Scaatycat Cattery
In Quest of Lilac & Chocolate Persians
These articles were written by
A Very ....
'PROUD TO BE ECCENTRIC' &,
CRAZY, CAT WOMAN!!!
Ahhh.. Those Wonderful Red Raspberry Leaves.
MORE IDEAS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!!!
SILLY SALLY RIDE.... CONTEMPLATING LIFE!!!
Many years ago, (and I mean MANY) a wonderful, rural vet named Dr Grey, from Winchester Ontario, came to my kennel, to attend the birth of a litter of Afghan Hound puppies. This particular female, had difficulty birthing (many Afghan Hounds do!) They have very interesting hip bones, and many of the females, tend to have a very hard time, opening their pelvises during labour.
Dr Grey was an older vet, who was born and raised in the Ottawa Valley. He was much more at home with dairy cattle, and farmers! He was a very adequate vet, and I trusted him with my dogs and cats. He always commented on ‘just how ‘odd’ Afghan Hounds’ really were!! He always laughed out loud when he saw one.
The puppy birthing went terribly.
We delivered the puppies by c-section that afternoon.
While I was leaving the clinic, Dr Grey took me to the observation room and wrote me a prescription.
It said.. ”Your dogs have a hip assemblage, similar to that of a Holstein cow.. no insult intended.. We feed our cattle, large dosages of ‘red raspberry leaves’ in their feed, about a month before delivery due date, and the results are exceptional. Much easier births!!”
He was correct… They do have a rear end similar to a cow. Big high hipbones. Nothing like an ordinary dog!
He explained to me that the practice of feeding the pregnant cows, crushed Red Raspberry Leaves, helped their uterus and pelvis, to be better ‘conditioned’ for the birth experience. Farmers and human midwives, have been using ‘red raspberry leaves’ for centuries.
Okay.. This was a new concept.. He did not give me a drug, or try to sell me a pill!!
Not that I didn’t trust him.. but… RED RASPBERRY LEAVES!!! COME ON!!
The year was 1974
Health food stores were just starting to appear everywhere. I went to a local herbal emporium, and asked the herbalist to, ‘fill me in’ about Red Raspberry Leaves and pregnancy. They repeated the same instructions that our rural vet had given us.
Next stop.. MY MOM!!!
My Grandmother and Grandfather had been animal healers. My Grandmother a Midwife. When I asked my Mom about the ‘raspberry leave remedy’ she just laughed and said.. “What do you think was in those horrible concoctions, that your Grandma gave all of us, when we were pregnant!?”
So.. the journey began!
I have given ‘crushed red raspberry leaves’ to my pregnant animals ever since.
I buy fresh, dried ‘red raspberry leaves’ from my local health food store.
I keep them refrigerated.
I take a small amount of the leaves at a time, and I crush them down farther, in a ‘pestle and mortar‘. Then I fill as many #3 sized, jelly capsules, as I can. They are a bit fidgety to fill, but once you get the idea how to pack them, it is fairly easy to do. I give each mommy cat, two capsules a day.
I start the cat on the 'two capsule a day routine', three weeks before they are due to deliver.
Here is THE 'BOO' ON THE BERRY!! LOL
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) tones the uterus, improves contractions and decreases constipation.
When to use There are two basic stances on the subject. There is agreement among many human clinicians is, that in the 3rd trimester frequent using red raspberry leaves is beneficial to the uterine and pelvic muscles.
Red Raspberry Leaf contains many minerals and vitamins, including vitamin C and calcium.
It also contains an alkaloid called fragrine, which lends tone to the uterus.
What does Red Raspberry Leaf Do?
Red Raspberry leaf does not start labor or promote contractions.
It is NOT an emmenagogue or oxytocic herb.
What it does is, help strengthen the pelvic and uterine muscles so that once labor does start, the muscles will be more efficient.
You can purchase the actual, commercially made ‘Red Raspberry Leave Capsules‘, at any decent health food store. They can be a bit pricey.
Some of the higher end, holistic pet food stores, do carry them..
Till next time..
Susan Williams
SCAATYCAT CATTERY
March 25th 2008
PS.. ‘The Boo Monkey’ just delivered 6 very strong and healthy babies yesterday. She had very uneventful labour, and all of the afterbirths followed, with little effort. The kittens ranged in size from, 82 grams to 98 grams at birth, and they all have huge heads!! They were born within three hours.
Her milk is flowing as it should. The babies are suckling, happily!
I think we should call one, Scaatycats Raspberry Parfait!! What do you think!??
A Very ....
'PROUD TO BE ECCENTRIC' &,
CRAZY, CAT WOMAN!!!
Ahhh.. Those Wonderful Red Raspberry Leaves.
MORE IDEAS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!!!
SILLY SALLY RIDE.... CONTEMPLATING LIFE!!!
Many years ago, (and I mean MANY) a wonderful, rural vet named Dr Grey, from Winchester Ontario, came to my kennel, to attend the birth of a litter of Afghan Hound puppies. This particular female, had difficulty birthing (many Afghan Hounds do!) They have very interesting hip bones, and many of the females, tend to have a very hard time, opening their pelvises during labour.
