As a huge cat lover it’s sad, but yeah, they do a lot of harm. There’s been a big push where I live to have people keep their house cats mostly inside, make “catios” and harness train. For a lot of the same reasons!
in general, I feel people should keep cats inside -- it's really best for the kitties as well! but most importantly for the environment. though catios are a great compromise between outside and inside, especially if they have a mesh bottom (preventing lizards from getting in/getting eaten). my two kitties both happen to dislike the outside and vastly prefer inside (I've done a lot to help them with that, but they also have their own reasons for not loving outside here), so I'm lucky in that way. of course a catio won't work on the permafrost/tundra -- not protective enough. but in the rest of the world, it's a great idea.
We took in a stray and he was decimating our small critter populations, so we built him a huge catio. He lives in his own two story apartment when it's too hot or too cold, and on the catio all other times. He is a very happy cat.
I love your videos. I'm from So. Calif, but spent a few weeks of winter in Sweden. Between the cold and the dark, I know I'm not suited for Svalbard life, but I sure do love living vicariously through you!
@@tomservo5007not if you enrich them properly and actually play with them. and it's better than the alternative-our local bird and rodent populations have been decimated by outdoor cats.
@@tomservo5007 They're not at all comparable. An indoor cat is similar to a domesticated bird having full flight free roam of a bird proof house or rooms where they can't be eaten by predators or killed by human activity. Most people don't store their cats in crates and cat carries all day with no interaction, just as birds are also not really intended to be left alone in a small cage all day either. Most breeds are fully domesticated and are idiots outside. Feral cats also aren't always the brightest and most have awful lifespans living fully outdoors. And from an environmental standpoint, the competent ones are invasive and can easily decimate local small prey populations if too many are left outside.
@@tomservo5007So you think it's better to let them out where they can catch diseases, be killed, abused? Indoor cats live a life of luxury. I think your comment comparing it to a cage is really out of order.
Awwww, Grimm is so cute! I love your Sunday videos; watching them is part of my Sunday routine! So interesting about the cats! Thank you for sharing your interesting life with us!
I have a cat and I really appreciate you giving legit and correct information about the cats in Svalvard. Unlike other channels providing false information and myths for clickbait. Thank you again Cecilia from me and my feline here in 🇨🇦
I could never handle the winters and dark there, but the scenery is so stunning and your home looks so cozy! ❤️ Grim is a handsome boy after his shower!
I’ve been out of touch for a while and happy to see you looking well, and to see Grim still the happiest, most loving dog in the world. He’s so precious.
You explained that you are not even allowed to pick flowers. I always wondered why you and Christopher did not harvest berries to freeze or make jams. I spent two years in Alaska and berries are a very important part of the indigenous diet. Very interesting video.
@@lisawhite2512 have you ever experienced the Arctic or even the boreal forest.? The far north is magical to some people. I personally don’t see the allure of Florida or Texas.
I’m assuming it’s because polar dogs tend to have higher prey drives and don’t follow commands as well as other breeds. And they’re also well adapted to the climate which means that if they escaped the might be able to survive in the wild and harm the ecosystem
I love my cats but this law makes sense the way you've explained things. I've read how devastating for local wildlife cats can be (the articles I've read were about the UK and New Zealand specifically). It's also important to note that while you can train cats to an extent, they are wilful beings and can ignore your requests. I can't even imagine how to protect them from larger animals that may hurt them, or to stop them from hunting if they escape the house.
You protect them by keeping them indoors! I have had many animals over the years. Cats can live fulfilling lives indoors and mine have no interest in going outside. In fact if something happens and they find themselves outside, they panic and want in. The laws should fine irresponsible pet owners of all species and let responsible owners keep an indoor rescued cat! And as for dogs. Mine went after wildlife too. Even when leashed.
@@melmac5173 exactly. This video seems very misinformed about cats. My vet says that the most loved and cared for cats are indoor cats. They can live very fulfilled and happy lives as indoor dwellers. My indoor cats have never escaped and found their way outdoors--they are just indoor cats. My first cat lived till 20, and my next 15, and now my currant cat is 10. I hope wit my love and care and her indoor life she can live till 20. I actually think she would do great in Cecelia's environment. No reason to ban her!
Cats are the most destructive invasive species on the planet, responsible for the extinction of more species than any non-human animal, at least 63 different species, 40 birds, 21 mammals, 2 reptiles. They are a menace to the local wildlife and anyone thinking otherwise is not living in reality. Your cat should never be allowed outside.
A lot of people in the United States think that letting your cat outdoors is irresponsible but that's an absolute falsehood. I live in the United States. My cat is 20 years old and he lived outside for 13 of the 17 years that I have owned him. My vets consistently tell me that he is the healthiest cat that they have ever seen. When he lived outside, he had flea and tick medication, a cat door to an interior enclosure that was heated in the winters insulated etc with all the things he could possibly have wanted. He took walks with us on and off leash. He climbed trees the way cats are supposed to. He caught all manner of rodents which was a good thing because many of their natural predators have all moved North and there is an overabundance of them. He did not go after birds. I also happen to live in an area where there was not a lot of traffic. Additionally he has all his claws. Anybody saying that keeping a cat indoors is the best way for that cat to be healthy is factually wrong and desperately misinformed.
We never allow our cats outside! Lots of cat owners here don’t let them out. Cats live longer if they are inside, and vets encourage this. It’s scary out there; (coyotes, cars, foxes, etc), and we don’t want them hunting birds. Some people here have “catios” which are screened in areas for their cats on their patios or decks.
Cats are animals and aren't meant to spend their lives sleeping on a couch. My cat goes outside, on a leash on a very long clothesline. He can go the whole yard. he catches the occasional mice. I'd rather he doesn't eat them and i try to stop him, but you got to let you cat live a cat,s life. They aren't toys are decorations. They're animals who were born to hunt. My cat is outside from morning to night. letting them live an active lifestyle as a cat, not a stuffed animal in your house, actually makes them healthier. Don't believe everything a vet says, LOL. They are here to take your money. Do your research.
@@IzzyOnTheMove mine too. You can train cats to stay on your property, walk on leashes and give them the opportunity to keep rodents off your property. He birds here like magpies can do a lot of damage to cats. Never min the eagles, owlets etc. I had one attack my older female cat, but my other male cats yanked him off of her. That bird, a magpie did get injured a bit, but he flew off. My female cat on the other hand had to get stitches. My female cat was just sleeping on a deck chair in my back yard. The stupid bird tried to peck her eyes out but luckily my other cats yanked at its two and pulled it off of her. Thankfully my male cats are vigilant ever since an owl went after them a few years ago. They haven’t forgotten and they will protect each other, but I don’t see them otherwise go near birds. They could have killed that bird, but honestly they just yanked it off my female cat by biting its tail amd when I ordered them to let go they did.
@@IzzyOnTheMove My cats are strictly indoor cats. They have beds, mats, cat towers they can climb & sleep on, toys and plenty of playtime. Inside with me they won't: get hit by a car...attacked by another animal...pick up diseases...impregnated by feral tomcats...become lost...abducted...poisoned by anti-freeze licked up because they were thirsty. I'm not telling you how to care for your cat. That is up to you & I respect that. My cats are happy, playful, loved and safe inside with me.
@@IzzyOnTheMove Our family were community cat caretakers for a colony near our house. We built insulated shelters for them, kept them fed and got them sterilized and medical care, and we socialized them. When we had a problem with a local dog owner who wouldn't follow the local laws for keeping dogs leashed or in a fenced yard, we ended up bringing in all of the cats we could catch to our house. And after they became indoor cats, not once were they interested in going back outside. They already knew the outside was cold and rough, and they decided they liked a cushy life with cat trees and toys and no big dogs. The point being that cats are individuals and have their own likes and dislikes, and yes, some of them actually do prefer spending their lives sleeping on the couch, given that choice.
Cecilia, your videos have made me learn to appreciate the beauty of where I live. I am in awe of all of your aerial footage of Svalbard. As I walked my dog last week around sunrise, I looked around. For the first time, I saw it here, where I live, too. I even stopped to take pictures. Thank you for sharing your life and the wonder of where you live. I am inspired and so grateful for the world around me because of you. 🌳🌳
As a disabled person I couldn’t live on Svalbard anyway. But, as a certified cat person from (according to my gran) the very day I was born, that understandable ban would keep me away. Grim was such a good boy while getting his shower ❤
Before getting sick, 65°F/18°C was winter coat time. My fireplace was going even in summer. Now I have the air set at 64/18, the lowest it can go, even in the winter.
Just such a wonderful vlog. I enjoy your channel tremendously. From Australia, it seems so amazing to have a lifestyle like this. We get snow, and it gets cold, but nothing like this. I've watched several of your vlog segments, with delight. I hope your channel continues to grow and grow and grow. Just fascinating!
