2. Cooper RL, Drobatz KJ, Lennon EM, et al. About: In the 1300s, The Black Death touched two-thirds of Norway’s population, which left them economically and politically disadvantaged for years. Pills For Pets: The A to Z Guide to Drugs and Medications for Your Animal Companion. Norwegian Forest cats could be related to black-and-white short-haired cats from Great Britain, which the Vikings used as mousers on their ships. a renowned Norwegian poet. Sometimes, they are also affectionately called "Wegies", a nod to their Norwegian origins. Look at their features. Genetic testing indicates that the Maine Coon is descendent of both the Norwegian Forest Cat and an unknown—and now-extinct—domestic breed. Their lifespan is usually around 14-16 years of age. They are bigger than most house cats, with males growing significantly larger than females. 4. Consult with a vet and find the food specifically designed according to your Forest’s age, size, health status and activity. Let's take a closer look at this fascinating breed. "A complex rearrangement in GBE1 causes both perinatal hypoglycemic collapse and late-juvenile-onset neuromuscular degeneration in glycogen storage disease type IV of Norwegian forest cats". Farmers believed that if Freya passed through their fields, it would cause their crops to sprout and grow. Can't tell the two apart? NFC's are found in Norwegian fairy tales & mythology. Other tales describe the Norwegian Forest cats turning into trolls and trolls turning into cats. On average, a Norwegian forest kitten can cost anywhere from $300 to as much as $900. They can be lap cats, but only when, where and with whom they want to cuddle. wrote an entire book about a white Forest CaL "Snowflaks." Norwegian forest cat, Norse mythology tells that two great cats called Bygul (golden bee) and Trjegul (golden amber tree) It is believed the skogkatt were based off of the large, furry Norwegian Forest cats, as skogkatt literally translates to “forest cat”. 3. 5. If you have, it was most likely a Norwegian Forest cat. 1. Most beloved by Freya, the Norse goddess of beauty and love, this longhaired cat (referred to as the skogkatt) features in numerous tales that refer to it as a “Fairy cat”. Here are a few other furry facts about the Scandinavian feline. Their coats are a lot denser during the cooler winter months, but quite a bit shorter and less thick in the summertime.They have large heads that are triangular shaped and when seen in profile, a cat's nose is straight and long. Norwegian Forest cats were the favorites of Freya. A Norwegian Forest cat lives life on his own terms. In 1912, Gabriel Scott. Thanks to these legends, some breeders today refer to the Norwegian Forest cat as the “Norse skogkatt.”. Appearances aren’t deceiving. She was often portrayed with Norwegian Forest cats playing or napping around her, or driving her around in her chariot. The cats have sturdier claws than most breeds, allowing them to achieve impressive climbing feats. Norwegian Forest cats have a triangle-shaped face, whereas Maine Coons have a wedge-shaped head with high cheekbones. Sunshimmer Blueberry Muffin (Blueberry) Sire: Rowgarnor Teddy Bear. A wanderer and his pet bear came by to spend the night during the feast. 3. As mentioned before, one of the famous legends following the cat is that in which Thor, the strongest God of them all, lost a contest of strength to Jormungand who came disguised as a Norwegian Forest cat. It has developed over many years of natural selection into a breed able to survive the long harsh winters of Norway. Thor, the God of Thunder, could not lift a Norwegian Forest. While it is certain that the breed originated in Norway, there are two theories of who their real ancestors are. Like we said, Norwegian Forest cats come up in Norse folklore often. The breed was finally registered in Europe in 1970s, and in the American Cat Fanciers Association in 1994. To avoid obesity, it is recommended to dose their high-quality food in two measured meals per day. The Breed Standard. They were so large that not even mighty Thor could lift them. Which story of the Viking Cat was your favorite? Other possible ancestors could include Turkish Angora and Siberian cats, as well as longhaired cats from Turkey and Russia. While Norwegian Forest cats don’t crack the top 10 most popular cat breeds in America, they do have a legion of loyal fans in Europe. Norwegian Forest cats appear in a Norwegian fairy tale, which states the Norse goddess Freya’s chariot was pulled by these six giant cats. Basepaws, Inc. All rights reserved. Adult males weigh anywhere from 5.5 to 7.5 kg (12 – 16.5 lbs), and females from 3.5 to 4.5 kg (7.7 – 10 lbs). Often described as "the mystic wildcat of the fairy tales", the Norwegian Forest cats have been followed by magical tales ever since the early beginnings. Considering their size, long, shaggy coats, and amazing climbing abilities, these legends very well could have been inspired by Norwegian Forest cats. The Norwegian