Witchfyre ~ Breeders of the Original Siberian Cat

Anatoly and Aria's kittens at six weeks

2012-01-17T22:02:00.002Z

Happy New Year everyone! Here are some pics of Aria's kittens....
All our kittens are now reserved. Next kittens due March/April 2012. Enquires welcome.

Witchfyre Anouska ~ Brown tabby girl ~ reserved

Witchfyre Cassiopeia ~ Brown golden girl ~ reserved

Witchfyre Boudica ~ Seal tabby neva masquerade girl ~ future queen @ Witchfyre

Anatoly and Aria's kittens at 3 weeks....

2011-12-31T13:00:00.005Z

Here are Anatoly and Aria's new kittens, we think all girls. All currently under evaluation. All are point or point carriers and dilute carriers. Enquires welcome.

Brown tabby girl

golden brown tabby girl

Neva masquerade (colourpoint) seal or blue girl

An early present from Santa!

2011-12-11T11:58:00.001Z

Aria's kittens arrived on Tuesday, two lovely brown tabby boys?.....dad is our fab Witchfyre Anatoly. This was an extra litter due to a special request and are Anatoly's first babies.
Was a little disappointed no colourpoints....then 24 hours later (is this a record?) my little miracle arrived! Our first colourpoint of the year, we think a girl...she hopefully will take over from mum who will retire after this litter.
After declaring our intention to concentrate on the colourpoint, or Neva Masquerade in sept 2009, god toyed with us and although most of our cats are point carriers, except for Sam, no points arrived....
So we are doubly pleased with the appearance of this baby and that Anatoly is a point carrier :)
All kittens will remain under evaluation.
We have a female kitten available from Lavinia's litter due to the inevitable timewasters, these kittens available end Jan....enquiries welcome

Kittens at six weeks

2011-12-04T23:23:00.001Z

Kittens at 6 weeks, where has time gone....

Elisaveta silver tortie tabby ~under assessment

Fabs silver tabby ~under assessment

Dubrava brown tabby ~under assessment

Golochka (aka Sasha) brown tabby ~ reserved

'Mum...she's taken my cracker....'

Here we are.....kittens at 3 weeks

2011-11-12T15:35:00.001Z

Our lovely Sam and Lavinia babies are now three weeks old and have been waiting to take these pictures as we do not use flash between eight and 20 days due to possible eye damage. All kittens doing very well and have now escaped the kittening box and are on the prowl....
All kittens are currently under assessment. Our waiting list is full.

Witchfyre Dubrava, brown tabby girl

Witchfyre Fabian, silver shaded? tabby boy

Witchfyre Galochka, brown tabby girl

Witchfyre Elisaveta, silver tortie tabby girl

Our kittens are one week old

2011-10-28T17:32:00.000+01:00

The jury is still out on exact sex of kittens, and indeed colours. Had this problem last time with Sam and Lulu's babies, so am taking a best estimate at this point. Kitten 1 probably a brown tabby, pictured above we are not sure, girl or boy, so watch this space...

Kitten 2 pictured above we think most likely a girl and possibly a tortie tabby.

kitten 3 pictured above most likely a boy, could be a silver with gold

Kitten 4 most likely a boy, possibly silver.
More updates in a couple of weeks when we will know whether boys/girls and better idea of colours....keep watching :)

New kittens have arrived!

2011-10-23T21:22:00.002+01:00

Our new sibby kittens are here. Dad is Musrafy Samurai of Witchfyre, golden tabby, and mum is Witchfyre Silvaamune, silver tortie tabby. More details and photos in a week or so. Kittens ready for new homes mid January. Enquires welcome.

HCM and PKD1 in Siberian Cats...a response to a breeders earlier post

2011-10-16T16:45:00.003+01:00

A recent posting by a UK breeder regarding the condition HCM and PKD in Siberians contained inaccurate information. I responded to this post but it seems the person in question has chosen to ignore my comment.

Here is some information about HCM in cats.
http://siberianresearch.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=51&Itemid=72http://www.fabcats.org/owners/heart/cardiomyopathy.htmlhttp://www.fabcats.org/hcm/index.html

General opinion is that HCM is caused by a DOMINANT gene. SRI have had some anomalies in certain lines and a theory of triggers and suppressors has been put forward, (source conversation with Tom Lundburg). However it is acknoledged that not all pedigree records are correct and that more data has to be gathered and the more people who participate in sharing loses of cats with HCM instead of hiding them, will improve the future for all breeds as this progressive disease is in most populations of pedigree and non pedigree cats.
There are many 'strains' of HCM in the cat populations, I think there are at least three identified in the Siberian to date?
Regarding inbreeding. You will only have a increased number of affected cats if you use a HCM cat.If one parent have one HCM gene there is a 50/50 chance of passing on the condition.
If both parents have one HCM gene this increases to a 75% chance of offspring being affected
If one cat carries two HCM genes all offpring will be affected.
Remember, these probabilities are for EACH kitten and not a percentage of the litter.
As we have only had a handful of reported cases in the UK it is prudent to monitor your own cats and do follow ups of offspring. I must point out that HCM and its 100s of strains has been in the human population for some time and research is still in its infancy.....

PKD1 in Siberians
Some information about testing your cats from UC Davieshttp://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/pckd1.php
It is likely that PKD1 in Siberians will only manifest itself in cats whose origins include Persian roots or breeds using Persians as permitted outcrosses or where breeders have added these outcrosses to the gene pool. As we do not have reliable documentation about the foundation cats ancestry, or you suspect you cats ancestry may include such cats, a test may be prudent. However, if there is a strain of PKD in Siberians unique to this breed, as yet, no test has been approved. Monitoring of own cats and offspring and any occurances can be monitored and then that line tested and information shared.

It is important for those of us who breed this wonderful cat to be accurate in our publication of infornation. Many readers do not question the sources they read and can be misinformed.
NB Happily, in six years of owning and breeding Siberians, to date we have no reported cases of HCM/PKD1 cats in our foundation cats onwards :). If this changes I will cetainly let SRI know.

Kitten updates

2011-09-17T21:03:00.004+01:00

Some lovely comments from our last sibby kittens that left us this month....

