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Sure, Santa has reindeer, but you can't have a reindeer sit on your lap (at least not comfortably). Obviously, Santa needs a cat...but what kind of cat? Stock image by BluedarkArt, vie Adobe Stock. |
If Santa had a cat, what kind of cat would he have?
I have thought long and hard about this, and I am prepared
to speculate that Santa might choose a Norwegian Forest Cat, for reasons
outlined below. But first, a little background.
Who is this Santa Claus?
We got the jolly old elf otherwise known as Santa Claus from
the Dutch character Sinterklaas, who was based on Saint Nicholas. Saint
Nicholas was a fourth-century bishop who was known for giving secret gifts,
often by placing coins in people’s shoes. Sinterklaas may also have picked up
influences from the Norse god Odin, who was associated with the midwinter pagan
festival of Yule and who led the so-called Wild Hunt (a mysterious and
foreboding procession of hunters across the sky).
According to popular lore, Santa lives at the North Pole,
which is not a warm place, as I’m sure you know. Also according to popular
lore, Santa is … well, let’s call him large.
Better yet, let’s call him substantial.
The Norwegian Forest Cat
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Norwegian Forest Cat in the snow.
Photo by Pieter Lanser [CC-BY-2.0],
via Wikimedia Commons.
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What other clues do we have?
Well, there is the fact that Norwegian Forest Cats
originated in Norway, where they are called skogkatt
(“forest cat”). This brings us right back to Sinterklaas and the Norse god Odin.
Then there is the Norwegian Forest Cat’s thick coat to keep
him warm and dry in winter conditions, as well as her tufted paws—perfect for
life at the wintry North Pole.
And let’s not forget this breed’s reputation for intelligence,
gregariousness, and calm adaptability—perfect for life with elves (I have a
feeling elves are hard to live with).
To sum up, here we have a substantial, intelligent cat
adapted for life in a cold climate and able (probably) to live with elves. In
other words, the perfect cat for Santa Claus: the Norwegian Forest Cat.
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Is this the perfect cat for Santa, or what?
This Norwegian Forest Cat is already dressed for Christmas.
© Isselee
| Dreamstime.com -
Norwegian Forest Cat Wearing A Christmas Scarf, Photo |
Want to meet another cat that would be perfect for Santa? Be sure to check out Part 2 of "What Kind of Cat Would Santa Claus Have?"!
Sources
The Cat Fancier’s Association, “Norwegian Forest Cat,” http://www.cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsKthruR/NorwegianForestCat.aspx
Pickeral, Tamsin. The
Elegance of the Cat: An Illustrated History. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s, 2013.
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I don't think I would want to live with Santa, a cat would be good for him. Reindeer and elves are stinky.
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