Safari vs Norwegian Forest Cat - Breed Comparison

Safari vs Norwegian Forest Cat - Breed ComparisonNorwegian Forest Cat is originated from Norway but Safari is originated from United States. Both Norwegian Forest Cat and Safari are having almost same weight. Norwegian Forest Cat may live 4 years less than Safari. Both Norwegian Forest Cat and Safari has same litter size. Norwegian Forest Cat requires Moderate Maintenance. But Safari requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

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Norway
United States
Weight Male:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
9 - 11 kg
19 - 25 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
9 - 11 kg
19 - 25 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
17 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Wegie, Gentle Giant
None
Colors Available:
Many colors and patterns
black, cream, Silvery gray
Coat:
Thick and long haired
Short with black markings
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

safariThe Safari Cat, hailing from the USA, is one of the rarest breeds of cats. There are only about 70 of these cats registered at the International Cat Association.

The Safari cat is a mix of a moggy and Geoffroy's cat. At first, the cat was used for research purposes by Washington State University but then cat breeders took over the development of the breed.

The name ‘Safari’ was chosen because of its wild look.

Description

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.

safari kitten - descriptionThe hybrid Safari cat is a medium to large-sized cat that at first weighed in the region of 15kg, but the cat now weighs roughly 11kg.

Its body is much like that of the wild parent, the Geoffroy – muscular and compact. The ears aren’t particularly large and are smallish, rounded ears with a fairly broad head.

It has a typical wild cat look and is a spotted or rosetted cat breed. Below the spots, the coat is a silvery grey shade.

The coat which is short actually comes in a variety of colors that come from both cat breeds. The eyes of this cat are either yellow or green. The Safari cat certainly has a wild cat appearance, because of the cross-breeding. This is a rare cat and because of this, there is no breed standard for it.

They can live to be between 17 and 20 years of age.

Temperament:

Even though one of the parent breeds is a wild cat, the Safari cat is described as an easy-going cat that can make a good pet.

The cat is very intelligent and playful and will enjoy swimming and climbing. It is for this purpose that he needs to have quite a large outside enclosure with a pool of sorts so that he can paddle.

There isn’t much information on their interaction with children and other pets in the home. While they are quite likely to make good pets where there are children, there would have to be supervision where there are small children. During play, these cats can bit. It would be extremely important to teach children to respect any animal and to be gentle and kind to them.

Characteristics

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.

safari cat - characteristicsAs a hybrid cat, your Safari is interesting alright, but unfortunately, you can’t ever be 100% sure of a hybrid cat. It needs careful consideration before you bring one into your home.

Apart from coming into the home from time to time, hybrid cats need an outside enclosure too that is securely fenced and gated and with a roof.

You made a decision to buy a cat with a wild side. It may live up to all your expectations but it may not either.

When you do research you find that the biggest number of behavioral complaints from owners of hybrid cats are about aggression issues and the refusal to use a litter box when indoors.

There is still a raging debate going on as to whether hybrids make suitable pets, but when you bring any animal into your home, as a responsible adult it is your job to provide well for it to ensure its happiness.

Health Problems

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.

safari kittens - health problemsThe Safari cat isn’t a particularly well-known breed so there isn’t much information on their health. They can suffer from the same illnesses as non-hybrid domestic cats.

Certain hybrid breeds, such as the Safari, can sometimes have issues with reproduction as some cats are infertile. Domestic cats and wild cats have a different number of chromosomes and this results in reproductive problems, and stillbirths are quite common.

Caring The Pet

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.

safari cats - caringIt is recommended that you brush this cat each week. He isn’t a big shedder but the brushing once a week keeps the fur in good condition, removing loose hairs and dust.

A high protein diet is imperative. Cats are carnivores and a meat diet is imperative. You can speak to your vet or a cat expert about feeding your Safari cat. Certainly, they need to be fed high-quality cat food. These foods are available in wet and dry form.

He will definitely need some raw meat. Make sure you understand the ingredients in some low- quality cat foods as corn for cats can be a problem for them, hard to digest and it could cause intestinal problems.

Comparison with other breeds

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  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
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  26. Safari vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Safari vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Safari vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Safari vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Safari vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Safari vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Safari vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Safari vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Safari vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Safari vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Safari vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Safari vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Safari vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Safari vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Safari vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Safari vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Safari vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Safari vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Safari vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Safari vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Safari vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Safari vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Safari vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Safari vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Safari vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison