History of the Norwegian Forest Cat

CH Snowstar Demetrius of MySkogkatt

The Norwegian Forest Cat (NFO) is truly a natural breed, originating from the farms of Norway. Its exact origins will never be precisely established, but one thing is certain, the Forest Cat was produced by Mother Nature. The NFO has been around for centuries. Like a small but beautiful version of the lynx, the Norwegian Forest Cat is part of Norway's fauna.

There are many tales about Forest cats that can be found in Norwegian folklore. It is even reputed that these cats were the family pets of the Vikings. One of the things I found most fascinating about the Norwegian Forest cat is its history. Norway is a land of rugged mountains, tranquil lakes, wild forests, and glaciers. The winters are long, harsh and dark. The summers are cool and brief. From this dim, difficult terrain emerged the Norsk Skogkatt, literally meaning the Norwegian Forest Cat.

Some say the basic type, with all the characteristics unique to the breed, existed as early as 2000 years ago. This cat was long-legged, intelligent, and brave, equipped with a double semi-long coat (a long one would easily be caught in brush and a short one would not offer relief from the constant cold). The top coat was glossy and waterproof and never matted and the inside coat was soft, cotton-like and dense.

It insulated the cat well and kept them warm even in freezing temperatures. Their paws were large and heavily furred so that they

did not  get cold in deep snow, with thick claws used for fishing and climbing.

Over the years, there have been many references to Forest Cats. Mention of Forest cats can even be found in a number of folk tales where they are referred to as "Huldrekat" which translates as "Fairy Cat". They are also known as "Eventyrkatten" which means "Fairytale Cat", which is most appropriate as it is in Norwegian Fairytales that many of the first references of Forest Cats can be found.

Some tales have described the Cats as "wood" or "forest" cats with thick, bushy tails. Possibly the first documented Forest Cat was a children's book. The Norwegian author Gabriel Scott wrote a book in 1912 entitled "Solvfaks".

The Norwegian Forest Cat as we know it today has developed through natural selection, as only the toughest cats with the thickest waterproof coat, longest legs, etc. would be able to survive in Norway's harsh climate

It was not until the 1930's that the Forest Cat were looked at with interest. But, with the outbreak of War, this interest was put on the back burner. In the early 1970's, interest was once again shown in the Forest Cats.

By this stage it had become apparent that Forest Cats were facing extinction, and that if they were to be saved from disappearing altogether, a specialised breeding programmed had to be developed. In 1975, enthusiastic Norwegian breeders formed the "Norsk Skogkattring" (the first Norwegian Forest Cat Club).

In those early years, many difficulties arose in establishing a breed standard. Carl Frederick Nordane (Freddy) was a driving force in getting the breed recognised.

Freddy a member of the specially formed Breeder's Committee) saw photographs of a cat called Pans Truls. These photographs made the Breeder's Committee believe that a widely accepted and agreed official standard was achievable. Pans Truls lived with the Nyland family near Oslo.

Freddy and other members of the Breeder's Committee went to see the Nylands and Pan's Truls (a brown tabby and white kitten)

After seeing Truls in the fur, it was soon apparent that Pan's Truls was indeed the cat that they were looking for. Pan's Truls became the "model" cat and a standard of points was formulated. This standard is still in effect today.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

The best description of a Norwegian Forest Cat is a large 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 Norwegian Forest cat should reflect this natural heritage. The cat should have an alert expression, be in good general condition and well presented.

The Norwegian Forest Cat matures slowly, and full development of the cat can take up to four years.

The cats should be well built, and both the males and females have broad chests.  An entire females can weigh between 8 - 12 lbs., and an entire males between 14 - 16 Ilbs.  Neutered cats can weigh a few pounds more.

TEMPERAMENT/LIVING WITH A FOREST CAT

Alert, inquisitive, fearless, courageous, intelligent, friendly, mischievous, strong, loving, playful and adaptable. These are all terms that are regularly used to describe NFOs but are they true?

Ask anyone who has lived with a NFO and they will agree that yes, a NFO is indeed every one of these things. NFOs are indeed very friendly, and they love their human companions; whatever amount of love you give to your NFO, it will come back to you ten times over.

They are inquisitive and very playful, and although they ideally like lots of space, they will happily tolerate smaller spaces, provided that they have lots to do, things to climb, places to hide. It is often a bit reserved with strangers, but usually gentle, friendly cats. Most are not lap cats. Head bumping and chin scratching is of course a must, but with some restraint - you don't have to pet them all the time. He'll tell you, quietly, when it is needed. (If you ignore him, he'll get louder) Another fact is there's also evidence that outdoor NFOs who live near streams do fish!

Forest Cats make ideal family cats, they are happy to get on with children and animals alike, but beware, they will probably want to be number one, and somehow the rest of the household usually lets them. No matter how happy they are with other animals, they do especially love their human friends; they may even follow you from room to room as you move about your home.

Forest cats are low maintenance cats, their naturally robust natures tend to make their live healthy and uncomplicated. Although they do have thick winter coats, these are usually maintained by the cats themselves. The annual molt usually takes place in Spring and at this time the cats will probably appreciate some extra grooming.

General grooming is probably only required once or twice a week, but many new owners find that daily grooming of their new kittens is a good way of building up a special relationship with their new arrival, and indeed, it is very rewarding to hear the contented purr of a happy cat. Grooming is also a good way of keeping touch with your cats condition and any changes can then be picked up very quickly.