We are reader supported. This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, at no cost to you.
This post has been fact checked to ensure that the information shown is as accurate and up to date as possible and to ensure you're best informed to look after your pet to the best of our ability.
Norwegian Forest cats are beautiful animals, and they made an excellent addition to your household. These fluffy cats are affectionate, playful, and relatively intelligent. These cats are generally patient and fantastic with children and other pets. If you’re looking for a high-energy, fun, and loving cat, you may want to look into this breed.
Suppose you’re thinking about adopting a Norwegian Forest cat or are a new Norwegian Forest cat owner. In that case, there are some things you’ll want to know about your new furry friend sooner rather than later. Specifically, if they shed and how to handle the amount they shed.
Do Norwegian Forest Cats Shed?
With such voluminous and thick coats, it shouldn’t be a surprise to you that your Norwegian Forest cat is going to shed. They may even shed a little more than the average short-haired house cat because of how thick their coats are. The amount that your cat will shed is dependent on a number of things, and every cat is different. Even if they’re the same breed.
But some people say that Norwegian Forest cats shed less than other long-haired cats. Not only do Norwegian Forest cats shed in general, but they also go through a process of seasonal shedding twice a year where they shed much more than they usually would.
Norwegian Forest cats have a long and fluffy topcoats that were initially there to protect them from the elements and scratches when they were in the forests of Scandinavia. Now, they still provide a protective layer and insulation to keep their body temperatures regular. One any cat, the undercoat is generally the thickest, and it’s usually wavy or curly. On a Norwegian Forest cat, this undercoat is very full and, if not taken care of properly, can cause matting.
All this long and full fur means that shedding is very common with this breed of cat. Because Norwegian Forest Cats tend to shed quite a bit in addition to them producing an average amount of the Fel D1 protein, they’re not considered hypoallergenic cats. Read more about this here. If you or someone you live with suffers from cat allergies, these may not be the best cats to have in your home. There are things you can do to combat your allergies if you’re living with a Norwegian Forest cat, though.
Can Norwegian Forest Cats Live in Hot Weather?
As their name suggests, Norwegian Forest cats are initially from Norway and are built to fit Norway’s harsh, old climate. They were originally bred to be in the forest and hunt for pests. This is why they have such thick and insulated fur coats. That and the fact they would live in one of the coldest places in Europe.
For those of you who are interested in owning a Norwegian Forest Cat in a warmer climate or looking to relocate to one, you’re probably wondering if they can live in warm weather comfortably. You would think with their thick coats that living in hot weather would be miserable for them. And if you keep your furry friend outside in the heat, it probably would be miserable for them.
But not to worry! If you live in an area with a warmer climate, it’s not impossible to own a Norwegian Forest Cat. It’s better to live somewhere in cooler weather with these cats. But if you live somewhere warmer but can provide air conditioning for your cat all the time, then you shouldn’t have an issue owning one. You’ll want to make sure that your cat stays indoors either all the time or for the most part to ensure they don’t overheat.
Do Norwegian Forest Cats Shed in the Summer?
Norwegian Forest cats can shed minimally year-round, but unlike some other cat breeds, these cats go through seasonal shedding too. Twice a year, these fluffy friends will shed the majority of their coats, leaving behind what looks like a small cat. Once your Norwegian Forest cat sheds the majority of its fur in the Spring/Summer and Winter months, it may not even look like the cat you’re used to seeing.
How Can You Help Your Norwegian Forest Cat’s Shedding?
Shedding is inevitable when you own a Norwegian Forest Cat. But you can do a few things to keep their shedding under control that are very manageable and easy to do.
Regularly Brush Their Fur
When you have a Norwegian Forest cat, you need to brush them regularly to keep their fur tangle-free and voluminous. Professionals and other Norwegian Forest cat owners recommend that you brush your Norwegian Forest cat’s fur twice a week. This is to keep their fur beautiful and reduce shedding.
