Devon rex cats

[Shady]

@Meowy Catkin you already have very lovely kitties

@Shady thankyou so much, really appreciate your time putting all that together. I really like the sound of the Aroanui cats in particular so will give them a call tomorrow. I had spotted that pets4homes ad and had similar thoughts so I'm glad I'm on the right lines!

I am banning my OH from looking though! He is finding all manner of unsuitables.

Yes I like the look this breeder a lot. It's possible she is neutering before kittens leave, but you may be able to discuss this . Most over here will keep the pedigree until you send them confirmation that you have neutered/spayed etc. I prefer this then you can wait until they have matured. Always ask if it's not clear on their terms.
I would imagine nearly all the breeders are connected in the UK. It's a small pool and I bet they swap between themselves too. You will almost certainly get some who dislike others and sometimes it's for a good reason like hidden health issues but sometimes it's just because they win more. The cat world is nuts!
The Aroanui lady went over to Russia to bring in new blood. Normally i'd be a bit regarding Russia as they are notorious for faking the history but the cat looks amazing and she went over herself. That is dedication and it would have cost a lot of money.
So she's very passionate about the breed. Looks like she's testing regularly too for all the right things. Yeh I like her!
Note that nearly all will want an indoor home. If they don't seem to care i'd be a bit wary.

on another note as I was looking.
There was a male of a year or so up for £700 on p4h. I would be wary of this too . That is a lot of money for a neutured cat and advert says she is a breeder. I'd be wondering about why he needs to be rehomed, tho it could be she kept him for stud and he didn't produce. Could be he's nervous and pees, could be he needs to live alone so might suit you. Might be worth a call but i'd want the price down.
Ok that's it for now. Waiting on my friend but she's always very busy so might be a few days xxxx

 

[Shady]

Just a quick update Chaps as I had a message from my friend in Devon
Unfortunately she doesn't know anybody left now now but did say an interesting thing regarding breeding in general.
She was one of the best and most devoted breeders of Siamese for over 35 years.
She said that many responsible breeders are giving up due to lack of decent vet cover. More and more are not covering nights and this is not good when kittens arrive or rather try to arrive .
Many breeders are being left with no cover at night or only young inexperienced vets.
That does make sense to me and would answer why there are such huge price differences, a lack of experienced breeders and a whole lot of rubbish on facebook and pets4homes.
Of course there will still be good breeders but it does explain the gaps I can see regionally.
Sorry I couldn't help more but i'm always happy to cast my eye over a litter or pedigree. xx

 

[chaps89]

Shady, you have been most helpful, and thankyou for asking your friend for me, it's much appreciated

We've been offered rubbish on FB, yes they're cute but they're not health checked, it's not a known breeder and I'm not going down that route.

I've looked at different breeders websites etc today and have 3 others to speak to as well as the one you have found, but I have a preference for the one you linked.

I'm learning that, as you say, they do seem to swap/buy/breed from each other's cats, but also some of them are really quite bonkers seeming

So far as I can tell without calling none of them have kittens currently, I can only see 1 or 2 with litters currently or due but I wasn't sold on them.

One breeder has a couple of cats listed where she explains she retired them from breeding due to health issues. I don't know if it's better that they've been responsible and stopped breeding from them or worrisome they seem to have a couple described that way.

 

[Shady]

Shady, you have been most helpful, and thankyou for asking your friend for me, it's much appreciated

We've been offered rubbish on FB, yes they're cute but they're not health checked, it's not a known breeder and I'm not going down that route.

I've looked at different breeders websites etc today and have 3 others to speak to as well as the one you have found, but I have a preference for the one you linked.

I'm learning that, as you say, they do seem to swap/buy/breed from each other's cats, but also some of them are really quite bonkers seeming

So far as I can tell without calling none of them have kittens currently, I can only see 1 or 2 with litters currently or due but I wasn't sold on them.

One breeder has a couple of cats listed where she explains she retired them from breeding due to health issues. I don't know if it's better that they've been responsible and stopped breeding from them or worrisome they seem to have a couple described that way.

Hmmm it would depend on the health issues. I'd really like to know what they were before I proceeded.
If she has had kittens from the queens , did they live, did she sell kittens on the active register instead of pet homes. There are so many things to consider if you are looking for a healthy pure bred kitten from a limited pool.

