Veteran Birmans

One question frequently asked of Birman breeders by prospective kitten purchasers is: "What is the average age of a Birman?" Evidence from obituaries published over the years in the Club's newsletters and magazines suggests that it is around 12 to 15 years, as some cats sadly succumb to kidney failure at this sort of age.

However, there is also evidence in plenty that Birmans do live for many years longer, with a good many achieving 16 and 17. A good number of 18 and 19-year-olds are recorded, and a select few have reached 20 and 21. See details in the Veteran Record Book below! At the time of writing we already know of several Birmans currently enjoying their twilight years: a breeder in Scotland still has a Blue point father and son who are 20 and 18, with father still entire although not "working" since the age of 15. A Seal point Grand Premier has just celebrated his 19^th birthday, and another club member has an elderly Seal point trio – a boy of 21 and two girls approaching 20. Also up in Scotland, our first Seal female UK Grand Premier is in good health at 20, apart from some arthritis.

Research into our veterans originally arose in Summer 2004, as the result of an e-mail from someone who was interested in finding out if her Seal point male of 17 had reached a record age for a Birman. At that time I had not been able to find one that had reached the age of 22 but, following the launch of our Veterans feature on the website in September 2004, among the Feedback responses from owners of very senior Birmans was news of two who had lived to this amazing age (details below).

Janet Osborn (Magazine Editor)
March 2006

So now we are looking for any Birmans who have broken this record, and would love to hear from more veteran owners and in particular anyone who owns or has owned a 23-year-old – or older! Just click on the Golden Paw to e-mail us, with a photo if you have one. Please say if it will be OK to include your e-mail address link on the Feedback letters page, as other interested veteran owners and the Magazine editor may like to get in touch with you.

to tell us about your 18 plus golden oldie Birman!
click on the golden paw .........................

Now read on into our Veteran Record Book – a fascinating cross-section of show-bench stars, pedigree names and much loved pets.

Our special thanks to John Assiter-Tuppen for his drawings to illustrate this feature.

VETERAN RECORD BOOK

Here are some Birmans known to have lived to these advanced ages. Many were show and breeding names appearing on many pedigrees, but some were beloved pets.

16 YEARS

Chenorine Nanouk (SP female, born 26.4.70): She was owned by Margaret Richards (Mei Hua) and, as a daughter of Paranjoti Kuomintang and granddaughter of Orlamonde de Khlaramour (as well as both daughter and granddaugter of Ch Nouky de mon Rève) she was a last link with Elsie Fisher, and she lived to the age of 16½.

Double Gr Ch Smokeyhill Thai Phong (SP male 14.7.69 – 17.9.85): Stud cat first exported by Betty Brown to New Zealand and then owned by Colin McKenzie in Australia where he sired many champions.

Ch Smokeyhill Leona Chinka (SP female born 14.7.69): Owned and bred by Betty Brown and sired by one of the old-time greats Ch Pipo du Clos Fleuri, Leona Chinka was litter sister of Thai Phong and another granddaughter of Orlamonde, from Ch Paranjoti Kimsallie. She died late 1985.

Dearing Boy Sioux (BP male, 25.7.72 – 21.3.88): a very famous stud "on every good Birman's pedigree" who was bred by Mrs Reading and spent most of his life with Christine Dyer (formerly Shattock) of Snowqueen Birmans.

Ch Rojodanco Arbaybi (SP male 12.8.73 – 9.3.90): A stud who is behind so many pedigrees (through his daughter Ch Arbaybi Sovereign and also a Seal point son, Menelik Quinquirima), "Jojo" was bred by Joyce and Bob Worth, was owned for many years by Jean Park (Arbaybi) and from 1988 lived with Trish and Bryan Merrett (Lapermier) until his death at over 16½.

Arbaybi Annabelle (SP female born 1.8.76): A Dearing Boy Sioux daughter, bred by Jean Park and owned by Helen Cross.

