Tuesday, March 24, 2015

PK Def results

In our continuing commitment to test our kitties and use only the healthiest kitties in our program , I am as pleased as always to share that 2 more kitties have been tested and found to be free of PK Def.

Now , this is NOT a big surprise for anyone who follows pedigrees , line chasers etc. We dont use cats who COME from pedigrees where such things make PK Def possible.  But as the test is available, and recommended for our breed , we shall continue to  utilize it as one more component of our criteria.
Copied below are the results - as well as part of the information from the lab

Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency
(PK Deficiency) in Felines
Introduction Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency) is an inherited hemolytic anemia caused by insufficient activity of this regulatory enzyme which results in instability and loss of red blood cells. The anemia is intermittent, the age of onset is variable and clinical signs are also variable. Symptoms of this anemia can include: severe lethargy, weakness, weight loss, jaundice, and abdominal enlargement. This condition is inherited as an autosomal recessive.
Based on a survey of 38 breeds, the mutation responsible for PK deficiency has been found in significant frequency in Abyssinian, Bengal, Domestic Shorthair and Longhair, Egyptian Mau, La Perm, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest, Savannah, Siberian, Singapura and Somali. Cats of these breeds are at higher risk of having PK deficiency or producing affected offspring; genetic screening for the mutation is recommended. A few breeds showed very low frequency of the mutation (less than 0.2%) and are low risk: Exotic Shorthair, Oriental Shorthair and Persian.
The VGL offers a DNA test for PK deficiency to assist owners and breeders in identifying affected and carrier cats. The test uses DNA collected from buccal swabs avoiding invasive blood collection. Breeders can use this test as a tool to avoid breeding carriers together which would produce 25% affected offspring.



 PK DEFICIENCY results for Kender's Centurion (aka Rory)
N/N - no copies of PK deficiency, cat is normal

PK DEFICIENCY results for Nightmusic In vino of Kender ( aka Sherry)
N/N - no copies of PK deficiency, cat is normal

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Another Dakota Update

Her mom is so funny - she sends us these regular email updates! We just love them !

Bought new air filters for furnace today. Placed them next to the cold air return and finished unloading car. Attached, Boris (insert - another Kender kitty almost 8 now !) is inspecting damage done by you know who.

I'll be fully trained in a couple of months.

Carol
 And this email from about 3 weeks ago
Opens cabinets in the kitchen
Pulls stoppers out of sinks in the two bathrooms
stuffs toys into the garbage disposal
sleeps under the covers
gets in the shower
sleeps on drying sweaters
slings litter
slopy eater
Insists upon tasting everything I eat.
Helps fold laundry and helps with bed making

For now, that's all the stuff I can think of. What a smart and fun thing she is!!!

Boris has adjusted and will egg her on now !!!

Another Family Update

Wonderful Update on one of the blue girls ! Living quite happily in the San Diego area.


Oh My gosh it has been almost 2 months since dasha came home with us and I am head over heels IN LOVE! She is the kitten love of my life, and I can't believe how much we amuse each other all day long. And boy has she GROWN! I feel like she almost double in size since we got her home. We found some raw cat food locally that she squeaks for with gusto (she doesn't really meow, but squeaks and chirps which I guess is common with the siberian breed) She is shedding up a storm right now with the strange 80degree san diego weather in march so we need to work on our brushing skills together (not her favorite activity.) My husband still seems good, not allergic so all is well. Dasha does yoga with me( you can see her on my yoga props) and we watch tv, and run around the house squeaking and chasing each other and she loves playing fetch! Here are some photos of life with Dasha!
xoxo
Steph
Oh yeah and she has this strange love of our shoes. We find it very amusing!
--

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Another Kender Family

Got these shared with me from another one of our wonderful forever families.Isn't she absolutely stunning !  I am sure hoping her mother will permit us to show him. Photos taken by her owner (not us ! ha ha)



Colin another retiree

Just wanted to share a few photos we have rec'd recently of another retired kity. His name is Colin and he is a littermate to our Bella (CFA Grand Champion Kender Faithful Servant HCM clr , PKD clr, PKD1 Neg, PK Def Neg) . couldnt be more pleased with the home he has found. He was placed with another breeder as a baby and is now retired I am tickled they took the time to write to me.  They are 7 1/2 years old.

This is the same family that will be welcoming our retiree Rose to their home as well ! We know she will just have hte best home ever! I hope they dont mind us sharing a portion of his email with you.


Attached is yet another pic of Colin....we were taking a nap :) 

Best regards,
Karim

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Sunday, March 1, 2015

New Grand

We are thrilled to announce our newest Grand Premier!  Tzigane's Silver Rose of Kender - spay. Grand Premiered this weekend in California thank you to all the judges who recognized her.  (pending CFA conformation of points)

She is now officially ready for her forever home and inquiries will be taken. This is a sweet gentle lady of a kitty who wants nothing more than to sleep the days away with you on the bed or couch.