"Just to let you know that the 'babies' are coming along and getting up to mischief. Firenze, (tigger tabby) is the bolder of the two,he is always the first to jump in at playtime and the most inquisitive . Milan (boo) is still rather unsure,but he is progressing each day....thanks again for our bundles, WE LOVE THEM." Paul

"I thought I would just drop you an note to let you know that Napoli and Venezia are settling in well. They are eating well and have slowly started to explore their new surroundings. Their favourite past time at the moment seem to be chasing each other down the corridor or trying to climb any obstacle they can find. The girls are very sociable as they always try to play or just relax in the same room as us when we're upstairs (we haven't let them explore downstairs yet). They seem to know when we're about to leave the house for work as this is normally the time when Napoli wants a tummy rub or Venezia wants to play. They are really lovely kittens and we're so lucky to have them." Jenny

"Verona has settled in brilliantly and we are really pleased to have her. She was quite shy to begin with but is now lording it over the whole house and causing carnage. I can't believe how far she can jump when she is so small. All the best, Gavin"

Roma aka Cosmo went to live with Marc and family who are allergy sufferers. They called to say that he had settled in and had caused quite a stir at the vets, he went out of the consultation room with the vet to be weighed and returned with three vet nurses cooing over him!
Marc says the whole family love him to bits....

Its very rewarding when we get feedback like this, raising kittens is very time consuming and a labour of love....it keeps us going, holding on to these positive thoughts when we get messed about with petty timewasters and dreamers. I can honestly say we have found exceptional homes this time, even in the face of a massive increase in siberian kittens being born over the summer.....
After six years of breeding Siberians, selecting healthy and good tempered cats, we at Witchfyre are proud of our kittens.....and pleased that our new owners are happy with their new babies, enough to return for another!

Best of the best!

2011-09-13T23:24:00.004+01:00

Some wonderful news from Lorraine at Bluemoon Siberians....
"Just to let you all know that the gorgeous Samson great grandson of Lolita Fiodorova della Taiga Son of Inspiration Lollita and Nellstars Zuko was nominated at the Grantham show today and won Best Kitten in Show, Best in Category 2 and finally Best Overall cat in Show.

This has taken almost 10 years of hard work so thanks to everyone who has helped along the way....
He is the double of his great grandmother and every category he won was unanimous."
Here are some pics (Lorraine apologises for the green tinge!

This is amazing news tinged with a little sadness as Samson will be moving to Europe with his human family and we will miss them all....
Good luck to Lorraine and family, two and four legged...... fly the flag for the UK!!

Hush hush.....

2011-09-03T22:19:00.002+01:00

Our last sibby kittens went to their new homes today....all is quiet again:(
Final 2011 kittens due October from Sam and Lavinia....waiting list open

Some news at Witchfyre...

2011-08-18T17:12:00.001+01:00

Well, not posted for a while, have been to sunny Italy, visiting some of the great cities and enjoying the art and culture! My first holiday for 10 years..
We have three kittens available as I have not been able to answer the phone to arrange visits and folk go elsewhere!
We have:
Witchfyre Roma a blue solid boy
Witchfyre Firenze a brown tabby boy
and one of:
Witchfyre Napoli a black smoke girl
Witchfyre Venezia a black/red tortie smoke girl
Witchfyre Milano black solid boy is reserved for Paul and Witchfyre Verona silver tabby is currently optioned.
Yes you guessed the theme...my Italian trip!!
Our last kittens for 2011 will hopefully be between Sam and Lavinia. These will be due October onwards. We expect silvers brown tabbys and possibly goldens. No points as Sam is not a point carrier.
Hopefully there will be a special keep as we are retiring Sam.
Why?
Well, next spring we are hoping for kittens from Anatoly and Olivia (both classics) and Alex and the beautiful Borislava.
Despite trying for colourpoints this year, nature pulled a fast one and we are still waiting. Both Olivia and Bo carry the point gene and we are having the boys tested but are hopeful....
These will be our last Sibbys until at least the end of 2012 as we are to be grandparents in January! and will be busy...so if you are wanting a Witchfyre kitten get in touch. Although we are a large cattery in numbers we try to limit our litters to two a year or three if the first two are small as the Siberian is still a relatively unknown breed.
So, due to our break we will be rehoming some of our young adults. I will post availability on my website as soon as I have decided which ones and when.
This will be my last post until our next kittens arrive. We have BSH kittens planned for October and Chinchillas just arrived...you can follow my witchstorm blog for updates...

Tam's kittens pictures

2011-07-26T22:11:00.002+01:00

Tam's kittens are now eight weeks old....

Latest kitten pics

2011-07-03T00:08:00.005+01:00

Tortie smoke girl

Silver tabby girl (optioned)

Black smoke girl

Black smoke boy (under assessment)

Brown tabby boy (optioned)

Blue boy

They're off...

2011-06-18T11:14:00.002+01:00

Tams babies are finding their feet...they are really filling out now and one or two looking very promising...will try and get some more pics, but have visitors this weekend, so may be tight for time.
Penny's kittens are little white fluff balls, and we have more news on our witchstorm blog re Flo.

Anatoly and Borislava

2011-06-12T22:44:00.005+01:00

Witchfyre Anatoly

Witchfyre Borislava

I was watching TV when I noticed Anatoly asleep...got my camera out to take a pic...but he woke and did a mad half hour!!

Got these anyway.

Pictures of Tam's babies on my earlier post today...check them out!!

Tam and Belphie's babies

2011-06-12T21:20:00.005+01:00

Well, tried to take some pics today, but kittens on the move!...I dont use flash at this point as they have just opened their eyes, so this is the best for now....all doing well

Check out my witchstorm blog for pics of Penny's kits...

Six bundles of fun!!

2011-05-31T11:33:00.002+01:00

latest updates on Tam's babies.....
All feeding well, Tam's being an excellent mother and a good number for her first litter.
At the moment we think we have:
Black boy available
Black poss smoke (girl?) available
Brown tabby boy available
Silver tabby (girl?) under assessment
Tortie, poss smoke girl under assessment
Blue (tabby?) boy available

Photos later

Tam's kittens have arrived!

