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VETERAN
BIRMANS AS
PROMISED, WE PUBLISH HERE LETTERS TO THE
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VETERAN
BIRMANS AS
PROMISED, WE PUBLISH HERE LETTERS TO THE
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--------------------------------- --------------------------------- Shwechinthe Bakir (Sam)
a blue point neuter, was born on 20th June 1986. this
photo, --------------------------------- Tharrawaddi Beau Benz 13c1
(Tuppence) has just had his 17th birthday, he is from Birchtree Cinnibar & Tharriwaddi Kyankse, likes to eat
& sleep a lot, but still the boss.
--------------------------------- regards - John and Jaye Wright ------------------------- Kiwi cat -
Chantel ------------------------- I have three blue point Birman Cats, they are all
neutered females. My grand old Lady is called 'Kali' and really does live up to her name of being a destroyer! She was born on 2nd August 1987 - so now qualifies for your Hall of Fame, her pedigree name is Cholac Carli (breeder Michele Barron) Kali came to live with us in October 1990 as a Rescue. She is a little stiff in the mornings, but is definitely the boss in our house, always taking the best place on the bed, or by the fire. She is thoroughly spoilt, and we know we are lucky to have her. Here is a very recent picture. she has only gone grey in the past 6 months! My name is Margaret Lorman-Hall and
I live near Doncaster. August 2005 ------------------------- We are the proud owners of Harvey Wallbanger from the Lunapus breeder. He was born 19.10. 87 so is now 18 years old and doing very well apart from some stiffness in his joints. His sire was CH. Laurant Kubla Khan and his dam was Augusta Chiaroscuro whose sire was Ch. Cheratons Maximillian. Harvey was originally known as Wellington because one of his "mitts" goes right up his leg! He is an adorable, loving and rather odd cat. He has never ever eaten one mouthful of ordinary cat food, despite the fact that we had other cats eating it around him. He lives on roast chicken, I'm ashamed to say, but seems perfectly fine on it! Until August this year we also had another Birman cat who lived to the age of nineteen. She was Belleview Tinkerbelle born on 7.6.86. She was a very dainty seal point with a lovely nature. She became very frail and had a major fit and we had to have her put to sleep in August. Her sire was CH. Bartina Tobias and her dam was Snoshu Blue Rhapsody. Both of our Birmans, coincidentally had Ch. Patrioona Faust as ancestors. He was mentioned several times in both pedigrees - he was/is? obviously an active cat! We are hoping that Harvey will become the oldest Birman ever - he is such a special cat that I have secretly considered having him cloned! (only joking.) Jackie Edmunds ------------------------- Last week my faithful old Lucy
turned
20, photo from the day is attached. She has been going slowly downhill
for some years now, and I thought that at about 16 the end was close
when her kidneys started failing. However the vet put her on a
special diet and she recovered quite well. Now she is very
slow, but as long as she can still jump onto my bed, and enjoys a rub
and a little play, I feel she has the right to be allowed to carry on. ------------------------- Not quite but nearly 16 and 15
Lohteyn
Shashi May 1991 and Lohteyn
Tia April 1990 came to me when they were three and
four years old from Leo Heath's Lohteyn line to become ladies of
leisure and to train another human in the art of looking after Birmans-a
trait they share with their Lilac Colour Point cousin — aged 17
Cedarwood Soraya aka Sophie who has her owners under the paw so to
speak. The common relation-Tibblyn Chocolate Ruffle. The girls all get
on and run the Edwardian house in which we all have apartments. Now they are older strolls
around the 2 acre secure garden only take place when the weather suits
them and they all snooze more but still love cuddles and mad half hours.
