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...



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