Christmas Chez Norskwood...

Well, it was a quiet but happy day here yesterday. Gethin opened his presents, well to be fair, we opened his presents. I think he would have got RSI if he'd tried he had that many! We dressed him up as a reindeer for the occasion just to embarrass him in later years, and because he looked SO cute.



The kittens all joined in and played with paper, bags and enjoyed the Queen's speech and lots of food.

Betty's Three Tortie Terrors



Today I took some photos of Betty's girls and I shall endeavour to load a slideshow of them on here today (it's a bit hit and miss, not sure if it's me or what!). They had places to be and weren't keen on having their photos done, but I tried my best.

They are now 6 weeks old and extremely cheeky running around the house like a herd of small elephants. Although I've had a lot of interest, the girls still haven't found their new human slaves unfortunately. If you'd like to know more about the kittens then please phone Ali on 0208 529 8114.

Roly Poly's Photo Shoot



Back in June I took Roly and Cordy to a photo shoot for Pro Plan. Cordy wasn't playing ball but Roly was having a wonderful time until he decided he didn't like the noise of the enormous flash gun!

 This photo is the first photo that was taken of him that day and was almost used for the product- in the end they used a photo of a friend's cat because of the placement of her paws (odd, but that's how they work!). I think he looks great bless him.

Betty's World Show Kittens

Betty's Beauties

Just before I went to the World Show, Betty and Cracker were due their kittens anytime from the Sunday (23rd October) to the Tuesday (25th October). She'd shown signs of going into labour on Monday but not much happened thereafter and so I was on the phone to our vet and even took poor Betty up for him to examine- he told me not to panic but you see, Blue Boo and I were going to Poland on the Thursday and Steve doesn't "do" midwifery!

Anyway, Betty thankfully had the girls on Wednesday  26th October just in time and all was well. Her three girls are just gorgeous: 2 Black Torties and a Blue Tortie Blotched Tabby.They are all growing very well and are very sociable and very beautiful. Please scroll down for photos of the babes. If you'd like to know more then please phone Ali on 0208 529 8114.

                                               Black Tortie Girl Number 1- Available



Black Tortie Girl Number 2- Available

Blue Tortie Blotched Tabby Girl- On Hold

World Winner's Show 2011, Poznan Poland

Well, I'm very late in posting this. It's been such a busy time and I just don't get chance to sit down at the computer.

We went along with several friends to the World Winner's Show in Poland on a road trip- it was a long way, but brilliant fun. Well, it was fun once I'd got the rear windsreen in the Audi replaced having driven the car out the garage in a blind panic at 6 a.m. without closing the tailgate... that was an expensice mistake. We had to book another crossing on the Eurotunnel and meet everyone in Germany. We met up with Fred and Andrea there and of coure our collective new stud cat Fatty whom they bred.

Still, Blue Boo and Cecilia's cat Alfie settled down in the back of the car with their litter trays and food and water and thoroughly enjoyed themselves in the hotels. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves eating and drinking lots in the hotels! Fatty proved to have the most superb temperament and he fitted right in with John and Caroline in their room.

The show was amazing- over 1500 cats from all over- Scandinavia, Germany, France, Greece, most of Europe plus Israel and Brazil. The trade stands were fantastic and so cheap compared to the UK. our pens attracted a lot of attention as we'd decorated them for Hallowe'en.

Alfie won BIV- we were over the moon. Fatty was 3rd in a big and strong class, and poor Blue Boo came 2nd to a cat mainly because his judge prefered Black cats to Blue cats. Still, the experience was great and the cats behaved impeccably.

We had the chance to make new friends and chat with old ones too- I'd go again if I can, but you need a cat with a bomb proof temperament. Blue Boo even came out on a harness for a walk- and he isn't even harness trained!

The Pens

Fatty with John

The Felis Britannica Gang with judge Robert Lubrano- more wine, in fine voice!

Me with Blue Boo just before judging- he was robbed!