Tia particularly plays with toys, goes on mad dashes round the house and
likes bird watching. She gets very annoyed if anyone disturbs her birds
even allowing the blue tits to pull loose fur from her back......when
sitting on the Patio wall. Shashi does a lot of thinking and chatting to
me and watches older sister behave like a kitten at times looking quite
disapproving. Both like to sit on me and with me and at night I have to
compete for bed space. I might be allowed to read or watch TV but they
make the rules. Both are very good hostesses chaperoning visitors to a
chair and giving the local gossip and for those who stay delicately
greeting them in the morning and saying good bye very nicely. If I have
to work away then I am suitably chided on my return although they have
much loved sitters in the form of Sophie's owners and they now respond
to French and English! Tia and
Shashi have proved to be
and are wonderful companions and as with most Birmans have some
idiosyncratic habits. Certainly they have learnt from birth or is it a
Birman gene-3 for the price of 2 won't do and that is my chair/bed and
my black suits are for sitting on.....etc. As for food well chicken
please and yes we like danish pastries, madeira cake, yoghurt but only
Waitrose and grapes. We have all survived moving out
of our home for subsidence and the neighbours roared when Tia-refusing
to come in chased me round the skip and Shashi inspected the progress of
the work daily and duly expressed opinions. The mice who moved in stood
no chance with these two around. We move back shortly and expect
to resume life from the ground floor They help me in my law lecturing
by chatting up clients, other lawyers and members of the judiciary and
sitting in and on the computer all of course to help...... They also
know that a particular briefcase means Mum is off for today but will be
back soon and this is the key to much mischievous hide the pens, move
the cushions type of activity with butter would not melt on my paws on
my return Their arrival was one of the best days of my life and has
brought a lot of love and happiness to me
Anne Edis,
Peterborough
--------------------------------- Our Beau,
Ch
Najim Beaujangles has reached the grand old age of 20 years.
He is pictured with his birthday cake, which he certainly enjoyed -
sponge, jam and icing, the lot - and it lasted him a week, with no ill
effects! Hello
…My name is Kerstin Zimmerman, Birman breeder since 1978. (Skogshojdens) Maybe
it will be fun for you to know a little about the English lines behind a
big part of the Swedish tabby Birmans. I send you a picture of Justin,
taken in October 2005. Best
regards Kerstin Zimmerman ------------------------- Ch Pompom Blue Nichola (BP female, 21.08.1988), Nichola is Patsy and John Knight's first Champion and from their first litter registered with their prefix. Nowadays she is retired of course and enjoys the garden as well as her food, eaten on the work surface of course! Patsy Knight
------------------------- I am very sorry to have to inform you that
Chloe
our Birman rescue taken in February 1999, was given peace yesterday after a
short illness, although my vets did everything possibly her lungs were
collecting fluid which affected her breathing, and it was felt that it would
be better to let her go to sleep. X-rays showed there was a possibility
of tumours. She was well into her 16th year and had seven very happy
years with us. One of the sweetest kindest cats I have ever owned.
Monty her half brother who we had at the
same time is still with us, still ruling the roost terrorising the dogs and
keeping his boundaries clear of any other cats, even though the nearest cats
are thirteen acres away! ------------------------
Mei Hua Antigone
(Tiggy for short) A pet from Mrs Richards. Tiggy for short. Unfortunately, my 'other' Birman, Mei Hua Pygmalion (George) didn't survive as long. Born 27 May 1973, died 14 February 1986. 13 years 9 months. The most wonderful pair of cats I've owned. Tiggy loved me, and George loved everyone. Neither were perfectly marked, consequently never shown, but Peggy gave them both to me as pets because she knew I was besotted by cats. I believe a photo of George appeared in a Birman Cat Year Book (??), flopped out on the grass. I married in 1974, and Helene says that she married me because it was the only way she could see of getting the cats!! Chris Wilson ------------------------ Cognac
1989 at 14 years of age Cointreau
1989 at 13 years of age Jonnie Dorman ------------------------ Gr Pr Sanlusa Hercules 10.05.1989 - 25.11.2005 Sadly put to sleep at the age of 16 1/2 after sudden and chronic kidney failure. Son of the famous Gr Ch Bartina Tobias. 'Sparky' was still on the show bench in top form, only weeks before his death. Still winning Open classes, PCs and even two Res Imp Grands in his 17th year. The older he got the better he got!! A truly remarkable cat and a legend in his own lifetime. A much loved companion still sadly missed by his owner Amanda. Amanda Law
------------------------
Kim was born in June
1986, so now aged 20+. She was rehomed to me at 18 months from
the CPL with her litter sister who I named Sammy, who sadly slipped away
in 2004. They were called Sapphire and Jasmine by the CPL, but had no
papers at all. The photo of Kim was taken when she was about 15, and she
did have one fit, though has since gone deaf, and her eyesight is
failing. However, she still loves her food, especially prawns, chicken
etc!
Veronica Aubrey, Rugby
October 2006
------------------------
Greetings, I
tried to send a message before, including photos of my beloved Birman,
who recently passed away.
------------------------
I am writing to tell you about my Blue Point Birman,
Seve, who will be the grand old age of 20 years on 7th January, 2007.
I was given him as a 17th birthday present by the
couple who bred him. He was the runt of his litter. I was there when he
was born and he took a real shine to me from the start, sleeping in my
bed and following me about all over the place.
