The Vikings

The Norwegian Forest Cat is the original domestic cat of the Scandinavian countries. Brought to the north by Vikings and Crusaders, they have developed into the semi-long-haired cat that we know today. They were strong animals, hunters that could withstand the cold. Since 1977, the Norwegian Forest Cat has been recognized worldwide as a breed.

Freya's Favorites

In ancient Norwegian legends about Odin and his divine family, Freya, the goddess of love and fertility, had two forest cats to pull her chariot. One was black and one was white and they were reportedly her pets. These cats were as magical as Freya and were believed to bring good luck.

The Norwegian

Although today's Norwegian forest cats no longer have divine powers like Freya's favorites, you still recognize them for their toughness. By their strong, high hind legs, the long plumed tail. By their wedge-shaped head, smooth nose line, and their ears from which long tufts of hair grow. But especially, you recognize them by the alert, intelligent, wild look in their slightly slanting eyes.
Norwegians are lively, active, and independent like any cat, but they also like our company. They are trusting and tolerant. And in their friendship with us, some of them even develop into real chatterboxes.
Authentic animals that enchant us and with whom we are happy to share house, courtyard, love and sorrow.

The cattery of Norwegian Forest cats Håret Landstryker is to be found in Epe, in the Dutch province of Gelderland, between the cities of Apeldoorn and Zwolle, in a small, renovated farmhouse.
Our forest cats have the opportunity to live in freedom on and around our grounds, thanks to the unique and secure location of our house. It's not uncommon to see our cats hanging in trees, or scouring the meadows and stream banks for mice. The male stud cats have their housing in the cat quarters, where guest cats can also stay. This "Skjul" is heated and has both indoor and outdoor accommodations.

The oak, the Katsegat and Thorgill

This is home and estate, the Grote Geer in Epe, where our Norwegians can roam and hunt as they grow. A cherised and dear little paradise.

We expect buyers of our kittens to respect the nature of their Norwegians, which means that the animal should be allowed to go outside, either in a pen, a secured garden or, if circumstances permit, fully free as many indoor-outdoor cats are often allowed to enjoy.