Looking for a Mentor -Showing - Breeding

Viscountess Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 435

I need to find a Mentor that has similar beliefs as I do, as I go onward with showing, and breeding the classic colors.

NO PKD, not even to get the looks - I'm proud that I pulled my silver-shaded when I found out she had it, 2 weeks before she was due to be bred. My only kitten born was DOA, size of a soda can. The breeder blamed me, even though she admitted she bred her to her own grandfather, after she'd promised not to do that. She blamed me for the kitten's size and death, even though I had an emergency caesarean performed.

I've learned and all my queens suffered from dishonest people in their breeding practices.

As of now, I have a kitten worthy to show, and raise to be a queen!

I wish to do this step with knowledge and dignity, and much love and care. I've listened to many things that can and do go wrong; some is avoidable, some isn't.

I haven't been to a cat show in 15 years, so this is going to be exciting!!

- Julie

Marchioness Joined: 21 Aug 2008 Posts: 1635

There are 2 ways to go about it, I suppose. If you are interested in showing in the CFA there is a mentor program run by them. You could do it the way I have - I suppose it is harder though. Just go to as many shows as you can and network. Join some breeder forums. I think there is one for just about every class of Persian. Good luck. Just a word of caution - beware of the politics. As you are aware there are some not so nice people out there.

Princess Joined: 30 Jul 2008 Posts: 7094

I would say start with Cat Shows as well. That's how I met Tracy and went on to buy Binky and Alexus. If I ever decide to breed/show, I already have someone that has offered to help me, thanks to the Cat Show where we met.

And ask questions galore. Read all you can too and join breeder's forums like Lynda said. That's what I would do.

And be prepared to grow some thick skin. That's where I fall short. So for me, I just buy them and admire the pretty cats at the shows for now.

Baroness Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 7

I agree that going to shows and just talking to people is best. Sometimes you can actually "interview" possible mentors by doing this and that way, find one that shares the same ethics/views/goals as you do. My biggest advice - patience! The right cat(s)/person will come along, but sometimes you just have to wait to find that perfect match. :)

Princess Joined: 30 Jul 2008 Posts: 7094

Hi Carissa---are you the Carissa from Cacao? If so, you have very lovely cats. You kindly helped me when I was looking for a Himalayan last year.

I just discovered the himi world and love my Jesse Blue!

Baroness Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 7

Yup, that's me :) I try to help when I can, though sometimes I end up muddling things! I am so glad you find your baby! Do you have pictures?

Princess Joined: 30 Jul 2008 Posts: 7094

You were very nice to me when I asked for help and yes---I have pictures---I even carry photos in my purse. I have no 2 legged children and my 4 persians mean the world to me. I have cardiac problems and lead a very limited life. I spend a lot of time on the computer looking at different websites admiring cats. And you have very beautiful ones Carissa! I hope you enjoy it here and I hope to learn from you as well.
Here is my Jesse Blue.

I am a pet owner and do not show or breed but I sure do love my babies!I've had persians for close to 20 years now.

Baroness Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 6

That's a very pretty kitty. Love those wild whiskers!

Terri

Princess Joined: 30 Jul 2008 Posts: 7094

Thank you Terri---does Jesse need a trim--LOL! I never noticed them looking like that in real life. My golden girl Alexus has the longest whiskers ever!

Baroness Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 7

Wow, Jesse Blue is beautiful! Looks like a show kitty! (Yes, I'm drawn to that sort) Such little, perfectly round ears! Beautiful sweet expression! Blue eyes!