Smokeyhill Mayli Ho (BP female, April 1976 – December 1990): Lovely breeding queen owned by Pam Collins (Dubrova).

Smokeyhill Chung Hee (SP male 2.9.74 – 12.1.91): A son of Ch Solomon von Assindia and Ch Paranjoti Kimsallie owned by Clive and Katherine Freeman (Saxongold).

Patrioona Delphine (BP female, 3.3.76 – 7.9.92): Bred by Pat Blair, owned by Betty Brown and happily re-homed her when her breeding days were over.

Smokeyhill Kiti Sui (SP female, April 1976 – December 1992): a daughter of Solomon and Leona Chinka, and mother of Pr Smokeyhill Chun Fay, she was another of Betty Brown's queens successfully re-homed, living a happy life with Mr and Mrs Chant.

Ch Attimore Tanglepaws Tor (SP male, 19.5.77 – 21.3.94): Famous stud in many many pedigrees who spent his last five years as a neuter, bred by Mrs Denham and owned by Joyce Price (Tamandria). He died a couple of months short of his 17^th birthday.

Ch Belleview Adele (SP female 31.3.78 – 13.9.94): the first Champion and "number one companion" of her breeders David and Rita Redtfeldt. Gr Ch & Int Pr Belleview Francesca and Pr Belleview Natalie were among her titled offspring.

Tamandria Socrates (BP male): "Socks", sired by Ch Attimore Tanglepaws Tor, was the beloved first Birman of Hazel and Keith Jinks. They had to say goodbye to him on a sunny day in 2000.

Aduelo Miskodeed (SP female 30.4.84 – 16.6.00): A Dearing Boy Sioux daughter, "Chloe" was from Carol Brazil's (Khaochi) first litter, and a devoted mum to her babies and everyone else's.

Melvas Macbeth (SP male, 15.6.85 – 7.2.01): "Luke", owned by Gloria and Des Thornton, was one of a "Shakespearean" sextuplet litter born to Melva Eccles's Pr Belleview Natalie.

Alannah Music Man (SP male, 16.5.85 –18.5.01: Bred and owned by Kathleen Wall, "Manny" lived as a much loved pet after 10 years as a stud and passed away 2 days after his 16^th birthday. His brother and lifelong companion Alannah Chief Singer survived him by 6 months and then went to join him aged 16½.

Pr Tandalao Finzi (SP male, August 1984 – October 2001): A successful show neuter alongside his litter brother Pr Fevrier, owned by his breeders Elaine and Fran Tandy.

Patwick Clarissa (SP female, 7.10.86 – 18.11.02): A Ch Attimore Tanglepaws Tor daughter who had many lovely kittens for her breeder owner Pat Sandford.

Gr Ch Serlahjari Berlain (SP male 27.4.86 – 25.2.03): The great "Birman Ambassador", Overall Birman Show Best in Show 4 times and Overall Top Birman for the year 3 times, Berlain was bred by Charlie and Isobel Keenan and owned and treasured by Liz and Dougie Taylor.

Ch Smokeyhill Apache (SP male, 14.3.83 – 3 12.99): Betty Brown's beloved stud, the last son of her famous import Ch Solomon von Assindia who is on countless pedigrees.

17 YEARS

Paranjoti Isolde (SP female 3.7.66 – 13.4.85): a famous name as she was one of the first litter of Birmans born in the UK (to Ch Nouky de mon Reve & Orlamonde de Khlaramour), bred by Elsie Fisher and Margaret Richards. .

Pr Miorama Mitsouko (SP male,17.2.72 – 8.1.89): bred by Vivienne Creasey-Smith, owned by Julia Heffernan and died as the result of a road accident at nearly 18.

Praha Miklu (BP male): bred by Elsie Fisher and owned by Louise Denby in South Africa , died from a fit in 1991.