Morning Cecilia! Love spending my Sunday mornings watching your newset video. Very interesting about the cats. The orange cat in the Russian town was sooo cute! Love the shots where it's raining outside, just the simple beauty of Svalbard and the sound of rain.....I could sit there for hours!!
😢🐈🐈 That’s a bummer. We have three. Thank you Cecilia for all your information you take the time to post for us. Would like to see more businesses on Svalbard like auto repair shops, gas stations, where trash ends up, and specialty shops. If it wasn’t for this channel, I would never have known Svalbard existed.
Oh, I totally get this, Cecilia. It makes perfect sense. I'm a cat lover, and have a five-years old girl; however, they absolutely will kill birds and such. Thanks for clarifying exactly why cats are banned. I LOVE rain, so cozy! Something I absolutely also loved about living in Stavanger. Tons of rain there especially in the fall. PS: looking forward to seeing and hearing about the ghost town!
Sure, but pet cats are a nuisance to birds and critters. They instinctively hunt and kill, even if they are fed at home. The numbers are staggering to the point cats should be banned all over America. "Fish and Wildlife Service found that free-ranging domestic cats are the top human-caused threat to wildlife in the United States, killing an estimated 1.3 to 3.7 billion birds and 6.3 to 22.3 billion mammals annually." !!!
they might enrich your life, but they are the main predators in the whole UK killing 14 million wild birds per year according to BBC magazine Science Focus. Australia and New Zealand are trying to control cats roaming around as well..
I really love your videos about Svalbard. It's so different than what most of us have ever experienced. Could you do some videos on what Taurus can do during the polar nights and also the polar days!? It would also be interesting to see some of the shops and restaurants in town. And could you interview some of the people that live there and see what their day-to-day life is like and why they choose to live there.
I just watched your video on going back to work at the clothing store. I find the more I watch the more I realize 2 things. I love your excitement about living where you do. I on the other hand would never like living in the climate and the night and days. But you make it interesting and fun to follow you. Your exuberance for life is electrifying. I love that. Thanks for all you do and sharing it here. i live in the USA Washington state near the border with Oregon. We get a lot of rain and grow a lot of fir trees. I am much older than you, 78 yrs young and boating, swimming, camping were all apart of our younger days. Now we are home much more! Church is a huge part of our life as Jesus Christ is the singular most important thing for our lives. You are a special gal and it's been really fun getting to know all the different aspects of you here. Looking forward to the next adventure Cecilia! Blessings!
Hi Cecilia, thank you so much for your very informative segments on Svalbard. I have been looking at moving to Svalbard now for many years, but could never get the real information I required. Please keep these segments coming!👍
Uhhhh I am early. If it wasn’t for the cat ban I would definitely live on Svalbard. Love these informative yet beautiful videos. Free roaming cats are an invasive species to the tundra, so I completely understand the ban.
I'd heard cats called ecological destroyers, didn't understand till I read about the amount of damage they do to local species. Totally understand any such ban.
I understand banning free roaming cats (and dogs), absolutely. It's silly and authoritarian to ban indoor cats or other indoor pets, especially as with such a small human population licensing and tracking would be pretty easy.
As a cat mom and foster to lots of kittens I get the reasons why cats are banned, but it makes me super sad. They're also really susceptible to extreme cold, most domestic cats here in the states are bred from desert species and extreme cold temperatures can affect their quality of life. Only specific cat breeds would thrive out in the wilderness.
My partner's cat in the UK doesn't go outside if it's snowing she will use a litter box. Funny thing is the birds in the garden have learnt to gang up to dive bomb her so she doesn't go near them. 😂
There is a term for cat ladies that speaks voulumes..."A number of studies also confirm that mental diseases like schizophrenia, depression and anxiety syndrome are more common in people with toxoplasmosis, while others suggest that toxoplasmosis can influence how extroverted, aggressive or risk-inclined an individual's behaviour is"
@@lutomson3496 a number of studies show adults with those disease and pets have increased compliance to their medical therapies and increased quality of life. 👏 Try thinking outside the box. You’d be surprised. Labeling people and generalizing isn’t informative.🤦♀️
Thank You Cecillia..... I am in Québec Province CANADA.... I LOVE your videos so much.... it is a pleasure to listen to You.... Thank You for being art of my life.... I am 74 Years YOUNG, livimg at country FAR from Montréal, where i come from.... Yves
The wildlife part makes total sense (cats catch birds) but the rabies part not so much. Dogs are way more likely to get rabies because some species of cats are actually naturally resistant. They also can get the rabies vaccine just like dogs can
So are dogs more likely or you’re just saying some cats are resistant? Dogs don’t have to be more likely just because cats can be immune. Those are not correlating facts.
Totally! There’s me watching this video with my two cats by the fire … I guess I am a little masochistic. A friendlier way to ban them could be, this weather could be very dangerous for them, and as they are not a native specie we are sorry, they are not allowed. But saying that is because they have parasites and can get rabies… 🤦♀️…
Grim is just the cutest, sweetest woofer. I love his happy little face! You know, that pile of fur looks so much like raw wool--I wonder if one could spin it into yarn and knit with it? I would not be surprised! How nifty would it be to have a Grim sweater! As for the cat ban...how sad, and illogical. I've met a number of cat and/or dog haters in my life. I mention this because I suspect some such person was behind the ban, simply because all the reasons given for the cat ban also apply to dogs, yet dogs are not banned. In fact--dogs escape their homes and yards even more easily and frequently than indoor cats do. On my town's neighborhood website, lost and found listings for dogs FAR outnumber those for cats. I see dogs wandering the streets, obviously uncontrolled, almost daily. If Svalbard simply mandated licensing, spaying/neutering, and vaccinating of cats, and also mandated that they be kept indoors only, I doubt there would be a problem. The licensing procedure would ensure that all cats would be tracked and controlled, and with such a small human population, this wouldn't be difficult. Oh well! One more place I can never live LOL. But I'd still love to visit! I do appreciate the ecological restrictions on Svalbard. All ecosystems deserve protection but I've often heard that arctic tundra and high deserts are two of the most fragile environments.
Why take the unnecessary risk of escaping etc cats, damage to the environment and such, when they can just ban cats in the first place. Cats have no important function in a place like that unlike dogs that are a good "alarm system" against polar bears, can pull sleds, guard houses, etc etc.
Seems a little extreme to me. You'd think that if your cat was fixed and had a rabies shot and they were indoor cats that it would be no problem. Even if they got out, they still couldn't breed or anything. Also unless someone found them they probably wouldn't last through the winter. So they wouldn't be able to harm anything for long.
My bunny, Bunnessa, tore up everything!! Chewed the door frames(anything wood) even though she had toy's. My cat's haven't done much over the year's. Still love them both.😂 My dog's are angels of course!!🐶🐕🐶
Most ppl keep their cats indoors. Mine are 100% inside, but will get a Catio when I move. I understand the law, but its silly too, imo, if they are indoors.
Not in the UK. Most cats roam free and are considered semi-wild. There are cats who like humans so won't hunt birds. Instead when let out they will befriend as many humans as possible to get extra food, petting and shelter if it rains/snows and they can't get back to their main home. Some will even move out if they realise a house is better than where they currently are. Then there are ones who don't like humans so only go to the one house that will feed it and hunt. Generally if kittens aren't handled regularly at 6 weeks they end up as the latter.
The place where you are - not allow to have cats - not die from disease [but because of this reason, people survived 1912 Influenza by extracting samples from bodies with this disease to make a vaccine/meds]
I think the main concept people need to understand is that Svalbard was set up as a company town. We used to have these in the past, but the modern day equivalent would be like a military base or a college campus or an amusement park: it is run by a company or organization and it sets the rules, and they just happen to let the general public live there if they follow these rules. It's not like a regular city or state that just forms and has all the same rules as the country it is in. There is no indigenous population or citizens of the place that have the right to be there. Everybody is a guest of the oragnization running the town, and in theory it could all get closed down and the people told to leave, like Pyramiden.
Oh how sad. My cats have saved my life. They have healed my heart and they are my two babies. And my cats NEVER go outside. They were born indoors and will stay that way their whole lives.
My cat has never escaped the house. In fact, he has no desire to leave. He's warm during the Winter and cool during the Summer. He's fed three times daily. He has his own TV, and he watches cartoons and Sesame Street. He has a charcoal-filtered water fountain, a large litter box and a 7-foot, five tier cat tree with 8 scratching posts and a sleeping cubby. He's neutered, and promptly receives all required vaccinations, including rabies. He's 6 1/2 years old. 🐈
Yes ! The damage done to so many ecosystems by invasive cats (not to mention rats) is immeasurable. And I'm a cat lover. My rescue kitty from Tijuana is named Juanita. (Lots of San Diego peeps have dogs and cats from Tijuana).
