This is Sasha having fun with the Catit toy. I just had to share what fun the kittens are. I spend hours just watching them..don't know where the day goes!

Roman in his forever home

This is Roman having a nap in his new home. I have had wonderful updates on all the boys and they are all settling in very well. I do miss them but it is so lovely to hear how smitten their new families are with their new Ruskie additions.
Here the little kittens now have the run of the house. Mabel is currently sat in front of the TV avidly watching Captain America and Kat (Katerina) isn't so much a lap cat as she is a Laptop cat, I can't begin to count the amount of times she has sat on the keyboard!

Button Thomas giving Kisses

I have just upgraded my laptop and have been trying to transfer files from one computer to another. I have come across some wonderful pictures.
This is my wonderful but very grumpy Siamese neuter Button Thomas, giving little Luka Christmas kisses! I recognise all the fallen pine needles after the tree had been attacked by kittens!
Little Luka will be almost 18 months old now...I wonder if he remembers Button's?

 

I have had a wonderful update about Snow, the kitten who now lives in Taiwan. I have to say Snow looks amazing, Anita is obviously doing a wonderful job of being a Russian slave!

Happy Easter

This is Roman looking adorable on the kitten play mat.The big kittens are getting ready for their forever homes soon and it has been a roller coaster journey. Their little brother Dobby sadly died. He had an amazing personality and I wouldn't have missed him for the world. His three remaining brothers all have some of Dobby's personality traits. During the sad times these three little boys have made it all worth while
Frost also has her first litter of kittens so the house is very busy, hard work, but lots of fun.
Frost is doing a fabulous job of being a first time mum, you would never know she hadn't done this before, then again there is plenty help from all the Aunties in the house..and Button Thomas of course.

Must have clean paws

This is young Blue cleaning his paws....mum cat has taught him to wash behind his ears as well!
All the grown up girl cats are "calling" at the moment. The recent warm spell has sent the adult cats potty. They are all so noisy, especially in the early hours! Thankfully I have very good neighbours. I do not intend to have any kittens at all over the summer no mater what the cats say, so everyone is just going to have to settle down.....the neighbours may need bribing with wine to help them remain patient!

A little light reading

Little Dobby  passed away yesterday.

He just fell asleep and didn't wake up. I played with him as usual the night before. He seemed happy and in good spirits. The following morning he looked like he was still fast asleep but when I went to give him a morning cuddle I realised he had passed away.

He was an inspiration and had an amazing attitude to life. His illness never took the wonderment out of his life and because of this I had to do what I could for him but unfortunately his life was only meant to be a short one.

I know it all seems doom and gloom at the moment but it really isn't like that at all. I am still surrounded by my beloved cats and lots of wonderful kittens all of whom give me smiles and laughter every day...I mean look at this little one catching up with his reading, brilliant.

Goodnight Bluebell

Yesterday was a fantastic day for Eris (Loveblues Lola) and me. We where at the Preston and Blackpool Cat Show and Eris won her third "CC" which now means she is a Champion. Eris has gained her award in three straight shows, what a brilliant achievement. Thank you Debbie for letting me have this wonderful little girl.
My good news though is tinge with sadness. I learnt today that Bluebell has sadly passed away after having an accident.
She was a massive character and adored by her owners. Bluebell gave back as much love as she received and would often bring back presents for her people. Gifts included wiggly worms and spiders, all of which were brought with such enthusiasm.
Bluebell has had a short but wonderful life. My thoughts are with her owners who I know are very grateful to have known her but are heart broken at her passing.

Olive sticking out her tongue at the camera ..how rude!

I recently received an Olive update, she has apparently turned out to be a bossy little madam. I have to say, I expected nothing less of that little Princess. She was the only girl in a litter of four and she ruled the roost from the start, in a sophisticated Queen like manner I might add,
Olive is coming for a short break in June, so it will be lovely to catch up with her in person,
Tomorrow is a bit of an exciting day for Eris and I. We are off to the Preston and Blackpool Cat Show. Eris needs to win a first in her open and to be awarded her third "CC" then she can claim the title Champion. The third "CC" always seems to be the most illusive but I have to say things are a little tense. Joining me for the day is Eris's breeder, Debbie from Loveblues. Fingers, paws and everything else crossed that our little girl comes home a Champion.....what ever the outcome, I am sure, lots of celebrator or commiserating cat shopping will be done.

