Siberian Cat World - Interviews

Milkana Kalajdžieva, Sibirela cattery, Bulgaria

When did you start your cattery:

It was year 2007. We, me and my boyfriend, decided to have a cat companion and we began searching on the internet. I said – it must has fluffy tail, he saw some pictures of the Siberian cat and said – it must be Siberian! At this time no Siberian cats were in Bulgaria, no breeders so the only chance was to import our dream. I had no idea what to look for but I had sixth sense and luck, I suppose. I never intended to breed, I haven’t heard about cat shows, papers, rules, standards. For my great surprise we became owners of a purebred cat which was the first of her kind in Bulgaria. I felt responsible to do the best for her and for the breed and to share my pleasure of having such noble, friendly, natural and incredible friend.

What is challenging and what's the best part in breeding:

It’s a great challenge to be pioneer and it’s so hard to start and develop breeding without other cats and lines. At the same time this gives some opportunities – to point the right direction, to encourage new owners, to guide them and to establish a net of SIB admirers.

I’m extremely happy when some of them calls me just to tell: “Thank you for the chance to have such amazing, well-tempered, smart and beautiful cat!”. This is the real prize and recognition, an award for my humble efforts and true devotion.

About Neva Masquerad mixing into the Siberian Cat:

In FIFe NEM is a separate breed, but still sister-breed. I like these cats very much but they don’t belong to SIB. Our local federation does not support the vision of colorpoints among Siberians. I share the same idea although it’s extremely difficult to breed within limited number of cats. I established a union of SIB cat owners in Bulgaria and there are certain restrictions and expectations. I resisted in the very beginning when here were only one SIB female and one NEM male. So I believe I could keep this direction and I can convince people about the origin and the right phenotype of the true Siberian cat. It’s the hardest way but I know this is the future of the SIB cats it is in our hands.

Your breeding program and your goals:

Siberians in my country are only few at the moment. My intention is to breed only after providing genetic and health test, to help with the import of quality cat of unique lines and traditional strong wild look. It’s important for me to gain knowledge and to complete specialized courses. I share what I know in magazines, TV, all kind of media. This is my mission, I think and duty that I realize with pleasure.