I have a rescue cat that had to be rehomed as an indoor cat so while I completely understand that outdoor cats are banned because I know the damage they can do when roaming around, it's a shame that I couldn't have an animal that has enriched my life so much even if kept indoors. Additionally, it's not like dogs never get out of their homes and do no damage when they do. Seems very unfair.
I appreciate why the ban exists but have sympathy for the citizens of Svalbard. In your lovely, cozy home the only thing missing was a little cat curled up by the fire. Stay safe!❤ from North Carolina, U.S.A.
Dogs can carry rabies also. My kittys have never been outside, they don't even like the screened in Lanai. My dogs only ever go off lead in our fenced in yard.
As someone who is severely allergic to cats, Svalvard is my island😅. Love your channel and always happy to see you and Christopher and of course Grim. ❤
My last cat only went outside for walks on a leash. My current cats aren't trained to walk on a leash because going outside absolutely freaks them out.
Love your videos and plan to visit Svalbard next year! Since you have a friend in Barentsburg, could you make a video about the relationship between the Norwegian and Russian settlements? When I started to plan my journey to Svalbard, I realized that you cannot book any trips to Pyramiden/Barentsburg via the "Visit Svalbard" website anymore because of the sanctions against Russia. How is the relationship with the Russian settlements? Is it still possible to visit them or are there any restrictions?
Another great and informative video. Your videos are always fantastic! I do have to admit that any video with Grim makes them a bit better. 😉 All these years I've watched, I've incorrectly thought Grim was a polar breed... Oops! Thanks for another great video Cecilia!
I don’t get why the government trust people with dogs, but they don’t trust families with cats. My cats have never been in the street after being rescued, they are 16 years old right now and they are going nowhere apart far from the sofa… I have seen many dog owners having their dogs “unleashed” while forbidden… it is very cynical from the Norwegian government under my pov
My Mom used to save her cat’s shedded fur and put it in clear plastic balls to decorate the Christmas tree. Love any video with Grim! I just want to pet him! I’m glad the authorities are reasonable and allow the cats who ‘grandfathered in’ from before the ban.
Your mom's Christmas ornament idea is genius! 😂 I have several towels in my kitchen which say that I decorate my home with cat hair... and it certainly feels as if we do exactly that. I vacuum twice each day, but there is always new fur waiting to replace it lol!
I am a dog person but I must admit I have NEVER heard of cats being BANNED. I started to wonder maybe there is not a rodents issue there but that made NO SENSE. I THOUGHT I REMEMBERED HEARING THAT THE PLAGUE WAS NOT AD BAD AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN BECAUSE OF CATS BUT THEN THE BRITISH BELIEVED CATS WERE EVIL, SO WHO KNOWS.
@@jodyvelasco740 I did watch the whole video. I understand why cats aren't allowed on the island. I also understand the cats were going to be killed if their owners hadn't been able to make other arrangements. And Cecilia clearly says the owners didn't find out if they could bring the cats. Stop being so rude and maybe you watch the video all the way to the end next time.
@@RamenNoodle1985 she clearly states that the ban is told to everyone traveling there. The owners decided t I not listen to this LAW. If you move to somewhere it’s your responsibility to check all laws and regulations you need to abide by. It’s unfortunate the cats may have lost their lives because of bad owners but it’s the owners fault.
It was the city run by Russian government....not to excuse it, but the heavy handedness and disregard for life is par for the course for that government.
I, too, look forward to enjoying Sunday morning coffee here in Texas with you. I was very impressed with how well behaved Grim was, as he doesn't do this very often. He looks so snuggly now and I bet smells awesome. As for cats, I love them and have always lived with them. I find the rationale for the ban quite flawed.... but no one asked me and it's not my community. I was certainly relieved to hear that the Russian cats attempted to be brought in after the ban were not killed, which to me belies a mean-spirited hatred of cats. Leigh
After decades, I finally made it to stunningly beautiful Norway, but alas, ni Svalbard. Been enjoying the Lofoten islands. Enjoying your content for years!
Hilarious anyone believes it’s illegal to die there. 🤭 I cannot get enough of life on Svalbard. The beauty of this magical place always takes my breath away. Have a wonderful week Cecilia.🫶🏼
Despite all the reasons you gave, I don't really understand the ban of cats when you allow dogs there? I understand protecting the wildlife...... But our cats never get out. They walk on a harness/leash and don't have parasites or rabies because we CARE about them. You said it yourself, dogs can kill the baby animals. They can also kill big animals, can get off their leashes, can carry parasites or rabies.... This sounds like an owner responsibility problem, and the poor animals are taking the fault. I mean, even knowing they'd euthanize a cat upon arrival, due to a small mistake, is a little horrifying to me! I love your videos. I love Svalbard and learning everything about it. I still want to visit one day -- I just want to play Devil's advocate here and say these laws seems a bit backwards to me! Lol!
because a sadly big number of people think cats can't be indoors 24/7 and will let them roam, it's supported and enforced by most of shelters and animal organisations in europe so people have that mindset and don't keep their cats home. better to ban cats altogether than check individually if the owner is responsible or not. the euthanasia is a completely different thing, though, because there are humane ways to solve that that don't involve killing.
@@elenuvien I totally get that. It's sad, but I do understand. It's just safer in the long run, I suppose. For both people, the wildlife there and the cats. But you'd think dogs would be subject to all this a little more, ya know?! It's crazy! I can't wait for more of these fact videos. C:
@@MellowKittyKat it's different for dogs. people usually don't let them out roaming outside unsupervised for a day or days like they do with cats where cats come home just to eat and/or sleep and snuggle with owners a bit.
@@elenuvien Maybe not everywhere in the world though! Here where I live, it's common to see the neighbor's dog outside and not on a leash for hours or even days, completely unsupervised. Chickens, cats, smaller animals are killed by domestic dogs all the time and no one really does anything about it because dogs are... Well, dogs! Much like cats are gonna cat. 😎 LOL. Again, it's just surprising to see but I do understand the reasoning!
@@elenuvien It's strange how you say organisations and shelters in europe supports to let cats outside. All shelters in Finland I know only let's you adopt the cat for living indoors, they strictly say that they won't give cats to outdoor living.
Omg yay bunnies are allowed! I have a bunny and I would have a very hard time leaving her behind if I were to move to Svalbard ♥ Great video, as always :)
Svalbard was part of a question on a trivia show we have on TV here (The Wall) recently! They show you the answer choices before the person hears the question, we saw they were all countries and my family and I were all like “well we’re not gonna know this one” (none of us are good at geography ha) but it was something like “Svalbard is an archipelago near what country?” I was like “omg I actually know this one!” all thanks to your videos 🙂
I always found it VERY heartbreaking that people let their animals run loose at all, cats and dogs. How many times I've seen cats hit on the roadways causes me sadness. And I've had to slam on my brakes more than once to avoid hitting a cat that had run across the road.
A lot of the world views cats differently: Europeans and some Commonwealth countries seem to feel it is "cruel" to keep cats indoor-only, but in the US, it is much more common and desirable to keep cats strictly indoors.
I agree that cats could have an impact on bird populations, but that could be eliminated by keeping them inside. 99% of all the other diseases & parasites can be tested for & cured, except rabies. And if you get your cats from a healthy, responsible rescue or shelter, they would be rabies-free & vaccinated. It would seem that the people passing this law don't know much about cats & modern veterinary medicine...I have 2 cats, & I'm babysitting a third for a friend, & none of them have any of these problems, including getting out of the house. Escape is not a given...if the cats can escape, then the dogs can get loose off the leash, too. That's a lame argument.
I know that I'm really late to commenting on this video, but I would love a day in the life of Grim video!! Yes, I'm a dog person and proud of this!!😂😂 As always, thanks for sharing Cecilia!!❤🎉
Great video, Cecilia, Christoffer and Grim! Love the shower scene. lol And the lore about the Svalbard cats, esp. Kesha-not-Kesha. You should have a sweater made of Grim's fur. I bet it would be incredibly warm and waterproof. Certainly a cruelty-free way of having a wool sweater. And it still astounds me that Grim and his brother are not classified as Arctic breeds, because of his experience at your parents' house that led you to realizing he cannot leave the Arctic Circle. I would call him an undeclared Arctic breed. More like this, please. We love to learn interesting new info. 💖💖💖
Strange indeed that it's not counted as an "Arctic breed", since the Finnish Lapphund is a reindeer herder from north of the Arctic Circle... would be interesting to know the reasoning
Are there fines if a dog would happen to harm the wildlife? My sister's (otherwise very sweet) dog got along just fine with my cat when we lived together for a number of years, but she also has a history of killing wild animals. Most famously a wild turkey while off leash, and she once grabbed a squirrel mid air while on a walk on a short leash! Granted the squirrel miscalculated its jump from the tree to the large bush it was aiming for, but the dog did not miss. My sister tried to help the squirrel but it was too late. The dog was very pleased with herself though... (She almost pulled the squirrel trick again on a walk with me)
My dog killed wildlife too. Even on the leash. And my cats don’t dart for the door. They are content to be off the street, warm and fed. This law is ridiculous. Just don’t allow free roaming cats! AND free roaming dogs!
