Sometimes good things turn out even better than expected. That pretty much sums up first-time exhibitor Deena Stevens’ experiences with her shaded silver Persian, GC Castlegate’s Khoja of AsyuWishPurr. As a show cat, Khoja placed second in the Silver/Golden division in Region 2 as both a kitten and an adult, and 10th overall in the CFA Silver/Golden division in the 2016-2017season. As a therapy cat, he brought joy and extra benefits to seniors with serious illnesses.
Khoja came to Deena with a very special extra—a true mentor, his breeder, Barbara Bosco. “Barbara was amazing,” says Deena. “She gave me the opportunity. Of course I had to let her know that I was serious. She made sure I understood the ramifications of choosing a shaded silver Persian as my first show cat, and how difficult that can be.”
Once the decision was made and Deena had her show-quality Castlegate kitten, the help Barbara gave Deena went above and beyond. Their relationship didn’t end when Barbara placed her kitten with Deena quite the opposite. With Deena on the West Coast and her mentor on the East Coast, there weren’t a lot of opportunities for hands-on and face-to-face sessions, but that didn’t mean Barbara wasn’t there to help. She spoke with Deena often, offered suggestions and advice to help Deena succeed, and even sent videos showing how she bathes her cats.
Sometimes, though, even detailed information can be a little confusing and things don’t go quite as expected. That was the case with Deena’s initial experiences bathing Khoja. She got it right eventually, and “… in hindsight it’s funny,” she says; but like most people starting out with all that’s involved in bathing a show cat or kitten, she discovered it’s a bit more complicated than it seems:
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Cat Talk.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Cat Talk.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Library Cats felis cattus bibliotheca
Introduction - The Middle Ages, sometimes referred to as “The Dark Ages,” spanned approximately one thousand years, between 479 AD and 1450 AD. This time period is not generally considered to have been friendly to anyone, human nor animal, but it was especially hostile toward felines. Ignorance of knowledge and science was rampant among the majority of the population, with the ability to read limited to clerics and the wealthy. Myths, legends, and galliard songs spread widely throughout Europe as people migrated from place to place, searching for food and a safe habitat. Fear of the unknown and the unexplainable, particularly of witches and their cat familiars, was spread not only by the stories and songs, but by the Popes themselves. Without touching on the atrocities of medieval times, let us just say it was not the best time to be a cat.
What You Don't Know About American Wirehairs
Wired For Sound! (Specifically, Purrs!)
UP CLOSE AND, Purr-sonal
Northwest Region Judge Wendy Heidt stumbled upon CFA completely by accident while out with friends at a Harvest Festival.
Hey Kids! Let's Put on a Show!
Getting Your Show on the CFA Schedule
Move Over, St. Patrick
St. Patrick’s “Sister Saint”
Staying Safe "On the Road Again"
Safety Tips for You and Your Cat at Hotels
Emerging Colors and Patterns
“The only thing certain is change” goes an old saying. However, sometimes there is actual change, and sometimes change is the result of more accurate information.
Premature Enzyme Activation Pancreatitis in Cats
Has your cat ever had repeated or continuous episodes of diarrhea or vomiting? Maybe your vet has given you medication and the issue seemed to go away for a while but then came back.
Is Dental Care for Cats Important?
The simple answer to this question is YES
Odontiasis: The Gnashing of Baby Kitten Teeth
February is National Dental Month for veterinarians across the US as healthy teeth translates to healthier pets. Cat Talk takes a look at how owners can care for teething kittens and how ongoing dental care helps adult cats live healthier lives.