Dr Grey was an older vet, who was born and raised in the Ottawa Valley. He was much more at home with dairy cattle, and farmers! He was a very adequate vet, and I trusted him with my dogs and cats. He always commented on ‘just how ‘odd’ Afghan Hounds’ really were!! He always laughed out loud when he saw one.
The puppy birthing went terribly.
We delivered the puppies by c-section that afternoon.
While I was leaving the clinic, Dr Grey took me to the observation room and wrote me a prescription.
It said.. ”Your dogs have a hip assemblage, similar to that of a Holstein cow.. no insult intended.. We feed our cattle, large dosages of ‘red raspberry leaves’ in their feed, about a month before delivery due date, and the results are exceptional. Much easier births!!”
He was correct… They do have a rear end similar to a cow. Big high hipbones. Nothing like an ordinary dog!
He explained to me that the practice of feeding the pregnant cows, crushed Red Raspberry Leaves, helped their uterus and pelvis, to be better ‘conditioned’ for the birth experience. Farmers and human midwives, have been using ‘red raspberry leaves’ for centuries.
Okay.. This was a new concept.. He did not give me a drug, or try to sell me a pill!!
Not that I didn’t trust him.. but… RED RASPBERRY LEAVES!!! COME ON!!
The year was 1974
Health food stores were just starting to appear everywhere. I went to a local herbal emporium, and asked the herbalist to, ‘fill me in’ about Red Raspberry Leaves and pregnancy. They repeated the same instructions that our rural vet had given us.
Next stop.. MY MOM!!!
My Grandmother and Grandfather had been animal healers. My Grandmother a Midwife. When I asked my Mom about the ‘raspberry leave remedy’ she just laughed and said.. “What do you think was in those horrible concoctions, that your Grandma gave all of us, when we were pregnant!?”
So.. the journey began!
I have given ‘crushed red raspberry leaves’ to my pregnant animals ever since.
I buy fresh, dried ‘red raspberry leaves’ from my local health food store.
I keep them refrigerated.
I take a small amount of the leaves at a time, and I crush them down farther, in a ‘pestle and mortar‘. Then I fill as many #3 sized, jelly capsules, as I can. They are a bit fidgety to fill, but once you get the idea how to pack them, it is fairly easy to do. I give each mommy cat, two capsules a day.
I start the cat on the 'two capsule a day routine', three weeks before they are due to deliver.
Here is THE 'BOO' ON THE BERRY!! LOL
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) tones the uterus, improves contractions and decreases constipation.
When to use There are two basic stances on the subject. There is agreement among many human clinicians is, that in the 3rd trimester frequent using red raspberry leaves is beneficial to the uterine and pelvic muscles.
Red Raspberry Leaf contains many minerals and vitamins, including vitamin C and calcium.
It also contains an alkaloid called fragrine, which lends tone to the uterus.
What does Red Raspberry Leaf Do?
Red Raspberry leaf does not start labor or promote contractions.
It is NOT an emmenagogue or oxytocic herb.
What it does is, help strengthen the pelvic and uterine muscles so that once labor does start, the muscles will be more efficient.
You can purchase the actual, commercially made ‘Red Raspberry Leave Capsules‘, at any decent health food store. They can be a bit pricey.
Some of the higher end, holistic pet food stores, do carry them..
Till next time..
Susan Williams
SCAATYCAT CATTERY
March 25th 2008
PS.. ‘The Boo Monkey’ just delivered 6 very strong and healthy babies yesterday. She had very uneventful labour, and all of the afterbirths followed, with little effort. The kittens ranged in size from, 82 grams to 98 grams at birth, and they all have huge heads!! They were born within three hours.
Her milk is flowing as it should. The babies are suckling, happily!
I think we should call one, Scaatycats Raspberry Parfait!! What do you think!??
___________________________
SO !! YA" WANNA' BE A BREEDER?
Recently a cat breeder friend asked me to give her a list of advice, which she could pass on to another 'new' cat breeder.
Boy..if that's not a loaded request.
Before I put my foot in it....I must explain.
Everyone has a different idea of, 'what is important to them'.
These ideas are not written is stone.
All they might do, is help a new cat breeder, who is venturing into our world, for the first time.
These are my thoughts.
My only wish is, that they would help make the transition for a new breeder into the Cat World, a bit easier!
To Begin...
If you think that cat breeding begins, by buying a pet quality kitty and letting her have a litter..
GIVE YOURSELF A SHAKE!!!
First, you have placed your beloved pet into jeopardy.
Second, a pet quality kitten, will only produce more pet quality kittens..
This is not the prime directive of Cat Breeding!!
Each litter you propagate,
should move you, as close as,
you possibly can go,
towards the development of a cat,
which may be judged by the...
STANDARDS OF PERFECTION,
AS WRITTEN BY ALL OF
THE GOVERNING,
PERSIAN BREED CAT COUNCILS,
WHO ARE RECOGNIZED MEMBERS OF
EACH OF THE REGISTERING BODIES OF
PUREBRED & PEDIGREED CATS.
If you choose to show against CFA cats, be prepared to breed a cat which adheres to, the CFA Persian Cat, Standard.
IF YOU ARE BREEDING JUST FOR PETS,
YOU ARE UNDERMINING THE INTENT OF
PUREBRED CAT BREEDERS EVERYWHERE!
