Jumping Through Hoops - Day 1

First thing I want to say is there are going to be some huge changes in the works for me. I have been advised on one occasion in a very polite way that even in CFA it is now time to do Exhibition Only with the Helki. Then recently some staunch advice and words of alert were said to me during a show. My mentor and I had planned on attending and putting the cats on the bench one last time in March, but after that we knew it was time for Exhibition Only. Now I am contemplating just doing Exhibition Only at this show in March. Its a difficult decision for me, however I know the advice given to me could also be the warning that I may be stepping to far into territory where I will be causing myself and my breed nothing but harm. I am not making the decision today but I do think that its time to settle in for the long winter in Exhibition Only. Its not an easy feeling but all the advice given is from those whom I trust and respect. I've never gone wrong by following the advice from these people.

Another thing I'd like to try is 30 days of Helki Blog! I neglect this portion of life so well. I really dont like putting my heart on my sleeve in front of everyone and their dog to read. I like to believe that all people have good intentions but I know from experience that it is not the case. Again I have to think about the breed and not myself. I need breeders and I need people interested in this breed. So in order to do that I need to talk about them and my methods more. Hopefully my honesty can help others understand that my intentions are not bad, even if those people do not agree with me or if they dont like my breed. Here is the skinny, I will attempt to post about the Helki everyday for 30 days. If I skip a day the 30 days starts over. The post may be very simple and sent from my cell phone, or could be long and involved. It will be at my whim and hopefully fun and informative. :)

A Quick Comparision

Pictured Coutsey of the CFA WebSite: 
Brown Tabby American Shorthair Male
Best of Breed GC, BW, NW STEDAM AMERICAN BRAVADO Photo: © Larry Johnson 

 Black/Silver Classic Tabby Helki Male
 Romo Meowski Photo: © Alissa Otero

When I attend various cat shows I am often asked if my cats are American Shorthair because they carry the classic tabby pattern and it is my favorite pattern to show. Here is a nice comparison by photo. As it is plainly visible the Helki's conformation and type are widely different then the American Shorthair. The Helki is a Small to Medium sized cat of slender build. While the American Shorthair is a Medium to Large sized cat with a robust powerful build and muscles to match. The ASH also has a head that is slightly wider then it is long giving the gentle curved rise of the nose bridge the illusion at times of a break. The Helki has a medium slightly rounded wedge shaped head and the nose should be medium length with a slight rise from the bridge of the nose to the forehead. Hope that helps define the cat a bit more.

Next Step - SOP

So the next step is determining a Standard of Points. I want to at least have a template that can be tweeked if needed. Because this breed has come from ferals and domestics I have a wide range of body types. For the most part the Helki is a small cat some individuals being close to the size of the Singapura with a stockier build. So far I've had a wide range in patterns just from the small group of cats that I've bred. So far no Chocolates/Lilacs/Cinnamon/Fawn but possibly do have Burmese brown... Some kittens are born with light colors that later develop into dark rich colors that are difficult to identify. Anyway thats what I have for now. I'll post more under this label at a later time ^_~