The Norwegians virus

The Norwegians virus, how do you get it (and how do you get rid of it)?

The Norwegian Forest Cat is popular as a pedigree cat. As a breeder, I usually don't complain about interest when I have a litter. The Norway virus is even an officially recognised condition. Doctors are in the dark about the cause and certainly about the cure. Universities are doing research but there is still no cure.

People suffering from the Norenvirus have as their main phenomenon that they want more and more Norwegian Forest Cats. Not to breed with, no, just because they are so cute, especially if they are neutered. But what makes these Norwegians so cute? Their character, their tough appearance, basically just everything.

A growing Norwegians family

I bought my first Norwegian Forest Cat in 2007. Nina is now 15 years old and
still lives with me. That I would breed was not the intention. One litter, that
seemed like fun. I wanted to do that 'officially' so I asked for a catterynaam at.
But after that one litter, more followed. A few 'breeders' lingered, a new cat
girl was added, Kirsti, now 11 years old.

And so the Norwegian family grew. In October 2021, we welcomed
the 5th generation. My Norwegians are all social cats. Fond of visitors,
playful until old age and despite the fact that a large group lives here, there
are rarely fights. Sometimes, when a lady is in heat, the gentlemen sometimes
want to get into each other's hair because they both think that girl is for
them.

Is a cure for Noren virus possible?

But that Noren virus, how bad is it? A fellow breeder once said to me ‘I save Norwegians, and I don't have any doubles to trade’. Norwegian Forest Cats are very social. They adapt very quickly. My own call consists mainly of ‘own breeding’ but there have been the occasional newcomers. When such a newcomer got out of the carrier a bit dazed and looked around, it was sometimes a bit overwhelming, all those curious looks. But my group always responded laconically. Oh, a new one. Oh, she blows. Oh well, that will pass. And it always did pass, although my Kjaere lasted a very long time, much to the chagrin of the rest of the Norwegians.

Is a Norwegian Forest Cat for me?

If you're considering getting a Norwegian Forest Cat, there
are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure you have a large scratching post,
they love to clamber, preferably as high as possible. A Norwegian male can
easily weigh 8 kilos, especially after neutering. So that pole must also be a
bit sturdy.

They also like to go outside, but cats don't belong on the
street (I think). So make sure you have a secluded garden or balcony or invest
in a cat run, preferably with a pet door so that they can decide for themselves
when to go outside. Take two at a time, then they can frolic with each other
instead of using your furniture to monkey cage on their own. But then, of
course, there is that virus. Kitten buyers of mine sometimes suffer from it
too. "Are you going to have another litter this year? We are thinking
about taking one more". A mild form of the Norwegian virus can do no harm.
If it threatens to get out of hand, 😊 it is advisable to consult
your doctor