IF YOU ARE BREEDING CATS
BECAUSE YOU THINK IT MIGHT BE LUCRATIVE...
SHAME ON YOU!!!!
So... Ya' Wanna' Breed Cats???
If I could get one concept across to a new breeder, it would be what Noel Newton taught me over 20 years ago,
1)PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE
This is still very current, even today!
Patience... when you are building a great pedigree and you know it might take 6 years, to see any results!!
This is the most important of all of 'The Cat Breeders Patience'!!
Patience... when a little baby boy doesn’t want to become a Stud Cat, just when you think he should!!
Patience... when there appears to be only one, where there should be two!!! OH MY GOSH!!
Patience... when a 5 month old kitty gets badly beaten at its first cat show, and you know that the best is yet to come’!
Patience... when you have a kitty who blows his coat in the middle of a run for his Grand!
Patience... when the entire litter is Black, when you wanted Chocolate!!!
Patience... when a client calls you at three in the morning because Cedric has a tummy ache!
Patience... when another breeder has decided that your best Kitty is ‘less than perfect’, and they have just posted their opinion on the Internet!!
DO YOU GET THE IDEA???!
2) TAKE YOUR TIME!!
Kittens and pedigrees do not happen over night.
Start out, very slowly.
Catteries are built, one kitty at a time!
Cherish your Pedigrees.
They are all 'Art Forms'!
They are your ‘game plan’.
They develop very slowly.
You need to learn to read them, with same Passion that you would read a romance novel.
You need to understand them.
"Why did a breeder do that?"
"Why did that work?.. Why did that fail?"
"Where are the brothers & sisters?"
A good pedigree is like a great book.
You cannot put it down!
3) STUDY
Study everything you can about structure and design of Persians and other CATS..
"Why are they different?"
"Why are they the same?"
“You need to develop and EYE for a great cat.” N. Newton, circa 1984
Get your hands on, as many kitties as you can.
Touch them, feel their bodies, observe their temperaments.
Look at them, at all ages.
Study them at all ages!
Study kitty health and genetics.
Know what you will come up against.
Observe them, when they are ill.
Observe them, when they are healthy
Take notes.. lots of notes!
Keep accurate records.
Don’t be frightened by ‘The Science of The Beast’!
There are brilliant cat breeders, and animal scientists, who love to share their observations about cats with you.
Study Cat Shows. You should be able to go to the shows well prepared.
Study your peers. Look at just how they may have succeeded or failed.
Study your Club!! Not many people have a good understanding of just how The CFA or TICA actually function. This is where the Internet actually will help you!
4) ASK QUESTIONS...ANY QUESTIONS..
They all equally important.
Be prepared to hear some answers, which you may not like!
Don't ask another breeder for, affirmations.
Don't ask another breeder to tell you, 'just how wonderful you are'!! LOL!
STOP AND LISTEN..
Listen to yourself..then listen to the 'other guy'!
REMEMBER..cat breeding is not just 'ALL ABOUT YOU'!
Don't become defensive, if you hear an answer, which you might not agree with!
I try to absorb ALL the answers that I receive (even if I may think that they are slightly 'off base'!). You never know when you might need the information!
5) READ & LISTEN.
Don't accept any ideas that people give you, with 'cart blanche'.
They may be right, BUT, they may be wrong!!!
Find a REAL HUMAN MENTOR!!!
Remember .. Do not drive your Mentor crazy..(Don't become defensive, if you hear an answer, which you might not agree with!)
The CFA has a fabulous mentorship program, take advantage of it.
Your breeder, who may have sold you your breeding stock, should be your first source of information. Hopefully you have had a good first introduction to cats, via their input.
Try to get as much information as you can, from them.
If they are a respectable breeder, they will be willing to help you along, in your journey.
Learn as much as you can, WITHOUT the INTERNET!
Try to avoid using the Internet, as a teacher.
It tends to be a, confusing, and seriously flawed educator!!
Use it as a contact place.
Use is to look at other breeders websites.
You can always tell a real breeder, from a ‘Techie Breeder‘, because the 'techie' tends to know a lot about everything, but have no focus!! They spend a lot of time trying to prove to you, that they know a lot, about everything. ...Sue
6) FOCUS.
Pick what you see as, a clear and simple interpretation of Persian Standard, and follow it.
Don't let other people try to breed your cats, for you.
Once you have absorbed The Breed Standard and understand the ideas in it, make a list of the ideas valued by you, and follow it.
This is the only way you will develop ‘YOUR OWN CATTERY'S LOOK’.
How do you think such great cattery's as, Madame Nu, Sandypaws, or Foxy, came to be so easily identifiable?
THEIR 'LOOK' !!!
They ‘stuck to their guns’!
Try to balance all of the advice that you are given.
"Would it work for you??"
"Am I comfortable with it???"
There are a lot of people out there willing to tell you what is ‘wrong’ with your kitty, and, sadly, only a few, who will know what is ‘right’ about the kitty.
Listen to as many cat breeders as you can.
Then, 'sort out', the information that is useful to you.
I found that some of my best knowledge, was gained in the most unlikely sources.
Listen to other animal breeders.. Dog breeders have a wealth of breeding history, and they love to share it with you.
Strangely, many larger show catteries were less 'giving' of their time and knowledge.
