Cats are an amazingly adaptable species. They live all over the world in every biome and climate. They can live in humid jungles, sweltering deserts, and freezing tundra. But no cat breed is as uniquely adapted to cold weather as the Norwegian Forest Cat.
Norwegian Forest Cats are large, hardy animals with thick coats and tough paws. In internet language, that means this cat is chonky. Perhaps more accurately, it’s extremely fluffy.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a thick, long fur coat that helps it stay comfortable in the frigid Scandinavian temperature. As a result, this feline breed can spend long hours in the snow while remaining warm and safe.
Of course, humans love them, too. It’s hard not to adore a cat breed that’s 75 percent fur. They might adapt incredibly well to the snow, but inside, they’re total cuddle bugs.
The Norwegian Forest Cat is so unique that it comes up in Scandinavian folk tales. The breed traveled on Viking ships to control pests. King Olaf called them the official cat of Norway. Seeing this creature among the trees and snow, it’s easy to imagine it as a magical being of legend. Do magical beings enjoy tuna?
1. What kind of bird is this?
This cat is so big and fluffy, he seems to defy gravity. How does he manage to balance on that tiny stick when he’s a big mass of fur?
2. The cat, the tail, the legend
Just look at the size of that fluffy cat, especially its tail! If you saw this animal walking toward you through the falling snow, you might think it was a creature of legend, too.
3. Can’t take the kitten out of the cat
These cats might be a lot bigger than your average housecat, but they haven’t lost their kittenish playfulness. Thick fur coats mean more romping in the snow.
4. Bow before me
These cats do everything majestically. How can you not be impressed by a huge, fluffy cat posing on top of a snowbank? Just look at that fur coat.
5. Remember to wear a hat
If you forget to take a hat outside in the snow, just wear your friend. That’s if your friend is a super warm, fluffy cat.
6. This cat is prettier than all of us
This cat’s light fur and blue eyes blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Can someone get this cat a modeling contract? Can cats get modeling contracts?
7. Is this cat even real?
Looking at this cat, it’s not hard to understand why the people of Scandinavia thought it was magical. It looks like a wise creature that can predict your future.
8. Hurry up, we don’t have all day
There’s always one member of the group who walks way more slowly than everyone else. Come on, Jared. You have four paws just like the rest of us.
9. There’s some collateral damage with a coat this shaggy
Being out in the snow is difficult for most of us and even most animals. But these cats can live happily in the cold temperatures almost without noticing. Snow on their fur is just a regular day.
10. This cat’s a marshmallow
How does a cat manage to be so regal and rotund at the same time? It all comes down to that thick winter coat. It’s beautiful, but it also looks kind of funny.
11. Stop and feel the sun on your whiskers
These cats might be right at home in the ice and snow, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy the sunshine. This guy is stopping to enjoy the light and warmth on a rare sunny winter morning.
12. Battling the frigid winds
Winter days can be rough, but thankfully, these cats are well-equipped to handle them. Those winter winds can literally make their fur stand on end.
13. Take a flying leap
This cat is taking a mighty leap over the fence. Does it know just how dramatic it appears with the wind whipping its long fur? We’ll never know.
14. Where can I buy a coat like this?
Fur coats like this are probably uncomfortable in the summer, but in the winter, they’re a dream come true. If only you could buy a coat this warm at Target.
15. This tail is the definition of luxury
The International Cat Association recognizes 71 different breeds of cats. Some have short tails, some fluffy tails, and some no tails. But no tail is like this one.
16. I mean adorable business
With a long patch of white on his chest, this cat looks like Gandalf coming to cast an angry spell. I hope, like with Bilbo, he’s coming to help me — not hurt me.
17. If these cats had thumbs, they’d be snapping
These cats look like they’re in a musical street gang and on their way to settle a score. No one knows for sure which of the two gangs first owned this chunk of forest, but by the end of the day, there’ll only be one.
18. “Good evening, good evening, excuse me”
This is the cat that would greet you as you accidentally wandered into Narnia. He might not be a faun but he certainly knows a warm place to curl up in the winter landscape.
19. When you’re fighting with an invisible enemy
This cat is clearly locked in the heat of combat with some kind of winter spirit. I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of those claws. But if I’m lucky, maybe I’ll be on the receiving end of some cuddles.
20. Beauty’s in the eye of the beholder
This cat seems to be gazing upon a sight of pure beauty — either the Aurora Borealis or his next meal. Either way, it’s a good day to be this kitty.
21. Ready to drop the latest album
This cat looks like he’s about to drop some sick beats or he just threw a microphone into the adoring crowd. Either way, he’ll be in his trailer.
22. I believe I can fly
Maybe he can’t touch the sky, but he can certainly gain some air. The focused look on his face makes me pity whatever’s on the other end of that pounce.
23. Home at last
He looks like he’s coming home from a long journey and all he wants is a warm bowl of pate. Don’t worry, he knows his owner has it waiting for him. Just look at the confidence on his face.