forest cat (or scogkatts in Norwegian) originated between 1500 and 4,000 years ago, as a result of natural selection. Enchanted cats of the forest that could disappear at will. Old Norwegian myths described the size of the cat to be so huge, not even the mighty Gods could lift them. Farmers and sailors prized the Norwegian Forest cat for its mousing skills. In Norway, the breed is often referred to as Norsk Skogkatt (which is Norwegian for Norwegian Forest cat), Norsk skaukatt or Norsk granskogkatte. (In fact, Norwegian Forest cats are nicknamed “Wegies,” which is short for “Norwegians.”) They’re also popular in France. An abridged translation of Stroebe's Nordische Volksmärchen (1922), [20] rendered into English by Martens, provides additional tales from the various collections, and complements the above translations to some extent. Freya and her Cat Chariot- Stuart Rankin / Flickr 90 (4): 383–392. Forest cats have a calm nature and usually get along very well with humans and other pets. If your cat doesn’t respond well to grooming, try to train it to accept the routine by associating the experience with something pleasant and enjoyable. King Olaf V of Norway designated the Norwegian Forest cat the country’s national cat. Norwegian Forest cats are known for their fluffy coats, large builds, and social dispositions. "If ever there was a cat built to match its environment, it is the Norwegian Forest Cat. However, fanciers didn’t start noticing and showing the breed until the 1930s. In 1977, the Norwegian Forest cat breed was officially accepted as a recognized breed by the Fédération Internationale Féline. (They also have tufted ears and toes, which work like built-in earmuffs and boots.) A stretching post, plenty of toys and/or a tall bedding will go a long way with these kitties. Some published studies have also recognized the Norwegian Forest cats, among several other breeds, to be at a higher risk from Diabetes mellitus (Cooper RL et al, 1997-2007)(Ohlund M et al, 2015). They can scare the trolls away.. Once upon a time, a farmer was having a Christmas supper with a group of trolls. One such story suggested that Thor, the God of Thunder and son of Odin Allfather, lost a contest of strength to Jormungand, the serpent son of Loki, the God of mischief. The Norwegian Forest cat is originally from Norway and its origin can be traced back to thousands of years ago. ... Hlin is a black tortie smoke with white, she has a very playful loving nature and is always one of the first cats to join you in bed. 2015;29(5): 1342-1347. THEY’RE BIG IN EUROPE. Because trolls are terrified of thunder, they all ran away, forever afraid of cats. One troll, thinking the bear was the wanderer’s cat, offered the beast some food. Although believed to be between 1000 to 2000 years old, their mythology continues to live on to this very day. The breed is easily distinguished by their large, almond-shaped eyes, triangle-shaped head and a straight profile from the brow ridge to the tip of the nose. p. 723. With strong origins in Northern Europe, the Norwegian forest cat is well-suited to a cold climate. Typical male Norwegian Forest cats can range anywhere from 13 to 22 pounds. These kitties love to explore and they make for excellent climbers. Although Norwegian Forest cats can be any color or pattern, they do have one thing in common: a long, double-layered coat that repels water. The breed was close to extinct until Carl-Fredrik Nordane organized a breed club to preserve the Forest Cat. The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large feline and one that boasts being a natural hunter. They are highly adaptable to cold climates because of their beautiful, abundant coat made up of water-shedding hair and a wooly undercoat. Over the years, they evolved into the large, dense-coated animal we know and love today. They once almost became extict.. During World War II, the breed didn’t get a lot of attention, and thanks to crossbreeding, came very close to extinction. A Norwegian Forest Cat is a native to Norway and these athletic and big cats make great pets and ESAs. The Norwegian Forest has evolved through the centuries as a product of its environment. The Norwegian Forest Cat is a very old breed. In a study conducted by Fyfea et al in 2007, a complex rearrangement in the Glycogen branching enzyme (GBE1) has been identified in this breed. These early relatives roamed Norway’s forests, breeding with feral felines and barn cats. Norwegian myths tell of the skogkatt, a large, long-haired "mountain-dwelling fairy cat with an ability to climb sheer rock faces that other cats could not manage.” Thanks to their size, coats, and tree-climbing prowess, the Norwegian Forest cat may have served as the real-life inspiration for the skogkatt (which translates to “forest cat”). - The Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA). Given the culture from which it comes, it is mentioned in many legends and fairy tales. He was disguised as no other than a Norwegian