- - Welcome to Conyers Cat Maine Coons!Many years ago, I saw my first Maine Coon cat and it was love at first sight. (Select the "Dedication" menu option at the top of the page). For years, I studied the Maine Coon cat, talked with breeders and owners, went to cats shows, studied various books and periodicals, and joined over fifty cat related internet groups. In 2001, I registered my new cattery with The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA). I received my first Maine coon kitten in 2002. Since that time, I have been entrusted with breeding cats from Tymack, Walmet, Trills, and Kittikop. This is an honor that I don’t take lightly. Thanks to Ty, Gerry, Helen and Kathy. Of the many Maine Coon experts I've met, I want to specifically thank Gerry Walsh of Walmet Cattery. Gerry has been a breeder of Maine Coons for may years and you will find her Walmet cats in the finest of the Maine Coon pedigrees. She is my Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association (MCBFA) mentor and gracious example. I want to attribute anything good I've accomplished to my many friends in the fancy (some who are no longer breeding) who offered me their knowledge and encouragement. As much as one can learn from reading and studying, there are certain essential elements of breeding and showing that can only be acquired by personal guidance. It is my belief that I am and will become a better asset to the breeding and showing of Maine Coons by learning what my colleagues offer me through their teaching and mentoring. Our program is dedicated to the breeding of healthy, socially well adjusted, and genetically sound Maine Coon cats. All breeding Maine Coons are tested by a Veterinary Cardiologist for cardiac and renal disease before breeding and at appropriate intervals during their breeding careers. All of our breeding cats have tested negative by DNA test for cardiomyopathy. Our Conyers Cats are treated as family members and freely circulate about the house hindered only by closed doors. Other members of our family in addition to our Maine Coon cats, are my husband, my two sons, and a pet cat of "undetermined heritage”. We fall under the designation of "hobby breeders" because we do work outside the home and do not breed cats as our business. We show our cats in cat shows. Cat shows serve several purposes. The first is that they allow independently judging of our cat's conformation, disposition, and general health. This ensures that we as breeders are holding close to accepted standards of appearance and characteristics that define the breed. The second purpose in showing is that one can get the opinions of other breeders and fanciers and suggestions for one's breeding program. This makes for an overall stronger cattery program. Third, it tells the breeder something of the individual cat's personality. Also, as a bonus, showing is fun! My latest accomplishment is becoming a full breeder member of the CFA Breed Council. For more information about the CFA Breed Council, "click on" the 2008 CFA logo below. I am also a full breeder member of the MCBFA. To learn more about this wonderful organization established in 1968 to preserve, protect and promote the Maine Coon Cat, just "click on" the MCBFA logo below. It is with deep appreciation and affection that I dedicate this website to: CFA GRC, TICA QGC Tanasi Tombigbee (4/23/1985-3/28/2001) and Elizabeth Flynn. It is a tribute to an event when you can remember the exact moment that something occurred even after fifteen years have passed. It is a mark of importance when a special memento is saved. Below you will find the program listing from the 49th Annual Cotton State Cat Club Show held in 1987. You will also see an excerpt from the show catalog. This particular show stands out in my memory because I fell in love .... with a magnificent creature the like of which I had never seen before. I had been to many cat shows in my life. After all, I had been the child that loved cats. As a toddler, my mother was forever trying to keep me from running after every stray cat that came through our yard. This show was, like so many others, enjoyable and entertaining. As I strolled down a row of cages, I can remember standing still in my tracks. I had never seen such a beautiful creature in all my life. I was standing there rudely staring at his profile (for remember to stare at a cat is the the height of poor etiquette in cat society). This big beautiful blue cat turned to face me and blinked a kiss right to me. His face was even more striking than his profile. He was at once fierce and beautiful with long blue hair, tall ears and a muzzle that somehow reminded me of something feral. He was so self-assured that I felt he would be perfectly at home here in a cage, at the foot of a throne, or on a grass field hunting some lesser creature. At that point, the cat's owner noticed me. As she graciously answered my questions and taught me about this breed I had never heard of, I fell even more in love. That was the first time I met the kind and knowledgeable Liz Flynn. At one point I asked about the temperament of such a striking and very large cat..... at which time Liz took Tommy out of his cage and handed him to me. I must say, I expected her to handle him with kid gloves so to speak. Instead, she just sort of plopped in into my arms. Astonished, I was ready for some fancy protective moves. Tommy, just immediately relaxed, turned his head toward me and started purring. I felt on top of the world, was besotted and totally in love. To this day, Liz is active in the cat fancy and is still contributing immeasurably with with her wealth of knowledge and her leadership. The lesson that Liz and Tommy taught me was that kindness is important and that a single gesture may last through the years and have a far reaching effect. Now that I am an exhibitor and greet the many people that come to cat shows, I think of Liz, her courtesy and generosity in educating a member of the gate. As I talk with each adult or child, I remember that I may be leaving a lasting impression of the cat fancy and Maine Coons. And so, because Liz and Tommy introduced me to the world of Maine Coons so beautifully, and acted as eloquent diplomats to the world of Maine Coons, I humbly offer this small dedication and very big thanks them.