The cats of warriors?

Many of the great trade routes of the world were first established by the seafaring traders known as the Vikings. From 793 to 1066 AD, Scandinavian (mostly Dane and Norwegian) warriors and traders raided, colonized, and explored large parts of Europe, southwestern Asia, Northern Africa, and eventually northeastern North America.

 

Right, we also know that as the skogkatt, or Norwegian Forest Cat, was an ancient breed believed to have originated in Norway over 500 years ago. They had many physical attributes in common with the Maine Coon and evolved from a similarly rough terrain and harshclimate.

Because the Vikings are believed to have used cats as rat catchers and companions, it is not inconceivable that the Vikings brought some of the Norwegian Forest cats with them in their travels to North America. Could, then, the true ancestor of the Maine Coon have been the Norwegian forest cat? It is fascinating to think that today's Maine Coons might decend from the cats of warriors. Or, did the Maine Coons have a royal heritage?