This is Stanley (nee Sol) fast asleep next to Walter less than 24hrs after arriving at his forever home.
These two guys have a very similar soft temperament and in time will be the closest of friends.
For now though Walter is still a little guarded about the new gray furry toy his humans have brought home for him.
Walter has fallen asleep exhausted after all the excitment and I am not too sure that he is aware Stanley has snuggled up next to him, I wish I was I fly on the wall and could see Walter's expression when he wakes up.

Stolen Add ...again

This beautiful picture of Tsar has been used again to sell kittens in a scam.

http://www.friday-ad.co.uk/leeds/pets/cats-and-kittens-for-sale/russian-blue/playful-and-beautiful-YI203F2E2
.....advert now removed after being reported as scam

Yet again they have used the wording from my genuine advert at breeders-on -line, even mentioning Pixie the Puppy.
These adverts are not for cheap kittens, but instead they ask for money to be transferred into a bank account without you ever seeing a kitten. They arrange to deliver the kitten to you and of course no kitten ever arrives. Please be mindful, even though the pictures used are of my kittens and the wording is mine, cut and pasted from my website, I do not have anything to do with these people and I strongly advise anyone from contacting them.

This weekend is leaving day for the kittens. They have spent just over quarter of a year with me and every moment has been wonderful. I have got to know three superb Rusike's. Accompanying  me along the way have been the kittens forever families, it has been great getting to know them also and being part of the excitement of fostering the families newest members.
Yes, there will be more kittens for me to know, and new people to meet but that does not take away a thing from any of the past kittens. Quarter of a year is a long time and these kittens are completely part of my family. Each kitten is different and I know that is hard for people to understand, especially as they can look similar, but anyone who has more than one Russian will tell you, they are not the same. They all have a uniqueness about them......gosh there are so many memories from all the tiny gray ones over the years, and I look forward to all the ruskies I have yet to get to know.

The Three Musketeers

This is my last week with these three adorable kittens. We have seen Christmas and new year together and I have had the most wonderful time getting to know them. The comings and goings of the festive season has made these kittens bomb proof. Even the little girl Luna isn't phased by anything and girls are often a lot more cautious about changes in routine.They are all equally gentle, loving and playful...and occasionally naughty. The other day the kittens secretly found their leaving bags, I thought I hadn't seen them for a while only to discover they had emptied the contents of the bags and were merrily playing with the toys, the bit that got me was when I appeared they all scarpered as though they knew they were being naughty and had just been caught...They are amazing.

Amos in the Snow

I just have to share a photo I have been sent of Amos enjoying the snow from the weekend. His first experience of snow and what a brilliant expression he has on his face.
A beautiful boy.

Merlin (fishing) and Minnie

 

 Merlin and Minnie are two wonderful Russians who live together. I always said these two were Yin and Yang and they have grown to be just that but they compliment each other perfectly. 

Merlin was always a spirited playful character, when Merlin was here I remember him jumping at the window trying to catch rain drops, everything was a game for him. He is currently pestering the plumber in his forever home during a bathroom refit...I can almost hear the poor plumber muttering his frustrations from here. Minnie is the opposite though a real home bird, a little shy with strangers but very very loyal to her family.

Eris on Show Day

What a great first Show Eris has had. She won first in her open breed class and was awarded a CC. Eris needs 3 CC's before she becomes a Champion. We are a third of the way there, not bad for her first ever show and she is still very much a baby at only  10 months of age.
I did think that Eris was not going to like her day as it started with her getting  a little fractious at the vet during vetting in. Eris remained a little tense as the cat in the show pen next to her was a very mature boy and hormones where definitely in the air. Poor Eris was apprehensive with the smell of boy next to her but by midday I had convinced her that she was safe. Eris began to settle and by the end of the day Eris and I were having cuddles. We also met Amos Sebastian Blue's family there. He is young Russian cat who has just celebrated his first birthday.  It was lovely to see his family enjoying the cat's and offering their support to Eris. Amos' human mum, dad, grandma and aunt where all there and I know for sure their cats Amos and Henry have a huge goody bag full of cat show treats in store for them.