Amazing Adventures at the Norsk Skogkatt Society Show 1st October 2011

Well, we had a great day out at the Norsk Skogkatt Socety Show on Saturday. The weather was incredible- swelteringly hot. Greebo came out for his first show for over 18 months and won the Grand class making him up to Grand Champion at last at the age of 5. He really loved being back out at a show too. It just goes to show that some cats continue to mature and look good as they get older. I'm a very proud Mum.

Blue Boo also came and was penned next to Greebo, which was good for them as they talked to each other all day. Blue Boo also won his Grand class (his first) and was very chilled out.

His number was called out at the end of the show and it transpired that he'd won Best in Show Adult Male and then Best in Show Adult too. He took it all in his stride- he's so used to being up at the Best in Show panel at FIFe shows and fortunately his steward Saffy is used to showing her Maine Coons and knows how to present a large cat- he looked fabulous. This is his first GCCF Best in Show. Mind you he's only been to 6 GCCF shows.

Gethin came with us too and was prety good considering the heat and the crowds- he loved seeing all the cats. You'd think he saw enough at home really wouldn't you?!

I was incredibly proud of my boys...





Premier Nordlys Dewi aka "Dude"

I don't know where to begin with this. 2 days ago Dewi was a little quiet, but ok when I went to see everyone at lunchtime, but when I returned to give them their supper I wondered where he was. It turned out that he was in his house looking dazed, so I brought him in the house and phoned our vet and I made him comfortable in Gethin's room.

Overnight he had several fits and at 6 am I rang our vet once more and then took Dewi straight up to see him. He had ascites and some jaundice and as more tests were done it turned out to be a tumour of his liver. He survived 23 hours and when Stephen checked him first thing this morning he made the painful decision to put him to sleep.

Dewi was a proper cat. He was one of our first NFO's and went out and about decimating the bird population. He even killed a cockatiel once (it had a disastrous effect on his tummy though!). Since June I'd kept him in as a neighbour was trying to poach him and was feeding him all sorts of rubbish. So when he became ill he was here and not in some garden at risk of predators.

He was a GCCF Premier. He had always come 2nd as a kitten and then all of a sudden took off and was Best in Show SLH Neuter at the Southern Counties in 2005. We loved his "Wah"! sound that he made when he was happy. We'll miss that. So will his sister Willow- she is just over a year younger than Dude but they always knew they were related and they always "kissed" and greeted each other happily every day.

Sleep well darling- you're in cat heaven now with your brother Dom and half sister Izzy. We love you xXx

GoE Show at Grantham

Sorry, no photos this time as I forgot the camera, but here's what happened at the show.

Blue Boo was a happy cat- first time out at a show since June and he purred all the way there, all through the day and all the way home again. He won his 1st CACS-only another 9 to go to be Supreme Champion!
Brea won her CACS, was Best in Variety and was Nominated for Best In Show- she was beaten at that point, but did really well.
Sparky won her CACIB- she was a bit grumpy and didn't go through for the BIV bless her!
Anya was also happy to be back out at a show and cuddled up to the judge who really liked her- she won her 1st CAP. Let's hope she doesn't get too fat as a neuter and can continue to go to shows!
Cordy won her CAPGIB- she is almost a Grand International Premier now, which isn't bad for a 6 year old cat.
Sookie won her class- she was just in the 6-10 month Junior class by 2 days. She was also Best in Variety beating several cats most of whom were older than her and titled. The Judge wanted to take her home!
Miss Adventure also won her class and her judge thought she was very beautiful and very promising. She took to her first show really well and enjoyed herself. She would make someone a lovely show neuter and would love to find a good home soon.
The Hamster came along with Mark and really enjoyed her first show. She won her class and then surprisingly went on to win Best In Variety- she's a real show off. Peppa (Sookie's sister) was Ex2, only just beaten by one of our friend's kittens. She's very promising too and has grown so big! When she gets her winter coat she'll be even more gorgeous.

