Welcome to our brand new blog

In March 2011, I decided to move along with the times and begin a blog.

"Norskwood Norwegian Forest Cats" are Ali, her other half Steve (who reluctantly builds and maintains the cat garden and who does all the heavy lifting!) and our toddler son Gethin who was born in September 2010, plus an assorted cast of beautiful but delightfully dotty Norwegian Forest Cats. We're based in London, UK and devote a lot of our spare time to the breeding and showing of our Norwegians.

This is an attempt to keep a kind of diary of their exploits as and when I have a spare minute in between babies, cats and kittens' demands! Hopefully you'll enjoy it...



Sunday, 25 November 2012

Hullaballoo at Beaune, France: Day 2

So, my little lad Hullabaloo once again won his 6-10 month class which was judged very early on in the day, but  we thought that he'd sadly lost out on the BIV to the 3-6 month Kitten.

However, having gone out to the park with Steve and Gethin for half an hour, I was met my loads of missed calls on both my mobile (which I'd forgotten to take with me), and our landline. Phoned Gary back immediately and was told the good news that Hullabaloo had beaten the other NFO and a Sacred Birman to win the Nomination for Best in Show.

After many phone calls over the course of the day it transpired that Hullabaloo DID win the BIV as well as the Nom and when Gary went to collect his reports and certificates he was given several lovely rosettes.

I think Hullabaloo is a very special little cat to go overseas with Gary and behave like a star- he and Gary's White boy Peter Parker have got along famously even to the point of cuddling each other and washing each other- they haven't met before Thursday!

Saturday, 24 November 2012

Hullabaloo's Adventures in France

Hullabaloo and I drove to meet his breeder and co-owner Gary on a very windy evening on Thursday prior to their long drive to Beaune in France for the FIFe show with a Norwegian Forest Cat Special   there this weekend.

He had his bags packed and passport in paw, and set off in the dark on another European adventure, this time without me with him as sadly I just couldn't afford it.

He's a kitten who loves to travel and he enjoyed the journey and the hotels en route apparently. Nothing much fazes Hullabaloo- he's very like his Great Uncle Blue Boo in that respect.

Anyway, I was very happy to recieve a phone call from Clara de Dios who is over there with them to let me know that he beat another Junior to Ex1 and then went on to win BIV- yay! Now, who says that the British cats can't compete with their Euopean counterparts? There were about 350 NFO's entered at the show I believe.

If we're lucky we may get photos sent to us.

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

Greebo's Photo Shoot

Yesterday, Greebo and I took a drive into Shoreditch where he was to be photographed for a Petplan Insurance advert.

He enjoys a good day out and settled down in the car for the short drive into Town. It was a bit of a walk from the car to the studio, and Greebo was VERY heavy- he's certainly become a lot more muscular since being neutered! It was also very busy for traffic which he wasn't keen on, but once we arrived he relaxed in his pen until he was called.


Everyone made a big fuss of Greebo and he made a lot of friends and admirers- he was making puddings all through the session and made himself very much at home and tried his best to be accomodating and do as he was asked.


Of course, he's not silly and he made the most of the bits of ham he was offered!

 
Please excuse the photos- I didn't want to use a flash and disturb His Highness in action.

Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Bourne- a good weekend!

So, it started off with a loooong drive to Lincolnshire on Friday evening. We arrived later than planned, helped set up the show hall then went for dinner with John and Caroline.

Saturday was ok- friends who have one of Anya's babies (Peppa) and one of Chilli's babies (The Hamster) came and they both did well with Peppa getting a "Virtual Nomination" from Stephe Bruin because she was the better girl but grumpy. The Hamster was actually Nominated but lost out sadly. Both cats looked great and it was lovely to see Mark and Rhonda.

My Lot did ok- Anya was beaten by her old nemesis Five, who then went Best in Show Neuter Female, but Brea became a Supreme Champion, Ari was in a foul mood and wouldn't behave for the BIV, but got her point, Chilli won her point and Hullabaloo was Ex 1.

