How to Buy a Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a breed native to northern Europe and adapted to a very cold climate. Though it wasn't until 1970 that the breed achieved much notice, the species is very old and thought to be the ancestor of the Maine Coon and long haired Manx. Affectionately known as Wedgies, these cats are very large and athletic, males topping the scales at over 22 pounds with females typically half that size. These cats are skilled hunters and able climbers despite their size and are not typically considered a housecat, though they are very affectionate if properly raised, this breed has no trouble going out on its own to look for its own entertainment. Despite their hardy nature they have almond shaped eyes and very sweet expressions, making them an adorable cat to own. They rarely become stressed and have absolutely no trouble with children or other animals. The first Wedgies appeared in American in the late 70s and about sixty of them are registered per year, making this cat a hard to find minority breed. If looking for a companion more than a pet then this is the cat for you. This guide will explain how to prepare for your new cat as well as how to purchase one.

Things You’ll Need:
Computer

Credit Card or other method of payment

Litter Box

Cat litter

Cat food

Food bowl

Pet store or supermarket

Basket

Old towels

Veterinarian

Reliable transportation

How To Prepare For A Norwegian Forest Cat
Step 1:
Go out and purchase a litter box, good cat litter, food bowls, water bowls, and a good supply of pet food. Dry food is best to give daily with the occasional can of cat food for a treat. Such things are available in any supermarket, though a pet supply store will likely have a better selection. You'll want to get food specifically made for the cat you have in mind. If you want an adult, don't get it kitten chow, and vice versa.

Step 2:
Find a room or part of the house that can be sectioned off. When getting a new cat it will need some time to acclimatize to its new surroundings. To do this make a little room for it to live in for a few days until it calms down and gets used to your presence. A small bathroom works best.

Step 3:
Place the food and water bowls, the litter box, and a nest made from an old basket or a bunk of old clean towels in the cat's new room. With this done you're ready to go and buy yourself a

Norwegian Forest Cat

How To Buy A Norwegian Forest Cat
Step 1:
Don't bother checking your local animal shelter or newspaper. Because of the rarity of the Wedgie in much of the world outside Northern Europe, there is practically no chance of finding one except from a licensed breeder. Only pedigreed Wedgies were brought to American, and their owners were careful to keep it that way.

Step 2:
Go online to http://www.breedlist.com/breeders/nor.html for a comprehensive list of breeders where you live. They are all already investigated and reviewed, and only those who are licensed breeders that properly care for their animals are listed.

Step 3:
Contact the breeder of your choice by phone or email and be sure to tell them what you want. Undoubtedly several cats will be available, each with their own appearance and personality. It can be a tough decision to make, but you've got to choose among them and stick to your decision. A pedigreed cat from a licensed breeder is not cheap and should be treated with the utmost of care.

Step 4:
Once you've made your decision, agree on a price and either have the animal shipped to you or go pick it up yourself if the breeder lives nearby. In either case the breeder should provide you with an animal carrying cage and papers certifying the animal's pedigree and vaccinations.

Step 5:
Take the animal immediately to your local veterinarian to ensure the cat is in good health and give it its shots should the cat have yet to receive them. At this point you'll want to register the cat's name at the veterinarian's office and get a collar with your contact information should the cat ever be lost.

Step 6:
Take the cat home and put it in the room you've prepared for it for at least three days. It may be very hard to resist the urge to pet and play with your new pet, but the cat needs to understand that its new environment is safe, and that can't happen if you or others intrude on it often. What you can do is go into the cat's room each day at the same time. Clean the litter box, give it fresh food and water, and let it get used to you. If the animal approaches you and rubs against you leg or wants to be petted in some way then it’s alright to pet the cat, but do not be the one to initiate contact. It will likely become skittish.

Step 7:
When the animal is acclimatized, let it out of its room to roam the house. Wedgies are smart though not particularly inquisitive and are likely to give their new home a good once over before settling down. Take the time to move the litter box, food, and water dish to somewhere in the house convenient for both you and the cat. Make sure that cat closely watches you move the bowls so it will know where to find them in the house. With this done its now up to you to build a friendly relationship with your new family member

Tips & Warnings
It’s believed that the Norwegian Forest Cat has the Norwegian Lynx somewhere in its ancestry due to their similarities in size, skull structure, and hunting methods. There are numerous stories that wild Norwegian Forest Cats have often been seen swimming in ponds and lakes to catch their own fish, a trait shared with the Norwegian Lynx. Though it’s very exciting to get your own pedigreed cat from a breeder, first think of all the animals in the local shelter that could use a good home. Drop by and see if you connect with one.
Because of the Wedgie's adaptation to a cold climate, keeping one in a warm climate like that American South is somewhat cruel. Norwegian Forest Cats are skilled hunters and should not be declawed as they will not be able to fight or defend themselves in a dangerous situation. Though their responses to an attack will be no different, their lack of claws will ensure their own harm or even death.