We have been breeding Chinchilla Silver Persians almost exclusively from the bloodlines of Jeanne & Phillip Ramsdale
of Dearheart Cattery since 1970. Our program for 30 years relied completely on kittens obtained directly from the
Ramsdales.
Dr. Ramsdale was my veterinarian when I had my first kitten as a youngster. Therefore, it was natural as
young newlyweds that when my husband desired a Persian cat we went to see the Ramsdales.
Jeanne was considered the most reknowned authority on Persians in this country and she wrote several books including
our favorite, Persians and Other Longhairs. She had always about 50 cats in her mansion roaming about everywhere.
Upstairs, downstairs, on the stairs, and lots of help to manage such! It was so much fun to visit with her. Jeanne
picked which cats we were to get. They were first and foremost our pets, our children, and then our children began to
have children.
Jeanne passed away in the late 90s and her husband followed his only love. Their cats were given to another breeder
but a terrible fire within a few years caused the loss of all the Dearheart cats.
We have been left to carry on Jeanne's legacy. We feel very lucky indeed and yet so very sad to have lost both
the Ramsdales and their cats forever. My husband, a great artist, was the driving force that had our house filled with
his beloved "boys". Yes, we had a cattery in reverse! All males, and a female. For decades that was us.
Now, Gene too has passed on. I am dedicated to keep the Dearheart line thriving with the help of my God-daughter, Firenza,
and we have been blessed to have Hollywood knock at our door for our Dearheart beauties.
