History of the Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a breed of domestic cat native to Northern Europe, and adapted to a very cold climate. In Norway they are known as skogkatter or more properly, the Norsk skogkatt (literally, Norwegian Forest Cat).
The breed is very old, and occurred as a natural adaptation to the cold climate of the region, but it was not regarded as anything other than a standard house-cat until the late 1930s, when a small number of 'Skaukatts' were shown in Germany and received very favorably by the judges. World War II brought an abrupt end to the fledgling Norwegian show cat industry, and the breed was forgotten until the 1970s. The cats are now being bred and shown in several countries including the United States. The first international association to accept the breed was FIFe, in 1977. They are rumored to be the early ancestors of the Maine Coon and the long-haired Manx.
Norwegian Forest Cats have a thick fluffy double-layered coat, tufted ears and a long bushy tail to protect them against the cold. Their coat is essentially waterproof due to its coarse outer layer and dense underlay. They are very large cats with adult males weighing 6 to 10 kg (13 to 22 lb), while females are approximately half that size. Their hind legs are longer than their front legs. They are very intelligent, playful cats that enjoy human company. The nickname of "Wegie" began in the United States and is a shortened version of the word Norwegian.
Adoption of Kittens
Longyearbyrn is a small cattery with the litters being select and very well planned. The breeding is for health, temperament and type. The kittens will go to their new homes after they are 16 weeks old and only have after they have been neutered or spayed.
They are adopted pursuant to a contract with strict requirements of the kitten/cat being kept as "indoor only" pet and no declawing. The early months of kittens in their birth home spent with their fur-mother and littermates are extremely important to the kittens learning proper cat habits and skills, developing a well rounded personality, and learning proper socialization skills, This is necessary so that they will develop into a self confident and happy kittens that will become a wonderful and adored member of your family for many years. Potential kitten owners are screened very carefully because they will be entrusted with a kitten that I love and treasure.
I want to make sure that each and every kitten is going to a loving, kind, and caring permanent home where he or she will be treasured as a special family member and provided with proper medical care, diet, attention and most of all, love.
Longyearbyrn reserves the right to refuse placement of any kitten.
