About Us
My name is Gill Harris and I live in the Hills district of Sydney, Australia, with
my partner and Devon Rex cats. We have only been breeding for a couple of
years however what we lack in numbers of litters we make up for in commitment
having put much time and effort into establishing a solid foundation on which to
begin our breeding journey. Researching sound husbandry practices to
minimise the risk of problems is always a good place to start, and while it is
clear there are no guarantees, being responsible and committed to health is
our primary focus. At this point we are dedicated to breeding a small number
of Devon kittens to go to selective pet households.
My association with the Devon Rex developed after losing my Oriental girl at
19yrs of age. I decided it was time to experience kittenhood again and began
visiting cat shows to see which breed of cat would be right for us. It was at this
point I decided I would like to meet some Devon Rex face to face as the
appearance of the Devon had held a fascination for me for some years. It is
not uncommon to encounter people who seem surprised that you own a
Devon perceiving them to be an ugly breed.
Well the truth is quite the opposite, I think they are the most beautiful
creatures with their big ears and their large eyes that seem to penetrate right
into your soul. Their intensity can be quite disconcerting for some.
They are intelligent, loving and full of fun, and once they touch your heart you
will never be without one, two or three!!!!. From the moment I drove home with
my first boy, Kuli, a chocolate and white, blue eyed bicolour, I knew I was
hooked and this little creature was going to change my life. Here I am a few
years later with four devons and on a journey into breeding these exquisite
little creatures.
I hope you enjoy my site and visit the Contact Us page or Guest Book to
leave your comments.
I have designed this site to
hopefully provide people with an
understanding of what it is like to
live with a Devon so you can get an
idea if it is the right breed for you.
I have also included some important
links about health related issues
including a very important feline
disease called FIP (Feline Infectious
Peritonitis). FIP is a fatal disease
affecting mainly purebred cattery
cats and cats in rescue facilities and
for which at this point in time there
is no effective treatment or cure.
While there are many diseases and
feline health issues, FIP is one of
the most challenging to veterinary
science and as it is fatal, I believe it
is an important disease for potential
pet owners to understand prior to
purchasing a purebred cat. There is
still much to be understood about
this disease and research $ are badly
needed.

The first breeding girl I bought
succumbed to FIP at 9 months old in
January 2005. Forunately this
happened before I began my breeding
journey and it was her death that
motivated me to research the facts
and gain a greater understanding of
FIP. While genetic predisposition is
now known to be a factor in the
development of FIP, there are also
several other factors involved that can
be addressed to reduce risk. While
there is no test currently available to
identify vulnerable cats, I have a
strong desire to reduce risk where
possible and while there are no
guarantees with any living animal
every effort is made to reduce risk of
infectious diseases and my focus is on
health and temperament above all
else.
My FIP experience has increased my
knowledge and changed my approach
to breeding as I now understand so
much more about the do's and don'ts
when it comes to optimising overall
health in the kittens I breed.
If you are a pet owner or breeder interested in learning more about FIP, subscribe to the Australian FIP Support list above.
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Photography by Alexandra McCormick www.alexandraphotos.com
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