Conference misery::feline_v1

    I think you might be meaning Abyssinian (I *think* that's correct
    spelling).  I cannot blame you for liking them.  I think the long
    haired version, the Somali, is gorgegous.  I haven't seen anyone
    noting on them recently--anyone out there who can help .0 out?
    
    kim

    Kathie Dias - Abbirman Cattery - in Campbell California.
    
    Send me mail and I will give you her address and phone number.
    
    Kathie is a very good friend and a ethical breeder.  She has quality
    Abyssinians, from top lines.
    
    Jo

    I highly recommend Abyssinians (we have Kimi, a beautiful Ruddy
    Abyssinian). They are intelligent, very lively, and affectionate
    on their own terms. Kimi only gives his love to Roger (especially)
    and to me (less frequently). He is friends with one set of neighbours,
    who give him little snacks (whole fish...).
    
    They are quite demanding of attention, not a "HI, you're home, I'll
    go back to sleep now" sort of cat. Kimi wants lots of games, and
    when he wants love he REALLY wants it. Quite an extreme personality.
    He gets on well with Sura, our Burmese; they fight at times, but
    never seriously. I wouldn't leave an Aby alone during the day, they
    pine for human/feline company.
    
    In New Zealand they are rare, at a guess I'd say about 70-90 in
    the country. I gather they are less rare in the US, but still not
    a common cat (in any sense of the word).
    
    Be prepared to be told lots of stories about the good old days in
    ancient Egypt!
    
    Shayne (New Zealand)

    I guess I should have mentioned that I live in Nashua, NH and work
    in  Mass.   Any breeders on this coast?
    
    Maybe the moderator would like to change to title to the correct
    spelling.  May make it easier if anyone is searching for this title.
    
    Thanks a bunch.   Pam
    
    
    ps.  Chewy is still with us.  So far so good.  Keep your fingers
    crossed.
    

    Thanks anyway moderator.  I figured out how to correct the title.
    Hope this is the correct spelling now.  
    
    Pam

    
    I sent mail to Pam directing her to Pat Senser, in Greenfield MA.  Pat
    has kittens now, and I believe she's going to be selling them at around
    $300 per kitten, in case anyone else is interested.  These babies are
    of the ruddy variety.  Pat says that they're extremely people-oriented
    cats, even more so than the Siamese (I find that hard to believe, so I
    want to go visit them myself - Andy's made me promise to leave the
    carrier and the checkbook at home) :^}
    
    Sandy
    

    The most important thing I would mention about Abys is that they
    are extremely active!  They are also extremely intelligent.  I share
    my home with some of Kathie's Abys from time to time, and they leave
    the Birmans in the dust (both in activity level and brain level).
    
    Never known any other breed of cat that prefered sleeping on the
    top of an open door to sleeping on the bed.  When ever I can't find
    one of the visiting Abys, I start checking up by the ceiling, they
    really like high places.
    
    Jo

    I have an Aby and a Siamese and although I love them both dearly,
    the Aby is my favorite.  They are beautiful and have alot of
    personality.  The traits mentioned in the previous replies are true
    for my Aby also.  (Except mine likes to sleep under the comfortor
    on the bed as sell as on top of the cabinets)  I paid $200 for mine
    which is a Ruddy colored female of pet quality.  I think they are
    cheaper in the midwest than on the coasts. (Im from Minnesota)
    I was like you, I saw one in a book and it was love at first site.
    I went to a show and loved them even more.  There, I found a local
    breeder and bought one from her.  I also see several advertisments
    for breeders all over the country in pulications such as CAT FANCY
    and CATS magazine.  You wont be sorry if you get one, they are worth
    every dollar and more.
    
    Paula
    

    Oh I can't wait till we can get one.  They sound great and as I
    mentioned I think they are beautiful.  Wish I could run out today
    and buy one.  Someday though, that is what I will get.  Thanks for
    the tips.  I've always owned tabbys, etc.  Never a purebred.   My
    heart is set on a Aby though.
    
    Pam

    Pam,
    
    We have two Abys--a ruddy and a blue.  I second everything everyone
    else has already said here--especially the part about wanting affection
    on *their* terms.  They're great!  If you get one (or more) never plan
    on doing anything alone again for the rest of your life.  They insist
    on doing everything with me, whether I want them to or not!!  :-)
    
    I wouldn't trade them for the world!
    
    Jill

    This is great! I thought Kimi was the only Aby in the conference!
    Re -1, that is very true, Kimi is always involved. Today he supervised
    the planting of some trees; whenever we did anything wrong, he told
    us. He is a great help, I don't know how we would manage without
    him.                       
    
    And they are also stunningly beautiful! What more could you want
    in a cat??
    
    Shayne (NZ)

    re: .11,
    
    < Today he supervised the planting of some trees; 
    
    Reminded me of Gandalf the other day.  Jim and I were planting shrubs,
    and Jim bent down to work at the earth.  Gandalf (our blue Aby) jumped 
    on Jim's back and neck so he could get a better view of Jim's handiwork.  
    That wasn't quite close enough, though, so he jumped in the hole.  It's
    hard to seem severe and reprimand a cat when you're laughing so hard.
    
    Jill

    I've been reading everything that I can find about Abyssinians.
    The more I read the more I want one.  Some day.  
    
    Pam

    Go for it!!
    
    Jo

    
    Well, we went over to see Pat Senser's Aby kittens yesterday, and I was
    overwhelmed!  They are absolutely gorgeous - remind me of little
    cougars because of their eyes and their markings.  All four of the
    little ones are ruddies, and I finally learned the difference between
    reds and ruddies!  Dad cat (Buster) is a red, while Mom cat (DejaVu) is
    a ruddy.  And they're all extremely personable.
    
    I also got to meet her two blue Abys.  While the female is a real
    cutie, I was much more impressed by the male (she hasn't shown him
    yet).  His face shape is much better, and his purrsonality is a riot. 
    He climbed right up on my shoulder and sat up there for quite a while,
    purring and licking my face and hair :^}
    
    One interesting note - she's found that she has to keep the Aby and the
    Siamese separated, as some pretty intense fighting has gone on.  She's
    not sure if there's not a basic incompatibility there - has anyone else
    heard of such a thing?  If that's the case, I can't have an Aby ever
    due to all our Siamese <pout>.
    
    	Sandy
    

    re: 17    The incompatibility is probably an individual thing. One
              of the most intriguing cats I have ever met was a cross
              between an Aby and a Siamese.
    
    You had to be there to get the full effect. ..........It was my
    friend Jan's and my first visit to 'The Inner Quest' book store
    in Nashua, NH.  When we entered, there was no one around and some
    'new age' music was playing to 'set the mood'. Just then the cat
    came into the room and greeted us ...looking very wise and worldly.
    Jan and I both felt as though the cat were the proprieter! As I
    said, you had to be there...   somehow it just seemed natural..
    
