I mentioned our cat in a previous post, which is a Norwegian Forest Cat, called Molly (don’t ask!)

This is a domestic cat of Northern Europe that is adapted to extreme cold.

They are really forest cats having come out of the forests many, many years ago although they are not feral like the wildcat found in some places.

This is the cat that explored with the Vikings.

They are a long-haired cat which has a thick, silky coat underneath which is double-layered and virtually water-proof, and tufted ears and a very long bushy tail which is always wrapped around them for warmth when they sleep. I think it is also used as a stabilizer when she climbs

I find it quite fascinating that they also have hairy ears and hair between their toes. This cat is designed for bad weather!

In winter they grow a large ruff around the neck which is another way to keep warm.

Their rear legs are longer than their front legs which gives them an unusual gait when they run but this is designed for one of their main functions which is climbing trees! These cats climb anywhere and quite high and are the only cats (I believe) that will come back down to the ground head first. Hence the long back legs. (see Wikipedia).

The nearest cat to this is the Maine Coon which is similar but not quite the same.

They love being out in all weathers and like to hunt, but they also like their home comforts and are very friendly and like company, be it other animals or people.

I believe it is also a typical characteristic but our cat talks a lot – sometimes too much. One day we will understand what she is talking about.

They also come in many colors. However, their long hair is low maintenance as in the forest their was little grooming required and the same applies today.  All in all a very friendly, low-maintenance cat.

There is some excellent information here for those that are interested:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Forest_Cat