Today our family had to make the hardest decision to put our 7 year old Siberian Husky to sleep. Siberians tend to live a long life so we are in total shock and sad beyond words. Saga had started to slow down, so we thought in the last 6 months. But really it was early stages of heart failure (Cardiomyopathy) that was occurring. 2 days ago he became breathless and now here are this morning without him. I started watching you because I love Longyearbyen after going there for an expedition. Now I will watch you to see Grim and think of my beloved Saga 😢❤
Hey Cecilia, I'm not sure if you've spoken about this before, but are there horses on svalbard? If so do they stay inside mostly during the winter? Also is it possible to have indoor farms on svalbard or must everything be imported?
I have shelties who are also double coated dogs. No matter how often I take the undercoat rake to them, I get loads of that undercoat fur. They even get a blow out every six weeks to help. Grim looks so happy and knows he looks good. 🥰
I can almost see the excuse for protecting the birds, but if there was a requirement to keep cats indoors, the occasional breakout would not wreak havoc on the bird population. Cats also keep the rodent population in check. And by the way, there is a rabies vaccination for cats that is required by law in many states here in the US. I'm not won over by the reasons why cats should be banned. Replies to this post will be ignored.
About the cats, it's sounds more like a problem from human side (irresponssible owners) that they don't keep their cats inside or don't walk them on leash outside. It sounds like they don't trust the owners to have a cat in there as if left roam freely, they can/will damage (like any foreign species) fragile ecosystem. I don't really buy that rabies etc reason tbh as you are allowed to have dogs in there. How has Grim's teeth surgery healed btw? Is it all good now?
Yeah, fear of rabies isn't a good reason not to have cats-- they can (and should!) be vaccinated just like dogs! The other reasons are quite easy to fix as well, but they do require responsible INDOOR cat ownership, and my experience is that many European cat owners are just not willing to provide that.
@@PrimroseFrost I wouldn't put european catowners in same box, as I can't put us or asian catowners in same box too. All over the world there are freely roaming cats and around the world there are resposible owners who have indoor cats, vaccinated, having catio for them or walking them on hareness. I wonder where this "european cat owners are irresposible" comes as I see feral cat colonies and irresponsible owners from all world (like japanese cat island and cats are roaming in neigbourhoods, in south korea there are roaming cats in campsites, in us there are also cat colonies. Ofc I know Greece and warmer countries have cat issues). Me as an european cat owner have two indoor cats and one of them enjoys walking in hareness outside and pouncing crickets, I just wonder where this "specifically european cat owners are irresponsible" comes.
@@chuiga2935 I talked about European cat owners because it was relevant to the video-- Svalbard is in Europe, and most people who will be looking to move to Svalbard are Europeans. And I never said that European cat owners are irresponsible; if you look at my comment I put INDOORS in all caps because that was what I was emphasizing. It's definitely not universal (I said many, not all, for a reason), but everything I've seen, read, or can find data on says that the majority of European cat owners still let their cats free roam. There are even places like the UK, where a decent percentage of cat owners see NOT letting cats roam as cruel to the cat. I am very happy to hear that you are keeping your cats indoors! (I have two indoors kitties of my own, although since I'm in the US that's much more of the norm.) I know that in the UK attitudes are starting to change towards indoor cats; I don't know where you are but I'd love to know what attitudes are like there, and whether they're changing towards keeping cats inside!
@@PrimroseFrost Hope your kitties are well, good to hear they are indoor cats aswell. I just wondered why some people need to specify about european cat owners (makes sense somehow as you mentioned that this video is located on europe), as I saw few comments mentioned that. So I ofc think that they don't see other continets like that. I kinda understand roaming cat ONLY IF they are neutered and vaccinated work cat, aka keep mices/rats away from stables and granary and the owners keep taking care of them by deworming and taking them to vet time to time for routine check out. Tho I have also seen that rats have populated on areas that used to have cat or two in area. And that is not good (as they keep destroying houses). I'm from Finland and I have started to see cats in hareness more and more lately. I think it was in law here that letting your cat roam is seen like you have abandoned it by laws perspective. If your pet is taken to the shelter from outside, you have 15 days to take them from there, otherwise they will find a new home for them (gladly people seem to adopt cats quite fast as I've seen as I follow few finnish shelters in instagram). I think it's more like older people who can't take care of their cats (mental problems, so they don't have capasity to sterilise their cat = barncats that reproduce) are behind the few cat populations we have had in few places (as I recall what the shelters had said). I think we are having soon (?) law here that all of our cats and dogs have to have microchip, which I feel is progress. Overall I think attidues are changing slowly but surely to the right way in world towards pets. Some people just have to see animals as animals, not as objects.
@@kaclama Same could be said for leash laws on dogs. I mean. Honestly, their law is the law, but it seems odd to me that they can find ways around the destructiveness of dogs (who also carry diseases, parasites, can kill other animals, etc) but flat out don't for cats. It's weird to me is all.
Does anybody else come here for a breather and a touch of balance? You're an arctic oasis Cecelia, thank you. Patty 🌿🍃
As a huge cat lover it’s sad, but yeah, they do a lot of harm. There’s been a big push where I live to have people keep their house cats mostly inside, make “catios” and harness train. For a lot of the same reasons!
Literally who cares
@@petervansan1054people who clicked on the video? Literally.
in general, I feel people should keep cats inside -- it's really best for the kitties as well! but most importantly for the environment. though catios are a great compromise between outside and inside, especially if they have a mesh bottom (preventing lizards from getting in/getting eaten). my two kitties both happen to dislike the outside and vastly prefer inside (I've done a lot to help them with that, but they also have their own reasons for not loving outside here), so I'm lucky in that way.
of course a catio won't work on the permafrost/tundra -- not protective enough. but in the rest of the world, it's a great idea.
We took in a stray and he was decimating our small critter populations, so we built him a huge catio. He lives in his own two story apartment when it's too hot or too cold, and on the catio all other times. He is a very happy cat.
@@petervansan1054anyone with a brain
I love your videos. I'm from So. Calif, but spent a few weeks of winter in Sweden. Between the cold and the dark, I know I'm not suited for Svalbard life, but I sure do love living vicariously through you!
Thaaank you 😍
i swear this is the first time ive seen a donation comment on here, even though its been a feature for so long
@@Slammaa Just wanted to show some love. 🙂 I don't do Patreon and she doesn't have memberships or livestreams on YT.
@@Gringa_L that was very nice of you! just was cool to finally see a colored comment hahahaha
My cat is a completely indoor cat. He has never been outside, except in a carrier, when traveling.
My first cat was kept indoors but given the least chance to go out she would and did.
indoor cat is like a bird in a cage, sad
@@tomservo5007not if you enrich them properly and actually play with them. and it's better than the alternative-our local bird and rodent populations have been decimated by outdoor cats.
@@tomservo5007 They're not at all comparable. An indoor cat is similar to a domesticated bird having full flight free roam of a bird proof house or rooms where they can't be eaten by predators or killed by human activity. Most people don't store their cats in crates and cat carries all day with no interaction, just as birds are also not really intended to be left alone in a small cage all day either.
Most breeds are fully domesticated and are idiots outside. Feral cats also aren't always the brightest and most have awful lifespans living fully outdoors. And from an environmental standpoint, the competent ones are invasive and can easily decimate local small prey populations if too many are left outside.
@@tomservo5007So you think it's better to let them out where they can catch diseases, be killed, abused? Indoor cats live a life of luxury. I think your comment comparing it to a cage is really out of order.
Awwww, Grimm is so cute! I love your Sunday videos; watching them is part of my Sunday routine! So interesting about the cats! Thank you for sharing your interesting life with us!
ARE YOU KIDDING MAN ?
ITS MORE ENTERTAINING WATCHING PAINT DRY
I have a cat and I really appreciate you giving legit and correct information about the cats in Svalvard. Unlike other channels providing false information and myths for clickbait. Thank you again Cecilia from me and my feline here in 🇨🇦
I could never handle the winters and dark there, but the scenery is so stunning and your home looks so cozy! ❤️ Grim is a handsome boy after his shower!
You can get used to the cold, but never the darkness.
A guy from Mexico who went to school in Sweden told me that. I agree with him.