    I *had* to ask about the cat as it was just beautiful! It was an
    exotic type, blue (or silver grey) with the ticking/banding on each
    hair ...and small leopard like spots all over. I thought it _must
    be_ some new or rare breed. I learned that the cat was an Aby/Siamese
    cross ...and it certainly was a demonstration of how 'the whole
    is equal to more than the sum of the parts'.  I love both Abys and
    Siamese, but this was something else. The companion cat was a 'pure'
    Siamese ...and even with it's beauty and intelligence, the cross
    was the one you remembered. What a beauty and what a 'character'!
                                                          
    
    Linda
    

    I wonder how much of the incompatibility was related to them
    not being neutered?  

    I believe the Ocicat was originally developed out of a programme
    to produce Abyssinian-pointed Siamese. The results were so beautiful
    that they have been developed into a breed in their own right (which
    doesn't yet exist in New Zealand, so I've never seen one).
    
    Abyssinians are VERY bossy, and like to rule the household. Burmese
    also tend to be dominant, I presume Siamese do also. Because of
    this, Kimi (Aby) and Sura (Burmese) tend to have complicated dominance
    struggles. Generally they are great friends, and overall KImi is
    dominant, as Abys always are, but they do have the occasional struggle.
    
    I saw two BEAUTIFUL blue abys at the show on the weekend, as well
    as a choclate and a fawn. No lilacs this time. All the Abys were,
    of course, gorgeous. Kimi was BEst Neuter or Spay Abyssinian. When
    we collected him from his cage, a man told us he'd been watching
    Kimi all day, and ther'd been a constnat stream of people falling
    in love with Kimi and wanting to take him home. Carrying him out
    to the car, more people stopped us and asked us about him, what
    they are like, etc, etc. Abys are sudenly in fashion, and Kimi is,
    of course, stunningly beautiful (I'm not biassed of course... am
    I???). Kimi is very large for an Aby - the secretary of the Aby
    club was admiring him, and she kept saying "He's very big, isn't
    he?" She said all the breeders have a waiting list for abys this
    year.
    
    Aren't we lucky to share our homes with such beauties!
    
    Shayne (NZ)

    
    Re Nancy DC
    
    	You're probably right there - Pat also suspected that it was
    because there were kittens about.  I should mention that the battle was
    between queens, as all her studs are caged.
    
    I also think the theory about them both trying to be dominant makes
    sense, too.  Pat said she never had problems with Siamese and Persians
    together, and she's presently got a Maine Coon that she keeps as a pet
    (neutered) that gets along with all the queens.
    
    Re. Shayne - do you know what color Aby/Siamese were used for the cross
    to produce an Ocicat?  Are they recognized here in the US?  It
    certainly sounds like an interesting combination! :^}
    
    Sandy
    

    The Occicats come in a wide range of colors, they are spotted, kind
    of like leopards.  The are a recognized breed in CFA now, and we
    have lots of them in our area (Bay area, California).
    
    I think there is a note that is devoted to discussion of Occicats.
    Check the keywords.
    
    Jo

    Re 21
    
    Jo has given good answers re recognition, etc.
    
    My 'Book of the Cat' says that the original Ocicat program involved
    a chocolate-pointed siamese. It doesn't say what colour Aby, but
    it was  probably a ruddy.
    
    The original ones were chestnut-brown or light cholcalte on crea,
    they now come in other colours, including silver and bronze.
    
    I'm rather glad they developed them as a separate breed, rather
    than mixing other breeds in with abys. The Abyssinian is such an
    old breed, and so special (okay, I'm biassed...), that I like to
    see it remain intact, if you know what I mean.
    
    Shayne (NZ)

    The Aby has remained so intact in the States that CFA still doesn't
    recognize the Fawn Aby.  They only recognize Ruddy, Red, and only
    recently Blue.
    
    I understand their are even Silvers in some countries.
    
    Jo

    Re .24
    
    Yes, there are silver Abys in New Zealand! Kimi beat one in our
    NAtional All-Breeds SHow last weekend. They are very beautiful,
    but the traditionalist in me still loves ruddies best.
    
    Shayne

    Well I went to my first Cat Show on Saturday (Nashua, NH).  I went
    especially to see what a Abyssinian looks like in real life (have
    only seen them in books up until Saturday).  Well I am in love with
    the breed even more.  I probably would have gone home with a kitten
    if there was one available.  I saw 2 ruddy's and 1 red.  They are
    gorgeous.  I want one NOW.  I wonder how Chewy would take a new
    cat in the house.  She is 2 years old now.  She has buddies out
    side but when they try to come into our apartment she starts hissing.
    I am sure it is easier for them to get used to a kitten vs. an older
    cat.
    
    So I wasn't going to buy one until we can buy a house but I suppose
    if I can hide one cat I can hide 2.  Several renters have 2 cats.
    If they find out that I still have Chewy I'll get kicked out so
    what difference will it make if they find out I have 2 cats?  I'll
    still get kicked out.
    
    I have read everything I can find about the Abys. Everything I have
    read says that they are not a good cat to have if you want to keep
    them indoors only.  Chewy goes outside for a few hours a day.  The
    books say that they love to be outside.  My question is, aren't
    you afraid that someone might see your cat, fall in love with it,
    and swipe it?  There's always the dangers outside as well.  We have
    lots of woods around the apartments so there is no need for the
    cats to go across any streets but you know cats.  Chewy has survived
    2 years outside and never has come home with a scratch.
    
    It seemed like the most popular cat at the show was the Maine Coons.
    Tons of them.  My husband fell in love with them.  He said we can
    buy 2 cats and have a 3 cat household.  Don't really have that much
    x-tra money to buy 2 cats though.  I met an Aby breeder and she
    had 3 Somalis with her.  A ruddy, blue and red (hey I'm actually
    learning a thing or two now).  The Somalis were beautiful and had
    much better personalities than the Abys, but I think that was because
    of the breeders, not the breed.  She was constantly taking them
    out and playing with them, the other breeder never payed any attention
    to them and probably is the same at home, unless the abys were just
    upset because of being in the show.  
    
    If anyone knows of a breeder in NH or Northern, MA that has Aby
    kittens this year or in the spring, please drop me a note.
    BAGELS::MATSIS.  I may just weeken and buy one sooner than planned.
    
    Thanks, Pam

    I think Aby's are  beautiful too!  And they're very high energy
    cats!  Not at all like folds.  I think I prefer the somali's tho.
    I was going to ask if you'd seen any of them.
      re: outdoor - yes, its entirely possible for someone to steal
    your cats.  You might find that once Chewy gets used to her new
    housemates, you can keep them inside.  They'll have each other to
    play with.  It may take a bit, but Chewy would probably get used
    to it.
      Hope you find the perfect kitties.  Tony Costa (Dundee's breeder)
    used to breed Aby's too.  I dont think he has any now, but he could
    probably point you in the right direction.  I'll send you his
    phone number.
      Nancy DC

    	I also was at the Nashua show this weekend.  Both Saturday and
    Sunday.  Saturday I went as a Girl Scout chaperon (they cleaned
    the cages after judging), so my entrance was paid.  I then dragged
    (well not quite) Randy along on Sunday to try and convince him that
    we need to even up the numbers.  
    
