Visited an Oriental breeder this weekend! (Update with *PICTURES*)

[wolflady]

I don't know what it is...perhaps I'm going through a mid-life crisis with everything traumatic that is happening in my life. I have really never been a person to interact with breeders, but for some reason, I've been having a major pull ever since the International Cat Show. I've been drawn to the Orientals and Russian Blues for years, but the Orientals are having a major pull on me lately.
One of the women at the cat show gave me a couple of business cards for for breeders in California. I had also been in touch via email with a breeder who is also very active with various cat clubs and communities with the CFA who recommended the woman I am going to visit next Sunday.

It doesn't hurt to look, right? I have never considered a purebred cat before, and have always been a huge supporter of rescue. I never see any Orientals in rescue, so it would be interesting to see a house full of them, and what it's like to be around them.

Am I crazy or insane? I swear, I'm just going to look...

[Lizzie]

This past weekend I met a purebreed Bengal cat at a shelter. Absolutely gorgeous and must have cost someone a fortune. They left him behind in their apartment after they had financial difficulties.

Have you tried the Northern California Siamese Rescue:

http://cn.siameserescue.org/

San Francisco Himalayan & Persian Rescue:

http://www.persiancats.org/

National rescue for Russian Blues:

http://purebredcatbreedrescue.org/russian_blue.htm

You'll still get a purebred cat and continue to support rescue. My Siamese came from a local shelter.

[shais_mom]

just adding my 2 cents in Karen - go with your heart.
I'm here if you need. You have done a LOT for shelters, rescues, vets etc.
this is YOUR life and your heart. if you want a purebred and it is hard to find in rescue then this is the way to go.
LOVE YOU hun!

[Russian Blue]

It doesn't hurt to look, right? ......
Am I crazy or insane? I swear, I'm just going to look...

Famous last words! Can I come with you?

I grew up with a Siamese cat and I would love another oriental if I had the chance! Life is short Karen. If you want another cat go wherever you need to, to find that one. I just checked out the Pacific Siamese rescue pages. Check out Ella or Buster (scroll down to the bottom of the page for Buster....he's so darn cute!): Ella & Buster!

Of course, I'm not going to stop you if you want a Russian Blue. Rescue or not, Nakita was the best thing that ever happened in our life. She is our soul cat and it was meant to be (fate, maybe?). I've been to cat shows but no other cat matches Nakita's beauty, personality and CHARM! Nakita has been the most unique cat ever to grace my life. Can you tell I'm smitten?!

If you do get an oriental cat, then you just have to come here to visit Nakita. You're welcome in my home anytime chikk! We just need to somehow bridge the distance between us.

[kimlovescats]

You don't need anyone's approval! Beware of "just looking" though!

[critter crazy]

Definitely your life, and can do as you want!! Dont feel that by going to a breeder, you are doing something wrong! You have definitely done your share! All i know is that when you come home from "just looking" make sure you post pics of what you brought home!!

[catmandu]

ORIENTAL CATS ARE SO MUCH FUN, AND ARE NOT ONLY FUN CATS, BUT VERY INTELLIGENT AND DROP DEAD GORGEOUS TO BOOT.
YOU WILL NEVER REGRET HAVING ONE OF THESE AMAZING CATS AS A COMPANION.

I KNOW THAT I DONT.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Karen, this sounds wonderful and I know how much you love this breed. Is this the same woman that I met when we were at the International Cat Show. If so remember they specialize in white Oriental Short Hairs and I know how much you love white kitties.

Here's a closeup of Karen holding an Oriental Shorthair. I took this picture at the cat show.



Isn't he adorable?