He has lived a life of a farm cat, out and about,
chasing all kinds of feathered 'food' and generally not conforming to
the usual life style of such a 'posh' cat. His favourite food is Iams
or Go Cat Crunchies and the odd beef hula hoop or quaver!!
Now he's getting a bit doddery in his advancing
years, he spends alot of time 'resting' by the Rayburn in his favoured
bed. He's the most incredible animal and is in great health. He has a
cheeky character and 'talks' all the time.
I have no idea what his pedigree is as I have lost
touch with the couple who bred him. He is a much loved and
cherished pet and I hope he goes on for a few more years yet!
Sandra Clancy
December 2006 ------------------------ Rani and her litter sister, Shahna (BP female), were much loved pets of Carol & Bruce Dickson, Auckland, New Zealand. Beautiful-natured girls, Shahna passed away at the age of 15 years 5 months and Rani at the age of 19 years 2 months
Carol and Bruce
More than 10 years ago I inherited a Birman from my
mother, Mo
is now about 21 years old.
Jill Thomas, Cornwall ------------------------
Anastasia
07.07.1998 - March 2007
was the runt of the litter.
------------------------ Last week my lilac point Birman Emily celebrated her 18th birthday. Born 7th May 1989 to Rocheros Orlando and Snowqueen Lilac Moonshine, her pedigree name is Bitterwell Lilac Smoke.(I Would love to be able to contact Mr & Mrs Britton.) Despite being diagnosed with kidney failure 3 years ago she is still going strong. A sweet gentle affectionate cat, with the loudest purr in the world, she has turned many indifferent people into cat lovers. As long as I hear that purr every night I know we are doing alright!
Andrew Marshall
Hi I have to say Keo (and Sam whilst he was alive) are the best friends I could have…..
Claire - Southampton ------------------------
With great sadness we lost our dear Birman -
Blue on Tuesday 31 July 2007 ------------------------ Adkrilo Chevalier died on 19.09.07 aged 18 1/2 a much beloved pet. His parentage is Namrib Quiksilva and Darwill Aphrodite who also died on 23.07.03. I had a very close bond with both of them and they will never be forgotten. They both have represented The Birman Cat Club and The Semi Long-haired Club on many occasions and both have been shown in their own right. Chevalier even managed to win as a kitten and qualified to appear at the Supreme. They are irreplaceable and leave a void behind Jerry Mitchell ------------------------ Very sadly I have to report that Tia (Lohteyn Actes Villica)- May 1990 -12th October 2007 was put to sleep aged 17yrs 6mths on October 12th.She was already frail albeit feisty when her sister Shashi was put to sleep after a stroke. Tia missed Shashi desperately and never really got over her loss. She was lively and very loving. In June she was spooked by a Labrador Puppy and went missing for nearly thirty hours. From then on she gradually became frailer and life became a struggle. My vets were magnificent but it was always recognised that it would be a steady decline. She was put to sleep in my arms after the vet and I agreed that there was nothing more we could do realistically. She remained the loving mischievous girl she had always been I miss her desperately. When her ashes are returned they will be buried with those of her sister under the rose bush waiting for her. Anne Edis October 2007 ------------------------ Shandatal Cleome (BP FN 15.7.85 Birchtree Cinnibar x Thelsun Annanika) is known as Minx. She was from my third litter of Birmans kittens and still lives with Mrs Shirley Hartnett. She celebrated her 22nd Birthday in 2007 with vigorous games all over the bed. Minx is continuing to enjoy life, and far as we can ascertain, in November 2007 she is the oldest Birman in the World, and has lived the longest time known for a Birman. Shandatal Lorenzo (BP MN 29.3.1988 Ch Shandatal Blue Danube x Snowqueen Melodie) and was born on 29 March 1988 so became19 in 2007. His full brother Shandatal Rupertino 13c1 was born the following year on 13 June 1989. Zippy and Bobby were rehomed eleven years ago to Phil & Sue Hart, who fenced in their very large garden to keep the boys happy, though the lads spend most of the time in the airing cupboard now.
Shirley Talboys
November 2007 ------------------------ Elisheba Applejack (SP MN 16.5.1988 Belleview Moonraker x Caroona Chelsea) - a mating which probably accounts for his glorious long light coat with golden glow and deep seal points. Pippin was 19 in May 2007, having joined me back in 2001 when he was due to be put to sleep owing to kidney problems and fits. He has had a few of seizures since with me (as with many of the older Birmans he is extremely sensitive to 'slight' sounds such as rustling cellophane, clinking keys etc), but these have been mainly controlled with homoeopathic treatment.
