Elmarlay Birmans & Siberians

Elmarlay Cuthburt - Optioned!

2011-12-19T09:02:00.000-08:00

Bertie will soon be ready to leave for a new home after Xmas but as I haven't updated his pictures for a while I decided I would add a few new ones of him. He is a stunner he has a coat to die for and is a cheeky chappie. He has got his moms ear tuft and looks like a little owl. He is weighing in at over 2kgs and has substance. Hoping that he will venture out onto the show scene in the future.
UPDATE - Bertie is being viewed at the weekend and maybe joining his older sister.

Birman Kittens still available

2011-12-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

Updated pictures of the Birman kittens that are still available to loving homes. Picture one Blue Tortie Female, Picture two Blue Tabby Boy, Picture three Blue Tortie Tabby Female, Picture four Seal Tortie Female. All vaccinated, GCCF registered, Insured and five generation Pedigree. Raised in the home. Born 01/07/2011.

Ebonys Secret Garden - a beloved friend RIP!

2011-12-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

Although not a feline still very much a big part of my life and family. Ebony's age had suddenly caught up with her and her arthritis had been troubling her a bit more lately. Then out of the blue on the 10th December she became disorientated and her legs went from under her with no warning she had been following my every move around the garden as I fed and watered the cats out in the cattery pens. She regained her composer after a few minutes, but I decided to take her to the vets to just be sure, following a quick call to my vets and then trying to transition her to the car, Ebony decided that walking was not on the agenda and sat firmly down on the kitchen floor. I picked her up and was on route to the front door, when she sighed and and slipped away in my arms.

So sudden, but totally Ebony to the end! My heart broke that day as she was my shadow never far from my side and was my faithful companion and protector to the end. Ebony will be missed and it will take me a long time to come to terms with her passing but I am thankful that she made the decision to slip away and she did it with me by her side. She hated car journeys and also being prodded by the vets so that trip to the vets would have caused her undue stress when the end result was likely to be the same, the loss of my beloved dog Ebony. Their will only ever be one Ebony but she leaves a legacy of her own in the form of her daughters Kizzy, Darcey & Fenn, who also miss her dearly.

Ebony at her best on the left with her eldest daughter Kizzy and a young Lexx. I stumbled on this picture and although not a great one made me smile as this was Ebony typical Cavalier King Charles style fast asleep without a care in the world.

Sleep peaceful dear old girl!

Elmarlay Cuthburt

2011-10-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

Introducing Elmarlay Cuthburt - the singleton kitten born to Esaya Zahara Of Elmarlay & Koolblue Kleverklogs, this is a repeat mating that produced Elmarlay Alyssa last year. Cuthburt or Bertie as he is referred to is a really chocolate box kitten. He is the last kitten that I will have in either breed for the the next twelve months due to my studies and is likely to be the last Siberian Kitten to be born under my prefix as sadly the enquiries I have for Siberians are allergy related and with two breed and dogs I have not had successful results. Hence why two older kittens are still here.

Bertie may stay here as a show neuter undecided at the moment.

So here he is at 3 weeks.

Birman Kittens Available

2011-10-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

I have four Birman kittens available to loving indoor homes.

I have a Blue Tabby Boy - Elmarlay Egeus - picture 1 and picture 2 with his sister Titania.
A Blue Tortie Tabby Girl - Elmarlay Hippolyta - picture 3.
A Seal Tortie Girl - Elmarlay Hermia - picture 4.
A Blue Tortie Girl - Elmarlay Titania - featured in picture 2 and then in picture 5.

The names come from characters of a Midsummer's Night Dream, a bit of a play of words with this litter as their mother is named Dream.

Ready to leave - fully vaccinated, GCCF reg, Micro-chipped & Insured.
Sired by Champion Esaya Sioux Warrior.

If interested please get in touch.

Two Siberian Female Kittens still available

2011-10-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

These two girls are still awaiting new homes, they are both loving girls who just want to find that special place in someones heart to call their own.

They have both been fully vaccinated, GCCF reg, Micro-chipped, and will leave insured also. They are 6 months old so a new home is important for them. The one is going to the Supreme on exhibition this will still happen if home is local to Birmingham Area.

If you are interested please get in touch to arrange a viewing.

Two Siberian Female Kittens still available

2011-08-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

I still have two Siberian girls available from Wytch & Scouts litter they have been reserved a few times now but due to either change in circumstances or conflicts with holiday arrangements they have been let down, so Elmarlay Badiah & Elmarlay Bahija are still here looking for their forever homes. Both girls are fully wormed, vaccinated, have full GCCF registration and 5 Generation pedigree and will leave also with 4wks Petplan Insurance as well as Micro-Chipped. These girls are offered to indoor pet homes only. Please no more time wasters or day trippers.

Up on cloud nine!!!!!

2011-07-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

Today I attended the Gwynedd show and am elated to say that my young lad did me proud by achieving his third grand at the tender age of 14 months. So Elmarlay has a new grand champion in the form of Grand Champion Elmarlay Firestarter. Over the moon is an understatement as within seven adult shows Tee has achieved not only his champion tittle but the tittle of Grand. Way to go kid I am so pleased with you and when the judges say your temperament is outstanding they can't be more accurate as you are the most cuddly boy I have ever known.

The relaunch of the Siberian Cat Club Website

2011-07-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Due to a conflict of interest with an ex-officer of the Siberian Cat Club the clubs website has been down for some time, whilst the issues are resolved we have set up a new website and the link below will take you to the site and all the information related to the Siberian in the UK.
http://www.siberian-cat-club.com/

My appologies to members and the general public for the inconvience that this incident has caused, please be assured that the club is talking to legal representatives in order to rectify the situation.

Thank you for your patience.

Wayne Baxter on behalf of the Siberian Cat Club.

Northern Birman Show results

2011-04-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

OH what a Day!!!!!!

After only a few weeks since achieving his Champion title, I decided to try Tee in the Grand Classes to see how he would fair. I was not expecting too much as I knew that he would have strong competition, I was not wrong with two AOC males in the class alongside him, one being the Handsome Imperial Grand Champion Panjandrum Feugo, who is a red point like Tee who I have admired for many years, then a young boy Grand Champion Maysula Andulsite a rather handsome Seal Tabby youngster. After going for breakfast with friends I returned to the show hall and had to get Susie Harris to double check the board, Sorry Susie for nearly bursting your ear drums when the result sunk in,

Elmarlay Firestarter not only took the Grand he was also awarded his 4th CC as well as the red BOB. Tee is still only 11 months old so proud is an understatement. He also got two 1st's and a 2nd in his side classes. His Grand & Open Judge was Daphne Butters, and this is what she thought of him.

GCC - BAXTER'S - CH. ELMARLAY FIRESTARTER, 13c5, M, 02/05/2010.

Red Point. I was very impressed indeed with this young man. He has style, type, size& real presence. Just eleven months old and he had a long and weighty body, wonderful boning to medium length limbs and short strong paws. Very well furnished bushy tail in balance to the body length. Very well developed strong masculine head, showing excellent breadth and full round cheeks, with wide set ears, medium in size. Medium length nose with a slight dip in profile. Vivid blue eyes, quite a deep shade and of good almost round shape. Well developed muzzle, chin quite firm. Fairly Long Coat, I felt that is was well developed for one so young, pale cream colour showing excellent contrast with the mid red points, limbs currently a little paler than the other points. Points were quite even in depth all round. Well marked gloves, ending in straight lines below the paw/leg angle. Even length to the socks, back feet covered, gauntlets angled very slightly outwards, both ending just below the point of the hock. A delight to handle and shown in wonderful condition, a real charmer. He was a strong contender when I came to choose my best in show male adult.

Not to be out done by her Birman brother, Elmarlay Alyssa (Siberian Female) who was born on the same day as Tee, also took her 1st Merit as an adult, this was in preparation for the Siberian moving up the rankings in June, as Alyssa hasn't been at a show since the Supreme. She also had Daphne Butters as her judge.