    Nancy, I've fallen for the Scottish Folds.  I WANT ONE!  Now all
    I have to do is convince Randy.  Any suggestions?  
    
    Bernice
    Mother_of_Trouble+2

    re: .28  Bring him to Salem on 10/7-8 and let him meet Dundee.
    I think that might convince him.
      Nancy DC

    Does anyone have the number for TEMEK Cattery?  It is somewhere around
    Framingham.  I called information but they don't have the number.  I
    hear they have 2 Abysinnian Kittens and I may go up to see them.
    
    Thanks, Pam

    You may want to call Meg Lambert in Attleboro MA.  Sorry, I don't have
    her number, but it is available from information.  
    
    Meg's abyssinian Alien was CFF's Cat of the Year 2 years ago.
    
    cin
    

    re.28
    Hi Bernice, it was sooooooo good to see you again. they did have some 
    beautiful fur faces.. I was under strict orders from Pookie..
    No baby sisters, or brothers.. just bring home Toys!!!!..
    Happy said just bring home treats.. I will commandeer.. um..
    I mean share Pookies toys.. so we brought home new toys, treats..
    I did fall in love with this little exotic shorthair,, they also
    has a "miniature Pookie"..the little shorthair would have made
    a great playmate for Happy.. EEK.. what am I saying!! Cin..
    I think I have been bitten by the baby Kitty bug..SIGH!!
    Regards
    Kate

    re: 31
    
    Meg's address is:
    
    Meg Lambert
    216 Park Street
    Attleboro, MA 02703
    
    Her babies are great!
    
    E.T.

    Cin, ET, and everyone else,
    
    Thanks a lot.  Meg has some Ruddy Aby's, 12 weeks old and ready
    to go.  I'm going to pick one up this week or next week.  I am so
    phyiched.  I thought I was going to have to wait until the spring.
    
    I couldn't get one through TEMEK (Matt Goldman) because the 2 kittens
    look like Show quality and will go for around $800 a piece.  It
    was Mrs Goldman who told me that Meg Lambert has kittens ready to
    go.
    
    I'll keep you posted.
    
    Thanks again.
    
    
    Pam  :-)   :-)   :-)          Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I don't know if I will have a choice or not, doesn't really matter,
    but...........if I do have a choice between male and female, is
    there one that I should choose.  Do the males grow up to be more
    attractive?  I have had both male and female cats and all were very
    affectionate so that's not an issue.
    
    Thanks, pam

    I would think that you 'may' be offered a male, but if I had the
    choice, I would 'select' a male.  Altered males are wonderful.
    
    Just an opinion!
    
    E.T._mom_of_10_altered_males_and_7_altered_females !!

    re: .36   You may get a better "quality" cat in a male since
    breeders tend to want fewer males than females around.  More of
    the males end up neutered as pets.  Like my little Dundee.
      Nancy DC

    I know that a lot of the books say that Aby's are not happy indoors,
    but all of my Aby breeder friends do not allow their cats outdoors,
    and their cats are happy and well adjusted.  I also get to live
    with some of Kathie's Abys from time to time.  They are terrific.
    
    Jo

    Yayy Pam! You will LOVE your Aby.
    
    Our Kimi is a neutered male (as is our Burmese), so of course we
    are biased, but they are lovely (of course). There seems to be quite
    a size difference between male and female Abys, males are a lot
    larger. They are not a large breed generally.
    
    Kimi is very energetic, he makes Sura seem comatose, and Burmese
    are fairly lively cats. I don't mean Kimi is at all hyperactive
    (he was as a kitten, but aren't most of them?), he just loves being
    active, especially running about climbing trees, helping us with
    gardening, hanging out washing, etc. He sleeps far less than Sura,
    he certainly doesn't sleep the 16-20 hours a day some people quote
    for cats. I would imagine that if you wanted to make an Aby indoor-only
    (and I am NOT trying to contribute to that controversy) it would
    take an even greater commitment to provide exercise and stimulation than
    for a less energetic breed.
    
    As we often say to Kimi, he's only just a cat! Abys should almost
    have their own species name.
    
    Shayne (catching up after two weeks' holiday!), New Zealand

    Well I met the breeder on Friday.  She brought two male Abys with
    her.  I had a heck of a time picking one out.    They were both
    so adorable.  I ended up taking the smaller of the two.  If I had
    the money, I would have taken both.
    
    I fell in love instantly.  Driving home, he crawled out of his box,
    climbed up on my shoulder, and started kissing my neck and ears.
    He then curled up behind my neck and went to sleep.
    
    We named him Zula.  He is beautiful.  The most lovable cat I have
    ever met.  He does not leave our side for a second.  He sleeps right
    on my neck.  Purrs extremely loud any time you touch him.  He loves
    to sleep under the blankets curled up next to me.
    
    I was a little worried.  ON Friday night, his eyes started running
    and got worse.  I called the breeder, Meg Lambert and she said that
    it was probably from the stress ( she had a good 2 hour car ride
    total, plus taking her away from her mother and brother).  She said
    that it should go away in a day or two.  Well it got much worse
    on Saturday.  I called an emergency number and a vet called me back.
    He said to give it until Monday.  Well she seems to be much better
    now.  Her eyes look good.  She's very playful and eating like a
    pig (woops, it's a he, not a she).  I LOVE HIM!!!
    
    Now the bad part.  Chewy, my 2 year old cat, has flipped out.  She
    came home on Friday, took one look at the kitten and started hissing.
    She then hid on the kitchen cabinets for the next 8 hours.  That
    is where she has been sleeping.  She usually sleeps on our bed but
    she won't go near the room with the kitten in there.  I tried to
    pick her up to comfort her but she hissed at me.  Last night I was
    able to pat her and tried to bribe her with some hamburg.  She did
    eat it out of my hand.
    
    Has anyone had a cat who has NOT snapped out of this.   I feel very
    guilty.  I love Chewy and didn't know she would get this upset.
    I hope she snaps out of it soon.
    
    Pam

    Pam -
      In the three months we had Tymothee, Mao refused to come down
    off the fridge.  It is my opinion that even if Tym had been there
    longer, Mao wouldn't have adjusted.
      Having said that, I will also say that where a kitten is being
    introduced, I feel you have a virtually 100% chance of success.  I 
    know its upsetting to have a cat who is usually very affecionate 
    refuse to have anything to do with you and hiss at you.  Relax,, 
    she'll get over it.  Isis spent the first three days we had Dundee 
    bapping on top of his little head.  On day 4 she decided to play with 
    him and couldn't understand why he kept running away.  Then she decided
    she was his mother.  Need I say more? 
      So give it some time and keep us updated.
      Nancy DC
    

    By the way, I read a lot of notes where people talk about their
    cats Peeping, Meeping, Bleeping, etc and had no idea what you were
    talking about.  Now I know!!!!!  I hear some of the most bizarre
    noises comming from Zula.  He's so adorable.  He sounds just like
    Gizmo at the beginning of the movie Gremlins (when the kid first
    got him for a X-mas present).  Zula looks like a little bat now
    because of his big ears.
    
