About Us
The "Bojacat" Cattery began in August, 1988.
We fell in love with the Birman breed in February, 1988 after attending our first Cat Show at the Odeum in Villa Park, IL. The following August we learned of a Birman Cat Show in Medina, OH;
and on the spur of the moment, decided to go. It was a 7 hour drive, but it was well worth it ! Everywhere we looked there were beautiful pointed cats with white feet and gorgeous blue eyes.
To make a long story short, we came home with our first Birman. Melik Lothorian (Leia) was a 4 month old, seal point female, show quality kitten.
We don't recommend purchasing a Birman for show/breeding in the manner that we did. We were totally uneducated about what makes a "good" Birman. It's best to go to a number of cat shows,
meet and talk to many different breeders, to discover what qualities are important for showing and breeding.
If you're just wanting a "pet" quality kitten, then personality and health should be at the top of the list.
On the way home from Medina, we made a list of possible cattery names. We'd been told that many people use a combination of letters from their own names to form a cattery name.
We ultimately decided on BO (for Bob) JA (for Jane) CAT, "BOJACAT" (pronounced with a long 'O').
We are a CFA Cattery of Excellence. We are annually inspected and licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Located approximately 50 miles south of Chicago, we have visitors by appointment only. We
breed Blue and Seal Point Birmans.
Our babies are handled every day from the day they are born, and are very social. Our “cattery” is
in our home , with “cat rooms” off the dining room, separated only by screen doors. Our breedings are controlled and monitored. We strive for a stress-free, loving, clean and odor free environment.
Occasionally we have an older Birman available for placement in a new home. These are Birmans (male and female) that are now retired from breeding and have already been neutered or spayed. They are usually 3 - 6 years old and most times need to go to quiet homes without any other cats. We ask a nominal amount, usually the price of neutering or spaying. We like to place our retirees, where they can get the attention and love that they deserve.
In January, 2009, Bob was diagnosed with ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease. He gradually lost his ability to walk normally and spent his days in a wheelchair. He was no longer able to help out with the cats other than to offer them a warm lap, a good scratch under the neck and lots of love. :)
Bob lost his brave battle with ALS on December 19, 2010.
For more information about ALS or to contribute to a chapter in your area to help find a cure please go to www.alsa.org or Les Turner ALS - www.lesturnerals.org
The following is a lovely video tribute to my dearest Bob from 50 pictures that represent his life and our 34 years together:
Robert Cartwright Video tribute