Daphne felt that she was a "very Promising young lady, showing nice type and expression, and having a fabulous temperament and condition."

I was pleased as Alyssa decided to loose half her coat the week before the show due to a few days of sunshine!

One very Happy Siberian & Birman Breeder.

The Elmarlay Memorial Shield is coming home to Elmarlay as well as the Najim Cup.

2011-04-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

I had a real surprise yesterday when I received notification from the Birman Cat Club that Elmarlay has achieved overall Lilac Tortie Prefix for the 2010 show season this was achieved by Elmarlay Mist On The Water & Ch. Elmarlay Babbling Brooke. These girls are both litter sisters from two different litters, the shield was created in the honour of my dear Ella, and it is even more special as both these girls are also Ella's Great Grand Daughters. Her ladyship Gr Ch. Elmarlay Lunar Moon has also achieved top Lilac female adult for the 2010 show season, this is the second time she has done this and Lunar as always makes me immensely proud as she is simply my star. Well done girls. Update - 07/04/11 further confirmation that Brooke & Missy's litter sister Elmarlay Makin Asplash has achieved Top Blue Tortie Tabby Kitten and has been awarded the Summersky Trophy. Well Done Splash. The Sire to these three stunning girls is Champion Esaya Siouxwarrior (AKA - Lexx) My rather dashing Red Tabby Boy.

Wytch has her babies

2011-03-22T12:46:00.002-07:00

Good news Wytch became a mom this morning in the small hours, I am pleased to report the safe arrival of 4 strong kittens, who are so yummy. Wytch being the ever independent madam that she is got on and did it all on her own under my watchful eye. She is the proud mom to a Solid Black boy, two Black Smoke & White Girls & last but not least a token Colour Point Girl (early indication is she is a seal point possibly with white as her nose has no pigment)

Will post pictures towards the weekend.

Got to get some sleep in the coming few days as I am well tired with a show and committee meetings and then baby minding.

He went and did it!!!!!

2011-03-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

I am over the moon to announce that my home bred boy Tee has become a champion today in three straight shows at the tender age of 10 1/2 months, way to go Tee, I am so proud of you, you simple make the world go round with all the love you have to give.

Not to be out done Elmarlay Makin A Splash also had a good day picking up her 2nd CC, Splash is going to take a break from showing as she has been shown quite a lot as a kitten and then three times as an adult and she is not enjoying it as much as she did so will stay at home to grow up a bit and then make a return in late summer to try for her final CC to gain her tittle. Watch out her litter sister may be coming back out to bring tortatude to the show scene, god help them as Missy has some attitude.

Wytch to be a mom - watch this space

2011-03-12T10:01:00.001-08:00

The Elmarlay mad house is to soon be joined by the pitter patter of tiny paws in a few weeks time as Wytch is due to become a mom to her 1st litter. The sire to the litter is our own handsome lad Scout. Wytch is taking it easier as she looks like a barrel at the moment, can't feel any kittens but as she is quite a muscled female I am not overly surprised at that, but it does make things hard to determine the possible size of the litter, I have decided against scanning her as she hates being messed with and the stress would do her nor her kittens any good so it is like Christmas all over again.

Will post further information as it becomes available, no tabbies in this litter, they will be predominately black or black smoke, with and without white, as well as seal colour points, possibility of blues as well, Fingers crossed.

The Siberians Have It!

2011-03-03T16:07:00.001-08:00

After a long wait and a jam packed twelve months of collating data and then a lengthy wait to hear the outcome of the GCCF Council meeting the Siberian Cat Club had great news that the GCCF delegates had voted in favour of promoting the Siberian to "intermediate" Status. So from June in forth coming catalogues the Siberian will be able to compete for Best Of Breed and will at last be able to make the transition to being included in the Best In Show Line ups along side its SLH cousins.

A big thank you to all the breeders and exhibitors that aided in the creation of a rather large document that showed the Siberian eligible for moving that step forward to obtaining Champion Status, all being well the time scale for the next stage will be a shorter one and by 2013 we should be able to compete at Champion level. This can only be achieved if breeders and exhibitors again put the cats out on the show bench and send me the results of the classes and write ups of the judges critiques.

BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL, I can at last take a deep breath and look at the next stage with a clear outlook.

Wayne Baxter
Breed Administrator for the Siberian Cat Club.

Our 1st, 2011 litter ends in tears.

2011-02-14T10:49:00.000-08:00

Well things just don't seem to get any better, our beloved Angel (Elmarlay Heaven Sent) very unexpectedly delivered her litter seven days early on the 10th February, and sadly her kittens were just too weak to survive although early signs were good they were not able to suckle and sadly we lost the last one earlier today after a very hard battle. Angel is looking for her babies and it is such a shame after all she went through she has nothing to show for it. We are pondering what to do next as their was no reason for the early delivery we can think of, the mating was a repeat of her 1st two litters so confused on what went wrong.

A brave battle fought by three little angels who have all left this world to start new adventures on the other side of rainbow bridge.

Ruddy 2011 - not a good start!!!!!!

2011-01-23T14:23:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I am still here all be it feeling a bit bruised and battered after a spell in hospital that is going to see me laid up for a bit. I had hoped for a better new year as last year really was a trial of wills on many levels but this year is already heading the same.

My dad had a heart attack two weeks ago out of the blue and so we were all running around like mad hatters ensuring that he was OK, I am pleased to say that he spent four days in hospital and has been home resting and is doing as well as could be expected.

Then my turn, with very little prior warning a week to the day of my dads illness my appendix's decided to go into free for all and land me in hospital, I was operated on of Tuesday of last week and could not just be a routine job could I, no not I, I react to the Morphine they are giving me to control the abdominal pains and then react to the anesthetic and land in recovery for two hours and then have to be on a heart monitor and full oxygen for 12 hours after as my heart and oxygen levels were all over the place. I returned home on Thursday and am just getting my head around the fact that I can't do the tasks that I did prior to the operation in such a short time as it flipping hurts and makes me feel exhausted.

Sadly I missed out exhibiting four of my cats yesterday at a show and I have another booked that also looks unlikely that I will be able to attend, so in all not feeling on top of the world right know.

If it takes me a time to get back to you if you ring or email it is either that I haven't the energy to turn the computer on or can't get to the phone as quickly as I could.

Hope everyone else is OK?

The Future - Take Two

2010-12-18T10:53:00.001-08:00

As the year is drawing to an end I am hoping to close the door on it firmly, and lock it with industrial padlocks as this year on many levels on a personal level and also the cats, has had more ups and downs than a ride at Alton Towers!

After being told off by Auntie A, as usual and then by my dear mother, followed by my eight year old nieces statement of was "I stopping breeding because I had lost my mind" (her actual words), I think the wake up call came that I had invested far too much, love time and energy into the cats to totally walk away. So the Siberian neutering day was cancelled for this week mind you looking at the snow chances of getting the cats to the vets safely was going to be a task, so think something else was against my plans their as well!!!

I have decided that the majestic Wytch will have a litter in 2011 if she obliges, with her ladyship you can never tell, and don't dare second guess her as that will just cause further problems. Zahara will have a litter in 2012. Two of my Birman girls will have litters in 2011. Lunar will officially retire if her daughter produces a successful litter, as the Diva herself Ms Lunar Moon does not welcome motherhood with open paws - far too messy! The other Birman girls will be waiting in the wings for 2012.

Think that sums up where I am heading for the moment!

Out Comes Of The Supreme

2010-11-22T13:27:00.000-08:00

A very busy and hectic day but well worth it, my stunning Elmarlay Lunar Moon was up in the UK Grand Class and I am pleased to say that she achieved her 1st UK certificate, gobsmacked is an understatement but she was doing her usual look at me pose that only Lunar can pull off.

