The Forest Cat Court Painter Picks Rose and Blue From His Palette

A brown tabby with a thick ruff and tufted ears turns from his easel to greet us, a painter's palette balanced in his paws. Dabs of rose, blue and cream sit on the wooden board, and his pink coat is stitched with golden flowers and edged in lace at the cuffs. Behind him hang pink drapes with golden tassels and a hint of painted wall scrollwork, and his amber eyes look both sleepy and sharp, like an artist who has noticed every flaw in the work.

Norwegian Forest Cats are sturdy, long-haired cats that grew up in cold Scandinavian winters, with a water-resistant double coat and strong climbing skills. They tend to be friendly, calm and playful, and many love tall cat trees. Their thick fur needs regular brushing, especially when it sheds heavily, to prevent mats. Fresh water, good food and safe vertical spaces to climb keep these big, gentle cats content.

A painter's palette is a nice detail in a portrait, because it shows the creator in the middle of his craft. The colors on it match the colors of the picture itself, as if the tabby had mixed this very scene. His warm brown stripes bring a note of earthy richness to an otherwise pastel room, and the soft fur around his chin looks like it was painted with the finest brush.

If the court ever needs another masterpiece, this artist will take his time, as any good cat does.