Friends Remember Nancy Davenport Saint Clouds Cattery

At the passing of Nancy came her MANY friends offering to contribute writings for the Scratch Sheet about her and her cattery, St Clouds. This issue will Remembering 1 Nancy 6-7 feature Nancy, her cattery, her dedication and love Davenport of the Maine Coon cat, as told by her friends. I never had the chance to meet Nancy, but from The Vaccine 2 what I’ve received from these friends about her, it’s Conundrum 13-17 a shame I didn’t have the good fortune to do so. Nancy appears to be a shining star and I know eve- Spotlight on 3 New Breeder 5 ryone will agree after reading this article. Members While Nancy’s friends will recount their time with her, I first want to share what her publisher, IUniverse, says Dutch Show 3 about her and her book, Eternal Improv, written about her life, outside of the cat fancy. Winners’ 4 Gallery “Following a childhood of parental abuse, and subsequent homelessness, Nancy Davenport went on to What’s New 8 graduate from UCLA Phi Beta Kappa, later receiving her Master’s Degree in Social Work. An accom- Vaccine Recall 8 plished poet and artist, she dedicated her life to counselling children and families affected by child Kids Korner 9 abuse. While writing this memoir Nancy was diag- Remembering 10 Nancy is pictured here with her all-time nosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Suddenly faced A Special Feline favorite cat, St. Clouds Diamond Lil with devastating illness, she became determined to

President’s 11 complete this work in order to spread her message that child abuse is likely to be found in a Corner mansion as in a mobile home. Eternal Improv is an inspiring work of profound courage and Feline 11 hope.” Seminar My sincere thanks to Barbara Ray, Willowplace cattery, Laura Cunningham, Coonyham cat- Recipe 11 tery, and Hazel Brandenburg, for sharing their stories with all of us. Liz Hansen, Editor 2005-2006 12 Story Continued on Pages 6-7 Winners

Mainerd Sez 18 Meet This Year’s Top

Membership 19 Maine Coons

Officers, 20 Contact Info Find Out Which Maine Coons & Advertising Champions, Kittens & Alters Were Top Five for the 2005-2006 Show Season in

CFA TICA CFA’s Best Maine Coon Kitten GC NW Shubacoons Desdemona of Highlandser TICA’s Best Maine Coon Kitten Page 12 IW RW TGC Smokeycoons Here Comes the Sun The Vaccine Conundrum: How Should I Vaccinate My Cat? Susan Duke, Health Contributor Dukehaven Cattery, North Carolina

When I posed this topic to Dr. Susan Little for this issue of the vaccinate. The “Age of the Internet” Scratch Sheet, she replied “The key is that we build individualized has given us a broad and sometimes vaccination protocols now, there is no one size for all.” confusing range of information, and Safety concerns (especially vaccine-induced sarcomas – see VAS vaccination of our cats is no different. sidebar) are the prime motivator behind this change. But com- Because the theme of the guidelines is pletely eliminating vaccination has even greater safety concerns. to adjust the vaccination protocol to Lorraine Shelton’s sidebar describes the more serious situation fit the cat or cattery, it shouldn’t be before vaccines were available. too surprising that veterinary practices In 2000, the American Association of Feline Practicioners (AAFP) are adjusting for the same reasons and the Academy of Feline Medicine Advisory Panel on Feline Vac- (and some vets haven’t yet changed A Dukehaven kitten cines released a report entitled Guidelines on Feline Vaccines11. Ac- their vaccination protocol). cording to one of the co-authors, Dr. R B Ford, revised guidelines So it’s no wonder that vaccination protocols ranked near the top of the are scheduled to be published later this year. Dr. Ford explained list in a recent MCBFA survey of health topics of interest. The objec- that the most important change to the guidelines is the stronger tive of this issue’s Scratch Sheet health topic is to clarify and elucidate safety concern about use of adjuvants. the diseases vaccines protect against and what and how vaccines do Adjustment to fit individual cat’s and cattery’s situations is healthier what they do (including safety concerns), so you can minimize the risks for our cats than one-size-fits-all. However it requires owners to and maximize the benefits afforded by the vaccine options available (and be better educated about diseases, vaccines, and how often to better evaluate new options as they become available).

Feline Diseases with Available Vaccines Part of the decision on which vaccines to use is determining the risk of getting the disease.

Virus Acronym Disease Symptoms FV R-C-P –Diseases with Vaccines that are “Core” “R” FHV-1 Feline Viral FVR is the more severe of the two most common upper respiratory viruses, the other being Feline Rhinotracheitis Calici virus. As suggested by the name, it affects the nose ("rhino"), eyes, throat area and Herpesvirus (synonyms: sinus areas. The "itis" refers to the inflammation/infection that is happening. It is referred to Type 1 Rhinotracheitis, as an "upper" respiratory virus because it affects the area involved with breathing that is Feline Herpes before the lungs and trachea. Virus Infection) FVR is actually a herpes virus, specifically Herpes Virus 1, and it is specific for cats. (from WinnFeline) “C” FCV Feline Calici Virus Calici is the least severe of the two most common upper respiratory viruses. There are Feline Calici Infection MANY strains of Calici, some of which make cats very ill while others cause only mild illness. Virus Symptoms range from nothing at all to severe pneumonia. Usually there are mouth ulcers (including the tongue, and sometimes the lips and nose), nose and eye discharge, sneezing, fever, lack of appetite and severe drooling due to the mouth ulcers. The discharge from the eyes and nose is neither as thick nor as profuse as that associated with Rhinotracheitis. The cat may also have swollen eye membranes on the inside of the eye lids. FCV can cause death, and it is most often kittens which contract the severe form with pneumonia. (from WinnFeline) “P” FPV Feline Panleukopenia is an infection so severe that it was referred to as "Cat Plague" in earlier Feline Panleukopenia times when infections would nearly wipe out cat populations in certain geographical areas. It Parvovirus (synonyms: is a highly contagious, severe parvovirus that causes enteric (bowel), immune system and Distemper, nervous system disease. It is important to be aware of this disease as the fatality rate in sus- Feline Infectious ceptible cats/kittens is 50-90%. (from WinnFeline) Enteritis (FIE), PanLeuk)

Rabies Rabies Rabies Once infection occurs, the rabies virus grows in muscle tissue and may go undetected for Virus several days or months. Rabies causes typical symptoms. The infection progresses in a predictable manner, from the initial prodromal phase to the excitative, or furious, phase to the final paralytic phase. The first sign usually is a change in behavior. Rabid animals usually stop eating and drinking, and may appear to want to be left alone. After the initial onset of symptoms, the animal may become vicious or begin to show signs of paralysis. Some rabid animals bite at the slightest provocation and others may be somnolent and difficult to arouse. Once the animal shows signs of paralysis, the disease progresses very quickly and the animal dies. (from Animal- HealthChannel). In the US, cats are the most commonly rabid domestic animal. Worldwide, more than 30,000 people die from rabies each year, with many more undocumented cases, and 10-12 million receive postexposure treatment. Increased awareness and vaccination of cats will help re- duce the need for PEP (postexposure prophylaxis). Once infection develops in humans, it is incurable. Although less than five human cases of rabies occur each year in the US, approximately 20,000 to 40,000 people annually are given antirabies PEP. In less developed countries, the cost of prophylaxis is prohibitive so many cases are not prevented (From Greene's Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat).

Continued on Page 13 Page 2 Introducing New Breeder Member Shastacoons Lisa Beazio-Harvey of Redding, California My husband Dan and I live in Redding. California. Redding is very far Northern Ca., about an hour from the Oregon border. We are originally from the Oregon Coast and moved to Redding to escape the coastal fog, wind and rain. We are both RN’s. I am a clinical instructor for the Voca- tional Nurse program at a small college here and Danny is the PICC Line Coordinator (peripherally inserted central catheter-a special IV line) at one of the hospitals here. We also have our own PICC Line company and service the smaller outlying hospitals in the area. 2 years ago we planted a small vineyard-100 Cabernet and 200 Cloned Old Vine Zinfandel-we can harvest next year, so anyone interested in helping with the harvest can plan on visiting next fall! Our cattery is in our home-the girls and kittens live in the house and the males have their own enclosed rooms at the back of the house. Danny has built the nicest rooms for the guys-heat, air conditioning, fresh air, lots of windows and a floor that is easy for me to clean! Our kittens are born in our bedroom/bath area and live there with their mom until after the first vet exam and vaccination-lots of nighttime company for us! We keep our numbers small so that everyone has special attention. I enjoy educating people about Maine Coons and love to spread the word how special and unique each cat/kitten is. I met my sponsor, Anne Greenlee quite by accident-we were attending a cat show in Reno, Nevada and my husband was helping some friends carry their cats in. Danny accidentally grabbed Anne and Randy’s cat and carrier and took off with their cat. Anne calmly asked where he was going with her cat. I joked and said that I told him to pick the best looking cat at the show and it was hers! We have been friends ever since. I’ve learned so much from Anne! I am quite honored to be a new Breeder Member of MCBFA and wish to thank everyone that voted for me. I very much look forward to being an active part of MCBFA. It is wonderful how much support and help the Maine Coon world provides!

