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The Wegie, as he’s nicknamed, is a large cat who looks as if he would be perfectly at home stalking prey in a forest or fishing out of a creek. He has a long, beautiful coat, tufted ears and a plumed tail. This is a gentle, friendly cat who loves being around people. The Norwegian Forest Cat's body shape and double coat are what make this cat so unique. Its dense and long-flowing hair provides excellent protection in the winter (and makes it a soft cuddling partner). The Norwegian Forest Cat's well-balanced body structure, equilateral triangle-shaped head and bright emerald green eyes (with a band of gold) also gives it an aura of mystery, while its broad chest and well-developed muscles display the cat's power and strength.
They pulled the goddess Freya’s chariot across the sky and figured in Norse fairy tales. They are said to have accompanied the Vikings on their journeys to keep their ships free of rats. The enchanting Norwegian Forest Cat has had an adventurous history. In his homeland he’s called skogkatt, meaning forest cat, and has been a friend to farmers for centuries, trading his services as a mouser for shelter and companionship.The Norwegian Forest Cat originated in Norway as long as 4,000 years ago. His thick, water-resistant coat developed in response to the harsh, cold environment of the Scandinavian woods.Although the skogkatt was known by Vikings and farmers, he didn’t receive recognition as a breed until he was exhibited at a cat show in Oslo in 1938. His development as a pedigreed cat was interrupted by World War II, and it wasn’t until the 1970s that Norwegian breeders set about preserving his bloodlines and standardizing his appearance. King Olaf V declared them the official cat of Norway.The first Norwegian Forest Cats were imported to the United States in 1979. The International Cat Association recognized the breed in 1984, followed by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1993. They are also recognized by other cat registries.