I would say I am pretty experienced and I got caught out over here. I did everything right and both cats died of genetic problems before the age of 3. I was heartbroken and when I delved more closely into the pedigree the culprit was a Very , very big UK based breeder whose kittens died young, mothers who died young and couldn't feed the kittens for some reason and almost certainly carrying something nasty which passed on. All from one stud who originally went over to the UK from Europe. I then bought 2 kittens here 3 generations down the line but the problem was genetic.
International pet travel was a great thing for expanding bloodlines but it opened the door to new health problems and virus's and greedy horrible people who only wanted the money.

Honestly Chaps, you can really only do your best to narrow things down , which you are doing. There are always a few really good breeders who protect their lines as best they can and only bring in new via recommendations .
Please let me know how you get on . I would love to follow this. xxx

 

[DirectorFury]

Just a quick update Chaps as I had a message from my friend in Devon
Unfortunately she doesn't know anybody left now now but did say an interesting thing regarding breeding in general.
She was one of the best and most devoted breeders of Siamese for over 35 years.
She said that many responsible breeders are giving up due to lack of decent vet cover. More and more are not covering nights and this is not good when kittens arrive or rather try to arrive .
Many breeders are being left with no cover at night or only young inexperienced vets.
That does make sense to me and would answer why there are such huge price differences, a lack of experienced breeders and a whole lot of rubbish on facebook and pets4homes.
Of course there will still be good breeders but it does explain the gaps I can see regionally.
Sorry I couldn't help more but i'm always happy to cast my eye over a litter or pedigree. xx

Sorry to jump on your post Chaps!
Shady does your friend know any good, long-standing, breeders of classic Siamese? The smaller, slightly more rounded face ones without cross eyes. Our elderly girl (21yo) isn't going to go on forever and I can't imagine being without Meezer now. We'd want to wait until she passes to get another but some names to save for a few years time would be great.

 

[Shady]

Sorry to jump on your post Chaps!
Shady does your friend know any good, long-standing, breeders of classic Siamese? The smaller, slightly more rounded face ones without cross eyes. Our elderly girl (21yo) isn't going to go on forever and I can't imagine being without Meezer now. We'd want to wait until she passes to get another but some names to save for a few years time would be great.

I will ask her DF. I owe her a message today. The poor thing fell and facepalmed the concrete in her outside cattery. She has hung onto one male and is tentatively putting out some feelers for a girl despite being officially retired. I knew she'd never give up completely , her passion for the breed is too great!
It's possible as she knows a lot of breeders, though most now are modern type
Over here they are called Thai and you can find one very very easily.
I wouldn't be surprised if there is a bit of importing going on between here and you guys.
21 is an amazing age. I had one the same who lived as long. They are just not as robust now but I would think the older style could have cleaner lines.
I'll get onto that now. xxxx

eta. I came across this for you just in case
http://www.oldstylesiamese.co.uk/

 

[Shady]

Scuse for a minute again Chaps while I give this to DF
Here is a breeder my friend approves of though she did say they are OTT about where the kittens are placed.
I actually wish more breeders cared where they go but I think you will have to pass a test with this one!!
I think you sound pretty perfect to me as you specifically want old school. Anywaaay here it is and I would give her a ring. I really like her ethics , testing and transparency.
https://www.emrys-siamese.co.uk/

Let me know?? I am very nosy and super jealous( though I sincerely hope you have a lot more time with your Meezer) xxxx

 

[DirectorFury]

Scuse for a minute again Chaps while I give this to DF
Here is a breeder my friend approves of though she did say they are OTT about where the kittens are placed.
I actually wish more breeders cared where they go but I think you will have to pass a test with this one!!
I think you sound pretty perfect to me as you specifically want old school. Anywaaay here it is and I would give her a ring. I really like her ethics , testing and transparency.
https://www.emrys-siamese.co.uk/

Let me know?? I am very nosy and super jealous( though I sincerely hope you have a lot more time with your Meezer) xxxx

Thank you so much Shady (and Shady's cat friend!) .
I'm absolutely fine with strict breeders, hopefully we'll pass the test! We don't show or have interest in breeding ourselves, just appreciate them for the slightly mental little kitties that they are. I'm not fan of the direction that the breed has taken and our elderly girl is from old lines and has been pretty robust so far.
Madge is probably going to stick around for another 10 years now just to make a point, not that I'd mind .

 

[Shady]

Thank you so much Shady (and Shady's cat friend!) .
I'm absolutely fine with strict breeders, hopefully we'll pass the test! We don't show or have interest in breeding ourselves, just appreciate them for the slightly mental little kitties that they are. I'm not fan of the direction that the breed has taken and our elderly girl is from old lines and has been pretty robust so far.
Madge is probably going to stick around for another 10 years now just to make a point, not that I'd mind .