Dutch Junior Show with HCM Funds Raised Anneke Kuys, Patchwork Cattery, Netherlands It has become a tradition that the Dutch Maine Coon club RMC organizes a kitten show twice a year (spring & au- tumn). This show is meant for kitten buyers who, of course, think they have the most beautiful cat in the world and would like to see this confirmed by a judge. It is a more informal way than a regular show. It is one breed only, but the judges are the same as at a real show. In FIFé, you bring the cat yourself to the table of the judge. And the judge tells you the good and less good points. Of (Above) TICA judge Alexey Shchukin talks course with kittens you have the problem that most of about the Maine Coon cat to a group of them are still in development. Regular kitten classes are spectators. from 3-6 months and 6-10 months. This year we had to skip the first show because we could either find no judges (left) Monique Zweers-Daams holding The on the day we could reserve a hall or vice versa. In order Chiswelynx's Dizzy not to disappoint anyone, the show in August had the grown or to get acquainted. The pet owners have to compete with real show participants of 2 shows age ranging from 3.5 months cats. This way they learn what the difference is and why these cats are to 14 months ( so an extra class of 10-14 months). Hence winning. Of course some pet owners do have cats with show potential and the name Junior show. they get bitten by the show bug. Others just want to experience a cat show There were 150 Maine Coons judged by 5 judges. Yes, in a relaxed atmosphere and will just leave it to this one time event. the Maine Coon is very popular in the Netherlands. A There is a Best in show and there are extra prizes for the judge's favorite for couple of weeks before the show, the club organizes a instance the best “Patchwork”cat, for which all torties and torbies with white workshop on grooming and in preparation of the show. are eligible. During the show there was also a special table where During this show we held a lottery, the proceeds of which were 50% for the experienced exhibitors gave the last final touch to your Dutch Maine Coon club rescue group and 50% for HCM research via cat under the slogan “Pimp My Coon!” This sign was made MCBFA. The result for HCM research was 150 Euros which is about 190 US by Arie de Jong and Christiaan Heijdenrijk, an artist couple dollars! who do a lot of artwork for our club and who also made More pictures of this Junior day can be seen at: the show souvenir with Maine Coon on board to hang in http://www.carton.nl/rmc/juniordag2006/index.htm your car. (See Arie's site at http://www.ariedejong.com/) There are not only first time kitten buyers present, but often the breeders of those cats are also present in order to help them learn how to present their cats. Littermates The Dutch Maine Coon club (Rasclub Maine Coon) was founded in 1990 are lined up so many owners can see how they have Homepage: http://www.rasclubmainecoon.nl

Page 3 WINNERS’ GALLERY

Grand Champion Javacats Gloria Jean of Cuzzoe Brown Patch Tabby & White Female Breeder/Owner: Gina Emrich

Grand Champion Tropikoons Seychelles of Javacats Silver Patch Tabby & White Female Grand Premier Panther Hill Orion Breeder: Stephanie Boulter Red Classic Tabby & White Neuter Owner: Gina Emrich Breeders/Owners: Cain Haley

Regional Winner, Supreme Grand Champion Coonquest Gorgeous George Brown Classic Tabby & White Male Breeder: Larry & Vickie Fisher Owner: Diana Dillingham

Grand Premier Dracoonfly Quill Gordon Grand Premier Brown Classic Tabby Neuter Dracoonfly Red Baron von Berger Breeder: Sharon Stegall Crowley Red Classic Tabby Neuter Owner: Diana Pressmann Breeder: Sharon Stegall Crowley Owners: Phillip & Marjorie Berger

Page 4 Meet Poseycoon—New Breeder Members Janice & Keith Schafer of Seattle, Washington

Poseycoon, located in Seattle, Washington, has always been a family affair. The non-feline population consists of parents Janice and Keith, Caleb (age 14), Kirsten (age 12), and Squirt, the Australian Shepherd that Kirsten is showing in agility and Junior Handlers conforma- tion. We fell in love with Maine Coons in 1999 and have been showing in CFA since 2002 and breeding since 2003. All our kitties live and sleep with us as spoiled family pets. Caleb and Kirsten have each shown their special cats in Junior Showmanship and been regional winners. Nowadays, Caleb is too busy with computers, friends, and occasionally even practicing the cello, to attend cat shows, so Janice and Kirsten do "the cat show thing" together. Given our busy family schedule, we limit our travel to local shows in Oregon and Washing- ton. Even so, we managed our first regional win last year, as RW, GC, GP Poseycoon High- land Heather earned Third Best Maine Coon Kitten in CFA and 11th Best Kitten in the Northwest Region. 2006 is a year of transition for us, as we retired most of our females last year and are now waiting for some younger prospects to mature. We are actively looking for a male kitten with some new foundation behind him in order to increase the genetic diversity in the kittens we are producing. We test hips and hearts before ever breeding our cats and have our current and retired breeding cats echoed annually at Washing- ton State University. We have fed a homemade raw diet exclusively for the past three years and credit this "ounce of prevention" for keeping our vet bills (excluding well-cat checks) to almost zero. When Janice isn't doing cat-related stuff, chauffeuring kids to cello and Scottish Highland dance lessons, dog agility classes, etc., she can occasionally be found practicing business law out of her home (although she'd much rather be gardening or reading). She hopes to get around to having the Poseycoon website redesigned someday soon. You can see more of the Poseycoon cats on their website www.poseycoon.com

New Breeder Member— Kerakterkatz Cattery Ted Kereluk of Ontario, Canada

I bought my first Maine Coon pet from Hibou and after visiting and thinking I was in cat heaven, I knew I was interested in showing. I showed premiers for years. And six years ago, I decided to try breeding. I love sweet cats with big eyes, but I am now working towards adding in the more extreme type. I have a small cattery and show mostly in the Canadian Cat Association. From my first litter, I showed my Ted D Bayer to 8th Best Nationally (pictured right). In my spare time, I enjoy gardening and have previously abandoned motorcycles for building hot rods. I am currently working on a 1938 Chevy sedan. I built my own home, pictured left at Christ- mas in 2002.

Kerakterkatz is pronounced “character cats.”

You can see more of the Maine Coons of Kerakterkatz at h t t p : / / kerakterkatz.tubazaar.com

Page 5 lesson and later sent detailed instruc- St Clouds & Coonyham tions on exactly how to show a kitten Laura Cunningham, Breeder Member, California – from cage curtains to show eti- quette. She was so helpful and thor- Nancy Davenport sold us our first Maine ough and ensured our first show ex- Coon kitten. We’d driven six hours from periences were enjoyable. She Northern California to her home in Culver cheered us on -- every step of the City to buy a pet Maine Coon on Memo- way. rial Day weekend 1989. We just wanted

a male silver tabby of some kind – had Once we decided to move to the next no idea what patterns were or what “with step beyond showing – breeding, white” meant. Nancy had 13 kittens Nancy sold us a proven queen (Sierra available (Moonshine had been very SGC St Clouds Cheyenne of Coonyham, OD Nevada) and recommended a busy) but only two were both male and breeder friend of hers for us to con- silvered (both were blue silver mackerel tact for a second female. She was tabbies with white). While we decided our MCBFA sponsor and remained which kitten to choose, one of Nancy’s close to us. Her eye for type and females went into labor. In an interesting potential was phenomenal – she coincidence, St Clouds Serenade deliv- could determine from a glance the ered four kittens while we waited and we pick of any litter. Nancy’s lines were saw St. Clouds Buckwheat and St so helpful to other breeders who Clouds Burnt Sugar when they were just CH St Clouds Sierra Nevada of Coonyham needed great temperaments, large minutes old. Burnt Sugar later grew up ears, lovely coats and clear silver to be a lovely female, had a hot date with coloring. You could tell just by look- Willowplace Starbuck and we were fortu- ing which cats at a show had St nate enough (ok, we begged… a lot!) to Clouds in their backgrounds. be gifted with our lovely SGC St Clouds

Cheyenne of Coonyham, OD, pictured. We still have our cherished Rhiannon

– daughter of Silver Shadow and Si- Silver Shadow (pictured) was a very dra- erra Nevada (pictured), who with matic, striking kitten. Nancy asked us if those gorgeous green eyes and we’d consider showing him and when we sweetheart ways is our daily reminder agreed, she gave us a quick grooming of Nancy and her magnificent cats.