Sunday arrived after a great evening out in the pub with much wine taken! To be honest I felt a little jaded on Sunday.... still onwards and upwards. Anya won her point and became International Premier. To my amazement she then went on to be Nominated and was Best in Show Neuter Female- at the ripe old age of 6!

 
Supreme Champion & International Premier Norskwood Anya BIS Neuter Female


Ari was in a MUCH better mood and won her point and the BIV too. She then went on to be Nominated and is now Grand International Champion. Our Bronwen (a Betty and Cracker baby just 11 months old) was BIV both days and Nominated along with Ari on Sunday- she's owned by Cecilia MacLeod. Chilli won her point, Brea won another CACS just in case, and Hullabaloo was Ex 1 again.

I then won 2nd prize in the Best Decorated Pen competition!

Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Belgium was a success!

The Felis Britannica Pens

So, we had a good time in Belgium (Zedelgem) and Felis Belgica made us feel very welcome.We always have a good time on a road trip though. I took my camera then couldn't be bothered to walk around with it so didn't take any photos! All photos on here are from my friends- thank you! I might have some on the mobile- will check and add them if I do.

Above is our row of pens- I think we made quite a splash. We also did quite well as The British Contingent aka Felis Britannica with several BIV's, (I think) 5 Nominations and in the end 3 Best in Show wins, which kind of goes to show that British cats can't be all that bad after all and are able to compete against their European counterparts.

Sookie and Hullabaloo's pen
 
Hullabaloo
 


From the Norskwood point of view Hullabaloo was Ex 1, and then Sookie won her class against another cat to become International Champion, so I was very happy. Sookie is in a growth spurt at the mo- she's big but her head has yet to catch up, so she can rest a while before continuing on her quest for show glory. I was amazed that she won her last certificate. One of Blue Boo's sons  Swayze was Nominated too, which was nice. In all, there were 4 of his offspring there.

Sookie- looking just like her Mum Anya in this photo
 

The hotel left a bit to be desired, with the chef throwing a dicky fit when we arrived for dinner on Saturday- despite us being booked in. We were only permitted to choose from 3 things on the menu!  It would have been better had we been able to choose which dish we wanted.

It's very easy to drive to Bruges- it took us only about 4 hours in total door to door. So, I might do more shows in the Low Countries cash permitting- that is always the problem isn't it?


Mr John Tipper showing our darling "Fatty", who in the end was Ex2


Friday, 21 September 2012

Road Trip to Belgium...

Well, tomorrow we're off on another road trip- this time to Belgium for a show in Bruges.

It's been 11 months since the last one to Poland (that was an epic one!), and this one is at least close to the UK and easy to get to via the tunnel.

I've Pet Passported Sookie and Hullabaloo, and although I'm not expecting them to do terribly well, it will at least be more experience at showing internationally and we'll get to meet old friends and hopfully make some new ones. It's always good to make contacts in other countries, and see what's happening.

Cecilia and I are travelling together along with 2 of her Blue Boo babies. I've made my famous sausage rolls (Gethin and I have taste tested them for quality control, and they're moreish!).

Steve had thought that I'd take Gethin with me, but I'm not sure it would be fair on Gethin- a long drive then being cooped up all day at a cat show and 2 nights in a hotel- when he's a little older I'll consider it, but not now.

Wish us luck with it all- there are quite a few of the Felis Britannica crowd coming along and we should have great fun and drink plenty of wine. We always have fun and enjoy ourselves and that is the main thing.

Friday, 7 September 2012

Conchita's Cherubs- Kittens Available

Conchita gave birth to 5 glorious kittens on 4th August 2012. The Father of her litter is our Roly Poly and it is his first litter- he is so proud.

In the litter are 3 Black Silver Mackerel Tabby and White Boys; 2 are still available, One Black Silver Spotted Tabby girl who is under assessment, and a Black Silver Mackerel Tabby and White girl. The girls are pictured below, the boys to each side! The photos are of the kittens at 4 weeks of age.