2011-05-29T15:32:00.002+01:00

Tam's babies arrived last night, we have solids and tabbies including a blue...suprisingly no reds, and sadly no colourpoints....
All doing well. No further details yet, Tam is quite skitish and thinks everytime I check her that it's for a tummy rub! (she rolls over and over sending kitties tumbling!)...so I have to leave big gaps to enable babies to settle and feed.
More details in a couple of days

Our next kittens are due...

2011-05-01T10:48:00.004+01:00

Our next kittens are due at the end of May.

CH Belphegor D'Artannes (Belphie) and Witchfyre Sunsetstorm (Tam) are our next Siberian kittens. All colours expected including silvers, tabby and self, and possibly colourpoints.

Burleaway Ace of Wands (Charlie) and Pencambria Gorawen (Penny), our first British Shorthair/Longhair kittens. Colours expected black tipped (silver) and golden tipped, shorthair and possible longhair.

Aria is visiting Aaron...he's new at this so could take some time!
More details on our website and updates as soon as kittens arrive. Enquires welcome.

Allergies and Siberians

2011-04-20T11:47:00.002+01:00

There is some evidence to suggest that Siberian Cats provoke less reaction in allergy sufferers. This in my experience depends on the individual and would recommend anyone who has an allergy to cats to visit the cattery of their choice before commiting to a kitten.

Due to our breeding British Longhairs we no longer do allergy test visits. You are welcome to visit our kittens when available.

Please note, we cannot expose severe allergy sufferers or asthmatics to our cats for safety reasons.
If you wish to discuss this further, please contact me.

If you are considering a Siberian kitten because you are an allergy sufferer, please note that we require you to have an 'allergy buddy', someone who is willing to take the kitten if your allergy returns. We no longer take back kittens due to allergic reactions, due to the stress this places on the kitten. We will of course always help to rehome in extreme circumstances, where possible. We would advise your 'buddy' to visit the cattery, preferably at the same time as your first visit or soon after, so that we can meet and approve them and to ensure they can also provide a suitable home.

The Wild Bunch...latest pics

2011-04-15T22:44:00.002+01:00

Here are the latest pics of the brood...they all had last vaccinations today and all passed their health checks with flying colours. Chen is off to her new breeder mommy on Thursday and the other two are staying here for now...

Siberian Cat Scammed: Scammers Stealing Back Stories!

2011-04-13T16:03:00.000+01:00

Siberian Cat Scammed: Scammers Stealing Back Stories!: "Snowgum Siberians, your 'About Us' web page has been used as the back story for a siberian scammer! Here's the low down..."

Preston and Blackpool CC

2011-03-26T21:12:00.002Z

Olivia gets her second merit , 1st AC Siberian Kitten, 2nd AV SLH Kitten bred by exh (7 entries) and 2nd AV SLH Kitten Res in Lancs.
Comments from V Kilby....'Well grown with pleasing type. Good head shape with well developed cheeks. Good ear size and setting. Good profile line and chin depth. well shaped (eyes). Strong body of good length. Sturdy limbs with tufted paws. Good length and full brush (tail) Good length and texture, good glossy topcoat. Attractive and well developed pattern (classic). Good (temperament). A pleasing example of the breed'
Way to go Livv!

Summer Plans

2011-03-24T12:32:00.003Z

Well our summer plans are in motion, Tam is visiting Belphie and if all goes well kittens should arrive at the end of May. This is a lovely combination, for type and temperament...all the kittens should be cuddle monsters!...and pretty much all colour combinations are possible, including silvers and hopefully colourpoints.
Charlie, our British longhair, will be paired up with Penny our British black tipped next week, and if she carries the longhair gene, may have our first longhair kittens in black tipped or possibly golden tipped...cant wait.
We may also get a chance to get some Chinny kittens, just waiting for the right boy....
We will be opening our waiting lists as soon as pregnancies confirmed.
That should be it for the summer as I would like to 'get away' for a week in July and cant leave too much for John!
After that we will have other litters planned including Siberians and BSH/LH for the winter...see website for plans.

Lancashire CC Show

2011-03-12T20:56:00.003Z

At Lancs CC show today Witchfyre Olivia gained her first merit 'A promising young female of overall very good type' and won 1st place AV SLH Breeders kitten female from six entries...Mrs Butters came over later and said she was her 'kitten to take home from the whole show today!' not bad for her first show...

The Wild Bunch

2011-03-06T21:28:00.005Z

Latest kitten pictures....

Anatoly aged 7 1/2 weeks. Weight on 5/3/11...1232g! Staying at Witchfyre...

Borislava aged 7 1/2 weeks. Weight on 5/3/11...970g. Under assessment

Chernavka aged 7 1/2 weeks. Weight on 5/3/11...860g. Reserved

Lu's kittens updates - 4 weeks old

2011-02-10T15:50:00.004Z

Some pictures taken yesterday, the kittens are now four weeks old. All kittens currently under assessment.
Witchfyre Anatoly...classic tabby

Anatoly and Chernavka

Anatoly and Borislava

Chernavka, Borislava and Anatoly

Witchfyre Chernavka

Chernavka and Borislava, as you can see there is not much difference between the girls...

Witchfyre Borislava

call yourself a cat breeder!!!

2011-02-06T10:54:00.003Z

Well, looking at our new babies this morning, got to thinking the brown tabbys looked very girly...checked the bits again and, hey presto.....Boris is actually Borislava and Chekov will have to be renamed Chernavka(pretty)...the last time I looked was at three days old....Anatoly, the classic is still a boy!
So Jackie, they say if you wish hard enough.......

Some individual photos hopefully later

Ta-dah!

2011-02-01T21:32:00.004Z

Some quick pics of the handsome trio, Anatoly, Borislava and Chernavka....

Here come the girls...

2011-01-29T20:30:00.002Z

Some pics of our older kittens, Viola...

Lavinia....

Tam.....

Aaron

2011-01-29T20:29:00.002Z

Our lovely black boy Aaron taken at Rugby 2010

Nem's babies some action pics

2011-01-29T20:22:00.003Z

Latest news...

2011-01-25T15:27:00.003Z

Nem's kittens went off to the vets last night for their 9 week check and first vaccination. All passed with flying colours and no effects from the jab..playtime was just as hectic!!!
Elly, Johnny and Maggie are now reserved. Thankyou for all those who enquired. Elly is off to live with Pat who is also taking Nem, so mum and daughter have a forever home together.

