Standard of Points

 
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large but elegant semi-longhaired cat, the most important features being type and coat quality. As the breed originated as a natural outdoor working cat on Norwegian farms, the appearance of the NFC should reflect this natural heritage. The NFC matures slowly, and full development can take up to 4 years.
 
GCCF FIFe
Head Triangular, long straight profile without a break in line. Strong chin. Triangular, where all sides are equal; long, straight profile without break in line (no stop). Firm chin.
Ears High and open, with good width at the base (width between ears being less than the width of one ear). High set so that the lines of the ears follow the line of the head down to the chin. Lynx-like tufts and long hair out of the ears.  Good width at the base, with lynx-like tufts and long hair out of the ears. Placed high and open, so that the outer lines of the ear follow the line of the head down to the chin.
Eyes Large, well opened, slightly oblique. All colours allowed, regardless of coat colour. Large, well opened, slightly oblique. Alert expression. All colours permitted, regardless of coat colour.
Body Big and strong built, long and muscular with solid bone structure; must not be cobby or delicate. Long, strongly built; solid bone structure.
Legs (and Paws) Long legs. Hind legs longer than front legs. Tufts of fur between toes. High on legs; hind legs higher than front legs.
Tail Long and bushy, should reach at least to the shoulder blades, but preferably to the neck. Long and bushy,  should reach to the neck.
Coat Semi-long. The woolly undercoat is covered by a smooth, water repellent overcoat. This glossy hair covers the back and sides. A fully coated cat has a shirtfront, full ruff and knickerbockers. During summer, however, the coat is considerably shorter. Semi-long. The woolly undercoat is covered by a smooth, water repellent upper-coat. This glossy hair covers the back and sides. A fully coated cat has a shirtfront, a full frill and knickerbockers. 
Faults Cobby, small or delicate build. Break (stop) in profile. Round or square head. Short tail (not reaching to back of shoulder blades.) Short legs. Dry, knotted coat. Any defect in the GCCF list of veterinary defects. Too small and finely built cats. Round or square head. Profile with break (stop). Small ears. Short legs. Short tail. Dry coat. Coat knotted with lumps.
 
Colour: currently in both GCCF and FIFe all colours are permitted, including all colours with white; except pointed patterns and chocolate and lilac, cinnamon and fawn. Any amount of white is allowed, i.e. a white blaze, white locket, white chest, white on belly, white on the paws, etc.
However, one of the most endearing characteristics of the Norwegian Forest Cat is its temperament - intelligent and fun-loving yet gentle and laid-back, energetic and sociable yet not too demanding - a "Wegie" makes an excellent and rewarding friend for life. As for grooming, this is easily dealt with by means of occasional combing - for their natural coats are largely self-maintaining.