Tiny, unknown breeders, were in many cases, much better places to learn.
I think that 'bigger' might not necessarily be better!
FOCUS on your ‘own’ idea of a great kitty.
Don’t get dazzled by the ‘Dream Show Cats’.
Remember, ANYONE WITH ENOUGH MONEY can purchase a great cat.
It takes a SERIOUS BREEDER to birth one!
This is where ‘Patience’ comes in.
7) STAY FOCUSED ON THE REAL PRIZE..
Never focus on, just the ribbons.
The real prize is obvious.
You have been allowed to enter the most private world of the Show Cat!!
ALWAYS REMEMBER...
THIS IS A PRIVILEGE!!!
8) NOW! STAY EVEN ‘MORE FOCUSED’
BUT… without becoming Kennel Blind!!
Kennel blindness is a very serious issue found with quite a few, newer, and older breeders.
It is the inability, to see anything wrong with, ones own kitties.
You become, impervious to criticism, and your cats become 'perfect'!
You start to see, 'nothing wrong', in all of your new babies, and you overlook (because..REALLY!.. 'you just don't see it'!) any serious faults in your breeding stock!
Your cats will always have faults.
Be willing to admit these short-comings.
There has never been a perfect kitty!
Learn from those faults.
Memorize them, then use your ‘breeder sense’, to help to, breed the faults out!
9) NEVER COMPLAIN...
There is world of complainers out there.
You should stand 'apart‘, from this group'.
Take your bumps with dignity!!!!
Writing huge, nasty stories on websites, and complaining to the CFA, has never achieved much, and does little for your reputation as a breeder.
Breeders represent the future of Purebred Cats and Cat Shows.
Have some pride in what you do!
10) NEVER JUDGE THE OTHER GUY..
This is not your right.
This is not your privilege.
Another person's FOCUS, will be different than yours, and that is their choice...not yours!
If a breeder chooses to not discuss any particular issue or idea.. BACK OFF!
Do not ridicule or critique them..I guarantee that this approach WILL BACKFIRE!
Everyone does things differently.
Have some respect!
Stay out of other people's business, unless you are invited in.
STAY FOCUSED ON YOUR OWN IDEAS
Some people are very uncomfortable, when they discover that another is, ’digging’ deeper into their private lives.
Cat breeders have private lives.
Respect this.
10B)NEVER JUDGE THE OTHER GUYS CAT!
If another breeder wants a serious opinion about a kitty, they will do it privately, and with very little fanfare.
THEY WILL ASK!
Never 'offer up' an evaluation of another persons animal!
IF YOU ARE ASKED...
You should be honest, but gentle, with your evaluation.
You will know it, if they don’t want to hear what you have to say, within the first, two or three minutes of the conversation.
Their language will let you know, that they are just not quite ready, to hear an opinion.
"But, he is just a baby.."
"But, his eyes will get darker later on..."
"But, his father took a lot longer to..."
"But, his coat is going to change..isn't it?"
"But. maybe he sucks his tail..."
"But these kitties sometimes drop their nuts, much later than others.... don't they???"
At that point in the conversation, you should ’bow-out’ very graciously.
Always try to remain on good terms.
Always try to find something good to say about another person’s kitty..
"OH!!!! WHAT A LOVELY TAIL"!!
“GOSH .. WHAT PRETTY EYES”
Be gracious when you lose, and when you win!!!!
Always respect your public.
They keep cat shows and cat breeding, alive and vibrant,
Embrace them!!!
11) GET LOTS OF REST AND STAY HEALTHY!!!
YOU WILL NEED TO!
Cat Shows ..3 days grooming prior to show
Cat Shows .. 4am Leave Time, Drive 200 miles and arrive fresh!!
Cat Shows .. Carry a hundred pounds of stuff and arrive on time!!
Having Kittens .. ALWAYS at 3 am !!
Having Kittens ..Feeding all night and day, for 16 weeks.
KITTY LITTER!!! LITTER PANS!!! BOWLS!!!
BATHS!!! BATHS!!! BATHS!!!!
NEED I SAY MORE!!!
12) Commitment
Never, GIVE UP, on a cat without exhausting all possible, avenues!
The day that this cat, came into your home, you formed a solemn bond of trust.
The cat certainly did not 'ask you' to, become its owner!
If one of your cats is to be, re-homed, your commitment should be even stronger!
You will now be committed, into making the easy transition, and stabilization of that cat, to its new home, the most important priority, in your life!
NEVER, LET A CAT DOWN!
I see this one far too frequently.
Cedric looses his first and second, and maybe even his third show. But, he still LOVES you!
Time to re-home him.
Phoebe has a few cycles. You try to breed her..no results. But, she still LOVES you!
Time to re-home her.
Ten month old George can't seem to make the desired progeny. But, he still LOVES you!
Time to re-home him!
The replacement for George, is not working quite the way that you expected. But, he still LOVES you!
Time to re-home him.
I guess this one crosses over with
PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE.
I realize that most breeders are very limited in their space, money and time, when it comes to running a Cattery. These are valid issues, BUT you should never compromise your love and commitment, for your animal's welfare..at any cost!!!
I have seen SO MANY great cats, ruined by impatience.
I have also felt the grief that many breeders have endured, as they discovered that their beautiful baby, has been passed around like a stray kitten!