Up next was the cheeky miss of Elmarlay Makin Asplash, Splash also took 1st in her kitten open and did us proud and got some lovely comments along the way.

Elmarlay Alyssa was also there but she was strutting her stuff on the Siberian Cat Club stand and along with the other Siberians got much interest. She knows how to work an audience I think she will be following in her dads footsteps!

Well done girls you make us all really proud of you.

Elmarlay Firestarter

2010-11-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

Introducing our homegrown boy, affectionately known at home as Tango, why Tango well let me explain, he has a habit of only being happy if he has bear hugged you and is fixed firmly under your chin with his paws wrapped around your neck, and as he is a rather big orange thing it just sort of fitted.

Tango will be at limited stud hopefully next year and also developing our red Birman line further, I had not intended to keep a boy back from this mating but his sister just did not shine like he did and I also have a weakness for the reds and with eye colour that is as vivid as his is which is often not seen in the Reds I thought he had far too many good qualities to let go as a pet boy. So he is staying with me for a short time as a stud.

Tango has the pedigree name he has as his mother is a Fire name so all her kittens have a flame theme, His dam is Esaya Rising Phoenix, dad is Norvin Laliquepapillon.

The Elmarlay Tribe At The Birman Cat Clubs Annual Show - What A Day!

2010-11-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

I am still recovering from the shock of the day, Elmarlay was out in force again, with Gr. Ch. Elmarlay Lunar Moon (Lunar), her daughter Elmarlay Cosmic Starlight (Sharnie), Then we had Elmarlay Makin Asplash (Splash) & last but not least keeping the Assessment breeds propped up we had Elmarlay Alyssa (Alyssa Or Lissy) She was the only Assessment and got a lot of attention from exhibitors and the public.

Lunar achieved her 1st Imperial Certificate, in a good class of quality ladies, Sharnie got a 2nd in a strong tabby class which I was pleased about as she is still a bit all over the place with her development (shush don't tell her that as she is a bit sensitive!) Splash achieved the 1st in the Tabby/Tortie Tabby class 6-9 Months, and Alyssa achieved her third Merit.

I needed my jaw propping up when I checked the results board as the Imperial classes are so hard to achieve and although Lunar is a stunner in my eyes she has struggled to get to grand so I had no real expectations of her making a dent in this class.

A few more shows ahead will post results in coming weeks, Fingers crossed we can keep going.

Siberian Breed Progression Under GCCF

2010-11-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

Well at long last the documents have all been submitted to GCCF executive for the meeting on the 24th November 2010. A very hard task as with printer malfunctions, photocopying drama's and 21 copies of a 140 page document to produce it was a bit nerve racking. But we got it done and the package was sent off to GCCF on the 28th October 2010 and has been received.

Thanks to all the breeders & exhibitors who have supplied information as without you all this task could not have been achieved. If the paperwork is accepted the Siberian should move to intermediate status for June 2011. Then the next stage begins of collating more data to get the breed to Champion status, if anyone wants any information on the process please drop me any email and I will explain the stages step by step.

I must also say thank you to my mom and dad as without them I would never have got the documents bound and packaged we had a production line going to get it all sorted and in order.

Aviv's new adventure

2010-11-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

It is with a heavy heart that I say best of luck to Aviv or Monty as he is to be called, at the weekend he went off to his new pet home as a single cat and has settled in really well with Sara & Damien, thank you to you both for loving my handsome lad he will repay your love with many a bear hug! After his first home failed I was reluctant to let him go anywhere but he was not happy amongst the others totally as he was on the constant defensive so it was evident that staying with me here amongst the mad house was not going to suit him, he now has the best possible solution two lovely people to attend to his every need. Bless you my handsome fellow big hugs and miss you kid oh.

Elmarlay Alyssa

2010-10-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

A big Thank You to Mark Harris of Mentobe Birmans & Siberians for being on hand as usual armed with his camera to take some stunning pictures of Alyssa, these pictures were taken at the CRAVO show, where Alyssa had another fantastic day along side her Elmarlay Stable Mates. Alyssa Achieved her 2nd GCCF Merit, two 2nds and a 1st as well as some lovely comments from exhibitors and judges alike, she was a little minx playing up to anyone who would take notice of her, she has sussed this show lark now and has taken after her mother in how to work the audience.

Kittens Available To Loving Indoor Homes

2010-10-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

We still have kittens looking for their new homes, we have Rocky a Lilac point Birman boy (pic 2) who is coming up to seven months he has been let down several times by potential new owners and time wasters a plenty. We also have two Red Point Boys (one of them Pic 1) and their Seal Tortie sister, as well as a Seal Tabby Point Female Siberian (pic 3). If anyone is interested in one of these kittens please get in touch by email - baxtella@yahoo.co.uk please only genuine enquiries and don't try and bag a cheap kitten as I don't produce kittens for that purpose and I will wait till the right home comes along than just sell for the sake of it - sorry!

Update On Aviv

2010-10-14T10:59:00.002-07:00

Aviv came back into the fold after he could not manage in a multi cat household when he left he weighed in at 2.3Kg's and on return had gone down to just under 1.7Kg, two weeks on he is back up to 2Kg, it has taken a bit to get him eating properly again and his muscle tone is still a little weak but he is making good progress, and hopefully he will be back to his correct weight in a few weeks. He remains to be the most loving boy going and it is a true shame that he could not fit into this home, but an older male did not like the introduction of a young boy. Aviv will be re-homed eventually but he will only go to a single cat household or with a sibling, but we have plenty of time to make any final decisions as he has some recovering still to achieve.

A breeders Warning

2010-09-26T14:48:00.001-07:00

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.

A Double Whammy Of Upset

2010-09-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Elmarlay returns to the show bench!

2010-09-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

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!

Elmarlay Mist OntheWater (Aka - Missy)

2010-08-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

Well I suppose with one introduction out of the way I should make another and that is to introduce my new Birman baby as well, so her goes introducing Missy for short, she is from the water babies theme of litters that started a few years ago, She is the daughter of Esaya Siouxwarrior (Lexx) & Elmarlay River Runs Wild (River). Missy is going to re-introduce the Dilute tortie back into my breeding program after having to spey Kindra. Missy, is from the same mating as Champion Elmarlay Babbling Brooke, and is also 1/2 sister to Kindra so I have the line back in a way as River and Kindra's dam are also 1/2 sisters. Missy's sister litter sister from 2010 will also be entering the show world so watch out for Elmarlay Makin Asplash as well a rather naughty Blue Tortie Tabby girl.

Introducing Alyssa

2010-08-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

Well I suppose it is about time I introduced my new home bred lady, she is Zahara and Scouts daughter and at birth I knew she was unlikely to go anywhere although I did say many time that I was not keeping anything but after the recent trial and tribulations I decided to hell with it and she is staying put. So I take great pleasure in introducing "Elmarlay Alyssa" my Brown Tabby & White Girl, who I will hope will grace the show scene in the not too distant future, but the heat wave has played havoc with the coats of the kittens.

Feed back would be nice just to see if my thinking she has promise is justified.

Kindra we will miss you!

2010-08-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

After a disastrous attempt at having babies this year it was with a heavy heart that I made the decision to allow my beautiful lilac tortie girl go to a new home, as she is such a sweet and loving girl and as she is only two she has many years worth of love to give, and this in reality should be in a less chaotic cat household.

Kindra has now moved in with Maureen and has settled far better than I thought she would she has been with Maureen since mid week and I had a phone call today to say that she has settled in so well she feels like she has been here all her life. She gets Maureen up in a morning and has already had a few visitors and she is lapping it all up.

Kindra will be missed here at Elmarlay but she wasn't destined to be a breed girl and hated showing so I would never of put her back on the show bench as a neuter, one badly bitten hand and an upset cat was enough to put an end to that idea. She has a loving home where she is centre of attention, something she would not of got if she remained amongst the cats I have here.