If you'd like to know more about our kittens then please phone Ali on 0208 529 8114 or email norskwood@ntlworld.com


Black Silver Mackerel Tabby & White Girl- Available
 
 
 
Black SIlver Spotted Tabby Girl- Under Assessment


Sunday, 29 July 2012

Archie and Bridget at 7 Months

Well, we've had 2 of Sparky and Blue Boo's kittens staying here for the past 10 days (Archie, a Cream Blotched Tabby and White and his sister Bridget who is a Black Tortie and White). Bridget has inherited her facial markings from Sparky's side of the family- her Grandmother Buffy has a Tortie "half and half" too, and all of the torties descended from her seem to have distinct markings on their faces. Archie is just the spitting image of his Mummy Sparky, just in a paler colour.

Bridget enjoying the cat garden


It's the second time they've been here for their holidays, and they just slot right back in and have a whale of a time with us. They have the most incredible purrsonailites- truly laid back and so affectionate. Archie likes to put both front legs round your neck and nuzzle your ear, whilst Bridget likes to snuggle up in bed at night.
Archie having just awoken from a snooze in the bedroom


It's so lovely to spend time with them and to see how well they've turned out. When they were born, they were big babies. Then as the litter grew up they were the 2 smallest and I wondered if they'd make full size. I needn't have worried though. At 7 months (they became 7 months old whilst on holiday here), they are both bigger than some of our Adult girls.
Look at my tail!


They're coming to stay again next month- I can't wait!
I look SO like my Mum


So, if you were wondering what Sparky's current "Oops" kittens will turn out like, these photos will give you an inkling as their Daddy is Blue Boo's son Cracker. Of course, they're all Red Tabbies, but they're going to be very lovely cats just like their older brother and sister.

Wednesday, 11 July 2012

New Website On it's Way and Sad News

Well, sorry for the lack of postings recently. It's been a hard few weeks as we had to have our first Norwegian the wonderful Ellwood put to sleep.

Ellie (aka E-Wo, Mr E Wood, Fluffwood) had been diagnosed with stomatitis in December and it was a very severe case. we'd tried treating it with interferon and anti-biotics which worked well for a couple of months but then it returned with a vengeance.

Our vet had done some research on it and was confident that a new regime might work, but when Ellwood was anaesthetised prior to having the lesions lasered, it became clear that his mouth was much worse then first thought.

Ellwood was a darling- a big softie. He was a bit of a wimp at times, but a total Mummy's boy and he always slept either in my arms or round my head on my pillow. He was the reason we ended up with all these blooming cats and got me into going to shows.

He won his first Kitten Class and that was it. He came to shows up until he was 7 and a half- by then we'd started going to FIFe shows and he was a Grand International Premier and halfway towards becoming a Supreme Premier. At that point he had a scrap with one of the cats and one of his ears was damaged, so that ended his show career. But at his last few shows he was always Nominated- it goes to show that some cats get better as they age.

It's taken me several weeks to be able to write this because I miss Ellwood so much. I know I'll never forget him- how will I get over this though?

On a totally different note, I'm moving the website over to a new host and will hopefully be able to update things much quicker and easier now. That's not to say that it WILL be updated- that all depends very much on how much time I have free- not much usually if I'm frank. But we shall see- if it's easier and quicker then I could be more inclined to do it.

Tuesday, 5 June 2012

Jubilee Celebrations at Norskwood!


Well, we had a few friends round for a BBQ on Bank Holiday Monday and just about managed to get a rain free day for it! The cats all enjoyed having lots of fuss and plenty of bits and bobs to eat too.

The kittens thought it was just marvellous to have everyone there and Miss CP's kitten Mr E made lots of friends indeed.

Mr E with Steve...

... and posing on Steve's back for his adoring fans!


Gethin had a whale of a time with his new friend Kenny, people, cats, kittens and LOADS of cake!

