Happy Gotcha Day, Zilya

The Z litter at 17 weeks.

Russian Blues are like potato chips: You can’t have just one. So after Tekla, our Russian Blue from Ingeborg Urcia, and Mollie, our black and white girlie, passed, there was just beautiful Sofiya, our Dutch-bred Russian Blue with a side of Aussie genes.

You know what that means.

With our hefty tax refund and her impeccable sense of timing, Maartje’s “Z” litter made the scene: two girls and two boys. We started talking in late December-early January, figuring out which girlie out of the two in the litter would fit in the best. It didn’t take long to decide on Zilya. She was sweet, and lively, and outgoing; but Maartje determined that she had an occlusion – her bite was a bit off so she wouldn’t want to breed her.

When I asked about her personality, Maartje wrote:

“Oh Sally she is such a delight – this entire litter is really – you touch her & she rolls over purring. She gives the best head butts and can spend hours on my lap. If I need to get up & move her I can just scoop her up and she won’t even blink – although she might complain when I put her down again. Typical of Louie kittens … my house, plants etc. are still completely undamaged, they are so sweet & well behaved. Just paper, they love ripping up paper – it’s a granddad Bear trait. Can’t promise you that fascination will completely disappear. She’s probably the bravest of her siblings – the first to greet new people, etc.”

Zilya…Oh that look!

Getting a kitten ready for her new home is a process, even more so for a conscientious breeder like Maartje. It involved health checkups, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping. A passport is created and a health certificate will ensure secure entry into the new country.

Then there is the matter of the transporter. Indeed, there is a whole network of people who transport pets across the world, hand carrying them on planes to their new homes. Facebook has pages devoted to those involved in pet transport.

We initially thought that Maartje would be able to bring over Zilya as a perk of being a flight attendant. It would have been great to meet her after so many years of interacting via social media. The timing just didn’t work out, so we contacted Pawel, who had transported Sofiya four years earlier. After backing and forth and trying to figure how to wire the funds – there was a problem with his bank accepting the wire transfer, which caused cancellation of his March 11 airline reservation. There was also the issue of a “broker’s fee,” something to do with processing paperwork at customs. We had not experienced that with our two previous importing experiences. So that fell through. It made me realize that importing a kitty does take fortitude!

Then, like an angel, Matty Linders of Worldwide Personal Pet Travel Service, descended from the heavens. Maartje found her, referred from a Bengal breeder in a nearby town; Matty breeds Bengals in addition to transporting cats, literally around the world.

Matty sprang into immediate action with incredible professionalism and, most importantly, loving care. We immediately received a detailed quote and terms and conditions, and flight information. We messaged regularly and we were delighted with her attention to detail and concern for the safety of her charge. Matty and Maartje also messaged back and forth during the process.

We settled on March 24. Matty and Maartje met up in Amsterdam for the transfer for the 1 p.m. or so flight; they’re 5 hours ahead of us. Zilya was wide-eyed and adorable!

Maartje, Zilya, and Matty. USA here we come.

Matty would arrive at JFK (Terminal 4) on a late afternoon flight. By then we were a bundle of nerves in anticipation; Paul absolutely hates driving to New York. Fortunately, JFK is a pretty straight shot, white knuckles aside. Meanwhile, Matty was updating us on the transfer of Zilya between her and Maartje at Amsterdam airport.

The flight was due at JFK just before 5 p.m.; we couldn’t stand the anticipation any longer and left the house at 1, knowing we would have to wait. We made good time, and so did the plane, which was due to arrive a bit early. We also knew there would be customs to go through, which extended the wait. So, we cooled our jets in the waiting room at Terminal 4 and people watched.

Luckily, as she texted us, she was able to get bumped ahead, which cut down on the wait time; by the way, there was no mention of any broker’s fee.

Finally, we spotted her, carrying two carriers (as is her process). She looked just like her photo – tall, blonde hair in a braid, quilted coat. We were excited and relieved. We chatted a bit, and she said Zilya had been very good. We headed outside to the car to make the transfer. Matty insists that the transfers always take place in a car for safety.

I look awful, but Zilya looks adorable.

We squeezed into the back seat of Paul’s Corolla with our large SleepyPod carrier. She took Zilya out of her carrier and placed her in my arms. We were another step closer to bringing baby home. She snuggled right in, curious about her surroundings and on the receiving end of many pets and kisses. She was even cuter in person than in the photos with her upright ears and soft, confectionary-sugar dusted fur.

Finally we had to say good bye to Matty, who by then felt like a dear friend, and get on the road for another two-hour drive home. She gave us a care package of Zilya’s paperwork, toys, and gifts, including some Dutch tulip bulbs and Stroopwaffel cookies. I tucked Zilya into the Sleepypod. We got out of the car to Paul who was patiently waiting outside (the front seat was too tight for him to fit!). We chatted a bit and exchanged hugs. Matty was going to catch a ride to her hotel and do some NYC sightseeing before heading back. We hit the road with our precious cargo.

On the way home, I wanted nothing more to take Zilya out of the carrier and cuddle her, but had to make do with responding to her mews as Paul sped along I-95.

Ahead of the trip, we set up a welcome home room for Zilya so she could decompress – a couple of comfy beds, toys, litter box, food station – so she could get used to her new surroundings after a very long journey. She did seem more eager to snuggle and explore than hunker in. Of course, we wanted to introduce her gradually to Sofiya, who knew something was up.

Over the next few days, she was introduced to the household under supervision; given her gregarious nature, confinement to her room was short-lived. Sofiya kept her distance and expressed some reservations about this new interloper.

Day 2 at home

As with Sofiya, Maartje did an impeccable job at socializing Zilya. I kept her apprised of her antics. To this day she is still obsessed with her feather toy.

Zilya quickly got used to the routine. She ate well, took advantage of the views from the big windows, sampled the many beds, and hung out with me during the day in the home office. In short, she adjusted seamlessly.

Getting to know you.

Now, a year later, we can’t imagine life without her. She has retained the same affectionate nature Maartje wrote about, especially when she comes bounding into the bedroom during the night and morning for intense snuggle into the neck, heavy-duty purring love sessions. I liken it to charging her love batteries.

Happy Zilya-versary.

While Zilya and Sofiya are not exactly BFFs, there is détente. Despite their common lineage, they are quite different. Sofiya is dignified, elegant, and reserved; Zilya is a high energy goofball – we call her Silly Zilly. Physically, they’re about the same weight although there are difference in their faces, coats, voices, and conformation. Truth be told, however, we do have to look twice occasionally to tell them apart!

They share the desk in the home office, and beds, countertop for treats, sun puddles in the living room, and occasional kisses. We have plenty of room, but they do choose to hang out together. They are both assured many times a day how much they are loved.