Author Sara T Thornton DVM    iCandy RagaMuffins

A few years back, I decided to take a trip to Florida. Most people go to Disney World. Not me, I went for a cat show. You see, I had a flight voucher from a previous trip and, well, there was a show that the judges were good for my cats, and to make a long story short, it was  January in Pennsylvania. I asked a friend of mine to go with me to help wrangle cats and took off for sunny Florida.

I had never flown with pets before. The cats were used to traveling by car, but not plane. First I needed  two carriers that were airline approved to go under the seat. Then I had to plan all I needed for the weekend for me, the cats, and the show. My biggest concern was going through security with the kitties, keeping their stress levels as low as possible and then making the trip comfortable for them.

The trek through the Allentown, PA airport was fine. The TSA agents couldn’t have been nicer while doing their jobs. Ganache, the younger cat did not like the noise at the security walk through. Nougat, a seasoned traveler was fine. But, then, on the plane, Nougat got very upset. He was clearly distressed. It was a long couple of hours in the air.

Both cats were tired the next day at the show. I think traveling wore them out. But, it was a successful day with both kitties doing very well. The next day at the show was good as well. The judges liked my cats as did the numerous spectators. I walked out of the ring one time holding Nougat and was surrounded by cameras flashing. Nougat took it all in stride, posing like the beauty he is.

I dreaded the trip home, worried that Nougat would once again have a bad flight. While security through the Florida airport was much busier and more stressful, the cats did fine. Nougat had a much better flight on the way home. And then it snowed.

author Sara Thornton DVM      iCandy RagaMuffins

At the CFA annual, delegates voted on a couple of rule changes that I think will benefit those showing RagaMuffins. The first is to make grand championship points more accessible to earn when there are large entries. If there are 16-20 champions/premiers, first through fourth  places will be awarded; if there are over 20 entries, a fifth place will be awarded for points. This is a great step for minority breeds.It will take affect in the next show season.

An enormously beneficial vote added titles that can be earned by cats competing in both the premiership and championship classes. The change gives each category incremental titles that may be earned while attempting to get a grand title; bronze, silver and gold championships/premier titles. In championship class, points required are 50, 100, and 150. In premiership, points requires are 20, 40 and 60. I am unclear when this will take affect.

Another item addressed was the Ambassador cat program. In the works is a therapy cat program which will be super for me as I take my cats to visit in a nursing home.

 

author Robert Hamera                                 Slice of Life

There is no denying that last week’s heat wave here in the east as well as the rest of the country has been brutal.  With the humidity the heat index had reached over 100 degrees on several days.  How do you survive?  What do you do to keep cool?

It was so hot last week that I didn’t feel like moving or doing anything.  Things that normally enjoy held no interest at all for me.

I usually start the day by sitting in front of the fan and reading the newspaper.  That kind of eases me into the day ahead.

All I wanted to do was rest.  So I admit that I took several cat naps during the day.

 

When it is warm it is important to find a cool spot.  Quartz makes for a cool place to rest.

Lounging in the pool is another way to beat the heat.  It does help, however, if there is water in the pool.

Of course, wearing heavy clothing is not a wise ting to do.  I suggest you shed those heavy layers and go for something light and breathable.

It is important to stay hydrated so I suggest you drink plenty of liquids.

As far as eating, several small meals are better than one big meal.

Sometimes it is just nice to chill out with friends, especially in an air conditioned space.

If you really must go out I suggest you take an umbrella since pop up showers are a given in this kind of weather.

Of course, if none of these suggestions works for you I have one more thing you can try.  Find a cool spot somewhere in the world, pack a bag, and take off until the heat wave is over.

 

author Sara Thornton DVM     iCandy RagaMuffins

Did you know that many Cat Fanciers’ Association shows have cat agility competitions? It’s true! And it is a lot of fun to watch. The cats go over jumps, through weave poles and tunnels. Some are just lightening fast; others, not so much because, well, cats are cats. Look here to get details.

I’ve tried it twice in the past. Once at the International Show when Beignet was a kitten. It was a no go. She was totally distracted and not interested. Then, I tried it again a little more than a year ago with Rolo. Again, the distractions in the show hall were more than he could deal with and he preferred being petted.