Brushing their fur out often will also aid in keeping their shedding under control. There are hundreds of cat grooming brushes on the market today to help keep your cat’s fur beautiful. To manage your Norwegian Forest cat’s shedding, using a quality brush for their fur is essential.
Due to the Norwegian Forest cat’s thick and long fur, using a stainless steel or slicker brush for their fur is going to be your best bet. Here are a few of my favorite brushes to use on your furry friend.
Safari Selt Cleaning Slicker Brush
This slicker brush is perfect for managing the thick coat on your Norwegian Forest Cat. The pins are made from stainless steel but are incredibly gentle on their coat. You’ll be able to brush their fur without worrying if you’re causing your furry friend any discomfort or pain. One of the best parts about using this brush is that there’s a button that retracts the pins, making clean-up more effortless than ever.
Pat Your Pet Safe De-matting Comb
Another great brush to use on your Norwegian Forest Cat is the Pat Your Pet Safe De-matting Comb. This breed of cat has an extra thick undercoat that can become matted quickly. Using the de-matting comb can help prevent mats from getting too bad or forming at all. The pins on the brush are made of stainless steel, which is strong enough to brush through their thick fur but gentle as well. The teeth on the comb are rounded at the ends to massage your cat’s skin without scratching them gently.
If you’re still unsure, we’ve created an ultimate brush guide for your Norwegian Forest Cat to make it easier for you here!
Feeding Your Norwegian Forest Cat Quality Food
Food plays a major role in how much your cat is shedding. If your cat is shedding more than usual, it could be an indicator that your cat’s food may not be sitting well with them. So, you may be wondering what food you should be feeding your furry friend.
There’s always a debate about whether you should feed your cat dry food, wet food, or a combination of both. A cat’s diet should be primarily protein and contain a reliable water source. This is why many people prefer feeding their cats wet food or both.
When selecting the food you’re going to be feeding your Norwegian Forest cat, you’ll want to look at something that is high in protein, adequate for their activity levels, and maybe even one that helps control hairballs. Some people recommend switching your Norwegian Forest cat to a hairball prevention formula during their seasonal shedding.
But changing up your cat’s diet without slowly incorporating something new can cause their stomachs to get upset. If you plan to switch their food when they begin seasonal shedding, you may want to slowly incorporate it with their old food instead of switching cold turkey.
If you notice that your Norwegian Forest cat is shedding more than normal, changing up their food may help the situation. You’ll want to try a formula that doesn’t contain any ingredients from the previous food so you can try and see what could be causing the irritation. If you can’t figure out on your own what could be causing the problem, a visit to the vet should help clear up any food sensitivities or allergies.
Bathe Your Cat Once a Month
I know this seems like something only crazy people would do, but bathing your cat once a month can drastically reduce the amount they’re shedding. Most cats absolutely hate water unless they’re drinking it. But Norwegian Forest cats have been known to play in the water sometimes. Now, they still may not enjoy their bath because it’s not on their terms; it’s necessary to prevent excessive shedding.
If you don’t want to be the “bad guy” in your cat’s eyes, paying a visit to a groomer can make the bathing process easier for you. Plus, while they’re at the groomers for a bath, they can go ahead and brush through their thick coat for you, so you only have to brush them yourself once a week.
Wrapping Up
Norwegian Forest cats are adorable, fluffy, and well-tempered cats. These cats from Norway have long and beautiful coats that have kept their ancestors safe from the elements for centuries. With a long-haired coat comes some unwanted shedding. While these lovely animals do shed and even shed more than normal during certain seasons, there are several ways you can keep your Norwegian Forest cat’s shedding at bay and your home a happy one.
About the Author
Hey there! I'm Jeremy and I’m the brains behind Pet Care Project, a website chock-full of pet-care know-how. I've got the experience and knowledge to help you keep your furry friends happy and healthy. And let's not forget about my own little fluffball, Lunar, my Ragdoll cat who keeps me on my toes.
Leave a Reply