Ch Smokeyhill Chin Ho (SP male, born 12.4.73): another son of Ch Solomon von Assindia and Ch Paranjoti Kimsallie, died in 1991, also owned by Louise Denby

Ch Boltwood Sheba (SP female, born 19.5.75: Well-known winner in her day, owned byJoyce Price (Tamandria) and bred by Mrs Giles. Britain's first male Grand Champion, Tamandria Truffles was one of her titled sons.

Jyaira Cybele (BP female, born 7.7.79): Foundation queen of Carole Flynn (Laurant), "Sapphire", who lived to nearly 18 years old, is in many pedigrees.

Gr Ch Charlsim Wishcumtru (BP male, born 15.8.82): Famous boy owned and bred by Gwen Tapsell. "Wishy" was Best in Show Adult at the 1984 Birman Show and died in Summer 1998.

Ch Vanbelma Valaricki (BP male, born 10.5.83): Owned and bred by Jane Izzard, this well-known stud lived to just over 17. His mother, Vanbelma Phersephoni lived to about 18½.

Laurant Libra Athene (SP female, 15.10.81 – 14.5.99): Athene was from Carole Flynn's second Laurant litter and was the mother of Gr Ch Laurant Sugar Dandy and others in our pedigrees.

Shimron Sula (SP female, 30.5.81– 20.1.98): Much loved companion of Alistair and Pauline Munday.

Lamahlasa Lady Jingly (SP female, born 25.6.83): "Zeita" was Carol Brazil's second breeding queen who produced several Champions and Premiers for her Khaochi prefix.

Adreelo Folley's Tazmin (SP female 21.11.84): Tazmin, sired by Sahra Sebastian, was the first Birman owned by Jane Tackley (Klassyklogs) – a girl of character who slept on her doting owner's head! Jane lost her a month short of reaching 18.

Adreelo Maymyo (SP female, April 1985 – November 2002): Sired by Ch Cheratons Maximilian, Maymyo produced many kittens for Anne Madden's Panjandrum prefix, including Grand Champions Ko Chang and Shogun and is in many pedigrees.

Ch Panjandrum Fleur (BP female, 1.5.85 – 5.2.03): The first Blue-point female bred by Anne Madden and therefore a special girl. She was a daughter of Ch Panjandrum Brocade by Ch Laurant Coeur Delyon, and mother of another lovely Panjandrum Blue point, Gr Pr Amaryllis.

Viemora Vintage (Lilac point male, June 1984 – May 2003): "Monty", bred by Mrs Gallimore and owned by Jan Beaumont, was one of the original Lilac Birmans, from Shwechinthe lines, and as the sire of Ch Jandora Stagedoor Johnnie, is on many Lilac pedigrees. He was put to sleep 4 weeks before his 18^th birthday.

Ch & Gr Pr Shandatal Georgie Boy (SP Male, 22.12.86 - 16.6.04): a spectacular neuter very like his famous sire Ch & UK Gr Pr Melvas Romeo, bred by Shirley Talboys and owned and shown by Mrs Gloria Peterson.

Charlsim Mistral (SP male, born 1987); "Digby", owned by Alison Jarman, was one of a good many Birmans who suffered kidney problems in mid-life but lived on to a good old age, when he became very arthritic and developed a problem with co-ordination. He died in October 2004, aged 17 years and 10 months – a son of a famous father, Gr Ch Charlsim Wishcumtru who also died at 17.

Ch Adhuilo Jessika (Lilac point female, 23.5.90 - 14.1.08) sired by an early chocolate point Namrib Okidoki

Jessie was one of the first Lilac Birmans on the show circuit and has been a wonderful cat and has had a glittering show career. It is with great sadness that I must inform you that Jessie passed away in her sleep during last night. I am happy to say that the last 4 years of her life have been peaceful and stress free, she would have been 18 on 23rd May 2008.

She has had some truly astounding Kittens and they are now far and wide in places like New Zealand, U S A and Norway.

Steve Hague formerly "Sinhchat Birmans"

18 YEARS

Ch Shimron Sarah (SP female, born 12.6.74): Sarah had about 50 kittens for her breeder owner Helen Dunham and was put to sleep just a few weeks before her 19^th birthday.

