Norwegian Forest Cats: Indoors And Outdoors

Northern Europe is the home of the courageous Vikings. With such strong features, Norwegian Forest Cats seem to fit the mold of a true blood Viking. With such piercing eyes, and fluffy stringent features, the Norse Skoggkat truly depicts the heart of the North.

Norwegian Forest Cats are domestic cats that have adapted from a very cold climate. This old breed is a natural adaptation against the environment of Northern Europe. Yet this feline class was not classified as a show cat until the late 1930’s when Norwegian Forest Cats were shown in Germany. After WWII the breed was forgotten due to a fledging Norwegian show cat industry. Then a great turn of event occurred when Norwegian Forest Cats are adapted as an official breed in 1977.

Norwegian Forest Cats have features that led other to believe that they are the ancestors of Maine Coon Cats. They have bright emerald green eyes surrounded by a band of gold color. Norwegian Forest Cats also have that sweet face that does not seem to show what they want to say. Even then, Norwegian Forest Cats are fully expressed with their fur and jaunty ears. Norwegian Forest Cats have thick double-layered coats with bushy tails to protect against the cold. Like the Maine Coon Cat, Norwegian Forest Cats also have water-proofed coats to protect against freezing droplets. Also, like Maine Coon Cats, Norwegian Forest Cats are rather large weighing from thirteen to twenty two pounds. These features suggest the close relationship between these two large cats.

Norwegian Forest Cats are said to be the main companion of the Vikings’ conquests. The Vikings reached Maine before the Pre-Columbian era and some of the Norwegian Forest Cats were left there. Maine Coon Cats are believe to come from short haired domestic cats and the long furred cats with the in the same class of Norwegian Forest Cats. This long history makes Norwegian Forest Cats a prime example of cat heritage.

Norwegian Forest Cats are intelligent, robust, and very playful. Their physical features allow them to enjoy the outdoors even in the coldest regions where they like to fool around and hunt. They are great at catching mice and they won’t leave the family goldfish without trying at least. Although they have affection for the outdoors, they adjust well inside the house and in the companion of families. They constantly seek companionship from other pets if their owners are not around.

Norwegian Forest Cats always appreciate climbing trees when outdoors and getting to high places inside the houses. They would climb over appliances or high surfaces to find a high point to look at. This follows their outdoor forest instinct that their ancestors are known for.

Today, Norwegian Forest Cats are the examples of cats tamed from the wild. While you can readily notice their outdoor instincts, their loving domestic behavior makes them all the more unique. Having Norwegian Forest Cats are truly a delight for adventurous families look for playful feline friends.

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