You are very welcome DF
I am an original crazy cat lady!
If she isn't taking any more enquiries herself ask if she can recommend another breeder. If she is as dedicated as she appears she should want to help you or still add you to her list.
Make sure you say it's the old style in particular you want , not just a siamese in general. You will score more points!!!! xx

 

[chaps89]

No problem for the de-rail at all. 21 is a very good age! I hope you have many more happy years with her but are also successful in finding the next generation.

I found 1 breeder for devons who do personal home checks before they will rehome to you. Fair play to them I think, that's certainly dedication to finding the right homes.

Shady, you've been so helpful. Once we get a bit further and have likely options available I will no doubt be posting and asking for advice again! And in due course, kitten photos, whenever that may be

 

[Shady]

No problem for the de-rail at all. 21 is a very good age! I hope you have many more happy years with her but are also successful in finding the next generation.

I found 1 breeder for devons who do personal home checks before they will rehome to you. Fair play to them I think, that's certainly dedication to finding the right homes.

Shady, you've been so helpful. Once we get a bit further and have likely options available I will no doubt be posting and asking for advice again! And in due course, kitten photos, whenever that may be

You are so welcome Chaps
I can't have any more at the moment so I can experience kitten stuff through you!
Please do ask. I am always happy to try and help . I will love seeing some kittens later xxx

 

[chaps89]

@Shady, would you mind asking your friend if she knows anything of this breeder from their Siamese breeding days at all? https://www.banjaksdevonrex.com

I have spoken to 2 breeders who were both more than happy to chat and for me to ask questions, yay.
1 doesn't health test for myopathy issues, which the other said was a gccf requirement, but I'm struggling to find more info on that.
It seems as though most other breeders do mention that on their websites though, so it is worrying. In every other way I was completely happy with her, and she prefers her kittens to be neutered/spayed a bit later too. It was very obvious she really cares about what homes the kittens goes to and has people still in touch and buying new kittens from her many years down the line.
The other one sounded great in every way apart from neutering/spaying before the kitten leaves her. She also doesn't do waiting lists, you just have to call her when she announces she has kittens on her FB page, but all health tests done and cats are in a home environment and she obviously loves them even though she seems a bit more commercial than the other breeder.

I have left messages for 2 other breeders and have the arouni breeders left to call (had put them off due to them not breeding until next year so was seeing if anyone else might have anything sooner that were also ticking all the boxes just because it would be nice not to have to wait too long if it could be helped, but finding the right breeder is very important so silly to rule them out for the sake of possibly a few months)

 

[NinjaPony]

eta. I came across this for you just in case
http://www.oldstylesiamese.co.uk/

I’ve never been keen on Siamese cats as I didn’t like how angular and ‘sharp’ their faces were, but the cats on that website are stunning! I’d happily have one of those!

 

[Shady]

I’ve never been keen on Siamese cats as I didn’t like how angular and ‘sharp’ their faces were, but the days on that website are stunning! I’d happily have one of those!

Yes there is a real charm to them and a robustness that the moderns lack. Less jaw and teeth issues too.
I am a sucker for the really pointy Siamese . I can't help it , but I am fully aware that health wise the days of Siamese and Orientals of this type living to beyond 14 is mostly over . The best lines were contaminated years ago and there are very few good breeders left( despite what they gush on FB). No old style breeder would refer to their cats as fur babies .
I have a feeling that the more old fashioned type is probably bred much more diligently .

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I love both types of Siamese. We've had an old style one and a 'modern' one. The old type went blind (a genetic issue and I hope they've got a test for that now) but the modern lived to just short of her 20th birthday. She needed a few teeth removed and some eye drops every now and again in her dotage. It was kidney failure that got her, the same as the Burmese (he also had congestive heart failure but medication was keeping on top of that at the time of his death).

The oriental type cats really are wonderful temperament wise (maybe a bit naughty in some cases LOL ).

 

[Shady]

@Shady, would you mind asking your friend if she knows anything of this breeder from their Siamese breeding days at all? https://www.banjaksdevonrex.com

I have spoken to 2 breeders who were both more than happy to chat and for me to ask questions, yay.
1 doesn't health test for myopathy issues, which the other said was a gccf requirement, but I'm struggling to find more info on that.
It seems as though most other breeders do mention that on their websites though, so it is worrying. In every other way I was completely happy with her, and she prefers her kittens to be neutered/spayed a bit later too. It was very obvious she really cares about what homes the kittens goes to and has people still in touch and buying new kittens from her many years down the line.
The other one sounded great in every way apart from neutering/spaying before the kitten leaves her. She also doesn't do waiting lists, you just have to call her when she announces she has kittens on her FB page, but all health tests done and cats are in a home environment and she obviously loves them even though she seems a bit more commercial than the other breeder.