Luna at 9 weeks and looking stunning

Leaving day is fast approaching for my 3 musketeers. What a privilege it has been to get to know these 3 wonderful kittens, watching them grow and see their very individual personalities develop, I have loved every second of it.
Eris, my lovely Russian girl of 10 months of age will be entering her first show on Saturday and I can't wait. It will be her first ever show day so it's very exciting.
The Show kit is washed and packed ready for Saturday.
I had to turn the house upside down however, trying to find her vaccination card  as I had put it somewhere safe!...I did eventually find it thank goodness. In preparation for the judging, I have managed to clip two of Eris' nails on each paw and I am ever hopeful that Eris will let me complete the job before Saturday

Cat in a bag

I have had an Anushka update and this is a picture of her playing in a paper bag which for a cat is the with the next best thing to a cardboard box.
Anoushka's devoted owners also bought her a fish tank full of fish just for her amusement. With those stunning green eyes she certainly has her two leggeds absolutely under the paw.
On the home front I have managed to  get my cat show entry in for the Shropshire Show next Saturday. It will be Eris' first time out and I am really looking forward to seeing how she does on the Show Bench. I haven't been to a Show for a while, no doubt I will come home laden with lots of cat treats and toys from the show as a shopping spree is obligatory, fingers and paws crossed for a good day.

This picture of young Walter was taken last year in his forever home. I adore the way he cuddles his baby be teddy, apparently he still loves teddy and although he is getting older they remain firm friends.
I also have to say what a handsome boy Watler looks...gorgeous.

This is Balazs, one of the boys who celebrated their birthday last week. I was also sent a video of Balazs sitting on his owners back whilst making his owner carry him everywhere....I wonder who is in charge in that household! It was lovely to see them all having fun, Russian's may be quiet but they are certainly very interactive.

I am currently scanning the GCCF website and plotting the Show calender and wondering where Eris and I can make an appearance in the Show ring. Due to lots and lots of commitments both at work and at home over the festive period, I haven't managed to enter shows much to my disappointment. If I get a riddle on I can just about get my entry in on time for the Coventry and Leicester Show at the end of February. The distance is a bit further than I like but I have missed so many shows of late and I am definitely having Cat Show withdrawal symptoms.

Amos Sebastian Blue, Milo's brother...birthday boys

Milo

Luna looking very pretty

The kittens are growing fast. They now have the freedom of the house and are up to mischief. They are all very cute and I am making most of every minute of them.
Today is also the birthday of kittens past. Amos, Olive, Milo and Ollie. Many Happy returns to the motley crew. Those kittens, now cats have brought me some smiles and I hope they are entertaining their human cat slaves today and receiving lots of Dreamie treats of course.

Cat Highway!

I have just put up a series of floating shelves that form a "cat highway" in the kitchen.
Cats don't naturally want to co-habit together and it requires a lot of tolerance from the cats and some sensitivity from us humans to make it so that everyone rubs along nicely together.

Russian's feel particularly safe when they have the advantage of height, I have therefore arranged a set of shelves and a walkway that will enable the cats to climb and sit on top of the cupboards should they wish to.

It might not be to everyone's taste but the cats love it and anything that gives the felines some enrichment in their day makes me happy and altogether a more contented household all round.

A very shaky video of Luna hunting her toy followed in close pursuit by her brothers Dante and Sol

Luna almost 6 weeks

Happy New Year to all!

I wonder what 2012 will bring. I have plenty cat shows planned and I am really looking forward to showing Eris. She is still only young and as wonderful and as friendly as her dad Boris. I know there are a lot of wonderful young female Russian cats on the Show Bench this year and the competition is better than I have ever known it, but if Eris is anything like her dad she will charm the judges and make show days great fun.

Frost my other young feline is over one year old now and after spending the later half of last year at a few shows it is time for her to have kittens of her own. Hopefully there will be the patter of baby Frost paws in the spring.

As for the present 3 babies, all are doing well. They are still learning to use the litter tray but are all enjoying solid food and growing fast. They are a tenacious bunch of explorers and great fun.

I have been very privileged to have met some exceptional kittens in 2011, thanks to Boris and the girls, I hope 2012 will be just as wonderful

This is young Luna enjoying the  new kitten scratch post.
These kittens are extremely confident and I put it down to them having to put up with all the chaos Christmas brings.

