Ahh, this is the life, eh ...

While our slightly older two female cats, Haley and Kiki, are claiming half of the sofa and our bed, Midnight and Tabitha continue to "cat bond."

It is not so uncommon to see the two of them either playing together on the living room floor, grooming each other, or very contently snuggling up to one another at any given time ...

Perhaps it is because I am finding a new appreciation for the more "simpler" things in life as I get older, but to me,  this IS the life!

The Sweetest Cats in the World!

If the Maine Coon (and I, personally, believe this to be so) is considered to be the “gentle giant” of the cat world, then the legendary Norwegian Forest Cat has got to be the sweetest!

Based on personal experience and everything I have read about this breed thus far, the Norwegian Forest Cat is not only intelligent, but loyal and loving as well. Much like the Maine Coon but has been around a bit longer, “Wegies” as they are sometimes nicknamed, are believed to have a direct connection to the Vikings, who kept them on their ships in order to keep the vermin population down. As is often true of Nature’s rule, they are a product of the “survival of the fittest” and/or natural selection as they easily adapted to the harsh Norwegian climate.  Using their sturdy bodies already equipped with strong legs, bushy tail to cover themselves thus keeping warm, and overall healthy biological make-up, these cats lived on plants, rodents and even tree bark to survive.

By 1934, it became evident to the Norwegian people that this beautiful but hardy breed was on the verge of extinction. They formed a club and every effort was made to continue breeding them until World War II. Then in the early 1970’s, serious efforts began when a group of dedicated cat fanciers formed Norsk Skogkattring in order to preserve this living historical monument. In 1976, Wegies were recognized by the Feline International Federation, the international cat organization in Europe. This was no easy task; however, as not only had these cats needed to be approved as breeding stock by a panel of breeders and judges, but litters also had to be approved. A very time-consuming project, the end result was well worth it as no attempt to change the breed to appeal to what is considered “in” took place and these cats have remained untouched over the years.  I believe this is exactly why they are described by breeders as having a “straight” profile. It’s worth mentioning that, according to Cat Fancy Magazine’s Susan Shaw, “it is common to see a Forest Cat snuggling in the arms of a judge, giving him or her a kiss.”

The Norwegian Forest Cat is also a big part of Norse mythology as they are said to be the cats depicted pulling the goddess Freya’s chariot across the sky as they accompanied her during battle.  As much as I love Maine Coons (and trust me, I certainly DO!), living with our Wegie, Tabitha, I can’t help but to adore her. We have only had her a couple of years so far, and already she has me wrapped around her little poofy paws!

Some NEW cat books!

Yesterday at work on my lunch hour, I decided to go web surfing for a couple of books on Norwegian Forest Cats. Since we took in our Tabitha, we realized that we know next to nothing about her breed.


We had done a web search a couple of  months ago and only found two books ~ one was written way too much like a "children's" book and the other was written entirely in Ukrainian!!!! UH!!!

Then yesterday while broswing, I was finally able to find a few items of interest which looked really good! ...

 

"Norwegian Forest Cats: The Complete Owners Guide" by Alex Halton

 "Norwegian Forest Cat" by Jesse Russell & Ronald Cohn

Along with a couple cat magaines ...

There was one more book called, "Cats From The Scandinavian Woods: A Study of Norwegian Forests Cats," but it was a bit too pricey for me! Perhaps, another time.

I definately plan to write a book review post for each after I have read them.  :)

Merry Beltane ALL!!!!

From ALL of us here at "Witch Cats Blog" to ALL of you,

BRIGHTEST BLESSINGS & BLESSED BELTANE!!

Love ~

 Kim, Midnight, Kiki, Haley, Tabitha & Sam the bunny! 

 > ^ o ^ <                                           

(artwork by Cyra R. Cancel)                                                                              

My new obsession ...

 

Greetings all! I have been so very busy as of late since getting back into my crafting. I have been making all kinds of decorative wreaths for all different occasions. Here is a little  preview of what I have been working on ...

 

 

 Brightest Blessings to everyone and have a great week!!

 

Can't say enough ...

Greetings everyone! Lots of new things have been happening here over the past couple of months from my father's hospital stay on New Year's Eve to his rehab and recovery, to the unrelenting Winter weather conditions we have had to endure since before Yule of last year. But, one piece of good news which I feel that I simply must convey to you all is Midnight's Laser Therapy progress. After his first inital six mandatory sessions, he now only has to receive his therapy once a month. Last night, when we took him for his therapy session, his awesome Veterinary Technician and Professional Therapist, Danielle,  who has been video documenting her patient's Laser Therapy progress from session to session, proudly showed us the videos she has been working on and I was utterly astounded at what I saw! Dogs and cats with major hip and other types of surgeries and even animals who were paralyzed, could not only walk again within one or two sessions but were running around pain-free and shaking their butts around the room! It is simply amazing what this procedure has done for our cat, Midnight and such a wonderful alternative to conventional medications. 

Danielle, from "Eagle's Peek Animal Clinic" performing Laser Therapy practices on her, "star patient," our  kitty Midnight.


It much reminds me of reiki in many ways, but seems to have much longer lasting effects. I still reiki him from time to time, but the problem is that he is not very comfortable with the fact that "he actually feels too comfortable" so Laser Therapy is just so perfect for him. 

In addition to his monthly therapy sessions, we also purchased a wonderful handmade carpeted ramp off Etsy for his off-days when he needs a little help getting up and down on the soda ...

What can I say, seeing is believing and the proof is in the video! Great job, Danielle!!

Some new cat books ...

While shopping for a book on Norweigian Forrest cats for my hubby over the holidays, I happened to come across a few new really cool books ...

The first two are more or less coffee table books, but the book on multi-cat families sounds very educational since we currently have four house kitties who can make life ... well to say the very least  ... uh  interesting!

I thought that the humorous yet surprisingly touching book, "Dump him and Marry the Cat," was a must after I read the dedication page ... "Scooter" is my little boy Midnight's nickname! LOL!