All Posts

Raw feeding is one of those topics that tends to divide opinion. Like most things in breeding, the truth probably sits somewhere in the middle. I've even been kicked off a raw feeding facebook page for having an opinion! I have fed my breeding cats a mixed raw and biscuits diet for many years - Ideally a fully raw diet would be preferable but that's extremely challenging to achieve. However, overall I believe raw feeding is a more species-appropriate way to feed cats. Cats a

By Dr Miriam Martin – Glitterpaws Burmese & Mandalay If you've bred cats for any length of time, you'll eventually encounter feline calicivirus (FCV). It's one of the most common infectious diseases affecting cats worldwide and one of the most frustrating. Healthy-looking cats can continue shedding the virus long after they appear to have recovered, allowing infection to quietly spread through a breeding cattery. After experiencing two separate calicivirus outbreaks in my own

One of the most common questions new breeders ask is what to do when a kitten is born flat, quiet, or not breathing immediately. The first thing to remember is that birth is a physiological process, not an emergency. Most kittens simply need time to transition from life inside the uterus to breathing air. The temptation is often to rush in and start doing things, but in many cases the best intervention is patience. The transition from life in the uterus to life outside is one

One of the questions I get asked is what equipment I use when one of my queens is due to deliver. The answer usually surprises people. Over the years I've actually used less and less equipment. Many new breeders start with an enormous collection of gadgets and emergency supplies. After more than a decade breeding Burmese and Mandalay cats, my kit has become progressively simpler. My goal is not to run a neonatal intensive care unit in the cattery (that's way too much work!).

One of the hardest parts of kittening is working out whether the queen is truly finished — or whether there’s still one more kitten waiting to arrive. As a family doctor, I palpate abdomens regularly. Honestly, a lot of this is just practice. Over time, you get better at recognising what you’re feeling. When you think she’s done, quietly stand over her while she’s relaxed and gently feel the abdomen. I usually place my thumbs along the spine and softly palpate underneath with

As the weather turns colder again, one topic comes up every winter in breeding and multicat homes: safe, reliable heat pads. Honestly, this has been a long-term struggle. Finding heating pads that are: safe, durable, wipeable, low-temperature, suitable for continuous use, and resistant to feline sabotage… …has been surprisingly difficult in New Zealand. Cats absolutely love warmth, especially kittens, elderly cats, recovering cats, and short-coated breeds. Unfortunately, many

Glitterpaws kittens generally do well starting on sachets + biscuits, then transition to raw meat + biscuits. These are Penelope's 7 babies, all hitting 1.2-1.6 kg at 10 weeks. When breeders talk about “Strep G” in cats, they are usually referring to Streptococcus canis — the main Group G streptococcus associated with disease in cats and kittens. Streptococcus canis is an important bacterial organism in veterinary medicine because it can cause: neonatal fading kittens pneumon

Group G Streptococcus (GGS) appears under a microscope as Gram-positive, spherical to ovoid cocci arranged in pairs or long chains. They are often described as resembling a "string of beads" or "twisted berries" (from the Greek streptos meaning twisted and kokkos meaning berry). Strep G is becoming an increasingly recognised issue in breeding cats, particularly in larger catteries and group-housed environments. In cats, “Strep G” usually refers to Streptococcus canis — a bact

At Glitterpaws, we’re lucky to witness small, everyday miracles — but every now and then, one truly stops you in your tracks. On the 28th of February, Juliette welcomed her litter of 6 babies into the world. Tiny, fragile, and full of potential, these kittens weighed between just 84 and 110 grams , with an average of 96 grams . They fit in the palm of your hand — delicate little beginnings. Juliette and her newly born babies on the 28th of Februrary 2026. Fast forward just th

How smart breeding keeps recessive traits — and our cats — healthy for generations Recessive genes can be beautiful, fascinating, and breed-defining — but they also require careful stewardship . Modern breeders have powerful tools at their fingertips: DNA testing, pedigree tracking, and strategic mate selection. Used wisely, these tools allow us to enjoy recessive colours and coats without sacrificing diversity or health . This chapter brings it all together: how to plan mati

Why some recessive genes “show a little” even when they shouldn’t Most breeders learn the simple rule: Dominant genes show with one copy Recessive genes only show with two copies But real-life genetics isn’t always that tidy. Some recessive genes don’t stay completely hidden in carriers. Instead, they can influence the phenotype just a little , even when only one copy is present. This is called: Partial penetrance — the gene doesn’t fully express, but expresses sometimes

From colour to coat to pattern — the quiet genetics behind iconic cats Recessive genes don’t just create pretty colours — they’ve shaped entire breeds, defined breed standards, and even influenced the rise of whole cat groups like the Siamese, Burmese, Rexes, and Sphynx. Many of the traits we take for granted today only exist because generations of breeders protected — and understood — recessive inheritance. This blog explores some of the most important recessive genes in pe

How recessive genes stay alive, disappear, and suddenly reappear in our cats When a kitten is born, we immediately notice its phenotype — its visible traits (or "photo"): colour, coat, pattern, eye colour. But what we can’t see is just as important. Beneath every coat lies a genotype — the genetic code — and sometimes that code contains a hidden recessive gene that doesn’t show in the way the cat looks. Those cats are called carriers, and they’re one of the most misunderstood

Featuring the Dilute Gene — the “Soft Colour” Secret in Cats Examples of the dilute gene, top left is a seal Burmese and to the right is its dilute, a blue Burmese and bottom is a lilac Burmese, a dilute of chocolate. When we admire a gorgeous blue, lilac, cream, or fawn cat, we’re really admiring genetics at work . Behind every coat colour lies a tiny set of instructions written in DNA — and some of those instructions are quiet, subtle, and easily overlooked. These are reces

Meconium is the name given to the first bowel motion passed by a baby or kitten. It’s thick, sticky, and dark green-black in colour. In some births, a baby (or kitten) may pass meconium before delivery — usually because they were stressed or unwell before or during labour. When this happens, the amniotic fluid becomes contaminated, and we call it meconium-stained liquor (MSL) . The concern is that the newborn might inhale this fluid, which can irritate or inflame the lungs a

Thinking about breeding cats? Being a modern cat breeder takes more than just a love for kittens. It’s a blend of genetics, planning, communication, and heart. From midwifery to marketing, discover the wide range of skills that go into responsible, ethical cat breeding — and how today’s breeders balance science, care, and community. 1. Understanding Coat Colour and Genetics Genetics is at the heart of every breeding program. You need to understand coat colour inheritance for

If you’re looking for Burmese kittens available in Christchurch, New Zealand , you’ve come to the right place! At Glitterpaws , we’re passionate about breeding fun-loving, cuddly Burmese and Mandalay kittens that make perfect companions for families and children. Known as the “people cats,” Burmese are famous for their affectionate personalities and fearless, bullet-proof temperaments. These cats love company, thrive on attention, and will happily follow you from room to roo

What is Aspiration? Newborn kittens sometimes have a rough start in life. Difficult births, prolonged labour, low birth weight, or being...

If you've ever had to take a photo to support your cat registration then this post is for you. As a family doctor I often have to take...

Red, cream and tortoiseshell coat colours are coded by the “O gene” which is carried on the X chromosome. The O gene causes the normal...