Tilly is under assessment and Rose is optioned, but we are still taking enquires for these two pending final decisions.

Lu's new kittens are coming on in leaps and bounds...it looks like the classic is definately at least a golden brown and probably a golden. The other two am not sure yet. All kittens have topped the 300g mark and all have lovely heads. Eyes are open and lungs are big...they are all mummy's kittys and are very loud when they want to get back to her...
Will try and get some pics of all the kittens this weekend...watch this space

New kittens updates

2011-01-20T19:41:00.002Z

Just a quick update on Lulu's babies. All doing well. the biggest boy weighs an amazing 320g at 8 days..the biggest kitten we've had yet...must be following in his grandaddy Boublik's pawprints, he is also a classic tabby. The other two are good steady weights at 250g on day eight, just a touch heavier than the lovely brown tabby boy Titus, Lu had earlier last year.
Will get some pics when their eyes are open.

Kittie updates and new arrivals!

2011-01-15T20:29:00.005Z

Nem's Kittens:

We have just one lovely brown tortie tabby and white girl awaiting her new family. Lady Elenor is a lovely chunky girl and has a very strong character...she knows what she wants!! She is the lovely kitten on the right.

Nem's other babies are:

Johnny B Goode...reserved for Pauline and Chris

Maggie Mae...Reserved for Veronique

Rambiln Rose...Option

Chantilly Lace...under assessment.

New Arrivals:

Lulu produced us three lovely kittens from the gorgeous Sam on Wednesday, all doing well and growing at a fantastic rate. We have two mack? and a classic tabby, possibly all golden/brown gold. We may consider one of these kittens available for breeding, we'll see how thay develop. They will all carry blue. Lulu is a fabulous producer and is the mum of Tam, Lavinia and Aaron, all who got either Ex1, (Tam, Viola ...both also nom sibby special...and Aaron) and Ex2, Lavinia (both Tam and Lavinia in same class, the judge found it hard to pick between the two!!) at the Rugby VCC show in December. She is also the mum of our fab colourpoint Ollie. Enquires welcome.

Happy New Year..new baby pics...

2011-01-09T20:18:00.003Z

Latest pics of the babies at 6 weeks...enjoy!
Chantilly Lace..... Rose(option, enquires still welcome), Maggie (reserved) and Tilly (under assessment)

Johnny

Johnny B Goode and Lady Elenor...dont they make a nice pair? Both these lovely kittens are available.

Happy Christmas!...some kitten pics at last...

2010-12-26T19:09:00.011Z

Finally some pictures of our latest little darlins....
Witchfyre Chantily Lace Silver tortie tabby female Under assessment

Witchfyre Ramblin Rose Tortie tabby with red blaze female option

Witchfyre Maggie Mae Silver tortie tabby female reserved

Witchfyre Lady Elenor Tortie tabby with white female available

Witchfyre Johnny B Goode Brown tabby with white male available

Oscar and Arthur...Nems kittens from last year

2010-12-14T12:53:00.004Z

Had a lovely email from Oscar and Arthur's mum and dad with some fab photos...enjoy....

Louise said
'Oscar and Arthur make coming home every day something that we look forward to. We have been looking after them very well and they have the best of everything. Oscar is a big boy and looks like a lion. He is extremely cuddly and takes any chance he can get to snuggle up to us. He is a highly intelligent cat and has figured out how to open doors using the door handle and he still plays fetch! Arthur is tiny and very cute! He spends most of his time either eating or sitting on our laps. He is a real baby and requires non-stop cuddling for some reassurance. He absolutely loves sitting on the scratching post by the window, watching the world go by. Oscar and Arthur love each other very much. They clean and cuddle each other all the time and if we separate them they get very distressed. We are so glad we got Arthur as well; it really completed our little family. '

A quick kitty update

2010-12-11T20:43:00.002Z

A quck update on Nem's babies. We have named the little tykes and have better idea of colours now:
Witchfyre Chantily Lace Silver tortie tabby female
Witchfyre Ramblin Rose Tortie tabby with red blaze female
Witchfyre Maggie Mae Silver tortie tabby female
Witchfyre Lady Elenor Tortie tabby with white female
Witchfyre Johnny B Goode Brown tabby with white male
Those of you into music will have spotted the theme!!
Photos next week...watch this space

A fine day at the races!

2010-12-06T21:26:00.002Z

This weekend was the VCC Rugby show with the Siberian Special. A small number of sibby breeders, including The Siberian Circle (Koolblue, Fluffytykes and Deleret), Musrafy, Sapphirensteel and Lyndongraey to name but a few, braved the elements and joined in the fun on Sunday.
We took our kittens. First judged was W. Silvaamune (Lavinia) and W.Sunsetstorm(Tam)...Francoise Millicent had the same problem I do and had difficulty choosing between the two and eventually put Tam Ex1 and Lavinia Ex2...cos Tam was more lively! W. Viola and W. Panthera (Aaron) was also judged by Francoise and each was awarded an Ex1. Tam and Viola were nominated for the sibby special.
The final best Siberian was Maria's Buslay Taezhnaya Skazka and best kitten Lynne's lovely baby boy Grigori...and wasnt he a cutie...tried to put him in my pocket to take him home, but was caught!!!!
W.Crouching Tiger (cubby) was judged by Angelika Kneifeland was given an Ex2 to Grigori's Ex1...she said Cubby is at that gangly stage and needed to grow into himself!
All kittens got excelent reviews and we are pleased that we are on the right lines!
One of Nem's and Belphie's granddaughters got BIS female two days running...congrats to Denise for that combination of Trinny and Harvey.
Thanks to the organisers for pulling the show off under difficult conditions, but would like to see the sibby special judged seperately from the main show with all sibbys having an even chance from all of the judges...like they do in Europe...oh and would love to have a better system to say where we are up to and a set lunch...I went for mine at 2.20pm after waiting and waiting and tummy rumbling after getting up at 3am...missed a side class for my trouble and the two judges who did not eat at the judging table went for lunch at 3.35! Most exhibitors I spoke to lost the plot at 11am and the BIS was a little disorganised with the sibby special sandwiched between the SLH and the SH BIS sections?!
Well done everyone and was great to catch up with the oldies and meet up with some of the newbies. My thanx to Andrea who helped me and was great company for the journey to and from 8 hours driving time!!!X

