The chanterelle cat Kicki is a success in the forests of Värmland

That dogs are skilled at sniffing out mushrooms in the forest is well known, and even truffle pigs have long been used for their sensitive noses. But now it’s the cat Kicki who shows a unique talent when she paws through the Värmland forests.
– I have trained Kicki to become a real chanterelle hunter, says mother Madde Roth.

According to Madde, Kicki is not fast in the forest, which has proven to be an advantage.

– Kicki walks slowly and methodically, just as you have to when looking for mushrooms, explains Madde.

She has found quite a few chanterelles since they started mushroom hunting together.

An unusual cat with many fans

Kicki’s success has not gone unnoticed on social media.

– People think she is absolutely wonderful and ask if they can borrow her for a mushroom tour. But I’m a little hesitant to let strangers take her out into the forest – she is a cat after all, and cats decide for themselves when they want to cooperate, says Madde.

Madde Roth also tells us that Kicki has become a bit of a local celebrity, and that it’s not just chanterelle hunters who are fascinated by her.

– She is really good at attracting attention.

Love chanterelles – but not on the plate

Although Kicki is a great help in the mushroom forest, she is not that interested in eating the chanterelles she sniffed on the walk.

– If they were fried in butter, she probably wouldn’t say no, but after checking a bit online, I’ve seen that chanterelles can be poisonous to cats, so it’s not something we test, says Madde.

Kicki and mother Madde have really made themselves at home in the Värmland forests.

– It is a real relaxation to go out with her. She takes her time, and we both enjoy the walks.