Join the South West Norwegian Cat Club
Membership is open to anyone who loves the Norwegian Forest Cat — breeders, pet owners, exhibitors, and supporters alike. You don’t need to own a Norwegian to join. Our members include long-standing breeders, first-time pet owners, judges in training, students of the breed, and retirees who simply enjoy the company of these remarkable cats.
By joining, you help us fund the Annual Championship Show, produce the Forest Gazette quarterly, maintain the Breeders’ Directory, and support breed welfare and rescue work across the South West.
Membership Tiers
| Tier | Annual Fee | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Single Membership | £25 per year | Voting rights, Forest Gazette quarterly, reduced show entry, access to members’ area, listing in the Breeders’ Directory (where eligible) |
| Joint Membership | £40 per year | Two adults at the same address — full benefits as above, two votes at the AGM |
| Life Membership | £250 one-off | All benefits for life, recognition in the Forest Gazette, priority show entry, invitation to the annual Patrons’ lunch |
Overseas members: please add £10 per year to cover international postage of the Forest Gazette.
How to Join
Complete the application form below and pay your first year’s subscription. Applications are reviewed by the Committee at the next monthly meeting (usually within 30 days). Once approved you’ll receive a welcome pack by post including your membership card, the current Forest Gazette, and details of upcoming club events.
Payment Methods
- Bank transfer — account details provided on application (preferred)
- Cheque — payable to “South West Norwegian Cat Club”, posted to the Treasurer
- PayPal — details provided on application
- Standing order — available for annual renewals, set up via your bank
Application Form
[Gravity Forms placeholder — Membership Application Form to be embedded here. Fields: title, full name, address, postcode, telephone, email, date of birth, membership tier, do you own Norwegian Forest Cats (yes/no), cattery prefix if applicable, how did you hear about us, declaration checkbox.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to own a Norwegian Forest Cat to join?
Not at all. Roughly a third of our members don’t currently own a Norwegian — they’re interested in the breed, considering getting one in the future, or simply enjoy being part of a friendly cat community.
I live outside the South West — can I still join?
Yes. Our name reflects our historical base, but we have members across the UK and a small number overseas. Around 60% of our membership is based in the South West; the rest are spread across the UK, Europe, and North America.
How do I get listed in the Breeders’ Directory?
Breeder listings are available to members who hold a GCCF-registered cattery prefix, have bred at least one litter of Norwegian Forest Cats registered with the GCCF, and abide by the Club’s Breeders’ Code of Conduct (available on request). Apply to the Secretary once you’ve been a member for at least six months.
When does my membership run?
Our membership year runs from 1 January to 31 December. If you join partway through the year, your first year’s subscription is pro-rated — the Treasurer will let you know the exact amount on application.
Can I attend committee meetings as a member?
Full committee meetings are closed, but we hold an open AGM each November where all members may attend, vote, and stand for election. Members are also welcome to submit agenda items for committee consideration via the Secretary.
What is the Forest Gazette?
Our quarterly members’ newsletter, published in March, June, September, and December. It carries show reports, breeder features, veterinary articles, breed history pieces, member photographs, and classifieds. Members can contribute articles — we’re always looking for fresh voices.
Questions? Contact our Membership Secretary, Sarah Whitmore, via the Contact page.