Nem's kittens update

2010-12-02T20:17:00.002Z

Well the kittens are ten days old today and eyes are open or opening...we have four girls and one boy. Colours are at the moment...
Tortie tabby with white female
Tortie tabby female
Tortie tabby with red blaze female
Brown? tabby with white male
Tortie tabby female

Witchfyre Bella

2010-11-30T20:16:00.003Z

A lovely message from Chrissy who adopted one of Aria/Phoenix's babies this year
'Bella is so great! She's really cheeky but really affectionate too! She loves sitting on the window ledge and teasing the big cats outside! She's started chattering too when she sees the birds! And really randomly she loves water! She likes playing with the running tap and dips her paws and nose in to it! Here's the first of a few pics, she's a sweety! X
Thanks for everything! We love her! '

Nem's babies have arrived!

2010-11-30T11:29:00.003Z

Nem's babies arrived last Monday, after a slow start all doing well. We have at least two torties..one has the most amazing red blaze on her head..
Dad is Phoenix (red silver shaded), his last litter before he was neutered. It looks like possibly some golden browns (Nem's dad was golden), two kittens have white paws and chest like mum. Not sure if any silvers yet as Phoenix's babies always start off very dark, so will be a couple of weeks before I know.
I will post some pics when they are four weeks...when they look like cats! and will contact everyone who expressed an interest shortly

A fun day at TICA Elescar

2010-11-15T22:33:00.002Z

We had a nice day on Sunday at TICA Elescar. We went primarily to show our BLH Charlie as TICA is currently the only UK club where he is eligible to be shown...you can see his report on our Witchstorm blog
It was an odd days judging for the sibbys. Rurik did well with three finals and Dawn's babies got a final each. Her silver, who was consistently placed fourth, suddenly got BOB in Robin Sessler's ring.
Sadly Tam did not get any finals. She got 2nd best of breed from Lisa Dickie who finaled Rurik in her speciality final. When introducing the sibbys she spent the first five minutes talking about 'a wonderful tortie smoke' (tam) who had a great body and coat and just needed to mature a little in the head...I got the feeling if her final had been all breed we might have been included! Tam made it known she hated the tanoy...and her ears go straight up when she is nervous, so some of the judges did not perhaaps see her at her best.
It was nice to catch up with some of the breeders have not seen for a while...was surprised not to see more yorkshire folk there!

Witchfyre Titus aka Alfie

2010-11-09T12:17:00.002Z

Just received this amazing picture of one of our May kittens who has gone to live with Marcus and his family near Portsmouth...what a handsome chap and a great size for six months! His dad is Phoenix and his mum Lulu. Marcus says he has a lovely laid back purrsonality which shows through in the photo dont you think?...

Phoenix

2010-10-30T22:35:00.002+01:00

Due to the potential new family's change in circumstances, we have a stunning red silver boy available now. He has been neutered and has the most delightful temperament. Genuine enquires only please. Details and pictures on the website
Elsa has gone to a lovely home in Cumbria and is enjoying her retirement and hopefully Ollie will be joining his new home in around a months time. Its always sad to see our retired cats going on...bit like when your kids leave home, but we try to make sure their homes are special and for life.
Our thanks to those special people who have taken our friends and love them as much as we do...

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

2010-08-30T17:26:00.002+01:00

From 1st September 2010 WITCHFYRE SIBERIANS will become the first and only cattery in the UK to concentrate our breeding programme only on Neva Masquerade Siberians

As many of you will know it is a passion of mine to promote the colourpoint or Neva Masquerade which gives the Siberian a uniqueness not found in the two other aboriginal breeds.
There have been a number of new breeders setting up over the last two years who are excluding this colour so we feel it is important to redress the balance. Our nevas will be registered with FIFe as Neva Masquerades and GCCF and TICA as Siberians to preserve their heritage. We will continue to support the inclusion of colourpoints as a Siberian colour. We will, of course, have from time to time other colours as we use our point carriers to develop the Witchfyre Neva...

2011 will see the development of our Neva programme into silver points and we will be concentrating on the blue and blue silver. We are hoping to also work alongside a new breeder who will be concentrating on the red points.

We will no longer be making available any breeding cats on the active register except the Neva Masquerade Siberian to like-minded breeders.

Aria and babies updates

2010-08-20T16:44:00.009+01:00

This is Witchfyre Aria a blue tabby point Neva Masquerade Siberian...and introducing her kittens at seven weeks.....

Nem's expecting!

2010-08-12T20:44:00.002+01:00

Our lovely Nem is expecting our final 2010 litter in September. The dad.....Ollie our fabulous colourpoint boy. We are hoping for some point babies as Nem is a point carrier...we have not had any this year as Phoenix does not appear to carry the point gene.
Those of you waiting for Neva sibbys, keep your fingers crossed :)

To Elsa and Sam...a leopard cub!

2010-08-08T18:38:00.005+01:00

Introducing Witchfyre Antonio aka "Cubby" as he looks like a leopard cub!! He is eight weeks today and a lively character.....a blue golden spotted tabby

Elsa pics

2010-08-08T18:34:00.001+01:00

Lulu babes update

2010-07-24T13:48:00.004+01:00

Latest pics, babies are now 10 weeks, where does time go? Aaron...'don't want me picture takin...'

Lavinia...silver tortie tabby

W.Titus ...black tabby

Tamora....tortie smoke

Aria's kittens pictures

2010-07-24T13:31:00.002+01:00

Some quick shots taken today.... Having fun!!

Brown tabby...

W. Viola staying at Witchfyre..

Brown tortie classic?

W. Maria

Brown tabby...

School's out for summer!!