    What a doll.
    
    Pam

    Welcome to Zula! You are in for a LOT of pleasure with him!
    
    Shayne (NZ)

    Wells, it's the start of Day 5 and Chewy is still up on the kitchen
    cabinets.  I put a towel up there to make her a little more
    comfortable.  It's also warm up there because she is on the cabinets
    behind the fridge.  She isn't growling at me anymore.  The kitten
    can come into the room and she isn't growling at her either.  She
    is still playing stubborn and the poor hurt little kitty routine.
    I hope she gets bored soon and realizes that we aren't going to
    get rid of Zula.  Maybe she'll decide to join the family soon.
    
    Zula sure is a character.  He's very into pacing.  He walks over
    me, across my husband (usually over our faces) gives us each a kiss,
    purrs, walks around the bed, back to me and keeps going all night.
    
    Pam

    re:44
    
    Pam, have you tried the butt sniffing method?  hold the kitten
    butt-end  up to the older cat's nose and let the oldster sniff
    for a while.  That usually helps - what is happening is that 
    they are smelling a very strange new cat smell that they can't
    or won't get close enough to to figure out it won't hurt them.
    If you put the new smell right under her/his nose, they don't
    have any choice but to take a sniff - it helps calm things down.
    You should repeat this sniffing very often.
    
    Just an opinion - hope it helps!
    
    E.T.

    You don't think that will make matters worse?  I know Chewy will
    start growling if I put the kitten up to her face.  It may be worth
    a try though.
    
    I'll let you know.
    
    Thanks Pam

    Don't put them face to face, put them butt to face.  If Chewy backs
    off, just let her.  But, chances are good that she will take that
    opportunity to sniff the kitten's butt.  
    
    Also, Chewy thinks that the new kitten has come in to take you away
    from her.  Give Chewy lots of love and affection (if she won't let
    you touch her, just talk to her in a calm, loving voice), and try
    not to lavish the new kitten with attention while Chewy is watching.
    
    Give them time.
    
    Jo

    I've been trying to give Chewy lots of attention.  Since she won't
    come to me, I climb up on the counter to see her up on the cabinets.
    When I cook, I climb up to give her a small treat of whatever meat
    I am cooking.
    
    I'll try the "Butt" trick.  Who knows.
    
    I'll keep you posted.  Pam

    re: .45 - We tried that with Tymothee & Mao.  Of course, when we
    gave Tymothee the opportunity to sniff mao's butt, he went 
    sniff, sniff..snif, sniff...  BITE!!
    
    Gave that up real quick  :-)  
    
    'course Tymothee & Mao was a real unique situation so I wouldn't
    hesitate to try it with Chewy & Zula.  I think they'll do just
    fine.
      Nancy DC  - Those experiences must be good for something cause
    It makes me laugh to think about them.
    

    Well, so much for trying the Butt method.  I would if I could find
    Chewy.  My husband let her out around 4pm yesterday.  She came to
    the window around 8pm.  I opened the door to let her in.  She just
    started as if to say "That little runt is still here isn't he".
    She refused to come in.  Every time I opened the door she walked
    away.  This went on until about 10pm when we finally gave up.  Called
    her several times this morning.  No sign.  Hope she found some place
    warm to sleep last night.
    
    Pam

    Pam, 
    
    I would get her back in and keep her in until she is adjusted to
    the new kitten.  You run the risk that she might look for a new
    home, or wander off because she is mad at you for bringing in the
    new kitten.
    
    Jo

Pam,

Congratulations on the addition to your family!! I know you will love Zula
a lot and that Zula will be a treat for you.  We currently have 3 Abys and
they are most amazing.  Be sure and tell us all of the fun stuff that Zula
gets into--we love those stories.

Jill

    Well Chewy is still up on the kitchen cabinets.  It's been 10 days
    so far.  She seemed in a decent mood so I stuck Zula's butt in her
    face for a sniff and she freaked out (Chewy).  When flying back
    up onto the cabinets after a BIG growl and hiss.  She does seem
    to be comming around a bit though.  When Zula is playing in the
    kitchen, she no longer growls.  She sits up and stares at Zula with
    curiosity.  She comes off of the cabinets to let us know that she
    wants to go outside.  She also follows me in at night without me
    having to drag her in.  Last night we went inside and Zula was standing
    there and chased Chewy down the hall, into the spare room, then
    Chewy came flying out and flew up onto the cabinets.  Zula wants
    to play and Chewy wants nothing to do with him.  At least Chewy
    has never made an attempt to harm Zula or to pick a fight.  Just
    won't go near her.
    
    On Friday I took Chewy outside.  She was like her good old self
    when outside.  She followed me to the store like she used to, waited
    for me while I crossed the street, I came back and she was still
    waiting.  She then followed me home.
    
    I took Zula to the vet on Friday.  He has been sneezing, his eyes
    have been running bad, his nose has been running and he has had
    the runs.  The vet put him on antibiotics and gave me some ointment
    for his eyes.  Meg Lambert agreed to pay for the bills.  He was
    sick from the night that I took him home.  He seems much much better
    now.  No more sneezing.  His eyes have cleared up.  The vet also
    took cultures on Friday.  When I picked him out I noticed a couple
    of bald spots on his head.  Meg thought it was from the kittens
    play fighting with each other.  I don't.  Now I have been finding
    bald spots all over his body.  The skin is very very dry and flaky.
    He seems to be biting himself.  The vet said it could possible be
    ring worm.  I found about 12-15 spots in all.  Some are about an
    inch long.  I should find out in a few days.  Won't give any medication
    until he finds out.   Poor Zula.  Anyone else have a kitten with
    these spots?
    
    Pam

    >> When Zula is playing in the kitchen, she no longer growls.  
    >> She sits up and stares at Zula with curiosity.
    
    Ah yes...the curiosity will get 'em every time!  I love it!
    Cats get too curious to stay mad.  I'd say your guys are on
    their way to adjusting.  Mao has been doing pretty much the
    same thing with Flame...I offered her a good sniff, which 
    she took, then hisssssssss'd.
      Nancy

    The cultures that he did were for the ringworm, right?  If so, it
    will take ten days for the culture to grow before you will know
    for sure.  If it is ringworm, be sure and tell the breeder since
    she may have it in her cattery and not know it yet.  That can be
    a disaster.  I would be glad that Chewey and Zula aren't getting
    too close right now, if it is ringworm, it is highly contagious
    and Chewey will have to be treated too.
    
    Jo

    Well it's only been 4 days and the vet said the cultures are already
    growing, even though it usually takes 7-10 days.  He is going to
    give it two more days to be sure.  Then, Zula and Chewy will both
    be on medication for a month and I will have to give them baths
    with a special shampoo that contains Iodine.  
    