QGC St Clouds Silver Shadow of Coonyham

I first met Nancy when I was assisting her with a Maine Coon rescue situation in Los Angeles. Over the years we forged a great friendship. I spent many nights talking with Nancy about some of her cat show escapades. She very much enjoyed showing her cats and the friendships she made along the way. When St Clouds Starfire presented me with his last litter, Nancy was in the hospi- Two Grand Old Broads Stories by Hazel Brandenburg, Arizona tal for a breathing issue. I was not sure she was up to the surprise, but I made the journey to LA with photos in hand. Nancy and I were in the gift shop talking about cats, when one of the gift shop associates asked us what a Maine Coon looked like. Nancy attempted to tell the associate what a Maine Coon looked like when I an- nounced I had pictures of some Maine Coon kittens. I brought them out and when Nancy saw them she looked at me and demanded to know where I got these kittens. She thought I got them without discussing them with her. When I told her they were Starfire’s, she started to cry and said they were tears of joy because her lines will be carried forward. On Diamond Lil’s 16th Birthday, I had a cat food cake made and we had a birthday party complete with hats and horns. I told Nancy the one thing I wanted was a professional photo of herself and Lil. Nancy told me I could take Lil to get her picture taken but she was not going to be in the photo. Several weeks and discussions later, I took Lil to a show to get her picture taken and was so proud of my- self for the guilt trip I laid on Nancy to get her to agree to be in the picture. When the proofs arrived, I showed them to Nancy and told her I was going to put this picture on the front page of a web page and call it Two Old Broads. Nancy, as usual had to have the last word, and corrected me, the title should read Two Grand Old Broads! Nancy was a great mentor and I will miss our discussions about the loss of boning and breadth of chest in our breed. I think the one thing she would want to pass From left to right: Nancy, Barbara and Helen Johns Sept 2004 onto other breeders is to strive to maintain the wonderful personality of these Nancy’s Last Cat Show. Kitten with Nancy is St Clouds Charlemagne cats.

Page 6 Willowplace On Nancy & How Many Famous Maine Coons Came To Be Barbara Ray, Willowplace cattery, South Carolina

Nancy and I officially met at the TICA Incats Madison Square Garden show in 1986. Nancy was showing a Diamond Lil daughter and I went to find her after her cat had three calls to the ring. We struck up a conversation and enjoyed each other’s company. We continued to keep in touch and met at shows from then on and became the best of friends forever.

Often we did not meet but three or four times a year as I live on the east coast and Nancy on the west coast. I visited Nancy’s home several times. She lived in what I call a Frank Lloyd Wright style home, high in the hills of Los Angeles. She lived there with her beloved son Mark, who was grown. She told me she had selected the house because it was very near Mark’s school. At the time we met, she was head of social services for Los Angeles County. She was a psychologist and often gave her time to people who needed help. GC St Clouds SilverDude of Willowplace

There were always beautiful cats walking around the house and Napa Valley Moonshine, Nancy’s stud, lived in the sunroom which was in the center of the house and near everybody. In 1989, Nancy sent her Saint Cloud’s Burnt Sugar to breed my Willowplace Starbuck and had Saint Cloud’s Starfire that she also kept as a breeding male and several other outstanding kittens from that litter. Laura and Sharon Cunning- ham, Coonyham cattery, purchased a beautiful brown classic female, Saint Cloud’s Cheyenne of Coonyham, pictured on page 6,from that litter.

She had a favorite restaurant, a Mexican restaurant that friends of hers owned. At the time it was the best Mexican food I had ever eaten. When I was visiting her sometimes we would go two nights in a row. Whatever we did we always had a good time and laughed a lot.

Nancy sent several outstanding Saint Clouds kittens to Europe for breeding. Some of those breeders had some contact with me and I know she was very well respected by the European breeders and they loved her cats with their style and type. They kept in touch with Nancy in a very friendly way.

The last time I spent a great deal of time with Nancy was at the TICA World Show in Los Angeles in 1991. It was a very large event and brought breeders and exhibitors from all over the world. Nancy had sold a beautiful blue-silver male kitten to Betsy Tinney, Pinecoon cattery, in Washington state. Betsy sent the young male to Nancy for the World Show and while visiting Nancy before the show (I was exhibit- ing, not judging) we had a good time bathing and grooming him as we visited.

Nancy liked my Hillside Mr. Spock of Willowplace very much. We were discussing Nancy sending her beloved Diamond Lil to breed to Mr. Spock. As plans were finalized, Nancy had heard that Lynne Sherer, Calicoon cattery, was offering her Calicoon Prince Valiant for stud to selected breeders for a short period of time. She asked me what I thought about her sending Diamond Lil to Prince Valiant for breeding. We decided it was a great idea and that I should get a silver female from this breeding. Well, Nancy did the breeding, and guess what....there were no silver girls, just brown girls! There was a silver classic male in the litter. I was not sure I needed another male for breeding—I had Spock and Starbuck, but Nancy and I kept talking and finally we decided to have Nancy send the silver boy to us for breeding. After Nancy put the silver Prince Valiant/Diamond Lil boy on the airplane, she telephoned me and told me to expect a surprise when I received the carrier. Nancy had also sent a brown classic female littermate with the silver boy. She felt I needed both for my breeding program. Dorothy Robinson, Seascape cattery, in Maine was looking for an outcrossed female to breed to her male stud, Willowplace Argus of Seascape. After I received the silver boy and brown girl, Nancy and Dorothy got together and sent the beautiful brown tabby female to Dorothy for Argus.

Nancy had saved the name Saint Clouds Silver Lining for a very special cat. Nancy and I discussed that this silver boy she had sent to me might be a Saint Clouds Silver Lining. As the weeks went on and we decided that he was a Saint Clouds SilverDude—a surfer boy who came from California. SilverDude was a breeding cat at Willowplace for nine years and an outstanding character! We thank Nancy and Lynne for this wonderful boy with the very diverse pedigree. Saint Clouds SilverDude has played a part in breeding programs all over the world.

The last time I saw Nancy was in September 2004 (picture on page 11) at the San Gabriel Cat Show in Ar- cadia, California. Nancy looked great! With us in the photo is Helen’s International Winner St Clouds Charlemagne, a beautiful blue-silver kitten that I had used as my best Maine Coon kitten and my best All- breed kitten. They later told me that this boy is a son of Cree’s Junior (SilverDude’s grandson and his mother is Saint Clouds Gabriella— a granddaughter to Helen’s SGC Pedropurss Sirius Star and a Starfire granddaughter). Gabriella now resides with Nancy’s friend, Helen Brandenburg, in the Phoenix area.

Paperback Available through Nancy sponsored new breeders of Maine Coons and she worked with established breeders. Nancy was Amazon and Barnes & Noble always willing to listen and assist. Nancy will be greatly missed. for $16.95 (Sept 2006)

Page 7 What’s New in MCBFA?

♦ Welcome back to Breeder Member Broadsway (Jean Thompson & Jennifer Sable) of New York, who are with us again, after a brief sabbatical. ♦ We’re also pleased to have New Breeder Members: Shastacoons (Lisa Beazizo-Harvey) of California, Rei- gningcats (Karen Hansberger) of Maryland, Kerak- terkatz (Ted Kereluk) of Ontario, Poseycoon (Janice & Keith Schafer) of Washington, and Mainesqueeze (Scott & Melissa Shell) of North Carolina! ♦ New Northeast Regional Director, Cindy Patteson, has created an online list for the NE members. To sign up go to [email protected] This list is open to all NE members and will feature issues related to MCBFA as well as show wins, brags, health issues and new babies. She plans to hold an MCBFA meeting at the Westchester Show (TICA) in November. CFA and CFF shows in 2007 will feature meetings as well. If you need to contact Cindy, her information can be found on the back of this issue. new phone number is 631-261-1268. Her e-mail is coontas- [email protected] ♦ MCBFA Scrappy Cats and Happy Hearts Quilt (pictured right) to be raffled. It is a queen-size quilt. In addition to this quilt, contributors were so generous that there will also be a pair of lap quilts on the same ticket. Money raised by sale of tickets will go to Dr. Meurs’ HCM research, with matching funds from an anony- mous donor. For more details, or to purchase raffle tickets, contact Kit Mounger ([email protected] or 423-639-1585), Vicki Shipp ([email protected] or 706-736-3312) or Paypal Roxann/MCBFA directly for tickets to: [email protected]. Photos & Poster by Helmi ♦ Thanks to everyone’s vote, Stephanie Boulter (breeder) and Donna Hinton’s (breeder) Maine Coon, GC RW Tropikoons Talladega of Nascat, was elected CFA’s 2006 Cat Idol!

Recall on Fort Dodge Rabies Vaccine Fort Dodge RabVac 3 TF serial number 873113A rabies vaccine, has issued a voluntary recall after a vaccinated dog contracted rabies. Fort Dodge began selling this batch of vaccine in November 2004 and has an expira- tion date of June 29, 2006. Pets who have been vaccinated with this need to be revaccinated, unless they have been subsequently vaccinated with another serial. Con- tact your veterinarian if you have questions.

Katherine, a Kids Korner artist, pictured here with Carmel Fudge Sundae, the subject of her comic featured on p 9

Page 8 Young Fancier Member Numbers Keep Growing!