Melva Eccles
November 2007
www.melvascats.co.uk
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I have just lost my precious pet,
Chokki. I had her, as a grown "rescue"
cat in July 1992 when the vets put her DOB around 1988-90. This
would have made her 18-20 years old. I had no papers but would like
to be able to trace her pedigree, as I would dearly love a
descendent if at all possible. She was a
"traditional
blue" (a bit darker than blue but certainly not seal), she was
not "perfect" in terms of her markings, she had a white chin and her
socks were too high. I "rescued" her from a house in Ivanhoe Road,
Dudley, because her owner could no longer care for her due to ill
health. I recall them calling her "Oddbod" but she was the
prettiest, most affectionate cat on the planet (biased I know but
she was). I attach a picture in the hope that somebody may
recognise her as one of their breed.
Lesley Williams
November 2007 ------------------------ Dear Birman cat lovers everywhere, I would like to share with you the touching story of a much loved Birman cat that was bred by Turid Botten 22 years ago. Turid, from Skien in Norway has been breeding Birmans for over 25 years under the prefix “of Ontario”. Charmy of Ontario (BP) was born 1st October 1985, a single kitten of “Hasseliden’s Blue Julia” by “She Toung’s Maximilian”. After only a short while with his owners he had to be re-homed due to allergy. Luckily, Mr. Asbjorn and Mrs. Signe Lykka had previously seen Charmy (when he was already promised to his first owners) and had dearly wanted to buy him. So when Turid called them to say that she was now looking for a new home for Charmy, they came straight away and were extremely happy to have him at last! Since Asbjorn and Signe have no children, Charmy was like a child to them all those years and was thoroughly spoiled- as an only child can be. His food preferences consisted of anything but cat food: roast beef especially prepared for him without salt, chicken and of course Norwegian prawns, but he didn’t like fish! For breakfast he ate prawn-flavoured cheese from a tube. When it came to beverages he liked both cream and sour cream. He preferred to lap up his water directly from Asbjorn’s cupped hand! The pair has never gone on holiday because they couldn’t leave Charmy, except for once, and then they ended up worrying about him the whole time! So instead they holidayed in their log cabin in the countryside, where Charmy could go free outside, he loved it there. Charmy’s vet said he was in good health for his age (22); he also had a good appetite – if the menu was correct. He had all his teeth, but suffered from stiffness in the joints and slowing was down. On his 20th and 22nd birthdays he was featured in the local newspaper and was honoured with gifts from neighbours and the Norwegian Birman Club. Turid (breeder) presented 22 red roses to his owners, one for each of Charmys’ years. Charmy of Ontario passed peacefully away whilst sleeping on his owner’s lap, 11th November 2007 at the grand age of twenty two years, 1 month and 10 days. He will be greatly missed by his owners, Turid and his many friends. According to my calculations this makes Charmy the third oldest Birman, after Kuuipo Apollo at 22 years, 3 months and 7 day and Lulu at 22 years, 2 months and 14 days. Author, Linda Ashurst,
photograph Turid Botten ------------------------
Hello, i thought you may like to know of my
Birman queen who died at the wonderful old age of 18 and a half
years, she was called
Shimron Yolande
from the well known Helen Dunham "Shimron" cats and her lovely
son,Beausolaire Suvik Blupurrl whom i kept died aged 16 and a half
years. They both lived long healthy lives with no illness until the
very end when kidneys failed them and despite vet advice and
treatment,the end had come.I believe many of Helens Birmans,
including Yolandes sire and dam also lived well into their golden
years. I was very lucky to have shared such a big chunk of my life
with 2 very lovely souls.
Susan Collins ------------------------
Chausette Tinsel Ming ( SP male born
02.12.1988 ) December 2007 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. l always called her Emma she
was my beautiful constant companion she had two lovely kittens, she
had them under my bed l stroked her in between births and she just
purred, she was a very good Mum. For fun she retrieved balls, paper
and even a tennis ball, she loved hiding under Emma was always very vocal she told me when it was time to go to bed and she would walk all around me to make me get up, she was fantastic at jumping or springing at great heights. Even the night before she died she tried to jump onto my bed to be with me. When l had her mated l remember the lady saying she had never known a dam to be so eager to get to her owner. We had a wonderful bond and I miss her terribly. Kind regards Ann Cunningham
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