The Norwegian Forest Cat explored the world with the Vikings, protecting the grain stores on land and sea, and which are believed to have left their progeny on the shores of North America as a legacy to the future.

These lovely cats are really two for the price of one, as they can differ so greatly in looks from summer to winter. Some time in the spring they take off their “winter underwear,” the downy undercoat that provides warmth, and the long non-tangling outer guardhairs that act as protection from rain and snow. The contrast can be quite extreme.

These cats are designed by Mother Nature, but is their Norse name accurate? Yes, the skogkatt, meaning forest cat, really did come out of the Scandinavian forests some time in the last 4,000 years. However, they are not feral but are among the most people-oriented cats. Personalities may differ depending upon experiences during early kittenhood.

This breed is loving and affectionate, but they do require regular grooming to maintain their coats, as their full undercoats can mat with inattention.