2010-07-23T18:07:00.002+01:00

As much as I love my job working with pupils who need support, I always look forward to my summer break to catch up on stuff...
Just a quick note for now, and should finally be able to take some pics and do some website updates next week.
Sammy and Elsa's son is looking like a blue golden, didn't expect that..he is doing well and throughly spoilt as all hand reared kittens are!!
Aria's kitten are looking good, yes I know I promised pics last weekend, but had to go to Nottingham instead.
Lulu's kittens will be leaving soon, I hope....I still have a black boy, and now due to changed circumstances, Titus is available.
Ollie and Nem are getting it on, so hopefully some colourpoints in the autumn.

Lulu's kittens update

2010-07-09T14:58:00.002+01:00

I am so pleased with Lulu's litter. This is her last as she is off to retire with Elsa and enjoy all the pampering a girl needs!! She is one of the last Tiggytykes girls currently breeding and has been a delight to be owned by....We have one kitten from her final litter currently available for reservation.

Witchfyre Aaron available. This is a lovely black boy with NO white hairs. He is available as a great pet, but because of his colour I may consider him for breeding (conditions apply). A black improves your brown tabbys and of course is the most amazing colour of Siberian, if I had the room I would keep him myself!!

Witchfyre Titus show/breed on hold
Witchfyre Tamora show/breed on hold, may be available later
Witchfyre Lavinia staying at Witchfyre

Aria's and Elsa's kittens update

2010-07-08T10:24:00.006+01:00

I have decided to name the kittens after the characters in 'Twelfth Night'
Brown tabby boy is Witchfyre Orsino on hold for Lisa
Brown tabby boy is Witchfyre Sebastian on hold for Tracy
Tortie girl is Witchfyre Olivia on hold
Tortie silver? girl is Witchfyre Viola on hold
Tortie silver? girl is Witchfyre Maria on hold for Lisa

As Elsa's kitten is an 'only child' I have named him from the same play and he will be Witchfyre Antonio on hold
Photos to follow in about a week

Elsa's kitten

2010-07-03T17:37:00.002+01:00

Elsa and Sam's kitten is three weeks old tomorrow. It was touch and go for a while as after doing so well to day ten he suddenly refused to feed. I finally got him to accept bottle feed from day 14 and he has been improving and putting on the weight he lost and a little more besides. Fingers crossed...

Aria's kittens have arrived!

2010-07-03T17:34:00.001+01:00

Aria's kittens arrived on Wednesday all good so far. Updates later when I get a chance to assess them.

Pictures at last!!!!

2010-06-26T17:44:00.008+01:00

At last some pics of Lulu and Phoenix's babies!

This as Tamora and Aaron.

I love Tamora's look and am finding it hard to decide between the two girls...

Here are the lovely Lavinia and Titus

Lavinia is staying here at Witchfyre and Titus is under assessment for breed/show.

Here is the cutest Aaron, smallest but the most forward. I had a little back girl in Lulu's first litter and she turned out bigger than all the others...I have to say there's nothing more stunning than a black Siberian!

Kitten news...

2010-06-16T21:28:00.002+01:00

Elsa produced one baby boy? by Sammy on Sunday, he is a brown mackerel tabby so no goldens this time.
Lulu's kittens are coming on well and will get some photos up this weekend....had an accident over the half term whilst walking my dog and ended up with two badly sprained ankles, so everything takes ten times as long to do! (and you try getting up a ladder to the loo with sore feet...for those of you out of the loop we are having new stairs put in!)
All kittens are still under evaluation as I will be keeping one or two as these girls are retiring this time. Please be patient...
Aria is due from 8th July so looking forward to these kittens from her and Phoenix.

The naming...

2010-05-26T21:35:00.002+01:00

We have decided to name all our kittens this year after characters from Shakespeare's plays....Lulu's kittens will be named after characters in Titus Andronicus:
Brown tabby boy....Witchfyre Titus
Black boy....Witchfyre Aaron
Silver? tabby girl....Witchfyre Lavinia
Tortie smoke? girl...Witchfyre Tamora (Queen of the Goths!!!)

First pics

2010-05-24T21:10:00.005+01:00

Lulu's babies are eleven days old, and all have their eyes open.

Had just enough time for a quick snapshot of babies...bit chaotic here, John putting a new staircase...just got half and a ladder for the rest right now!!!

Here are the babies....all kittens currently under evaluation

Silver? tortie tabby girl

Tortie smoke? girl

Black boy

Brown tabby boy

Lulu's babies update

2010-05-20T17:29:00.002+01:00

Well, the babes are a week old today.
We are almost certain we have:
a brown tabby boy, he has the most amazing head and is looking promising
a tortie(dark silver?)tabby girl, again is chunky with a good head
a black possibly smoke boy..he is the smallest and keeps getting pushed out, but already has his eyes open, just got to keep an eye on him at feed time! He is solid black and not a single white stray hair in sight...
a solid tortie girl...she is black with thin red painted tips here and there, very pretty.
Will try and get some pics up in the next week or so, but am mad busy at the moment
Lulu is being a very patient mum...she's the best X

VCC Show Lincoln

2010-05-16T21:00:00.002+01:00

Whew...just got back from the show today...didn't realise it was that far...bout time we had some more FB shows over my side!!!

Boys got their EX1' s but no noms this time, Elijah's coat had blown so 'not in show condition'! Nem got Ex2 as was nervous...not been to a show for three years!

Took my baby British longhaired tippy...was the centre of attention, with photos and ooh's and arhhhs all round...just missed BIS as the only other unrecognised breed was an Aussie mist...the judge said he had to pick the Aussie as it was nearer to being a recognised breed!!!! but loved him and said he was an excellent British.

Got some great comments about Elijah...his judge thought he was amazing. He commented that he had seen some excellent Nevas in Poland and that he was as good...his undercoat was exceptional and overall excellent...if he had been in better show condition he would have been NOM.

Alexsei's judge said he had an excellent ear set for one so young, very good coat texture and very promising profile. He got to the last three for NOM with the MC and NFC...guess who won...yes the MC...something that keeps happening to out lovely sibbys...come on judges time to move on....

Elijah won Best Cat in the Breeder side class...not won that one before, and very proud...the judge loved him

We'll keep trying...does anyone know a good cat groomer in my area who can fix moulting cats?

New babies!!

2010-05-14T23:06:00.002+01:00

Lulu delivered us four stunning big babes in the early hours of Thursday morning. I think we have a tortie girl, two silver tabby boys and a black smoke boy...their colour is amazing, the black is like velvet...all kittens under evaluation. I will contact those on the waiting list shortly.

