Have you ever been consumed by a thought, an idea or a concept?  It happened to me over the Internet in 2004.

 After losing my beloved cat, The Ladd, to old age at 18 years, it occurred to me how very important a part in my life he had played.  I had taken him for granted and didn’t even realize it until he was gone!  He was the first real “baby” I had ever had, and unlike a human child, he loved me no matter what.  His soft meow met me at the door every day when I returned from work.  And at night, he slept on top of me, his purring reminding me of his love.  No one and nothing could replace him.

 Realizing the real importance of that sweet boy, I decided to do some research before committing this next time to another cat.  Since they inhabit the dearest parts of our lives for so long, it only makes sense to find a breed that fits me.  That is why I decided to look at a pedigreed kitty, so I will know what to expect as far as looks, temperament, health, and such.

 At the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) web site, I discovered every single registered breed that exists!  Now the challenge was to filter down the choices:  Large, small, hairless, short hair, long hair, natural, designer – the choices were overwhelming!  Finally I decided on big, fluffy and natural.  As I studied the ones that fit that profile, I added people-friendly, healthy and unique (not sitting on every doorstep in America).  It was at this point that the Norwegian Forest Cat caught my attention and began to consume me.  I have never recovered. 

Their history and story fascinate me!  The “Cat of the Gods!”  Be sure to read my page “About Wegies”, as they are lovingly called, to find out more about their incredible history and legend.

Our Journey

My husband, Jerry and I, visited a couple of breeders, saw some at cat shows and decided to make a commitment.  We found a lovely boy who stole both of our hearts, just from his photo online!  But he eventually became my husband’s soul buddy.  We spent four long years defining the exact type of cattery we wanted.  We had to decide whether we would breed wegies for the purpose of winning cat shows here in America or whether strengthening the lines was more important.  We have taken the lesser traveled road of strengthening the lines, but feel that it will also produce some astonishingly strong cats who will more than carry their own in the show ring. 

 We knew that adding the right girls would make all the difference, and we refused to compromise until we found them.  We are honored that our cattery includes a fourth generation queen, whose instincts and power are still so very close to the forest.  Having this gorgeous girl is a phenomenal accomplishment, almost non-existent these days!  Her lines are sorely needed to enrich and replenish the gene pool here in the United States!   We also have one of the rare snow cat queens – a magical, odd-eyed, solid white wegie.

Our Philosophy

Our joy is in preserving the old lines of this amazing natural cat.  We feel both privileged and humbled to be able to breed these beautiful cats.  However, we have a very serious obligation to find permanent, loving homes for these precious jewels where they are treated as part of the family, not just as a pet.  These are truly our babies, our children, part of our family, so we are quite particular about where they go.  Our cattery is intentionally small so that we can hand raise kittens underfoot, who are loving, socially integrated, healthy and well adjusted.   We can’t do that with cages, only with loving hands and plenty of play time.

 Jerry and I invite you to explore

 SassafrasKat Cattery!