Ch Smokeyhill Lee Yin (SP male, born 19.7.77): Went to Denis and Jean Bean (Romford) in New Zealand to help the breed in the early days, and died peacefully of old age.

Belfalas Tansy (SP female, born 23.4.76): A queen on many pedigrees who was owned and bred by Joyce and John Wren. Tansy's daughter Ch Belfalas Beshlie is believed to have also lived to over 18 years old.

Miorama Magic Moment (SP female, 8.3.78 – 9.8.96): "Sophie", bred by Vivienne Creasey-Smith, was owned by Anthea Stewart.

Gr Ch & Int. Pr Belleview Francesca (SP female, born 17.3.80): Bred and owned by David and Rita Redtfeldt, "Franny" was the first female Birman in Britain to become a Grand Champion. She later went to live with Jan Clarke (Mainelite) who showed her as a neuter and she featured in the Club magazine's "A Toast to Golden Oldies" in 1998 at the age of 18½. We have no later news of her, having lost touch with Jan Clarke.

Dubrova Chanel (SP male): "Kerry" shared his 18 years of life with Jean and Michael Triggs, until December 1999.

Saxongold Drusilla (SP female, born 15 February 1982): A daughter of Ch Solomon von Assindia, bred and owned by Katherine Freeman, Drusilla was Best in Show Female at the 1983 Birman Show. She spent the last years of her life with Betty Brown, living until Summer 2000.

Ch Panjandrum Brocade (SP female, 12.5..83 – 26.1.02): A daughter of Anne Madden's lovely foundation queen Ch Sayella Belinda by Ch Attimore Tanglepaws Tor, Brocade also achieved a Best in Show at the Birman Show and has many well-known descendants, including her daughter Ch Panjandrum Fleur.

Gr Pr Tandalao Esterhazy (SP female, 27.12.83 – 26.5.02): "Esther" was the beloved first Birman of Janet Osborn (Lingcomb), bred by Elaine and Fran Tandy

Ch & Gr Pr Namrib Nolaki (BP female, 15.11.83 – 22.8.02): Bred by Heather Horton and owned by Pat and Bruce Forsyth, "Kiki"'s most distinguished offspring is Gr Pr Tharawaddi Kyankse, by a mating with Gr Ch Tamandria Truffles.

Pr Snowqueen Casanova (BP male, born 30 July 1987 and died 2005): Owned and bred by Christine Dyer of Snowqueen Birmans, this son of Ch & UK Gr Pr Melvas Romeo and Snowqueen Siouxsie always had his father's wonderful coat and good eye colour.

Adivelo Lordmaximillian (SP male, 19.5.87 – 5.10.05), Adixilo Baroness Mishka (SP female 26.3.88 – 10.1.05) and Pr Adixilo Lord Wizard (BP male 26.3.88 - 3.8.06). "Max" , "Boots" (who was only a few weeks short of 18) and her litter brother "Lion" were all bred by Claire Finch (Snowwitch Birmans prefix) and were sired by her stud Ch Sandriana Master Merlin. They were shown in the Home Counties when young, and for the last few years lived in Cyprus with owner David Shaw.

Harmador Zara (BP female, 24.2.1988 - 10.8.2006 Gr Ch Laurant Kubla Khan x Shandatal Real Gem) was re-homed to Stan and Jean Giles where she lived happily and without illness for fourteen years together with her daughter Jasmine

19 YEARS

Ch Paranjoti Isolde (SP female, born 3.7.66): Isolde, bred by Mrs Elsie Fisher and Mrs Margaret Richards, was one of the first litter of eight Birman kittens born in Britain, from the first two imports Ch Nouky de mon Rêve and Orlamonde de Khlaramour, and was also the first British-bred Birman to produce kittens. Her home was with Mrs Richards and she lived to 19½ years of age.