I have left messages for 2 other breeders and have the arouni breeders left to call (had put them off due to them not breeding until next year so was seeing if anyone else might have anything sooner that were also ticking all the boxes just because it would be nice not to have to wait too long if it could be helped, but finding the right breeder is very important so silly to rule them out for the sake of possibly a few months)

Hey lovely
Ok I will pass this on but here are some thoughts as well relating to Banjak breeder
This is their first Devon queen so I would hope that they have bought from a reliable source. It will be her first litter. I would want to know who the dad is myself and look at his pedigree., tests done etc
I would politely ask to see the queens pedigree too and it should show enough for you to see what's been tested for and where the line originates etc etc
Queen is negative for CMS which is the muscle problem so that's good. This is probably the myopathy you mean?

Ok . Breeder I who doesn't test. Why not? CMS is a genetic problem. Caring where her kittens go should be a given but breeding from the correct genetics is vital.
ALL breeding cats should be tested and negative for the main virus's and any genetic problems pertinent to the breed . It costs money and so some don't want to do it but do want an awful lot for their apparently problem free kittens.
I would probably walk away, but IF she could prove that both the queens parents and the stud she uses were tested negative then maybe I would proceed with caution. Could be she knows she has a clean line, but how do you ?I'd want a bit more than her being nice!!
Breeder 2 is better and sometimes breeders just get a whole load of time wasters on their lists and can get a little hardened over the years. You have your list and phone the person and guess what, they bought elsewhere but couldn't be arsed to tell you! It could be that she has enough of a reputation that the kittens get snapped up quickly as soon as they are born .
As I said I prefer to neuter later but she is absolutely making sure that nobody uses her kittens to make money from dodgy breeding and I have to respect that . Might be you can discuss options/ assurance of doing it at 6 months with her.

I'm happy to look at their sites etc and see if anything jumps out. PM me if you prefer.

I know it's horrible waiting when all you really want is a lovely little kitten NOW but spare yourself the heartache iv'e been through and do your best to find a really reliable breeder.
I will message friend now xx

 

[chaps89]

Thanks Shady. I don't know why but I wasn't too sure about Banjak, but put it down to limited info on the website, and that I would just need to speak to them and ask questions as you've outlined.

Your thoughts about breeder 1 have helped confirm what I was thinking and reassured me about breeder 2. Very much appreciate you taking the time to look at these things and answer questions/provide your thoughts!

I've also spoken to the family friend who had rexes as I grew up and she is going to do some digging and come back to me with names too. Might be once I've done a bit more phoning round etc I pm you for some thoughts if that's ok.

 

[Shady]

Thank you so much Shady (and Shady's cat friend!) .
I'm absolutely fine with strict breeders, hopefully we'll pass the test! We don't show or have interest in breeding ourselves, just appreciate them for the slightly mental little kitties that they are. I'm not fan of the direction that the breed has taken and our elderly girl is from old lines and has been pretty robust so far.
Madge is probably going to stick around for another 10 years now just to make a point, not that I'd mind .

Just sticking this in here DF as I was looking up a name relating to Chaps's Rex breeder and this came up . I'm not sure of the connection yet or even if there is one but I like the look of this breeder of Siamese a lot. Lovely FB site and all the kittens and cats look great( might be some squints mind !!)
https://www.facebook.com/Littlemasks.Siamese/

 

[DirectorFury]

Just sticking this in here DF as I was looking up a name relating to Chaps's Rex breeder and this came up . I'm not sure of the connection yet or even if there is one but I like the look of this breeder of Siamese a lot. Lovely FB site and all the kittens and cats look great( might be some squints mind !!)
https://www.facebook.com/Littlemasks.Siamese/

Thanks Shady, the video of the seal and chocolate (? I think) point kittens playing on the stairs was adorable ?. They look like a good compromise between Trad and Modern types.
Madge had a vet check the other day as I was concerned about a tooth, they took bloods and everything is perfect so maybe my 10 year prediction will come true . I've promised her a wood burner for xmas as I can't afford to keep the heating on 28* (her preference) all winter!

