Marron Abyssinians, a brief history.

In 1973 I bought my first Aby, dare I say how? I saw an ad in the Sunday paper, called, and went to visit the cattery. All of these beautiful, ruddy Abyssinians came running to me and the first thing I said was, "How can you tell them apart?". I realized very soon what a silly thing that was to ask. Anyway, I came home with a six month old "breeder" (things were different then) and named her Lacy. Lapinchat's Lacy of  Marron. I chose my cattery name, Marron, because it means "chestnut" in French, and these beautiful ruddies reminded me of that color. I had my first litter of kittens in 1974 and bred Abys and Somalis for about twelve years. My Abys carried the longhair gene and so I was blessed to have Somalis as well. I had a couple of litters a year and slowly life changed and got too busy to do things the right way so I stopped breeding. Of course I always had Aby and Somali pets around until eventually everyone got old and crossed the rainbow bridge.

Another ten years went by and I lost my Crispy (click to see this unusual "Aby") at 161/2 years. Only Sunny-Side-Up (Sunny) was left. Sun was a very social boy and I felt he needed a companion. I called Marti Higgins (Izod Abyssinians) to see if she was still breeding and if she had any kittens. She did and I headed to Grand Rapids for a visit. After four hours I came home not with one, but two Aby boys, a handsome ruddy fellow I named Danny, and an adorable red I named Sailor. I neutered and showed them to their Grand Premierships. While being back at the shows after so many years I met a new breeder named Angela Bunker (Choata Sher Abyssinians) and we became friends. Her beautiful fawn girl from Monica Zehnder (Zehnder Abyssinians) had her first litter and Angie blessed me with the lovliest, sweetest blue female kitten. This kitten is CH Chota Sher Gemma of Marron. Gemma is the most amazing breeder. She has had her darling kittens so easily, and is the best mom ever.

 

Ellen and Gemma first meeting, love at first sight.

The most precious of times -- dinner time.

I must say a few words about the people who have purchased my kittens.  This is certainly the most difficult part of breeding... can anyone love the kittens as much as I do? I do not know how I have gotten so lucky, but I have found the most wonderful people to love my kittens, and I want to say this 'public' thank you to all of you for giving your hearts to these marvelous creatures.

It is an enormous responsibility to breed animals when there are so many unwanted animals in the world. I have given considerable thought to this. People who want Abyssinians have usually been thinking about it, researching the breed and breeders for some time and have been waiting to make the choice to purchase and Aby. This is why I am very careful about where my babies go. I will insist that they not be declawed and not used for breeding. I believe breeding should be left to the "professionals" who research the breed and work to improve the breed and limit the number of litters. My "cattery" is small and is my home. I have one breeding female and intend to stay very small and commited to my babies.

Looking closely - Ellen and Silvery Lane -- taken in the mirror

Enjoy the photos of my sweet, furry friends, and thank you for stopping by Marron Abyssinians. Please feel free to ask questions-- ellensreelfoods@webtv.com

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