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