Meet Stefani is one of TICA’s Junior Achievers (JA). In addition to showing off her Singapura kitten, Stefani also shows Maine Coons. Stefani has taken the clerking school, clerks regularly, has been a ring steward in the past, and hopes someday to enter the judging program. She is a member of The Maine Event cat club. Her career goal is to become a feline veterinary specialist. (Subject to change, as she is only 14).

Stefani with her Maine Coon, Frosty KNOW OF A YOUNGSTER THAT LOVES MAINE COONS? WHY NOT GIVE (Right) Stefani shows one of her Maine THEM THE GIFT OF A Coons, who is nearly as large as she is, in the FANICER MEMBERSHIP! Junior Achiever ring. MCBFA member Laura Cunningham is judging.

More About TICA’s Junior Achiever Program Ann Lervold, Fancier Member & TICA JA Sponsor of Stefani A project is required to complete each of the JA levels from Novice through Senior advanced. Examples of projects range from biographies to partnering with an experienced show manager and put together a show budget. Each junior signs a code of conduct and keeps a notebook to track their progress through the program. Activities that juniors can participate in include stewarding, clerking, fundraising, demonstrating a broad knowledge base of feline husbandry, attending clerking school, and becoming licensed as a ring clerk.

(Below) Meet another of our young fancier members, Alexa, and her new Maine Coon kitten, Bella. More of photos of Bella on page 19.

Super Sundae: Feline Superhero by Katherine, age 13, of North Carolina

Page 9 The Boy with Kaleidoscope Eyes SGC Prispurr Nequasset

Once in a while a very special cat comes along. It happened to me on the 4th of July 1991 when my Summie girl (CH MtKittery Somerset) gave birth to her first and only litter. The sire was my boy, QGC Prispurr King Cotton. The litter contained four whites and one blue cream. As the whites matured, one boy stood out from the others and I knew he was bound for the show ring. I named him Nequasset, after a small village in Maine. The striking thing about Nikki’s appearance was his eyes, which were basically gold, but intermingled with random patches of blue. I can’t count how many times the judges did double takes when they saw his eyes, often bringing him out into the crowd and saying “Take a look at this!”. It did not take Nikki long to earn his Su- preme. He was very easy to show, patient with all the hubbub of bathing, grooming and being carried around in crowds. He even seemed to enjoy pos- ing on the judging table. However, as fate would have it, Nikki was not to sire any litters himself until late in life. Due to multiple personal upheavals in my life (the death of my father to cancer, divorce and the slow terrible downhill battle of my mother with Alzheimer’s disease) I found it necessary to quit breeding cats for a while. The while became 10 years. During this time I spayed my females, but kept Nikki and his father Cotton whole. King Cotton passed on in 1999 at 14.5 years of age. Shortly after Cotton’s death I got a new black smoke female kitten (Dreamweaver) from Islandcats to be Nikki’s mate. His first litter gave me six beautiful kittens, including QGC Prispurr Soggy Bottom Boy and the knowledge that Nikki was a cream hiding under that white. The second litter with Dreamweaver produced a blue cream girl, another very deeply smoked tortie, and two black smoke boys. The boys and the tortie girl went to homes in Santa Barbara where they are much loved family pets. I kept the blue cream girl, Whispurr, who is currently my only breeder female But all things must pass and I got the word from my vet early in January that Nikki had developed congestive heart failure. He responded very well to heart medications, diuretics and supplements for five months then went into a gradual decline in June. Nikki was gently put to sleep on June 22 at the age of 14 years, 11 months and 18 days. In all my years of breeding white Maines I have got many blue eyed, gold eyed and odd eyed whites, but only one Boy With Kaleidoscope Eyes, SGC Prispurr Nequasset. He is sorely missed.

Priscilla Ivester, Prispurr Cattery North Carolina

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rain- bow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run & play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfort- able. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. These animals are happy and content except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs are carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. You can read more about the Rainbow Bridge, Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together..... Pet Loss, or light a candle in memory of a be- Author Unknown loved pet at rainbowsbridge.com

Page 10 President’s Corner

The summer is nearly over. The kids have been back in school for several weeks already here in Tennessee. It just doesn't seem right before Labor Day! Even though the show season started May 1st, some people take a little break in the summer for a few months except for the Regional Shows and the Annuals in several associations before getting back to showing again in the fall. The HCM fund raising is doing well with raffles at shows and the large raffle for the hand made quilt. The drawing will be held in December so get your tickets now. You do not need to be present to win. Picture and further information on the quilt is listed elsewhere in this issue. I would like to again encourage you to join the MCBFA list if you are online. We are moving towards increasing use of the internet for in- Denmark member Mette Bechmann’s newest MC formation and streamlining of the activities of our association. DK Castle Rock Bad Seed, with his latest catch—dinner! In just the past year, we have made many changes. Our ballots are now sent out via computer to those who are online. We have Paypal available for payment of fees and donations to the organi- zation. The website has been updated and expanded. And the Scratch Sheet is even available online - and in color! These changes have also helped to decrease postage and printing costs. In a few months, we will begin to work on a revision of the MCBFA By-Laws. Discussion will be held online probably on a list set up just for that purpose. If you are interested in provid- ing input to that project, watch for further information. Of course, paper copies of ballots and the Scratch Sheet will still be available for those who do not have computer access.

Feline Breeding Seminar October 28-29, 2006 Boston, Massachuetts The United Maine Coon Cat Association (Breed Club affiliated with CFF) is proud to present Ulrika Olsson of Bäsna, Sweden, presenting a seminar for the benefit and education of all feline breeders focusing on: ♦ PawPeds (the breed database, health programs, etc..) that she and her husband, Peter, operate ♦ Breeding to Avoid Genetic Disease ♦ Selective Breeding and Setting Goals ♦ Natural Selection & Breeding for Extremes ♦ Maine Coon History (if time permits) Registration $50 which includes the two-day seminar & lunch on Saturday. For more information, or to register www.loveofpaws.com/seminar.html Or contact Tina Dodge at (203) 458-2317 or email her at [email protected] Deadline for Registration is October 10, 2006

Kitten Glop Recipe, for Fanciers & Breeders By Liz Hansen, Chemicoons Cattery There are many times when it can be handy to have kitten glop available in caring for your felines. Ingredients supply kitten/cats with essen- tial nutrients, but is especially high in calcium. Most commonly used with very young kittens and nursing/lactating queens need supplemen- tation. Additionally, adult cats with such aliments as a sore tooth, etc...require an extra nutrition. There are several versions of this recipe, but this is my favorite. I have used this to save two kittens who were less than 60 grams (2 ounces) at birth.

INGREDIENTS: 1 lg. can evaporated milk (not Milnot) - 12 ounces 2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not diet or light) 2 tbsp. mayonnaise (real) 1 tbs. corn syrup (clear and light) “Karo” brand in US 1 pkg. Knox gelatin 1 egg yolk (beaten) 1 cup of liquid unflavored Pedialyte

INSTRUCTIONS: Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise and syrup together well. Set aside. Did Someone Say Bring 1 cup Pedialyte to boil and mix in Knox gelatin; set aside. Kitten Glop?! Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well. Add gelatin and Pedialyte to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well. Upon making the entire batch, I pour it into ice cube trays, freeze, and then warm a single cube to kitten-body temperature at feeding time. Remaining, frozen cubes last for months.

