Norwegian Forest Girls . Norwegian Forest cats are friendly, social and independent. Burke, Don (2005). Typical male Norwegian Forest cats can range anywhere from 13 to 22 pounds. 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 handy physical traits helped the breed survive snowy Scandinavian winters. Look at their features. doi:10.1016/j.ymgme.2006.12.003. If let to roam freely, they will often develop into very effective hunters. Origins. © 2021. Feeding a cat would definitely bring sunshine on the wedding day, and gifting cats to the happy couple represented good luck. On average, a Norwegian forest kitten can cost anywhere from $300 to as much as $900. Molecular Genetics and Metabolism. The breed's origins are a source of mystery. These cats could hav… (In fact, Norwegian Forest cats are nicknamed “Wegies,” which is short for “Norwegians.”) They’re also popular in France. The story of a cat who literally … Where or how the cats originated remains a mystery. Originating in Northern Europe, the natural breed is adapted to a very cold climate. Thanks to these legends, some breeders today refer to the Norwegian Forest cat as the “Norse skogkatt.”. Norwegian forest cat, Norse mythology tells that two great cats called Bygul (golden bee) and Trjegul (golden amber tree) In Norway, they’re called “skogcatts”, which translates to “forest cats”. Let's take a closer look at this fascinating breed. Changes the pet cat to a Skogkatt/Norwegian Forest Cat. 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. Norwegian Forest cats are intelligent, friendly cats who can demand a lot of attention from their owners. The Norwegian Forest Cat is a mystical breed, originally thought of as fairy cat. "An example here is the Norwegian Forest cat. The Norwegian forest cats are large, sturdy and strong. ... 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. True to their forest roots, they love to climb. One theory suggests that their ancestors are black and white shorthair cats brought from Great Britain cross-bred with longhaired cats brought by Crusaders. Norwegian forest cats are very addictive, I could not imagine my life without one (or 5🤣). Those who left milk out for Freya’s cats would be blessed with luxuriant harvest. Fyfe, J. C.; Kurzhals, R. L.; Hawkins, M. G.; Wang, P.; Yuhki, N.; Giger, U.; Van Winkle, T. J.; Haskins, M. E.; Patterson, D. F.; Henthorn, P. S. (2007). This natural breed is adapted to a very cold climate, with a top coat of glossy, long, water-shedding hair and a woolly undercoat for insulation. 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). Old Norwegian myths described the size of the cat to be so huge, not even the mighty Gods could lift them. Norwegian Forest cat is one of a mystical origin, believed to be between 1000 to 2000 years old. The breed is slow developing and may not be mature until four years of age. Sunshimmer Blueberry Muffin (Blueberry) Sire: Rowgarnor Teddy Bear. Other tales describe the Norwegian Forest cats turning into trolls and trolls turning into cats. Alongside dogs, cats are one of the most popular pets in Norway. The breed appears in a Norwegian fairy tale, which states the Norse goddess Freya’s chariot was pulled by these six giant cats. 2. The Norwegian forest cat (Norsk skogkatt) is a hugely popular cat in Norway and across northern Europe. The Norwegian forest cats are large, sturdy and strong. Breeders from Finland describe the Norwegian Forest Cat as the 'mystic wildcat of the fairy tales.' Some folk beliefs suggest that cats can see planes of existence we humans cannot, and that when you see a cat seemingly staring at nothing … well, let’s just say it might not be nothing. The Norwegian Forest Cat, called \"wegie\" for short, is both independent and an affectionate member of the family who loves attention but does not demand it. These kitties love to explore and they make for excellent climbers. The legendary breed was preserved thanks to an official breeding program created by the Norwegian Forest Cat Club. Sadly, Norwegian Forest cats aren't as hardy as their ancient Viking owners. The Norwegian forest cat (or scogkatts in Norwegian) originated between 1500 and 4,000 years ago, as a result of natural selection. Tufted ears and toes serve as earmuffs and boots to help protect the cat against cold and wet weather. Other possible ancestors could include Turkish Angora and Siberian cats, as well as longhaired cats from Turkey and Russia. 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. ForestFairy Norwegian Forest Cats. "If ever there was a cat built to match its environment, it is the Norwegian Forest Cat. The Norwegian Forest Cat ’s mythological ancestors include the giant cats that pulled the chariot of Norse goddess Freya. Either way, it was Carl Fredrik Nordane, a Norwegian cat fancier, who first initiated that these beautiful felines were registered as an official cat breed. Freya and her Cat Chariot- Stuart Rankin / Flickr xliii, and 'The Twelve Wild Ducks', No. Regular grooming will ensure that your beautiful Forest will have a shiny and strong coat, toned muscles and less hairballs. The Norwegian Forest Cat is the National Cat of Norway They are Norway’s national cat. 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. They are well protected from the water and snow with their insulated, waterproof double coat. 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. 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”. Enchanted cats of the forest that could disappear at will. The profile is long and straight with no break in the line. Norwegian Forest Cat - Mystic Wildcat Of The Fairy Tales Main features. Their large ears are wide at the base and high set with a tufted top. Farmers and sailors prized the Norwegian Forest cat for its mousing skills. "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". Norwegian Forest cats aren’t just any pedestrian pet—they’re the stuff of legend. The cats have sturdier claws than most breeds, allowing them to achieve impressive climbing feats. In literature, nicknames such as Mystical Fairytale Cats, Viking Cats or even Warrior Cats are often stumbled upon too. Copy the desired cat.xnb and paste into content/animals to use this way. The Complete Burke's Backyard: The Ultimate Book of Fact Sheets. 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…”. With strong origins in Northern Europe, the Norwegian forest cat is well-suited to a cold climate. Viking Explorers took them along on the ships to keep the rodents under control. Norwegian Forest cats appear in a Norwegian fairy tale, which states the Norse goddess Freya’s chariot was pulled by these six giant cats. The Norwegian Forest Cat is a very old breed. The head is triangular with a strong chin. There is a certain mystique surrounding the glorious breed of Norway that just can’t be ignored. 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". They had to feed, defend, and protect themselves from the elements in the forests. The beast let out a fearsome growl instead! 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. They are bigger than most house cats, with males growing significantly larger than females. Norwegian Forest cats are known for their fluffy coats, large builds, and social dispositions. The Chronicle of the Pancake. Freyja travelled in a chariot drawn by either two white or two grey Norwegian Forest Cats. Norwegian Forest cats were the favorites of Freya. A plump pancake manages to escape being eaten by 7 children! 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. 1. For a show-quality cat with a great bloodline, the costs could be closer to $1,000. You can do this by grooming them only when you are both relaxed and talking to your cat gently and calmly. Genetic testing indicates that the Maine Coon is descendent of both the Norwegian Forest Cat and an unknown—and now-extinct—domestic breed. Appearances aren’t deceiving. While they highly appreciate the company of their favorite humans, they like to keep things in their own terms. J Vet Intern Med. Sometimes pedigreed cats end up at the shelter after losing their home to an owner’s death, divorce or change in economic situation. In 1912, Gabriel Scott. Read famous Norse myths and fairy tales – the best Norwegian fairy tales for kids and adults! To no surprise, the Norwegian Forest cats are their country’s national cat. a renowned Norwegian poet. wrote an entire book about a white Forest CaL "Snowflaks." 1. It is unlikely that you will find one in a shelter or through a rescue group, but it doesn’t hurt to look. 2. 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. PMC 2063609 Freely accessible. The natural breed is adapted to a cold climate by these six giant that... 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