The color of a cat is dependent on the genes from the parents and this is no different for the Norwegian Forest Cat. Whichever gene is the dominant one in the parents will determine what color the kitten is.
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The colors Norwegian Forest Cats come in
Norwegian Forest cats can come in a wide variety of colors from the common tabby to the albino or smoke-colored cat. They also come in a number of patterns, including tabby, tortoiseshell, tuxedo and stockings on their feet.
Some people have a color preference when it comes to choosing cats, so if you want a kitten of a certain color, be sure to check what color the parents are.
Below you will find the most common colors and patterns of Norwegian Forest cats.
The most common colors of Norwegian Forest cats
Black
There are different kinds of black that this cat can be. A true black with no other color is often called ‘coal black’. There are also brownish blacks, greyish blacks and even a black that appears to have a mahogany tinge to it in the sunlight.
White
A cat will be white when there is a complete lack if pigmentation and it is a unique gene that dominates the other colors. The problem with white cats is that they sometimes have impaired hearing or complete loss of hearing. However, these cats still make lovely companions and can have a long life.
Orange
Orange or ginger Norwegian Forest cats are very popular and one of the most in demand colors for this breed. The shades can range from a very light peach to something much darker like tangerine. A fun fact is that a ginger Norwegian Forest cat is more likely to be male as the gene for ginger fur is linked to gender.
Blue
The color blue doesn’t mean that your cat is blue like the sky. Instead, it is a faded version of black or grey that has a bluish tinge.
Cream
The cream color you see on a Norwegian Forest cat is actually a shade of red, but it is very pale. Most of the time, a cat with this coloring will have a tabby or tortoiseshell pattern to the fur.
The Patterns
Below are some of the common patterns this breed’s fur can be in if it isn’t a solid color.
Smoke
The smoke fur style is created when a cat has dark fur, but the roots are white. It often gives a silver affect to the fur, especially in winter when their coats are longer. You will only be able to see the white roots clearly when the fur is parted, or wind blows on the cat.
Calico & Tortoiseshell
The calico and tortoiseshell patterns are very similar on a Norwegian Forest cat. A calico pattern has patches of black and red/orange, or blue and cream which is mixed in with white. When a cat has this pattern, they are more likely to be female.
A typical tortoiseshell cat is made up of patches of red and black fur, which are mixed in a random pattern. The variation between cats is varied. Some have more black in their coat while some have more red.
Tuxedo
A cat with a tuxedo pattern will be mostly black with white on their chest, which will resemble a tuxedo. They can even have white paws to resemble stockings.
The features of a Norwegian Forest cat
The Norwegian Forest cat is instantly recognizable because of its long fur and the tufts of hair around their ears and between their toes. There is a lot of fur around the crown of their necks, which makes them seem very regal and even fluffier. The fur on their tail is bushy in appearance and also very long, which helps with balance.
Their fur is so thick because they have evolved over time to deal with the cold winters in Norway. They also have two layers of fur that are water repellent and will keep them warm. The length of their coat will depend on what season it is.
Norwegian Forest cats are quite large and have a lot of muscle as they used to be hunters. They are also noticeable by their triangular head which rests on a thick, muscular neck. An interesting thing to note is that their back legs are slightly higher than the front, which they use for pouncing and jumping up trees.
Frequently asked questions about Norwegian Forest cats
How often should I groom my cat?
As the Norwegian Forest cat is a long-haired cat, they will need grooming at least once a week. When they are shedding their fur, they will need to be brushed more often to help get rid of the fur.
It is recommended that you use a wire bristle brush to comb through any knots, especially ones that can occur under the belly. You will also want to brush their back, tail and chest. If you start brushing them when they are young, then they will get used to the routine and eventually enjoy it.
Do I need to wash my cat?
Most cats are able to clean themselves and get rid of any dirt that might be on them. However, if your Norwegian Forest cat goes outside and gets a little muddy, you can always wash them. As they have water repellent fur, they won’t mind the water.
If you are going to wash your cat yourself, make sure you are using shampoo that has been specifically designed for them. Human shampoo can have ingredients that might irritate their skin and cause them to scratch.
Norwegian Forest cats come in a wide variety of colors
While some breeds only come in a few color variations, the Norwegian Forest Cat has a wide variety of colors and patterns they can come in. It just depends on who the parents are and their coloring when determining what color the kitten will be.