 

[Shady]

Thanks Shady, the video of the seal and chocolate (? I think) point kittens playing on the stairs was adorable ?. They look like a good compromise between Trad and Modern types.
Madge had a vet check the other day as I was concerned about a tooth, they took bloods and everything is perfect so maybe my 10 year prediction will come true . I've promised her a wood burner for xmas as I can't afford to keep the heating on 28* (her preference) all winter!

Oh I am so pleased about Madge
Mine love their wood burner and have beds either side of it !
The kittens look so healthy and happy don't they ,and I admit to a bit of house envy too !!!

 

[Shady]

Thanks Shady. I don't know why but I wasn't too sure about Banjak, but put it down to limited info on the website, and that I would just need to speak to them and ask questions as you've outlined.

Your thoughts about breeder 1 have helped confirm what I was thinking and reassured me about breeder 2. Very much appreciate you taking the time to look at these things and answer questions/provide your thoughts!

I've also spoken to the family friend who had rexes as I grew up and she is going to do some digging and come back to me with names too. Might be once I've done a bit more phoning round etc I pm you for some thoughts if that's ok.

Waiting on friend but I would definitely contact Banjak breeder. I had a little peek on his FB site and he seems to be a pretty cool guy with some good ethics. Could well be that he was very careful choosing his Rex. xx

 

[chaps89]

Thanks Shady, I will do. I'm not on FB and I couldn't find a public/stud page for him but I'll call and ask some questions

 

[Shady]

Thanks Shady, I will do. I'm not on FB and I couldn't find a public/stud page for him but I'll call and ask some questions

The FB was just his personal stuff, not really much about cats except he clearly adores them .
Message from friend is that his name is sort of familiar but from a long time ago and as he was Scottish based he was a long way from Devon. If she had been into showing she would definitely have known of him but she never liked the scene and never needed to go to them due to her reputation.
She does agree with me that if you could see some history of his girl and the stud he is using or going to use he's definitely worth contacting for a chat. His photo's of her and his other cats on his FB site are encouraging. He has experience but only one breeding cat which could be ideal, rather than some who have multiple queens. It's more of a passionate hobby.
Let me know how you get on. I am quite intrigued now !! xxx

 

[chaps89]

Banjaks was lovely, very happy to chat, all health tests done and kittens will be too and he sounded like he was very selective about choosing his cats.
He also has kittens due in August but wants a girl for himself and has 2 others on his waiting list. He was hoping to have another queen by now but the mating he was waiting on only produced 1 girl which the breeder kept. So we may not be successful in getting one from him this time around but we will see. (Please feel free to keep fingers crossed, touch wood, whatever your good luck superstition may be)

Spoken to another breeder who I was also happy with and one who I was not. Will hopefully be going to visit one of them in a few weeks just to have some kitty time and meet some devons in person.

 

[Shady]

Banjaks was lovely, very happy to chat, all health tests done and kittens will be too and he sounded like he was very selective about choosing his cats.
He also has kittens due in August but wants a girl for himself and has 2 others on his waiting list. He was hoping to have another queen by now but the mating he was waiting on only produced 1 girl which the breeder kept. So we may not be successful in getting one from him this time around but we will see. (Please feel free to keep fingers crossed, touch wood, whatever your good luck superstition may be)

Spoken to another breeder who I was also happy with and one who I was not. Will hopefully be going to visit one of them in a few weeks just to have some kitty time and meet some devons in person.

That's all sounding really promising Chaps and you are probably getting a good feel about breeders now too.
Some of them are absolutely nuts !
I remember visiting a top Siamese breeder in the west country who won so many awards for her cats. I arrived to see a table full of antibiotics and the kittens were outside in a grubby old pen. Both spat at me and wouldn't let her catch them. Needless to say I didn't buy one.
Make sure you can get a suss on characters. It is so important.
I like the sound of the Banjaks man!
I will keep all things cross and enjoy your updates
I am very jealous ( in the nicest of ways) xx

 

[chaps89]

Thanks Shady, can't tell you how much I've appreciated having someone to bounce questions off and ask for help.
Definitely found a couple of nuts ones along the way ? but hopefully I've found some good ones too

 

[MagicMelon]

If you want a cat with a big temperament, you could also consider a Bengal. I just lost one of mine last month so have one left - they're massive characters with very distinct personalities. I know some people struggle with them as they can be aggressive (theyll hunt you!) if you let them early on, but both mine went through that phase as kittens (leaping on me from around corners etc.) but soon stopped and really were/are truly amazing cats. They're like dogs.