I’ve been out of touch for a while and happy to see you looking well, and to see Grim still the happiest, most loving dog in the world. He’s so precious.
You explained that you are not even allowed to pick flowers. I always wondered why you and Christopher did not harvest berries to freeze or make jams. I spent two years in Alaska and berries are a very important part of the indigenous diet. Very interesting video.
We have no berries here to pick. Nothing grows here
Learned something new! Never experienced tundra without berries.
Hope you do another fishing video.
I don’t get the allure of living there.
@@lisawhite2512 have you ever experienced the Arctic or even the boreal forest.? The far north is magical to some people. I personally don’t see the allure of Florida or Texas.
@@lisawhite2512High wages?
I'd love to know more about the polar dog vs other domesticated dog laws!
She said what the difference was
I would as well.
I’m assuming it’s because polar dogs tend to have higher prey drives and don’t follow commands as well as other breeds. And they’re also well adapted to the climate which means that if they escaped the might be able to survive in the wild and harm the ecosystem
Thanks for the insight! That makes a lot of sense.@@brendanmorin9935
I love my cats but this law makes sense the way you've explained things. I've read how devastating for local wildlife cats can be (the articles I've read were about the UK and New Zealand specifically).
It's also important to note that while you can train cats to an extent, they are wilful beings and can ignore your requests. I can't even imagine how to protect them from larger animals that may hurt them, or to stop them from hunting if they escape the house.
You protect them by keeping them indoors! I have had many animals over the years. Cats can live fulfilling lives indoors and mine have no interest in going outside. In fact if something happens and they find themselves outside, they panic and want in. The laws should fine irresponsible pet owners of all species and let responsible owners keep an indoor rescued cat! And as for dogs. Mine went after wildlife too. Even when leashed.
@@melmac5173 exactly. This video seems very misinformed about cats. My vet says that the most loved and cared for cats are indoor cats. They can live very fulfilled and happy lives as indoor dwellers. My indoor cats have never escaped and found their way outdoors--they are just indoor cats. My first cat lived till 20, and my next 15, and now my currant cat is 10. I hope wit my love and care and her indoor life she can live till 20. I actually think she would do great in Cecelia's environment. No reason to ban her!
@@LisainCalifornia She's not misinformed, she's sharing the reasoning for why there is a law banning cats. She didn't make the law.
Cats are the most destructive invasive species on the planet, responsible for the extinction of more species than any non-human animal, at least 63 different species, 40 birds, 21 mammals, 2 reptiles. They are a menace to the local wildlife and anyone thinking otherwise is not living in reality. Your cat should never be allowed outside.
A lot of people in the United States think that letting your cat outdoors is irresponsible but that's an absolute falsehood. I live in the United States. My cat is 20 years old and he lived outside for 13 of the 17 years that I have owned him. My vets consistently tell me that he is the healthiest cat that they have ever seen. When he lived outside, he had flea and tick medication, a cat door to an interior enclosure that was heated in the winters insulated etc with all the things he could possibly have wanted. He took walks with us on and off leash. He climbed trees the way cats are supposed to. He caught all manner of rodents which was a good thing because many of their natural predators have all moved North and there is an overabundance of them. He did not go after birds.
I also happen to live in an area where there was not a lot of traffic. Additionally he has all his claws.
Anybody saying that keeping a cat indoors is the best way for that cat to be healthy is factually wrong and desperately misinformed.
We never allow our cats outside! Lots of cat owners here don’t let them out. Cats live longer if they are inside, and vets encourage this. It’s scary out there; (coyotes, cars, foxes, etc), and we don’t want them hunting birds.
Some people here have “catios” which are screened in areas for their cats on their patios or decks.
Cats are animals and aren't meant to spend their lives sleeping on a couch. My cat goes outside, on a leash on a very long clothesline. He can go the whole yard. he catches the occasional mice. I'd rather he doesn't eat them and i try to stop him, but you got to let you cat live a cat,s life. They aren't toys are decorations. They're animals who were born to hunt. My cat is outside from morning to night. letting them live an active lifestyle as a cat, not a stuffed animal in your house, actually makes them healthier. Don't believe everything a vet says, LOL. They are here to take your money. Do your research.
@@IzzyOnTheMove mine too. You can train cats to stay on your property, walk on leashes and give them the opportunity to keep rodents off your property. He birds here like magpies can do a lot of damage to cats. Never min the eagles, owlets etc. I had one attack my older female cat, but my other male cats yanked him off of her. That bird, a magpie did get injured a bit, but he flew off. My female cat on the other hand had to get stitches. My female cat was just sleeping on a deck chair in my back yard. The stupid bird tried to peck her eyes out but luckily my other cats yanked at its two and pulled it off of her. Thankfully my male cats are vigilant ever since an owl went after them a few years ago. They haven’t forgotten and they will protect each other, but I don’t see them otherwise go near birds. They could have killed that bird, but honestly they just yanked it off my female cat by biting its tail amd when I ordered them to let go they did.
@@IzzyOnTheMove My cats are strictly indoor cats. They have beds, mats, cat towers they can climb & sleep on, toys and plenty of playtime. Inside with me they won't: get hit by a car...attacked by another animal...pick up diseases...impregnated by feral tomcats...become lost...abducted...poisoned by anti-freeze licked up because they were thirsty.
I'm not telling you how to care for your cat. That is up to you & I respect that. My cats are happy, playful, loved and safe inside with me.
Letting cats out is good in many situations.
@@IzzyOnTheMove Our family were community cat caretakers for a colony near our house. We built insulated shelters for them, kept them fed and got them sterilized and medical care, and we socialized them. When we had a problem with a local dog owner who wouldn't follow the local laws for keeping dogs leashed or in a fenced yard, we ended up bringing in all of the cats we could catch to our house. And after they became indoor cats, not once were they interested in going back outside. They already knew the outside was cold and rough, and they decided they liked a cushy life with cat trees and toys and no big dogs. The point being that cats are individuals and have their own likes and dislikes, and yes, some of them actually do prefer spending their lives sleeping on the couch, given that choice.
Cecilia, your videos have made me learn to appreciate the beauty of where I live. I am in awe of all of your aerial footage of Svalbard. As I walked my dog last week around sunrise, I looked around. For the first time, I saw it here, where I live, too. I even stopped to take pictures. Thank you for sharing your life and the wonder of where you live. I am inspired and so grateful for the world around me because of you. 🌳🌳
IN OTHER WORDS SVALBARD SUCKS ASS
She didn't even read it
It’s so nice to see Grim wag his tail all the time - he must be a happy dog, and why not, with such loving owners?
As a disabled person I couldn’t live on Svalbard anyway. But, as a certified cat person from (according to my gran) the very day I was born, that understandable ban would keep me away.
Grim was such a good boy while getting his shower ❤
Same to both of those. I don’t know how well I’d do there with mobility issues. I’d also be depressed without my cat.
Me too re both, but a visit would be wonderful
They should ban cat haters...
Before getting sick, 65°F/18°C was winter coat time. My fireplace was going even in summer. Now I have the air set at 64/18, the lowest it can go, even in the winter.
@@streaming5332 DIDNT YOU NOTICE HER LONG PALE TWILIGHT FACE SAGGING ?
OF COURSE THEY BANNED CATS BECAUSE THEYR ALL VAMPIRES
I love my Sunday Svalbard Adventures With Cecilia!
Love this seeing a clean Grim loving life. This was a great video, I loved learning more about Svalbard!
Just such a wonderful vlog. I enjoy your channel tremendously. From Australia, it seems so amazing to have a lifestyle like this. We get snow, and it gets cold, but nothing like this. I've watched several of your vlog segments, with delight. I hope your channel continues to grow and grow and grow. Just fascinating!
Morning Cecilia! Love spending my Sunday mornings watching your newset video. Very interesting about the cats. The orange cat in the Russian town was sooo cute! Love the shots where it's raining outside, just the simple beauty of Svalbard and the sound of rain.....I could sit there for hours!!
Holly are you aware of the mandela effect? Coz for many of us Svalbard NEVER existed until th Mandela effect started happening about 2016
😢🐈🐈 That’s a bummer. We have three. Thank you Cecilia for all your information you take the time to post for us. Would like to see more businesses on Svalbard like auto repair shops, gas stations, where trash ends up, and specialty shops. If it wasn’t for this channel, I would never have known Svalbard existed.
Oh, I totally get this, Cecilia. It makes perfect sense. I'm a cat lover, and have a five-years old girl; however, they absolutely will kill birds and such. Thanks for clarifying exactly why cats are banned.
I LOVE rain, so cozy! Something I absolutely also loved about living in Stavanger. Tons of rain there especially in the fall.
PS: looking forward to seeing and hearing about the ghost town!
My condolences on the cat ban. Cats have enriched my life.