Last weekend, though, I decided to give my kitten Solo a chance. The people that run the agility rings are wonderful. They are skilled handlers that are there to help clueless people like me. They are so patient;  that patience was definitely appreciated with  Beignet and Rolo. But, I discovered Solo is a natural. The goal is for the kitty to follow a toy through the obstacles. She picked it up right away and zoomed through the course. There is a timer going and she came in at just over 19 seconds! And, she was ready to do it again. The second time, she shaved off 2 seconds. She ended up with the fastest time of the day, winning first place. And, yes, I was beaming.

author Kristen Wiley       Imperial RagaMuffins

A year ago I sent an email to all our breeders to discuss our breed and the outcross. As the Breed Chair for ACFA I was asked to discuss the outcross and to make changes to what is currently
allowable. I compiled all the responses and started really researching our breed database. We have seen the repetitive use of some of the same pedigrees and the seemingly shrinking pool of
our genetic diversity within our pedigree program. With that in mind I began working with a company (Optimal Selection) that does genetic evaluation of cats and determines a specific
samples heterozygosity.
For those maybe not familiar with the term heterozygosity I will explain that quickly. It is the term used to relate the genetic diversity. Hetero meaning opposite alleles of the same gene. The
greater the heterozygosity, the greater the genetic diversity. So a cat that is very homozygous (meaning same alleles of a gene) will typically be very “typey” and or line bred. I line breed my
cats to keep as closely to the type I desire in our breed. In doing so one risks loosing genetic diversity. As our gene pool is quite small we worry about the need for an outcross to help widen those numbers.
Currently when a breeder is considering a breeding they may call and ask to run a coefficient from the groups database. We like to keep our coefficient or inbreeding less than 10%. The number we get based from a coefficient is determined by the cats in the pedigree and not what actual genes the cats received from its parents are. Although heterozygosity might not vary too greatly between siblings, it is very interesting to see the differences. What I think is more interesting is correlations between heterozygosity numbers from cats of our breed vs other breeds and vs random bred cats ie barn cats DSH/DLH. This is the number to look at when worrying
about questions like “Does our breed need a outcross?”.
With the new information from Optimal Selection we can better predict a possible pairings heterozygosity. Since working with Optimal Selection my worries about the gene pool have
lessened. I do not have a huge in depth look at our gene pool through this company since there are just barely over 30 samples given. I do line breed and I was very surprised with the heterozygosity within my own cattery. So that is the info I presented to the committee after receiving requests for us to add to our outcross.
Optimal Selection has generated numbers from their samples for averages of breed heterozygosity and uses a scale to compare with pedigree cats in general as well as random bred
cats. Random bred cats heterozygosity is 38.7% compared to pedigree cats average at 33.7%. We finally have the minimum 30 samples needed to generate a median for our breed and it is
36.2%. Below are other breeds current average percentage for heterozygosity. If a breed is not listed it means they do not have enough samples. Numbers can change as more samples are
given to them.
Abyssinian 28.9%
Balinese 24.6%
Bengal 33.2%
British 35.7%
Burmese 21.3%
Cornish 32.9%
Exotic 33.1%
Korat 20%
Maine coon 34.7%
Norwegian 37.8%
Ocicat 30.2%
Oriental LH 26%
Oriental SH 24.5%
Persian 33.4%
Ragdoll 33.9%
Russian blue 31.7%
Siamese 24.1%
Siberian 38%
Somali 30.6%
Sphinx 34.7%
Turkish angora 36.4%
Turkish van 32.8%

I would LOVE to see more breeders using the Optimal Selection as a tool. It is an expense ($100/cat), but one I deem worth the results. The comprehensive report also gives blood type aswell as tests for numerous diseases including PKD1 and HCM. I think looking at the numbers comparing heterozygosity to a cats inbreeding especially interesting and think it’s indicative to our pedigrees errors. Either error of entering cats in or error of parentage. Cats with very similar
heterozygosity but vastly different COI and vice versa is odd. It confirms my thoughts on errors and also the lacking in solely using a coefficient for such decisions.
The use of the DLH as an outcross was brought up. I do have concerns about that. For one, I know of instances in our breeds history where cats have been registered as DLH for our breeds
use that possibly are purebred cats. My concern is the actual diversity within those cats we would use of DLH. Using Optimal Selection would tell us that but we cant implement its
requirement to use a DLH. I know from my experience growing up on the farm that our barn cats were inbred. Cats in the wild don’t use discretion when it comes to mating. And even though tom cats will wander there is still a circle of same genes running in those cats wandering.