    Has anyone had a cat with Ringworm?  I know Humans can catch it
    easily too.  I'm on the look out for any strange rashes that may
    develop.  Does anyone know what causes Ring Worm?  What would have
    happened if I didn't notice it and bring Zula to the vet?
    
    Thanks, Pam

    Ringworm is a fungus.  I have never had it on my cats, or on myself,
    but I thought one of my cats had it once.  We cultured her, and
    after ten days, the culture hadn't grown.  So, we cultured her again,
    and then put her on the meds cause she was so sick.  The medication
    for it is called Fulvicin, and it is in pill form.  Also, we had
    to bathe her every day in Nolvasan Shampoo.  She also had to have
    a cream applied to the spots, and an ointment in her eyes to protect
    them from the shampoo and ointment.  After the second culture didn't
    grow, we took her off the medication and then finally discovered
    that her problem was allergic, not ringworm.
    
    Anyway, I don't envy you.  It is alot of work to get rid of ringworm.
    I would be sure and call the breeder and tell her.  Ringworm seems
    to affect kittens more readily than adult cats (some adults have
    built up immunity to it), so she may not know that she has it. 
    Be sure to wash your hands after handling either cat.  Ringworm
    is contagious to humans.  Maybe your vet can give you some help
    with that.  From what I understand, the disinfectant Nolvasan is
    a fungicide too (meaning it kills ringworm), so you could probably
    get some from the vet, dilute it in water in a spray bottle, and
    use that to clean the cat beds, etc, and wash your hands with it.
    
    Jo

    re: 57
    
    I use Nolvasan Shampoo on Lil for preshow baths.  The stuff is really
    great - even has a conditioner in it!  I like it for the way it
    leaves Lil's coat, and if it kills fleas and fungus to boot, then
    that's even better!  
    
    E.T.

    I have been using it since I had to use it on Joui.  I love what
    it does for her coat too.  I leaves the coat clean, soft, and sweet
    smelling.  And kills fleas, fungus, and mites!
    
    Jo

    Do you know if its available from Hadleigh House?  If so I'll
    pick some up at the next show. 
      N

    Nope, Haddleigh doesn't sell it.  You can probably buy it from your
    vet.  That's what all my cats are bathed in.  I never knew that it was
    good for "fungus", but it does kill fleas.  
    
    I've been bathing Stripees in it for shows for over a year now.  It
    leaves the coat soft and shiney.  
    
    

    Nancy, it is probably available from Hadleigh House.  I buy it from
    my vet sometimes, and from Pro Vet sometimes.  Don't remember the
    cost.  Also, there is another shampoo that is great too, it is called
    Goodwinol Rotenone Shampoo, and it is another one that kills everything
    and still leaves the cat smelling good.  It also has some soothing
    ingredients in it so if the cat has any kind of skin rash, it can
    help take the itch away.  I used it on Joui too, and I feel it helped
    clean up her allergic rash faster than the Nolvasan.
    
    Jo

    Nance, Martha told me that she 'can get' it , but she doesn't
    carry Fort Dodge products.  Your vet should have it - easier.
    
    It sure is an added benefit to kill fungus - my vet said so
    also.  Cindy told me that she used it, so I started using
    it on Lil - what I had been using on Lil really didn't set
    right with me - I didn't like the way her coat looked - so
    I asked Cin, and then started using it - you have seen the
    results!  Incredible improvement - DunDee always looks very
    very nice and shinny clean!  What ever you are using seems
    to be working!  He's VERY pretty!
    
    E.T.

    re: .63  Thanks E.T.  I use blue dawn on him...Actually, I bathed
    him for the W. Warwick show on 9/16-17 and then just gave him the
    "wet facecloth" treatment for the rest of the shows.  I think
    he will get another batch for Braintree.
      Nancy

    re: -1, last line - Should have read, "I think he will get
    another BATH for Braintree"  (sigh...long night)

    re:  .56
    
    I seem to be an expert now on Ringworm unfortunately.  My cat Louie
    got ringworm in April and I gave him pills twice a day for month
    and it cleared up.  (It took a very, very long time for his fur
    to grow back too.)  Then at the end of August he appeared to have
    the same symptoms again and sure enough he had it again.  So this
    time it was the pills and plus I had to dip him once week (this
    for a 6 year old cat who never had a bath in his life - not a fun
    time believe me!!)  The vet said that probably he never totally
    got rid of it the first time - but who knows?  All I know is that
    it is definitely a hard job to get rid of ringworm and I hope this
    is the last time for Louie.  Oh, when I asked the vet how he gets
    this, he told me that it is "just spores in the air"  and then the
    cat gets the fungus.  Not much help there.  Also, although it is
    supposed to be very contagious to humans, both times I never I got
    it and I didn't stop handling Louie at all (he needs his loving),
    but I did try to remember to wash my hands more.
    
    Hope this helps a little.
    
    Good luck - I hope your cat doesn't have it!!!
    
    Judie
    

    Thanks Judie, but too late.  The vet confirmed that he does have
    Ringworm last night.  So far we haven't caught it.  I'm glad to
    hear that you never caught it either.  My husband thought the kitten
    had real worms in her body. I explained to him that is a fungal
    infection, not real worms.  Well at least I caught it now before
    it got any worse.  I have to pick up pills for Zula and Chewy tonight.
    Also picking up a special shampoo.
    
    Pam

    Pam, I'm sorry to hear that Zula has ringworm.  Have you informed
    his breeder yet?  Do you think it came from the cattery?
    

    Definitely came from the cattery.  When I picked her up I asked
    the breeder what the bald spots were on her head.  She said it was
    probably from Play/fighting with her brothers.  Well when I got
    him home that night I noticed quite a few more spots.  I have tried
    calling her several times but there has been no answer.  I'll keep
    trying.  I can't believe I payed $350.00 for a sick kitty.
    
    Pam

    I forgot to mention that I had Zula for only 7 days when I took
    her in for the cultures which turned out possitive in only 3 days,
    confirmed after 5.  Chewy doesn't have it (yet).  By the 7th day
    the spots had doubled in number and size.  I hope the breeder pays
    for these bills.  I'll let everyone know when it's cleared up.
    
    Pam

    I would agree with your feelings Pam.  Just tell her that since
    your vet has confirmed the diagnosis and since the cat was symptomatic
    when you took him you feel its only fair for her to refund the
    amount you've paid out in vet's bills.  Thats just good business.
      Keep us posted.
       Nancy DC
    

    Some people and cats are immune to ringworm fungus.  Most vets,
    and vet techs are among the immune group.  It is a good idea for
    you to be very careful after handling either of your cats, and wash
    up real well with Nolvasan or other antifungal disinfectant.  If
    you do get it, it isn't the end of the world, although it isn't
    very pleasant.  
    
    Ringworm is a spore, and it is contagious through airborne transmission
    so even though Zula and Chewey haven't had any direct contact, she
    could still get it.
    
    Also be careful to wash your hands before touching other people's
    cats, or cats outside in the neighborhood.  
    
    It takes patience and consistent treatment to get rid of ringworm.
    
