Who is Cape Cod Coastal Cats?
Welcome to Cape Cod Coastal Cats: The Start of a Purrfect Journey
Welcome to the Cape Cod Coastal Cats website! I'm so thrilled to have you join me on this exciting adventure. This is officially my first blog post, and I can’t wait to share my passion for cats, especially the beautiful Exotic Shorthairs, with all of you.
A Bit About Me: Miss Lisa and My Multifaceted Life
My name is Miss Lisa, a title lovingly bestowed upon me after many years of teaching kindergarten. Along with being a devoted cat breeder, I am also a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, knitter, and writer. These roles have brought immense joy into my life, and I’m never one to sit still—there's always something keeping me busy! My husband Ron shares my energy and enthusiasm for life, and together we run Cape Cod Coastal Cats. Between our grown children, our fur babies, and our gigantic Newfoundland, we live a life filled with love, chaos, and joy on beautiful Cape Cod.
How It All Began: My Journey into Cat Breeding
My journey into the world of cat breeding began years ago, inspired by visits to my cousin Gloria’s cattery in Massachusetts. Gloria was a dedicated Persian breeder and an active participant in the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). Watching her care for her cats and attending shows sparked a desire in me to follow in her footsteps. My love for these elegant felines only deepened when I had the opportunity to visit Sue Frasier from Lion House Cattery in California. Sue, a pioneering breeder of Exotic Shorthairs in the 1970s, entrusted me with my first two cats: a black Persian named Magic and a tortoiseshell Exotic Shorthair named Rags. These two cats marked the beginning of my own cattery, Mill City Cattery, which was registered with the CFA.
You can learn more about Sue’s contributions to the Exotic Shorthair breed in this CFA article: Some Early Success Stories. Here. Her dedication to breeding and the development of the breed was nothing short of inspirational.
Family First: A Pause in My Breeding Journey
As much as I loved breeding and showing cats, the demands of raising three children took priority. Life was hectic, and I didn’t want my passion for cats to overshadow the needs and wants of my young family, especially on weekends. I believe in giving 100% to anything I commit to, so I made the difficult decision to close my cattery and rehome my beloved cats with another breeder. The passing of my cousin Gloria further dimmed my enthusiasm for the cat fancy during that time.
The Purrfect Return: Reviving My Passion in 2019
Fast forward to 2019, and the timing felt just right to return to cat breeding and showing. This time around, I was determined to dedicate more time and energy to perfecting my craft. While I had some prior experience, I knew that nothing could replace the value of expert mentorship. I signed up for a mentor through the CFA and was incredibly fortunate to be paired with Judy, who has been a guiding light in my journey. Judy’s wisdom, experience, and friendship have been invaluable, and I’m so grateful for her continued support.
For those considering cat breeding, I cannot stress enough the importance of having a knowledgeable mentor from a well-established organization like CFA, TICA, FIFe, or CCF. Breeding is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor that requires dedication, patience, and a deep understanding of feline genetics and care.
The Evolution of the Cat Fancy World
The world of cat breeding and showing has changed dramatically over the past 30 years. Advances in technology have connected breeders worldwide, fostering a community of colleagues, mentors, and friends who share a passion for feline excellence. Cats themselves have also evolved, with more extreme appearances and lineages that trace back to breeders from around the globe. There’s always something new to learn, and I wholeheartedly believe in the mantra I teach my kindergarten students: “Learning is lifelong.”
My Breeding Philosophy: Health and Temperament Above All
At Cape Cod Coastal Cats, my primary focus is on health and temperament. Our cats are more than just show animals—they are beloved pets who live freely in our home. Kittens bring endless joy to our lives, and I strive to ensure they are well-socialized, healthy, and happy. My friends often ask how I manage to get anything done with so many adorable distractions around, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Join Me on This Feline Adventure
I hope you enjoy exploring my website and the blog posts I have planned. This journey is a learning curve, and while I’ve developed some knowledge over the years, I don’t claim to be an expert. I’m simply here to share my experiences with you, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to drop me a message—your feedback is always welcome!
Purrs, Miss Lisa =^..^=