Information

Testimonials

If you would like to speak to anyone listed on this page, please let me know and I will get you in contact with them. 

When looking for a breeder from whom to purchase a new kitten, it was truly our lucky day to have happened upon Shelly. It was apparent upon first meeting that she loved each and every one of her kittens as much as we knew we would. Our beautiful, healthy kittens from Shelly each had an affectionate, confident personality that is a witness to the loving attention and socialization that Shelly and her family give to every individual kitten they raise. Thanks to the Finleys, our boys are truly amazing companions and very valued family members that continue to fill our lives with humor and joy on a daily basis. 

Cyndy B.

I met Shelly in 2004 under the worst of circumstances.  I had just put down one of my two beloved cats and I was grieving his loss.  The timing was awful, but the annual local cat show was the next day, so off I went.  I thought I could keep my composure, but as I started talking about why I was looking for a kitten, I lost control.  And that's how I met Shelly.  She was kind, gentle, and supportive.  She encouraged me to do whatever felt right.  She had a litter of kittens.  She invited me to come to her house and meet the kittens.  She told me that some of the kittens were already spoken for, but there might be one available for me.  And, if not, there was another litter due soon.  I was at her house the next weekend and as soon as I held one of the baby kitties, I started the healing process.  Shelly knew I was still very fragile.  She told me if I wanted the baby kitty, as soon as he was old enough to leave his mom, he was mine; but that if I changed my mind, that was OK too.  This was an example of the worst of times and the best of times.  Soon, much sooner that I ever would have planned, I was on my way home with a very active kitten.  He was great medicine.  Shelly followed up with me to make sure that both of us, and my other cat, were doing well. 

My kitten has now grown into a furry, friendly buddy.  I'd like to take all of the credit for his great purrsonality, but I know genetics and early kittenhood play a role.  Shelly started him off in a wonderful environment.  He was raised in a household setting surrounded by Shelly and her husband, other cats, dogs, son, and daughter.  It is an active house so my kitten was accustomed to household sounds.  Shelly feeds her kittens a varied diet so that when you bring a kitten home, you have several food choices that will be familiar to the kitten.  Shelly's house is spotless and animal-safe.  All of the environmental factors are important, but by far the most important factor is the commitment Shelly makes to her kittens.  She treats all of them with the same loving care each of us would give to our kittens.  She usually has only one litter of kittens at a time.  With the help of all of her family members, each kitten gets lots and lots of love and playtime.  Shelly's daughter had slept with my kitten for weeks.  So, he was pre-spoiled for me.

I have enjoyed staying in touch with Shelly and would refer anyone looking for a kitten or a retired breeding cat to Shelly.       

Toni K.

We have raised and shown top winning, Best in Show dogs for 30 years and have dealt with many breeders.  We purchased a Birman kitty from Shelly 1-1/2 years ago.  We were astounded at the "goody bag" she sent home with us....pedigree & health record, which one expects, but also toys, individual photo album, picture frames, treats etc.  Her house where the kitties played in was clean and had no odor whatsoever.  I am very sensitive to that, having had puppies in my house frequently.  She has kept in touch regularly to see how KC was doing, and we have visited her at cat shows.  Even though we only bought a pet quality kitty, she treats us as if we bought a Best in Show cat.  I would recommend her without reservations.  

Joyce Fahlsing, J-Len's Alaskan Malamutes & KC (Birman), Squeaky (ASH), and Dickens (BSH)

I met Shelly at a cat show in Neenah, WI.  I was missing having a cat as several years earlier I was involved in a major car accident and had to find a new home for the two cats I had.  Giving them up was devastating for me.  Shelly was very understanding and kind and I was impressed with her knowledge and love for her cats.  She stayed in touch with me and when she had a litter of kittens available she called me and thought I should come down and see them for myself.

After seeing Shelly's beautiful kittens, I knew one wouldn't be enough.  We now have two gorgeous Birman boys in our home and I couldn't be happier.

Thank you, Shelly!

Mary Ellen B.

Shelly Finley is unique amongst cat breeders in her commitment and dedication to her cattery. Her passionate approach provides the finest and most authentic examples of the breed possible. Her strong belief in socialization results in well-adjusted, delightful companions. Shelly's personal integrity, exceptionally high standards, and careful placement practices lead to successful relationships with her clients.

Steven L.

Thank you so much for our new addition. He's brought a lot of joy to our house. He's happy and healthy and gorgeous!  I get so many compliments on how beautiful he is. You can tell you spent a lot of time with him unlike a lot of kittens I have met. He is very well socialized with kids, dogs, and other cats. He fit in almost immediately!  I appreciate the follow up calls and time you spent making sure he was right for us.  It let me know you really care about these cats and not just run a business. This is definitely a passion for you and I wish you well as you begin a Siberian cattery.  I just know everyone will fall in love with your cats just like we did!  I will definitely recommend you to everyone I know!

Thank you from the Otis family, and of course Ba Kittah.

Lindsy O.

I bought my kitten from Shelly and I could not be happier with him.  From the start, I knew I had a very special kitty.  When I took him home, I was all set to wait several days for him to be hiding under the bed and avoiding everyone, but this did not happen!  From the start, he sought out the company of people.  He doesn't want to be alone.  Also, when I have company, he runs right up to them in greeting and allows them to pick him up and cuddle.  I've never had a cat who wanted to be with strangers.  He is also not shy around my German shepherd- he plays with and teases him.  I don't know what Shelly does to make her kittens so sociable, but whatever it is, it works.  I whole-heartedly recommend her cattery to anyone who wants a cat with a great personality.  Shelly herself was also absolutely wonderful throughout the entire adoption process.  I am so glad that I got my kitten from her!

Michele R.

I had dreamed for a number of years of getting a Birman kitten & the time was finally right.  I went to a cat show in Stoughton WI & walked up to Shelly & said  "convince me that I want a Birman kitten".  She could not have been more enthusiastic about the breed & how much she enjoyed breeding & meeting all the new people that came into her life - her goal is to provide wonderful kittens to loving families & to enrich the families lives by having such a wonderful pet. Shelly invited us to her home to visit with the cats & kittens - after a couple visits we were sold.  Shelly's cattery is spotless - the entire family is involved in raising & socializing the babies - it's a busy fun place filled with lots of love. We now have two wonderful Birman cats & I would highly recommend Shelly to anyone wanting to get a purebred kitten - Shelly will always be there for you to answer any questions & help with any issues that come up while raising your pets.  Shelly is truly a wonderful breeder & wants nothing but the best for her kittens & the families that get them. I'm sure you will be as pleased as we are with our cats!!  

Linda I.