Interesting facts about the Norwegian Forest Cat
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The Norwegian Forest Cat is a popular feline known for its large build, social disposition, and fluffy coat. While this seems like the general knowledge most cat lovers know about this breed, there are other facts about the Norsk skogskatt (that’s its name in Norwegian) that will leave you in awe.
Therefore, in this article, we will discuss some of these interesting facts. Let’s start …
1. This is the official national cat of Norway
This cat is practically royal in the country of Norway and it is thanks to King Olaf V. Some time ago in the 1950s, this king designated this feline as the country’s official national cat. This recognition increased the popularity of this breed.
So if you ever visit Norway, treat the Norsk skogkatt well if you come across one to avoid the wrath of the Norwegians. Visit https://www.afsusa.org/countries/norway/ to learn more about Norwegian culture and values.
2. He’s tall
Compared to most cats, Norwegian Forest Cats intimidate others about size; even some small dogs will be eclipsed by this feline. While he may not be as tall as the Maine Coon, he is not far behind.
An adult female will weigh around 8 to 18 pounds (3.6 to 8 kilograms), while an adult male will weigh around 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kilograms).
3. He is related to the Maine Coon
This kitten bears a striking resemblance to the Maine Coon with its sturdy, broad body and shaggy tail. The resemblance is almost the same which most people cannot tell apart from each other.
The reason for these similarities is that genetic testing has revealed that these two cats are related. The Maine Coon is a descendant of the Norsk skogkatt and an unknown domestic breed that is now extinct.
If you still can’t tell the difference between these two kittens, let us help you a little. The Maine Coon’s head is wedge-shaped while the Norsk skogkatt’s face is triangle-shaped.
4. They are warrior cats
Yes, you heard right. The ancestors of this breed traveled with the Vikings as they traveled through Europe. These ancestors were either the white and black shorthair felines of Great Britain that caught mice on Viking ships. Or the long-haired felines brought by the 14e century crusaders in Scandinavia.
Whatever the case, it’s a fact that these cats stayed with the Warriors and were treasured for their hunting skills which made them invaluable to Vikings and Crusaders.
When on land, these cats were allowed to roam the forests of Norway at their leisure, which led them to breed with barn cats and wild felines. After a while, they became the modern Norsk skogkatt that we know from adaptation and evolution.
5. They are creatures of the myth
This fact may seem far-fetched given that these creatures are very much alive and live among us. However, this does not detract from the fact that Nordic legends tell the story of skogkatt. This is a large, fairy-haired, long-haired cat that lives in the mountains and can climb vertical rock faces that other cats cannot climb.
Due to the size, coat and capacity of the Norwegian Forest Cat climbing trees, many have suggested that was the inspiration behind the skogkatt (meaning ‘forest cat’).
According to Norse myth, this legendary kitten was loved by the goddess Freya. Some even go ahead to say that Freya was traveling in a tank pulled by the skogkatt.
Another Norwegian tale tells of how Thor lost a match of strength against Jormungand who disguised himself as a skogkatt.
Due to these myths, some breeders call the modern breed “Norsk skogkatt”.
6. They almost died out
While sailors and farmers treasured this kitten for its ability to track mice for centuries, cat lovers and hobbyists only noticed them in the 1930s.
With the arrival of the Second World War, this feline almost disappeared following a crossbreeding. Fortunately, the Norwegian Forest Cat Club came to the rescue by establishing an official breeding program that has helped preserve this breed.
The International Cat Federation, which was a pan-European federation of cat registries, made the Norsk skogkatt an officially recognized breed in 1977. This became a reality thanks to the efforts of cat lover Carl-Fredrik Nordance from Norway.
A breeding pair then came to America in 1979, but it wasn’t until 1987 that the American Cat Fanciers’ Association accepted this feline as a breed.
7. They are excellent tree climbers
If you see this feline running head first through a tree, you don’t need to be surprised. For these kittens, such an action is as normal as it is for you when you walk.
Their ability to climb trees is part of the legend, as mentioned in Norse myths; speaking of Nordic myths, click here to discover these 10 Viking stories. They have very sturdy claws that allow them to perform certain climbing feats that will surprise you.
8. They are loved in Europe
You might think that these cats are only loved in Norway. The truth is, they have lovers all over Europe. The majority of Scandinavians adore this feline so much that it is called “Wegies”; it’s just a short form for “Norwegians”.
Other countries besides Norway where these cats are loved are Denmark, Sweden, Iceland and even France.
Conclusion
The above article discussed some interesting facts about the Norsk skogkatt. Which one intrigued you the most? For us, our choice will be number 5.
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