Sure, but pet cats are a nuisance to birds and critters. They instinctively hunt and kill, even if they are fed at home. The numbers are staggering to the point cats should be banned all over America. "Fish and Wildlife Service found that free-ranging domestic cats are the top human-caused threat to wildlife in the United States, killing an estimated 1.3 to 3.7 billion birds and 6.3 to 22.3 billion mammals annually." !!!
they might enrich your life, but they are the main predators in the whole UK killing 14 million wild birds per year according to BBC magazine Science Focus. Australia and New Zealand are trying to control cats roaming around as well..
Me too
I fancy being there in the winter.
Well. You better look at what happened in Australia.
I really love your videos about Svalbard. It's so different than what most of us have ever experienced.
Could you do some videos on what Taurus can do during the polar nights and also the polar days!? It would also be interesting to see some of the shops and restaurants in town. And could you interview some of the people that live there and see what their day-to-day life is like and why they choose to live there.
I just watched your video on going back to work at the clothing store. I find the more I watch the more I realize 2 things. I love your excitement about living where you do. I on the other hand would never like living in the climate and the night and days. But you make it interesting and fun to follow you. Your exuberance for life is electrifying. I love that. Thanks for all you do and sharing it here. i live in the USA Washington state near the border with Oregon. We get a lot of rain and grow a lot of fir trees. I am much older than you, 78 yrs young and boating, swimming, camping were all apart of our younger days. Now we are home much more! Church is a huge part of our life as Jesus Christ is the singular most important thing for our lives. You are a special gal and it's been really fun getting to know all the different aspects of you here. Looking forward to the next adventure Cecilia! Blessings!
I love the fact that you include Grim in your videos. He seems so content all the time and has such a good life with you and Christopher!
Loved all the info. Thanks for sharing. Sundays are so much better know you all are a part of it. ❤
Grim is so hadsome and he looks so haapy and friendly all the time. I loved the shower moment , so smart. Thank you for sharing
Hi Cecilia, thank you so much for your very informative segments on Svalbard. I have been looking at moving to Svalbard now for many years, but could never get the real information I required. Please keep these segments coming!👍
Uhhhh I am early. If it wasn’t for the cat ban I would definitely live on Svalbard. Love these informative yet beautiful videos.
Free roaming cats are an invasive species to the tundra, so I completely understand the ban.
Same
Free roaming cats are a problem to wildlife anywhere and everywhere.
I'd heard cats called ecological destroyers, didn't understand till I read about the amount of damage they do to local species. Totally understand any such ban.
Me too
I understand banning free roaming cats (and dogs), absolutely. It's silly and authoritarian to ban indoor cats or other indoor pets, especially as with such a small human population licensing and tracking would be pretty easy.
As a cat mom and foster to lots of kittens I get the reasons why cats are banned, but it makes me super sad. They're also really susceptible to extreme cold, most domestic cats here in the states are bred from desert species and extreme cold temperatures can affect their quality of life. Only specific cat breeds would thrive out in the wilderness.
My partner's cat in the UK doesn't go outside if it's snowing she will use a litter box. Funny thing is the birds in the garden have learnt to gang up to dive bomb her so she doesn't go near them. 😂
There is a term for cat ladies that speaks voulumes..."A number of studies also confirm that mental diseases like schizophrenia, depression and anxiety syndrome are more common in people with toxoplasmosis, while others suggest that toxoplasmosis can influence how extroverted, aggressive or risk-inclined an individual's behaviour is"
@@lutomson3496 Wow, you're a lovely person.
I have a Norwegian Forest Cat, and they have a double coat and thrive in the cold.
@@lutomson3496 a number of studies show adults with those disease and pets have increased compliance to their medical therapies and increased quality of life. 👏 Try thinking outside the box. You’d be surprised. Labeling people and generalizing isn’t informative.🤦♀️
The first 10
Seconds of the video shows the real beauty of Svalbard ❤.It’s beautiful.
Thank You Cecillia..... I am in Québec Province CANADA.... I LOVE your videos so much.... it is a pleasure to listen to You....
Thank You for being art of my life.... I am 74 Years YOUNG, livimg at country FAR from Montréal, where i come from.... Yves
The wildlife part makes total sense (cats catch birds) but the rabies part not so much. Dogs are way more likely to get rabies because some species of cats are actually naturally resistant. They also can get the rabies vaccine just like dogs can
So are dogs more likely or you’re just saying some cats are resistant? Dogs don’t have to be more likely just because cats can be immune. Those are not correlating facts.
@@parryyotter I smell a cat hater...just stop. Dogs can and do get rabies just as easily as any cat. Ask a vet.
Totally! There’s me watching this video with my two cats by the fire … I guess I am a little masochistic. A friendlier way to ban them could be, this weather could be very dangerous for them, and as they are not a native specie we are sorry, they are not allowed. But saying that is because they have parasites and can get rabies… 🤦♀️…
I can't imagine any house cat being happy in Svalbard cold.
Excellent
Very informative. As always, great content. Thanks Cecelia.
Grim is just the cutest, sweetest woofer. I love his happy little face! You know, that pile of fur looks so much like raw wool--I wonder if one could spin it into yarn and knit with it? I would not be surprised! How nifty would it be to have a Grim sweater!
As for the cat ban...how sad, and illogical. I've met a number of cat and/or dog haters in my life. I mention this because I suspect some such person was behind the ban, simply because all the reasons given for the cat ban also apply to dogs, yet dogs are not banned. In fact--dogs escape their homes and yards even more easily and frequently than indoor cats do. On my town's neighborhood website, lost and found listings for dogs FAR outnumber those for cats. I see dogs wandering the streets, obviously uncontrolled, almost daily. If Svalbard simply mandated licensing, spaying/neutering, and vaccinating of cats, and also mandated that they be kept indoors only, I doubt there would be a problem. The licensing procedure would ensure that all cats would be tracked and controlled, and with such a small human population, this wouldn't be difficult. Oh well! One more place I can never live LOL. But I'd still love to visit! I do appreciate the ecological restrictions on Svalbard. All ecosystems deserve protection but I've often heard that arctic tundra and high deserts are two of the most fragile environments.
Why take the unnecessary risk of escaping etc cats, damage to the environment and such, when they can just ban cats in the first place. Cats have no important function in a place like that unlike dogs that are a good "alarm system" against polar bears, can pull sleds, guard houses, etc etc.
Seems a little extreme to me. You'd think that if your cat was fixed and had a rabies shot and they were indoor cats that it would be no problem. Even if they got out, they still couldn't breed or anything. Also unless someone found them they probably wouldn't last through the winter. So they wouldn't be able to harm anything for long.
My bunny, Bunnessa, tore up everything!! Chewed the door frames(anything wood) even though she had toy's. My cat's haven't done much over the year's. Still love them both.😂 My dog's are angels of course!!🐶🐕🐶
I’m a Pacific Islander, this place Is as stunning & magical as any of our islands…maybe, even more so
Most ppl keep their cats indoors. Mine are 100% inside, but will get a Catio when I move. I understand the law, but its silly too, imo, if they are indoors.
Not in the UK. Most cats roam free and are considered semi-wild. There are cats who like humans so won't hunt birds. Instead when let out they will befriend as many humans as possible to get extra food, petting and shelter if it rains/snows and they can't get back to their main home. Some will even move out if they realise a house is better than where they currently are. Then there are ones who don't like humans so only go to the one house that will feed it and hunt. Generally if kittens aren't handled regularly at 6 weeks they end up as the latter.
This was the coolest thing I’ve seen in a long time. Thank you so much for posting.
Interesting info on the cats🐈! Grimm is 👀 very handsome after his grooming ❣️
The place where you are
- not allow to have cats
- not die from disease [but because of this reason, people survived 1912 Influenza by extracting samples from bodies with this disease to make a vaccine/meds]
I ❤the fact that the government protects wildlife and nature. More countries need to do this!
I think the main concept people need to understand is that Svalbard was set up as a company town. We used to have these in the past, but the modern day equivalent would be like a military base or a college campus or an amusement park: it is run by a company or organization and it sets the rules, and they just happen to let the general public live there if they follow these rules. It's not like a regular city or state that just forms and has all the same rules as the country it is in. There is no indigenous population or citizens of the place that have the right to be there. Everybody is a guest of the oragnization running the town, and in theory it could all get closed down and the people told to leave, like Pyramiden.
Oh how sad. My cats have saved my life. They have healed my heart and they are my two babies. And my cats NEVER go outside. They were born indoors and will stay that way their whole lives.
