Stinger Abyssinians goes back to early 1976 when my then-husband, Ron Hunt, and I attended a cat show. Being cat lovers since childhood, we thought it would be interesting to see exotic breeds we had never seen before.

We were awed by an Abyssinian kitten who reminded us of a miniature cougar. Later that same year her owner called and asked if we might be interested in buying her. So we became the owners of Sheramain’s Autumn Ember (originally bred by Ruth McNaughton) – and it snow-balled to showing and on to breeding as we became enthralled by the Abyssinian.

I am grateful to the breeders who entrusted us with our foundation cats: Hapidaz’ Alexander G., Perelandra Pepper, and Badfinger’s Honey Pot. These sweet-tempered cats provided us with many years of joy. Their kittens and other cats enabled us to have a hobby that we both enjoyed for almost fifteen years.

The years brought us many other cats, more joys, tears (a given when breeding any animal), and also changes to my life. In 1996, Ron and I divorced and through financial necessity I had to stop showing but continued to breed the Abys on a smaller scale.

In 2007, I married a wonderful man, Fred Colchin, who supported me in my desire to begin promoting my cats again in the show ring. When I’m asked “Is he a cat person?” I describe him as a former dog person who is now an Abyssinian person. In other words, the Abys have converted him to a lover of the breed more than of the species! Abyssinians will certainly do that as I have discovered through the years when talking to other Aby owners.

Up until several years ago, I had always been a “ruddy snob”—preferring the ruddy color over any so-called “inferior” color. But all it took was one fabulous blue Aby, Tigerflower Elwood Blues, to change my mind. With the first litter he sired at Stinger, he caused quite stir. Woody and Stinger Keeley became the proud parents of a Rainbow Litter—a fawn, a blue, a red, and a ruddy. Although the ruddy will always have my heart, I now enjoy the beauty and nuances of the dilute colors. They all have the Aby spirit!

I want my kittens to go to loving, forever homes and I want their owners to be as happy as my kittens. I encourage people to meet the kittens, their parents, and to see how we care for our cats. We work hard to maintain high standards in our cats’ health and happiness so we want you to come and see the cats and cattery for yourself.

I am always glad to provide references from previous kitten buyers. I prefer you call me so we can chat about exactly what you are looking for in a kitten.

I was five when my mother asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up and I prophetically replied, “A cat rancher!”

Ann Colchin

Stinger Abyssinians

321-452-9242

The kittens are coming - check out what we have and what we have coming this spring on the new kitten page!

Prada

Choo Choo and Gabby

Waikiki and Kona

Life is good here at Stinger Abyssinians

Lazy Days