Cats love to meow to get the attention of their owners, whether they’re asking for food or they just want to be pet. Some breeds like to talk more than others and the Norwegian Forest cat is one of the quieter cat breeds in the world.
The Norwegian Forest cat is a natural breed that has adapted over the centuries from the days when they were native to Norway. Out in the wild, they used to hunt for their dinner and had to stay quiet. As such, they are not a noisy cat like some breeds.
Read on to find out what kind of sounds the Norwegian Forest cat makes and why cats meow in the first place.
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When Norwegian Forest cats meow
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a sociable breed and very friendly once they know they can trust the people around them. This will often involve them seeking out head scratches and strokes, as well as being vocal when they want to.
Like most cats, they meow to get attention from their owners or when they notice something. However, they won’t meow too much, which is perfect for owners who prefer a quieter pet. Even when the Norwegian Forest cat does meow, it is often quiet.
Are they Cuddly? Read more here.
What does the Norwegian Forest cat sound like?
Some people have described the sound the Norwegian Forest cat makes as a chirp, but it shouldn’t be confused with the chirp of a bird. They also make regular cat meowing sounds and will even trill or chatter at the birds. The Norwegian Forest cat makes sounds that are less noticeable.
The noises that a Norwegian Forest cat makes are cute to some people and there are many videos online of them talking to their owners to get attention. The high-pitched noises are a way for the breed to communicate and have their voices heard.
Why do cats meow?
A cat will meow to communicate with people. Sometimes they meow to simply say hello, or other times they might be asking for food or trying to tell people that something is wrong.
There are a number of sounds that cats will make which you are likely to hear as an owner at some point. They are the following:
- Meow – mainly used to communicate with people.
- Purring – a low and rhythmic sound that cats make without opening their mouth
- Trill – this sound is in between a purr and a meow. It lasts for less than a second and ascends in tone. It is often used to communicate with other cats.
- Hiss – cats use this sound when they are feeling threatened.
- Yowl – this sounds like a long meow that is high-pitched and very loud. This will be heard when cats are fighting each other.
- Distress call – often high-pitched and mainly used by kittens to warn their mothers of a problem.
- Growl – this is a deep and threatening sound that lasts a few seconds.
- Chatter – this sound is made when a cat’s jaw trembles as it releases a sequence of high-pitched sounds.
As you can see, cats can make a wide variety of noises and the Norwegian Forest cat is likely to make many of these as well. The chirping trill is a common sound for this breed to make, which is softer and less harsh than a meow.
Frequently asked questions about Norwegian Forest cats
Are Norwegian Forest cats friendly?
The Norwegian Forest cat is a sociable breed that loves to be around humans that they trust. They can develop strong bonds with their owners and will often lie on the couch with them so they can get attention.
They’re an adaptable breed, which means they are great around families, kids and other pets that are cat friendly. Their easy-going nature means they are often relaxed and enjoy being around even strangers.
However, if they need a little time to themselves, they aren’t afraid to go onto a high perch where they can nap in safety.
More about how friendly they are here.
Will NFCs want to play with toys?
Many centuries ago, the Norwegian Forest cat used to be a hunter in the outdoors. While they no longer go outside to hunt, they still need stimulation through playtime. As they are energetic, they will love any toys that mean they can leap and run to get them.
If they are mainly indoors, it is a good idea to create a safe, outdoor space where they can get some fresh air. Cat trees and even regular trees will give them a chance to use their claws and also file the nails down naturally.
How much attention do Norwegian Forest cats need?
While the Norwegian Forest Cat enjoys the company of humans, they don’t need attention all the time. This is because they are quite independent and happy to be on their own, whether it is to nap or play with toys.
They aren’t known for sitting on laps, but they will sit beside you or nearby so they can be pet. One great thing about this breed is that they don’t get stressed easily and are quite patient as well, making them relaxed and laid-back.
Do they suffer from health problems?
As the Norwegian Forest cat is a natural breed, having evolved over generations, they don’t usually suffer from hereditary conditions. As they are a large breed, they should be offered a screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which can affect larger cats.
Another thing to pay attention to is that since they are big cats, it can be easy for them to gain weight. This is why it’s important for owners to keep them on a healthy diet and give them plenty of exercise.
Norwegian Forest cats meow for attention
As Norwegian Forest cats are generally quiet and docile creatures, they will only meow at their owners when they want attention or if they have picked up on something in the house. You will notice how cute their high-pitched meows or trills are when they talk to you and eventually you will understand what each different sound means.
