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Kind and fluffy “Vikings” – the Norwegian forest cats

These long-coated beauties look very similar to their ancestors – lynxes and other predators from the Felidae family. However, unlike them, Norwegian forest cats are very sociable and friendly!

<a href="https://pixabay.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>

<a href="https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norsk_skogkatt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>

They have a whole set of positive qualities: gentle character and good manners, patience, bravery and, of course, strong attachment to their owners.

What other curious features do these charming “Vikings” have? It turns out they are great hunters and sometimes even try to compete with foxes! Also, these cute fuzzies can climb trees … upside down.

<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Norwegian_Forest_Cat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>

<a href="http://www.wikiwand.com/de/Norwegische_Waldkatze" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>

Norwegian forest cats are perfectly equipped for the severe Scandinavian winters. Fur with a thick undercoat allows semi-domestic/semi-wild pets to keep warm in all weather conditions.

<a href="http://www.wikiwand.com/pt/Lista_de_ra%C3%A7as_de_gatos_dom%C3%A9sticos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>

<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Norskskogkatt_Evita_2.JPG" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>

Of course, such fluffy friends are immortalized in lots of myths, legends and fairy tales. In addition, residents of the country of fjords, trolls and waterfalls attributed different magical abilities to the Norwegian forest cats.

The interesting fact: If you see at the ancient engravings including the images of Freya, you will find an intriguing detail. The goddess from Norse mythology may be depicted in a chariot pulled by cats, very similar to the Norwegian forest cats.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/24354425@N03/16744226183" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>

And if you return to present days and watch the video with Jesper skiing cat, you may notice that his behavior is very similar to the above mentioned animals. This unique cat can compete with any sled dog!

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40 Comments

  1. Sorry about being so late in commenting. Those are are simply breathtakingly beautiful. I wonder though if they would be happy in our very hot humid Outaouais Valley summer which can go up as high as 48 degrees Centigrades including the humidex. Well I am off to see the video you recommended. Excellent post and thank you for introducing me and the virilyan community to the gorgeous animals.

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    • Also sorry for the late answer. Very happy to get such a pleasant and detailed comment. As for cats, don’t think that 48 degrees Centigrades including the humidity is comfotable for them, this kind of weather is preferable for another cat breeds.

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      • I live in New Zealand which has very strict laws about animals. I don’t think I can do this but in another country in the northern hemisphere, it may be possible.
        Love the cats !

          • Thanks so much. Cats unfortunately are not the best immigrants to NZ as they kill birds. Many become feral as their owners abandon them and they become wild.
            A lot of New Zealand birds have become extinct because of introduced cats, weasels, ferrets, stoats, rats, mice and other things.
            This is a valid reason for the very strict rules
            Preservation of the species that remains.

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