Reference, with additional variations as well: http://www.hdw-inc.com/glop.htm

Page 11 2005-2006 Top Maine Coons in Show

CFA Top Maine Coons Nationally Kittens Premiership 1. GC NW Shubacoons Desdemona of Highlander 1. GC GP NW Tropikoons Long John Silver B: P-R Shuba-S.Powell-T.Signore L B: Craig-Stephanie Boulter O: Signore-Sweeny-Shuba-Storten O: Stephanie Boulter 2. GC BW NW Javacats Rolling Thunder 2. GP RW Flitten's Monarch B/O: Ernie Emrich/Gina Greco-Emrich B/O: Kimberly Paine 3. GC GP RW Poseycoon Highland Heather 3. GP RW Jencat's Colorado B/O: Janice Schafer B/O: Jennifer Green 4. GC RW Honeycoon Genesis of Cuzzoe 4. GP RW Cabincoon Butch Cassidy B: Karen-Ira Multer of Euphoria O: Justin L. Pelletier B: Gigi-Gene Haag Championship 5. GC RW Irishcoons You Little Dickens O: Dan-Jeri Zottoli 1.GC BW NW Javacats Rolling Thunder(above) B/O: Lynn A. Hofstetter 5. GP RW Kittycop's Hollywood Heist B/O: Ernie Emrich/Gina Greco-Emrich B/O: Kathleen Hansen 2. GC RW Dracoonfly Same Thing Murray B: Sharon S. Crowley, T-L Llewellyn-Ss O: T-L Llewellyn 3. GC RW Versus Ice Dive TICA Top Maine Coons Internationally B/O: Yoko Noguchi Kittens 4. GC RW Skimble's Bentley 1. IW RW TGC Smokeycoons Here Comes the Sun (pictured) B: Elva Fisher B/O: Elaine & Fred Weitz O: E. Fisher-S. Humphreys-M. Braun 2. IW SGC LAPD D A Dash 5. GC RW Rootriver's Jumpin Jack Flash B/O: Emmons Brown B/O: Maxine McGovern 3. RW Mainette Pocket Aces B/O: D’nette Musser Championship 4. RW SGC Windwalker Wonder 1.IW SGC LAPD D A Dash of Galadriel B/O: Marilyn Bryant & Jeff Muss B: Emmons & Melinda Brown 5. RW SGC Broadsway Wellington of Windwalker O: Takaaki & Yumi Yokoyama B: Jennifer Sable & Jean Thompson 2. IW RW SGC Grandfuji Bokuchan O: Marilyn Bryant & Jeff Muss of Slappyclasse B: Hiroko Ishihara Alters O: Yoko Nomura 1. IW RW SGCA Holdermaines Prowler 3. IW RW SGC Shonancats Michelangelo B/O: Farrell & Marty Holderman of Ducale 2. IW RW SGCA Smokeycoons Amigo B: Ryoko Doi B/O: Elaine & Fred Weitz O: S/H SGC 3. RW SGCA Coonpulsive Houston of MtKittery 4. IW RW SGC Sarajen Bommerlunder B: Patty Koehler & Shirley Young of Juanitas O: Patty Koehler & Barbara Washburn B: Teri Matzkin 4. RW SGCA Mainette Jay Silverheels of Taelcat O: Kathrin Schier B: D’nette Musser 5. IW RW SGC Tabbeyroad I Am The Walrus O: JoAnn Genovese B/O: Cheryl & John Kominos 5. RW SGCA Gakincho Aquarius of Leplushes/Id

Alters ACFA Top Maine Coons Inter-American 1. Big Bear’s Fernando of JJCats B: Ed, Alison & Abbie Krakowski Championship Kittens O: John & Jan Tarner 1. Prairiecoons Wildfire 1. Psycatics Kodiak Bear 2. Che’Purrie’s El Bandito of Hu-King B: Linda Vance B/O: Lorelei Cauffman B: Sue Legare O: L. Vance, J. Newton & L/D Blackmore 2. Prairiecoons Wildfire O: Gillian Huber 2. Prairiecoons Rocky Mountain Hi B: Linda Vance 3. Angelsongz Bailey Diament of CDreams B: Linda Vance O: L. Vance, J. Newton & L/D Blackmore B: Cathy & Patrick Buck O: L. Vance & J. Newton 3. Puffnstuff’s Another One Blue Thru O: Melanie Markle & Carl Galka 3. Psycatics Kodiak Bear B/O: Melissa Schmidt 4. Plumecrazy Shooting Star B/O: Lorelei Cauffman 4. CDreams Frankcoonstein B: Lisa & Stan Ferguson 4. Coonpals Wolfgang B/O: Melaine Markle & Carl Galka O: Kitty Osborn, Jan Welin & S/L Ferguson B/O: Michele Manieri 5. Coonpals Reba MCN’Tabby of CDreams 5. Angelsongz Valdez of Arctic Blue 5. Theatricats Furrah Fawcett B: Michele Manieri B: Cathy & Patrick Buck B/O: Wendy Meyer O: Melaine Markle & Carl Galka O: Shelley Wood Championship Kittens 1. Mannahatta’s Moosebec (pictured) 1. Mannahatta’s Ivana AACE Top B/O: Carla Maria & Gregory Sullwold B: Carla Maria & Gregory Sullwold Maine 2. Croton Harpswell of Mannahatta O: Krista Dieckamp B: Dave Francis & David Gray 2. Mannahatta’s Caribou Coons O: Carla Maria & Gregory Sullwold B/O: Carla Maria & Gregory Sullwold 3. Mannahatta’s Lakota Red Sky Alter National B: Carla Maria & Gregory Sullwold 1. Mannahatta’s Remmington of Sandkats O: Lynn Van Duyne B: Carla Maria & Gregory Sullwold O: Sandie Taylor Page 12 Diseases with Vaccines that are “NON-Core” Virus Acronym Disease Symptoms Feline FIPV Feline Infec- Initial exposure to the FIP virus usually results in no obvious clinical disease, although some Infectious tious Peritonitis cats may experience a mild upper respiratory disease that is characterized by sneezing, Peritonitis (easily mutates watery eyes, and watery nasal discharge. Some cats may experience a mild intestinal dis- Virus from its more ease. Only a small percentage of exposed cats develop the lethal disease: weeks, months, common form, or perhaps years after primary infection. Feline Corona The onset of clinical signs of lethal FIP may be sudden (especially in kittens), or the signs Virus) may gradually increase in severity over a period of weeks. Many cats have nonspecific signs such as intermittent inappetence, depression, rough hair coat, weight loss, and fever. The major forms of lethal FIP are effusive (wet) FIP, noneffusive (dry) FIP, and combinations of both. (from Cornell Feline Health Center) Feline coronavirus operates differently from any other feline virus in several important ways: a) systemic antibodies have no protective function for the cat and may play a role in the disease FIP itself b) antibody titres are meaningless for diagnosis of FIP or prognosis c) a vaccine is available, but there is no consensus on its efficacy or safety. (from Winn Feline) For more info, see the Spring 2006 Issue of the Scratch Sheet. FIP is the health topic for that issue.

Feline FIV Feline Immuno- FIV is a killer of cats. The primary mode of virus spread is through bite wounds, so cats that Immunodeficiency deficiency get outdoors and fight are at greatest risk of infection. Cats in households with stable social Virus structures where housemates get along well are at little risk. Infected cats may appear nor- mal for years. However, infection eventually leads to a state of immune deficiency that hin- ders the cat's ability to protect itself against other infections. The same bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi that may be found in the everyday environment– where they usually do not affect healthy animals–are responsible for many of the diseases associated with FIV. (from Cornell Feline Health Center)

Chlamydia psittaci Clamydiosis Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the tissues lining the eyelids and covering part of the eyeball) (a bacteria) (Synonym: is the most common sign, but sneezing and nasal discharge may also occur. The bacteria Feline Pneu- are transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat, and the highest rates of infection monitis) are in cats between five weeks and nine months of age, especially those residing in multiple-cat environments with a history of respiratory tract disease. Cats vaccinated against chlamydiosis are not protected from infection but are expected to experience less severe disease if infected. (from Cornell Feline Health Center)

Bordetella Bordatella Bordetellosis Cats with bordetellosis may cough, have a runny nose or runny eyes, sneeze, and occa- bronchiseptica sionally have a fever. The signs of disease are very similar to those caused by feline (a bacteria) herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. (from Cornell Feline Health Center)

Giardia lamblia Giardia Giardiasis Most infections with Giardia are asymptomatic. In the rare cases in which disease occurs, younger animals are usually affected, and the usual sign is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be acute, intermittent, or chronic. Usually, the infected animals will not lose their appetite, but they may lose weight. The feces are often abnormal, being pale, having a bad odor, and appearing greasy. In the intestine, Giardia prevents proper absorption of nutrients, damages the delicate intestinal lining, and interferes with digestion. (from PetEducation.com) A killed Giardia vaccine has been marketed for use in cats. This vaccine has the same limi- tations as those listed above for canine giardiasis, and has the additional potential to induce vaccine-associated sarcomas. We currently do not recommend routine use of this vaccine in pet cats. (from UC Davis VMTH Feline Vaccination Guidelines)

Microsporum M. canis Ringworm Vaccine was discontinued in 2003 canis (Ringworm, (synonym: a fungus) dermatophyto- sis)

This table can be used as a handy reference for each disease name (and synonyms,) associated symptoms and hyperlinks to further information.

References • Winn Feline – detailed and intended for the breeder and fancier audience http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/vaccination-guidelines.html • Cornell Feline Health– similar to and slightly longer than UC Davis’ guidelines, but readable and succinct http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/resources/brochure/vaccbr.html • UC Davis – each disease is summarized in one paragraph, including UC Davis’ recommendations for whether to administer http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/vmth/clientinfo/info/genmed/vaccinproto.html • PetHealth—www.pethealth.com • Greene, Craig E. Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat, 3rd ed. Ina van Berkum judging Glowing Eyes • Animal Health Channel-www.animalhealthchannel.com Cashmer at Dutch Junior Show

Page 13 How Vaccines Work According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) First A vaccine is given by a shot (influenza vaccine may be given by a nasal spray). Next Over the next few weeks the body makes antibodies and memory cells against the weakened or dead germs in the vaccine.

Then The antibodies can fight the real disease germs if the cat is exposed to the germs and they invade the body. The antibodies will help de- stroy the germs and the cat will not become ill.

