It is universally known that most domestic cats don’t like water, especially swimming in it. However, there are a few breeds such as the Norwegian Forest cat seems to enjoy the occasional swim when it suits them.
If you have ever tried to give your cat a bath, you will know just how much they hate water. They will try to escape, often covered in soapy suds, or make loud noises to let you know their displeasure. The reason for why they hate water might be because the feline species evolved in arid climates where they weren’t exposed to a lot of water.
In this article we will talk more about why most cats don’t like water and why Norwegian Forest cats enjoy frolicking in streams or puddles.
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Do cats like water?
While dogs love to jump into rivers and lakes, most cats are the opposite. They will do anything to avoid getting their fur wet and if they do, they won’t be happy about it. There are a number of theories on why cats don’t like to get wet.
The first one was briefly mentioned above, which described how cats evolved over time in desert or dry climates. Water was rare and they didn’t need to swim in rivers or cross streams. When faced with water later on, they realized they didn’t like it.
Another reason why cats might not like water is that they prefer for their coat to stay dry. Some cats have thick fur and if it gets wet, it weighs the cat down and makes them uncomfortable. It takes a long time to dry and it takes a while before the cat can groom itself again.
However, not all cats hate water. In fact, big cats such as tigers and jaguars enjoy swimming and will spend their days cooling off in the water if the weather is hot.
Why does the Norwegian Forest cat like water?
The Norwegian forest cat is one of the few domestic breeds that likes water. Hailing from Norway, this breed is built to survive in the cold and wet. Whether it is rain or snow, evolution has allowed them to thrive no matter the weather.
They have a thick coat that is water-resistant, meaning it will keep them mostly dry and warm in the wet weather. It also means they can go for a swim without it making them cold. As they are excellent hunters, they have been known to swim in ponds to catch fish. So, if you happen to own fish, make sure they don’t get too close.
There are rumors that the Norwegian Forest cat came across on boats with the Vikings to help keep rats away on the ship. Their thick fur would have kept them warm on the northern seas and protected them against the rain.
The history of the Norwegian Forest cat
The Norwegian Forest cat has adapted over time and developed through natural selection. This makes it one of the few breeds that can be classified as a ‘natural’ cat breed, compared to breeds that have been made by humans.
As they are from Norway, they have had to face cold winters and harsh living conditions that a normal cat would find hard to live in. In winter they have their thick, double coat to keep them warm before they shed for the summer.
The Norwegian Forest cat got its start hunting mice on farms and eventually grew into the hunter that we know today. Some people believe that their long-haired coats came about because of Persians that were brought to the country on ships. Others believe it might have been a mutation in their gene pool.
Whatever caused the change in the Norwegian Forest cat’s fur, it made them well suited to hunting in the wild throughout the year.
Frequently asked questions about Norwegian Forest cats
Where can I buy one?
As the Norwegian Forest cat is a rare breed, most people will buy one from a reputable breeder. It is important to only go to a breeder who has the certificates to prove the litter was made by pedigree parents. For this reason, the kittens often cost between $800 and $1500.
There are lists of registered breeders for you to browse through online. That way you know you are going to a breeder who is legit and has been breeding Norwegian Forest cats for many years.
How big are they?
Norwegian Forest cats don’t reach full adulthood until they are four years old, making them part of the large cat breeds. They often have long bodies and long legs, which are built for jumping up trees and hunting animals. Their muscles and bones are also strong, giving them a stocky appearance.
An adult female cat can weigh between 8 and 18 pounds, while the male cat can weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. As for their height, they have an overall height of 23 to 30 centimeters and a body length of 30 to 46 centimeters.
What is their personality like?
Norwegian Forest Cats have been known as ‘gentle giants’ as they are good natured and are quite friendly with people, children and other animals. They are very sociable, so they will often look for companionship and sit next to their owners.
In addition to being sweet, they are also very playful and will love pouncing on toys or climbing cat trees. It is rare that they get nervous, but if they need some alone time, they will find a high perch to go on. This is something that they would have done in the wild with a tall tree.
Norwegian Forest Cats love to play in water
The Norwegian Forest cat is very inquisitive and playful, even when it comes to water. They will happily go for a swim in ponds or streams and might even try to hunt fish while they’re at it.
