Norwegian Forest cats are known for their very distinct fluffy fur and large build. However, there are a few facts about these cats that you may not know. For example, did you know that Norwegian Forest Cats(NFC) were mentioned in legends and myths back in the day? These cats have a long and incredibly interesting history.
From their amazing skills, their furry coats that have more use than one, and their history of ups and downs as a breed, these cats are surrounded by interesting information that is often lost or forgotten about. There is definitely more to these cats than just their beautiful, fluffy fur or large figure. Wanna know other random facts? You can check out this article and browse through their 300 random facts.
Keep reading to find out five interesting facts about these furry creatures!
Their coats make them basically waterproof
Those unique coats of theirs actually help keep them warm– and almost waterproof. This double layer coat makes their living conditions in cold areas(like Norway, where they were originally from) bearable. Of course, during the spring and summer, they shed their fur and become lighter. But during the winter, in the cold, they’re able to survive the cold and the snow like no one else!
They’re legends!
Whoever told you Norwegian Forest cats weren’t cool? These cats were actually the chosen cats for Vikings back in the day. Norwegian Forest cats are incredibly strong and sturdy, making them the ideal candidate for Viking confidantes. Legend even has it that the famous Viking Leif Ericson let these particular cats cross aboard ships with him!
They’re super chill
These cats have survived crazy winter after crazy winter up in Norway, and it is now believed that is the reason why these cats are now super chill. They’ve seen and been through it all in the past, and not much can faze them now. Because these cats are really calm, they make the ideal friend for children.
If there’s a tree, they’re up in it
Norwegian Forest cats love being up high and will attempt to always be up somewhere, whether it’s in your house or outside. They love to survey their area and their surroundings, and some will even stay up on their chosen perch for longer than a few minutes. More than a few of these cats have been known to climb up any tree they could get–– and then race down the tree head first with no problem at all.
They almost became an extinct breed
Could you imagine a world without these adorable fluffs? Evidently, that almost came true. These cats have been loved for a very long time, from the Vikings to farmers and sailors later on. They’re adept skills at hunting and catching mice made for great companions. However, during World War II, attention to these cats lessened, resulting in the whole breed almost going extinct, with crossbreeding being to blame.
Thankfully, this didn’t happen. An official breeding program helped save the cat’s future, and in 1977, Norwegian Forest cats were recognized as an official breed of cat internationally. By 1979, the cats were in America and becoming loved internationally. Now, the Norwegian Forest cat is Norway’s official, the national cat.
The Norwegian Forest cat is more than just it’s huge build an amazing, double coated fur. These cats have been loved for decades and decades(even during the time they almost became extinct), and they’ll be loved for decades to come.
Even those sturdy and hardy Vikings from harsh times called Norwegian Forest Cats their friend, placing them in legends and myths regarding their victory. And, actually, that makes the Norwegian Forest Cats kind of amazing.
Norwegian Forest cats love being up high and will attempt to always be up somewhere, whether it’s in your house or outside. They love to survey their area and their surroundings, and some will even stay up on their chosen perch for longer than a few minutes. More than a few of these cats have been known to climb up any tree they could get–– and then race down the tree head first with no problem at all.
Newly middle-aged wife of 1, Mom of 3, Grandma of 2. A professional blogger who has lived in 3 places since losing her home to a house fire in October 2018 with her husband.
Becky appreciates being self-employed which has allowed her to work from 'anywhere'.
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Becky looks forward to the upcoming new year. It will be fun to see what 2020 holds.
