|
On November 1, 1979, the first breeding pair was imported
to the United States. In August 1984, TICA became the first North American
Registry to grant Championship Status to the Norwegian Forest Cat. The
current Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Standard has been in effect since 2001.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has evolved through the centuries as a product of
it's own environment. They had to feed, defend and protect themselves from
the elements of the forests. Only the cats that were good hunters survived.
Norwegian Forest Cats that survived their first winter had the correct
semi-long, water-repellent coat and were well-proportioned, strong and
intelligent.
The Norwegian Forest Cat is the living legacy of the
Vikings and their way of life. Legend has it they would ride their owners’
shoulders into battle. In Viking mythology the mighty God Thor could not
lift them, and two would pull Freya’s (Goddess of Love and Fertility)
chariot.
They are hardy breed that adapted well to the harsh winters of Scandinavia.
A working cat that patrolled the farms and ships for mice, but at the same
time endeared themselves to their human companions with their gentle hearts.
In Europe they are referred to as the Skogkatt and made their first
appearance at a cat show in Oslo, Norway in 1938. It wasn’t until November
1, 1979 that Sheila Gira-Windom brought over the first breeding pair to the
United States. The first two cats were Pan’s Tigris of Mycoon, a brown
classic tabby male that was bred by Else Nylund and Mjavo’s Sala Palmer of
Mycoon, a black and white female bred by Solveig Stenersrod.
Their love of life, beauty and companionship has contributed to their
increase in popularity in North America.
|