24. He’s had it with this freaking snow
Even if you’re made for cold weather, winter can be brutal and long. This cat looks like he’s had enough of all the snow. Mice are easier to find in the summer.
25. Nothing left to “luge”
This cat’s achieving top speeds as he barrels down the snowy trench. Perhaps he’s training for the winter Olympics. But I think it’s more likely that someone just opened a can of tuna.
26. The newest Disney princess
This cat is so beautiful she could be the next Disney princess — maybe in the Frozen movie sequel. Unfortunately, this princess has a habit of eating all her animal friends.
27. So cold, every strand of fur’s on end
Even for a fluffy cat like this, winter weather can be brutal. Yes, he has a lot of extra layers, but at a certain point, he’s only going outside to pee. Anything else can wait for spring.
28. The British are coming
Two things are clear in this photo: these cats know each other and one is delivering some seriously grave news. Either the local shelter’s been raided or the neighborhood dogs have banded together.
29. Stopping in the woods on a snowy evening
Sometimes, you have to stop to appreciate all the beauty around you, even the little things in life. If you’re an on-the-go Norwegian kitty, you still need to make time to stop and reflect.
30. A battle for the ages
There’s a showdown like no other — just look at that snow flying. You can just picture this scene set to some seriously epic battle music. Someone needs to get John Williams on the phone.
31. The skill of a professional
They say that you appreciate food more when you have to catch it yourself. This cat had to brave the icy water to fetch his dinner, so it’s certain he was going to get that fish.
32. Onward, noble steed
This cat is charging forward with the intensity of a horse in a jousting tournament. I’m not sure what would be small enough to ride it. A squirrel, maybe?
33. And the award for hurdle jumping goes to…
No obstacle can stop him as he leaps hurdles. This cat clearing the brambles without any problem is a perfect example of pet parkour.
34. This cat can see right through you
Have you ever seen an animal that seems to have the ability to look straight into your soul? This cat knows all your secrets. Well, that or he just spotted a mouse in the snow.
35. You’re a menace, cat
This cat looks like he’s about to throw down with anybody who looks at him the wrong way. He doesn’t take any attitude. He’ll fight first and ask questions never.
36. This is colder than my litterbox
Ah, the unmistakable expression of a cat taking care of his “business.” During the summer, the whole world is a cat’s toilet. During the winter, however, only the brave venture outside the litter box.
37. It’s a miracle
Cats can do some amazing things like this one that walks on water. We know his secret, though — he remembers where all the rocks are.
38. When it’s December and it hasn’t snowed yet
Even if you love winter, you have to admit it gets dull without snow. When that happens, everyone looks like this cat — sitting and waiting, rather impatiently.
39. Sometimes, it’s even too cold for a Norwegian Forest cat
Having a thick fur coat is great, but the temperature can drop too low even for Norwegian Forest cats. On those days, their best bet is to admire the winter scenery from the safety of a warm window.
40. We all have a favorite spot
Cats are solitary by nature so it’s no surprise this cat has his own special spot. This is where he comes to destress from the responsibilities of being a cat, like napping and eating kibble.
41. The grass offends him
The look on that face says: “Grass, you are beneath me in every sense of the word,” In the cat’s mind, each frozen toe is an offense that cries out to heaven.
42. Optical illusion cat keeps us up at night
Here’s a question: is this a picture of a four-legged cat jumping over a bramble or one of a bipedal cat peering at the ground? Will we ever know?
43. There’s nothing like snow to make a walk romantic
Is there anything nicer than a walk in the snow with the person (or cat) you love? The only thing that beats it is curling up by the fire together afterward.
44. He knows he’s handsome
Do you ever look at a cat and get the feeling it knows exactly how beautiful it is are? This handsome devil is perfectly aware of the way the sun hits his fur.
45. You better not have eaten my bird, Dave
Even the best of friends occasionally fight. Maybe these two are fighting over a delicious bird or mouse. Calm down, you two, there’s tuna at home.
46. He clears the hurdle
Looking at that expression, you know Kitty’s hearing the soundtrack of Chariots of Fire in his head. Hey, we all have to have dreams.
47. We need to have a talk
“Look, Deborah, we appreciate that you feed and pet us, but it’s time to install a cat door. Seriously, look at us. We’re covered in snow.”
48. This cat’s a witch
This white cat looks like a mystical being in the snowy forest. Maybe she’s the White Witch from Narnia or perhaps just an adorable feline.
49. My paws are frozen
They might be extra fluffy, but not even these cats can handle being out in the snow forever. This guy looks like he’s ready to come inside to enjoy a warm blanket and a can of tuna.
50. A lion at heart
All cats, wild and domesticated, are distantly related. Looking at this cat with his fluffy gray “mane,” it’s not hard to see how he shares an ancestry with the mighty lion. He thinks he’s pretty majestic.