My name is Rachel Hartley and I am a breeder of outstanding Bengal and Savannah cats, from early generation through to SBT.
I have always had a huge passion for cats. During my teens whilst living with my parents, I grew up with two beautiful black and white domestic short hair cats called Sophie and Oscar. Oscar was a singleton kitten born to Sophie under my bed.
In 2007, my husband and I moved into our first house and shortly after, we bought our first pet Bengal called Twinkle. I immediately fell in love with the breed and quickly acquired two more Bengal pets called Smudge and Honey.
I then decided I wanted to become a breeder, so I left my position as an in house Graphic Designer, registered with GCCF and TICA and established Sittingpretty Cats.
I began breeding Bengals in 2008 and then Savannahs in 2009. My first Bengal Queen was a brown marbled girl called Coco and my first Savannah Queen was a brown spotted girl called Maddie.
I breed because cats are my passion and I want to share these majestic breeds with others.
It is a huge misconception that legitimate breeders make a lot of money from breeding. The reality is that we are lucky to break even. I have to work an enormous amount of hours a week to be able to afford and achieve my breeding program.
Despite being a full time mum to a young boy and being in employment elsewhere, I spend every spare minute with my cats and kittens to ensure their health and happiness. I pride myself on producing kittens that are highly socialised and I think my customer feedback reflects this.
Over the years, I have invested a great deal of money, time and effort into my breeding stock. I am very proud to have Bengals and Savannahs of outstanding type and pedigree. And I will continue to work with others to further both breeds to the best of my ability.
During 2012, my husband and I relocated and renovated our current house, where we have also built luxurious and spacious living quarters for our breeding cats and their kittens. This move has not only allowed me to better accommodate my cats and visitors, but it has allowed me to proceed with a new early generation breeding program. I now breed from second generation/F2 through to SBT.
All of my cats are health screened and have been DNA tested for PK Deficiency and PRA-b with Langford Veterinary Services. I am also working my way through ultrasound screening each cat yearly for HCM with verified Cardiologist Hannah Stephenson.3
I hope you enjoy the website and please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like any further information.