When I saw Leo for first time, I was able to tell immediately that I was stricken by "Lady Luck." He was (and is) a nice, fine male kitten who became a one-show grand, but never in my dreams did I think that Leo and his littermate GrCh R.W., Deluxecats Pablo Picasso
As a kitten, Leo was not shown until he was six month old and yet he ended with almost 1,800 pts. and became Gulf Shore Region Eighth Best Kitten, 1995-96. As soon as Leo finished his kitten career and turned eight months old, we took him "as an Open" to the famous National Capital Show where he became a Champion, and was finaled by three Judges in two All-Breed rings and one Long-haired specialty ring where he became Best Cat. Needless to say, we were extremely excited for him.
Leo went on to a successful career as a Grand. There were many
shows where he ended as "higher scoring cat", but it will be very difficult
to describe every single show where he competed as they were all special
to Leo and us; but there is one more show that I really cannot leave out.
THE GULF SHORE REGIONAL QUALIFIER in 1995 where Leo went all the
way accross the board and was finaled by all six Judges as BEST CAT.
We were (and we are) so proud of him...
Many CFA Judges commented to us that "this is one of the most well-balanced Persians I've handled." His body is compact, short all around, he has big copper eyes and extremely heavy boning with particularly magnificent tree trunk legs.
When Leo finished his "showing career", he stayed home resting and after a couple of months, started his "breeding" career. He has sired two litters now on the ground, with two more on the way.
Leonardo, as in the history of his namesake, is a work of art in the
tradition of the old master. Complete in symmetry, shortness,
balance, color and personality, he is, as we describe him, "truly a
master cat."
