Welcome to MELVAS CATS

MELVAS is the prefix I registered with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy back in 1981 when I first thought that I might like to have a litter of kittens. Having the unusual Christian name of Melva, it seemed logical at the time.

I had always lived with cats and rabbits, and had even shown the rabbits. However, my first pedigree cat did not arrive until 1979 after I had visited the Coventry & Leicester Cat Club Show and stared in wonder at all the different sizes, shapes, colours and lengths of coats on the cats present.

Ryeholme Anni Toplice

Harlain Inska I had never liked grooming, so my late husband Harry and I chose a plush-coated male Russian Blue with wonderful green eyes.

Another Russian kitten came for company and she introduced me to the world of pedigree cats, shows and clubs. I even became Editor of the Russian Blue Breeders Association newsletter Russian Tails.

Questa Marmaduke However, this Russian lady never stopped calling, and thoughts of MELVAS kittens disappeared with a spayed queen. So, I concentrated on showing a reluctant neuter.

Then I became captivated by the deep blue eyes and seal points of the Birman. This kitten worshipped only me. And shows were not for him.

Cheratons Peach Melba


However, in the same classes, I had encountered the Turkish cats. Striking white coats with Auburn tail and head markings, and wonderful amber eyes that stared into your soul. A pretty female Turk soon re-arranged the household. After introducing me to homoeopathy, kittens arrived and I saw my first MELVAS kitten appear on the showbench. Again I became involved with the breed club and Editor of the Turkish Van Cat Club newsletter VanCatChat as well as Russian Tails.

Natalie1 Fate then took a hand. I had waited several years for a Birman female kitten, and now one became available. Whilst my other cats disliked the showbench, this young lady was quite happy, usually because she was in season! Early MELVAS kittens should have helped, but she only wanted more and was rarely in show condition. So, one of her babies stayed with me to show for a while.

Ch & UK Gr Pr Melvas Romeo


This Birman baby changed my life again. He was everyone's "dream come true" as far as cats and showing are concerned.

Romeo had the looks, temperament and health that go with the real cream of the show world. He stayed and he became a "star". For ten years he was the only male Seal Point UK Grand Premier Birman, a title he achieved in two consecutive years.


Now I had achieved what I had been looking for and, with all my cats neutered by 1987,
MELVAS Kittens grew into MELVAS CATS.

I had three breeds of cat: the Russian, the Birman and the Turkish
- all in the original colours!

But time moves on


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