We will miss you but are thankful you are being loved for you.

Koolblue Kleverklogs (Scout)

2010-07-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

I had to take some Pictures of Scout for the SLHCA magazine for his show achievement, he is the hardest of my cats to get a good picture of as he hates keeping still and not getting a fuss, soppy stud boy you would think, when he is entertaining he is a rather ambitious lad, split personality! He will be two in November and he is maturing into a strapping lad, and his son Aviv is showing that he has dads presence. Enjoy the picture of Scout my rather Handsome fellow, but I am biased.

With Great Sadness

2010-07-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

Elmarlay Againstallodds, decided the fight was too great to stay with us, Kindra's little girl put in a brave battle but it all became too much, she took a nap in the sunshine and drifted away to Rainbow Bridge. I am devastated as I have willed this little lady to live from birth and she gave me eight weeks, she sadly started to falter this week with very limited weight gains and began to become noticeably smaller compared to her siblings both birth and foster, but she was eating playing and interacting with the rest of them so her loss was even more surprising.

I found her curled up in the basket as if she was a sleep very peaceful but a total shock.

Sleep forever Peacefully my little star. X

The Elmarlay "A" Litter of Siberians

2010-06-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Well the kittens are five weeks today and I thought I would try and take some pictures they are not the best as both Alyssa (Pic 2) and Airlia (Pic 4) were having more fun trying to destroy the surroundings than actually pose for Pictures, Aviv (Pic 1) & Akimsa (Pic 3) were a little more reserved. Aviv is the only boy in the litter and he is turning into a handsome fellow. Alyssa is staying at Elmarlay as she just has something about her that makes me stop and look at her, she is the larger of the girls and she looks quite similar to her dad. See what you think.

Kindra

2010-05-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Well Kindra has bounced back in Kindra style, she had her stitches out on Friday and has a rather neat battle scar, the only reminder of her ordeal. She has settled back into life with the other girls. I still wish that she could have continued the Elmarlay lines but I have my beautiful girl and she is fit and healthy.

Her babies are starting to catch up with the other kittens, her little girl is a Tortie like mom but where Kindra is a Lilac Tortie, little bit looks to be either Blue or Chocolate. Her brothers colours are seal and red, they are looking to be both nice examples, with dads build starting to come in. Zahara & Phoenix are doing a great job in raising not only their kittens but Kindra's as well.

Kindra will be looking for a new home in a few months as I have decided that it is unfair on her to share her me time with all the other cats when she would be much happier as a lap warmer, and as she is only two she has a lot of love to give someone for many years ahead.

Cat breeding at its worst!!!

2010-05-06T16:56:00.000-07:00

The weekend should have been a happy event for Elmarlay but it has been the most distressing and upsetting few days possible. Kindra my wonderful home bred girl was expecting her 1st litter and I was so looking forward to the mating as it intertwined both Brodie and Lexx's pedigrees with my own foundation lines the resulting kittens were to be my 4th generation. Disaster struck on Tuesday when Kindra went down hill rapidly and she was rushed to the vets where it was discovered that a small piece of placenta had broken away during delivery and caused a Pyometra infection she was close to deaths door and it was touch and go whether I would have my beautiful girl at the end of it, thankfully she has bounced back well but is unable to rear her kittens, so these kittens are being fostered by my other girls, but I am not hopeful that they will make it, so eight years of breeding cruelly cut short.

Zahara and Phoenix decided that they would deliver their kittens on Sunday and produced five each, Sadly one of Zahara's didn't make it but the others are doing well, Phoenix has also given us five as well three red boys and two seal tortie girls, these little ones came a few days early but are doing really well with good birth weights. They are also fostering Kindra's three surviving kittens and they are fighting a brave battle, only time will tell what the future holds.

I am so upset by the turn of events and considering what the future holds for Elmarlay, as it stands these are the final litters for us for the forcible future and could well be the final ones to be born here.

Sad times.

Champion Elmarlay Babbling Brooke

2010-04-24T04:12:00.000-07:00

Brooke doing a bit of modeling at the Northern Birman Show on the 17th April 2010, photo's courtesy of Woozles Photography.

Time goes by

2010-04-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Well with the crazy weeks that have being going on a few decisions have been made, our final 2010 litters will be born in coming weeks and then Elmarlay is taking a twelve month break from breeding in the interim. I hope to continue to show if the cats are in good enough condition but 2011 will see us kitten free till very late summer or best case scenario 2012.

The girls have all started early this year and continuously called since early December so have either been mated or have been put on Ovarid to delay things, for some this hasn't even worked. The youngsters have also started calling but they remain far too immature to even contemplate kittens they have been ignored. I am in the process of assessing the two Birman girls that I ran on from last year who as six/eight week old kittens looked promising sadly now is a different story at twelve months they have gone off big style, I will monitor them till summer then if still not happy they will be neutered so we may have two girls looking for pet homes in coming months.

Roll on the coming months then peace and tranquility!

SIBERIAN CAT CLUB - Working Hard to Progress the Breed under GCCF

2010-04-07T05:22:00.001-07:00

As a member of the Siberian Cat Club Committee, I have the task of putting together the extensive document that GCCF require to get the breed from Provisional status to the next rung on the ladder of Intermediate status in order to achieve full champion status under GCCF. The latter is a long way off as we have much work to do, the paperwork currently is progressing well but the area that it lacks is the need for GCCF prefix holder breeders to sign up to say that they are working with the breed. If we don't have the breeders then the progression stalls and we don't go forwards, would be a shame for the Siberian not to have the accolade of achieving a tittle under all the registries.

My plea is simple if any Siberian breeders are reading this please contact me for a form to fill in and send back to me or if you are at a Show and know other breeders are at the show take a few forms and get the signed the more breeders we have the better, it shows that the Siberian breed is being developed within the UK.

Contact me on - baxtella@yahoo.co.uk

Mixed up few days

2010-04-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

Well it has been quite a rollacoster ride here, River our wonderful Birman girl decided to go into labour on Friday, this was not going be a joyous birth from the start as the 1st kitten was stillborn, she delivered her 2nd kitten a lively girl who was very much alive, River sadly then went into distress and was rushed to the vets where a rather weighty lad had got stuck and was blocking the birth canal for the others, so an emergency C-section was performed to help mom and babies the big boy was sadly also dead, but two other kittens were fit and well and came through the operation with mom. River being a natural earth mother took to her brood with no fuss and is happily feeding and sorting her babies.

We have two girls and a boy and looking this evening at the colours starting to appear I think we have a seal tortie girl, a Chocolate/lilac Tortie Tabby girl and possibly a chocolate series tabby boy, but these are only my guessing at this time, I will be able to confirm the colours better in a weeks time.

We are also dealing with a family bereavement so anyone emailing me things may take a bit of time to come back to you sorry.

It been a long time coming

2010-03-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

Well we have some good news, our 1st Siberian litter is due in the coming weeks. Scout has mated Zahara and I am elated to confirm that she is pregnant. For people who didn't know the story Zahara at nearly two had not had a call, I partly suspected her to be a silent caller, which she is, behaviour changes of rubbing around the chairs is all you see, she doesn't make a sound. I had discussed my concerns about her not calling with my vet and his advice was to wait till spring and if no call then she could be tested for polycystic ovaries by taking a tissue sample via key hole surgery.

Thankfully that is not required and all the other alternatives don't need to be explored as she will become a mom to her 1st litter after all. I can't wait to see what her babies are like as Scouts Bir-Sib litter were stunning so with these in mind the real McCoy will be simply stunning.

Very excited!

OMG Great Show results!!!

2010-03-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

Elmarlay were at the Semi Long Hair Cat Associations show yesterday and also the Somali Cat Club Show as well, they were in a shared venue.

Well what a day we had, four cats in competition, with Wytch also doing the Somali to attain a further Merit.