Forest, of course! Norse mythology tells that these cats were the favourites of Freyja, goddess of love, fertility and the hearth. Sometimes pedigreed cats end up at the shelter after losing their home to an owner’s death, divorce or change in economic situation. It is important that what your cat eats fully addresses all its nutritional needs. You can do this by grooming them only when you are both relaxed and talking to your cat gently and calmly. Copy the desired cat.xnb and paste into content/animals to use this way. : Murdoch Books. The Norwegian forest cat (Norsk skogkatt) is a hugely popular cat in Norway and across northern Europe. National fairy tales by Asbjomsen and Moe mention Troll Cats who were huge and furry-. The specific place and the way in which originated remain a mystery. The Norwegian Forest Cat has been nicknamed “Wegie”. Funnily enough, Norwegian Forest cats are known for their exceptionally strong claws and ability to climb rocks. Those who left milk out for Freya’s cats would be blessed with luxuriant harvest. The Norwegian Forest Cat is the National Cat of Norway 1. The Cat Who Could Eat So Much. These handy physical traits helped the breed survive snowy Scandinavian winters. Make the sessions short at first, and prolong them as the cat is getting used to it. xliii, and 'The Twelve Wild Ducks', No. And how did Jormungand win? J Vet Intern Med. The breed is slow developing and may not be mature until four years of age. The Norwegian Forest cat, or ‘Wegie’ for short, is a domestic cat that hails from Northern Europe and is one of the most popular pets in Sweden, Iceland, France and of course, Norway. Burke, Don (2005). The Norwegian Forest Cat is native to Norway, with a history going back hundreds and maybe thousands of years. This is the feline of the Vikings, so popular and beloved in Northern Europe that it is a frequent muse in numerous Norwegian urban stories and myths. If yes, here is a list of the Norwegian Forest Cat Breeders in the U.S. Served as "mousers" on their ships and farms, these were the warrior cats of the mighty Vikings. Norwegian myths describe large, long-haired fairy cats who live in the mountains and climb rocks called skogkatt. Two years later, the first breeding pair of Norwegian Forest cats arrived in America. Norwegian Forest cats aren’t just any pedestrian pet—they’re the stuff of legend. If let to roam freely, they will often develop into very effective hunters. 2015;25(2):263-272. The beast let out a fearsome growl instead! This title was designated to the "Viking Cat" by King Olav V of Norway (born Prince Alexander of Denmark). He likes to choose when and how he will snuggle on your lap or by your side—but he will snuggle. The Norwegian forest cats are large, sturdy and strong. Regular grooming will ensure that your beautiful Forest will have a shiny and strong coat, toned muscles and less hairballs. 2. Norwegian Forest Cats are mentioned in Scandinavian fairy tales and mythology, where they have been described as “enchanted cats of the forest that could disappear at will…”. Norwegian Forest cats also require regular grooming (at least on the weekly basis). Ever seen a cat run down a tree headfirst? Read famous Norse myths and fairy tales – the best Norwegian fairy tales for kids and adults! One theory suggests that their ancestors are black and white shorthair cats brought from Great Britain cross-bred with longhaired cats brought by Crusaders. Freyja travelled in a chariot drawn by either two white or two grey Norwegian Forest Cats. During World War II, attention paid toward the Norwegian Forest cat waned, and the breed came dangerously close to becoming extinct thanks to crossbreeding. But they might also be descendants of long-haired cats brought to Scandinavia by the Crusaders. The Chronicle of the Pancake. He figures in fairy tales and legends, one being that the Norse goddess Freya’s chariot is pulled by six giant cats. No word on whether America will ever gain its own national feline, although it’s likely that Grumpy Cat will vie for the title. Eldredge, Debra (2003). Are you looking for a quality Norwegian Forest kitten for sale? The Norwegian Forest cat (Norwegian: Norsk skogkatt or Norsk skaukatt) is a breed of domestic cat originating in Northern Europe. Norwegian Forest cats are way larger than most cats—and some small dogs, for that matter. The Norwegian forest cats are large, sturdy and strong. A natural breed, wegies are long-haired, have inverted triangular heads, and almond-shaped eyes that can be any color. The Norwegian Forest Cat, called the “skogkatt” (forest cat) in Norway, is a natural breed and, despite its feral appearance, is not a descendant or a hybrid of any wild cat species. They are mountain-dwelling fairy cats.. Other Norwegian myths dramatically go on to describe the glorious feline as the "mountain-dwelling cat with an ability to climb sheer rock faces that other cats could not manage". 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