    Jo

    Well it's been 18 days and Chewy may finally be comming around.
    For the first 2 weeks she stayed up on the kitchen cabinets.  Then
    she started comming down to the counters.  Yesterday I saw her on
    the kitchen floor sleeping.  Last night I went out into the kitchen
    and she was sleeping on the rug in the dining room.  Zula of course
    went to check out Chewy.  They were about 8 feet apart, staring
    at each other.  Heard an occasional growl from Chewy but she didn't
    take off.  Zula moved in closer.  She sat under the table about
    4 feet from Chewy.   The staring contest continued.  Chewy stuck
    around for about 15 minutes before going back up on the cabinets.
    About a half hour later Chewy was sleeping in the dining room again.
    Zula resumed his position under the table and the staring contest
    started again.  Chewy stuck it out for another 15 minutes.  I went
    into the bedroom and Chewy actually came down the hall and peeked
    in, until Zula started chasing her.
    
    It is a start though.  I'm guessing that she'll start sleeping on
    the couch again in another few days.  Maybe there's still hope.
    
    Pam
    
    ps.  Yes, I now have ringworm.  I have a spot under my chin and
    one on my arm.  I haven't seen a doctor yet.  Zula and Chewy are
    on Fuvalin (sp?) and I have a shampoo with Iodine called Weladol
    for Zula.  I've put some of that on my spots.  It's just Iodine
    right?  They seem to be clearing up.  If they don't go away I'll
    get a prescription from the doctor.

    Zula is unreal (getting tired of hearing about him yet?).  A couple
    of people in this file said that Abyssinians love water and they
    were right.  When ever I am in the bathroom, he is right there with
    me, standing in the sink, waiting for the water to stop running
    so that he can lap the sink dry.  Does the same thing with the bath
    tub only now he doesn't wait until I am done.  The night before
    last he jumped in the tub while I was taking a HOT shower.  I he
    ran through my legs and then jumped out.  I figured he would probably
    never attempt that again.  Well I was wrong.  Last night he jumped
    in again, only this time he was a little smarter.  He jumped in
    the tub and stood behind the shower curtain so only his paws were
    getting wet.  The shower curtain is half see-through so he could
    watch me.  He stayed there for a few minutes and then jumped out.
    A minute later he was back in the tub again.  He loves it.  I got
    out and he lapped it dry again.  He's a character.
    
    Pam

    Pam - Mao has it down right.  We have shower doors instead of
    a curtain and she jumps up to the sink and then on top of the
    sliding doors so she can watch the crazy humans.  
      Both Mao & Dundee will jump up onto the sink when I'm brushing
    my teeth and have to have some water.  I'm standing there with
    a mouth full of foamy toothpaste waiting for them to finish their
    drink!
      Nancy

Hi Pam!!

Sounds like it won't be long now and Chewy and Zula will be running
together and getting into all kinds of trouble and you'll be wishing
Chewy was back up on the cabinets!  We'll see, right!  

Sorry to hear *you* got ringworm too!!  Yuck!  Hope it isn't too bad.

See ya,
Kerry (and Khelsey)

    I should have named Zula, Romeo.  He now sleeps all night long on
    my pillow, above my head, with his head resting on top of my head.
    Doesn't budge.  If I roll over, he re-positions himself and gets
    his head on top of mine again.

    I was in Jordan Marsh a couple of weeks ago, buying Christmas paper
    and cards and had picked out some really nice cards.  I was walking
    around and I saw this box of X-mas Cards and threw the other ones
    down.  Its a picture of Santa with a cat on his shoulder and one
    in his lap.  I swear it is a picture of a ruddy Abyssinian in his
    lap. Looks just like Zula.  I had to get them.  The one on his shoulder
    looks a lot like a Somali.  
    
    Pam

    Boy, Zula just keeps on amazing me.  He is absolutely the sweetest boy.
    He's definitely mommy's boy. 
    
    I couldn't find a keyword for papers so I am just posting this here.
    If you remember, when I took Zula home from the breeder, he was sick
    and had ringworm.   She agreed to pay for the vet bills.  I saw half
    of the money ($50) but never saw the other half.  I have contacted
    her several times over the last 6 months.  The last time was about
    2 months ago.  I can live without the $50 she owes me (I'll make sure
    I never buy another Aby from her since she doesn't stand behind her
    kittens) but I would really like to get his pure-bred papers (if that's
    what you call them).  Back in January, I had him neutered and mailed
    the receipt to her in order to get his papers.  She never sent them.
    
    My question is, does she have to send away for them or something?  How
    long should it take?
    
    Thanks, Pam

    Pam, when I had Kelsey and Kirby neutered, Linda had the registration
    papers and pedigree ready within a day.  Most breeders have pedigrees
    for various breeding xeroxed so they don't have to type/write a
    new one every single time.  I am not certain about the timeliness
    of registration papers, though, and if they take longer to get.
    I would think the breeders would have them on hand, after registering
    the litter.
    
    I know who Zula's breeder is, and will withold commentary on her
    credentials.
    
    Keep after her.  You have a right to your money, and your papers.
    
    
    --Roberta
    

    It can take 6-8 weeks, and sometimes even longer for CFA to return
    the litter registration papers to the breeder.  I had one litter
    that took 14 weeks!  If she hadn't already registered the litter,
    she may be waiting for the litter registrations from CFA.  Before
    you get mad at her, why not give her the benefit of the doubt, and
    call her with a gentle reminder?  I often get so wrapped up in my
    cats, kittens, shows, new puppy, and puppy training, that some of
    my cattery paperwork falls through the cracks.  This is not deliberate
    on my part, nor is it an act of maliciousness, just plain old
    disorganization.  Luckily for me, my pet buyers have been very nice
    about reminding me when it is needed. :^)                    
    
    Glad to hear that Zula is such a good boy.
    
    Jo

    
    I agree.  They should have the papers already.  We signed a neuter/spay
    agreement with our breeder, but by the time we got our third cat from
    her, she felt she knew us well enough to give us the forms that she got 
    when she registered the litters.
    
    	Good luck with this,
    
    	Sandy
    

    Boy, you guys leave no margin for error, do you? :^)
    
    Jo (whose has a litter two litters of four month old kittens at
    home whose litter registrations are *still* not back from CFA after
    6 weeks...)
    
    

    (that should have said "has two litters of four month old kittens...")
    
    Jo

    Thanks for the info.  I have been extremely patient.  Zula is 9 1/2
    months old now.  You would think she would have the papers by now.
    I just called her and left a message on her machine, asking her to call
    me about the papers.  (didn't mention the money).  Let's see if she
    at least calls me about them.  I wouldn't trade Zula in for anything in
    the world.  He's such a puuuuuurrrrrfect kitty.  
    
    Pam

    Well since the breeder never returned my call, I called her at work.
    She said that the papers are in the works and that she should have them
    in a month or so.  Some kind of problem where she didn't own the mother
    and now she does (or something like that).  She said that she usually
    files when they are about 2 months old but she doesn't know why she 
    didn't this time.  She also said that she didn't forget about the
    balance that she owed me. 
    