Well after a rather unplanned trolley incident on the Car Park I was seriously thinking I must be mad - four cats never again after putting Scout & Nemo on the trolley well lets just say between the two of them the trolley decided it was not up to the task of shifting the heavy weights and broke!

So off me and my mom went like a pair of pack horses, the other trolley took the load well!

Sailed through vetting in and got the cats settled.

Well the achievements for the day were astonishing and I still cant get my head round them!

Elmarlay Babbling Brooke - achieved her 3rd CC, making her CHAMPION ELMARLAY BABBLING BROOKE at just over 13 months.
Followed by being placed in all her side classes - 1st, 1st, 2nd.

Nemo entered the show under his pet name in the Pedigree Pet Section and he did us proud taking his 1st Master Cat Certificate and also Best Of Colour. He was then placed in two out of three side classes, 1st & 1st.

The Siberians were not to be out done by the Birmans they went on to gain

Esaya Bwytching-Elmarlay - under the SLHCA show, Merit, then side classes, 2nd, 2nd & 3rd.
- under the Somali Cat Club, Merit and then had an all red card day!

Koolblue Kleverklogs - Achieved his Merit was then Placed in sides, 1st, 2nd & 4th
Followed then by achieving - BEST IN SHOW ASSESSMENT, over his stable mate Wytch and four Turkish Vandeski's. Scout has not been on the show bench since mid October and came back just to keep his paw in anticipation of breed promotion in the near future.

So well worth the trip out yesterday, thank you to all my friends and fellow breeders on the day for their comments and congratulations it was much appreciated.

Confirming New Litters

2010-03-21T08:18:00.001-07:00

I can confirm that both Kindra & Phoenix are pregnant and kittens will arrive in May so it will be a busy time. The matings are detailed further below

Esaya Risng Phoenix to Norvin Laliquepapillion

Elmarlay Kindred Spirit to Cedamadhatter Dark Apollo

We will be in red series heaven with these two litters!

This combined with Rivers litter to Lexx we will be seeing Tortie's in our sleep!!!!

Watch this space for further details and pictures.

Elmarlay Litters Due

2010-03-11T15:08:00.000-08:00

River is due to kitten in the coming weeks, her second litter is sired by the handsome Champion Esaya Siouxwarrior or Lexx as he is affectionately known at home. This is a repeat mating that produced Elmarlay Babbling Brooke & Elmarlay Wave Ryder (pictures below). I just hope that they are as beautiful as the litter last year as this combination combines some stunning linage.

Esaya Rising Phoenix is also currently visiting her beau for this year this mating was a little unplanned I had hoped to wait till late Summer to mate Phoenix but she had other ideas and after three lots of Ovarid and 4 calls I decided enough was enough and she went to visit Norvin Laliquepapillon my friend Sue Clowes strapping and incredibly handsome Lilac male. Pregnancy will be confirmed in due course.

Nemo & Brooke

2010-03-11T14:50:00.001-08:00

New pictures of the Water Babies, the theme of the litter line they are from - Their grandmother was Ocean, mom is named River and her daughter is Brooke and her son is Nemo. Nemo's posh name is Wave Ryder but my Niece and Nephew decided that as he had stripes like the fish from saving Nemo and they love the film he got called Nemo or Neem. He is my Nephews favourite Tyler will often say Nemo loves me doesn't he, My niece Jess adores Brooke and she is her kitten as far as she is concerned, who are we to argue with a seven and three year old.

Angels Babies

2010-03-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

Some pictures of the kittens at 3 weeks old they are already quite mobile due to Angels insistence of moving them around the house when she gets bored! This is a genetic instinct as her mother Aurora did this as well!!!

Show Update

2010-03-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

Well Saturday was a busy day with three cats at the show, all were placed in various positions in the show hall.

Brooke did us proud gaining her 2nd CC with BOB and being placed in her side classes in 2nd place in both.

Nemo (Brooke's Litter Brother) was in the pedigree pet section and got a 2nd in his Master Cat Class, not bad for a lad who at twelve months had never been any further than home. He followed this up with two 1sts and a 5th in his side classes. Well done Nemo, you did so well you were not at all sure about this showing lark but behaved like the gent you are.

Then Wytch made her entrance to the show world she was not impressed by all the noise and people fussing around her pen, but was a little star and did me proud and also the breed, she got a good write up from her awarding Merit judge, her 1st Merit and this was followed up with a 1st, 2nd & a 3rd place in her side classes in some big classes, the judges comments were all positive, so were the many visitors many had never seen a solid black, Wytch stood out more as she was the only Siberian at the show.

Well done my three little stars you are just great and thanks to all the judges who thought so highly of them all.

Kitten Plans

2010-02-25T15:58:00.000-08:00

Lunar has become a mom this evening to Brodie's babies, I think she has three girls, Lunar is tired as the labour was quite slow going but she is settled with her brood.

Lunar's eldest daughter is keeping it in the family and is currently romancing Brodie, who is working hard this year. He is quite taken with his new damsel. This will be Kindra's 1st litter and I am eager to see what the results will be like as Kindra is Lexx's 1st born so it will be interesting to see how both my boys lines work together.

Right off to bed as will be up to check on Luanr a few times in the night to make sure all is OK

Angel Becomes A Mom

2010-02-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

This evening we have welcomed three new little rays of sunshine to the Elmarlay tribe. Angel right on cue decided to have her kittens at a respectable hour, we think within the litter is two girls and a boy all are good weights and are feeding well.

Brodie has another litter under his belt and all he is fussed about is getting his dinner, he has stopped sulking today after going to the vets on Monday for his booster along with Four of the others. Brodie hates travelling and gets quite uptight about it but he handled well for the vet, he was much better than my moms girl who's language was disgusting not at all ladylike. Well that task is done with those five at least for another year.

Will keep you updated on the kittens progress.

Oscar Is A Sweetheart

2010-02-13T14:34:00.000-08:00

I know he isn't a Siberian or a Birman or a Feline at all, but he was born here. This lad was from Ebony's 2nd litter I own his litter sisters and also his big 1/2 sister. His adoring owners sent me this picture of him just after Xmas and I can't believe how he has changed, he was the one puppy out of seven that looked like his dad, now at nearly two he is the spitting image of his mom Ebony, he even has the same look of I am not posing for nothing look on his face, as well as her no coat and fluffy ears, he has been clipped though so his feather and ruff is less but his Litter sister Fenn is dripping in coat and his other sister Darcey has none at all. These pups were the most random litter going not one looks like the other at all. But all said Oscar is stunning and Karen and family adore him and he knows it as only a Cavalier King Charles can!!

Brooke's Write Up

2010-02-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

Brooke's Write up from Mrs Carol Pike,
RED CREAM OR TORTIE BIRMAN ADULT FEMALE
1CC BOB Baxter ELMARLAY BABBLING BROOKE Lilac tortie. A nicely presented well mannered girl with lilac points overlaid with shades of light and dark cream/ and excellent coat colour which was long and silky. Nice birman type with medium sized ears spaced well apart. Profile shows slight dip on medium length nose with pink nose leather... Full round cheeks and good chin and bite. Lovely blue almost round eyes. A good body shape with a medium length bushy tail. Matching gloves, good socks. even length tapering gauntlets. She had a wonderful temperament.

All I can say that's our Brooke! well done baby girl, Lexx will be very proud of you.

Shropshire Show 2010

2010-02-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

Sharnie & Brooke were out doing their thing and flying the Elmarlay flag.

First up Brooke had a really positive day she attained her 1st CC and took the best of breed, she followed this up with a 2nd and a 3rd in her side classes. Brooke will be out and about in the coming weeks again and we will have to wait and see how she goes. She had a really positive comment from her open judge Mrs Pike.

Dear Sharnie moved up the placings at this show she got a 2nd in her Open and did really well in her sides classes being placed in all and they were not small classes, she got a 1st, 2nd & a 3rd. Sharnie is taking a break from the show scene as she needs more time to mature. She will be back out again later in the year.

