Remembering Iris: The Queen Who Started It All

A year ago, we experienced one of the most emotional moments in our journey as Maine Coon breeders—we said goodbye to Iris, our very first queen. Her passing left a void in our hearts and our home that still feels fresh, even as time moves forward. But in her absence, we’ve found comfort in her immeasurable impact on our family, our cattery, and the many lives she touched.

A Queen Unlike Any Other

Iris wasn’t just any Maine Coon—she was the one who started our journey, our foundation queen, our guiding light. We searched long and hard for a cat who represented everything we loved about the breed: majestic size, stunning coat, expressive eyes, and most of all, the loyal, loving temperament Maine Coons are so famous for. Iris was all of that and so much more.

From the moment she arrived, she made herself home in the gentlest, most graceful way. She had this quiet confidence about her—never pushy, always composed, and endlessly loving. She ruled our home not with dominance, but with calm assurance, setting the tone for every cat and kitten that followed in her pawprints.

The Beginning of Our Cattery

Iris was our teacher, our partner, and the heart of Luna’s Coons Farm from the beginning. Through her, we learned the delicate art of raising kittens—not just with care, but with intention, responsibility, and deep love. She showed us how to be present through every stage of motherhood. Watching her tend to her kittens—cleaning, cuddling, teaching—was a lesson in grace and devotion.

Her kittens were known for being sweet, affectionate, and intelligent—just like their mama. Many families who adopted an “Iris baby” still send us updates, often saying things like, “This is the best cat we’ve ever had.” That’s no coincidence. Iris passed on more than good genetics—she passed on her heart.

Her Gentle Soul

Iris had a softness about her that made everyone feel at ease. She wasn’t one to demand attention, but she always welcomed it. She had a habit of sitting by the window in the late afternoons, watching birds and sunbeams with quiet wonder. Her purr was low and steady, her favorite place was next to our fireplace, and she always knew when someone in the house needed a little extra comfort.

She helped raise not only her litters, but also often stepped in to comfort other kittens when needed. Her maternal instincts were unmatched. Iris loved being a mother, and she truly excelled at it. Her calm presence seemed to keep everyone around her grounded.

Saying Goodbye

Losing Iris was one of the hardest days we’ve faced. Her passing was peaceful, but the ache she left behind was profound. For days, we found ourselves instinctively looking toward her favorite nap spot, half expecting her to be there. We missed her soft chirps, her slow blinks of love, and the warm weight of her curled at our feet during evening quiet time.

We gave her a beautiful resting place beneath her favorite tree, where birds gather and sunlight filters through the leaves. It’s a peaceful spot, full of life, just like she was.

Forever in Our Hearts

Iris was more than our first queen—she was a symbol of everything we wanted our cattery to be. Her kindness, beauty, strength, and love shaped who we are and how we operate. She made us better humans, better breeders, and better stewards of this incredible breed.

To Iris: thank you for every moment, every purr, every lesson. Your legacy is woven into every corner of our home and every kitten we raise. We miss you deeply, love you fiercely, and carry your memory forward in everything we do.

You will always be our queen.

🐾💜