Dobby doing well

This is young Dobby having cuddles from his siblings who are keeping him warm. Archie's bum also makes a great pillow.

Why is it kittens always decide to sit in my favourite chair. I have been relegated to the other end of the sofa...not the best seat in the house.
The cats are so in charge.

Sweet Wiiliam update

This is William playing hide and seek with his human mum Linda.William loves to climb and in this picture managed to get to the top of the wardrobe where he then meowed until Linda found him, he didn't need any help to get down, he just wanted to show her his new hiding place.
Linda describes William as the most loving gentle and playful boy....as a breeder I couldn't ask for more and it makes me so proud of cats like William.
On another happy note, Eris and I went to the Lancashire Cat Show last Saturday and Eris was awarded First prize in her open class and was also awarded her 2nd "CC" which means she only needs one more "CC" then she will be awarded her Champion status...fingers paws and everything else crossed for the Preston Cat Show in 2 weeks

Roman having fun

I have just returned from the vets after taking Dobby (nee Smudge) for a check up. Dobby remains tiny but his will to live is astounding.Dobby is a fracton of the weight he should be and yet he loves to play and will climb up the armchair in order to have a cuddle. He is such a positive little guy I have to do what I can in order to give him the best chance possible.
The vet gave Dobby an injection that will hopefully encourage his appetite and help him grow. The vet did say that he thinks Dobby may have a hepatic shunt. I know the outcome may not be a great one but by giving Dobby regular injections to help him grow, hopefully he may get strong enough for surgery. I am aware I am probably deluding myself, but whilst Dobby is happy and positive I have to be as well.
The kitten in the picture is Roman, Dobby's brother having fun with all the kitten toys.

This is young Smudge. This little kitten has such amazing tenacity I really don't know how he does it.
He has such a strong will to live. It is quite overwhelming to see the amount of spirit this little guy has. I don't know if he will make it to adulthood but it isn't for the lack of trying.
My son is home at the moment and has affectionatly name the kitten Dobby because of the kittens giant ears and very fine fur.
I so hope this little guy makes it, he has the greatest personality and he is very much under my skin and in my heart already.....please don't break my heart little Smudge

Dante and Vince

This is Dante the Russian kitten and his feline companion Vince.
Dante has been in his new home almost two weeks. He is a very clever kitten, in fact, a little too clever.
Vince enjoys the freedom of a garden and outside play. Vince access' the outdoors using a microchip specific cat flap.
Yesterday Dante unexpectedly followed Vince outside. Everyone, including me thought that as the cat flap was only programmed for Vince it would not allow Dante the kitten outside. How wrong we all were. The microchip cat flap lets ANY cat outside but only Vince back in!! Dante was found safe and sound but that leaves the dilemma of how to allow Vince the older cat his freedom without allowing kitten Dante outside. I wonder how many people this has happened too and if there is a cat flap on the market that also controls who goes out as well as who comes in.

I have several fluffy gray balls of fur at the moment. My family are in for a busy few months getting to know these little ones. These will be the last before a summer off, then  the plan will  be just my human family and adult cats. A lot less litter boxes to empty and a bit more space on our laps!
One of the kittens, Smudge, is a lot smaller than the others, Smudge is a huge character and is an amazing kitten but Smudge does have a battle on his hands being half the weight of his siblings. He does however have twice as much spirit and tenacity. Mum cat adores him and all I can say is he will be given the best chance possible.

Luna setteling in

All three kittens have settled in to their new homes.
Luna was the kittens who didn't have to learn to win over a resident cat.
She is being spoilt rotten in is enjoying teaching her humans how to play. When she allows her two leggeds to rest, they are providing her with nice warm laps to sleep on.
This young princess will enjoy being the centre of attention, although she is actively playing in this photograph she already has a very relaxed at home expression.
All three kittens have gone to wonderful homes :)

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.