Well done girls!

Bye Bye Widget

2010-01-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

Well today has been a real mix of emotions as my dear little Widget has gone off to her new home with Maureen and her husband, to be a play mate for Mitsy, a lilac Birman bred by my friend Sue Clowes. It has been a hard decision to make but one that had to be done as she was craving attention and seeing her gel with Maureen there was no doubt in my mind that she has found her slave.

Thank you Maureen I can sleep easy that my little lady has the perfect home, where she will be adored. Hope Widget and Mitsy get along well, I am sure they will.

Widget be good love you lots, my little bit!

Kittens

2010-01-21T17:26:00.000-08:00

Well River didn't catch to Lexx but as she was in a rather long call that seemed to be lasting a life time I am not overly surprised.

Angel is pregnant to Brodie and is due in a few weeks and Lunar is also Pregnant to Brodie as well.

I was not sure about whether he had managed it with Lunar as she has a tendency to be a bucking bronco when she is being mated and Brodie is still a bit of a wimp with the girls. Lunar is due mid February.

Update on Zahara well nothing is happening so the clock is ticking on what to do next, sit and wait a few months seems to be the best option.

Plans

2009-12-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

The Birman boys have been busy on the run up to Christmas, Lexx and Brodie all being well will be proud dads again in the new year. I have repeated the Matings that gave me Elmarlay Babbling Brooke (Lexx to River) and also the mating that gave me Elmarlay Ceres (Brodie to Angel)

Zahara is still showing no sign of her 1st call let alone any subsequent ones at nearly 18 months this is starting to look a bit odd. Trip to the vet for a health check only revealed costly invasive options so I am waiting the arrival of spring. So no Siberian plans.

Well that's my round up I will confirm whether kittens are expected in due course on the website as well as further kitten plans. Hope you all had a good Christmas

Bye Bye To The Naughties

2009-12-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

Well it is a bit of a sad evening seeing the last kitten of Phoenix & Scout's naughty interlude go off to their new home. Ms Tortitude was the final kitten to leave and she will be known as Poppy with new family. Bessie has settled with Tamsin & family and will be venturing out on the Show circuit in the new year as a Pedigree pet. The boys are settled in their new homes and no doubt being spoilt and not forgetting Lucy who is keeping her new owner entertained and probably the whole of the residents in the community living complex. So it is a little strange these kittens although not pedigree in the sense of the word they were thoroughly enjoyed and been raised with love and I hope each one of them brings many happy years to their new owners lives, as I certainly enjoyed having them, even if they were born out of Naughtiness.

All said and done Scout has the potential to produce outstanding kittens with the Siberian Girls and Phoenix after a 1st litter of premature kittens that sadly didn't make it she has proved to be an excellent mom, something had Scout not secretly mated her she would have never had the opportunity of being as I had planned to have her spayed and not put her through another pregnancy. The saying of Nature works in mysterious ways is very true in this case. Five beautiful kittens who have been raised with love and who have gone on to give that love onto their new owners.

Hope you all enjoy them.

North Of Britain Show 5th December

2009-12-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

I made the trip to Sheffield with Lunar & Sharnie (Mother & Daughter Combo) The Siberians stayed at home, but it was lovely to see a good number of Siberian out on the bench. Zahara's brother was there Czar so we had a quick cuddle and a long chat with Audrey.

Lunar didn't shine at this show partly down I think to me being ill for the week and so I hadn't done the 100% job on her, plus she did have a grump on her as she is coming into call and she is always a miserable mare when she is in call, watch out girls you are in for a rough week ahead!

Sharnie did well bless her she hasn't been shown for months after some quite cutting comments from a judge had really put me off taking her out again, and although I was in doubt about taking her out again I decided to enter her and well she had a good day, taking 1st in her open and then being placed 3x 2nd in her side classes. All the comments from the judges and fellow breeders were also positive and she even had her picture taken and these will appear on the North Of Britain's website in time. All she needs to do is grow a coat and develop a ruff as she still hasn't a coat.

What A Day The Supreme Was!!!!

2009-11-21T17:10:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have updated the Blog and well today only seemed right to do so. Elmarlay Lunar Moon went to the supreme on a cold and wet morning, the day started off a bit rushed as I had gone to the NEC to help set up the Siberian stand and also my pen as it is always a frantic affair on the morning. The M6 was a car park going and coming so decided it was going to be an early start, well 1st nightmare slept through the alarm woke about 20 minutes after it was set, so mad dash to get out got to the NEC for 7.30am ready for vetting in and ground to a halt had to wait 40 minutes to park as it was like wacky races, slight car park queue rage with a an idiot who thought that she was able to drive straight to the front of the queue and cut us all up, not the smartest move as I don't suffer idiots lightly so she got a head out the window air blue moment, really thought this was going to be a disaster day all round. Parked and made the trek for vetting in, got through no problems, got Lunar looking good although Lunar did feel the wet look suited her better!!!!!

Time for Judging and this was the most nerve racking 1/2 hour of my life but I am pleased to say that Lunar got her Elusive 3rd Grand Certificate against two beautiful chocolate girls which really the class was any ones game. So a BIG Thank You to Mrs Joyce Green for Awarding Lunar her last Grand and making her GRAND CHAMPION ELMARLAY LUNAR MOON, she is not only my 1st home bred Champion but now my 1st home bred Grand Champion. Thank you to the many friends and other exhibitors for the cards and messages of congratulations it is much appreciated.

The Siberian stand had a lot of interest and the breed was being admired by many, so all round a very positive day, Also a special mention has to go to Mandy & Jeff Symonds who's wonderful Dave went Supreme Pedigree Pet, Dave is the 1st Supreme Pedigree Pet but it is also more special as he is a Siberian. So congratulations to Mandy, Jeff & of course Dave.

we had an interesting afternoon of spending far too much money on stocking up on cat food and other cat products, spent far too much as usual. then we had a lovely emergency evacuation to contend with after some bright spark decided to have a crafty cigarette in the toilets and tripped the smoke censor off, we were all told to leave the building but we had to leave our cats, not a good plan myself like many others did not agree with this and me having a big gob, had a run in with a jobs worth who told me to stop being awkward, wrong statement to make so he got a rather blunt statement back, of over my dead body will she stay put, thankfully for him the hall was bought to attention again to say that it was a false alarm and the show was back on.

So a good day, am very happy, tired and broke so not a bad day all round.

RESULTS FROM THE COLOURPOINT, REX-COATED & AOV SHOW

2009-10-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

We had a short trip to this show as it is close to home but was still up early!!!!

Took his lordship out (Scout) and Elmarlay Babbling Brooke (Brooke) and both of them had a good day.

Scout achieved his 4th merit and also had a fantastic result in a side class obtaining a 1st place over two coonies and a Birman. The bonus was that his Judge Mrs Grant said that he stood out in the class and it was great to see a good example of the breed at a GCCF show as there are so few Siberians being shown. (I am biased as Scout is a daddies boy and I love him to bits as he is just such an affectionate lump, a few stewards were quite surprised by how heavy he is and he isn't a year old yet) He will have a rest from the show scene but may come out here and there just to keep his hand in.

Brooke did well she got a 1st in her open but lost out on the BOB to a lad who was bigger, she followed this up with a 1st and a 2nd in her side classes. She charmed a few judges and one even asked if I would part with her which my mom was like NO Way!!!! Brooke finished her kitten show career off in style and will return to the bench in the new year when she has grown a little more and her colours have become better defined.

A good day all round, well pleased with the results and we will be out and about again soon.

