Because my cats are raised as part of my family, and have full run of the condo, my cattery is small in numbers. I currently have three females and one male. The census does fluctuate when we have kittens but the core number remains about the same.

I do not cage my cats and as mentioned they are all over the place! This includes sharing my bed, my computer and, at times, my shower. People food is not shared though they still try to change my mind on that one.

Kittens are birthed the old-fashioned way here, in a cardboard box in either my closet or under my bed. Well, one time it was IN my bed but that's another story! I believe that kittens thrive on security and love. At my house they're introduced to kisses from birth. I do confine them to my bedroom until the approximate age of six weeks when they are allowed to start exploring the rest of the house. I allow them to set their own pace on this so the actual age may vary from litter to litter and even kitten to kitten.

I encourage visits from friends of all ages to help with the socializing of the kittens. By the time the kittens come to you they are happy, healthy and well adjusted. You will probably still have to work on the finer points of my food, your food.

My kittens are ready for adoption at the age of 12 weeks, though they can be held much earlier with a deposit.