Norwegian Forest cats are one of the most beautiful breeds out there. With a strong, muscular build and long, luscious coats, Wegies are a sight for sore eyes. With that out of the way, Wegies come in almost all conceivable colors and patterns. What are the most common Norwegian Forest cat colors and patterns, though?
White, black, blue, red, cream, silver, and golden are some of the colors Norwegian Forest cats are known to rock, but we’re pretty sure you can get your hands on a Wegie of your choice without much trouble, too. According to the Cat Fanciers Association, there are more than sixty different variations.
Tabbies or torties, Norwegian Forest cats are affectionate, sweet, and curious creatures that adore hanging out with humans and climbing on the highest spots. Wegies are a favorite among humans because they’re large and loving – they’re the perfect balance between a wild cat and a kitten.
Wegies mature slower than average moggies and they’re known to display kittenish behavior well into their adulthood. Norwegian Forest cats are extremely family-oriented and they’re more than happy to snuggle the day away with your or your family members.
We do need to mention that some cat connoisseurs believe that the color of a cat’s coat affects the cat’s personality- to a certain degree. Orange cats are considered unhinged and unpredictable, for example, and tortoiseshell cats are rumored to have an attitude. What’s the tea with Norwegian Forest cats?
1. Solid Norwegian Forest Cats
Starting with solid Norwegian Forest cats, they’re one of the most popular, prominent colors everyone gravitates towards. Solid-colored cats are entirely solid which means there are no other tones, markings, or patches of color on their bodies.
Solid-colored Norwegian Forest cats can be white, black, blue/grey, red, and cream. White Wegies are rare and they’re one of the most beautiful solid-colored cats out there. Together with pink noses, pink paw pads, and blue eyes, they’re a thing of fairy tales.
2. Tortoiseshell Wegies
Tortie Wegies are a thing of your dreams, there’s no question about that. Tortoiseshell cats, as the name suggests, are felines with coats resembling the particolored shell of a tortoise. Torties are almost always female and that’s why you need to get your hands on one ASAP – girl power, right?
Shaded tortoiseshell Wegies are predominantly white, too, but they’re defined by red and cream patches and black tips around the strategic areas. We can’t forget about the smoke tortoiseshell Wegie, either. Smoke tortoiseshell Wegies are white with black tipping that covers the red and cream patches and makes the cat appear darker.
3. Tabby Norwegian Forests
Tabby Norwegian Forest cats are the most common out of the bunch. A classic tabby cat comes with dense, defined markings on the body and an “M” shape on the forehead. And, tabby cats typically rock a few swirls on the cheeks and a black line down the back.
Mackerel Wegies are defined by narrow markings on the body, barring on the legs and tails, and a tuft of fur on the chest and neck. Patched Wegies, on the other hand, come with patches of color rather than lines or swirls. Spotted Wegies, as you might have guessed, come with spots of color all around the body and spotted stripes along the spine. Ticked Wegies don’t have any spots, stripes, or blotches, but are rather embellished with distinct tabby markings on the face, tail, and legs.
4. Shaded Norwegian Forest Cats
Shaded Norwegian Forest cats are defined by a light undercoat with darker tipping on the flanks, head, tail, and along the back. Shaded Wegies are super similar to chinchilla Wegies (more on that down below), but there’s a difference in the intensity of the color and contrast.
Shaded colors are typically silver, golden, and red. Silver-shaded Wegies are white with black tipping on the flanks, head, back, and tail. When they move, they appear to be silver even though they’re a combination between white and black. Golden-shaded Wegies come with a warm-toned cream undercoat and black tipping around the strategic areas. Paw pads are black and the noses are pink. Red-shaded Wegies are white with red tipping on the back, sides, face, and tail. Paw pads and noses are pink.
5. Smoke Wegies
Smoke Wegies are often mistaken for solid-colored Wegies. When they’re resting, they’re typically a solid color – but when they’re roaming around, the light undercoat appears. Black, blue, cream, cameo, and blue-cream are the most common smoke Wegies.
Starting with black, black smoke Wegies come with a white undercoat and black tipping on the entire body. Blue smoke Norwegian Forest cats are a diluted version of black smoke Wegies and that’s why they appear blue when light hits them. Cream smoke Wegies have a white undercoat with cream tipping and white frills and ear furnishings. Cameo smoke Norwegian Forest cats have a white undercoat with red tipping, white frills, white ear tufts, and pink noses and paw pads.
