Norwegian Forest Cats: The Pets of the Vikings

The “mystic wildcat of fairy tales” is quickly becoming a favorite family pet in northern Europe

The Norwegian forest cat (or cognates in Norwegian) originated between 1500 and 4,000 years ago, as a result of survival.

Though they almost went extinct during war II, the traditional cats are making a comeback in Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and even France.

Their exact origin is up for debate. One theory is that the Vikings brought short-haired from the British archipelago that mixed with long-haired cats brought by the crusaders. Another claim they're a hybrid of Siberian forest cats from Russia and Turkish Angoras.

Either way, they need to be the topic of Norse folklore for millennia.

Breeders from Finland describe the cat because of the “mystic wildcat of the fairy tales.”

Norse mythology says forest cats were the favorites of Freyja, goddess of affection, fertility and therefore the hearth, who traveled during a chariot drawn by either two white or gray forest cats.

Legend has it that the goddess’ presence passing through the countryside caused seeds to sprout and grow. Farmers that overlooked pans of milk for her divine cats were blessed bountiful harvests.

Forest cats were said to be so huge that not even the gods could lift them.

The strong, giant cats were almost certainly the cats that traveled on Viking ships and were kept back in Viking barns, keeping them mouse-and-disease-free.

Impressive hunters and climbers, one Norwegian tale describes them as “mountain-dwelling cats with a capability to climb sheer rock faces that other cats couldn't manage.”

But like their Viking kin, forest cats have a softer side.

Weighing up to 16 pounds, their large size is usually fluff. Up to 75% fur, they're the right kitty to cuddle with.

They have a dense double coat, with a down-like layer underneath and a water-resistant Wooley layer on top to stay them warm during the long, cold Nordic winters.

Affectionately nicknamed “Wedgies,” the cats are unique among cats their size for his or her quiet calm demeanor.

They are the most important domesticated cat within the world, aside from Maine Coons, thought to be their descendants, which may weigh up to 25 pounds.

“Wedgies” are friendly, social and independent,” says BasePaws.com:

“While they highly appreciate the corporate of their favorite humans, they wish to keep things in their own terms. they will be lap cats, but only, where and with whom they need to cuddle. These kitties like to explore and that they bring excellent climbers. If let to roam freely, they're going to often become very effective hunters.”