Elsa is due in about four weeks to Sam, fingers crossed are looking for a nice girl to keep. As Elsa has a golden undercoat, we are hoping for golden kittens or a least a rich golden brown. Both mum and dad carry classic tabby..so who knows

Preston & Blackpool CC GCCF Show 27.03.10

2010-03-27T18:42:00.004Z

A good day and a chance for Aleksei to shine today:

Adinolo Aleksei Witchfyre
Merit Awarded...Very pretty boy of good balance and proportion, superb character...should do well. Jean Clare
1st AC Siberian kitten
2nd AV SLH Kitten not bred by Exhb.(4 entries)
2nd AV SLH Debutante Kitten (5 entries)
3rd AV SLH Kitten res in Lancs (5 entries)

Witchfyre Elijah
Merit Awarded...Superb boy, strong muscle and bone, lovely body length, excellent temperament. Jean Clare
1st AV SLH Kitten
3rd AC Siberian Kitten

Well done boys!

FIFe Milton Keyes Jan 31st 2010

2010-02-01T21:32:00.002Z

A three o'clock start, snow and a wrong turn, and we arrived at MK at the incredible hour of nine o'clock...should have taken four hours! We had a good result though, Witchfyre Elijah got his Ex1, Best in Variety, NEM with white and was NOM for BIS Preliminary breed. The final came and two judges took the stand, it was tense and Elijah at just six months, was against the much older Vassily son, a gorgeous red point. It was a split vote so Martin Kabina was brought in to break the tie, and afer much deliberation, picked the red point...oh well, maybe next time..it was a bit like deja vu as the same happened in 2008 with Elijah's mum Aria and she was beaten by one vote by my own chocolate Aby!!!!
Our little red spotty boy Adniolo Aleksei Witchfyre, got his Ex1 at 4 months and also beat eleven other entries for Best Debutante!
All in all a good day, not bad for the boy's first show, and just about worth the 400 mile round trip! Was nice to see everybody.

Aleksei and Elijah checking out their winning rossettes...

Aleksei

Aleksei and Elijah

Aleksei

Aria update

2010-01-28T00:17:00.003Z

Well just three weeks to go and Aria and Sam's babies should arrive. She is quite big so not sure if there's a few in there or that the kittens are big...Sam's dad is the biggest Siberian I have ever seen!
Looking forward to our first babies of 2010. Elsa fooled us again so has returned to her beau as she has not taken...
We will have a busy Feb, with kittens due and two girlies visiting our boys...oh and a wedding in France...busy, busy, busy!

Nem's boys 2008 update

2010-01-07T23:34:00.005Z

An update from Chris and family for Nem and Belphie's (2008)boys Neo and Morpheus...their sister Trinity went to Sapphinesteel.

"Thought you might like an update. They are both fantastic cats with very different personalities. Morphy is so sweet and reminds me of a naughty schoolboy, always got his hair messed up and a look of trouble. Neo is still quite timid but always curls up on our knees and makes very strange squeeking noises when he is sleeping! Both seem to prefer sleeping upside down and don’t seem to like the snow, strange considering their ancestors! Once again thank-you for such wonderful animals."

Dont they look stunning...

We will be repeating this mating Autumn/Winter 2010

We have kittens due February

2010-01-07T12:36:00.003Z

We have kittens due from Sam and Aria in February. We are very excited about these babies as they will be Sam's first. Aria produced us a gorgeous boy and girl last year so keeping fingers crossed X!. We have a couple of spaces only on our list for this litter.
Elsa also looks as if she is expecting to Ollie. As she generally only produces one or two babies and we are hoping for a keep from this litter, we will not hold a list for these.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T00:45:00.002Z

Happy New Year and hope 2010 the best yet! can't believe its nearly a year since I started this blog...time flies....
Have just set up my new website, the old one had so many things added over the year, needed better organisation, still some pages to add but check it out and let me know what you think!
Take care all
Shirley and all at Witchfyre!!X

Happy Christmas!

2009-12-12T16:36:00.005Z

Here's a couple of pics of Elijah and Den taken today with my new camera...hurrah for cannon!!..no more tail shots

Natz baby Phantom!

2009-11-14T21:58:00.006Z

Here's a couple of pics of Phantom in his London pad.... Phantom has stolen Natalies heart...sorry Andy!!

Aria's babies...updated pics

2009-10-24T17:36:00.005+01:00

A few updated pics of Aria's babies. Elijah is staying with us and we hope to show him. Elena is going to be Clare's first Neva for the Druhzina cattery and Eloise is off to be a much loved pet. Euan and Ethan are still available and looking for their forever homes. If you are intested, call me...

Witchfyre ElijahWitchfyre EuanWitchfyre Ethan Witchfyre Elena Witchfyre Eloise

Moose n Lola

2009-10-02T17:12:00.003+01:00

A couple of pics of Moose and Lola from Vikki....

Socks AKA Oscar

2009-10-02T17:01:00.007+01:00

John and Louise wrote....

After spending a couple of days with “Socks” we decided to name him Oscar since we thought this to be quite fitting of his personality.

When we all arrived home last Saturday Oscar was a little bit nervous however curiosity prevailed and he came out of his carrier and started to explore. Within a few hours he was laying in my lap purring like crazy and enjoying his new home! He has now settled very well. The first visit to the vet went really well and he is a healthy little kitten of 1.7 kg!

Louise stayed at home with him this week, and what’s quite incredible is that Oscar actually plays fetch. If you throw a toy he will run after it, bring it back and drop it. Unusual behaviour for a kitten but he really is a very snuggly and intelligent kitten.

