Bella had a successful early show career, but then spent a few years being a stay-at-home mum.  She gets my vote for Supermum as she had a title-winner in each of her four litters of kittens, a total of five cats, all whom have won at least one grand certificate each as well.  But much more important than that, all of them are as gentle and sweet-natured as their mother. 

I started showing Bella again as a mature lady and she delighted me by winning her Grand title in the space of 5 months as a 7-year-old veteran. 

Belle still has the most heart-breaking expression, but she really is a happy fat lap cat, and still very much my sweet little baby, even now she is a venerable veteran in age.  She is also ear-washer in chief, keeping all the other cats in trim.  As for why she is sometimes known as Squirrelina?  Well, she has what I describe as a 'squirrel tail', holding her tail straight and tight up along her back so the tip tickles the back of her head - very cute!  I find it hard to accept that Bella is now 16 years old - she will be forever young in my heart, where she occupies a very special place indeed. ö