Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Tong.
Hi Emily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I founded Katy Cattery in 2018, beginning with a genuine love for cats and a deep admiration for the beauty, gentle temperament, and unique personalities of Ragdoll and Maine Coon. What started as a personal passion soon grew into something much more meaningful as I became fully dedicated to learning every aspect of responsible breeding, from genetics and lineage to structure, health, and early socialization. I spent years studying pedigrees, refining my program, and carefully selecting breeding cats that represent not only the best physical qualities of the breed, but also the sweet, stable temperaments that make these cats such beloved companions.
From the very beginning, I made the decision to raise my kittens inside my home rather than in a separate facility. Being surrounded by everyday family life allows each kitten to develop confidence, trust, and adaptability from a very young age. They grow up exposed to normal household sounds, interactions, and routines, which helps them transition smoothly into their future homes. I truly believe this environment plays a major role in shaping their affectionate, easygoing personalities, and it’s something I have remained committed to over the past eight years.
One of the proudest and most defining moments in my journey has been producing my own TICA Quad Grand Champion Ragdoll. This achievement was not something that happened overnight. It represents years of thoughtful breeding decisions, dedication, and hands on care. To see a cat that I bred, raised, and believed in reach that level of recognition in the show world was incredibly rewarding. It validated the standards I hold myself to and reinforced my commitment to continuously improving my program. Participating in cat shows has also given me valuable opportunities to learn from judges and other experienced breeders, further strengthening my knowledge and perspective.
Now, eight years later, my cattery has grown not only in experience but in purpose. What drives me every day is still the same love and passion that inspired me in the beginning, but it is now supported by years of hands on learning, refinement, and dedication to excellence. I take great pride in every kitten I raise, knowing that each one carries a part of that journey. My goal has always been, and continues to be, to produce not just beautiful cats, but healthy, well balanced companions who will bring lasting joy to the families they become a part of.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Working with live animals means there are always variables you can’t fully control, no matter how careful or experienced you are. Breeding Ragdoll and Maine Coon comes with emotional highs, but also very real challenges. There have been moments of loss, unexpected health concerns, and situations where I had to make difficult decisions for the well being of my cats and kittens. Those experiences are never easy, and they stay with you.
Beyond that, there’s also the constant responsibility and pressure to do everything right, from maintaining the highest standards of care to making ethical breeding choices and ensuring every kitten is placed in the right home. Not every situation goes perfectly. Sometimes expectations don’t align, or things don’t unfold the way anyone hoped, and learning how to navigate those moments professionally and with integrity has been a big part of the journey.
At the same time, those challenges have shaped me the most. They’ve pushed me to learn more, improve my program, and become more thoughtful and prepared in everything I do. While it hasn’t always been easy, every obstacle has reinforced my commitment and made the journey even more meaningful.
We’ve been impressed with Katy Cattery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a home based cattery specializing in Ragdoll and Maine Coon, where we not only breed but also actively show our cats. Over the years, we’ve built a strong reputation and a loyal following, especially on platforms like Instagram, where families enjoy watching our kittens grow and become part of our daily life. Our cats come from carefully selected champion bloodlines, and we place a strong emphasis on health testing, structure, and the gentle, affectionate temperaments these breeds are known for.
At the heart of our program is how our kittens are raised. All of them grow up right in our family home alongside our four children, surrounded by constant interaction, everyday household activity, and lots of love. This environment helps them become extremely well socialized, confident, and naturally affectionate. By the time they are ready to go home, they are up to date on vaccinations, dewormed, microchipped, spayed or neutered and fully recovered, registered with pedigree from champion bloodlines, and have completed a full veterinary health exam.
We also focus heavily on supporting our families beyond just the adoption itself. Each kitten goes home with a complete kitten package, including detailed care guidelines, a supply list, and ongoing lifetime breeder support. We are always here whenever questions come up, and we take pride in offering a level of customer care that has led to consistently strong reviews and lasting relationships with our families.
One of our proudest achievements has been producing a TICA Quad Grand Champion Ragdoll, which reflects the dedication, experience, and passion behind our program. More than anything, we want readers to know that our cattery is built on genuine love for what we do, with a focus on raising healthy, well adjusted kittens who truly become cherished members of their new homes.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has definitely played a role, but I don’t think it’s ever been the whole story. There have been moments of good luck, like being able to connect with the right mentors early on, finding strong foundation lines for my Ragdoll and Maine Coon program, and having certain kittens naturally stand out in ways that helped grow my reputation, especially on platforms like Instagram. Opportunities like producing a TICA Quad Grand Champion Ragdoll can feel like luck from the outside, but behind that are years of intentional decisions and consistent work.
At the same time, there’s also been bad luck, which is unavoidable when working with live animals. Unexpected health concerns, losses, or situations that don’t go as planned are part of the reality, no matter how careful you are. Those moments can be really difficult, both emotionally and professionally, and they’re often the parts people don’t see.
I’ve learned to look at luck more as timing and opportunity, while the outcome depends on how prepared you are to handle it. Good luck can open doors, but it’s the day to day dedication, the standards you hold yourself to, and how you respond when things don’t go your way that really shape your path. In the end, I’d say luck has influenced certain moments, but consistency, care, and commitment are what have sustained and grown my business.
Pricing:
- pet quality starts at $2000
- show quality starts at $3000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.KatyCattery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katycattery/