Think long and hard, before you set into motion, this cycle of madness!
Cats deserve better!
CONTRACTS WORK. (See #13)
Better yet..When you are finished using a kitty in a breeding program..HAVE THEM NEUTERED BEFORE YOU RE-HOME THEM...
ALSO..
PUT THE 'FEAR OF THE CAT GODS' into all, perspective new owners!! LOL!!
IT SURE DOES WORK FOR US!!!
Finally.. I also believe that, the issue of show/breeder cats who are constantly being re-homed, is a reflection upon societies need, for instant gratification!
SLOW DOWN AND THINK!
Did you really need a new cat?
What will I do with my existing cat??
If I re-home this cat..HOW WILL THIS AFFECT THE CAT, AND THE OTHER CATS IN MY HOME?
Will they be heartbroken at the loss of a buddy?
Is there another alternative?
Remember, a cat parents commitment is, FOR LIFE!!!
13) LEARN TO DO YOUR PAPER WORK CORRECTLY & KEEP YOUR PAPER WORK CURRANT
Nothing is more frustrating than paper chasing!
It doesn't take long for things to spiral out of control, when you have two or three litters to register. Get a system in place that works with you, to keep your papers flowing smoothly!
Fill your paper work out in their, entirety. Don't just 'sign on the dotted line', and hand them over! Fill the new owners names in correctly, and have the new owners, confirm that, this is the way that they want the papers to appear.
14) GET EVERYTHING IN WRITTING
Find a contract that will work for you, and stick to it!
Most new (and many older) cat breeders mess this up!
If a potential cat owner will not sign your contract..walk away!
Your contract is written to protect you, the cat, and your future owners.
A contract should accompany every cat in your care. Sometimes, even the best of friends, need reminders that they have obligations to you.
GET IT IN WRITING!!!!
15) UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
REAL cat breeders don't just LOVE the great ones!
A great cat breeder, will see all kitties as equals.
We do have to spend, huge amounts of time on our show kitties.
We should be prepared to spend the rest of our time, loving and coddling the kids, who may have helped to earn us our wins!!
These are the 'Tools' that we, USED in our Breeding Programs!!
Sounds pretty clinical doesn't it???
They should have the very same 'commitment' from you, which you give to, your 'Stars Of The Day'!
Always remember those who helped you, along the road.
They NEVER forget you...
and of course..
they will all still LOVE you!!
FINALLY....
16)The most important bit of help and advice that I have ever received, was given from two very special cat breeders, John and Galina Friesen.. Prairiecat Cattery
DON"T WORRY
BE HAPPY
SUSAN WILLIAMS
SCAATYCATS CATTERY
"Life is like a box of chocolates...
you never know what you'll get"
f. gump
DON”T FORGET TO DANCE!!!!!
SO !! YA" WANNA' BE A BREEDER?
Recently a cat breeder friend asked me to give her a list of advice, which she could pass on to another 'new' cat breeder.
Boy..if that's not a loaded request.
Before I put my foot in it....I must explain.
Everyone has a different idea of, 'what is important to them'.
These ideas are not written is stone.
All they might do, is help a new cat breeder, who is venturing into our world, for the first time.
These are my thoughts.
My only wish is, that they would help make the transition for a new breeder into the Cat World, a bit easier!
To Begin...
If you think that cat breeding begins, by buying a pet quality kitty and letting her have a litter..
GIVE YOURSELF A SHAKE!!!
First, you have placed your beloved pet into jeopardy.
Second, a pet quality kitten, will only produce more pet quality kittens..
This is not the prime directive of Cat Breeding!!
Each litter you propagate,
should move you, as close as,
you possibly can go,
towards the development of a cat,
which may be judged by the...
STANDARDS OF PERFECTION,
AS WRITTEN BY ALL OF
THE GOVERNING,
PERSIAN BREED CAT COUNCILS,
WHO ARE RECOGNIZED MEMBERS OF
EACH OF THE REGISTERING BODIES OF
PUREBRED & PEDIGREED CATS.
If you choose to show against CFA cats, be prepared to breed a cat which adheres to, the CFA Persian Cat, Standard.
IF YOU ARE BREEDING JUST FOR PETS,
YOU ARE UNDERMINING THE INTENT OF
PUREBRED CAT BREEDERS EVERYWHERE!
IF YOU ARE BREEDING CATS
BECAUSE YOU THINK IT MIGHT BE LUCRATIVE...
SHAME ON YOU!!!!
So... Ya' Wanna' Breed Cats???
If I could get one concept across to a new breeder, it would be what Noel Newton taught me over 20 years ago,
1)PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE
This is still very current, even today!
Patience... when you are building a great pedigree and you know it might take 6 years, to see any results!!
This is the most important of all of 'The Cat Breeders Patience'!!
Patience... when a little baby boy doesn’t want to become a Stud Cat, just when you think he should!!
Patience... when there appears to be only one, where there should be two!!! OH MY GOSH!!
Patience... when a 5 month old kitty gets badly beaten at its first cat show, and you know that the best is yet to come’!
Patience... when you have a kitty who blows his coat in the middle of a run for his Grand!
Patience... when the entire litter is Black, when you wanted Chocolate!!!