There were several other of Blue Boo's offspring there, all of whom did really well (Sookie's half sister beat her to the Nomination as her coat was better quality).

Needless to say, we're VERY proud of them all.

Kitties: Happiness is our new human slaves!

Dot and Miss Belief

Well, I've been very tardy in posting lately and this is going to a quick posting too. We took a couple of days and went to see Gethin's Granparents, Aunt and Cousins on holiday in Dorset and that was great, but where does the time go to??? Gethin will be one year old on Saturday... crikey.... how can that be possible?

Chilli, Buffy and Miss CP's kittens have gone to their new homes. Well apart from little Miss Adventure who is still looking for her new home- I can't understand it, she is just so gorgeous! And The Red Avenger, who will go to live with one of Greebo's daughters next month.

They've all settled in remarkably quickly and look positively smug!

Miss Adventure, still searching for her purrfect home





Mister Chester- settled and happy, a Norwegian Forest Kitten on the Isle of Dogs!

Little Chester from Miss CP's litter went to his new home on Thursday. He's already become best friends with Muffin the black cat and appears to be spoiled rotten (just what we like to see!). His sister Miss Adventure keeps asking me "When will I find my new human slaves Mum"? All I can tell her "Soon, Darling, soon".

Paws Well and Truly Under the Table in the IoM!

Well, it seems as if Sapphire and Vidor have made themselves very much at home immediately and now have their paws under the table. I always think that this is the sign of a very well adjusted, well socialised and confident cat or kitten.

I still miss them like mad though....

Sapphire and Vidor on their Big Adventure!

Sapphire and Vidor are pictured on the ferry en route  to the Isle of Man yesterday where they will live the life of Riley. They were admired and given loads of attention by the customs officers, which of course they accepted graciously as their right!



Miss Adventure is seeking her new humans

We have one darling and very beautiful baby available from Miss CP's litter. She's aptly named (Miss Adventure) and she loves to play with her brothers and sisters. Please contact Ali on 0208 529 8114 if you're interested in supplying her with the very best in love and of course food (she loves her food, especially raw rabbit and chicks).

Northampton Show

Well, we did ok at the show. It was a lovely friendly 2 day show at a great new venue just outside Northampton and it was lovely to see old friends there and also Mark who brought Anya's baby girl Peppa to her first show and also the gorgeous Fern.

                                                                     Peppa and Mark
Montie (Anya's son) won his class and really enjoyed his day out, and his sister Sookie won her class and loved both days. Peppa was EX2- beaten by a more developed kitten who was almost 6 months she still did well and her judge thought she was very promising.

                                                 Montie with his judge Gianfranco Mantovani
Cracker is now a Champion and Delilah a Premier. Delilah was also Nominated for Best in Show both days but beaten by a Maine Coon sadly. She continues to grow and develop well as a neuter and is very beautiful. Cordy was admired by her judges and won her class and was up against Delilah both days for the Nomination. Brea won her class both days as did Roly Poly.

Delilah at the Best in Show panel (with me in the background), held by Anjelika Kneifel who was showing whilst on holiday from Germany and who volunteered to help steward.

Sookie and Montie relaxing in their pen

It was a good couple of days and the show went well organised for the first time by Wendy Chapman- well done Wendy and Melanie. We'll look forward to Grantham which is the 11th September the day after Gethin's first birthday.



Montie and Sookie

Well, Montie is home for a few days so that we can take him to the Garden of England show in Northampton on Saturday. He was really pleased to be reunited with his sister Sookie and has slotted straight back in with the gang here ( the sign of a confident and well adjusted kitten!).

Their Mum Anya is at our vet being spayed right now, so sadly this will be her final litter and all 3 kittens should be present on Saturday, which is very exciting. I hope they enjoy themselves.

