Norwegian Forest Cat vs Ocicat - Breed Comparison

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

Basic Information

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United States
Norway
Weight Male:
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 17 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
Wegie, Gentle Giant
Colors Available:
cinnamon, chocolate, tawny - spots and stripes
Many colors and patterns
Coat:
Short and silky
Thick and long haired
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, 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

ocicatVirginia Daly was the first breeder of Ocicats, hailing from Michigan. She wanted to breed an Abyssinian-pointed Siamese in 1964 and the first kittens looked to be Abyssinian.

With the next litter, the Abyssinian-pointed Siamese and a spotted kitten, nicknamed an Ocicat. Further breedings produced more spotted kittens and became the basis of the Ocicat.

A breeding program was started for Siamese to Abyssinian, and the kittens bred to Siamese. Later the American Shorthair was introduced to the Ocicat and this brought in bigger boning as well as adding silver to the 6 colors of the Ocicat.

It was during the 1980s that the cat was accepted for registration in The Cat Fanciers' Association.

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

ocicat kitten - descriptionOcicats, with their wedge-shaped heads, are strong, large cats with muscular legs that have striped markings. The cat can weight between 4 and 7kg. The ears are large and pointed.

The cat has almond-shaped eyes. The fur has dark spots and there are many color variants that are approved by the major cat registries. The standard colors for the cat are chocolate, cinnamon and tawny.

Temperament:

These large cats have got personality traits from both cats – the Siamese and the Abyssinian. They are friendly, playful, and sociable cats, making excellent family pets, getting on well with children and other pets. Those who have owned them say owning such a cat is similar to owning a dog as they can be taught basic commands and tricks and even walk on a leash.

They are even known to swim with you. They’re cats that crave the attention of their human owners, but bond specifically with one person. It won’t do at all well in a household where it is left alone for long periods of time.

It's an intelligent cat and will most certainly need toys and a lifestyle that is stimulating.

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

ocicat cat - characteristicsThe Ocicat is a friendly, non-aggressive cat that is devoted to his human family. It’s a cat that thrives on being around people and won’t relish being left alone for long periods of time.

The largish cat is intelligent and easily trainable. He loves toys and it will be good to buy him some toys that require him thinking a little bit.

Highly energetic, he’ll love nothing more than for you to become involved in his games. Give him the attention he craves and he’ll become your best friend.

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

ocicat kittens - health problemsDiet is a crucial part of being a healthy cat, There are many excellent commercially manufactured cat foods on the market and your cat might prefer the wet- or dry type of cat food.

The idea is to choose the highest quality cat food that is packed with meat and protein as your cat is a carnivore. One good way to choose a good cat food is to read the ingredients and make sure that the first ingredients are meat.

He wants chicken, tuna, liver and pheasant in his diet. Make sure that the food also contains taurine as this is an essential amino acid that every cat must have.

If in any doubt, speak to your vet as cats require certain vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Always ensure a fresh supply of cool drinking water.

Your cat requires being vaccinated and dewormed.

Get to know a good vet in your area so that if your cat is sick, you don't have to waste precious time searching for a vet.

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

ocicat cats - caringProvide your Ocicat with companionship as these are cats that can’t be left for hours on their own.

Provide your Ocicat with a litterbox that is kept clean. Your ocicat’s dropping must be regularly raked up out of the litter box sand and removed. A cat won’t use a dirty litterbox.

Treat your Ocicat for parasites. In fact, treating parasites isn’t a once-off treatment but ongoing. You can consult with your veterinarian for advice on the best and safest way to treat your pet for worms, ticks, fleas, and mites.

Brush your Ocicat’s fur once a week. They have short fur so they are fairly low maintenance. You can use a rubber hand brush and you can even wipe the fur down with a damp cloth to remove dust. He will have to have his claws trimmed.

Nobody should buy a pet and then do as little as possible for it. Your Ocicat’s going to need daily exercise as well as mental stimulation and he will require this through interaction with his human family. Buy him stimulating toys to keep him busy, play games with him and buy a cat leash so you can take him on walks outdoors for a bit of sunlight.

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