Gr Ch Bartina Tobias (SP male, 18.5.79 – 9.8.98): Famous stud boy bred by Mrs Ward and owned by Carol and Ron Pike (Caroona), "Toby" was the sire of several Grand titled cats both in the UK and overseas, including Gr Ch Patwick Sam Weller and Grand Premiers Lastmor Solitaire and Caroona Celestial Sultan.

Gr Ch Sandriana Sophie (SP female, June 1981 – September 2000): Sophie was from the first Sandriana litter of Sandra Moore – her "beginner's luck", and she too featured in the magazine's Winter 1998 "Golden Oldies" when she was then 17. Her offspring include Ch Sandriana Sweetheart and litter bothers Ch Sandriana Master Merlin and Gr Pr Sandriana Regency Raffles, with many titled cats among her grandchildren.

Earendil Bagatelle (SP female, August 1981 – June 2000): Foundation queen of Elaine and Fran Tandy (Tandalao), "Minsin" was the mother of their litter brothers Premiers Tandalao Fevrier and Finzi, Molly Perchard's foundation queen Tandalao Mintz and Janet Osborn's girls Gr Pr Tandalao Esterhazy and Ch Tandalao Elektra. She died only few weeks short of her 19^th birthday.

Adonelo Stardust Slippers (BP female, 21.9.83 – 18.5.03): "Chloe", a Ch Attimore Tanglepaws granddaughter, was from the first litter bred by Ivy Perry (Starramia) and was the mother of Ch & Pr Starramia Sunsation and Ch Starramia Daydreamer.

Birchtree Cinnibar (SP male, August 1982 – May 2002): Stud boy who lived with Pat and Bruce Forsyth in Scotland from 4 years old. "Cinny"'s most famous son is Kathy Evans's Gr Pr Flash Tyson who is himself now 19 years old.

Gr Pr Stratheden Socrates (BP male 29.1.85 - 1.12.2004): This majestic boy sired by Ch Attimore Tanglepaws Tor (dam Jolandi Musetta), "Snuggy" was bred by Teresa Cole and was owned by Fay & Ken Coad. He earned a UK Grand certificate in 1991 but never quite managed the second for the title. He was only a month short of achieving 20 years

Starramia Sunsation (SP male, 8.8.85 – 2.2.05, Gr Ch Tamandria Truffles x Adonelo Stardust Slippers): "Tubbs" was from the first Starramia litter of Ivy Perry and was the first Scottish-bred double titled Birman. He was always a big heavy cat until his last two months when he lost weight alarmingly and, like his mother, he died in his 20^th year.

Ch & Pr Rolfkabo Blue Angelika (BP female, 17.7.86 – December 2005): Angel was bred by Mrs K Lilley and owned by Patsy and John Knight. They also owned her litter brother Rolfkabo Blue Aylmer who predeceased her, and their sire was a very well-known boy, Gr Ch Charlsim Wishcumtru (see under 17 years).

Munkchip Orlando "Mika" (SP male, born 24 April 1986): Devoted owner Sue Day lost her very special pet Birman at the age of 19 years, 1 month and 1 day after a long battle with kidney failure and old age. He shared several traumas and house moves over the years.

Belleview Tinkerbell (SP female, 7.6.86 – August 2005): A very dainty girl with a lovely nature, owned by Jackie Edmunds, who had to be put to sleep following a major fit. Her parents were Gr Ch Bartina Tobias and Snoshu Blue Rhapsody.

Shandatal Faberge (BP male, 11.6.86 – 2005): Sired by Ch & UK Gr Pr Melvas Romeo, "Fabs", as he was known to owner Geoff Wright and his family, loved being in company and was very active in his veteran years, only sleeping 4-5 hours a day and enjoying mad dashes across the lawns and flower beds of their garden.

Shandatal Daisy May (BP female, 19.2.86 – 2005): Daisy (sired by Shirley Talboys' Ch Shandatal Blue Danube ) was the first of three Shandatal Birmans who went to live with Martin and Sylvia Patrick near Stratford-on-Avon, and she outlived them all. She kept a lovely pale coat but, like a number of elderly Birmans, became a little deaf.