Miss CP's Kittens

Well, we are the long awaited babies from Miss CP and Blue Boo. Our Mummy has only ever had one kitten before (the gorgeous Gimli in August 2009) and resisted all efforts to have more babies last year. But here we are- 5 beautiful Black Tabbies (aka Brown Tabbies for those more used to GCCF descriptions!).

We are 2 girlies and 3 boys and we like to join our older brothers and sister in the cat garden to play when we are allowed to. All of us are extremely sociable and have big purrsonalities. We'll have that wonderful wild look when we're older- proper Norwegian Forest Cats. Have a look at our photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/101346393804458034741/MissCPSKittens#

Please phone Ali on 0208 529 8114 or email her norskwood@ntlworld.com for more info.

Buffy & Chilli's Kittens

Us kittens are still searching for Purrfect homes with slaves who will adore us and feed us lots of wild rabbit.... where are you??!!

These photos
https://picasaweb.google.com/101346393804458034741/BuffyAndChilliSKittens#
were taken today in the cat garden which we love- we chase flies and sunbathe if the weather is good. Please contact Ali if you'd like to know which of us is available: 0208 529 8114 or norskwood@ntlworld.com

Happy News; Dougal is home!

Happily, Dougal, who is one of our babies from Sparky and Greebo's litter last summer (he'll be 1 in July) was found and is now home and being spoiled rotten! He's a Red and White Tabby and is the spitting image of his Mum Sparky. Dougal's owners are now going to look into cat proofing their garden- something that is sadly required in urban areas to keep beloved cats safe from cars and those nasty folk who would either injure or steal them.

New Kitten Photos...

We still have kittens searching for their new homes.... above is Buffy's Silver Tortie girl, and her Black Tabby sister is also available plus 4 from Chilli's litter (girls: Black and White, a Black Tortie and White and a Tortie Tabby and a Red Tabby Boy).

Give Ali a ring on 0208 529 8114 for more info and photos.....

Where do I begin??!

Well, I haven't had time to update the blog much lately. We went to the Aristocats show in Bourne on the 11th and 12 th June. Roly, Treacle and Sparky are now all Champions! Sparky was a last minute entry- she has little coat and hasn't been shown since February 2010. Despite that she won her class and even got her CACIB on the Sunday- at last, Sparky is a Champion!

Cracker won his CAC's both days and was BIV on the Saturday (not enough cats for BIV Sunday). Roly was BIV Sunday amazingly. Delilah came out as a neuter- her first show since Feb 2010 too and won her CAP's both days. Brea won her CACS both days and Cordy won her CACGIP's both days. And Blue Boo, well he was NOM Saturday and Sunday, and was BIS Adult Male and Overall BIS Adult Sunday. Bless him- he's such a glorious cat.

At the hotel on Saturday we had fun... Sparky plucked up the carpet while we were out having dinner and we had trouble getting back in! And 3 entire boys in a miniscule bathroom wasn't possible! The cats wer SO excited about being away in a hotel overnight that they kept waking me up to tell me....not much sleep that night.

Sunday was my birthday- and how proud was I that Blue Boo did so well?!

Chilli and Buffy's kittens 7th June

Champion Nordlys Isadora aka "Izzy"

Today we took our Izzy to see the vet due to her rapid loss of weight. After many tests (bloods, x-ray and a laparotomy) she was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer that had taken over her intestines and metastasized into her lymph nodes and onto her spine. We made the very painful decision not to bring her back round from the anaesthetic.

Izzy was a wonderful cat- always pleased to have a cuddle and a kiss. She loved her cat friends but didn't take any rubbish from the kittens. When she was a kitten herself she was obsessed with the bath and would spend hours sitting in it and she'd badger you to turn the taps on. She had a couple of litters of kittens- one with Kerk in 2007, with Greebo in 2008/9 and one with Blue Boo in 2010 before being spayed at New Year.