Finally Antibodies and memory cells stay on guard in the body for years after the vaccination to safeguard it from the real disease germs.

That’s the basics, but one additional detail is needed. If a vaccinated cat is exposed to that disease, where does the protective effect of immunity occur? Researchers have identified two types of immunity protection, humoral and cell-mediated. Humoral immunity occurs in the serum component of blood; cell-mediated immunity occurs inside the cells. Dr. Michael Lappin and his co-authors described this succinctly in a 2001 research article3, “Feline herpesvirus 1, FCV, and FPV vaccines are thought to elicit both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Humoral immune responses can readily be measured by detecting virus- specific antibodies. In contrast, quantifying cell-mediated immune responses is difficult, and cell-mediated immune responses are not routinely measured. For many infectious agents, it is not known whether humoral or cell-mediated responses are more important in protecting against infection, although it is likely that both are involved to various degrees.” Measuring immunity by use of antibody titers prior to re-vaccination has been considered in some veterinary practices, but there are reasons it is typically not the best approach. See Dr. Ford’s Sidebar Antibody Titers vs Annual Vaccination (page 16) for his thoughts on measuring immunity as an alternative to scheduled vaccinations.

What vaccines & schedule are best for my cat(s)? With all this information, how to decide what to vaccinate against & when?

1. Have your cat vaccinated with non-adjuvant vaccines (the only disease without non-adjuvant vaccine is FIV). Always ask your vet for non-adjuvant vaccines 2. For what diseases is my cat at risk? a. Innoculate for the ‘Big 3’ – FV R C P b. In many states in the USA, inoculation against rabies is the law (for human health reasons). c. Cats who go outdoors, are exposed to cats who go outdoors, or exposed to cats of unknown disease status are at risk for additional diseases (FeLeuk, FIV, etc) – NC State’s guidelines (p. 5) are set up nicely to help you decide. 3. How often should my cat be inoculated? a. How many other cats do you have? Breeding environments with recent upper respiratory infections or potential for exposure (eg, kittens exposed to cats going to shows, etc) should consider inoculation of kittens to rhinotracheitis and calicivirus prior to 8 weeks of age b. Other things being equal, use a three year vaccine rather than a one year vaccine i. One year vaccines may protect for 3 years, but the manufacturer hasn’t done the clinical study to add this to their labeling claim. ii. There is some evidence that ultranasal vaccine does not protect for three years. (see Dr. Susan’s Q&A sidebar) 4. What are other side effects of a particular vaccine? a. Use vaccines that aren’t grown on feline kidney tissue culture. There aren’t many of these available at this time.6 b. When considering injected vs intranasal vaccines, keep in mind that intranasal vaccines have some respiratory side effects. 5. Decide on what’s best for your cat with your veterinarian a. Medical issues are best done in partnership with your vet. By being aware of feline vaccination issues, you’ll be well-armed to have a knowledgeable conversation with your vet. b. It’s been reported that some vets are concerned that less than yearly vaccination will hurt their business. Others believe that what people don’t spend on vaccines, they’ll be more willing to spend on dental care, etc.

Page 14 More About Vaccines

Vaccines fall into two basic catego- for making vaccines, the virus is typi- ries – modified live and killed virus. cally grown on a tissue culture called Killed virus by itself doesn’t cause a Crandall Reese Feline Kidney (CRFK). strong enough immune response, so Possible safety concerns are noted in an adjuvant is added – a substance the SafetyConcerns section. that boosts the immune response, How long does vaccine immunity last? thus protecting the cat for a longer Researchers3 findings in a study that time span. used vaccines from three different There is mounting evidence that companies 100% of cats had antibody adjuvants are the cause of vaccine- titers to panleukopenia at 5 years after associated sarcomas (VAS) – see cats vaccinated was administered, and more in Safety Concerns. Several of veterinary practices find similar results. the newer vaccines have been pro- Length of immunity is shorter for rhi- duced using recombinant DNA tech- notracheitis and calici. nology. Vaccines produced this way Vaccine manufacturers haven’t done Fancier Member, Sarah have been found to be both effective long term studies, however a number Hansen, DVM, and more safe because they don’t of vaccines have done 3 year studies reviewed all information within this article. have adjuvants. They are often iden- and have 3 year labeling claims. Pictured (above) she is tified with the “r-“ prefix (eg, r- caring for a Maine Rabies). Modified live vaccines don’t For other info on vaccines, this website Coon after a C-section use adjuvants either. was particularly helpful: All Vaccines are and (left) holding the two kittens she just A final note about how vaccines are Not Alike: Advantages, Disadvantages, and delivered. Dr. Hansen produced that impacts on safety – to Examples (http://www.dvmvac.com/ practices at Eastern produce the quantity of virus needed VTypes.html) Iowa Veterinary Spe- cialty Center.

“Changing feline vaccination protocols has a ripple effect on all concerned: from researcher, vaccine maker and veterinarian to breeder, fancier and … the cats! As long as we focus on what’s in the cat’s best interest, this area of research and protocol scheduling portends to be an exciting area in the next decade.” Susan Duke Dukehaven Cattery, North Carolina

Vaccination Guidelines: Each of these guidelines had something different to offer. • 2000 Report of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and Academy of Feline Medicine Advisory Panel on Feline Vaccines – detailed and intended for the veterinary audience. Listed first because this guideline is what has made a major impetus for change in vaccination protocols. http://www.aafponline.org/resources/guidelines/vaccine.pdf • Winn Feline – detailed and intended for the breeder and fancier audience http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/vaccination-guidelines.html • NC State – has several ways of considering vaccines, including vaccination recommendations for whether your cat is at low, moderate or high risk and the vaccination schedules recommended for each risk group http://www.dvmvac.com/UnProt.html • UC Davis – each disease is summarized in one paragraph, including UC Davis’ recommendations for whether to administer http:// www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/vmth/clientinfo/info/genmed/vaccinproto.html • Cornell Feline Health– similar to and slightly longer than UC Davis’ guidelines, but readable and succinct http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/resources/brochure/vaccbr.html • Colorado State – in addition to the basics, notes the particular vaccines their teaching hospital uses http://www.calmanimalcare.com/vaccine.htm

Page 15 Feline Vaccine Safety Concerns The primary safety concern with feline vaccines is VAS. Dr. Ford’s article, Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma, The Case Against Adjuvant, located on the MCBFA website, describes how VAS was discovered, the cat’s particular sensitivity to VAS, and the role of adjuvants in this aggressive cancer. All vaccines, with the exception of FIV, are available without adjuvant.

There is solid evidence that vaccines made using feline kidney tissue culture cause cats to develop antibodies to their own renal cells. The extent to which this may cause short or long term safety problems is not yet known.

Additional Information on Feline Vaccine Safety Vaccine Vaccines made with adjuvant increase your cat’s chance of contracting cancer at the injection site. Associated Sarcoma (VAS) The Epidemiology of Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas http://67.98.26.35/fortdodge/fd_sarcoma_handout.pdf Vaccines of the present and future – 2001 World Congress: http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00141.htm

Antibodies to renal Because many vaccines are produced via cat renal cell cultures, vaccines can cause the body to make antibodies not only tissue to the disease, but also to its own kidney cells.8,9

Vaccinosis MCBFA members asked that vaccinosis be addressed in this article, so it was important to include in this review article. What is vaccinosis? The definition isn’t available in any online dictionary. Dr. Jean Dodds, a leading proponent of this concept states vaccinosis is a condition where “vaccines can trigger immune-mediated and other chronic disorders.” The topic, vaccinosis, is primarily associated with the naturopathic and homeopathic community. There could very well be truth in this information. However at present, this concept does not appear to have the large body of peer-reviewed research evidence available that the other safety concerns have. One could speculate that the emerging research on antibodies to feline renal tissue may be related to vaccinosis concerns.

