Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison

Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Polydactyl - Breed ComparisonAmerican Polydactyl is originated from United States but Norwegian Forest Cat is originated from Norway. Both American Polydactyl and Norwegian Forest Cat are having almost same weight. Both American Polydactyl and Norwegian Forest Cat has same life span. Both American Polydactyl and Norwegian Forest Cat has same litter size. American Polydactyl requires Low Maintenance. But Norwegian Forest Cat requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

undefined
United States
Norway
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Hemingway cat, Big-foot cat
Wegie, Gentle Giant
Colors Available:
All colors and patterns
Many colors and patterns
Coat:
Short or long
Thick and long haired
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american polydactylIt is believed that this unusual cat came to the United States on ships – kept by sailors who thought of them as a good luck charm and to keep the mice population under control.

These unusual cats became popular in the 1800s as ship cats but the cats soon began to be seen in port cities on the Eastern coast of the United States as well as Canada, and their numbers began to increase.

It is also believed these interesting cats were brought specifically to the Boston area.

norwegian forest catThe beautiful Norwegian Forest cat has a thick fur to survive the snow and icy weather in Norway. It is the official cat of Norway.

It originated in Northern Europe. It is believed that the cat was brought to Norway from Great Britain way back in the time of the Vikings. It is also believed that it reproduced with farm cats and has become the modern-day Norwegian Forest breed.

They were discovered in the early twentieth century by cat enthusiasts and in 1938 an organization was established devoted to this breed.

Also, a club was started for the cat in Oslo so as to preserve the breed. The 2nd World War saw the cat all but disappear but a breeding program was started. It was registered in Europe by the 1970s, and in 1994 by the American Cat Fanciers Association and others.

Description

american polydactyl kitten - descriptionThe Polydactyl cat is unusual in that the cat has been born with something odd about it. It has more than the regular number of toes on just one or more of its paws.

Normal cats have a sum of 18 toes, with 5 on the front and 4 on the back but with Polydactyl cats you may find as many as 9 digits on their front and back paws.

American Polydactyl cats are medium to large in size with strong, muscular bodies. The cat can weigh up to 6kg. The head is broad, the ears wide-set and pointed and the coat can be any color, pattern and length.

Temperament:

These cats are easy-going, relaxed, and social. They’re hardy too and they’re able to enjoy being outdoors and indoors.

They’re affectionate with their human family and are also playful and energetic. It is prepared to be friendly with dogs and children too, but it is also able to act independently and get on with things. The Polydactyl cat is distinctive but also a very popular cat breed.

norwegian forest cat kitten - descriptionThis domestic cat is a natural breed with a thick coat of long water-resistant fur and a woolly undercoat. The coat can be in many colors and patterns.

This is a big, strong, heavy boned cat with a bushy tail and long legs. It’s larger than your regular cat and can weigh anything between 3 and 9kg. The eyes are almond-shaped and can be any color while the large ears are high set.

Temperament:

In spite of this being a large cat, they are energetic and yet they don’t like being around boisterous, energetic pets. They are friendly, calm, gentle, and intelligent and enjoy being part of a human family.

They tend to be a bit reserved around strangers. It’s not a demanding cat and can entertain himself with his toys.

Characteristics

american polydactyl cat - characteristicsThe American Polydactyl cat is such a down-to-earth kind of cat that you can welcome him into your home with ease.

Easy to look after, this lively and interesting cat will fill your home with love and companionship, and just a few extra toe nails to clip!

norwegian forest cat cat - characteristicsRemember that your large Norwegian Forest cat likes to scratch so you want to provide him with a scratching post. He is so companionable, you want to reward him by ensuring you make his life as easy as possible.

Known as a gentle giant, the beautiful and undemanding Norwegian Forest cat will appreciate a calm household where he can quietly enjoy the companionship of the humans he loves.

Health Problems

american polydactyl kittens - health problemsWith good care, these cats can live to be between 14 and 16 years of age. You need to be diligent with keeping this cat’s nails trimmed because depending on the placement of the toes, the nails could become a nuisance, growing in the wrong direction and cutting into he cat’s flesh.

Keep the nails trimmed as necessary. To avoid possible injury to your pet, your veterinarian can safely trim your cat’s claws.

