10/11/2026
I don’t enjoy having to speak publicly about this..again...
I know judges, exhibitors, and families may read it, and I wish the circumstances were different. But I care about this breed, and it hurts to see personal disagreements affect people who simply came to enjoy their cats.
Our Highlander community is small. It’s sad to see how much politics can enter that space, especially around voting, when we should be able to have different opinions without turning each other into enemies. Supporting the breed should include making room for people to participate without pressure to choose sides.
Good sportsmanship means welcoming new exhibitors, offering help, respecting the judges, and congratulating someone even when your cat didn’t win. It also means handling concerns respectfully through the appropriate channels and holding ourselves to the same standards we ask of others.
Who someone’s breeder is, or who they’re friends with, should never be a reason to target them. Give people a chance to be their own person. They should not have to answer for a disagreement you have with somebody else.
I’m tired of hearing, “Don’t support that program,” or else; when it comes from a personal grudge. Genuine concerns deserve facts, fairness, and accountability. Misunderstandings deserve a conversation. Neither should become an opportunity to damage someone’s reputation or make others feel unwelcome.
I truly hate how some things have unfolded. I believe much of the hostility toward me stems from my decision to remove two cats from situations I was no longer comfortable with. That decision was not made lightly, and it hurts to hear accounts that leave out important circumstances behind it. I’m choosing to keep private exchanges private, but that should not be mistaken for having no explanation or documentation. You don’t have to agree with my decision, but disagreement does not justify targeting me or anyone connected to me.
What makes this especially disappointing is how much heart, time, and work I’ve put into showing Highlanders, including helping represent the breed as it moved into championship. I’ve been involved and showing longer than some may realize, and I still have so much I want to contribute. It’s painful to want to stay involved while feeling pressure to leave because it’s so toxic.
And I know I’m not the only person who has felt discouraged. We should be giving people reasons to stay, learn, show, and help this breed grow. Nobody should have to earn kindness through titles or accomplishments, and nobody should feel pushed out because of a personal disagreement.
Personally, I am busy, and I am tired. This strain is part of why I’m taking a break from breeding. I want to enjoy my cats and continue showing, and I want others to have that same opportunity.
We all have responsibilities and struggles beyond this community. Life is already heavy enough. Please consider the person on the receiving end before repeating an accusation, confronting someone, or involving people who have nothing to do with the disagreement.
I am direct, and I will speak up. I’m willing to listen, clarify misunderstandings, and take responsibility for my part. I also need that willingness to go both ways. I can be respectful while setting firm boundaries, and I will document and address harmful behavior through the appropriate channels instead of continuing to let it slide. Silence is not always the answer.
That includes standing up for my family, my kitten families, exhibitors, and friends. If they are targeted because of their connection to me, I will take it seriously and speak up. They deserve to enjoy their cats without being pulled into someone else’s conflict.
You don’t have to like me, support my program, or vote the same way I do. I am asking for fairness, accountability, and basic kindness, with the same expectations applying to me.
Maybe I’m still holding on to hope that this community can change. I know there are good people here, and I know we can do better. If we want to set an example of teamwork and good sportsmanship, our actions need to reflect it. Let’s give people a reason to feel welcome and keep coming back.
