Articles

What Is A CPC? - This article is also called "An explanation of Persian registration numbers." Basically, it explains what the first 4 digits of a cat's registration number means in CFA. This number tells about color, and it also tells about ancestry (whether the cat has Himalayan or Exotic behind it, or not.)

Persian Color Genetics: A Primer - This is a very simple, yet comprehensive, overview of Persian color genetics written so that anyone can understand. It answers the question "What colors will the kittens be?" It also helps breeders understand the colors they are breeding better in order to plan their programs with specific goals in mind.

AOV: Any Other Variety - A straight forward, indepth article looking at the pros/cons of some of the AOV colors in the Persian breed. Includes colors such as blue golden, smoke point, black shaded, chocolate smoke, and bicolor point. This is the orginal article, not the edited-by-another that appeared on Pandecats.

Showing On a Budget - The name is pretty self-explanatory! Here are some ideas on how to save money while attending cat shows! This would probably work for just about any shows/trips, as well. I'll probably add to this as I think of new things (or get more suggestions.)

Frequently Asked Questions

...or what could be frequently asked...

Who is Cacao?
Cacao is Janet and her daughter, Carissa. Carissa is the webmistress. More information on Cacao can be found in the history section. :)

Where is Cacao located?
We are located in Dallas/Fort Worth area (in Texas). (USA)

What is Cacao's status with regard to PKD?
We were one of the first catteries to scan for PKD (Feb 98). We also participated the first PKD clinic held by Dr. Biller at a later date. Our program is now DNA tested negative for PKD. We are very happy to have this validation for our years of testing via ultrasound for PKD (all cats that were PKD negative via the ultrasounds were also PKD negative via the DNA test. We attribute these perfect results to the expertise of our vet, Dr. Kent Cooper, DVM.)

Will Cacao sell show and breeder quality cats in their home region?
Yes. Cacao does not make decisions on who we sell our cats to based on where the person lives. Rather, we focus on the person themselves to make sure they can provide a good, loving home. There is nothing we like better than to see cats from our breeding out at the shows - and we are not afraid to compete against ourselves.

Will Cacao sell show and breeder quality cats to new breeders?
Yes. We will, however, ask that the new breeder or new prospective breeder show a cat in premiership (the neuter/spay class) first. (This cat does not have to be purchased from Cacao.) This is for many reasons. First, it's an easy way to get a foot into the cat fancy without having to deal with the issues that come up with breeding (sterile males, males not interested in breeding, females that don't conceive, c-sections, sick babies, selling pet kittens... and LOTS more). Second, the new breeder can determine if raising and showing cats is really something they want to do before they actually commit a good deal of money into a program. We ask pet price for our premiership quality kittens. Most breeders will do the same, though some will ask a good deal more. It costs anywhere from $10,000-$25,000 to purchase a truly good foundation for a Persian program (that's about 5-10 cats). Fourth, in showing a cat in premiership, a new breeder can observe many different looks of show Persians in the fancy and determine what look they want to model in their breeding program. Additionally, they can talk to many exhibitors and pick up a wealth of knowledge at the shows that will aid them greatly in their endeavor of being a show breeder. Finally, if the new breeder decides after showing a premiership that showing is really not for them, then they only have the one cat, which is already neutered and a great housepet, rather than having to deal with placing out many cats they might have bought/bred.

With that being said, if the new breeder is already actively breeding, each individual will be interviewed and we will make the determination whether we will sell to that individual based on many factors. With a new breeder, we like to have them near in location to us so that we can monitor the cat(s) they receive from us, particularly a show cat, so we can help in the showing process (if necessary.) If the new breeder is a protege to an experienced and successful CFA Mentor, that will also be a positive factor in the process.

Does Cacao provide stud service?
No. There are too many concerns with the health of the incoming queen and that of the resident cats.

What colors does Cacao work with?
Ok, so maybe no one is going to ask this question, but hey, I'm sure it has crossed a few people's minds. We specialize in Himalayans, but Janet loves whites (however, we no longer have whites in our program), and Carissa loves the bi-colors. Because we bring in pure persian outcrosses, we do end up with pure persian and cpc litters, and we won't balk to show these babies if they have the type. We have worked with every color with the exception of the smoke/shaded/silver group.

What is the difference between "pure Persian" and CPC?
This is a long answer. I created a page just for this. Please click here for an explanation about CPCs.

Does Cacao have any chocolates?
While Chocolates and Lilacs are very near and dear to our hearts, we have found that our program does not have the room to have a good chocolate breeding program. However, we are working with Jude Cattery in order to utlize our lines into their chocolate program and see our dreams come into fruition through their program.

When did Cacao begin breeding American Shorthairs?
We started our silver tabby American Shorthair program in 2003, and we have dedicated ourselves to maintaing a small program with as much outcrossing as possible without using non-silver tabbies. We also have drawn a firm line that we will not cross when it comes to breeding to the standard - our cats will be bred to the standard, not necessarily to what is winning in the show ring. We do not believe in breeding "extreme" American Shorthairs that have clearly visible "stops" or "breaks." We are dedicated to preserving the standard and breeding moderate style cats that the standard calls for. As with our Persians, personality and health are extemely important to us, and we have been very fortunate to have a strong, wonderfully sweet foundation for our program.

I am not interested in showing, but I would like to buy a cat or kitten for breeding, does Cacao sell cats or kittens with breeding rights to people who do not show?
We believe that the cat fancy is more than just cat shows and people who show cats. It is also "pet" owners - that is, people who own neutered or spayed cats. It is also people who breed healthy, quality, pedigreed animals but may not have the desire or the means to show. We consider each individual who inquires for a breeding cat or kitten carefully and sometimes we do allow our cats to go to homes of those who do not show if we feel they are quality homes. Of course, we also hope that these people might some day choose to join us at the shows, and thus, we usually limit the cats or kittens available with breeding rights to those of show or breeder quality.

I am have questions about showing or raising cats, is it ok if I contact Cacao with questions?
Carissa is a CFA Mentor and very happy to help with any questions. Please feel free to contact her at cacaocattery@hotmail.com with any questions you might have. If she doesn't have the answer, she will do her best to direct you to someone who can help.