Always pay attention to your cat's behavior as well as taking note of your cat when you groom him as both are good ways to discover whether anything is amiss with your polydactyl cat.

norwegian forest cat kittens - health problemsThe lifespan of this big, longhaired cat is usually 14 to 16 years, but you need to check out kidney and heart disease with this particular breed as well as patellar luxation.

You don’t want your cat having problems with the knee cap as this takes away from his ability to leap, pounce and crouch. It’s when the patella or kneecap is out of place. There may not necessarily be pain for your pet and in fact, your cat may not show any signs of abnormality till the condition has become quite advanced.

Your cat can actually become lame. You want to avoid this with the Norwegian as it's a particularly good climber.

Caring The Pet

american polydactyl cats - caringKeep an eye on your cat’s paws as their extra toes can make it that they are at a higher risk of hooking on a carpet or some other material, but this can be managed with regular nail trimming.

Daily needs:

Provide your cat with all the things he needs to make his life pleasant while in your care. He’ll need feeding and drinking bowls, a nice warm, dry bed, a litter box, stimulating toys, and things such as a scratching post and cat climbing tree.

Diet:

Cats are meat-eaters, and they need protein from meat for health. Some cooked chicken and beef can be a real treat for your pet. Grains and carbohydrates should only play a very small role in your pet’s diet. Too many grains can lead to malnutrition and obesity as well as problems with your cat's organs.

Always take into account your cat’s age because different life stages mean different energy levels and therefore different nutritional needs.

Take your sick cat to the vet when you see he is not his usual self. Make sure you keep up to date with all his vaccines and anti-parasite treatments.

Spaying and Neutering:

One of the most important health decisions you’ll make for your Polydactyl cat is to have your pet spayed or neutered. The procedure is common and performed in your vet’s office every day.

It offers lifelong health benefits. It improves your pet’s behavior and keeps them close to home too. Spaying a female cat will prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, and for males, it can prevent testicular cancer.

Best of all, it helps to prevent yet more kittens into a world overrun with stray cats and rescue centers jam-packed with unwanted kittens and cats.

norwegian forest cat cats - caringThe Norwegian has a long coat so you will need to brush it at least twice a week to keep it nice and shiny and free from tangles.

Trim your Norwegian forest cat’s claws. You will need a special nail clipper, but if you're nervous to cut the nails yourself, your vet or pet groomers can do it for you.

Cats battle quite a bit with periodontal disease and an excellent diet can help to prevent this. Cats hate you sticking a toothbrush into their mouths – they can become terrified - and it would b kinder to simply have your cat’s teeth checked out at the vet when you suspect that something might be wrong. At the same time, you can ask to have the inside of your cat’s ears checked for dirt and infection.

Keep your cat’s litter box spotlessly clean. These cats dislike a dirty litter box intensely. Remove all feces every single day – more often even if possible.

One good way to select the best food for your cat is to read the ingredients. The first two ingredients listed on the package should always be meat. Select a high-quality cat food. Keeping Norwegian Forest cats in good health requires high-quality cat food to meet all of your Norwegian forest cat’s nutritional needs.

You can feed your Norwegian Forest cat two meals per day. Always check with your veterinarian for a recommendation on how much and what to feed your cat.

Provide a constant supply of fresh, clean water for your Norwegian Forest cat.The bowl should be in an easy place for your cat to reach and in the shade.

Provide your Norwegian with a soft bed in a quiet, restful place.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Polydactyl vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. American Polydactyl vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. American Polydactyl vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. American Polydactyl vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. American Polydactyl vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. American Polydactyl vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. American Polydactyl vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. American Polydactyl vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. American Shorthair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. American Wirehair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  11. Applehead Siamese vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  12. Ashera vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  13. Asian vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  14. Asian Semi-Longhair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  15. Australian Mist vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  16. Balinese vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  17. Bengal vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  18. Bicolor vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  19. Birman vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  20. Blue Russian vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  21. Bombay vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  22. Brazilian Shorthair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  23. Bristol vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  24. British Longhair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  25. British Shorthair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  26. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Norwegian Forest Cat vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Norwegian Forest Cat vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison