written by Susan Cook Henry, Jadon Cattery

In 1985, Anki got her first Persian cat. One year later, she purchased her first show cat, EC Papagayo's Ofelia, a Blue Persian female. With her success at the shows, Ofelia further interested Anki in registering a cattery in the latter part of 1986.

"Desdecados" is a variation on the spelling of a quotation of valor on the shield of Wilfred of Ivanhoe, the Saxon knight from the famous tale by Sir Walter Scott. The Desdecados Persians & Exotics are bred for quality -- not quantity -- with emphasis on health, sweet, open expressions, big eyes and balanced bodies. The dilute colors (Blue, Cream and Blue-cream) are the favorites, but there will occasionally be dominants (Red and Tortie) as well as tabbies.

The first cat Anki imported from the US was GC/NW Wynden Spodiodi. He arrived in Sweden 1990, two years after achieving the title of CFA Second Best Cat for 1988 (having been Sixth Best Kitten the previous year).

Spodi was followed by females from Myman, Marhei, Jadon, Wynden and Goliada -- all of whom have produced promising kittens in addition to being lovely show cats themselves.

Many years later, Anki met Leif and soon they became inseparable. Leif (despite being allergic to cats!) also became very interested in joining the cat fancy. In the late 2004, the couple got their first Exotic, a wonderful Brown Tabby male they call “Teddy” (CH Eddore Pumkin Bear). Teddy had a very promising kitten career and has matured into a spectacular adult. Anki and Leif were married in August of 2005, with Leif becoming an official partner in the Desdecados Cattery. As a very special wedding gift, their dear friend Kajsa Sohlberg (Quickstep’s Cattery) gave Leif a lovely Blue Persian male called “Ior” (Quickstep’s Miriel). By becoming a Junior Winner, “Ior” confirmed Leif’s ability to prepare and present a Persian, further cementing his interest in the world of show cats.

Some of the winners bred or shown by Desdecados over the years include:

Quickstep’s Miriel, JW - Multiple Best In Show, 9th Best Kitten nationally 2005

CH Eddore Pumkin Bear - Multiple Best In Show, 10th Best Kitten Nationally 2005

EC S*Desdecados Ozzy Osbourne - Multiple Best In Show

IC S*Eddore Vamp N.F.S. - Multiple Best In Show; 2nd Best Cat Nationally 1999 and Best Blue-cream 1998

EC & EP S*Desdecados Gentle Giant - Multiple Best In Show; 2nd Best In Premiership 1999 and 1998

EP Jadon Wind In Willows of Desdecados - Multiple Best In Show; 2nd Best In Premiership and Best Bluecream 1997 and 1996

GC & IC Marhei Chasing Rainbows of Jadon - Best Bluecream and 4th Best Breeder Female 1995 in addition to several Nominations

EC S*Desdecados Howard Hughes - Multiple Best In Show

IC S*Desdecados Hitch Hiker - Multiple Best In Show

GIC S* Desdecados Holly Hunter - Several Nominations

GIC Wynden Texas Belle of Desdecados - Multiple Best In Show

CH & CH Goliada Good Golly Miss Molly - Multiple Best In Show

The current family of cats share a wonderful life with Anki and Leif at their home in Huddinge (a close suburb of Stockholm) where they are free to use the house equally with their humans. A particularly favorite place for them to be in the spring and summer months is on the secure balcony of the top-floor condominium, overlooking the activities in the central park area below. Once members of the household, cats are assured a loving home with Anki and Leif for the rest of their lives.