The Bagral

"Cleo," an F1 Bagral (Fishing Cat x domestic shorthair), owned by Pat Harbert of OhMy Cattery.

Yesterday, we had the singular opportunity to photograph what is to our knowledge, the only known Bagral in captivity. The Bagral is a exotic/domestic hybrid breed which is a cross between the Fishing Cat and a domestic shorthair, in this case a melanistic Bengal.

For a stay-at-home cat that is not used to being around strangers or new places, Cleo was surprisingly manageable during the photo session -- especially a cat with one wild parent! We were struck by how affectionate Cleo was with her owner, Pat Harbert, constantly headbutting her - purring and visibly happy to be in her company. In fact, Cleo was so happy, that she was also affectionate to Ken and me, wrapping her body and tail around my legs and rearing up to meet my hand when I reached to pet her.

This was a large cat, far heavier than most cats and all muscle. Cleo's friendliness aside, this was not an easy shoot, primarily because Cleo was a busy cat by nature, eager to explore the new surroundings she found herself in. And eager to be all over our shooting stage, especially behind the deck when we needed her to be ON the deck so we could photograph her! She'd jump down off the shooting stage and start exploring (we were in an enclosed room), then run back to Pat for affection, purring loudly. What a treat this was to photograph and be around this happy feline!

Of the six known exotic/domestic hybrid breeds, which are in order of prevalence: the Bengal, Savannah, Chausie, Safari, Caracat, and Bagral; the Bagral is by far, the rarest. So we were priviledged to have the opportunity to photograph Cleo.

Cleo was photographed against our Background: Old Wine.

(If I had another opportunity to photograph Cleo, I'd choose Peat Moss or Black. We had to pump so much light in since Cleo is a dark cat that the background came out pinker than I would have liked. Next time... !)

NOTE: From research done after this post was uploaded, it seems that Cleo would actually be called a Viverral which is a cross between the Fishing Cat and a Bengal. But whatever she is called, she is a stunner!

My Cat Images on Popular Photography's Website

Above: Toyger on Claret Background

Above: Oriental Shorthair on Magenta Background

Above: Maine Coon on Imperial Blue Background

Above: Japanese Bobtail on Paprika Background

Above: Family of Maine Coons on Imperial Blue Background

Above: F1 and F2 Bengal Kittens on Peat Moss Background

Above: Persian on Purple Background

Above: Abyssinian on Sage Background

Above: Selkirk Rex Longhair on Purple Background

Above: Chausie on Black Background with Marbles

Above: Bengal on Peat Moss Background with Driftwood

Above: Maine Coon from Japan on Burgundy Background

Above: Birman on Periwinkle Background

Above: Maine Coon on Peat Moss Background

Above: Persian on Green Felt Background

Above: Savannah on Serval on Rusty Brown Background

Above: Birman on Milk Chocolate Background

Above: Himalayan Kitten on Teal Background in Crystal Bowl

Above: Ragdoll Close Up on Caribe Blue Background

Above: Tonkinese on Imperial Blue Background

Above are the 20 images I sent to Popular Photography to support the Interview on "Cat Photographer." www.popphoto.com/cats

Gallery Prints

This is an example of the "Gallery Prints" we do.

Above is Darius, brought to us for photographs by Judith Johnson of Mystic Melody Siberians. I am very pleased with the way it turned out.

Darius was photographed against our Peat Moss background.

Tax Time: It's the Chits

 
Ken: "Anyone who comes into this room has to help sort receipts, otherwise known as chits."

Zak on the floor: "I think I hear someone calling my name ... "

It's tax time in our house. The dining room (pictured above), the living room, Ken's desk in the studio, the photography table, essentially all horizontal surfaces are covered with chits. I am going to help file them with Ken today. The kitties have offered to help but Ken eschewed their offer, saying they can't read, but he appreciated their good hearts. In the past, they lay on receipts on the floor and when the mood strikes, they chew on the edges of some of them. Not good, not good.

Guess it shows their contempt for the whole income tax process. I'm with them.