The first Keehotay registered litter was born on Bribie Island in November 1989, but the story goes back to a visit to Darwin at Easter 1986. I had a kitten of another breed and found a friend for her in a little Russian in Max (Taiendi Wiesbadan, bred by Sandi Gemmell) who was desexed in due course. Max was a good type and, as I soon found, possessed a special, quiet charm that just could not be ignored. Russians, I decided, must know who they are, so they don’t need to dramatise themselves. I still think this is true.

We moved around together for a while. Both were good friends, lovable cats; but by the time I went to live on Bribie Island in mid 1987, I had researched the Russians, lived with one under varying conditions, and knew they would be my breed of choice to set up a breeding program.

Before long a breeding pair came from Melbourne. Later when I needed outcross females, Sandi Gemmell was of course the first breeder to be contacted. She sent me Marushka and later Shulamit. Other females have come from Adelaide & Sydney. A male from New Zealand is now my second stud.

Have been given favourable comments and good placings from local, interstate and overseas judges over the past 10 years. Showing helps to keep one abreast of how one’s lines are going, and which matings are most successful – and it is very encouraging to figure in the Top 10, Group 3 cats or kittens, which is usually the case. Sometimes we’ve gone as high as Best in Show or Reserve, fairly often in the Top Five.

Apart from that, it is very rewarding to know there are lots of people out there with lovely pets adding something special to their lives. You will see some of them in the photographs.

Feed time Mum - any place will do!