There is no better feeling than when your cat graces you with their presence and lays down on your lap, often accompanied by some purring. However, not all cats are lap cats. The Norwegian Forest cat is an independent cat, but also enjoys human companionship. Although, they are not known for being lap cats.
Table of Contents
Why Norwegian Forest cats aren’t lap cats
A lap cat is one that will happily crawl onto your lap to fall asleep. They are often small enough to fit on your lap or legs, but Norwegian Forest cats are much larger. They are a large breed known for their size, but also their friendliness.
So, if they don’t lie on your lap, what do they do?
Read on to find out why the Norwegian Forest cat isn’t likely to sit on your lap and what their personality is really like.
Read this too: Are they cuddly cats?
Do Norwegian Forest cats like to sit on laps?
Most Norwegian Forest cats are very friendly and love to be around humans. While they might be shy of a stranger at first, over time they will grow to trust the person and spend more time with them. But will they join you on the couch and become a lap cat?
Whether a cat is a lap cat or not depends on their personality. As for the Norwegian Forest cat, some people have said that their cat doesn’t want to sit on them. However, others have said that their large cat does try to sit on their lap, so it really depends.
Even if your Norwegian Forest cat doesn’t want to sit on your lap, they will still want attention from you. This will often come in the form of demanding that you pet them on their back or scratch under their chin. They might even bump your hand with their head, so you know they want petting.
An interesting fact about the Norwegian Forest cat is that they will often be drawn to one person in the family. While they are kind to everyone, they will follow the special person around the house and demand attention from them by meowing or rubbing up against their leg.
The reason why the Norwegian Forest cat isn’t great at being a lap cat is that they are very independent. This means they will seek out attention from you when they want it, but not all the time.
Are Norwegian Forest cats a friendly cat breed?
What is their personality like?
The Norwegian Forest cat is one of the many breeds that are sweet and kind natured to both humans and other animals, such as cat-friendly dogs. In fact, they have been known to get on so well with dogs that they will often curl up beside them and share a bed to keep warm.
This breed of cat is also very intelligent and inquisitive, so they will pick up on new things in the house and can even learn tricks. They’re quite adaptable, which comes from the fact that they evolved naturally in their homeland of Norway, where they were great hunters.
Is the Norwegian Forest cat energetic?
While the Norwegian Forest cat is known to be calm and relaxed most of the time, they can easily become energetic when they are spurred into action. Whether this is because of a toy or they have seen an animal outside that they want to hunt, they become alert.
These cats still have their hunter instincts from centuries of being in the great outdoors and hunting rodents on Norwegian farms. A way to spot when this cat has tapped into those hunter genes is when they swish their tail from side to side.
If you play with your Norwegian Forest cat, you will notice how they throw their toys into the air and catch them, often repeating the movement. This is something that they would have done in the wild if they caught a mouse.
All these traits make playtime interesting with the Norwegian Forest cat, offering owners hours of fun and entertainment. The kinds of toys that they are likely to enjoy are the following:
- Cat trees
- Catnip
- Laser pointers
- Bird teasers
- Balls that make noise
The Norwegian Forest cat also takes longer to mature, with an average of five years before they reach adulthood. This means that they retain their kitten-like nature for longer than most cats and are very playful.
Frequently asked questions about Norwegian Forest cats
How do I care for my cat?
The fur of the Norwegian Forest cat requires a lot of upkeep, with a little help from the owner as well. They have a double coat made of long, water-resistant fur that can easily become tangled and knotted if you don’t establish a brushing routine.
At least once a week you should brush through their fur with a wire bristle brush or comb to tease through any knots. When they are shedding their fur for the warmer months, you might need to brush them twice a week instead.
They will also need other care that cats should receive, which will include:
- Cleaning their teeth to prevent periodontal disease
- Cleaning out the litter box several times a week
- Making sure they have a nutritional diet and plenty of fresh water
- Regular check-ups at the vets
How do I buy this breed of cat?
The Norwegian Forest Cat is one of the rarer breeds, which means there aren’t many people breeding them. To find a breeder nearby, you will often have to do a lot of research to make sure they are legit. A good breeder will have certificates to prove that the kittens were made by parents who are purebreds.
There are websites on the internet that will list the breeders of certain breeds, making it easier for you to find the cat of your dreams. You might even be lucky enough to find a Norwegian Forest Cat in an adoption center, which will cost less than buying from a breeder.
The Norwegian Forest cat enjoys human companionship
Once a Norwegian Forest cat trusts its owner, it will be very sociable and enjoy your company. Not only are they playful and energetic, they will enjoy curling up on the couch beside you while you stroke their fur.
