A Little More About Our Choice, Part 2

It’s important to remember that what we see on social media is often just a fraction of the real story.
When it comes to decisions we have to make, it can be difficult to convey everything clearly in a digital format.

Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming several domestic cats into our home—not just Jesper and Kasper. We've also taken in a variety of other animals in need of a temporary place, extra care, or a permanent home.
These have ranged from small pets and birds to significantly larger animals, each with their unique needs and, in some cases, challenging backgrounds.

Most recently, we took in 50 poultry.
Unfortunately, not all stories have a happy ending: some birds had to be euthanized due to severe injuries, such as missing legs or eyes, or other conditions incompatible with good animal welfare.
Others received the necessary treatment but still struggle with behavioral challenges after living in conditions lacking environmental enrichment and being confined in cramped, unclean cages.

So, we haven’t just provided a home for domestic cats.
We have always had a special appreciation for Norwegian animal breeds and have been proud owners of several wonderful ones. Norway has a rich diversity of native breeds.

Among our favorites are the versatile and hardy horse breeds, such as the sturdy Dølahest, the unique Fjord Horse, and the beautiful, small, and strong Nordlandshest—also known as Lyngshest.
Regarding cattle, we have experience with both the NRF (Norwegian Red) and STN (Sidet Trønder- og Nordlandsfe).

One of these is internationally recognized for its excellent health and production ability, while the other, despite its modest size, stands out for its distinctive and delightful temperament and hardiness.
We also hold a special place in our hearts for the old Norwegian Spælsau, a lively and frugal sheep breed, as well as the landscape-grazing Blæset and Dalasau sheep.

As for poultry, we previously kept the beautiful Jærhøns but have now transitioned to Bantam Cochins and Silkie chickens—charming, social little feathered ornaments in the yard.

And let’s not forget the Norwegian dog breeds—the black and gray Elkhounds, the Harehounds, the Buhund, and the distinctive Lundehund. Here, we crossed the border and ended up with a Danish-Swedish variant, much smaller than the breeds we’ve had before. But little Odin is small in body, big in spirit and joy. It's probably for the best that he only weighs 12 kg...

There is an incredible variety of wonderful Norwegian breeds across different animal species, some of which, unfortunately, are quite rare.

Years of experience have taught us the importance of making well-considered and thoughtful choices for both the animals’ daily lives and our own. Everyone should thrive together and be seen.
With this in mind, it is completely reasonable—even necessary—to choose a cat with specific characteristics this time.
It’s something more people should consider: taking the time to reflect on which pet would be the best fit for their home.

However, until now, we have never had a Norwegian cat breed in our home.
So, we are excited to get to know this breed after six domestic cats in a row.
This time, Jonatan will be our cultural ambassador.

A small reminder:

"Norsk Skogskatt" refers to a domestic cat.
"Norsk Skogkatt" refers to a pedigree cat of the Norwegian Forest Cat breed.