By Maud Lindstedt

From January 1st 2001, there is a new FIFe standard for the Norwegian Forest Cat.

The new standard is based on the proceedings of the FIFe judges seminar held on May 3rd 1998.
The standard was officially accepted at the FIFe General Assembly May 30th 1998 in Denmark. The proposal was voted for by all delegates.
So, what's changed? The quick answer is "nothing". What's been added to the standard is basically clarifications and represent the principles used by FIFe judges and the goals of the breeders. The NFC standard isn't as descriptive as one could wish, but this is a step in the right direction.

New text in Italic

General Shape 
Large

Head shape 
triangular, where all sides are equally long: with good height when
seen in profile: forehead slightly rounded; long, straight profile without break in line (no stop)
chin firm

Ears
Shape large, with good width at the base, pointed;
With lynx-like tufts and long hair out of the ears
Placement high and open, so that the outer lines of the ears follow the lines of
the head down to the chin.

Eyes
Shape large and oval, well opened, set slightly oblique
Expression alert expression
Colour all colours permitted, regardless of coat colour

Body Structure
long, strongly build. Solid bone structure

Legs
strong, high legs; the hind legs higher than the front legs
Paws large, round, in proportion with the legs

Tail
long and bushy, should rach at least to the shoulder blades, but preferably to the neck

Coat
Structure semi-long. The woolly undercoat is coverd by a water repellant overcoat. These long, coarse and glossy guardhairs cover the back and the sides. A fully coated cat has a shirfront, a full frill and knickerbockers.

Colour
All colours ar permitted, including all colours with white; 
except pointed patterns and choclate, lilac, cinnamon and fawn.
Any amount of whit is allowed, i.e a white blaze, white locket, white chest, white on belly, white on paws etc.

Faults
* too small and finely built cats

Head
* round or square head
* profile with a break (stop)

Ears
* small ears
* set to widely appart
* set to close toghether

Legs
* short legs
* thin legs

Tail
* short tail

Coat
* dry coat
* knotted with lumps
* too silky

Previously, the standard didn't consider incorrect ear placement or soft and silky fur as faults. Another good clarification, since many cats have lost points on this.

Remarks:
The fur is only scored for structure and quality.
The slow development inherent in the breed should be considered.
Grown males have wider heads than the females.
The length and quantity of the undercoat varies with the seasons.
The guard hairs may require up to six months to develop.

Scale of points
Total 100 points

Head general shape, nose, profile, jaw and teeth, chin 20
Ears shape, size and placement 10
Eyes shape, expression 5
Body shape, size, bone struture, legs, shape of paws 25
Tail length and shape 10
Coat quality, texture, length 25
Condition 5

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