Patience... when a client calls you at three in the morning because Cedric has a tummy ache!
Patience... when another breeder has decided that your best Kitty is ‘less than perfect’, and they have just posted their opinion on the Internet!!
DO YOU GET THE IDEA???!
2) TAKE YOUR TIME!!
Kittens and pedigrees do not happen over night.
Start out, very slowly.
Catteries are built, one kitty at a time!
Cherish your Pedigrees.
They are all 'Art Forms'!
They are your ‘game plan’.
They develop very slowly.
You need to learn to read them, with same Passion that you would read a romance novel.
You need to understand them.
"Why did a breeder do that?"
"Why did that work?.. Why did that fail?"
"Where are the brothers & sisters?"
A good pedigree is like a great book.
You cannot put it down!
3) STUDY
Study everything you can about structure and design of Persians and other CATS..
"Why are they different?"
"Why are they the same?"
“You need to develop and EYE for a great cat.” N. Newton, circa 1984
Get your hands on, as many kitties as you can.
Touch them, feel their bodies, observe their temperaments.
Look at them, at all ages.
Study them at all ages!
Study kitty health and genetics.
Know what you will come up against.
Observe them, when they are ill.
Observe them, when they are healthy
Take notes.. lots of notes!
Keep accurate records.
Don’t be frightened by ‘The Science of The Beast’!
There are brilliant cat breeders, and animal scientists, who love to share their observations about cats with you.
Study Cat Shows. You should be able to go to the shows well prepared.
Study your peers. Look at just how they may have succeeded or failed.
Study your Club!! Not many people have a good understanding of just how The CFA or TICA actually function. This is where the Internet actually will help you!
4) ASK QUESTIONS...ANY QUESTIONS..
They all equally important.
Be prepared to hear some answers, which you may not like!
Don't ask another breeder for, affirmations.
Don't ask another breeder to tell you, 'just how wonderful you are'!! LOL!
STOP AND LISTEN..
Listen to yourself..then listen to the 'other guy'!
REMEMBER..cat breeding is not just 'ALL ABOUT YOU'!
Don't become defensive, if you hear an answer, which you might not agree with!
I try to absorb ALL the answers that I receive (even if I may think that they are slightly 'off base'!). You never know when you might need the information!
5) READ & LISTEN.
Don't accept any ideas that people give you, with 'cart blanche'.
They may be right, BUT, they may be wrong!!!
Find a REAL HUMAN MENTOR!!!
Remember .. Do not drive your Mentor crazy..(Don't become defensive, if you hear an answer, which you might not agree with!)
The CFA has a fabulous mentorship program, take advantage of it.
Your breeder, who may have sold you your breeding stock, should be your first source of information. Hopefully you have had a good first introduction to cats, via their input.
Try to get as much information as you can, from them.
If they are a respectable breeder, they will be willing to help you along, in your journey.
Learn as much as you can, WITHOUT the INTERNET!
Try to avoid using the Internet, as a teacher.
It tends to be a, confusing, and seriously flawed educator!!
Use it as a contact place.
Use is to look at other breeders websites.
You can always tell a real breeder, from a ‘Techie Breeder‘, because the 'techie' tends to know a lot about everything, but have no focus!! They spend a lot of time trying to prove to you, that they know a lot, about everything. ...Sue
6) FOCUS.
Pick what you see as, a clear and simple interpretation of Persian Standard, and follow it.
Don't let other people try to breed your cats, for you.
Once you have absorbed The Breed Standard and understand the ideas in it, make a list of the ideas valued by you, and follow it.
This is the only way you will develop ‘YOUR OWN CATTERY'S LOOK’.
How do you think such great cattery's as, Madame Nu, Sandypaws, or Foxy, came to be so easily identifiable?
THEIR 'LOOK' !!!
They ‘stuck to their guns’!
Try to balance all of the advice that you are given.
"Would it work for you??"
"Am I comfortable with it???"
There are a lot of people out there willing to tell you what is ‘wrong’ with your kitty, and, sadly, only a few, who will know what is ‘right’ about the kitty.
Listen to as many cat breeders as you can.
Then, 'sort out', the information that is useful to you.
I found that some of my best knowledge, was gained in the most unlikely sources.
Listen to other animal breeders.. Dog breeders have a wealth of breeding history, and they love to share it with you.
Strangely, many larger show catteries were less 'giving' of their time and knowledge.
Tiny, unknown breeders, were in many cases, much better places to learn.
I think that 'bigger' might not necessarily be better!
FOCUS on your ‘own’ idea of a great kitty.
Don’t get dazzled by the ‘Dream Show Cats’.
Remember, ANYONE WITH ENOUGH MONEY can purchase a great cat.
It takes a SERIOUS BREEDER to birth one!
This is where ‘Patience’ comes in.
7) STAY FOCUSED ON THE REAL PRIZE..
Never focus on, just the ribbons.
The real prize is obvious.
You have been allowed to enter the most private world of the Show Cat!!
ALWAYS REMEMBER...
THIS IS A PRIVILEGE!!!
8) NOW! STAY EVEN ‘MORE FOCUSED’
BUT… without becoming Kennel Blind!!
Kennel blindness is a very serious issue found with quite a few, newer, and older breeders.