Gethin and Kenny


Sunday, 6 May 2012

Happy Kittens, Happy New Slaves

When our kittens go off to their new human slaves I always worry- this is just because I'm a worrier, not because I think the kittens will suffer in any way. Actually, if you know me and what lengths I go to ensure that the kittens' choice of new home is the right one, it's quite the contrary- they are more often than not spoiled rotten!

So, when I hear from their new owners and get sent photos and videos I really appreciate it. Not everyone does it and I always wonder how those "babies" have developed, but many of our kittens' owners stay in touch which is fabulous. It's so good to see the kittens/cats settled and happy.

Last weekend 4 of our kittens went to new homes, and it was stressful for me because I miss them terribly when they go (and I often shed a tear).

But yesterday I was sent this email & photo from Lilly and Hugo who are training up their new humans Jackie and Steve:

Hi mum



Having fun.  Nearly taught the slaves what to do.



Lilly and Hugo


And also a great video from Archie and Bridget who have gone to live with a lovely family with 5 children and a big setter called Bella- they were very brave when meeting Bella (who was very calm and friendly to them). Sadly I can't post the video, but take it from me that it's a bit special.

It just goes to prove that Norwegian Forest Cats and Kittens tend to be wonderful confident pets who get involved with family life (and their doggies) very quickly.




Saturday, 5 May 2012

Conchita's Litter, 6 weeks old

Well, I've been getting requests for photos of Conchi's kitties and I've been struggling to get time to even do the basics lately, but yesterday I managed to find some time to quickly take some photos of the babies.

Constanza is the only one definitely still available, the 2 boys are already booked and I have my beady eye on Catalina for now, but who knows, she may become available later on if she doesn't fulfill her potential. These are fabulous kittens- so confident and very cuddly. Constanza has been able to get onto the bed for a while now and always snuggles up on my pillow.

Gethin was there to make life interesting, and entertain!


Constanza: Black and White Girl- Available


Catalina: Black Blotched Tabby Girl- Under Assessment


Cristobal: Black Silver Tabby Boy- Booked by Ben & Claudia in London


Carlos: Black Blotched Tabby & White Boy- Booked by Sarah-Jane, Paul & Family in East Sussex





Saturday, 21 April 2012

A typical Saturday morning chez Norskwood!


Conchita's Black and White girl snuggling with her Stevie!


Well, another month has gone by- the time seems liquid at the moment with no time to do much. Sometimes I think that I left it a little late to have a baby because Gethin is so active at 19 months that by the time he goes to bed it's all I can do to sit and have a nice glass of wine and something to eat.


Conchita's babies are now exactly one month old. They're growing fast and now that she's finally allowed them come out of their bed, they're very friendly and sociable kittens. Her Black and White girlie especially has the most outgoing and cheeky personality and she will run towards me and squeak until she's picked up for a cuddle. And they all LOVE to climb my leg if I'm on my computer, which is painful to say the least!

Brea's kittens are in the process of leaving us now they're 14 weeks old. I couldn't sleep last night for thinking about them in their new homes even though I know that they'll be worshipped and adored. Photos below are ones I took for their pedigrees.


Talisker

Lionel
Maurice



Saturday, 24 March 2012

At last- Conchita con Queso delivers her kittens safely



She kept us waiting for over 2 days (well, actually she's kept us waiting a lot longer than that because she's been mated several times during the course of her 2 and half years until Blue Boo did the trick this time!), but finally Conchita had her first litter of babies last night.

She had 4 lovely big babies and possibly there are 2 girls, 2 boys and 2 Black Silvers (one with White) and 2 Black Tabbies (one with White). I'll check again later on- these things often change with kittens having miraculous sex changes and colour changes! I'm hoping that there will be a special little girl for me (sshhhh- don't tell Steve).

She waited for me to come to bed last night then refused to get in her box and proceded to give birth cuddled up beside me on the bed. And there they remain this morning because she doesn't want to move just yet. Thank god for Pampers changing mats, they're a god send for cats and babies.