My cat has never escaped the house. In fact, he has no desire to leave. He's warm during the Winter and cool during the Summer. He's fed three times daily. He has his own TV, and he watches cartoons and Sesame Street. He has a charcoal-filtered water fountain, a large litter box and a 7-foot, five tier cat tree with 8 scratching posts and a sleeping cubby. He's neutered, and promptly receives all required vaccinations, including rabies. He's 6 1/2 years old. 🐈
"The reindeer can have rabies" is a sad fact I wish I didn't know :(
I think it makes it really interesting when you research things and report back to us, thanks!!
Yes ! The damage done to so many ecosystems by invasive cats (not to mention rats) is immeasurable. And I'm a cat lover. My rescue kitty from Tijuana is named Juanita. (Lots of San Diego peeps have dogs and cats from Tijuana).
Damage done by humans is much higher yet humans are outside and reproducing like crazy
I have a rescue cat that had to be rehomed as an indoor cat so while I completely understand that outdoor cats are banned because I know the damage they can do when roaming around, it's a shame that I couldn't have an animal that has enriched my life so much even if kept indoors. Additionally, it's not like dogs never get out of their homes and do no damage when they do. Seems very unfair.
My ragdolls are strictly indoors but still prohibited, so I couldn’t live on Svalbard. Can’t imagine life without my floofs.
Me too
I love your voice! Anything you describe is awesome because of your voice and you always have great and interesting content! That’s why we watch!
I appreciate why the ban exists but have sympathy for the citizens of Svalbard. In your lovely, cozy home the only thing missing was a little cat curled up by the fire. Stay safe!❤ from North Carolina, U.S.A.
Dogs can carry rabies also. My kittys have never been outside, they don't even like the screened in Lanai. My dogs only ever go off lead in our fenced in yard.
As someone who is severely allergic to cats, Svalvard is my island😅. Love your channel and always happy to see you and Christopher and of course Grim. ❤
My last cat only went outside for walks on a leash.
My current cats aren't trained to walk on a leash because going outside absolutely freaks them out.
Love your videos and plan to visit Svalbard next year! Since you have a friend in Barentsburg, could you make a video about the relationship between the Norwegian and Russian settlements? When I started to plan my journey to Svalbard, I realized that you cannot book any trips to Pyramiden/Barentsburg via the "Visit Svalbard" website anymore because of the sanctions against Russia. How is the relationship with the Russian settlements? Is it still possible to visit them or are there any restrictions?
Cecilia, i love your videos and look forward to what is going on so far north. Grim is the absolute best dog ever! Give him lots of hugs for me. ❤❤
Another great and informative video. Your videos are always fantastic! I do have to admit that any video with Grim makes them a bit better. 😉 All these years I've watched, I've incorrectly thought Grim was a polar breed... Oops! Thanks for another great video Cecilia!
Catching up on all the videos I’ve missed and you look gorge! Your hair and skin 😍😍. You’re glowing 🫶🏼
Deal breaker. Could not live without my cats.
Love your information. Enjoy the rainy days. It is so relaxing.
I love how svalbard has so many rules that are set in place to protect nature and also to keep everyone safe. More places should follow this model!
I don’t get why the government trust people with dogs, but they don’t trust families with cats. My cats have never been in the street after being rescued, they are 16 years old right now and they are going nowhere apart far from the sofa… I have seen many dog owners having their dogs “unleashed” while forbidden… it is very cynical from the Norwegian government under my pov
My Mom used to save her cat’s shedded fur and put it in clear plastic balls to decorate the Christmas tree. Love any video with Grim! I just want to pet him! I’m glad the authorities are reasonable and allow the cats who ‘grandfathered in’ from before the ban.
Your mom's Christmas ornament idea is genius! 😂 I have several towels in my kitchen which say that I decorate my home with cat hair... and it certainly feels as if we do exactly that. I vacuum twice each day, but there is always new fur waiting to replace it lol!
That's gnarly.
I am a dog person but I must admit I have NEVER heard of cats being BANNED.
I started to wonder maybe there is not a rodents issue there but that made NO SENSE.
I THOUGHT I REMEMBERED HEARING THAT THE PLAGUE WAS NOT AD BAD AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN BECAUSE OF CATS BUT THEN THE BRITISH BELIEVED CATS WERE EVIL, SO WHO KNOWS.
THEY WERE GOING TO KILL THE CATS BECAUSE THE OWNER WAS IRRESPONSIBLE???
No, they just don’t allow them because of the ecosystem. Please do some research before posting inflammatory comments! Maybe watch the whole video!
@@jodyvelasco740 I did watch the whole video. I understand why cats aren't allowed on the island. I also understand the cats were going to be killed if their owners hadn't been able to make other arrangements.
And Cecilia clearly says the owners didn't find out if they could bring the cats.
Stop being so rude and maybe you watch the video all the way to the end next time.
Yes! That was upsetting.
@@RamenNoodle1985 she clearly states that the ban is told to everyone traveling there. The owners decided t I not listen to this LAW. If you move to somewhere it’s your responsibility to check all laws and regulations you need to abide by. It’s unfortunate the cats may have lost their lives because of bad owners but it’s the owners fault.
It was the city run by Russian government....not to excuse it, but the heavy handedness and disregard for life is par for the course for that government.
Thank you for sharing. I love the cold desolation of your island.
I, too, look forward to enjoying Sunday morning coffee here in Texas with you. I was very impressed with how well behaved Grim was, as he doesn't do this very often. He looks so snuggly now and I bet smells awesome. As for cats, I love them and have always lived with them. I find the rationale for the ban quite flawed.... but no one asked me and it's not my community. I was certainly relieved to hear that the Russian cats attempted to be brought in after the ban were not killed, which to me belies a mean-spirited hatred of cats. Leigh
I absolutely love your house. And your dog. And the scenery. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
I love this video! Very interesting. I love hearing about interesting facts about Svalbard. Grim is so beautiful ❤❤
After decades, I finally made it to stunningly beautiful Norway, but alas, ni Svalbard. Been enjoying the Lofoten islands. Enjoying your content for years!
Beautiful video! I've never had my cats "break out" 😂 So interesting though!
lol my cat has a history of breaking out of my house. we have hopefully* gotten it under control by now though.
Hilarious anyone believes it’s illegal to die there. 🤭 I cannot get enough of life on Svalbard. The beauty of this magical place always takes my breath away. Have a wonderful week Cecilia.🫶🏼
Yes but it’s illegal to have a baby there and no nursing homes for the elderly. Crazy.
@@lisawhite2512 Yes, I know, and those make perfect sense.
People can just drop dead so it's impossible to make it illegal to die anywhere.
“Don’t fight it, Grimm!” I’m going to hug him and squeeze him, and love him!
Despite all the reasons you gave, I don't really understand the ban of cats when you allow dogs there? I understand protecting the wildlife...... But our cats never get out. They walk on a harness/leash and don't have parasites or rabies because we CARE about them. You said it yourself, dogs can kill the baby animals. They can also kill big animals, can get off their leashes, can carry parasites or rabies.... This sounds like an owner responsibility problem, and the poor animals are taking the fault. I mean, even knowing they'd euthanize a cat upon arrival, due to a small mistake, is a little horrifying to me!
I love your videos. I love Svalbard and learning everything about it. I still want to visit one day -- I just want to play Devil's advocate here and say these laws seems a bit backwards to me! Lol!
because a sadly big number of people think cats can't be indoors 24/7 and will let them roam, it's supported and enforced by most of shelters and animal organisations in europe so people have that mindset and don't keep their cats home. better to ban cats altogether than check individually if the owner is responsible or not.
the euthanasia is a completely different thing, though, because there are humane ways to solve that that don't involve killing.
@@elenuvien I totally get that. It's sad, but I do understand. It's just safer in the long run, I suppose. For both people, the wildlife there and the cats. But you'd think dogs would be subject to all this a little more, ya know?! It's crazy! I can't wait for more of these fact videos. C:
@@MellowKittyKat it's different for dogs. people usually don't let them out roaming outside unsupervised for a day or days like they do with cats where cats come home just to eat and/or sleep and snuggle with owners a bit.
@@elenuvien Maybe not everywhere in the world though! Here where I live, it's common to see the neighbor's dog outside and not on a leash for hours or even days, completely unsupervised. Chickens, cats, smaller animals are killed by domestic dogs all the time and no one really does anything about it because dogs are... Well, dogs! Much like cats are gonna cat. 😎 LOL. Again, it's just surprising to see but I do understand the reasoning!
@@elenuvien It's strange how you say organisations and shelters in europe supports to let cats outside. All shelters in Finland I know only let's you adopt the cat for living indoors, they strictly say that they won't give cats to outdoor living.
I love all of your videos but I'm a sucker for these ones where you explain things/talk about facts about Svalbard 😍
Omg yay bunnies are allowed! I have a bunny and I would have a very hard time leaving her behind if I were to move to Svalbard ♥
Great video, as always :)
So interesting, I really enjoyed learning about all the different rules of where you live and they all make perfect sense.
