gentleness, making them trustworthy and affectionate companions.
Head
The head is large, triangular, and proportionate, in harmony with the cat’s strong body. The lines are clear and even, forming an equilateral triangle from chin to ear tips. The forehead is slightly rounded, with a gentle transition to a straight nose. Cheekbones are moderately wide, and the chin is firm, rounded, and well-developed. The head should convey power, natural nobility, and wild grace.
Facial Features
The face is of medium length and smoothly integrated into the triangular head. The nose is straight, broad at the base, and slightly narrowing toward the tip, without a stop. Cheeks are moderate—not full or narrow—maintaining balance. The chin is strong and rounded but not protruding. Whiskers are long and dense, emphasizing the breed’s wild expression. The facial features must harmonize with the head shape, contributing to an overall impression of natural balance and strength.
Eyes
The eyes are large, almond-shaped, slightly oblique, and set at a gentle angle, giving an alert and intelligent expression. They are wide apart, bright, and expressive, with a deep, intense gaze. Eye color is independent of coat color, but vivid and saturated tones—green, amber, or golden—are preferred. The eyes should appear clear and luminous, harmonizing with the head and accentuating the breed’s characteristic wild beauty.
Ears
The ears are large, broad at the base, high set, and slightly flared outward, continuing the head’s triangular lines. The inner side is densely furnished with hair, and long tufts extend beyond the ear edge. Lynx-like tips are desirable. Ears must be proportionate to the head—too small or low-set ears disturb the balance. Correct shape and placement enhance the cat’s natural alertness and expressive look.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, and muscular, forming a smooth transition between the head and body. It must be powerful enough to balance the body without appearing heavy. A full ruff of thick fur makes the neck appear even stronger. The neck should express both power and elegance, maintaining proportional harmony with the body.
Body
The body is long, solid, and muscular, with a broad, deep chest and a straight, strong back. The loins are firm, and the abdomen is slightly tucked. The overall silhouette reflects strength and endurance, without heaviness or refinement. The Norwegian Forest Cat’s body must always appear powerful, athletic, and naturally elegant—never delicate or coarse.
Tail
The tail is long, bushy, and flexible—equal to or longer than the body length. The fur is long, soft, and full, forming a flowing plume. It should move freely and be carried high. The tail completes the cat’s silhouette, enhancing its majestic appearance. It also serves a practical function, aiding balance and smooth landings when jumping. Shortened or deformed tails are disqualifying faults.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are medium in length, straight, and strong, with substantial bone and well-developed muscles. Paws are large, round, and tufted between the toes for insulation against snow and cold. Legs must match the body’s proportions, providing strength and stability without heaviness. The correct stance ensures overall harmony and balance.
Hind Limbs
The hind legs are longer than the forelegs, giving the breed its characteristic elevated stance. Thighs are muscular and powerful, with strong joints. Paws are large and round, with dense tufts between the toes. The hind legs must ensure smooth, flexible movement and powerful jumps. Weak bone structure or poor proportions are considered serious faults.
Gait and Movement
The gait is smooth, confident, and elastic, combining strength with agility. Movements are silent yet powerful, showing strong hindquarters that provide height and distance in jumps. The back remains straight during motion, with well-coordinated, balanced limb movement. The cat should move with fluid grace and control; stiffness or clumsiness is a fault.
Coat
The coat is double-layered: a soft, dense undercoat for insulation and long, glossy guard hairs that repel water. A full ruff adorns the neck, the hind legs have “britches,” and the tail is richly plumed. The winter coat is especially thick, while the summer coat is lighter but retains its protective qualities. The texture must remain firm, glossy, and weather-resistant.
Accepted Colors
All colors are permitted except chocolate, cinnamon, fawn, and their derivatives, as well as colorpoint patterns. Solid, tabby, bicolor, tricolor, silver, and smoke varieties are accepted. White markings are allowed and not considered faults. Any eye color is acceptable, though vivid, saturated tones that harmonize with the coat are preferred.
Size
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a medium-to-large breed. Males are significantly larger and heavier, weighing 6–9 kg, while females typically weigh 4–6 kg. The body is long, the legs tall and muscular, with a strong bone structure. Proportion between height and weight is essential. The breed matures slowly, reaching full development at 4–5 years, a factor to be considered in judging.
Faults
Faults include lack of balance or deviation from breed proportions, weak bone structure, poorly developed muscles, flat chest, excessive thinness, or heaviness. A short or thin tail, sparse coat, weak ruff, or missing britches are undesirable. Incorrect head shape, short or elongated muzzle, small or round eyes, and low-set or small ears reduce the score. Poor coat texture, lack of undercoat, or insufficient water resistance are faults. Movement that is stiff, uncertain, or lacks coordination is undesirable. Overly decorative or domesticated features that compromise the natural look are considered faults in breeding evaluation.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include congenital or acquired deformities inconsistent with the breed type: tail absence or shortening, limb deformities, jaw defects, incorrect bite, strabismus, or abnormal eye shape. Cats lacking undercoat, with bald spots, or severe coat damage are disqualified. Prohibited colors—chocolate, cinnamon, fawn, and colorpoint—are also grounds for disqualification. Aggressive or excessively timid behavior preventing proper judging leads to disqualification. Any artificial alteration of appearance (such as tail docking or ear shaping) is forbidden. Severe congenital defects automatically exclude a cat from breeding and showing.
Important Notes
As Norway’s national breed, the Norwegian Forest Cat is protected under ICCF standards emphasizing the preservation of its natural appearance and genetic purity. The breed matures slowly, reaching full physical development at four to five years; judges must consider this when evaluating. Breeding must avoid extremes that compromise health. Regular grooming is essential to maintain the coat’s gloss and water resistance. Only cats with verified ICCF documentation confirming lineage and standard compliance are eligible for breeding and showing. Temperament must remain calm, balanced, and friendly without unprovoked aggression. All structural and behavioral traits should adhere to the historical ICCF breed standard.
Conclusion
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a harmonious and powerful breed, embodying natural majesty and endurance. The ICCF standard defines strict criteria for appearance, temperament, and health to preserve its true type. These cats possess a robust bone structure, expressive features, and a dense, weatherproof coat suited to harsh northern climates. Their temperament is friendly, confident, and balanced, retaining hunting instincts while being affectionate companions. Participation in shows and breeding programs is allowed only with official ICCF documentation confirming lineage and compliance. This ensures breed integrity and preserves the Norwegian Forest Cat as a unique symbol of wilderness and domestic grace, worthy of international recognition and protection.