It is the inability, to see anything wrong with, ones own kitties.
You become, impervious to criticism, and your cats become 'perfect'!
You start to see, 'nothing wrong', in all of your new babies, and you overlook (because..REALLY!.. 'you just don't see it'!) any serious faults in your breeding stock!
Your cats will always have faults.
Be willing to admit these short-comings.
There has never been a perfect kitty!
Learn from those faults.
Memorize them, then use your ‘breeder sense’, to help to, breed the faults out!
9) NEVER COMPLAIN...
There is world of complainers out there.
You should stand 'apart‘, from this group'.
Take your bumps with dignity!!!!
Writing huge, nasty stories on websites, and complaining to the CFA, has never achieved much, and does little for your reputation as a breeder.
Breeders represent the future of Purebred Cats and Cat Shows.
Have some pride in what you do!
10) NEVER JUDGE THE OTHER GUY..
This is not your right.
This is not your privilege.
Another person's FOCUS, will be different than yours, and that is their choice...not yours!
If a breeder chooses to not discuss any particular issue or idea.. BACK OFF!
Do not ridicule or critique them..I guarantee that this approach WILL BACKFIRE!
Everyone does things differently.
Have some respect!
Stay out of other people's business, unless you are invited in.
STAY FOCUSED ON YOUR OWN IDEAS
Some people are very uncomfortable, when they discover that another is, ’digging’ deeper into their private lives.
Cat breeders have private lives.
Respect this.
10B)NEVER JUDGE THE OTHER GUYS CAT!
If another breeder wants a serious opinion about a kitty, they will do it privately, and with very little fanfare.
THEY WILL ASK!
Never 'offer up' an evaluation of another persons animal!
IF YOU ARE ASKED...
You should be honest, but gentle, with your evaluation.
You will know it, if they don’t want to hear what you have to say, within the first, two or three minutes of the conversation.
Their language will let you know, that they are just not quite ready, to hear an opinion.
"But, he is just a baby.."
"But, his eyes will get darker later on..."
"But, his father took a lot longer to..."
"But, his coat is going to change..isn't it?"
"But. maybe he sucks his tail..."
"But these kitties sometimes drop their nuts, much later than others.... don't they???"
At that point in the conversation, you should ’bow-out’ very graciously.
Always try to remain on good terms.
Always try to find something good to say about another person’s kitty..
"OH!!!! WHAT A LOVELY TAIL"!!
“GOSH .. WHAT PRETTY EYES”
Be gracious when you lose, and when you win!!!!
Always respect your public.
They keep cat shows and cat breeding, alive and vibrant,
Embrace them!!!
11) GET LOTS OF REST AND STAY HEALTHY!!!
YOU WILL NEED TO!
Cat Shows ..3 days grooming prior to show
Cat Shows .. 4am Leave Time, Drive 200 miles and arrive fresh!!
Cat Shows .. Carry a hundred pounds of stuff and arrive on time!!
Having Kittens .. ALWAYS at 3 am !!
Having Kittens ..Feeding all night and day, for 16 weeks.
KITTY LITTER!!! LITTER PANS!!! BOWLS!!!
BATHS!!! BATHS!!! BATHS!!!!
NEED I SAY MORE!!!
12) Commitment
Never, GIVE UP, on a cat without exhausting all possible, avenues!
The day that this cat, came into your home, you formed a solemn bond of trust.
The cat certainly did not 'ask you' to, become its owner!
If one of your cats is to be, re-homed, your commitment should be even stronger!
You will now be committed, into making the easy transition, and stabilization of that cat, to its new home, the most important priority, in your life!
NEVER, LET A CAT DOWN!
I see this one far too frequently.
Cedric looses his first and second, and maybe even his third show. But, he still LOVES you!
Time to re-home him.
Phoebe has a few cycles. You try to breed her..no results. But, she still LOVES you!
Time to re-home her.
Ten month old George can't seem to make the desired progeny. But, he still LOVES you!
Time to re-home him!
The replacement for George, is not working quite the way that you expected. But, he still LOVES you!
Time to re-home him.
I guess this one crosses over with
PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE.
I realize that most breeders are very limited in their space, money and time, when it comes to running a Cattery. These are valid issues, BUT you should never compromise your love and commitment, for your animal's welfare..at any cost!!!
I have seen SO MANY great cats, ruined by impatience.
I have also felt the grief that many breeders have endured, as they discovered that their beautiful baby, has been passed around like a stray kitten!
Think long and hard, before you set into motion, this cycle of madness!
Cats deserve better!
CONTRACTS WORK. (See #13)
Better yet..When you are finished using a kitty in a breeding program..HAVE THEM NEUTERED BEFORE YOU RE-HOME THEM...
ALSO..
PUT THE 'FEAR OF THE CAT GODS' into all, perspective new owners!! LOL!!
IT SURE DOES WORK FOR US!!!
Finally.. I also believe that, the issue of show/breeder cats who are constantly being re-homed, is a reflection upon societies need, for instant gratification!
SLOW DOWN AND THINK!
Did you really need a new cat?
What will I do with my existing cat??
If I re-home this cat..HOW WILL THIS AFFECT THE CAT, AND THE OTHER CATS IN MY HOME?
Will they be heartbroken at the loss of a buddy?
Is there another alternative?