Svalbard was part of a question on a trivia show we have on TV here (The Wall) recently! They show you the answer choices before the person hears the question, we saw they were all countries and my family and I were all like “well we’re not gonna know this one” (none of us are good at geography ha) but it was something like “Svalbard is an archipelago near what country?” I was like “omg I actually know this one!” all thanks to your videos 🙂
I always found it VERY heartbreaking that people let their animals run loose at all, cats and dogs. How many times I've seen cats hit on the roadways causes me sadness. And I've had to slam on my brakes more than once to avoid hitting a cat that had run across the road.
Thank you for your content. Can you show the nightlife of the island. Are there nightclubs and parties?
There are definitely pubs and bars on the island, but I don't know about full on nightclubs.
@@16dya No parties? reallllly?
You make my Sundays, thank you!! ❤
Cats should never be banned. They make everything better
🙄
A lot of the world views cats differently: Europeans and some Commonwealth countries seem to feel it is "cruel" to keep cats indoor-only, but in the US, it is much more common and desirable to keep cats strictly indoors.
I agree that cats could have an impact on bird populations, but that could be eliminated by keeping them inside. 99% of all the other diseases & parasites can be tested for & cured, except rabies. And if you get your cats from a healthy, responsible rescue or shelter, they would be rabies-free & vaccinated. It would seem that the people passing this law don't know much about cats & modern veterinary medicine...I have 2 cats, & I'm babysitting a third for a friend, & none of them have any of these problems, including getting out of the house. Escape is not a given...if the cats can escape, then the dogs can get loose off the leash, too. That's a lame argument.
I know that I'm really late to commenting on this video, but I would love a day in the life of Grim video!! Yes, I'm a dog person and proud of this!!😂😂 As always, thanks for sharing Cecilia!!❤🎉
these anti cat laws are pedantic and catphobic when all of the reasons could also be applied to dogs!
Grim is such a happy pup!!! I love your videos! I have put your beautiful town in the top 5 of my bucket list
Great video, Cecilia, Christoffer and Grim! Love the shower scene. lol And the lore about the Svalbard cats, esp. Kesha-not-Kesha. You should have a sweater made of Grim's fur. I bet it would be incredibly warm and waterproof. Certainly a cruelty-free way of having a wool sweater. And it still astounds me that Grim and his brother are not classified as Arctic breeds, because of his experience at your parents' house that led you to realizing he cannot leave the Arctic Circle. I would call him an undeclared Arctic breed. More like this, please. We love to learn interesting new info. 💖💖💖
Strange indeed that it's not counted as an "Arctic breed", since the Finnish Lapphund is a reindeer herder from north of the Arctic Circle... would be interesting to know the reasoning
Are there fines if a dog would happen to harm the wildlife? My sister's (otherwise very sweet) dog got along just fine with my cat when we lived together for a number of years, but she also has a history of killing wild animals. Most famously a wild turkey while off leash, and she once grabbed a squirrel mid air while on a walk on a short leash! Granted the squirrel miscalculated its jump from the tree to the large bush it was aiming for, but the dog did not miss. My sister tried to help the squirrel but it was too late. The dog was very pleased with herself though... (She almost pulled the squirrel trick again on a walk with me)
My dog killed wildlife too. Even on the leash. And my cats don’t dart for the door. They are content to be off the street, warm and fed. This law is ridiculous. Just don’t allow free roaming cats! AND free roaming dogs!
I think it’s ironic that my Norwegian Forest Cat isn’t welcome in a part of Norway.
Today our family had to make the hardest decision to put our 7 year old Siberian Husky to sleep. Siberians tend to live a long life so we are in total shock and sad beyond words.
Saga had started to slow down, so we thought in the last 6 months. But really it was early stages of heart failure (Cardiomyopathy) that was occurring. 2 days ago he became breathless and now here are this morning without him.
I started watching you because I love Longyearbyen after going there for an expedition. Now I will watch you to see Grim and think of my beloved Saga 😢❤
Hey Cecilia, I'm not sure if you've spoken about this before, but are there horses on svalbard? If so do they stay inside mostly during the winter? Also is it possible to have indoor farms on svalbard or must everything be imported?
I have shelties who are also double coated dogs. No matter how often I take the undercoat rake to them, I get loads of that undercoat fur. They even get a blow out every six weeks to help. Grim looks so happy and knows he looks good. 🥰
I can almost see the excuse for protecting the birds, but if there was a requirement to keep cats indoors, the occasional breakout would not wreak havoc on the bird population. Cats also keep the rodent population in check. And by the way, there is a rabies vaccination for cats that is required by law in many states here in the US. I'm not won over by the reasons why cats should be banned. Replies to this post will be ignored.
Love all your videos I’ve been watching all your old ones, but I never knew when your new ones come on so now I know❤❤❤❤
About the cats, it's sounds more like a problem from human side (irresponssible owners) that they don't keep their cats inside or don't walk them on leash outside. It sounds like they don't trust the owners to have a cat in there as if left roam freely, they can/will damage (like any foreign species) fragile ecosystem. I don't really buy that rabies etc reason tbh as you are allowed to have dogs in there. How has Grim's teeth surgery healed btw? Is it all good now?
Yeah, fear of rabies isn't a good reason not to have cats-- they can (and should!) be vaccinated just like dogs! The other reasons are quite easy to fix as well, but they do require responsible INDOOR cat ownership, and my experience is that many European cat owners are just not willing to provide that.
@@PrimroseFrost I wouldn't put european catowners in same box, as I can't put us or asian catowners in same box too. All over the world there are freely roaming cats and around the world there are resposible owners who have indoor cats, vaccinated, having catio for them or walking them on hareness. I wonder where this "european cat owners are irresposible" comes as I see feral cat colonies and irresponsible owners from all world (like japanese cat island and cats are roaming in neigbourhoods, in south korea there are roaming cats in campsites, in us there are also cat colonies. Ofc I know Greece and warmer countries have cat issues). Me as an european cat owner have two indoor cats and one of them enjoys walking in hareness outside and pouncing crickets, I just wonder where this "specifically european cat owners are irresponsible" comes.
@@chuiga2935 I talked about European cat owners because it was relevant to the video-- Svalbard is in Europe, and most people who will be looking to move to Svalbard are Europeans. And I never said that European cat owners are irresponsible; if you look at my comment I put INDOORS in all caps because that was what I was emphasizing. It's definitely not universal (I said many, not all, for a reason), but everything I've seen, read, or can find data on says that the majority of European cat owners still let their cats free roam. There are even places like the UK, where a decent percentage of cat owners see NOT letting cats roam as cruel to the cat.
I am very happy to hear that you are keeping your cats indoors! (I have two indoors kitties of my own, although since I'm in the US that's much more of the norm.) I know that in the UK attitudes are starting to change towards indoor cats; I don't know where you are but I'd love to know what attitudes are like there, and whether they're changing towards keeping cats inside!
@@PrimroseFrost Hope your kitties are well, good to hear they are indoor cats aswell.
I just wondered why some people need to specify about european cat owners (makes sense somehow as you mentioned that this video is located on europe), as I saw few comments mentioned that. So I ofc think that they don't see other continets like that.
I kinda understand roaming cat ONLY IF they are neutered and vaccinated work cat, aka keep mices/rats away from stables and granary and the owners keep taking care of them by deworming and taking them to vet time to time for routine check out. Tho I have also seen that rats have populated on areas that used to have cat or two in area. And that is not good (as they keep destroying houses).
I'm from Finland and I have started to see cats in hareness more and more lately. I think it was in law here that letting your cat roam is seen like you have abandoned it by laws perspective. If your pet is taken to the shelter from outside, you have 15 days to take them from there, otherwise they will find a new home for them (gladly people seem to adopt cats quite fast as I've seen as I follow few finnish shelters in instagram). I think it's more like older people who can't take care of their cats (mental problems, so they don't have capasity to sterilise their cat = barncats that reproduce) are behind the few cat populations we have had in few places (as I recall what the shelters had said). I think we are having soon (?) law here that all of our cats and dogs have to have microchip, which I feel is progress.
Overall I think attidues are changing slowly but surely to the right way in world towards pets. Some people just have to see animals as animals, not as objects.
I just feel like mandating that all cats be indoor only would surely be something to consider!
Right, but what if even one person disobeyed that law, or a cat escaped? In a fragile ecosystem even one cat could still cause damage.
@@kaclama but hundreds of humans Don't?
@@kaclama Same could be said for leash laws on dogs. I mean. Honestly, their law is the law, but it seems odd to me that they can find ways around the destructiveness of dogs (who also carry diseases, parasites, can kill other animals, etc) but flat out don't for cats. It's weird to me is all.