I've spent the afternoon in a state of shock really. I can't believe I'll never have her headbutting me on the kitchen counter again. We'll bury her here in the garden with her brother Dominic. And we'll miss her every day. Her daughter Miss CP is here and so we'll have a physical reminder of Izzy. Why do we always have to lose the ones we love so early? Izzy was only 5 years and 10 months old. At least she can be with her daughter Stumpie again now in cat heaven.

Goodbye Izz-whiz, god bless. We love you.

MISSING!

Fluffy (pictured below), who is one of Willow's kittens from her litter with Dante in 2008, has gone missing from his home in Tamworth. He was last seen on Saturday 21st May 2011. He lives in a rural area and loves to be with his humans who are worried sick- it is highly unusual for him to be away from home at any time let alone for several days. Fluffy is neutered and micro-chipped. If you have any news please don't hesitate to contact us on 0208 529 8114 or by email norskwood@ntlworld.com  and we can pass it on to his owners. Thank you.

Love Heart and Love Me Tender leave home...

This morning was a sad one as Love Heart aka Erik, and his brother Love Me Tender aka Olaf (Willow and Blue Boo's babies) went to their new home together. Olaf is one of the biggest kittens at this age we've had- a total nutter, he loved playing in the cat garden with the other babies. Erik is a stunning Black Silver Tabby who liked to know where everyone was and he always shouted till he got attention! I shed tears as they left- sad but true. We'll miss them, but have already noticed how much food they got through!

We know they'll be very much loved- their slaves Sarah and Neil have built them a cat garden so they can be safe yet get some of what passes for "fresh air" here in London, and it's fantastic because they're only local to us. Hopefully we can go and visit and watch their progress and we would be so proud if they were shown.

Erik at 13 weeks

Olaf at 13 weeks

New Norskwood Arrivals

I've just realised that it's been ages since my last message and I have no idea where the time goes to. We have interest in 2 of Willow's 3 available babies, but are still searching for the perfect home for one last gorgeous kittie. They're very lovely and all have that special wild look that NFO's are supposed to have.

Anya's kittens are growing well and are very naughty- Montie had his head stuck in a cat toy this morning and had to be freed by Steve. Montie thanked him and promptly stuck his head back in- silly kitty.

And over the Easter weekend we saw the arrival of Chilli and Buffy kittens. They are all doing well and photos will be coming soon. We've been tidying up the garden and repairing damage done to the mesh from the harsh winter, next to be done is the vegetable patch- the ground is rock hard and Blue Boo, Roly, Cracker, Delilah and Miss CP have been using it to sunbathe on. I'm NOT looking forward to trying to dig that over. At the moment we are mostly growing kittehs (photo by Steve and his phone!)

Roly Poly enjoying the sun in his flower tub

Eastertime

Love Me Tender in the cat garden

Montie discovers the Easter deccies!

Easter Sunday and it's STILL amazing weather. The cats and kittens and of course us have all been enjoying spending some time in the garden. I'm feeling tired as I've spent the past 2 nights on alert for the birth of kittens.

Chilli is pleased to announce the birth of her 2nd litter with Blue Boo on Friday night/Saturday morning (St. George's day babies) and Buffy gave birth to her final litter today, and their Daddy is Greebo. Gethin was very pleased to assist Buffy in her birth by quite literally holding her paw when the first kitten was born- he's a very hands on sort of baby! Buffy always likes to have me beside her when she has kittens and loves to be stroked and hold paws. I think she sees Gethin as a kitten too.



Easter

Well, the weather is fabulous and the kittens have been enjoying sharing the cat garden with us. Gethin and Sookie have a special bond, but she also loves her Daddy Stevie. They've all been exploring and playing under the watchful eyes of their Mummies.
 We still have 3 gorgeous babies from Willow's litter available- see photos below- 2 boys and a girl. Contact Ali if you think you're up to the job of human slave!

                         Gethin and Sookie share their tea

                                              Steve and Sookie relaxing in the sun

                                                   Love Bug- Available

                                              Love Me Do- Available

                                                    Stupid Cupid- Available