My interest in breeding Norwegian Forest Cats is to spread knowledge of this beautiful, exceptionally gentle cat breed.  At one time early in the 20th century SkogKatts were so interbred with domestic European cats that Norwegians were concerned they would totally lose the distinctive breed claiming its origin in their country.  Efforts were started in the 1930’s to bring back this natural breed, but were stopped because of World War II.   Again, in the 1950’s Norwegians lead by Carl-Fredrik Nordane and his breed club picked up the challenge to re-establish the distinctiveness of their Skogkatts.  In 1979 the first forest cats were brought to the United States and a breeding program started on this side of the Atlantic.  With Scandinavian ancestry in our family, it seemed a natural to raise these beautiful, athletic cats sharing their unique qualities with other families.

I have always had cats and kittens in my life.  One of my earliest memories was helping my mom discover a litter of kittens newly born in the family room closet.  In earlier years we raised Siamese seal point kittens and shared the joy of families finding their special kitten. We spent many years in 4H raising mini lop rabbits, chickens and ducks.  With children grown, our livestock population has returned to zero.  I’m now drawn back to my life-long admiration for cats and kittens.

history

Norwegian Forest Cats are an ancient natural breed of cats native to Scandinavia.  The rugged climate built a very healthy, powerful cat with great hunting skills equipped to survive the snows and wind of Norway.  With their hunting prowess came an affinity for climbing and finding strategic HIGH places to scan for food and mates.  Emerging thousands of years ago, their ancestors were most likely shorthairs traveling from southern Europe during prehistoric times.  The SkogKatts, Norwegian for forest cat, are the traditional farm cats of Scandinavia.  These robust cat ancestors probably accompanied the Vikings on their ships for rodent control and most likely are the ancestral forbears of Maine Coon and the long-haired Manx breeds.

breed information

Adapting to the climate developed the beautiful coats, wide set ears with Lynx point tufts, rugged bone structure and larger, powerful hind legs.  Females weigh 9 – 12 pounds and males are 12 – 16 pounds with an occasional 18 pound male.  Norwegian Forest Cats are not fully grown until five years old.  Each year their winter coats increase in size and density.  Each year they molt the winter coat for summer.

Did I mention a tail as long as their body that will keep any nose and muzzle warm on a cold winter night?  The mood of a Forest Cat can be read in the flicks of that gorgeous tail whether it’s requesting dinner from its human or talking serious romance with a fellow feline.  Even a Persian would be “Tail Jealous.”

The beauty of this cat is only surpassed by their gentle, sweet personalities.  They will be your friend for life asking for your love and attention and a really good cat to human talk as you pet and stroke them.   They are affectionate with other cats and animals.  Our male, Blue Frost, insists on bathing his kittens holding them down with a firm paw grip.  He will even bath our 15 year old Siamese Sasha.  With chirps and gentle mews they will talk with you and their cat friends all day.  Their curiosity and playfulness will keep you smiling and laughing.

happy healthy tails

My first thoughts for opening a new cattery were for raising healthy and happy felines.  Our kittens are raised in a home environment with the run of the house “under foot.”  They are socialized by both Bridget, dam and Blue Frost, sire, and their Au Pere, Sasha, our Siamese.  You never saw so much cat bathing and grooming activities!  Forest Cat moms are very attentive, good moms.  Sasha who raised her own kittens helps Bridget with kitten duties such as grooming, napping with kittens and litter training.

ALL BREEDING CATS GENETICALLY TESTED

 My dams and sires are genetically tested for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and FELV (feline leukemia virus) before any breeding plans are made.  Both parents are negative.  Our goal is to give you a healthy kitten and eliminate the spread of genetically controlled diseases as much as humanly possible.  Our parents are indoor cats but were wormed as a precaution and have all their inoculations and rabies shots up to date.

adoption policy

HEALTH GUARANTEE – Before you take your kitten home he or she will be wormed as a precaution, receive their first inoculations for feline distemper and enteritis.  Kittens are ready for a new home about 10-12 weeks of age.  Our kittens visit our veterinarian before offered for sale.  Our health guarantee is for 30 days from purchase date.  Please review our purchase contract for more details.  We recommend that you take your new kitten to your veterinarian the first week at home.

deposit & purchase

 A HOLD means you verbally, texted or by email asked that a specific kitten be held for you.  A deposit of $200.00 is expected within 7 days.  Deposits and final payments accepted by Venmo and Zelle.  SOLD means the deposit is received and the kitten’s pictures will be removed from the website and/or the kitten will not be shown to cattery visitors.  A date certain for pickup will be set.  Please review the purchase contract for more details.  Breeding rights are not included.

choosing a kitten

Will you choose your kitten, or will this little sprite pick you?  Humans and animals sense a kind and loving spirit.  Norwegian Forest Cats are very sociable and energetic little fur balls.  Good health is of first importance and shows in the lively play, alert ears and sparkling eyes of the kittens.   You are choosing a family member and companion.  Forest Cats are long lived into their late teen years.

registration & micro chiping

Both DAM Bridget and SIRE Blue Frost are registered pedigreed Norwegian Forest Cats with The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA).  Blue Frost was awarded champion class status by CFA.  The litter is registered.  You may register and participate in show competitions if you choose.  I recommend micro-chiping the kitten.