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Viking Cats – DNA Study Shows the Crucial Role Felines Played in Viking Life Apr 12, 2019 Reginald Martyr After conducting extensive research, scientists believe that they have stumbled upon an interesting revelation concerning the history of cats, a species which is among the world’s most popular pets today. New findings suggest that eons before cats became household pets across the globe, they were the frequent companions of ancient Vikings, in some cases accompanying them as they sailed across the globe. The first-ever major examination and analysis of ancient DNA from our feline friends provided these rather unexpected preliminary conclusions...

Pickles the cat was once abandoned and had a hard time finding a home because of his size until he met a couple who have a heart and home big enough to take him in. He was nicknamed Catasaurus Rex when he was put up for adoption. Weighing in 21 lbs for about 3 feet long, Pickles is larger than some dogs. Because of his enormous appetite, he was forced out of his home, looking for food scraps. But now Pickles has finally found a home and humans that love him to bits despite his size and the way he...

A Maine Coon cat named Stewie is the new record holder for "world's longest cat," according to the Reno Gazette-Journal. His recent measurement from his nose to the tip of his tail bone put him at 48 and a half inches, a half inch longer than the original record holder. The cat's owner, Robin Hendrickson, says the Maine coon's full name is Mymains Stewart Gilligan. According to Wikipedia, Maine coons really do hail from Maine, but there are other theories regarding their deeper origins. One such theory says that they are descended from Marie Antoinette's Turkish Angora cats, who bred...

It was only when the coin was later identified as Viking that the game heated up. By then poor Mellegren -- who, Beachcombing must say was someone with a reputation for integrity -- had passed away. Beachcombing has no illusions about much of the nonsense written about pre-Columbian visits to North America. But in this case he would give a thumb and a half followed by two cheers and three quarters. There is a good chance that this really is what it seems: A European coin that found its way to North America in the twelfth century. Minted in Norway,...

One of the oldest breeds of cats in North America is the Maine Coon Cat, and some say 40% of the originals had extra toes. One article said it evolved as a "snowshoe foot" to help these cats walk in the snow. Cute story, but probably [expletive deleted] ...The breed closest to the Maine Coon Cat is the Norwegian Forest Cat which evolved in the same climate and lends credence to one theory that ancestors of the Coon Cat may have even come to the New World onboard Viking ships. I like that theory best.

Philosophy When our breeding endeavor began, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to gain exposure and knowledge through contacts in both the United States and in Europe. Differing opinions are a staple in any community, and the Norwegian Forest cat lovers/breeders are certainly no exception to this rule. We have learned from observing breeding programs and participating in shows both in the United States and in Europe and have developed our own ideas about the Norwegian Forest cat, but our end goal is ultimately the same as breeders around the globe. Our philosophy is quite simple, taking into consideration...