About Us

It all started with a passion for animals that runs deep within my soul. As a young child, I spent my days working in a pet store, dreaming of one day owning my own. But it wasn't until much later in life that I discovered my true calling - breeding and raising Maine Coon cats.

My journey began with a feral cat colony that I managed for seven years. We did everything we could to help the cats - fixing, euthanizing, trapping, and taming kittens before rehoming them when possible. It was during this time that I met a magnificent Maine Coon named Chance. He was a fighter, with scars and wounds from countless cat fights. But when I discovered that he had feline AIDS, I knew I had to help him.

For years, I nursed Chance back to health, feeding him with a syringe when necessary and developed a deep bond with him like I will have with no other. When it was time to say goodbye, I knew I could never live without a Maine Coon in my life again. So I saved up for a year and invested in my first one, and then another the following year. I never intended to become a breeder, but when the time came to fix my male, I couldn't help but wonder what it would have been like to have had Chance's kittens.

And so, I decided to breed them once. I fell in love with the process of raising them, seeing them grow and develop unique personalities, and becoming friends with their new owners. I remember how happy I was when I saw the joy on their faces as they adopted my Maine Coon kittens and made their dreams come true. It was then that I realized that this was my true calling - to breed and raise these magnificent cats and to bring joy to the lives of others.

And so, Chance's Dream Maine Coon Kittens of Florida was born. I named it in honor of my dear Chance, who started it all. But when I went to register my cattery, I was unable to use his name. So, Coongarden Cattery was born, and the rest is history.

Every day, I wake up grateful for the opportunity to do what I love - to be involved with animals, and to breed and raise some of the most magnificent creatures in the world. It all started with a chance encounter with a homeless cat, and I am forever grateful for the journey that has led me to where I am today.