Remember, a cat parents commitment is, FOR LIFE!!!
13) LEARN TO DO YOUR PAPER WORK CORRECTLY & KEEP YOUR PAPER WORK CURRANT
Nothing is more frustrating than paper chasing!
It doesn't take long for things to spiral out of control, when you have two or three litters to register. Get a system in place that works with you, to keep your papers flowing smoothly!
Fill your paper work out in their, entirety. Don't just 'sign on the dotted line', and hand them over! Fill the new owners names in correctly, and have the new owners, confirm that, this is the way that they want the papers to appear.
14) GET EVERYTHING IN WRITTING
Find a contract that will work for you, and stick to it!
Most new (and many older) cat breeders mess this up!
If a potential cat owner will not sign your contract..walk away!
Your contract is written to protect you, the cat, and your future owners.
A contract should accompany every cat in your care. Sometimes, even the best of friends, need reminders that they have obligations to you.
GET IT IN WRITING!!!!
15) UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
REAL cat breeders don't just LOVE the great ones!
A great cat breeder, will see all kitties as equals.
We do have to spend, huge amounts of time on our show kitties.
We should be prepared to spend the rest of our time, loving and coddling the kids, who may have helped to earn us our wins!!
These are the 'Tools' that we, USED in our Breeding Programs!!
Sounds pretty clinical doesn't it???
They should have the very same 'commitment' from you, which you give to, your 'Stars Of The Day'!
Always remember those who helped you, along the road.
They NEVER forget you...
and of course..
they will all still LOVE you!!
FINALLY....
16)The most important bit of help and advice that I have ever received, was given from two very special cat breeders, John and Galina Friesen.. Prairiecat Cattery
DON"T WORRY
BE HAPPY
SUSAN WILLIAMS
SCAATYCATS CATTERY
"Life is like a box of chocolates...
you never know what you'll get"
f. gump
DON”T FORGET TO DANCE!!!!!
WHY LILACS & CHOCOLATE.... YOU ASK?
Ch. Stacy's Cyclamen a Lilac Point, Shown in Russia
owned by Prairiecat Cattery, Canada
Only 1% of all Himalayans shown at the CFA in the 2004/2005were Lilac
Yet the Lilac Point has been registered and shown since 1957.
"Since 1992 we have seen a large increase in the number of chocolates and lilacs achieving grand champion status". (source.. http://www.cfa.org/breeds/profiles/articles/persian-himalayan.html )
OH! REALLY????
It is easier to ‘buy and show’ a common coloured Himmie! As a breeder, it is easier to breed from an existing (and safe) gene pool, than it is, to develop a new one. It is easier to follow a map, than to forge new trails! These are, the ,facts of life! In a era of, instant gratification, we have become lazy breeders! We have become, far too happy, to settle for ribbons and points. After all.. no one enjoys losing!
It is imperative that, well schooled and dedicated breeders, take this challenge on. We have returned from a 15 year hiatus from breeding cats to attack this project. With help from a few great friends, we have been able to bring ourselves, ‘up-to-speed’, on the newest cat breeding developments. We will not stop, until our goal is met. We have started with 7, of the most marvellous LP/CP carrying cats we could find. We now have 3 'visual' Lilac Point females and 2 solid male Persians, one Chocolate & one Lilac Tabby. They will be shown in the Fall of 2006 and, in the Spring of 2007. Kittens will be born in the Spring of 2007.
Due to the lack of interest by breeders, many of these beautiful Lilac Point kitties have floundered. It is long over due, for the breeders of this wonderful colour, to work together, to push this cat into the forefront of Cat Shows everywhere.
In the early 1980’s the Himmie breeders set out on a ’Cream Dream’. The elusive, Cream and Flame Point Himmies, were just a ’heart-beat away, from developing into the successful show stars of the present. We struggled just to get our first little Flame/Cream point babies. We would flaunt the fact that we could actually breed Flame/Cream point girls. We dreamed of the day when a Flame/Cream Point would grace the front page of the CFA Annual as Cat of The Year!!
Where did our breeding pioneer spirit go?
We should be willing to face all of the pitfalls, and show losses, to forge forward with Lilac Points!
We should be able to face the, poor types, PKD, low numbers, and genetic deficiencies. We should be forward thinking, looking to the future with Lilac Points competing and winning.
Part of the reason for these low numbers is the lack of identifiable visual lilac and chocolate point BREEDING Quality cats being shown. Many times we have been at a cat show where a lilac point cat is listed in the catalogue. We have gotten very excited about actually seeing one in the flesh, only to be disappointed when the cat/kitten appears as a very pretty blue point. The judge usually changes the catalogue with very little fuss. The public who are watching the show are seldom given any reason for the change. This would be the perfect time for a judge to ‘make a statement’ about colour! We always try to remember that, it is ‘the Public’ who could become our next Cat Breeders!
Sue & Kerry Williams 2006
“We need to educate our judges and help them realize that those of us who breed for true Chocolate and Lilac have and still are working very hard to prefect our cats, and when someone tries to show a cat as being a visual that is not, we all get a little uptight when ribbons are hung. This simply encourages these people to keep on showing their cats in the wrong color class’ Teresa Schroeder
From the article BEWARE OF THE IMPOSTORS...
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