BARBARA STEWART'S BIO:

I got my first Ocicat from the original breeder, Virginia Daily, in March of 1987. Actually my first so called Ocicat was bought in a pet store by my husband and children as a birthday present. The pet store sold him as an Ocicat and said he would develop spots, weigh 20 lbs and look like a wild cat. I still have him - he looks more like a ticket Aby, has no spots and weighs about 12 lbs.

When he did not develop spots I decided to find out more about this breed and so I contacted the original breeder in Michigan and told her what had happened. She took pity on me and sold me a real Ocicat. At that time she had a waiting list of 8 months but felt sorry for me and moved me to the front of her list. I received my first Ocicat who later became Grand Champion and regional winner Dalai Flip Flopper Of Auxarcs. His name came from the way he would flop down in front of your feet to be petted.

That was almost 10 years ago and I'm still at it. I had heard about cat shows but never been to one. I was visiting my daughter then in college in Texas, and there was a cat show going on in Austin at the time. She and I decided to go see it. I saw an Ocicat there and realized mine at home was better and decided that if there was ever a cat show near where I lived I would take him and show him.

My first show was in Springfield, Missouri in April of 1988. By then I had also bought a female kitten and I took her also. CFA judge, the late Frank Roderick, gave each of my cats a final and I was hooked from then on.

Since that time I have produced numerous champions and Grand Champions. I have sold several cats overseas. One of my cats, Grand Champion and regional winner Auxarcs Fire Dancer, was awarded the 26th best cat in Gulf Shore region in the1992-93 show season.  He was sold to New Zealand where he became an Ocicat Grand Champion in the New Zealand Cat Association and was runner up for best cat of the year in their association. Auxarcs Fire Dancer was the first International Grand Champion Ocicat. I also showed GRC Ociville Mountain Magic Of Auxarcs to 12th best cat in Gulf Shore region and second best Ocicat in CFA in 1989-90 show season. He has produced 10 grand champions at this time.

My most recent grand champion who is also the 23rd best cat in CFA's Gulf Shore region for this past season is GCRW Galax Santa Claus Of Auxarcs. He was imported from the country of Finland. I am now bringing out my new kitten for this season Auxarcs Hunk Of Burning Love. He is a beautiful chocolate spotted male.

I am now a licensed CFA clerk and show about once a month all year long.  Auxarcs cattery has received the Cattery of Excellence award from the Cat Fanciers Association and all kittens leave here with a health guarantee.

If you would like to know more about these beautiful cats you can e-mail me.