The Club for Norwegian Forest Cat lovers in the UK , Established 1987.

The Norwegian Forest Cat Club welcomes you to this website for British NFCs.

The Norwegian Forest Cat is truly a natural breed and really does originate from Norway. The exact origins of the Forest Cats will never be precisely established, but one thing is certain: NFCs can be found in Norwegian folklore, where it is said that these cats were the family pets of the Vikings. As early as the sixteenth century such cats were described as being large, with long legs, big ruffs and ear tufts. Just like the Forest Cats of today, they had a particular liking for water, with the ability to catch fish in lakes and streams. In some folk tales they are referred to as the "Fairy Cat" - it is easy to imagine them appearing supernatural as they flitted amongst the trees with their long, elegant bodies and flowing, bushy tails.

The Norwegian Forest Cat as we know it today has developed through natural selection, as only the toughest cats with the thickest waterproof coats and other special features would be able to survive in Norway's harsh climate. However, they probably crept in to keep warm by the farmers' hearths when they could, and have always been known to like being around people. Eventually, as the remote areas of Norway became more heavily populated the breed was in danger of dying out, so a special breeding programme began. Since then the breed has gone from strength to strength and is now extremely popular in many countries, particularly Scandinavia.

There are lovely tales of the acquisition and registration of many of the most famous early cats - for example, Timotei, who was rescued from under a tractor in the fields of a Norwegian farm and was so oily and greasy that he had to be thoroughly washed in a certain brand of shampoo. There is little doubt that "real", albeit unregistered Forest Cats still live on farms all over Norway.

The Norwegian Forest Cat Club is affiliated to the GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) , which is the largest cat registration body in the UK. There are two other important registering bodies of the cat fancy in Britain: Felis Britannica, affiliated to the Fédération International Féline, and TICA (The International Cat Association). All three have a similar Standard of Points for the Norwegian Forest Cat.

SHOW NEWS 2008

Results for the Norwegian Forest Cat Club show 2008 can be seen here - show 2008

 

UPDATE: Missing kitten returns!

Intrigue, a 4 month old kitten who was stolen from Jotunkatts Cattery in Leicester Monday 18th February 2008 has now returned home! She is safe and sound and well. Her breeder/owners wish to thank everyone for their help, concern and interest.


If you would like to become a member of the Norwegian Forest Cat Club then please click on the link below which will take you to a print-out form. Send the form to the membership secretary:

Margaret Lindgren, 61 Kelcbar Close , Tadcaster , N Yorks. LS24 9NY

MEMBERSHIP FORM.

Visit our merchandise page where you can see NFCC books and other items for sale. Don't forget to check back from time to time to see new products as they become available.

The Norwegian Forest Cat Club has always maintained a healthy interest in not only the welfare of the breed but also individual cats. Please do visit our Welfare page.

For more information about the breed and club please click on one of the buttons below. We hope you enjoy the site and appreciate feedback, which should be emailed to the webmaster (just click on webmaster to send an email).

Page updated 01/04/08

   
 
   
© 2008 Norwegian Forest Cat Club

 

 

 

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