We didn't get a lot of sleep- poor Stevie had no duvet! I'll try and coax her into a bed in a minute....

Saturday, 17 March 2012

Latest Photos of Brea's Kittens & Sparky's Kittens

I've been really bad about posting recently- there just seems to be so little time these days. Anyway, the kittens are now 7 weeks old (Sparky's) and 9 Weeks old (Brea's) and are just SO naughty! Of course, Gethin doesn't help- he encourages them, and they bring out the devil in him too...

Enjoy the photos in the slideshow....

Sunday, 26 February 2012

Blue Boo-Felis Britannica's Best Adult Norwegian Male for 2011



 Last night (Saturday 25th February 2012), I was due to attend the Felis Britannica Awards Dinner in Moulton College, Northampton. Unfortunately, I've been feeling decididly under the weather and couldn't go. Last year's was such good fun and we ended up singing Kareoke (if that's how you spell it) despite the fact that we didn't have any music.... a good time was had by all!


So, I was fed up at missing the dinner, but I had a text to say that our darling Blue Boo won Best Adult Norwegian Male- and he didn't go to 4 of the shows in 2011. That cat is just a star.

It makes up for him not doing so well at the Norwegian Forest Cat Club show last weekend- he looked fabulous, in great coat. But he didn't get placed in the Grand and although he was placed in his side classes I reckon that he'll now retire from GCCF shows because perhaps not many of the judges "get" solid Blues.

(The rest of the gang did well, though. Little Bronwen won her Kitten Open , did well in side classes too. Sookie was 2nd in her Open, did well in her side classes. Ari won her first CC in her first GCCF show and did really well in side classes. And my beloved Greebo in his first outing as a neuter at a GCCF show (neutered for only 4 weeks) won his first PC and came first in all his side classes bar one where he was 2nd.)

Monday, 6 February 2012

Brea and Cracker's Kittens

Well it's about time I added some more photos of the kittens, and they're on the slideshow to the left. They are very attractive kittens and are very sociable. They like to come out of their bed and wander about when they hear me, and are very tolerant of Gethin trying to give them cuddles- he loves them.

Sparky and Blue Boo's kittens are now almost 2 weeks old and are gorgeous too- both Mummies are together and all 10 kittens are happy having the benefit of 2 Mums.

GSD IV Testing

Well, as per FIFe's new rule from January 2012, all NFO's have to be tested for GSD IV.

So, many of our cats have been tested at Langford and all have come back as GSD IV Normal. The cats we haven't tested are offspring of those that have been tested and found Normal, so in effect all of our cats are clear from this thankfully.

Wednesday, 11 January 2012

So Exciting- Brea's New Babies Are Born!

Well, today Brea had her second litter of kittens, this time to our Cracker. Potentially, she could have had a huge range of colours because she and Cracker carry the dilute gene. As our luck would have it, none of her kittens are dilute! Such a shame as we had little luck last year despite the potential being there for many of our offspring to be Blues or Creams... ah well, maybe another time.

Gethin and I spent the early afternoon upstairs keeping her company, and Gethin took this very seriously to the point where he got into the extra large carrier (that Brea likes to use to sleep in) with her. He then proceeded to stroke her side. I have a feeling that this boy could become a vet (please, please, please- would save us a fortune!).

When Gethin went to bed for his afternoon nap, Brea decided to go for it and gave birth to 5 lovely big babies over the course of the afternoon- very thoughtful of her. I'm getting too old for the all nighters where you get cold, tired and stiff waiting for kittens to be born!

I think she has 1 Red Tabby and White Girl, 2 Red Tabby and White Boys, 1 Black Tabby and White Boy and another Boy that I think is probably our 2nd ever Black and White. Actually, the Black Tabby and and White boy is only the 2nd of that colour we've ever had too. Brea gave birth very easily and the kittens all seem to be thriving so far. Let's hope they continue to do so.