The grown up cats and Pixie the puppy have finished off the last of the turkey today. I don't know how I am going to explain to the pets tomorrow that the turkey has all gone and they are back on Kibble until the New Year leftovers are available.

The Kittens are growing fast

This is Sol, one of the three kittens having some "free" time in the living room..
They are growing fast and are at a very cute stage. The kittens are now better co-ordinated and often stand on their back legs whilst grappling like a bear with their siblings, very amusing to watch.
The kittens also desperately try to tease mum by pulling her ear and swiping at her tail. Mum is as patient as ever.
I have found mum hunting smelly socks from the wash basket and try to feed the sock to her kittens as Prey! Fortunately the kittens prefer their Royal Canin.

Christmas updates

Angel guarding her stocking....has he been yet?

Samson inspect's the Christmas Tree

 

I have had a wonderful update from Samson's family, what a lovely picture 

This is Samson, ever so gently removing the bells from the tree. Once  he has them they provide him with endless entertainment. How sweet of his family to put up a tree full of cat toys just for him!

Tsar waiting for Santa

Yesterday was Tsar, Brian, Suki and Misti's 2nd birthday. They are amazing kittens, all very different characters but wonderful in their own special way.
Tsar and Brian are very special to me for different reasons and I am very privileged to have known these two incredable felines.
It is lovely to have updates and to know they are safe and well.

The three little kittens that are with us at the moment are proving lots of entertainment. The are 4 weeks old and have just started to eat kibble and use the litter box. When given "free" time they are charging around like Olympic athletes. they still have fat wobbly bottoms though soo cute. Astra, one of the boys is very very vocal which is unusual for a Russian. He is always getting attention and I do believe he will be spoilt rotten when he goes to his forever home as he will have something to say if his human slaves don't see immediately to his every whim!

Katie cat and Brian at Christmas

I have had a wonderful festive update of  Katie cat looking majestic in front of the Christmas tree. Brian on the right is being his typical grumpy self and eating his Christmas hat in protest of the expected jolly festivities.
Brian may be a grump but he certainly doesn't lack character!

Grandma Ana steals kittens!!

Grandma cat Ana (in the back of the picture) is on a kitten stealing mission. Ana is being retired from breeding as she is now 5 years old. To aid the transition she has been on hormone tablets to stop her "calling". This did lead to a recent phantom pregnancy where Ana nursed a stuffed toy frog. Things seemed to settle down but today I have found her trying to nurse the three little kittens that we are currently blessed with. Poor mum cat was at a bit of a loss but she didn't seem to mind the respite too much.
I can report that mum has since fed her little ones and she is happy to let Grandma contribute to the cleaning and cuddling of her brood.

Frost loving the Christmas Tree

The Christmas decorations are up and to my amazement the cat's are loving them. The season of goodwill seems to have influenced the cats behaviour and they are all so relaxed and loving the cosiness of the house.
Frost and Eris are still quite young and excitable. I expected the tree to be upside down within hours but instead the animals seem more chilled than ever. I would recommend the SSScat though for anyone who has a cat or kittens that wants to climb their Christmas tree. The SSScat is a device that has a motion centre that releases a jet of air when triggered. I know from experience that the device really works as I use the SSScat for potential problem corners when kitten training.

This is the little girl who was born just over a week ago.
The kittens are all doing well and now have their eyes open and are becoming more mobile by the day.
Socialising kittens around Christmas time always makes for bomb proof kittens as the hecticness of the festive season becomes their norm.
I must admit the Christmas tree might be a little problematic as the kittens will be reaching their naughty stage around the 25th.
The grown up cats won't help with good behaviour around Christmas time as they adore the twinkle lights and can often be found attacking the baubles!

Snow and Anita

It has been such a busy time with preparations for Christmas, it is slowly all coming together but for a working mum the season of goodwill is ultimate chaos.
I have received a wonderful update of Snow in Taiwan which helped to lighten the mood. Snow looks amazing in the photograph and to think she is only just over 5 month old, beautiful.
I can also announce we has kittens! They are only a few days old, but the two little boys and one very silver little girl are all  doing well. Mum and kittens are in the cat basket in my bedroom just sleeping and feeding. There is no better way to fall asleep than to listen to three warm little kittens nestling into their mum with mum purring softly in the background.

