The Norwegian Forest Cat is a stunning sight, with lush, gorgeous coats and a majestic gaze. What makes these cats even more spectacular is if they have a tortoiseshell coat. The tortoiseshell Norwegian Forest cat is the specific one we will be discussing today.

Tortoiseshell cats, in general, are a real spectacle. Exclusively female, these intelligent, bossy beauties shine through no matter the breed. The Norwegian Forest tortie is a real change of pace. Let’s find out the history of these fine felines.

The Earliest Records of Tortoiseshell Norwegian Forest Cats in History

The Norwegian Forest Cat is an ancient breed dating back to 1000 AD. Its ancestors may be black and white British shorthair cats that adapted well to the cold. They could have been brought from Norway to Great Britain by the Vikings.

In combination, the crusaders in the 14th century brought long-haired cats to Norway. The variety of these two cats eventually gave way to the well-adapted Norwegian Forest Cat. The intensely thick coats of this breed help protect them from harsh Norwegian winters.

Cat enthusiasts discovered Norwegian Forest Cats in the early 20th century. The breed association began trying to perfect and preserve the breed, but World War II came soon after, halting all progress. By 1938, the Norwegian Forest Cat Club was formed in Oslo, Norway.

The war almost did the Norwegian Forest Cat in for good. During this period, they quickly became endangered and nearly extinct. But the Norwegian Forest Cat Club really came through, fostering the breed’s comeback by the 1950s.

To declare the success of the breed’s revival, King Olav V designated this breed to represent Norway as the official cat of the country. Since then, it has gained popularity all over Europe and stands as the fifth most popular cat breed in France today.

Tortoiseshell was among the original colors of the Norwegian Forest Cat. It is a very common coat display and carries some unique genetic certainties with it as well.

How Tortoiseshell Norwegian Forest Cats Gained Popularity

The ancestors of Norwegian Forest Cats were likely mousers on ships that distributed goods and led the way for explorers and trade. These cats were considered extremely lucky and much-needed members of the crew. They helped those on the ship remove any rodents threatening the food supply.

Combined with other imported cats, these sailor kitties put down roots and developed on Norway soil. In enough generational recurrence, a solid look began to form.

Over time, however, cat fanciers got a hold of the breed lineage. They decided these cats would make exceptional show and pet animals for families.

Formal Recognition of Tortoiseshell Norwegian Forest Cats

As we discussed earlier in the article, the Norwegian Forest Cat Club was formed in 1938 as the original celebratory club for the group. This cat breed was exported in the 1970s. Afterward, it left Norway, traveling across Europe.

Finally, after its exit from Norway, it finally gained recognition from the Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe) thanks to Carl Fredrick Nordane. By 1994, the Norwegian Forest Cat was recognized by the American Cat Fanciers Association.

Top 9 Unique Facts About Tortoiseshell Norwegian Forest Cats

Since the tortoiseshell is a coat pattern, we will review facts about both the color itself and the cat breed. Let’s find out some exciting things about this majestic beauty.

1. The tortoiseshell is almost always female

The tortoiseshell coat automatically gives way to the kitten’s gender. Tortoiseshells are strictly female, except in extremely rare circumstances that are nearly unheard of. The combination of genetics that forms this coat pattern requires a female-specific outcome.

Two X chromosomes are needed to create the tortie – meaning they are almost always female. In very, insanely rare cases, a male touting the XXY chromosome combo might pop up, but it’s nearly unfathomable.

If you found a male tortoiseshell, it’s so rare that you’d be a billionaire in no time!

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2. The tortoise shell is known for fortitude

You might have heard the term ‘tortitude before. This describes the attitude that seems to come along with this coat pattern. Tortoiseshell cats tend to be very dominant, active, and vigilant.

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3. There is a difference between a tortoiseshell and a calico

If you look at the calico and tortoiseshell, you might wonder what the difference is. After all, they are both female patterns, and they look very similar. But the difference is one thing—white. Calico cats have patches of white, and torties do not.