Ch & Pr Starramia Sunsation (BP male, 8.8.85 – 2.2.05, Gr Ch Tamandria Truffles x Adonelo Stardust Slippers): "Tubbs" was from the first Starramia litter of Ivy Perry and was the first Scottish-bred double titled Birman. He was always a big heavy cat until his last two months when he lost weight alarmingly and, like his mother, he died in his 20^th year.

Smoky Prince (SP male born 10.5.96): A loving pet owned by Malcolm Waters, bred by Mrs Read of St Austell in Cornwall. He had kidney and arthritis problems as an oldie, but still enjoyed a good appetite. He had to be put to sleep at 19 years 9 months due to loss of mobility.

Gr Pr Flash Tyson (SP male, 7.3.87 – 1.8.06, Birchtree Cinnibar x Laurant Original): Tyson was bred by Mrs Tina Heaven and proudly owned by Mrs Kathy Evans. He was one of the first half a dozen Seal Birmans to become a Grand Premier, and achieved much fame by appearing at many shows on exhibition in his miniature boxing ring (complete with little boxing gloves), including at the first UK Pet Show at Earls Court in London. He appeared in many newspapers and magazines and was made an honorary member of the Mike Tyson fan club!

Bingmah Louis (SP male, 10.08.1987 - 05.01.2007), Louis arrived as a rescue at our home because he sprayed. We never meant to keep him, he should have gone to a sanctuary, but we have had him since he was twelve. Louis retired from public life in 2005; he regularly appeared on the Birman Cat Club rescue stand and helped raised the profile of rescue work. He loved John, and we shall miss him treading in the coffee cups! also he loved sauce and anything off the edge of your plate.
Patsy and John Knight

20 YEARS

Int Ch Nadine de Khlaramour (SP female, born 28.1.64): Owned by Frau Hackman in Germany , she celebrated reaching 20 with a birthday party in 1964 and died at the end of that year.

Chenorine Yeng Chu (SP male, born 20.7.69): The Spring 1990 Newsletter carried an item reporting that this boy (from Ch Pipo du Clos Fleuri and Paranjoti Kuomintang) was alive and well coming up to his 21^st birthday, but his final age is not known.

Sameena Nekoba (SP female): Another link with the early Birmans through her grandfather Ch Praha Dieu d'Arakhan, "Candy", owned by Pat and Bruce Forsyth (Tharawaddi) died on 21 August 2000 just 2 months short of reaching 21.

Cottonsocks Blue Benjamin (BP male, April 1981 – October 2001): A Magazine "Golden Oldie" in Spring 2001, Benjamin was the beloved companion of Susan Swann, bred by Sue and Jerry Fowler.

Alannah Blue Pearl (BP female, born 16.5.80, Questa Blue Kanga x Chiollagh Apple Blossom): Owned and bred by Kathleen Wall, Blue Pearl was another of the magazine's 1998 "Golden Oldies", when aged over 18. She died peacefully in her sleep at the magnificent age of 20.

Thelsun Blue Bella (7.7.85 – 9.7.05, Birchtree Cinnibar x Namrib Fantasia): Jennifer Buckle's Bella had a number of Golden Oldie offspring and is shown in her photo (on the right) with her 18-year-old daughter Elkcub Champagne Cleo while working on her book "Fabulous Food for Fussy Felines".

Sayella Holly (born 30.6.85, Sunsilk Cream Nicholas 5 x Sayella Amber 13c1): Holly was a tortoiseshell half-Birman registered as Birman type F1 and was the foundation of Anne Madden's (Panjandrum) Red Series line, through her two litters by Anne's Birman stud Gr Ch Laurant Kubla Khan. She died peacefully in her sleep aged 20 years and 6 months.

