The Norwegian forest cat is the official cat of the country.The large, fluffy cats are known for their thick double coats and striking almond-shaped eyes.If you own a Norwegian forest cat, you will need to know how to feed, groom, entertain, and provide veterinary care for your cat.
Step 1: A high-quality cat food is recommended.
High-quality cat food is needed to keep the Norwegian forest cat in peak physical condition.Choose a high-quality cat foot that will meet all of your Norwegian forest cat's nutrition needs.If you read the ingredients, you can choose a food for your cat.The first two ingredients on the package should be meat.Keep looking if they are not.There is a food that contains taurine.Your cat needs taurine for good vision and heart health.This ingredient should be included in all high-quality cat foods.
Step 2: Feed your cat two meals a day.
When you allow your cat to have unlimited food, it's called free-feeding.Some cats become overweight because of this way of feeding.Feed your Norwegian forest cat on a regular schedule.If you want to figure out how much to feed your Norwegian forest cat, take the daily recommended feeding amount on your cat's food package and divide it in half.You may need to give a daily amount of 1/3 of a cup for a cat that weighs between five and nine pounds.Divide this amount into two meals by giving your forest cat 1/3 of a cup in the morning and 1/3 at night.It is more likely that your cat will eat your food if you provide small portions.For a specific recommendation on how much to feed your cat, check with your Norwegian forest cat's doctor.
Step 3: Give your Norwegian forest cat lots of fresh, clean water.
A bowl of fresh, clean water is required for your Norwegian forest cat.Change the water on your cat's water bowl as needed.It is important for your cat to be able to access your food and water bowls.Food and water bowls should not be near your cat's litter box.Cats don't like to eat or drink near litter boxes.
Step 4: Give your cat a treat.
Try to give your Norwegian forest cat a special treat once a day because they like treats.Special kitty treats can be found in the pet store.It is possible to give your cat some human foods as a treat.Treat should not exceed 5% of your forest cat's daily calories.Lean deli meat, canned tuna, cantaloupe, steamed broccoli, cheese, eggs, mashed potatoes, homemade tuna cat treats are some good treat options.
Step 5: The Norwegian forest cat has fur.
Norwegian Forest cats do well with weekly brushing.Once per week, use a wire bristle brush or comb to brush your Norwegian forest cat's back, sides, tummy, chest, and tail.If you start brushing your Norwegian Forest cat when she is a kitten, it will be much easier for you.
Step 6: Take care of your Norwegian forest cat's claws.
If your cat's claws become too sharp, you may have to give him a trim.If your cat uses his scratchers a lot, you may not need to trim his claws.It is a good idea to trim your Norwegian forest cat's claws once every three weeks if he doesn't use his scratchers too often.Only the white tips of your cat's claws can be trimmed.The Norwegian forest cat has a pink area.Your cat can be hurt if you cut this part of the claw.When you look at the light, you should be able to see the pink area of your cat's claws.Only trim a small amount of your cat's claws at a time with a special guillotine style nail trimmer.The goal of a trim is not to remove the claw, but to cut off the sharp tips.
Step 7: The Norwegian forest cat has teeth.
Regular dental care is important for the overall health of your Norwegian forest cat.Your cat will benefit from regular brushing.To brush your cat's teeth, use a toothbrush and toothpaste that is meant for cats.Your cat can get sick from human toothpaste.Slowly introduce your forest cat to the toothbrush.You can start by letting him lick wet cat food off of the toothbrush for a few days and then try to put it in his mouth after he is used to it.When brushing your Norwegian forest cat's teeth, use gentle strokes along the surface of his teeth and gums.Do not put too much pressure on him.
Step 8: If you have to, bathe your Norwegian forest cat.
If you think a bath is necessary, you may want to consult a professional, as Norwegian forest cats have thick double coats that are waterproof.If your Norwegian forest cat gets dirty or sticky, you don't need to bathe him.Take your Norwegian forest cat to the vet if you notice that he suddenly stops grooming himself.This could be a sign of illness.
Step 9: Give your cat a bed.
A comfortable bed is what your Norwegian forest cat will need.Put your Norwegian forest cat in a bed that he likes to sleep in.If you notice that your cat takes a lot of naps near a window, then you should put his bed near that window.
Step 10: You should put up scratching posts for your cat.
Provide your cat with an appropriate outlet for scratching is important.Rope wrapped boards and corrugated cardboard scratching boards work well.Place a few scratching posts in your home.If you notice your Norwegian forest cat scratching something that is off limits, you should report it.Don't hit him or throw something at him.Pick up your cat and place him next to a scratching post.You could try to show him that he can scratch it by placing his paw on the board.He will understand that these are for scratching and other things are not.To make scratching posts even more attractive, sprinkle a bit of catnip on them.
Step 11: Provide enough litter boxes for your cat.
If litter boxes are available, your Norwegian forest cats will use them.Change the litter once per week.Ensuring there are enough litter boxes is a good way to encourage good litter box habits.You should have at least one more litter box than your cats.If you have two cats, you need to have at least three litter boxes.Fine-grained litter is being used.Cats like fine-grained litter in their boxes.It's easier to clean the box with a clumping litter variety.The box needs to be filled to the right level.Cats don't like litter that is too deep, so fill the box with two inches of litter.
Step 12: Take your forest cat to the doctor.
Like all other cats, Norwegian forest cats need regular veterinary exams.After you get your Norwegian forest cat, you should take him for regular veterinary visits once a year.Your cat will get a physical exam, be tested for diseases, and receive vaccinations during veterinary visits.Take your Norwegian forest cat to see a doctor if you suspect he is sick.
Step 13: Spay or neuter your cat.
You should have your cat neutered if you don't plan to breed it.Spaying and neutering helps to control the pet population and protects your pet from some health conditions and behavioral problems.If you want to prevent bad behavior from setting in, talk to your vet about spaying or neutering your Norwegian forest cat.Cats that are not neutered are more likely to have behaviors such as spraying, aggression, and roaming.If you wait too long to have your cat neutered, it may cause long-term behavioral issues.Spaying and neutering can help protect your Norwegian forest cat from certain health issues.
Step 14: There is a cat in the Norwegian forest.
The Norwegian forest cats are friendly and independent.Sometimes they need space, but they love their humans.Try to keep an eye on your Norwegian forest cat.If your Norwegian forest cat climbs onto your lap, this is a good sign that he is ready for some affection.
Step 15: Give your cat a toy.
The forest cats of Norway enjoy playing with toys.Give him Norwegian forest cat puzzle toys that will challenge him.This may be even more fun for your cat because he will get a treat when he completes the puzzle.
Step 16: Try hunting-instinct toys with your cat.
The Norwegian forest cat likes playing with toys.Norwegian forest cats have a long history of hunting, so look for toys that will engage your cat's predator instincts.You could try: fur mice, electronic toys, bird toys and wand toys.