My suspicions are slightly confirmed by the Optimal Selections number assigned to a random bred cat since it is not higher.
The average heterozygosity for a random bred (barn cat) cat is 38.7% and for a pedigree cat average is 33.7%. So the higher the number the more genetic diversity. Now also realize that
the number between a barn cat and a pedigree cat is not huge, but it will help you reference where our breed is on that scale.
Pedigree average 33.7%
Random average 38.7%
RagaMuffin average 36.2%
Below are RagaMuffins in the data base (the second number is that cats coefficient based off a 10 generation pedigree) They are not relatable as far as heterozygosity to coefficient but more to the
fact that we say breed under 10% coefficient to have safe health and diversity. So this will tell you ok we say 6% coefficient is great and relate to ok here is this cats heterozygosity or actual genetic diversity. In the following , bold print numbers next to each other are FULL siblings for comparison of heterozygosity vs coefficient.
heterozygosity vs coefficient . The third number percentage in each line is for samples I didn’t have pedigrees for to know coefficient
36.1% 11.1% 34.1%
36.5% 6.7% 36.7%
36.8% 6.7% 36.6%
33.9% 11% 34.4%
34.4% 11.3% 36.5%
34% 11.3% 39.9%
34.5% 7% 38.6%
34.2% 12.7% 38.9%
32.8% 12.4% 35.4%
34.4% 12.4% 36.3%
33.7% 16.1%
35.2% 6.4%
Samples from first generation BLH outcrosses using two sets of different parents:
39.8% (I dont have the BLH parent number but the Ragamuffin parent had a 34.2%)
39.3% (The BLH parent used had a 37.3% and the ragamuffin had a 35.2%)
40.3% full sibling to above kitten
Numbers from siblings of our Selkirk outcrossings and are 2nd generation.
38.4%
37.1%
So, some of the outcrosses have greater genetic diversity then that of a random bred barn cat!
That is why I think using a DLH is not the best answer. Cats in the wild can’t always be as diverse due to the small wandering circle of genes they can get to. And also they do breed to their siblings, parents etc….. With how we can ship cats today, it is more genetically diverse to get cats of known pedigree breedings than to use a DLH.

As far as “Do we need an outcross?” Well the numbers from the two BLH are nice to see. But if you look at the cats in the database
that are purebred RagaMuffins all but one are over the average of the average pedigree cat. This is why I say I don’t necessarily worry about adding one. Yes it will help and add diversity, but I
believe we will be ok without. Granted this is a small pool of our breeding pool cats. I would better be able to evaluate if there were more cats in the system.
Here are some predicted heterozygosity numbers vs trial mating coefficients with some of the samples.
predicted heterozygosity vs coefficient
37% 6.5%
36.5% 7.4%
33% 18.9%
36.3% 6.4%
35.4% 10.3%
35.3% 9.7%
37.5% 5.6%
36.1% 5.4%
35.3% 7.2%
I want us to make informed decisions. And this has been a very useful tool! For now ACFA is not adding to their outcross. But it is nice to see all this information for future reference in
determining the future for our breed.

author Sara Thornton DVM      iCandy RagaMuffins

I entered two of my RagaMuffins, Smidgen and Sugar Daddy in the CFA North Atlantic cat show held in Cromwell, Connecticut this month. Friend Lynda Jay of Serendippity RagaMuffins flew in for the show, bringing her kitty Truffles to show and delivering my new show kitten Solo.

I was really looking forward to the show along with coming home with a new kitten.

Saturday started with walking into a show hall that was decorated to the extreme. It was amazing. The theme of the show was Into the Looking Glass from Alice in Wonderland. To get to the show hall, an exhibitor walked through an arch, starting the Wonderland decor. Each show ring was designed with a specific character in mind. The color scheme and arrangements and even the ribbons matched the specific ring décor. Paper mache characters lined the judges’ table. The judges’ lights were gloriously adored. One ring was the white rabbit, another was Alice,  others included the Mad Hatter, cheshire cat and there was even a queen of hearts! And, yes, even the judges were dressed in the theme!