    She will be at the Hudson, NH show this weekend and asked me to bring
    Zula along for her to see if I was going to attend so she could see
    him.  She is showing a red female aby, a blue aby and a couple other
    cats.
    
    Pam

    Leasing cats, and doing co-breedings can sometimes complicate the
    paperwork.  The problem is that you then have to fill out your part
    of the registration, and then mail it to the co-owner for sig, then
    it gets mailed to you so that you can mail it to CFA.  It can take
    time sometimes.  I usually don't register the litter until I can
    tell what colors and quality all the kittens are, that way, if I
    decide that one is show quality and I want to name it, I can just
    do it at the same time.
    
    Glad to hear that it is all working out.
    
    Jo
    

    
    Well the Chewy/Zula saga continues.  They seemed to be getting
    buddy-buddy for quite a while.  Everything changed when the weather
    got nice and I started letting Chewy outside.  Now she comes in and
    just wants to hibernate on the kitchen cabinets again.  They don't
    fight at all.  Chewy hisses at Zula and then jumps up on the cabinets.
    Chewy just seems happy beiing by herself.
    
    Now I need some help from my fellow feliners.  (I'm really hoping you
    talk me out of this!! ;-}  ) .    I feel so bad for Zula.  He is so
    extremely affectionate and such a friendly Aby.  From what I have read,
    Aby's crave human and feline companionship.  Poor guy, no kitty wants
    to be friends with him.  I bring him outside with me occassionally, and
    the neiborhood cats hiss at him when he tries to go up to them.  Even
    the ones inside.  Chewy hisses at him.  I've never seen him his.  I've
    been thinking of getting him a new kitten so that he'll have a buddy.
    It's not his fault that Chewy is so B**chy to him.  Why should he
    suffer right?   We both work full time and I think he would have a ball
    with a little kitty.  
    
    I kept saying, 2, definitely 2 is our cat max.  My husband agreed that
    we should get a 3rd.  I just don't know if I want all the extra cat
    hair, etc.   It's so tempting.  I also am afraid that if I get him a 
    buddy, he may not be so affectionate to us.  He may end up spending
    most of his time with the kitten.
    
    Hmmm, what to do, what to do.   If we could afford it at the moment,
    we would get a Maine Coon.   I've been trying to reach the Humane
    Society in Nashua, NH to see if they have any kittens they need to
    find homes for.   There's been no answer.   I would like a orange
    kitten ( I really want a young kitten so that they will really take
    to Zula, I know Zula won't have a problem, he really seems to want 
    feline companionship).  I don't want to take a chance with an adult
    just tolerating him.  
    
    Any orange kitties out there?????
    
    Now I know how you guys get up to 18 cats.
    
    Pam, Zula and Chewy

    
    Does anyone out there that own an Abyssinian have a problem with
    Diarrhea?  Zula stool never seems to be solid.  I asked the vet to
    check it when he was neutered a few months ago but he said there
    was no problem found.  The other 2 cats don't smell have as bad
    when they go to the bathroom either.  I thought I read somewhere that
    the breed tends to have it.  I feed him Tender Vittles in the Morning,
    along with Blue Seal Kat Crunchies, and 9-Lives at night.  Maybe the
    9-Lives isn't helping the situation, but I thought that an all dry
    diet can give males FUS (if that's the right disease).   I don't know
    if a total Tender Vittles diet would be nutritious enough.  He loves
    it, but loves 9-lives canned the best.  He doesn't care for the Kat
    Crunchies at all.  He likes Iams much better.  
    
    If anyones Aby has the same problem, have you found a cure, or has a
    vet seen the cat?
    
    Pam
    
    ps.  Zula (now 1 years old) and Ziggy (3 months old) are BEST of
    buddies.   They are together constantly.  Chewy is still living on
    the kitchen cabinets and is only happy when she is outside.  I can
    only let her out a couple of hours a night because cats are not 
    allowed at our apartment complex and I have to keep her hidden.
    Anyone know of anyone that owns a farm that wouldn't mind another
    cat?  I would help with the food cost.  She is spayed, has all of
    her shots and healty (2.5 years old).   I'm not planning on dumping
    her.  I just wish I could let her out all day long.  She loves the
    outdoors.   I am keeping the other 2 as indoor only kitties.

    Hi!
    
    I have just got an Aby kitten - he is a sorrell and is called Rolf.
    He is cute but he is also a bit of a stinker ;-) The breeder said
    that this was a "feature" of Abys!
    
    Pookie, our other cat (ginger tabby), just about tolerates him. She
    also likes to be outside and spends hours outside sulking. We are
    in the middle of building a cat run and when it is finished we will
    be keeping her indoors with Rolf. Rolf has never been outside.
    
    Rolf is very affectionate and loves creeping up on Pookie! He'll
    learn!
    
    Lisa plus Pookie and Rolf.
    

    "Feature" ???    I had a feeling that it was common to the breed.
    Is his stool also very loose all the time?   Rolf sounds like a real
    cutie.  Zula is a living doll and my best buddy.   I don't ever want
    to be without an Aby.  As long as I know that it is a trait of the 
    breed and that he is not sick.   
    
    Thanks, Pam

    Well I just spoke to my breeder to see if her Aby's have the same
    problem.  She said that yes they do, and that it is kind of a trait
    among Abys.  (which of heard from several sources now).
    
    Zula's father is one of the worse (hmmm, like father like son).
    She said that he also has blood in his stool which is caused my
    strainging.  Zula also has blood occassionally and I read in this
    file before that it can be from strainging.   I asked her what she
    feeds him and she says Iams.  I split one can of 9-lives between
    my 3 cats at night.  She says that the gravy is what can cause the
    diarreah.  I guess it's the soy in it.  There is also lots of soy
    in Blue Seal according to her, which is what I have been feeding him.
    
    I think I'll try switching his diet to something with low soy (thanks
    for clueing me in on his diet Cindy!).   I'll let you know if it helps.
    Glad I'm just about out of the Blue Seal and no more 9-lives.  Too bad
    they all go crazy over it.  She suggested Sheeba Chicken or Turkey.
    Little Soy.  Says that Old Mother Hubbard may not be good for him.
    I guess I'll try one thing at a time for a month or two to see how
    he reacts.   Also I guess that soy causes them to have a LOT of stool
    which he has.  I just cleaned and changed the boxes last night and 
    they were FULL this morning, 90% from him.   Poor Baby.
    
    Pam

    I find it hard to believe that Old Mother Hubbard and Blue Seal
    Kat Kare would not be 'good' for a cat.  I've had 18 cats on it
    for a number of years with no negative results.  Both products
    would be better than anything you could purchase in the super
    market.
    
    Just my .02 worth!
    