Grace

I recently had an update from Grace's owner. Grace and her feline friend Heidi have had a professional home photo shoot and with wonderful results, what a lovely keepsake.

I have also had an Indy and Nik update and I have been promised a festive photo update for Christmas. I can't wait to see how the boys are looking. Nik remains very settled with the bachelor crew which also  includes another Russian named Atom. There is the occasional grumpy old man spat but they always end the day snuggled together.
The three feline musketeers, Indy, Nik and Atom

GRAND CHAMPION REKSIF DANUBE DANCER (Boris)

Boris was awarded his third Grand Champion Certificate today at the Chester Cat Show making him an official Grand Champion.
The competition amongst the Russian cats is very strong and at Grand Champion Level we have to compete against other foreign varieties as well.
To be awarded his Grand Champion status is an amazing achievement.
I am so proud of my beautiful Brilliant handsome feline friend.
Thank you so much Boris.

Ana

Ana has been on medication to prevent her coming into season and "calling" as she is now 5 years old and needs to start retiring from breeding.
Despite the medication Ana still went on to have several frantic "calls" and I was beginning to think the medication was ineffective. For the last two months however Ana had stopped calling and seemed more content. Her tummy began to swell and  she started to show all the signs of pregnancy. I was quite concerned as I absolutely do not want Ana to have kittens. It turns out Ana is having a phantom pregnancy. She is currently nursing a stuffed green frog! Apparently she will begin to settle and return to normal bless her but for now our new addition is a little green amphibian.

Luka

I received some lovely pictures of Luka. He was the only boy in the litter that celebrated their first birthday yesterday.
He looks so handsome. Luka is spoilt rotten and often sits on the shoulders of his humans, at night he even sleeps IN their beds!
Luka loves the outdoors and he is pictured here on his harness.
I must admit it has been a sad year for cats who have tragically died due to cars and two cats from the same litter but different families going missing. The kittens are very well socialised but the downside of this is they are over confident and perhaps too friendly for their own good. I have come across a gadget that might help people find their pets should they go missing. It is a radio controlled collar and receiver called Loc8tor Pet. If people do want to give their cats the freedom of outside I would strongly recommend this gadget. Cut and paste this link for a look at gadget, it's expensive but might offer the reassurance needed.
http://www.thecatgallery.co.uk/acatalog/info_86861.html

Grace, 1 today

Happy Birthday to Grace, Kate Luka and Frost, all 1 today.
This litter has a very special place in my heart as I kept Frost for myself. I often look at Frost and try to imagine what her siblings look like.
Kate is adored by her family and is a loving companion to the other Russian in the house, Brian.
 Grace also lives with a gray feline companion and together they adore each other's company. Grace is also a treasured companion to her human mum and family.
Luka, the boy in the litter lives with his family in Ireland and I am sure he will be headbutting his way into having as many birthday treats as he can.
Happy birthday kitties.

Brian and Kate

I have had more updates this weekend. This is Brian and Kate having cuddles after a recent house move. Unfortunately Kate has been under the weather. Initially it was thought that she had a urine infection brought on by stress but after further investigations it turned out she had nibbled on some fresh flowers, rhododendron's, and apparently these are toxic to cats. Kate's first symptom was peeing in strange places. This is so often perceived as a cat being naughty but when a cat who is previously litter trained starts to void in inappropriate places it is almost always a cat trying to tell you something is wrong. Cats communicate by smell and they are trying to tell you they are unwell or unhappy about something. Thankfully Kate's mum is very well tuned in and picked up on this straight away and Kate was taken to the vets.

I have also had a wonderful update on Ferdinand in Singapore. His family are smitten with him. He is already sleeping with the children at night and has cuddled and played his way into everyone.s heart.

Amos and Milo

 

This is Amos and Milo, two very beautiful growing young boys. Amos on the left was the little kitten with the "bling" collar, his name in diamante's no less around his neck. I can't believe how much the bling mister has grown. Young Milo too with his dashing good looks staring intently at the camera. It's wonderful to receive such lovely updates. I only remember them as kittens so to see them as "the boys" happy and settled in their individual homes is very heart warming.