Sidebar: Antibody Titers vs. Annual Vaccination Richard B. Ford, DVM, MS Professor of Medicine & Diplomate ACVIM and (Hon) ACVPM North Carolina State University

Is it feasible to perform annual antibody titers in patients rather than subject them to annual booster vaccination? Many of the discussions on vaccination protocols today quickly turn to the concern over use of antibody titers as a means of assessing immune status, rather than subject the patient to an annual booster. Despite the fact that a growing number of laboratories offer selected canine and feline antibody titers to veterinarians, there are a number of significant factors that, in this author’s opinion, do NOT justify offering this service to clientele on a routine basis. Consider the facts: FIRST: IT’S IMPORTANT TO NOTE…serum antibody titer to a particular antigen, especially a virus, is a relatively crude laboratory method of assessing immunity. Remember: antibody concentration is not necessarily synonymous with immunity. While a “POSITIVE” titer to canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and feline panleukopenia generally correlates with protection, a “NEGATIVE” titer to these antigens does not necessarily correlate with susceptibility. The need to vaccinate a patient with a NEGATIVE titer may not be necessary since cell-mediated immunity, in the prin- ciple immune response required to prevent disease. SECOND: standardized laboratory methods for determining antibody concentration in serum for the various vaccine antigens has not been established in the US. Therefore, results reported by one lab can be (and are!) substantially different from those reported by another. Comparing test results between laboratories is not possible. NOTE: most diagnostic laboratories report classic titers, in which 2-fold dilution of serum are made,,,the highest dilution that gives a positive test result is reported. Using the 2-fold dilution technique, the amount of error is approximately a 4- fold dilution. THIRD: titers are currently available only for canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and feline panleukopenia. Testing is not routinely available for most of the other vaccines currently on the market. While it may be possible to develop a laboratory test to measure one or more types of antibody to a particular pathogen, the correlation between antibody titer and protection is so poor (or non-existent) that test results are meaningless (e.g., feline leukemia antibody, canine coronavirus, feline coronavirus). There’s yet another rather basic issue that argues against routine use of antibody titers to determine whether or not an individual patient should be vaccinated. The more that veterinarians do use a reputable laboratory to perform antibody titers on individual patients the sooner it will become apparent that titers do, in fact, persist for several months and that continued testing is quite unnecessary. Excellent studies recently published support this. The 2006 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines have included additional information pertaining to the application, what little of it there is, of antibody titers in clinical practice. In summary, antibody titers can be used to: A. To assess response to the initial series of puppy/kitten vaccinations…testing should only be done at 12 weeks or older to assure lack of interference by maternal antibody. The sample should be collected 2 or more weeks following the last vaccination. IF the titer is negative (“non-responder”) then the animal should be re-vaccinated using a different product. That may, or may not, immunize the patient. B. The “I don’t trust the Guidelines” rationale: substituting Antibody titers for annual vaccination is perhaps the most common reason veterinarians submit serum for vaccine antibody titers. This is, however, a ‘self-fulfilling’ venture…eventually, it becomes apparent that most or all patients will have a protective antibody titer at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years post vaccination. C. Dobermans and Rottweillers are immune deficient. Actually, they’re not. Today, the numbers of non-responders in the general dog population is not different from these 2 breeds. D. Measuring Antibody response to natural infection in recovered dogs/cats. E. Rabies titers are also available from only from either of 2 certificated laboratories in the US (Kansas State University-Rabies Laboratory) and the USDA’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Ames Iowa. These are not used to validate vaccination…they are used to prove immunization status prior to trans- porting dogs/cats out of the continental US. Hawaii and selected countries outside the US accept titer results as proof of immunization/protection.

1Note Over the next 5-10 years recombinant (genetically engineered) vaccines are expected to become a prominent technology used by manufacturers in the production of companion animal vaccines. Although measurable antibody titers may be associated with some of these products, others will NOT produce antibody that is measurable in vivo. Instead, these vaccines induce a robust and sustained cell-mediated immune (CMI) response, especially important in viral (intracellular) infections

Page 16 Q&A with Dr. Susan Little Q: Is the intranasal panleukopenia 16 weeks of age or older). The ear- vaccine is as effective as the in- lier vaccinations can be IN (but no jectable with regards to length of im- panleuk vaccines can be given at munities? I'm concerned about waned under 4 weeks of age if you are us- immunities of the panleuk in the last ing an early vaccination protocol). few years, especially if they visit the vet. So would another dose of the IN As long as adults received an ade- be effective for them for another last- quate vaccination schedule as kit- ing immunity? tens, you can use IN vaccines as Karen Williams, Baywatch Maine boosters. This is because immunity Coons in adults is pretty solid, and panleuk is rarely seen in adults in any case, A: It depends on the circumstances. even unvaccinated ones. It is primar- For kittens, most specialists are con- ily a disease of kittens. cerned about the completeness of Dr. Susan immunity to panleukopenia if only IN vaccines are used. I would recommend that kittens receive at least 1 GC RW Coonbitzky’s Tarquin of Bandicoon as a kitten injectable vaccine against panleuk at Dr. Susan Little’s Website: 12 weeks of age or older (some say at http://www.catvet.homestead.com/ References 1Dr. Richard B. Ford is Professor, Internal Medicine, Diplomate ACVIM and (Hon) ACVPM, North Carolina State University Col- lege of Veterinary Medicine. He specializes in Companion animal infectious diseases, vaccines, and vaccination. Read more on Dr. Ford’s views about vaccination protocol, vaccine safety, and future developments in vaccines on www.vin.com 2Dr. Lappin is a faculty member in the Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State Veterinary School. Dr. Lappin’s co-authors are employed by Heska Corporation. 3MR Lappin, J Andrews, D Simpson, and WA Jensen. Use of serologic tests to predict resistance to feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, and feline parvovirus infection in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001; 219:38-42. 4Trivalent intranasal/intraocular, Heska Corporation; Eclipse 4, Schering-Plough; Felovax, Ft. Dodge Laboratories, Inc. 5Note that the recently released Intervet Continuum FVRCP vaccine is not grown on CRFK tissue culture. 7P Kass, Professor of Epidemiology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 8Parentaral Administration of FVRCP Vaccines Induces Antibodies Against Feline Renal Tissues http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/ insight/2004/fall2004/cats.htm 9 MR Lappin, et al. Magnitude of feline antibody responses to Crandell Rees Feline Kidney cell line extracts after administration of five different FVRCP vaccines. ACVIM Forum, Minneapolis, June 2004. http://www.heska.com/linked_files/ mlappin_teleconference.pdf 10Dodds, JW. Vaccine Protocols for Dogs Predisposed to Vaccine Reactions. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (37: 1-4, 2001). http://www.cavaliers.co.uk/articles/vaccineprotocols.pdf 11http://www.aafponline.org/resources/guidelines/vaccine.pdf

Are YOU Interested in Feline Health? Sidebar: Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus (VS-FCV) or the "killer Why not consider assisting the editor as a calici" health contributor for one (or more) issues. “Fort Dodge is waiting on the final USDA approval for the new "killer calici" vaccine. It is expected almost any day now. The new calici frac- tion will be combined with the present Panleuk-Herpes-Calici vaccine. There may also be other combinations. Who Me?! The current literature has only 9 outbreaks documented in the US. How- ever, I had a killer calici case in my hospital, and I have talked to at least 4 other veterinarians who have also seen it in isolated cases. I am con- vinced that it is being seen but not properly diagnosed; therefore, it appears to be a rare disease.” Gary D. Norsworthy, DVM Diplomate, ABVP (Feline) Alamo Feline Health Center San Antonio, Texas

Page 17 MAINERD SEZ

lary of a high school ous disappearance of a lady Actually, if I were absolutely sophomore who's more horsewoman/breeder some honest, I'd have to admit it's a interested in the low-slung years prior to the present pretty good tale, all told. yards of denim seated next that seems to bear on the Worth checking out of the to her than descriptive case. The story really deals library. And while I'm being adjectives. Usually. But in with horses more than cats honest, I confess I'm waiting this book, she's grown up a but the cats: Mrs. Murphy, for a chance to get to the bit. There's still a lot of the irrepressible Pewter and computer and order the next distance to go but the hu- the hapless corgi, T Tucker, two which come after. man characters here are a do manage to hold their bit less stereotyped and own. Well, let's face it; from But only if I can get an auto- hag-ridden with "he was my point of view, they're far graphed copy--from Pewter. Amazon price, Sept handsome"," she was more interesting than the There's a cat after my own 2006, $16.47 (new) pretty", "the dinner was humans-- even if Mary Minor heart. lovely", "the body on the Haristeen does quit her job floor was dead,"et cet- as Postmistress of Crozet, Purrs, era....Actually, I often won- Virginia and make noises like As old hands--and paws- der if Sneaky Pie really IS she just might re-marry the Mainerd -at The Scratch Sheet the author and Rita Mae besotted vet who hangs on Ye Olde Book Reviewer know, I'm a heavy the dummy on her knee. her every sigh. reader. I'm also a very The cats' reactions, per- picky reader. Don't need ceptions and comments about life in general among a lot of four-letter Mainerd Promises to feature two books, written by words to titilate. But the furless wonders are MCBFA fancier members, in the next issues. then I'm luckier than spot on--it's only the hu- most of my furless mans who usually get it friends in that regard. wrong. Cisco Kitty, Forever Friends Most cats wouldn't by Sandra Baba, MCBFA Fan- stoop to using such lan- Well, anyway, This time cier Member guage and our readers around, it seems that a don't expect such trashy couple of horsemen/ The coffee-table book is about talk...But I digress. trainers have died or are her Maine Coon, Cisco, who dying of infection caused lived with the family for over 22 by rabies! Not pretty way years. “This is an animal Got my hands on a new lover’s book, full of anecdotes. (or newer--I rarely to die. Wellsir, a rabid bat might bite one character-- Animals talk to us all of the bother to notice the time. Occasionally some of us publishing date) Sneaky but two? This time, the humans are a tad quicker listen.” Pie Brown/Rita Mae book; Whisker Of Evil. on the uptake--and the poor bat is exonerated. Pick up a copy at Rita Mae writes with all www.shogunbaba.com the charm and vocabu- Then there's the mysteri-

Me & You Too, CATALYST by Bob Harvey

“Experience this wondrous mystery/adventure as feline and humans develop the first, Me and You Too, Eco-cohousing-Homestead, where NO PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED WITHOUT PETS. Catalyst is the first novel in the Me&YouToo Tetralogy, and the premiere of a new format, forged from the latest technologies but as ancient as pigment and pictures on parchment. Welcome to colorized words....a place were you can sense the story.”