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4. Norwegian Forest Cats are often confused with Maine Coons

Blame it on those fluffy, thick tufts of gorgeous fur, but the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Maine Coon are often mistaken for one another. If you take note of particular breed characteristics, your naked eye might very well be able to pick apart the differences.

Maine Coons tend to have strong, defined facial structures and tufts of hair sprawling from the ears—classically like that of a lynx or bobcat. They are massive and have intensely long, fluffy, even coats.

Norwegian Forest Cats have triangular heads and flatter faces than their Maine Coon cousins. They also have incredibly thick fur that seems to fluff out around the neck and evenly cascade downward.

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5. Wedgies really love climbing

Wedgie is what many people call their Norwegian Forest Cats. Blame it on their ancestral roots, but tortoiseshell (and all other) Wedgies really love climbing. They will hop on top of any surface they can reach in the home. They prefer looking at things from above.

So a really good idea for these types of cats is to have ramps, wall hangings, and even bridges so they can explore the upper parts of the household. This really satisfies their need to explore, keeps a lot of clutter off of your floor, and provides mental and physical stimulation.

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6. Wedgies require lots of helpful grooming

Your Norwegian Forest Cat will likely be a master groomer. They can keep their coats nice and shiny, perfectly maintained. But to reduce the likelihood of mats and tangles, it’s best to brush them daily to reach all the spots that might be hard to get.

Since they have such thick manes and coats, they need a little help preventing backdoor mats or tangles around the neck. Daily brushing is highly advisable. It makes the kitty’s coat look shiny and healthy and is a great way to bond with your pet.

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7. Your Norwegian Forest Cat might be ultra-attracted to outdoor dwellings

Even though most Norwegian Forest Cats love staying close to their family, they have an internal need to explore. They have ancestors’ DNA that thrived in nature’s elements with grace. Often, these cats prefer to be outdoor-indoor rather than strictly indoor cats.

Luckily, thanks to their coat adaptations, they were built to withstand environmental elements. However, not all folks live in an area where outdoor wanderings are feasible or advisable.

But there are options! You can make a cat cage for a window, get an enclosure for small outdoor visits, and even train your kitty to walk on a leash!

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8. In Norse mythology these cats are revered for their magical capabilities

Egyptian culture isn’t the only one that reveres cats for being magical—the Norse people did, too!

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9. There are lots of Scandinavian mysteries surrounding these cats and marriage

You may or may not be familiar with the goddess Freya, who symbolizes domestic life. In Scandinavian culture, there are many superstitions linking cats to marriage outcomes.

For example, if you feed your cat well, you are supposed to guarantee you’ll get a sunny wedding day. Another claims that women who are partial to cats will marry for sure. That is very contrary to the famous American explanation of a cat lady.

Isn’t it crazy how cultures differ?

Do Tortoiseshell Norwegian Forest Cats Make Good Pets?

No matter if you get a tortoiseshell or other fur type, the Norwegian Forest Cat makes an excellent pet. These solely female cats will grace you with their sassy attitude and love for affection.

Tortoiseshells tend to have a little bit of extra pizazz in their personality than other coat colors and patterns. You will have to love her special quirks and interesting attributes. Norwegian Forest Cats make excellent family additions to those large and small.

They work very well as only-cat household pets, but they do fine with having other furry playmates to bond with. These cats are not high maintenance and do not require constant care.

They’re perfectly content being left at home to their own devices while you slave away at work. These cats typically bond well with people, but the tortoiseshell might especially connect with one person.

If you are this lucky person, you can build a fulfilling relationship with this fluff.

Conclusion

It’s plain to see why the Norwegian Forest Cat is so loved and particularly beautiful in the tortoiseshell coat variation. Remember that torties tend to be sassier than usual and are almost always female unless you have an extremely rare and valuable male on your hands.

If you are interested in a Norwegian Forest Cat kitten, look for reputable breeders around your area. But remember that you can find homeless kitties at local shelters and rescues with Norwegian Forest Cat lineage.

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Featured Image Credit: Elisa Putti, Shutterstock