THE BIR-SIB BABIES AT 6 WEEKS

2009-10-08T16:23:00.000-07:00

These little monsters are growing up fast and they are starting to take on the look of either mom or dad. Eddie the red point is defiantly going to be like his mom. Sasha the black tortie has a mass of coat and well Ms Tortatude tortie smoke & white is going to be like dad. Ted red solid is very much like his dad for size and mannerisms he has the same annoying nature of digging for England in the litter tray like Scout does. Lucy seal tortie colour point is a funny little madam she is neither Birman or Siberian in her look she is sort of between the two. Enjoy the pictures. Lucy & Sasha have new homes already the others are looking for their perfect homes.

The Bir-Sibs Family Portrait

2009-09-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

Phoenix's Babies are three weeks now and are growing so well that I thought it was about time I took some pictures and put them on the blog. The Tortie & White girl has developed into a Tortie Smoke something that I thought may happen but as she has got older her coat has become very pale at the roots like dads. Enjoy the pictures.

Last But Not Least - Widget

2009-09-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

Widget is Dreams sister and was topped up as mom had very little milk and I nearly lost her more than once and never felt she would get to this point but she has done so well that I feel that the time has come that Widget needs to find her loving home where she can be pampered in the coming weeks. She is a lovable madam, it will be sad to see her go but I can say that I have done the best for her.

New Pictures Of Dream

2009-09-13T16:20:00.001-07:00

Whilst taking some Pictures of Sharnie I thought I better take some new ones of Dream as she too has grown both her coat and also had a growth spurt. Enjoy

New Pictures Of Sharnie

2009-09-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures I took the other day of Sharnie, she is finally growing a coat although very slowly. She is developing well and I am pleased with how she is going, enjoy the pictures.

Elmarlay Lunar Moon & Koolblue Kleverklogs

2009-09-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Well Lunar came out of retirement and made her debut at The Wyvern Cat clubs show and she had a really good day to say she only had kittens just over five months ago she looked well. She got the Reserve Grand, the CC & BOB and was placed 3rd in both her side classes. She was beaten in the grand by a girl who I have admired for some time well done to Viv Lee and Klassyklogs Kalemyokoko on achieving your final Imperial and also the grand Koko did look stunning.

Looks like Lunar will be out and about again soon.

Scout also had a good day getting his third Merit and also being placed in two side classes, 1st and 2nd. Well done my handsome boy one more to go and then you can have a rest.

The Bir-Sibs

2009-08-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

Phoenix babies are doing really well they are just over a week old now and they are weighing in with weights of double of what they were born with, in the case of the red lad he has doubled his birth weight and added about 30g besides, he is going to be a rather strapping lad when he is bigger. His siblings are all looking equally as good, the two colour points are starting to get some colour although the red point is still very white but his ears are showing faint tinges of apricot. All of them will have there eyes open by the middle of the week and I think it won't be long before the fun starts. Poor Phoenix she will have her paws full in the coming weeks trying to keep charge of the tribe. Will add some more photo's soon.

A New Picture Of Esaya Bwytching Elmarlay

2009-08-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

I have a new picture of her ladyship from Audrey and she is growing well and in just over a week she is coming home to Elmarlay. I cant believe she has a coat, it will be nice to have a cat that has a coat, as all of mine seem to have lost theirs to the extreme this year.

Enjoy the picture I am sure there will be many more to come in the coming weeks.

1st Pictures

2009-08-23T14:35:00.001-07:00

Well here they are Phoenix & Scouts bundles of naughtiness. 1st Picture is of the Tortie girl, the 2nd picture is of the rather pretty Tortie & White girl, 3rd is the rather handsome Red Male and last but no means least the 4th picture is of the Colour Point duo.

Phoenix went pop

2009-08-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Well today I had a surprise when I got up Phoenix had kept me guessing this last week as to how far gone she was in her pregnancy. Well in the early hours she went into labour and had 5 bouncing bundles, all good weights and colours what a rainbow. She has a beautiful mosaic tortie and White girl, a solid tortie girl and a rather big red boy who's colour is so vibrant it is breath taking, then she has two colour points who are snow white, there is a boy and a girl, so the boy is likely to be red point and the girl seal tortie.

Mom is very proud of her brood of Birsibs dad couldn't care less as usual.

Elmarlay Galaxy Cowboy showing off

2009-08-19T16:40:00.000-07:00

Cowboy posing for the camera and playing king of the castle, Ran has bought him a new cat tree and I think by the many pictures of him I have received he is quite taken with it. He is growing into a big lad who is going through that teenage stage his ears are looking quite top heavy at the moment but they will come back into proportion in time.

Thank you Ran for the lovely pictures I do enjoy looking at them and seeing how he is turning out. Also Thank you for giving him such a lovely home, he is one very lucky boy.

Brooke's write up from The Gwynedd Cat Club

2009-08-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

TABBY/TORTIE TABBY BIRMAN KITTEN
1ST & BOB, BAXTER’S ELMARLAY BABBLING BROOKE, 13c20, LILAC TORTIE TABBY FEMALE, 03.02.09
What a beautiful looking female, she has a real chocolate box expression. Very promising young lady, looking well balanced and very composed. Lovely head type, cheeks filling out well, nicely placed medium sized ears, medium length nose with slight dip in the profile, good chin. Irresistible expression from gorgeous deep sapphire blue eyes, of perfect almost round shape. Well grown and well proportioned female, already showing excellent body size and weight, medium length thick set limbs and short paws, lovely tail to balance. Her markings are still developing, and I would be keen to see more tabby markings coming through, as at the moment she has lilac and pale cream colours on the points, but the tabby element is less visible, albeit there is the faintest line for an M marking on the forehead and some barring on the front legs. Gloves and gauntlets appear to be even, though the points colouring does need to develop more to distinguish the white areas fully. Wonderful nature, so happy to be handled, I could have taken her home with me!

JUDGE - Eliane Culf.

Thank you Elaine for this write up we are mighty impressed with her also.

Esaya Bwytching Elmarlay

2009-08-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

Well we have a new addition joining us in a few weeks time another Esaya girl, Wytch is a solid black and white girl who is the younger half sister to Zahara. I have been getting regular updates on Wytch and after many times of saying she is lovely Audrey told me that she was only going two places one was staying firmly put where she was or she was coming to Elmarlay. As Zahara hates traveling the options of taking her stud is limited as she gives up on life once in the car and my plan was to take her out in order to get another breed girl for Scout to be mated to, so after careful thinking I thought well whats another one, so Wytch is coming to Elmarlay.

To be honest most of my cats have been by chance and not planned, when I do plan things usually go pear shaped so I am throwing the plans out the window. Elmarlay was started by chance with Ella (RIP) some nearly nine years ago as she chose me, after several conversations later Aurora joined me to start my red series breeding, followed then by Brodie & Kyra again both by chance and Lexx well that was the start of visiting Audrey I turned him down initially and then could have kicked myself thankfully Lexx's new home fell through and the next weekend I went and fetched him, then the Siberians started coming, Zahara came as I had seen Czar her older brother when I met Lexx so next litter Zahara came then Audrey put me in touch with Lorraine and Scout came, never in my minds eye did I want a cat with white as I was trying to get away from flipping white feet after the Birmans, I had also hoped to get away from Colour poiunts but that is looking unlikely as Zahara & Wytchs mom has produced Colour points.

Oh well told you it was no good to plan, Scout has the temperament I was looking for and his pattern really sets him off so although I never wanted with white I will be breeding them, Wtytch has the smallest amount of white possible on her but as it is there she has to be registered as with white. You will have to wait and see where it is. As both her and Scout carry Colour Point seal points are more than likely appear but that is a few years away yet so we won't worry about that one, as I have said plans no point they always go out the window.

Phoenix

2009-08-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

Well Phoenix is approaching the final stages of her pregnancy and she can only be described as resembling a weeble as she wobbles but doesn't seem to fall over!!! She is getting very uncomfortable and I would not like to make a judgement call on how many are in there. This should be an interesting accident litter who knows they may all be colour points like mom. Will keep you posted.