Snow, my last kitten went to Parair (pet export company) yesterday to be vetted and made ready for her long journey to Taiwan, so the Amos and Milo updates couldn't have come at a better time, a purrfect way to cheer me up!

Snow will begin her journey tonight, an overnight flight which is a blessing. No doubt I will be awake most of the night tracking the plane and I will not settle until I know she is happy and well at the end of her journey.

Balazs update

Ferdinand has arrived safely in Singapore and he is getting to know his new family. He is purring already...what a relief. I must admit I have been beside myself with worry and have been hitting the refresh button on his flight status constantly.
During my state of anxiety I had a wonderful update about Balazs, it was just the distraction I needed. Balazs looks so handsome in his picture. Along with good looks Balazs is also a bit of a character. he can open doors and apparently when he wants to play he will drop his toys at peoples feet in order to get them to interact with him! The only thing I have concerns over though is that he occasionally sleeps in the bathroom sink. His update certainly made me smile.

Ferdinand's big adventure

My daughter and I have taken Ferdinand to Heathrow airport today for the start of his new life in Singapore.

The car was cleaned and spruced in order to enhance his chauffeur driven journey to the airplane. We put toys and his favourite treats in the car. It's a four hour journey from my home to Heathrow and he travelled really well.

Ferdinand and I had extra cuddles before the gentleman from Parair, the animal export company arrived to book Ferdinand on to  his flight.

My heart is in my mouth as he starts his 12 hour journey in the air. I am following his flight in an attempt to gain some reassurance that he is OK. It's crazy to think I will go to bed and when morning comes Ferdinand will still be in the air.
All the kittens are exceptionally well socialised and they know very little fear but this is a big ask. I know Ferdinand is a brave confident kitty with a big purr, I am sure he will be OK, and to think I have this all to go through again next week when Snow, my last remaining kitten flys' to Taiwan.....hankies at the ready.

Please come home Percy

Percy was outside doing his usual rounds in Newcastle under Lyme where he lives almost two weeks ago when he was caught up in one of the worst weather days of the year. There where very high winds and extremely large hailstones. Percy must have taken shelter in a place he isn't used too and hasn't been seen since.
I was hoping that if he was stuck in someones shed or garage he would manage to escape this weekend as people would be home from work and doing the gardening chores before winter and the dark nights arrive. Unfortunately Percy still hasn't returned home. His owners are beside them selves with worry. Our cats are more than pets in the background of life, they are our companion's and very much part of our families.
I hope Percy finds his way home soon. He is microchiped and does wear a very distinctive collar.
Please go home Percy your family are missing you so much.

Ferdinand inspects his passport

Ferdinand became an official British citizen this week and was issued his very own pet passport. Ferdinand's family have a home here and abroad so he is going to be jet set cat and has his very own official passport.
He will be off to his family this week and I am really going to miss him.
Yesterday I went to bed early as I was a bit under the weather, Ferdinand followed me to bed and put his head next to my leg. He streched out his paw and gently placed it on my hand. Ferdinand stayed there for at least two hours and only left when I started to snooze. He is such a gentle, loyal little guy.
Walter the kitten left this week and  I think Ferdinand and Snow are making the most of the extra attention they are getting now that they are the only two kittens left. Walter is a great character and I am sure he will bring his family lots of smiles. Walter has a real passion for Dreamie treat's and would search out and steal the treats from the cupboards eating them all his self. No Packet of cat treats was ever safe with Walter around.

Kitten Cuddles

This is Walter giving Snow cuddles.
Kittens are so sweet and I am exceptionally lucky to have them around.
It has been a cold wet rainy weekend and it has been great having lazy days with the cat's and kittens.
Lots of Dreamie treats all round

Snow

This is beautiful Snow. The photograph really doesn't do her justice. She is one of the prettiest kittens I have come across and I am so proud of her.
Her forever home is going to be in Taiwan with Anita who has waited a very long time for this little girl. Snow has a few more weeks with me yet but I am sure she will bring Anita as much joy and cuddles as she has me

Walter

This is young Walter giving my eldest daughter hugs. Little Walter is fast asleep and is tucked into Jennie like a hot water bottle.
Walter is soon to go to his forever home, it is always a difficult time for me when they leave but it is lovely to see the enthusiasm and joy that the kittens bring to their forever families.
I do treasure the special moments with the kittens especially as they grow older. I am very aware that the kittens have their own adventures ahead of them were they are going to be the centre of attention with their very own "two leggeds" to care for their every whim.

