The Burmese had its origins in the Far East but the major development of the breed began in the US. Much has been written about them and when we made the decision to have a pet after living abroad for several years the family were interested in a dog. However, our life style, at that time did not really make that the wisest of choice and so the nearest thing we could find was a breed whose nickname we had heard was the 'dog cat' – the Burmese. Our first pair, a neuter litter brother and sister arrived in 1986. The cream boy, is still with us. Sadly his sister was killed in a road accident and her replacement, a blue Burmese female, Addeish Blau Ottilie was our first breeding queen and the start of the Trotkatz Burmese and Asians.

The name Asian is given to all cats of Burmese type but which have different colours, patterns or coat lengths than those normally found in the Burmese. My first interest in Asians came from looking at some striking pictures of Bombays. The yellow, golden eyes and black shiny coat were particularly striking features that appealed.

I had read many cat books and in one, I came across the Bombay, the breed developed by Nikki Horner in the USA from crossing American Black Shorthairs to Burmese. After some searching, I had heard that Pat Impson had been working under the guidance and support of Margaret Somers then Chairman of the Burmese Cat Club in developing a UK version of the Bombay from mismatings to the UK Burmese – and that is where it all started!

While a breed club can provide the framework of advice to breeders each breeder needs to develop a personal perspective based on experience and sound genetic knowledge. However, we are really tinkering with nature in a very small way and luck rather than good judgement plus a few frustrations and disappointments on the way go to make this fascinating hobby. My aim is to breed back to Burmese each generation until we have established the desired type and temperament. As the black is dominant over the Burmese gene then a full expression self should not be difficult to breed*.

*Webmaster's note: Jon was right; this article was written over ten years ago and the Bombays and Asian Selfs have had Championship Status since June 2000!

Here are some of the Trotkatz Bombays (more in the photo gallery):

Some of Jon Trotter's cats

Ch Keshi Draiodoir Dubh		Trotkatz Black Opal
Trotkatz Black Bella