Where to go next

2009-08-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

Well it is time to think what shows I am going to do with the cats and it has been a real headache as life has a habit of throwing a curve ball and then you have to reassess what is what all over again. With disappointing show results and also the general cost of showing and family issues I have decided that it is time to slow things down a bit. I am not going to show too much over the coming months as I need to sort the garden out before winter comes and destroys any hope of getting it to look like anything that resembles a garden.

Show Outcomes

2009-08-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

I took three cats out today to the Chester & North Wales Show, what a big mistake that was, I spent the day running up and down the show hall as they were not near each other and the heat in the hall was really uncomfortable for owners so god knows how it was for the cats.

SCOUT - had the best day of all he took his 2nd Merit with a good write up and was placed in a large side class 4th

DREAM - was on her own in the open but got placed 1st the boy took the BOB he was much bigger and older than her, she didn't do any good in her side classes she was unplaced. Dream is a little dumpling at the moment and lacks length in her body this is a development thing and will come with age. Although Dream was not very confident she handled well but as she is a bit of a home bird, I think she may be better leaving the show scene to one of the others as she spent most of her day hiding under her blanket.

SHARNIE - Sharnie's results were a little disappointing as Sharnie resembles her mom so much and I love the look she has but she was in a strong class of female tabby kittens and I didn't expect her to gain top marks but thought she would come somewhere in the line up. Sadly she didn't she was unplaced and speaking to her Judge afterwards I was upset by her remarks and on reflection I must be looking for something different to her in the breed. Sharnie resembles her mom Lunar considerably apart from colour, I thought I had a good eye for assessing my kittens as her Dam is almost a Grand Champion? The comments that she was "small & under developed" her Colour tone to her chocolate is cold and pale and she needs to grow would look better in a month or so!!!! Well she was one of the biggest kittens in the class she weighs in at a good weight she has a long body and substantial limbs (she is bigger than her dam at the same age when I compare weights), She does however need to develop a coat and her chocolate is very pale, but in the standard of points the colour is described as Milk Chocolate and should not resemble a seal, confused well I was. Sharnie did however achieve a 2nd in a large side class and speaking to that judge the comments didn't reflect the open judges, time will tell I am in no rush to show her again till she has grown a winter coat.

The show career goes on hold for Sharnie & Dream & with only two more Merits for Scout and then his show career will draw to a close, Then what will I show, I might just have to bring Lunar out of retirement and try for the last Grand - who knows. We might just have to stay at home it would be cheaper. What ever happens I love my cats for whoever they are and Dream & Sharnie were the results of planned out cross matings and I achieved what I wanted two beautiful girls in my eyes who have the look I want and the temperament to match.

Elmarlay Legacy to Ella

2009-08-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

Grief is such a hard thing to deal with the Birman Cat Clubs summer magazine arrived through the door this week and I had put a tribute in it to my dear Ella, this was in the hope of coming to peace with loosing her, but sadly this hasn't had the desired effect I sat in total sorrow reading the words that I had placed in there in her memory. I feel that I will never fully get over Ella she was truly a remarkable cat, not the biggest girl in the world but what she lacked in size she made up for in Catitude!!! she ruled the Elmarlay tribe with a iron paw even the dogs didn't push there luck with her.

Sleep peacefully my dear girl, your legacy lives on in the girls and boys born under the Elmarlay Name.

Show Brags

2009-07-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

Well I went to the Gwynedd Cat Clubs show and had a good day with Scout and Brooke. Brooke took a 1st and BOB in her open class and was placed 3rd in a side class, Scout took his 1st Merit and was placed 3rd twice and a 4th in his side classes. The quality of the pictures are not great as they were taken on my phone as I left the camera at home. Scout is doing his usual trick of redoing the furniture around him, he is the same at home with the cat beds they are never in the right place for him!!!! Brooke is far more dignified and is far too busy trying to attract ever passer by to pay her attention she is a right littler poser and attention seeker!!

CAT TV!!!!

2009-07-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

I found these pictures today whilst looking for a file on the computer and the memory stick, and thought that you would like to see them. The young man who is watching with such interest the fish swimming in the tank is Ch. Esaya Siouxwarrior - AKA - Lexx one of my stud boys, Lexx was about 7 months when these pictures were taken. The fish didn't last long after this, I find fish so relaxing but never seem to do very well with them, Lexx or any of the other cats never got to them so they weren't the culprits of the fish's fate!!!

Off to a new home

2009-07-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Well the time has come to say good bye to Elmarlay The Galaxy Cowboy, Lunar's Lilac son he has started his new adventure with his new owner Ran & her partner, Cowboy's adventure started with a trip to the Train station to meet Ran, we said our good byes and off he went to get on the train for a long journey back to Bath. I feel sorry for the passengers as he is a rather noisy boy and like a lot of fuss so sitting in his carrier for two hours isn't going to go down to well. All the best to him I am sure he will be very happy and he will have a new playmate joining him in the coming weeks a seal point lad from another breeder. Take care of him Ran as Cowboy is a little star.

Elmarlay Words Of A Lullaby

2009-07-11T17:53:00.001-07:00

This young lady is Elmarlay Words Of A Lullaby who is known at home as Dream. Why Dream well I have a weakness for Blue Points and sadly my original Blue point girl was put to sleep just over twelve months ago and she was the Grandmother to Dream and my other breed girl who was Blue had to be speyed at the start of 2008 after she had complication's with her last pregnancy. So Dream is a dream come true as I now have a future blue point breed/show queen. Also she is the spit of Ella her Grandmother in her mannerisms, only last night this girl whilst having a cuddle snuggled up under my chin and purred and once you are relaxed she nipped me on the chin with great delight this bought more than one tear to my eye as this was Ella's trick, thus sealing the fate that Dream was here to stay!!!

Elmarlay Cosmic Starlight

2009-07-11T17:47:00.001-07:00

This young lady by her Posh Name is Elmarlay Cosmic Starlight she is Lunar's daughter to Demilune Tormist Mr Oliver (owned by Jan Francis - Norvin Birmans) At home she is simply known as Sharnie, she is the spit of her mom with similar eye colour and equally loving personality. I hope she takes the show circuit in her stride like her mom has, watch this space for news on how Sharnie gets on.

Two New Hombred Girls Join The Elmarlay Line Up!!!

2009-07-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

This year I planned to do two outcross matings with two girls to try and get some new girls in that would be able to be mated to both Lexx and Brodie, as Lunar will retire in the coming twelve months or so and Lexx has produced two female kittens that are stunning but then they cant go to him and I was running the risk of hitting a brick wall. So I chose to try my luck at to open my lines with two lads who were different breeding from there own sires that are about in the area, well it worked Miya has given me Dream a little sweetie who is so much like her grandmother Ella it is uncanny. Lunar has given me a Chocolate Tabby Girl Sharnie who is a chip of the old block very much like her mom but only in tabby and Chocolate. Both these two will be out on the show circuit in coming months and we will see how they do.

2009-06-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

Scout is growing up to be a rather handsome fellow, I am hoping he will take over from Zahara on the show scene. His smoke is starting to come through and when in full winter coat I think his black coat will loose it's density giving him a more silver appearance. He is following his dad for his size.

2009-06-13T09:25:00.001-07:00

Brooke started her show career at the Merseyside Show on the 6th June 2009, she had a fantastic day achieving 1st Open & BOB, plus being placed in two of her side classes 1st. Brooke took the day in her stride, just like her dad Lexx, although at home she is a naughty little madam just like her mother, the best of both worlds I suppose.

2009-06-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Esaya Zahara Of Elmarlay achieved her 4th Qualifying Merit at The Merseyside show on 6th June 2009. Zahara will retire from the show scene now as she hates the traveling to shows. We thank all her judges for awarding her 5 merits. I thank Audrey Saye for breeding my wonderful young lady Zahara will hopefully have her 1st litter in early 2010.