Adilah, it is more of a "heart" thing than technical know-how to me.....if you care about your fluffy little wonder than it's just a matter of time before you will learn to do a reasonably good job.........

and of course talking about keeping a top-show quality longhair cat in a top-show condition is definitely the next, next, next level of game.........afterall, there aren't that many people who can be bothered to spend that much time and effort keeping cats to such a superb condition for a prolonged period of time for the whole-year long campaign........

the bottom line is, "IF" you have the slightiest thought that longhair cats, especially those with double-coat (Persian, Norwegian), can be the equivalence of "trouble" to you - leave your hands off them - these cats are not your cup of tea........it's good to BOTH of you and the cats.......

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Cattery Russmania Norwegian Forest
Best CFA NFC Cattery in Asia 03-08
www.russmania.com

Back-to-back Cat of the Year / Premier of the Year in CFA ID - Asia in 2 consecutive years

GC, DW Russmania Antonio Gaudi (Cat of the Year in CFA ID - Asia & 4th Best Norwegian Forest worldwide, 06-07)
GP, DW Russmania Bohemian Rhapsody (Premier of the Year in CFA ID - Asia, 07-08)

Proud Mother - GC, DW Heavenly Joy av Josdalsbreen, DM (CFA 3rd Best Norwegian Forest worldwide, 07-08)

There was vetting in, but I don't know if it was in line or in cage. Some sharp exhibitors have ways of avoiding vetting. (Though sometimes they get 'sprung'.)

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Lesley (Tasmania)

In Aust most states (and bodies) have vetting, except Queensland. NZ shows are vetted, too. Re yours above - sorry, but in virtually all western countries there's most certainly vetting - USA-based clubs would be the exception.

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Lesley (Tasmania)

why own a long haired cat?
good question.

i think many people feel 'ordinary' and want to live vicariously through other means. that's why they push their kids to score straight A's in school and then put them through piano lessons and tennis too. then they can think 'hey, i may have a unfulfilling job but my kids/cats are special!' it's a way of justifying their own achievements or the mediocrity of them.

this isn't meant to be cruel. i think it's human nature to want what is perceived as better or best in areas that we can actually influence. it's really hard to become a multibillion dollar oil tycoon but you CAN buy a posh cat so what do you do? go out there are buy whatever it is your mind perceives as superior.

and here's some food for thought....a very wealthy swiss friend of mine is positively devoted to 'clever cats' i.e the shorthairs. it's as if, life is a sociobiology experiment. studies have shown that human will always strive to move up up up. so poor people tend to have more daughters who can marry rich men, and the rich will 'try' to be more educated so they can multiply/hold on to their wealth. if you don't believe me, go read 'the rad queen'. great book!

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Alicia Ling Horsley
PetEpicure


"The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in time of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality."Dante

very true alicia