Wednesday 27 May 2015

Annabelle – Norwegian Forest Cat?

I am so in love with her! She's settled in so well. She was featured at our Vet's office, taken in from a local barn owner, but needing a home. She'll sit for 20 minutes while granddaughter Josie scratches her cheek!

There is still some tension between the other cats, but she defers to them, while defending herself and the house against a barn cat that keeps coming over for food! She'll sit all night, at the foot of the bed, watching the cat door for said interloper. In the day time she follows me all over, whether I'm gardening or computing!

My Facebook friend suggested she might be a Norwegian Forest Cat. I Googled images of said cat, and there are similarities. Who knew? She supervisies when I'm stacking wood, while the others get bored! On our walkies in the forest and down to the frog pond, she's begun relaxing enough to climb trees. In the beginning, she was afraid of going outside, happy enough being safe indoors. In the first photo, you can see her in the tree!
 

Norwegian Forest Cat

Just for fun, I did some research. She was found in a barn, we don't know her story. I wouldn't be surprised that citiots threw her away in the country, as is their way. A fierce hunter, she'll nab a mouse with lightning speed, but so affectionate with us, and the grandkids, I thought I'd check this out.

This is a very old breed, who have lived in the forests of Norway for thousands of years and played a part in Norse mythology. In the early 1970'a a group of Norwegian cat fanciers formed a group to try to preserve this breed called Skogkatt [forest cat] in its homeland. In 1979, the first breeding pair were imported to North America.

 They are semi-long-haired, with a double coat that sheds water. She doesn't need as much grooming as the short-haired Daisy, who is shedding a whole other cat! They are known for their suitability as a domestic cat, loving human and other pet contact. (This we've found true!) But according to the CFA, they will let you pet them on THEIR terms, resting on a chair, cat bed or caterpillar, they are said to be sensitive yet social. Again, she'll tolerate a certain amount of grooming, then growl - having had enough. Trimming her claws in winter was a trial, let me tell you!

She's also growled at a booming roll of thunder, the deer outside the window, and she's very protective of her house. She doesn't seem to need to go outdoors, as do the other cats, and she loves indoor play, with many toys. Again, her bursts of energy, then a long nap, is an indication of Norwegians. Her expression is indicative of the breed, as well, almond-shaped eyes. That big eyebrow is a hoot!
resting
Barn cat visiting, begging for food.
Annabelle will growl at her, chase her away.
Barn cat snuck into the house, after cat food in the kitchen.
Playtime on walkies
Daisy and Dorah
Buster, helping with stacked wood!

She loves being indoors!
Not to neglect the others cats:
Dorah in the morning sunlight

18 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Cute post on your kitties! Great shots! Enjoy your day!

Out To Pasture said...

My Ellie Mae bears a slight resemblance to your Annabelle. However, Ellie spent her first six months in the wild and is very fearful of humans. When I trapped her and had her spayed, I kept her in the house over winter. She growled and spit at me a lot. Now, she is very friendly with me and loves a nightly session with her comb as well as her favourite game of catching items I toss in mid- air. Most nights she sleeps on top of my head, purring herself to sleep. But when other humans come to visit, she runs and hides as if her very life depends on it. She must have had a dark past.

William Kendall said...

She's a sweetie.

Unknown said...

She's a beauty! I'm glad she's settled in well.

Nancy J said...

Does she have tufts of fur between her toes or claws? And a ruff round her neck? and lose so much hair for a summer coat, and suddenly have an overcoat of massive proportions for winter? And seemingly does not get knots on her fur? Our stray "Ginger Boy" we think is also part Norwegian Forest, he has guard hairs, a huge ruff, and suddenly a massive amount of fur, as he does sleep outside in the daytime, and sometimes at night. And after 17 months, still wary and a bit shy, although I can pat and stroke all his fur when he eats. One more detail, they give a little squeak rather than a full " Meow", no matter what Lady Annabelle is, she is gorgeous.

Christine said...

She is beautiful!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
OMW... when I first saw Annabelle, another blogpal's little darling sprang to mind... VISIT MISS OSWIN here ...Certainly a close appearance! YAM xx

VioletSky said...

And as a forest cat, she is probably quite adept at getting herself out of the trees she climbs?!

Red said...

Funny how innocent stuff leads on a trail of discovery. I've never heard of such a cat but I'm not up on cats at all.

Gill - That British Woman said...

I have an Annabelle in our house, but she is my doll.....

She looks so cute your Annabelle

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

You have adopted a star! I'm so glad she is comfortable outside now -- with the huge beautiful outdoor space she has available it would be a shame not to enjoy it if you are a cat (or a people).

Jenn Jilks said...

You're right, Jean! It's hard clipping her nails as she is so hairy. And the lovely fur! And pantaloons! When she runs they shake like fancy pants!

Jenn Jilks said...

She's actually horrible getting down, VioletSky! Daisy is far better, going down backwards like a tree man!

A Colorful World said...

What a wonderful new cat you have! She has a great new home with the other sweet cats! Love the photos, and loved that she has a history...her breed, I mean. Really cool!

Mara said...

Oh wow, she does indeed look quite a bit like my Oswin. And of course my Oswin is most likely at least part Norwegian forest cat. After all, we live in Norway. Like your beauty, my beauty was found out in a garage, but she was a mum to four kittens. Only one survived though. I have had her for a year and I think it took about six months for her to completely settle in. She has a great fondness for hard surfaces like the top of a small cupboard or even the floor. Although lately she has moved more to soft furnishings as well.

We live out in the country and when she is allowed she loves to go out. Watching the world go by, chasing mice or even chasing visiting cats.

Mara said...

Oh, and ps: I love the name. Annabel (as I would write it, being Dutch and all) is on my shortlist for further feline friends coming to live with me!

Olga said...

She is a beauty!

Kay said...

Oh my! She is such a beautiful, velvety looking cat. I'm glad she's settling in well.