Often confused with their equally furry cousins Maine Coons, the Norwegian Forest cats have been grabbing people’s attention for quite a long time. Their large size and fluffy coats are enough to make everyone smile and be amazed the moment they lay their eyes on this amazing cat breed. If you have become interested in learning more about the Norwegian forest feline, then you will definitely enjoy reading the rest of this article.
Instead of simply focusing on the main characteristics and the general physiognomies of these animals, my plan is to do something else here – something more fun. To cut to the chase, I’ve decided to share some fun facts about these felines that you might not have known about so far. After all, these cats are definitely rather fun and we wouldn’t be doing them any favors if we skipped the talk of some of the things that make them not only amusing but also quite mysterious and enigmatically beautiful.
Given the fact that you are here, you are probably interested in getting the Norwegian Forest cat and keeping it as your next pet. Well, that’s another important reason why you should learn as much about it as possible. So, without further ado, let us start checking out some of those fun facts that you will definitely love hearing about. Some might be rather surprising.
Its Origins Are Unknown
Despite its name hinting at where this feline comes from, it seems that its actual origins are mysterious and pretty much unknown. The only thing we know for sure is that these animals are quite old and that they have been around for a long, long time. According to some theories, they might be the descendants of certain cats that Vikings used as mousers on their ships. Other theories, though, claim that they could have been brought to Scandinavia by Crusaders.
Regardless of its actual origins, one thing is for sure. These felines have been around for a while and they definitely aren’t going extinct any time soon, although there are speculations that they were very close to it during World War II. In any case, we are all rather glad that this didn’t happen, because feline lovers would be left deprived of a rather unique and exceptional cat breed.
Living outdoors is its intended environment
The way this breed has spent its life in the past has led to them adapting to extremely cold weather. One quick look at them will make it clear that the Norwegian winters cannot harm them and that it has learned how to survive in the outdoors without anyone’s help. Their furs and undercoats provide these animals with perfect insulation and allow them to feel perfectly comfortable even in harsh and cold weather.
Yet, the fact that these animals have adapted to the outdoors doesn’t mean that they cannot be indoor pets. Quite on the contrary, the Norwegian Forest cat has proved to be perfectly capable of living indoors. Of course, if you are planning on getting this feline, you should keep in mind that it is rather active and that you will need to keep it entertained and make sure that it gets the physical activity it needs in order to thrive.
It Seems To Have Its Place In Norse Mythology
Now, here is a fun fact that has probably never even crossed your mind. Norse mythology features creatures called Skogkatt, which basically means “forest cat”. It is generally believed that the Skogkatt, which appeared in Norse folklore and mythology numerous times, was inspired by the Norwegian Forest feline. That just goes to show how old these animals actually are and speaks further to their actual origin and the mystery of it. Click this to get some more interesting facts about this feline.
You should keep in mind, though, that Skogkatt and its modern counterpart definitely differ in a lot of aspects. Quite a while has passed since the Skogkatt first appeared in those tales and it’s perfectly normal for an animal to evolve and change over time. So, while the Norwegian Forest and the Skogkatt are actually relatives, it doesn’t mean that they have exactly the same appearance, or personality.
It Was Recognized As A Breed Rather Recently
Let me now tell you something that might come as a surprise. Even though these felines are extremely old, they haven’t actually been recognized as a breed up until the 20th century. The breed was first acknowledged around World War II, and it started being noticed outside Norway during the 1970s. That’s quite late, given the fact that these cats are featured in Norse mythology.
It Is A Big Eater
If you decide to get this feline and keep it as a pet, there is one thing that you will need to keep in mind at all times. Unlike some other breeds, the Norwegian Forest cat eats a lot, and I mean – A LOT. Since this breed is quite large, it’s no wonder that it needs more food in order to survive and thrive.
It Loves Climbing
Speaking of thriving, I have mentioned above that this breed needs to be active. Climbing is one of its favorite activities, so you might want to take that into account when trying to decide whether to get it as a pet or not. Once you provide it with everything it needs, though, this animal will be the perfect house pet.
Conclusion
Norwegian Forest cats are a unique breed that possesses a combination of beauty, intelligence, and affection. Their rich history, rugged appearance, and loving personalities make them a great choice for families and individuals looking for a companion cat. With proper care, training, and socialization, these cats can be a wonderful addition to any household.
Whether you’re looking for a loyal friend or a furry companion, the Norwegian Forest cat is sure to bring joy and happiness to your life.