My name is Karen Arthur and I live in Barham on the New South Wales/Victorian Border. I am married to Stephen and we have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. We acquired our first birman from Beth Anderson of Warraweepark Birmans. Her name is Warraweepark Shakira affectionately known as Shaki. She is a beautiful seal point and has had three litters so far. When she first came to live with us we couldn't believe how much she changed our lives and still does.

I have always owned cats and at one time I bred Chinchillas. I always loved them but when I got Shaki I found how different they were and I was completely smitten. Birmans are very much people cats and love to live inside and be part of everything and I mean that literally. They find fascination in everything you do from teeth cleaning, love to play with the water and computers and they love chasing that little mouse on the screen. When I bred my first litter of kittens I was a hopeless mess when they went to their new homes. The people who adopted them were lovely people and I keep in touch with them so it makes it easier. The second time was just the same but I am getting a bit more used to it. They just seem to leave an imprint on your heart as they are all individuals with different personalities.