After walking in and seeing how extraordinary it was, Lynda and I both hoped to do some winning in order to get those spectacular rosettes. Cat shows, like many other things have tightened their belts and downsized the ribbons, often awarding decorated paper. Not this time. The ribbons were HUGE. And they sported gold tassles. The first place winners even got a specially designed ribbon.

Both Lynda and I were fortunate enough to do some winning over the weekend on both days. The big winner for us was Solo. At just four months old, she wowed the judges, climbing the judges’ pole and showing off her beauty. It’s a pleasure to watch a kitty enjoy the ring. Both Lynda and I were proud of all the RagaMuffins we put in front of the judges. It is a fairly new breed, so having the judges evaluate consistent, high quality cats is important.

Poor Lynda had a problem on the way home. She’d won so many ribbons that she was afraid her luggage would be overweight for the plane. 🙂

author Sara Thornton DVM          iCandy RagaMuffins

Every June, it’s time for the big event.  Cat show people gather  to celebrate the previous season. This year the NAR ( North Atlantic Region) chose to hold the event in Cromwell, Connecticut. It’s further away than I generally travel, but, my Pixi Stix was getting two awards and it’s always fun to see the cat people dressed up.

The banquet was held on Saturday night. There was a cat show both Saturday and Sunday. so I made what was supposed to be a four hour drive with cats on Friday. It took six hours; heavy traffic is no fun. Once I got to the hotel, I unloaded the car and got my kitties, Sugar Daddy and Smidgen, comfortable. I then went out to dinner with a friend.

Another friend of mine, Lynda Jay of Serendippity RagaMuffins flew in from Illinois Friday for the show and banquet. She brought with her my new show kitten, Solo. I was looking forward to spending the weekend with Lynda and getting to know Solo.

The show kept us busy the next day, but we got out in time to clean up and dress up for the awards banquet. The theme for the weekend was Into the Looking Glass from Alice in Wonderland. The theme was carried through from the show hall to the banquet room. Tables were beautifully decorated with black and white harlequin table clothes. The centerpieces were fabulous continuing the theme using fresh flowers. Even the place cards were theme based. Somebody put a lot of work into this!

The meal was excellent. After dinner, the awards began. Best of breed awards were first. iCandy Pixi Stix earned  Best of Breed RagaMuffin in the region. The next set of awards were for the various categories cats compete in. Pixi Stix was a Regional Winner last year and repeated it this year. As in previous years, it was an enjoyable experience. Lynda had never been to a cat awards banquet; I’m glad she had a good time.

 

author Sara Thornton DVM        iCandy RagaMuffins

In February 2016, CFA approved the RagaMuffin Breed Council request for an outcross using the long haired Selkirk Rex, silky variety. The purpose of this was to  help RagaMuffin breeders  by adding  new blood to the gene pool. Not only may we benefit from the Selkirk bloodlines, but the Selkirk has outcrosses with the British Short Hair and the Persian. Lots of possibilities exist with this. The duty of the RagaMuffin breeder is to choose individuals with proper type, keeping in mind the sweet expression we all love along with proper coat, ear set, and muzzle. In addition, health screening is paramount as we want to safe guard our breed.

 

 

author Sara Thornton DVM              iCandy RagaMuffins

 

My sweet twenty-one month old CFA Grand Champion iCandy Jelly Belly was due for her first litter this week. Her due date was Tuesday. Monday morning she was acting a bit different and went in the nesting box , joining another litter of kittens and their mother.

By two PM she was intermittently panting for short periods of times, but no contractions. I had to go to work, so had a kitty sitter come stay with her while I was gone. Nothing happened. She continued the same activity (or lack of it) well into the evening. She seemed comfortable with continued purring.

As the night wore on, I was getting worried about the lack of contractions. I drove her to the emergency clinic at 3 am for an ultrasound. It appeared all was well at that time. At 8 am, I called the reproduction specialist and drove her down to that practice. Again the ultrasound showed that all was OK. One kitten’s heart rate was borderline, so decided to have an emergency C-section done.

Surgery went smoothly. As it turned out, Jelly Belly had a tissue membrane separating one of the uterine horns from the body of the uterus. The kittens on that side would not have been able to pass. The veterinarian that performed the surgery has done hundreds of C-sections. She had never seen anything like it. She feels that membrane played a role in preventing normal contractions.

The good news is Jelly Belly and the kittens are fine. She is a wonderful mother and I am grateful she is healthy.