Kamyab Leo (9.5.86 – 20.6.06, UK Gr Ch Mockorange Big Boy x Hilken Blue Bonnie): "Ming" , bred by Mr and Mrs Tannock, had a long and happy life with Nina and Paul Weeks and their daughter Zoe, whose leg he would grab as she tried to descend the stairs. He also enjoyed biting toes on shoeless feet. Apart from suffering occasional fits triggered by such things as washing machine on fast spin, he was in reasonable health in his old age with no medication, and was gently put to sleep when his legs finally gave out.

21 YEARS

Wethandaya (SP male): son of Ch Praha Dieu d'Arakhan, bred by Mrs Angell and later owned by Mrs Edwards. We do not have his precise dates, but he died in 2002 at 21. Ivy Perry (Starramia), owned one of his daughters, Princess Mia, who lived to 18.

Arbaybi Sukina (SP female, 13.3.77 – 4.2.99): "Purdie", a daughter of Ch Rojodanco Arbaybi, was a much loved pet owned by Liz and Dougie Taylor, and they lost her just a few weeks short of her 22nd birthday.

Satinsox Bubbles (BP female, 24.12.80 – 14.6.02): This remarkable 21½-year old with a pale and profuse coat was from Carole Flynn's first litter (Ch Attimore Tanglepaws Tor x Jyaira Cybele) and produced the well-known Laurant Birmans Gr Ch Kubla Khan, UK Gr Ch Mood Indigo, American Gr Ch Aquarian Knight and Ch & UK Gr Pr Penny Lane – see below.

Allslee Sugar Puff (SP female, 15.4.83 – 31.4.04): Another very long-lived lady (and a "Golden Oldie" featured in the Summer 2000 Magazine), who is much missed by the Assiter-Tuppen family – Anne, John and their son Jonathan.

Ch & UK Gr Pr Laurant Penny Lane (BP female, 19.7.82 – 9.6.04): The most famous daughter of Satinsox Bubbles, by Dearing Boy Sioux, Penny achieved many "First" titles: first Birman female Champion to become Premier, first female Grand Premier and first Birman to become a UK Grand. Carole and Des Flynn hoped so much that she would see her 22nd birthday and were very upset to lose her less than 6 weeks short of the date.

Tamandria Ricksons Folly (SP Male Neuter 1.3.85 - 19.7.06) Champion Attimore Tanglepaws Tor x Sayella Sybella). Previously owned by the late all-round GCCF Judge, Anne Rickson. At the age of 15, Chayli joined Melva Eccles, where he was at home with the other Birmans and Russians

Panjandrum Ember (Blue cream female 17.06.86 - 22.01.08) Gr Ch Laurant Kubla Khan x Sayella Holly she was the first Blue cream of the red line. Owned loved and much missed by Ann Cunningham

Adivelo Kenty Barbarann (SP female, 14.5.1985 - 01.02.2008), Birchtree Cinnibar x Arbaybi Asha. Re-homed to Melva Eccles in 2001 at the age of 15, Polly nearly made it to 22 years of age like her half-sister Minx. She was the epitome of all the Birman showing/breeding faults, but will be missed so much for her inimitable character and the love that she gave.

22 YEARS

Kuuipo Apollo (BP male 5.8.80 – 11.11.02, Sahra Sebastian x Dubrova Kali Bleu):
"Peter" was extra special to Jean Ball and her family and he is still much missed. They had a caravan in Cornwall so they could share their holidays with Peter and their other Birmans, and his photo shows him there in his favourite resting place. Peter holds the record for the oldest Birman that we know of, at 22 years, 3 months and 7 days.

Lulu (SP female, 4.8.81 – 17.10.03): Lulu and her litter brother Sam, who died at the age of 21 (+ one month), were owned from kittenhood by Sandra Prior and bred by Eileen Chalk of the Verlam prefix (sired by Ch Shimron Lucius). Lulu was nearly as old as Peter above, at 22 years, 2 months and 14 days, and her photo was taken a month before she died.

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March 2006
compiled by Janet Osborn, Editor