Conference misery::feline_v1

    Have you considered allergy medication?

    Balanese are longhaired Siamese...do these cats have long or short
    hair???  
    
    In a Balanese breeding, there are often shorthaired kittens in the
    litter that although look like siamese, would be considered balanese.
    
    I hope I didn't confuse anyone...
    
    cin
    

I don't want to be rude, but for all of you "helpful" people out there,
YES, I do know what all of my options are, YES, I'm already on 4 different
types of allergy medicine, NO, I don't need any more "helpful" advice.
This was a hard enough decision to make without having to justify it to 
a bunch of people who don't know the whole story.

I wouldn't do this if I hadn't checked out every possible alternative,
they really are adorable cats, and I do love them very much.  Besides,
I'm not talking about giving away all of my cats, just half of the brood.
(You picture 4 cats in a 2 room apartment).  If I can find them a good
home I think they'll be better off, having more room to roam, and not
having to stand in line for a little affection (not to mention the reduction
of allergens in the apartment that will allow me to breathe a little
easier).

These two kitties are Balanese, which means they look like Siamese
(sealpoint to be exact), but they have longer, silkier hair.  However,
the hair is not as long or as fluffy as other "long haired" cats.  By
referring to Siamese I was just trying to give the uneducated out there
an idea of what these cats look like.  Every non-cat-crazy person I have
introduced these kitties to has said "Oh, what pretty Siamese...".  

Annie Majeske

    Annie,
    
    I'm sorry, if my note upset you.  Balinese are very beautiful cats, and
    also very unusual.  I can't remember the last time I saw one in a show. 
    
    They are relatively rare, and I thought that by making the distinction,
    it may help.  Siamese are pretty cats too, but you can find siamese
    anywhere.  
    
    For all of you non-cat-crazy people out there, these cats must be
    beautiful.  They don't have the short, resilient coat of the siamese,
    but instead have a thin, silky coat that's not very long, but gives
    them little ruffles under the belly, and on their back hocks.  Similar
    in texture to the Birman, but much shorter and finer.  
    
    If you were able to find a balinese, the price would be very high, even
    for pet quality.  I believe they start at around $400.  And that's IF
    you could find one.  
    
    Good luck placing your kitties, Annie, I really was only trying to
    help.  I understand how hard it is to part with family members.
    
    purrs...
    cin
    

    Take it easy Annie!  Two responses is hardly jumping down your
    throat.  We have no way to tell how informed you are or what
    alternatives you've checked out.  You must know as well as we
    do how quick some people are to get rid of their cats and how
    very hard it is to place adult cats.  We were just making sure
    that these cats really needed to be placed in another home, not
    asking you to justify yourself.
    
    Good luck and I'll keep my ears open.
    
    

    Re: .1
    
    Annie:  I apologize.  It's just that I've run into so many situations
    where people have not considered their options or considered getting
    on medication - and it is a thing with me.  I wish you the best
    in placing your kitties.
    
    Giudi in SF

    
    >Okay guys, I think we should back off on this a bit.  There are
    >ways to get your point across without having to throw out accusations, 
    >and sharp remarks.  
    
    >Let's all remember to value differences.  And please, try to be
    >nice about it.  We are all individuals with feelings.  I don't think
    >any of us wants to run people out of this file.
    
    I think that what Jo said in 3127.17 is worth repeating here which is
    why I just repeated it. Folks, it is the holiday season and I understand
    that is a stressful time for many folks, and having to give up a
    beloved pet can just add to the stress, so please, lets really try to watch
    how we say things so as not to hurt others feelings. Before you answer,
    put youself in the shoes of the person that you are responding to and
    think about how your words might feel. 
    
    Deb
    (co-moderator)

    I saw some at a show once.  They are beautiful, graceful, and very
    sweet looking - beautiful eyes!  I'll bet they would make wonderful
    companions - their fur feels sooooo nice!
    
    E.T.

    At the last show, in Haverhill, Mass., I was benched next to two
    Balinese.  VERY pretty.  The first time I ever saw one was only
    1 and 1/2 years ago, at the Manchester, NH, show, and I couldn't
    wait to find out what kind of cat it was.
    
    	Pennie

    Balinese must be harder to find on the east coast than on the west
    coast.  A very good friend of mine breeds Balinese under the cattery
    name of Chesbro.  Beautiful cats!
    
    If the two cats in question were bought from a breeder, you might
    want to consider contacting the breeder for assistance in placing
    the cats.  She would probably have some leads of people who are
    looking for adult cats rather than kittens.  As a breeder, I know
    that I would want people to contact me if they could no longer keep
    their cat.  I even put a clause in my contract that I am to be
    contacted first before the cat is placed in a new home.  Good luck
    finding new homes for your two babies.
    
    Jo

    Forgot to mention.  Balinese are allowed to be outcrossed to Siamese
    lines in CFA, and the resulting litters often have several shorthaired
    kittens in them.  The shorthaired kittens are called Balinese Variants.
    The carry the gene for longhair, but since shorthair is dominant,
    that is what they have.  Variants can be shown as AOV (Any Other
    Variety) I think, but cannot compete for championship points.  Variants
    play an important role in many Balinese breeding programs, and they
    also make terrific pets!
    
    Jo

    I went to the Nashua show last fall and was given an info sheet on the
    Balinese by one of the exhibiters. I think it had a catery name. If any
    one is interested, I think that I still have the info sheet.
    
    Deb

    I agree with Jo about contacting the breeder you got them from.  They
    may be able to help you.  I also do the same regarding my kittens...I
    have first right of refusal before they can be placed in a new home.
    
    cin
    

I bought the cats when I lived in Michigan.
I don't think the breeder would want to come all the
way to Mass. to get them...

re: .14

We have sold cats as far away as the west coast.  We would want to be 
called.

Ray

    Ray, Cin, and I are in agreement here, try contacting your breeder.
    I just took back a kitten from Texas, do to circumstances that the
    owner could no longer keep her.  I found her a great home with a
    lady who had another of my cats and was looking for a playmate.
    
    Your breeder may know of someone looking for a cat, and can refer
    you to them rather than coming out after them herself.  Getting
    them to their new homes may require that they travel anyway.
    
    Just try it, it may work out okay.
    
    Jo

I found a new home for my kitties.

I'm sure they will be very happy there.

Annie Majeske

    Good news!!! 
    
    

    Glad to hear it!