Love Spots

by Joan Guilbert

Yesterday I had the rare pleasure of visiting a loving and incredible “business” here in Selma. Possibly I can be accused of being biased, since I am the lucky owner of one of LoveSpots “products”––a Desert Lynx. Arlene Magrino is the owner and President of the International Desert Lynx Cat Association, and was gracious enough to let me spend some time with her and her many cats, explaining not only the development of this breed, their bloodlines, but also their distinct character.

Arlene has been developing this breed for over 20 years. The original breeds used to develop the real Desert Lynx were chosen to not only have the look of the bobcat, but when combined, have a wonderful dog-like personality. The Desert Lynx breed has a standard and stands the same today with the International Desert Lynx Cat Assn. These cats, because of the careful breeding practices, enjoy excellent genetic health, a priority with Arlene, as well as big size and clear distinctive spots, ear tufts, and of course, natural bob tails. These cats are intelligent, playful and extremely affectionate, loving to play games, much like your pet dog. Arlene has always been adamant about using the best bloodlines they could find in the Pixie-Bobs, Manx, Maine Coon, Bob Cat, American Bobcats, and American Lynx which they used to develop the original creation of the breed over 20 years ago. The Desert Lynx is a unique breed and is registered with the IPCBA, and any cat or kitten not so registered is not to be confused with this charming cat.

I was treated to an explanation of what has been going on with many breeders of both cats and dogs, when they breed together disparate breeds. One cannot breed, for example a Doberman and a Boxer and call the resulting puppy one of those breeds. It is a mixed breed, no matter if one of the pups looks like a purebred Boxer. To continue this breeding, the pups will need to become a new breed, like a Boxemen, and to drop the original breed name. This sort of breeding was going on with cats that began to be called the Highland Lynx. These cats are not be be confused with the Desert Lynx and cannot be registered as such, nor do they have the personality and temperament of the Desert Lynx.

Arlene has been raising these wonderful cats in her home, and are wonderfully fun as well as loving. She showers each and every one with a ton of affection, so it isn’t a surprise that these kittens are very special, not only because of their incredible and carefully selected bloodlines. She has a long waiting list of folks wanting one of her kittens, so she isn’t looking for buyers. She has been sending these kittens all over the world for years, since once cat lovers get acquainted with this breed, they are hooked. Buyers have always been required to sign an agreement that they will spay their kitten, to keep the line pure,never declaw them, or allow them outside, keeping them healthy and safe.
Arlene has worked at cat shows as a registered judge, so as a result, knows about as much about cats as one could know.