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

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.

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



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.

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.

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



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.