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Introduction
The story behind the Cattery and it's name.

2010: I have decided to stop breeding for an indefinite period of time,  who knows maybe definitely.

Why this name?
Well, it's simple, I was born in Australia from Dutch parents and grew up there until the age of twelve.
My parents then decided to migrate back to Holland in 1974. My older sister and brother remained behind in Australia (they were already grown up and settled). Together with my younger sister we came to live in Arnhem.
My parents could not get used to living in Holland anymore and decided to go back to Australia in 1981. My younger sister was not yet 16 so she went with them again. I was older and settled in Amsterdam by that time and decided to stay in Holland because I had met someone.
I still am still homesick for Australia even though I do enjoy living in Holland.

So that is why my cattery name needed to be something Australian.  The Billabong (a Billabong is a wateringhole for animals and travellers) a sort of oasis if you need to compare. It is a home, place of gathering with food and nourishment. I think the name is perfect for my cattery. It has nothing to do with Norwegian Forestcats but I like the link between the countries.
All the cats born through The Billabong will receive an Australian/Aboriginal name.
For example, the first litter: Bandicoot, Tasmanian Devil, Jindabyne and Possum which are Australian marsupials and Jindabyne is a place in the snowy mountains.
My love for cats and in particular Norwegians has always been there, but like so many other people you start off with "ordinary" cats.
Only 6 years ago, after two of my "house" cats had been killed by cars did I finally make the jump to Norwegians thinking "if not now, when?".

I bought my first Norwegian from Tiny Westrop from the La Fayette cattery. I bought Lyndsay de la Fayette, a blue tabby with white female.
I was sold completely and as many of you Norwegian lovers may recognize: instant love and ADDICTION.
I wanted more and thought it would be nice to have a litter of kittens.
After calling around and surfing on the internet I came in contact with Miranda Erkamp from Casmira's from which the first love match was found. Lyndsay mated with her Narviks Barak, a red with white male.

April 2003 my first litter was born: 3 males (blue tabby, black tabby with white and blue tabby with white) and 1 female (blue tortie with white). Beautiful, and to my surprise all the kittens found new homes within 4 days!!!
I kept the black tabby with white; Possum, who turned out to be my biggest mate on the planet.

June 2004 the second litter was born from the same love match: this time the same: 3 males (blue tabby/white, black tabby, black tabby/white) and one female (blue tortie/white) but she was stillborn.

In the meantime I have bought 2 cats from Casmira's: a black tortie/white female (Gizmo:for fun and to breed with) and a black and white male (Ninjo:for fun).

In 2004 we moved to Ursem (Noord Holland) and we have a big outdoor pen for the cats to enjoy being outside safely. All cats are part of the family and all kittens born and raised here are also part of the family. They grow up with all the other cats, loads of kids (with ages from 6 up to 20)

Unfortunately, in February 2005 Casmira's Fanney (Gizmo) died as a result of FIP. This is a terrible, unbeatable disease and has caused a lot of sadness in the family. Casmira's Miranda Erkamp has generously offered us another cat from her cattery. Not to replace Gizmo as this is not possible but to bring some happiness in the family again. Little Esprit was born on June 20, 2005 and has  joined us in September. She is a small but beautiful young lady.

The story continues until now, year to date (Jan.6, 2008) some new arrivals have come, another 2 litters were born, another promising young lady Jindalee also died of the terrible decease on November 1, 2006.

The last year we have had some new additions and we are waiting until these are old enough to maybe mate.
Please have fun browsing around our site, which is totally renewed just this new year!

The Billabong is a small cattery where the love for cats comes first, health and beauty are a close second and third.

This page was updated on January 6, 2008