    E.T. and 22 kids

    Elaine
    
    Blue Seal seems fine for my other 2 cats.  I think Aby's are a totally
    different story though.  It may not be the Blue Seal.  It may be the
    9-lives that is not right for him.  I read the labels and didn't see
    Soy in Blue Seal but did see it right up in the middle on the 9-lives
    label.   He doesn't care for the Blue Seal so I thought I would try
    something else.  
    
    Can you tell me if there is any soy in Old Mother Hubbard?   Do they
    sell it around the Nashua, Merrimack, Hudson, NH area?   Do your cats
    like it?
    
    Thanks, Pam

    re: Blue Seal & FUS -
      Its the ash content in the dry food that is the problem with FUS.
    You want to specifically look for foods low in ash - that means
    less than 3% in the canned and about 5% or lower in the dry.
    Blue Seal Kat Kare is lower in ash & calories than the Cat Crunchies,
    but I don't think the crunchies can be called High in ash.  I don't 
    recall the stats.
      Nancy DC
    

    Blue Seal Kat Kare is good for adult cats, but not for growing kittens.
    
    That's very important to remember.
    
    cin
    

These past few notes are making me think that there must be some Abyssinian in 
Sophie...  It all sounds so familiar - pongy diarrhea, tiny streaks of blood 
occasionally.... 

Numerous visits to the vet have proved pointless.  She NEVER drinks milk or
cream (at the vet's recommendation) , and she looks wonderfully healthy, 
so I've stopped worrying.

I think she must be a real mixture, she talks and 'chirrups' non-stop so I 
thought she may be part Siamese as well.... She does have a slightly more
pointed face than most other moggies, although she's black and white.

What do Abyssinians tend to look like and behave like (apart from the bowel
movements :-))

[Ruth, Henri, and Sophie (who doesn't half pong)!]

    Aby's are kind of hard to describe.  To me, they look like no other
    cat.  When ever I bring him to the vet, everyone starts piling around
    asking what breed he is.  I've never seen one until I saw a picture
    in a cat book, fell in love, went to a cat show and then bought one.
    
    They come in 3 different colors I believe, Ruddy, Red and Blue (silver
    too?).   They are medium build, muscular and look like a baby cougar or
    mountain lion, especially the Ruddy.  Ruddy is a reddish-brown fur with
    bands of dark brown or black.   They kind of have a wild look to them.
    BIG ears.    The most beautiful cat around  ;-)        ^   ^
                                                            . .
                                                            =*=
                                                             O
    
    
    Personality?   VERY friendly and loyal.  They are very smart and act
    more like a dog at times.  I never want to be without an Aby again.
    I hope Zula is around for a LONG LONG LONG time.  
    
    Pam
    
    ps.   I just put Zula on FROMMS dry and Old Mother Hubbard canned cat
    food.  Hopefully this "all natural" cat food may help his problem
    with diarrhea.    They all love both the OMH and the FROMMS dry.  Zula
    didn't really want to touch the Blue Seal Kat Crunchies before.
    I'll let you all know if I see any improvement over the next couple of
    months.   If I see no improvement over 3 months time, I'll try Science
    Diet.  Boy that stuff is expensive.   $2.50 more for a 4 pound bag
    of SD vs. Fromms which is a 5 lb bag.  Cans are also double the price
    of OMH. 

    Aby newsflash, Fawns are now recognized by CFA!  We had the first
    fawn grand champion attain his title at the show I went to last
    weekend.  It was very exciting.
    
    I worry when people (in general) start assigning breed traits, that 
    could also be considered a health problem, to their specific breed
    of cat.  I am not critizing, just wanting to point out that we
    shouldn't assume that something is a breed trait problem without
    first trying to do all we can to correct it.  We just need to be
    careful since we don't want any new cat owners thinking that some
    health problem may just be a breed trait that they don't need to
    worry about taking their cat to the vet for.
    
    Jo

    Zula seems to be reacting great to the Fromms and Old Mother Hubbard.
    After being on this food for 10 days, he no longer has diarrhea.
    His stool amount has been cut to about half and he doesn't smell
    as bad.  This is the first time I have seen him without diarrhea since
    I've had him (about 9 months).  I have a feeling it was the canned
    9 lives that was bothering him.  That was about half of his diet, the
    other half being Blue Seal Kat Crunchies which he didn't like anyway.
    
    The 3 of my cats go crazy over both the Fromms and the OMH.  
    
    I didn't find the OMH in a plain chicken or turkey flavor.  I got
    the beef and the chicken with white fish.   Do they make a plain
    chicken or Turkey?  Can the fish be tough on their system?   I kept
    away from the seafood entries in the 9 lives.    They didn't seem
    to care for them but they love the OMH chicken/fish.
    
    Pam, Zula, Chewy and Ziggy too.

    Re: -1

    I am fairly certain that OMH does not have a plain chicken or turkey
    flavor (although I wish they did, or at least that they had more
    varieties without beef).  OMH takes care to use quality ingredients,
    so I would guess that the fish in their products should not be tough
    on a cat's system.

    Glad to hear your gang is doing well on the new diet!

    Cindy (and Butterscotch)

    Pam, I don't recall ever getting the OMH in a plain turkey or chicken
    either.  It was always mixed with either beef, liver, egg, or fish.
    
    My cats are so picky about their canned food, but they love the Fromms! 
    I buy it whenever possible.  Their second favs are IAMS and Nutro Max
    Cat.  Those are the three dry foods I feed exclusively.
    
    Funny side note:  my six year old neighbor always helps me walk the
    cats every day after work.  One day last week, I had IAMS out on the
    deck for T.K. and Nikki, who had spent the day outdoors in the nice
    weather.  I asked Jessica where Murdock was, cause she was holding his
    leash and I couldn't see him from the angle I was standing.  She said,
    He's over here on the deck eating his triangle food!"  Now, I thought
    that was hysterical!  Triangle food!!  Only a six year old could come
    up with something that ingenious!!!
    
    (For those of you who don't know, IAMS is shaped like a triangle).
    

    That game me a chuckle.  So what is Fromms ?     The "O" food?
    The "Lifesavor Food"?   "Cheerio" food?
    
    Pam

    cheerio's for kitties....tee hee
    
    What is Fromms and where do you get it?  ALso does it have ethoxyquin
    in it?
    
    Michele & Nippa
    

    Michele,
    
    Fromm's is an all-natural dry cat food which contains no ethoxyquin. 
    In fact, it is so natural that if you don't keep it in an airtight
    container it will go bad very quickly.  My cats really enjoy it, and I
    usually mix up a few bowls of Fromm's, IAMS, and Max Cat and place them
    in various areas of the house.
    
    I purchase the Fromm's at Farmers Exchange in downtown Framingham.  A
    20 lb. bag costs around $17 plux tax.  If you want to try it out on
    Nippa, stop by my house with a small container!  I'd be happy to give
    you a sample.
    
    I think Fromm's comes in cans too.
    
    
    --Roberta
     

    I'll take you up on the offer Roberta, thanks!  I have tried all sorts 
    of food for her *delicate* tummy (no fish, no beef, no dyes, mousies -
    yes!) but I didn't try fromms.