6. Calico Norwegian Forests
And here’s the gorgeous Calico Wegie! They are defined by a white undercoat with black and red patches of color scattered around strategic areas, mainly the stomach, muzzle, chest, legs, and feet.
Calico Wegies can be all sorts of color combinations, including blue-cream, bi-color, tabby and white, van calico, blue, cream and white, and amber. Whichever color combination you decide to go with, you can count on your Wegie to rock a white undercoat with different-colored patches. We’d argue that Calico Wegies are the most mysterious moggies out of the bunch because you never know what you’re going to get.
7. Chinchilla Wegies
First things first, they’re typically defined by an undercoat in one color and tips on the back, sides, head, and tail in a different, darker shade. Furthermore, chinchilla Wegies look like they shimmer when they’re walking or running because of the contrast of the two different shades.
Chinchilla Wegies can be silver, golden, or red. Silver chinchillas come with a white undercoat with black tips on the back, head, tail, and sides. Paw pads are black and noses are red. Golden chinchillas come with a cream undercoat with black tipping on the head, tail, back, and sides. Paw pads are black and noses are pink. Red chinchillas have a white undercoat with red tipping on the head, back, tail, and sides. Paw pads and noses are pink.
8. Blue Norwegian Forest Cats
The blue Norwegian Forest cat boasts a coat that resonates with deep elegance. This color, a dilute version of black, appears as a soft, smoky gray that exudes charm. Often admired for its subtlety, the blue coat can shift in tone under different lighting conditions, giving it a dynamic quality.
These cats wear their plush fur like royalty, making every movement a graceful display. Such a coat requires regular grooming to maintain its luxurious allure. Blue Norwegian Forest cats are not only visually captivating but also possess a calm and gentle personality that suits any loving home.
9. Cream Wegies
With its creamy coat that evokes warmth and comfort, the Norwegian Forest cat is a delightful sight. The soft glow of its fur brightens any space, while its light color highlights the cat’s expressive features and draws attention to its striking eyes. Regular brushing ensures its coat stays sleek and tangle-free.
Their coat is not just about aesthetics; it reflects a serene and friendly nature. Owners often find themselves captivated by both the appearance and the affectionate personality of these delightful cats.
10. Silver Wegies
With their stunning metallic sheen, silver Norwegian Forest cats are a sight to behold. Their coats often feature tabby patterns, creating an intricate play of light and shadow that enhances their beauty. The sunlight accentuates their glow, adding to their ethereal presence. Regular grooming is required to keep their coat tangle-free and maintain its shine.
Beneath this captivating exterior lies a curious and playful nature, making them delightful companions for both play and relaxation.
11. Red Norwegian Forest Cats
With their fiery red coats, Norwegian Forest cats radiate a vibrant energy. The color ranges from rich, dark reds to lighter, golden shades, making them truly eye-catching. Tabby markings often enhance their dynamic look, adding depth to their striking appearance. Regular grooming ensures their fur stays in top condition and maintains its full, brilliant shine.
Bursting with personality, red Norwegian Forest cats are known for being playful and adventurous, making them the perfect addition for active families or individuals.
12. Bi-color Wegies
Bi-color Norwegian Forest cats offer a delightful combination of contrasting shades, typically involving white and another color such as black or gray. The striking pattern can appear in various forms, from patches to more evenly distributed colors.
These cats often have a charming, almost theatrical appearance, drawing attention wherever they go. Maintaining their coat’s pristine condition involves regular grooming to prevent matting and preserve the contrast. Their unique appearance is matched by an equally engaging personality, often characterized by affectionate, sociable behavior that endears them to families and singles alike.
13. Tuxedo Wegies
With their black and white tuxedo coats, these Norwegian Forest cats radiate elegance and sophistication. Their distinctive pattern creates a sharp contrast, emphasizing their regal appearance. Regular grooming is crucial to maintain the luster of their black fur and the clarity of their white. This striking look is paired with a keen, curious personality.
Tuxedo cats are known to be affectionate and sociable, making them wonderful companions that bring a touch of class to any household.