Available on Amazon.com for $14.93 at press time (Sept 2006).

Page 18 Breeder Members Fancier Member Dues

OVERDUE CODE OF ETHICS OVERDUE July 2006 DUE Oct 2006 as of September 16, 2006 The following Breeder Coffman, F Bechmann, M Members have not as yet Cole, C Blackstock, J *COE is Code of Ethics, which all mem- Dalton, D Boblick, B returned the 2006 Code Bryant, M bers of the Breeder Division must sign. of Ethics signed by all Hull, N Klauer, M Carpenter, S owners of the cattery. Boulter, S $25 & COE Llewellyn, L Davis, M Bowmnan, K/G $25 & COE Miller, S Dotzenrod, C Braun, C $18.75 & COE Bartha, L/R Mitchell, B Gilmore, C Budzinski, H $25 & COE Cunningham, S/L Nissen-Foley, K Gonzalez, S Hammel, M Cassidy, J $12.50 & COE Doi, R Spinella-Phillips, M Hedrick, E Frew, G/B $25 & COE Doran, J Polhill, L Hockmeyer, P Jones, G/A $25 & COE Hagan, M Robbins, P Hunzelman, D Kakemoto, Y $25 Kanieski, C/E Romanelli, M & R Jacobson, D Katsumata, F $25 & COE Kennedy, P Rosema, S Knaggs, D Kembitzky, L $25 & COE Lloyd, F & Packin, B Kiyomiya, M $25 & COE Shell, S/M Sykes, M McCarroll, V Komar, L $25 & COE Molloy, M Magee, E $12.50 O'Hare, N Miller, T $25 & COE Parks, B & J Motohashi, F $25 & COE Breeder Members Provisional Breeders Fancier Members Poe, R Olscher, M $25 & COE Potter, M & J Cain Haley Patteson, C $25 & COE Liz Flynn Joan Gaudet Ritchie, N Piper, B $12.50 & COE 208 Kings Chapel Road PO Box 1234 512 Lester Street Strine, S Scott, R $25 & COE Augusta, GA 30907 Highlands, NC 28741-1234 Lafitte, LA 70067 Wallace, A Seurinck, M/N $25 & COE Waters, J Spayde, j $25 & COE Wilkie, L Triolo, G $18.75 Williams, B Washburn, B $6.75 & COE

Provisional Breeder Dues OVERDUE April 2006 OVERDUE July 2006 Craig, A Ezepek, J Harvey, A Fuller, A & L Hoon, L Kaiser, S Koch, A & E Martin, G Kitten Chemicoons Perlmutter, L & Deiner, H Null, J Bellagio eying up her Whittenburg, T Stroud, C next meal, sushi! Woods, E Sullens, P

MEMBER DUES The MCBFA, Inc., Executive Council has directed that Any and all dues may be paid to MCBFA’s PayPal account using the address: MCBFA services be suspended for the following indi- [email protected]. PLEASE DO NOT SEND TO THE TREASURER OR EDITOR viduals for the period of time indicated. Permanent Fancier Memberships: Send membership fees and addresses to the Fanciers’ Secre- Chris Buck (Buctales) Oct 2001 tary, Joan Gaudet. Johnnie Hardee (Guitars/Megacoon) Feb 2003 Payable in US funds only Bill/Trisha Swisher (Kanab) as of 2/27/2003 $20.00/one year Marla Vales (Marala) April 2003 $35.00/two years Susan Lee (CoonsCross) Feb 2004 $50.00/three years Ginny O'Neill Follensbee (Majesticats) Aug 2004 This includes first-class postage. Suspended 1 year with loss of Breeder status Maryrose Sanchez (Codycats) Feb 2006 Canada: $15.00 + $6.00 postage ($21.00 total) Postal Money Order Only All Other Countries: $31.00 per year; International Money Orders. No bank checks. Provisional Breeder Memberships All dues may be paid via PayPal: [email protected] Online information and application forms can be downloaded at theOr MCBFA snail mail website, your payment www.mcbfa.org to: If website is not available, prospective Provisional Breeders should do the following: 1. Write to the Provisional Breeder Secretary, Cain Haley, for information and application packet. Do not send money at this time. 2. Once the application packet is received, follow the instructions and send the completed application with appropriate dues ($30.00 first year; $25.00 subsequent years) to the Provisional Breeder Secretary, Cain Haley Breeder Memberships: $25..00 per year to Breeder Member Secretary, Liz Flynn. A copy of a current litter registration must be included to enable you stay on the Active Breeder list. Change of address should be sent to the appropriate secretary.

Page 19 Appointed Officers MCBFA Officers PRESIDENT FANCIER MEMBER MIDWEST DIRECTOR ARCHIVIST SECRETARY Lynne Sherer Caron Gray Beth Hicks 3840 Charbon Lane Joan Gaudet 19165 Bennington Drive 3840 Charbon Lane Bartlett, TN 38133 512 Lester Street Brookfield, WI 53045 Bartlett, TN 38133 901-373-3394 Lafitte, LA 70067 262-782-1110 901-373-3394 1 [email protected] 504-689-4535 [email protected] Bhicks0 @midsouth.rr.com [email protected] SOUTH CENTRAL VICE-PRESIDENT ETHICS COMMITTEE PROVISIONAL BREEDER DIRECTOR Carol Pedley Betsy Tinney MEMBER SECRETARY Karen Crooke PO Box 10, Job Rd 11320 W. 169th Court NE PMB 321 Standish, ME 04084 Cain Haley Redmond, WA 98052 3195 Dowlin Road 207-642-4937 PO Box 1234 425-883-8986 Beaumont, TX 77706 [email protected] Highlands, NC 28741-1234 [email protected] 409-899-1668 828-787-1955 TREASURER [email protected] [email protected] EDITOR, The Scratch Sheet

Roxann Rokicki Liz Hansen NORTHEAST DIRECTOR WESTERN DIRECTOR W 8905 Canary Road 2790 Alnwick Court Judi May Beaver Dam, WI 53916 Cindy Patteson Henderson, NV 89044 3021 Road 84 920-887-7704 312 Woodbine Avenue 636-734-9233 Pasco, WA 99301 [email protected] Northport, NY 11768-2827 [email protected] 509-544-7893 631-261-1268 RECORDING SECRE- [email protected] [email protected]

TARY MID-ATLANTIC DIRECTOR OVERSEAS DIRECTOR Vicki Shipp Misha Peersmans 2719 Wicklow Drive Amy Gerver-Marsh Spoorwegstraat 42 Augusta, GA 30909 12460 Andover Court B-2600 Berchem, Belgium 706-736-3312 Woodbridge, VA 22192 32-3-230-9373 [email protected] 703-492-9115 [email protected] [email protected] BREEDER MEMBER SECRETARY SOUTHEAST DIRECTOR Liz Flynn Sharon Butler 208 Kings Chapel Road 266 Bohler Drive Augusta, GA 30907 Evans, GA 30809 706-860-1521 706-860-6820 [email protected] [email protected]

Mainewalk Jelena

GET YOUR CHRISTMAS PICTURES OR STORIES IN THE NEXT ISSUE Advertising • Anyone may submit merchandise Cattery Ad Rates ads or cat show ads. Business card-size ads $5 per issue • 1/8 page $10/one time or $35/year Any member may submit listings and 1/4 page $20/one time or $65/year photos for the Winners Gallery. 1/2 page $40/one time limit 2 per year • Only Full Breeder Members may Full page $85/one time limit 1 per year

advertise cats or kittens for sale, Merchandise and/or Cat Show Ad Rates stud service, catteries, or any other 1/4 page $25 per issue service related to animals. Anyone may submit articles, pictures 1/2 page $50 per issue or stories to the Scratch Sheet for • Please no laser color copies; they Full page $100 per issue FREE; however, only a Breeder, Provi- do not reproduce well. Photos will sional Breeder, or Fancier may submit be returned if accompanied by a Winners Gallery information. Submit self-addressed stamped envelope. to the editor, Liz Hansen, [email protected] or snail mail to:

2790 Alnwick Ct., Henderson, NV, Payment must accompany ads. Please send your ads and payments to the 89044. Pictures will be returned. Editor; all checks made payable to MCBFA.