Ebony: The Heart of Our Cattery – How We Chose Our Queen
- Mercedes Newman
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read

When we began our journey into Maine Coon breeding, we knew it would be about more than producing beautiful kittens. We wanted to build something meaningful—a program rooted in integrity, love, and a deep appreciation for this majestic breed. Every cat we bring into our home and breeding program is chosen with intention, but there was something different about Ebony. She didn’t just meet the criteria—we felt a connection to her that went beyond checklists and pedigrees.
This is the story of how Ebony became our first queen—and the heartbeat of our cattery.
✨ The First Glimpse: When Ebony Chose Us
From the very beginning, Ebony stood out in the litter. She wasn’t the loudest or flashiest, but a quiet power was there. She carried herself with grace, even as a kitten, always observant, always gentle. She would sit and watch the world around her with curious, knowing eyes. While the other kittens tumbled and played, Ebony had a way of seeking us out, sitting nearby as if she knew she belonged with us.
Sometimes, a cat finds her people. And that’s exactly what Ebony did.
🐾 What We Look for in a Queen
Choosing a breeding queen is one of the most important decisions a cattery makes. It’s not just about appearance, though we certainly value strong Maine Coon type—like a robust frame, luxurious coat, ear tufts, and expressive eyes. But just as important are temperament, health history, lineage, and the emotional intelligence that makes a cat a joy to raise and live with.
Ebony checked every box:
Temperament: Gentle, nurturing, confident without being aggressive.
Health: A strong pedigree with no history of genetic health concerns.
Structure: A beautifully balanced body, striking black smoke coloring, and signature Maine Coon features.
Heart: A calm, loving soul who formed deep bonds with both people and other animals.
What made her truly special, though, wasn’t just what she was, but what she gave. Ebony made our home warmer. She brought peace and affection into every room she walked into. She felt like a queen, long before she ever had a litter.
👑 Becoming a Mother
When Ebony had her first litter, everything about her felt instinctual and natural. She was patient and attentive, fiercely protective but never anxious. She kept her kittens clean, well-fed, and emotionally secure. And we watched in awe as her nurturing nature shone through.
Raising kittens is about so much more than genetics. It’s about imprinting confidence, calm, and affection from the start. Ebony gives her kittens that foundation. Her babies are some of the most well-adjusted we’ve ever seen—playful, sweet, confident, and affectionate. They reflect her spirit, and her legacy shines through in every purr and pawstep.
🌿 A Legacy of Love and Trust
Ebony isn’t just the first queen in our breeding program—she’s the soul of it. Through her, we’ve learned what it truly means to breed with heart. She’s reminded us that ethical, intentional breeding starts with trust and respect—not just between breeder and cat, but between cat and family.
She’s helped raise not only kittens, but our standard of care. She’s inspired the way we handle new mamas, the way we nurture every kitten, and the way we communicate with future families. She taught us to slow down, to pay attention, and to always lead with love.
To this day, we feel so lucky that she chose us. And we are honored to give her the life of a queen in return.
🐱 Thank You, Ebony
Choosing Ebony changed everything for us. She’s more than a queen—she will be a mentor to our newer girls, a lap cat after long days, and a friend in every sense of the word. Watching her become a mother, lead her kittens, and carry herself with such grace has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.
If you’ve ever been loved by a cat like Ebony, you understand: some bonds are soul-deep. And some cats are simply born to be royalty.
We’re forever grateful that she became ours.
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