Lillie's babies

2009-09-18T16:54:00.003+01:00

Here is Lillie and her two boys from Belphie. Lillie is owned by Liz ....Both boys doing well, one red and one red(tabby) point

Siberian Rescue

2009-09-14T21:49:00.007+01:00

I recd a call from the Persian cat Rescue in Yorkshire who have two sibbys in their care. These are not my breeding, but I offered to put them on my site....
message from Pauline....
Hi Shirley
here are pics of the two Siberians we have in at our rescue. They are called Ivan and Roman, are both 4yrs old male neuters, must be re-homed together and are fully vaccinated. They're both "brown tabbies". They are a bit quiet and shy, though that maybe because they need a new home and people around.
If you know of anyone who may be interested in them they can ring me on 01677 470344 or email stfrancisrescue@yahoo.co.uk
thanks for your help
Pauline x

If you know anyone who may be looking for two neutered boys please could you contact her directly

Nem's boys

2009-09-13T18:41:00.013+01:00

Nem's boys, now 10 weeks, two of these boys may be available, one will stay here at Witchfyre, but can't just decide which! Enquires welcome, ready to go end of September...

Aria's kittens updates...

2009-09-13T18:35:00.012+01:00

These are the latest pictures of Aria's babies, now seven weeks old and doing well...

Hester

2009-09-13T18:31:00.005+01:00

and Hester....

Phoenix

2009-09-13T18:28:00.004+01:00

And the very handsome Phoenix...

Sammy

2009-09-13T18:21:00.006+01:00

Some updated pics of my beautiful golden boy Sam....

A very sad day....

2009-09-04T19:17:00.002+01:00

Today we had to say goodbye to our baby Bella. She was only five months....
From a kitten she had problems with her food, which we thought was a food intolerance...sadly after tests it was a problem with her oesophagus which could not be fixed...
We are devastated, she was a beautiful Siberian and had much promise....
Goodnight baby Bel...see you later X

W. Polaris aka 'Socks'

2009-08-15T14:14:00.006+01:00

A couple of pics taken for Cherie...thought I would share with you....

Aria's Kittens....first pics

2009-08-15T14:05:00.005+01:00

Nearly three weeks old...where did time go...These kittens are still under assesment and are not for sale at present. To register an interest email or call.

Aria's kittens update..

2009-08-05T22:09:00.002+01:00

Aria's kittens are now a week old and have suddenly grown! It's like someone has inflated them rapidly with a balloon pump!!! I will take some pics when their eyes are fully open. Looking like some blues in there...

Nem's boys update

2009-08-05T21:59:00.011+01:00

Witchfyre Pendragon AKA 'Arthur'

Witchfyre Potemkin AKA 'Dennis'

Witchfyre Polaris AKA 'Two Socks'

Phantom and Two Socks

Phantom and Pieter

Nem and boys

Power struggle!!!

Witchfyre Drusilla update

2009-08-05T21:46:00.004+01:00

Leanne wrote...

Just thought I'd let you know that Drusilla is settling in great. She's got such a cheeky little temperment, its just adorable. She's been very affection and greeting anyone who comes to visit. She is also getting along great with my other girl, Willow. It's a delight to see them being so playful with each other so soon.

Thankyou and I'm so glad I found your website when I did!

Aria's kittens have arrived! updated...

2009-07-26T21:45:00.002+01:00

After a very long labour the tiniest kittens ever have arrived...
All well so far...looks like two girls and three boys...more updates in a week or so

The Neva Boys!!

2009-07-24T13:30:00.007+01:00

These little boys are 3 weeks old!

Nem's babies, Pieter and Phantom

2009-07-24T12:44:00.004+01:00

Indian Sateen 17th March 1981 - 23rd July 2009

2009-07-24T10:21:00.002+01:00

Yesterday I lost my lovely Arabian mare Indian Sateen. She became ill six weeks ago, but despite our best efforts, we had to let her go. She was 28 years old and I first saw her as a flighty 3 month old foal, when she ran from her mum to greet me at the gate. She came to live with me at 6 months old, and has shared our good times and bad.
Words cannot express the pain I feel...
Goodnight my friend, until we meet in Summerlands...

Witchfyre Dalziel....'Moose'

2009-07-15T16:53:00.003+01:00

W. Dalziel...now Moose has obviously settled in. Vikki wrote.....

'Moose is settling in fantastically - its like he's always lived here! We're both astounded at how well adjusted and fearless he is! He's the most friendly and cuddly cat I've ever come across and loves to go for a trot round the green on his little harness.... he mews for me to put it on and take him out! Pictures will follow!

He takes everything in his tiny stride... including my grumpy old moggies :-) He's already friendly with the jack russel and his favourite place to sleep is round the back of my neck.

He helps me with the cleaning also... well draped over my forearm front leg and back leg over each side! He's taken to climbing up my leg however.... which I don't think I'll allow for much longer ;-)

He's been for his first check at the vets on monday - didn't even need to take him in the carrier.. its only a couple of minutes away so we walked. He didn't much enjoy being chipped however (not surprising really!) and didn't talk to me for a couple of hours.

I honestly can't thank you enough - he far surpasses every expectation that we had and he's already trained his new slaves. He is absolutely wonderful!'

All settled in...

2009-07-14T19:50:00.003+01:00

The last of our spring kittens have left. Belladonna has stayed with us, despite many requests to part with her!!!

Alex wrote...'Well, they(W.Dante and W.Drusilla) have been with us for a whole 30mins and they are playing like they own the place :-)

thank you so much!'

Nem's boys are stunning....the nevas all look like solids. All have got great heads and are very lively. These babies will be assessed at four weeks before becoming available to the waiting list.
Aria looks ready to drop....

Nem's Kittens...first photos

2009-07-10T20:36:00.010+01:00

Had a chance to take a couple of pics. As they have started opening their eyes I cannot use the flash so will try and take some better pics next week. These kittens will be assessed between four and six weeks before becoming available.

Delyth off to her new home in London!

2009-07-10T20:33:00.001+01:00

Delyth took the fast train to London on Monday....her new mum wrote..

'She is doing great. She is so confident and rambunctious, it took her about five minutes to feel comfortable in the flat. She and Percy are slowly getting used to each other - they chase each other around and play fight but are definitely improving every day.'

Boys and more boys!...

2009-07-06T16:50:00.002+01:00

Nems kittens are all boys! We have a lovely bi-coloured brown tabby, a high white brown tabby and three nevas, possibly seal/seal tabby and two with white...will have to wait a little longer for colours to develop...

Nem's Kittens have arrived!

2009-07-01T17:06:00.002+01:00

We are pleased to announce Nem's babies have arrived...and quite a mix. Will post details in a week or so...