Lúthien
Nessa
ABOUT MY CATTERY
About the breed
As you may know, the Burmese are known for being very affectionate and loyal (sometimes a bit pushy in demanding their deserved attention from you!). The Burmese breed are sometimes thought of as a dog-like cat, as they will follow you around, play fetch with their toys, respond to their name/some commands, and want to be with their humans wherever they are (whether it's at home, in the car, taking a stroll in a cat carrier backpack, or even on a boat!) They, along with all cats from a Thai ancestry, are very intelligent, curious, and easy-going with family and strangers alike. Even at a very young age, they are naturally drawn to be around their human family members and want to be held, cuddled, and be a part of your family. They are friendly with strangers, and leave an impression everywhere they go.
Preserving the breed
The Burmese breed, along with Siamese, Tonkinese, Korat, Bombay, and others, all share the same ancestry from Thai cats (see TIMBA website for their fascinating history). I agree with the goals that TIMBA has - to preserve these wonderful creatures. While I am not yet registered with TIMBA as a breeder, I am in the process of doing so. In order to preserve the breed(s), it is necessary to out-cross from time to time and diversify with "new blood". Bringing in different Thai related cats to add diversity and boost health has a downside in some people's minds: it causes the cats to no longer be "worthy" of the rigid requirements that cat shows look for. As a result of occasional out-crossing, sometimes my kittens will look more like one "type" of Thai cat than another - just like every so often a red-head pops up in a human's family line. For the most part, my kittens tend to look like the "regular" Burmese one would expect, but every so often differences in appearance will emerge. Cat shows care primarily about the external - I care about the internal (health and personality). My kittens will NOT win you flashy ribbons at cat shows for you to display on your mantlepiece - but they will win your HEART for years to come. They are gorgeous, despite not conforming to the narrow-minded norms set forth by those who run these "shows". (I am a bit biased, I suppose, but check out my gallery and make up your own mind whether they are fabulous looking or not!) Finally, in order to enhance their natural personality, I hand-raise and socialize my kittens from day 1 (including exposure to the vacuum, blender, etc) so that when they are ready to go home with you, they will adjust seamlessly into your family! (For families with dogs/other pets: it may take longer for them to adjust to other pets than to their new humans, but I have seen it happen!)
Health of my kittens
To keep their natural health levels high, I breed from un-related and healthy lines (many breeders, in an attempt to follow the “show standards” discussed above, tend to in-breed in order to attain "the right look." Inbreeding as a practice is not healthy, and while not immediately evident, adds to serious health issues later). While I do everything humanly possible to ensure that my kittens are in perfect health, there will always be a chance for unforeseen health issues out of human control; I keep their living spaces clean and monitor any changes in health I see. I take my cats to the vet for regular check-ups and administer over the counter health supplements regularly (such as de-wormers and probiotics). Unfortunately, issues can arise from necessary vaccines that carry risks. (We humans also take risks when getting vaccinated or using certain medications recommended by licensed doctors - it's the same concept for animals.).
Upon picking up your new kitten, you are encouraged to take him/her to the vet of your choice within seven days of adoption, and if the vet believes there is something genetically wrong with the kitten, you may exchange the kitten for another or get a refund of your money, minus the non-refundable deposit you paid, after returning the kitten. Please know that I will need to see documentation from your vet for this. I will not give you a refund if you suddenly realize that you no longer want an animal in your life - but I do ask that you return the kitten to me and not give him/her to a shelter where they may be forced to euthanize or worse, abandon your kitten outside, as that is also a likely death sentence. Please make sure that this lifetime investment is right for you before buying a kitten!
Note on sick kittens: my kittens will only leave with you if they are healthy; they will have had a wellness check during the week of pick-up. If, for some reason, your new kitten becomes ill, and the vet cannot definitively point to any genetic issue/pre-condition, then the cause must be environmental (something toxic they ate/drank, being exposed to other sick animals, etc.). Once the kitten leaves my controlled environment, I can no longer take responsibility for these issues, and the cost and care for the kitten then falls on you as the responsible pet owner.
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Deposits and cost of my kittens
The cost of the kittens is $1,100*. This is due to the rising costs in veterinary care, high quality food and probiotics that I give to my cats, heating, litter and other needs such as website fees and advertising costs all factor into this price. While this may seem like a lot of money for a kitten, consider that average purebred puppy prices range from $900-$3,000 from reputable breeders. Also consider what you paid for your smartphone, tablet or computer you are using to look at this site. These devices can cost anywhere from $800-$1,300 depending on brand and features - which soon grow outdated. A new Burmese member of your family will bring years of joy and will not need to be upgraded every year! :)
Also, in order to ensure that you are serious about the commitment to adopt one of these wonderful creatures, I require a non-refundable deposit of $100 for each kitten. Once the payment has processed, you will have a secure "spot" in line. (This can be for a current litter or to be on a waiting list for future litters.) You always have the right to decide not to get a kitten later (but, why would anyone??!!) however I will in turn reserve the right to keep the deposit and put you back on the waitlist. After your deposit is received, your preferences for color and gender will be noted and recorded.
My preferred method of payment for the final payment is a money order, but I will accept cash as well. If you wish to write a personal check for the remainder of the kitten purchase, it will need to be sent ahead of time and be cleared before you pick up the kitten. Mobile payments may be offered in the future, but I need more time to research safe and effective options first. Please see the Contract page for where to send your non-refundable deposit.
I get to know the kittens that I raise - I spend a lot of time with them, know their personalities and I care about them deeply; if I do not feel that you would be a wise, caring, or loving owner, I reserve the right to tell you "no thank you, please look elsewhere". To that end, I have a contract that I ask all my customers to sign. Please see the Contract page for the contract in pdf form that you will need to print, fill out, and send along with your non-refundable deposit. The address for the deposit is included there. Please add comments in the contract about what gender/personality/looks you would like to have in a kitten and I will do my best to match it!
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Kitten pick-up dates
My kittens will go to their new homes during their 10th week. There will be three firm dates/times for you to choose from and make travel arrangements to pick up the kitten. Please contact for further discussion.