Sunday 26 September 2010

A breeders Warning

I would just like to make breeders aware of this one, I have had a kitten come back to me due to him not fitting into a multi cat household, although the new owner had many years experience with cats she was unable to keep to my feeding guidelines due to the other cats. For fear of them stealing his food the owner tried feeding the kitten set meals something my cats are not used to, I graze feed, meaning food is down all day in both wet and dry and the cats help themselves, I have found trying set feed times I end up with picky eaters or cats that won't eat because of fear of being disturbed. This is what I think has happened with this lad.

I would urge any breeder selling to a multi cat household to explore the set up and provide the owner with quite strict expectations on what the kittens needs are. I am probably speaking to the converted but I thought I had done this with a 3 page feeding guide I have learnt the hard way by having to pick the pieces up. I would also say to anyone who is thinking of getting a kitten who already has a multi cat household think carefully about the impact of one more on all the felines and is it in the kittens or the other cats best interest.

Wednesday 22 September 2010

A Double Whammy Of Upset

This year has to the worst one I have had, one upsetting chapter after another! Two of my Girls were mated a month ago and both looked to be the picture of health, then disaster struck Monday when the one Girl who was a maiden aborted her litter rather unexpectedly, then today the other girl did the same she had a litter last year she was fine at 7pm and the litter was gone by 10pm. I had planned these matings to the letter from selection of the boys down to timing, sadly Winter drawing in has effected hormone levels and the pregnancies become no more. I am sat her feeling quite miserable as my girls are not over bred or mated up before they are fully mature, have the best of everything from food to TLC and all for what.

Off to bed as I can't deal with this any more.

Saturday 11 September 2010

Elmarlay returns to the show bench!

Well we returned to the show bench with four of my cats at the Wyvern cat show, GR. CH. Elmarlay Lunar Moon made a return in the adult section and achieved some great results, with a first attempt at the Imperials she was awarded the Reserve and she also took the Reserve Grand, BOB and also a 1st in a large side class.

Not to be out done by the old hand the babies kept the flag flying high for Elmarlay, Elmarlay Mist On The Water, took 1st and BOB, as well as being placed 2nd in two out of three of her side classes. Her litter sister Elmarlay Makin Asplash, went on to achieve a stunning tally of awards, by being placed 1st in all the classes she was entered for some of her sides consisted of 7 kittens. Splash was also highly praised by judges and exhibitors alike. Not to be out done by the Birmans Elmarlay Alyssa, obtained a merit and took a 1st & two 2nds in side classes & had some lovely comments from her judges. Especially Mr Gillson and Mrs Butters who thought so highly of her.

So an excellent day was had and what makes it all the more important all four cats have my prefix and of my breeding. The girls will be out again soon can they top these results!