‘Owned by cats’: long-time cat-writer Sally Bahner authors ‘The Art of Raising a Kitten’

Lisa Reisman interviewed me about “The Art of Raising a Kitten” for the ShoreLine Times.

Author Sally Bahner photographed with her book, The Art of Raising a Kitten, at her home in Branford.
Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media

BRANFORD — This is the tale of Sofiya and Skitch Henderson and Skitch’s offspring Dewey and Tinkerbill.   

It’s the tale of long-time local reporter Sally Bahner who’s spent the last 50 years, as she puts it in her delightful “The Art of Raising a Kitten,” “being owned by cats.”

“I can describe my life by the cats I’ve had over the years,” she said at a recent pop-up book signing as part of the Holiday Cookie Sale & Gift Fair at the American Legion to benefit the Branford Compassion Club. 

“They’re just exquisite,” she said, when questioned on her love affair with felines. “Everything from their different personalities to their presence. They have such a presence.”

Continue reading here:
https://www.ctinsider.com/shoreline/article/Owned-by-cats-long-time-cat-writer-Sally-17661199.php#taboola-1

The Russian [Blue] connection to Ukraine

Feb. 25 – March 11, 2022

Say what you want about Facebook, but it has been instrumental in connecting people all over the world through common interests and passions.

For me, the connection has been through cats in general and specifically Russian Blues. Through my love of Russian Blues, I have met many wonderful people – from Finland, Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands, Poland, Australia, South Africa, and yes, Russia. Over the years, we’ve shared hundreds of photos, celebrated births, and mourned deaths.

A belated tribute to Tekla

Dear Tekla: I’m sorry I haven’t posted about losing you before now. Perhaps it would be acknowledging the finality of loss – or simple procrastination. But leading up to your 18^th birthday, April 26, I would be totally remiss for not completing this tribute. 

Katzenburg’s Tekla of Dvinskaja

Katzenburg’s Tekla of Dvinskaja joined the many Katzenburg kitties bred by the venerable Ingeborg Urcia on Nov. 14. She was 17-1/2 and a host of old kitty ailments finally caught up with her. She was from the very last litter bred by Ingeborg, which included CJ, who was owned by Deb Harvey’s mom. I’ve had nine Russian Blues over some 30 years and Tekla was the longest lived. I do believe she is the very last Katzenburg kitty. Katzenburg kitties are part of so many Russian Blue pedigrees.

Want a pedigree cat? Here’s what to know

Originally posted at FearFreePets.com.

More than 30 years ago, I said to my husband, “Someday I’d like a gray kitty – a Russian Blue.” Armed with an issue of Cat Fancy, he found a breeder in New Jersey and we traveled two-plus hours to pick up Ashley, my first Russian Blue. Thus began a love affair that continues to this day and recently culminated with Sofiya, who hails from the Netherlands.

The question arises: Given all the cats in shelters, what attracts people to a pedigree cat? All cats are wonderful, but there can be good reasons to purchase a cat of a specific breed.

Read more here.

Sofiya Comes Home – Part 2

At Amsterdam Airport. Screenshot from video by Maartje Schoenmaker.

Maartje sent a short video of Sofiya at the airport – Pawel’s flight from Warsaw to Amsterdam was late, so the handoff was quick. Then Pawel messaged me from the plane with a photo that all was well. I spent the afternoon tracking the flight on Flight Tracker. We packed for an epic journey – food, water, various kitty supplies including litter box, some food, an extra blanket for the carrier, paper towels, and cleaner.

We left about 5:30 p.m., allowing at least two hours for the drive and finding our way around the airport; the plane was due in at 8:30, and was even running a little early. Turned out the airport and Terminal 4 was a clear shot. Our research had paid off and we found decent parking right near the terminal.

Our Little Dutch Girl – Part 1

Sofiya at 16 weeks. Photo by Maartje Schoenmaker

When you love cats, there comes a time when you feel the siren call, even after a loss. Friends post photos on Facebook. Litters of adorable kittens are born. There’s this tugging on your heartstrings.

More than two years after losing Celica Blue, I felt that tug. There was Stormy, who was a sweet older kitty with various health issues, and yes, an unlimited number of adorable shelter kitties who paraded across my Facebook pages. But my heart longed for one last Russian Blue.

Immaculate Conception… Or the ‘Oops’ Litter

Mom Emma, the Jesus kittens, and Dad River.

When you work with two different breeds of cats, this is what may happen.

Kaisa Savolainen of Tartu, Estonia, breeds Norwegian Forest Cats and Russian Blues. They’re as different you can imagine: Large fluffy brown tabbies vs. sleek blue, silver tipped beauties.

Savolainen raises her cats under the FI*Lolcats Cattery. She is studying to become a veterinarian and is active on the show circuit. She regularly posts photos of her litters of kittens, who are often born within weeks of each other and freely interact.

Fearless Kittens: Are They Made or Born?

This article was originally published on the Fear Free Happy Homes website.

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It’s a little bit of both. These tips can help you choose the one who’s just right for you.

Stories abound about kittens who are adopted into new homes, then promptly disappear for days at a time, coming out only at night to eat and use the litter box. It doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s how to improve your chances of bringing home a confident, outgoing kitten who will be comfortable in any home or situation.

Read the rest of the story on the Fear Free Happy Homes website.

Celica Blue and Lymphoma: Remission in Sight?

Going into the sixth round of chemo – the latest on Aug. 31 – Celica Blue continues to be the perfect cat.

Celica Blue and Lymphoma: Two Weeks In

Two weeks ago today we discovered Celica Blue has lymphoma, a disease totally unexpected in such a young cat.

Since then, living with the disease has become the new normal.