Kittens Expected.

It's all been a little bit chaotic the last few weeks and it's been difficult to find time to post. So, there's lots to catch up on, including a pigs update, more uses for courgettes, a trip to the lake district, preparations for winter and so on.

However, something very exciting has happened so I will skip all these posts and jump to the present for now.

More than 2 years after we purchased our first Bengal female, Anitra, with a view to breeding from her, we have finally had a successful mating.

Asia, our 2nd girl who we purchased and exported with us as we left England had a season during our weekend at Niksters and Frans wedding (August 20th). This was only her second season this year. The first being early in the year, which did not lead to a successful mating. It would appear that this time, pretty much left to his own devices, Vegas, our stud boy, has done his job and has truly become a man.....

Before we left for our Lake district trip weekend before last, we noticed some subtle changes in Asia, enlarged teats and slight rounding of belly. Unlike most folk that believe their cat is pregnant until proven otherwise, we have become used to disappointment, so we thought not to much of it. On our return, Asia, was even more rounded and definitely had an increased appetite.

A quick feel suggested that there was something in there, outside the norm. Again, experience said that it couldn't possibly be, so Mrs Longship racked her veterinarian brain for other possibilities. "False pregnancy" and "Pyomertra" were among the many words mentioned. But there was definitely something and Asia was in no way under the weather.

Yesterday, our minds were finally put at rest. Mrs Longship took Asia to the clinic and a quick scan showed the presence of probably 3-4 happily wriggling kittens, expected due date 23rd October.

So, this means 2 things.

1st, we will hopefully have Bengal kittens for sale, ready around Febuary next year, any one interested (bearing in mind we are in Norway, although we will be happy to arrange export) can get in touch through Starsprung.com
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2nd, Vegas has proved that he is fertile and can do his job, so we can now seriously consider him for use for limited outside stud. Again Starsprung.com if you are interested in using Vegas.

AS you have gathered, I have finally managed to get the cats website up and running. See all three of our cats there, including the new "gallery". The link is also in the side bar.