Boris Wins his Second Grand Champion Certificate

Boris and I had a fantastic day yesterday at the North West Cat Show.
Beautiful Boris won his second Grand Champion Certificate and was nominated for Best in Show. I am as proud as punch for my amazing charming young man.

Prior to the show Boris had turned himself terracota by rubbing himself against the chiminea, shown in the photograph. I was a bit worried that the colouring wouldn't come out. Fortunately it did and show day was brilliant success.

Only one more Grand Champion certificate needed then Boris will change from being a Champion to Grand Champion Reksif Danube Dancer.
Well done Boris.. who by the way is the greatest Champion of all in my eyes...I am biased.

Gabriel sadly passes

I have a very heavy heart today with the sad news that Gabriel has been knocked down by a car and has sadly died.
Gabriel was just over a year old. He was a small kitten with a huge heart. He chose his very special owner from the outset and they were the closest of friends. Gabriel was always a very intuitive kitten, and was able to form an exceptional bond with his human companions.
Gabriel owner is a classical musician and as part of his socialisation as a kitten he/we listened to lots of classical music. Whilst I was out at work the CD player would be on lulling all the kittens into a peaceful rest. Gabriel was so accustomed to music by the time he left that he would just curl up and watch his humans as they practiced their music. Despite all the wonderful culture Gabriel was expossed to, I did think however that he had a real passion for Show Tunes and I am sure he is in heaven prancing around to as many Show Tunes as he can.

Good Night sweet Gabriel. Thank you for the wonderful memories, never forgotten x

Pixie, the Cavalier King Charles Cat!

Boris, my beautiful Champion Russian Blue boy is due to go to a show next week but there is a problem, he seems to be covered in terracotta paint!
He is now a Russian orange, I think I may have to change his entry card to an experimental breed.
It's never a good thing to bath a Russian before a show as their fur goes a little strange but it's either that or take an orange cat. I am hoping the orange is just colouring from the chiminea in the garden and that it will wash out, otherwise I will have to call him Garfield instead.

Angel

I had a fright yesterday when Ana decided to have a tour of my neighbours garden.
The cats have free run of a small but secure netted garden.
I had been cutting back the ivy in the garden which had gone a little wild over the summer. This had left the smallest of gaps, and I had noticed Ana looking with intent at the gap but I convinced myself that she wouldn't dare try or even fit through the gap. How wrong I was, within the hour my neighbour came round banging on the front door exclaiming that there was a gray cat in her garden.( everyone is well aware of the gray cats in the crazy cat ladies house and that those cats are far too posh to mix with the street cats!)
A frantic search began, but Ana was nowhere to be found, I was sick with worry. After a very long hour my 10 year old daughter spotted Ana in our garden but she was trapped between the secure-a-cat fencing and Boris' stud house. Ana must have seen the neighbour and jumped back into my garden. She was stuck in the narrowest of gaps. The fencing had to be taken down in order for Ana to get free and back to safety.
Ana will be staying in for a while, her own choice, and the fence has been repaired....this time without gaps!

Edwin pushes mum in a box

We have kittens at the moment and I think Edwin has been watching Youtube as he decided to shove his mother in a box! This cardboard box has been an endless source of entertainment for the cats and kittens. Soon after removing the contents from the box, I went to dispose of the box in the recycle bin, I went to open out the box in order to squash it flat, only to find kitten Bluebell fast asleep inside it. She so nearly ended up in the bin. Kittens are such fun but they are a worry, I have to do endless head counts.
I have kept the box which is proving to be better than any catnip toy.

I adore this picture of Miya in the garden at her home where she is absolutely the centre of attention. After her yearly check up the vet has apparently advised a few less treats for this young lady due to her rather plump bottom. I don't know how resilient Miya's owners are going to be, but with the look in Miya's eyes they don't stand a chance and I can almost guarantee there will be a minimum reduction in treats!