Remembering Joan Miller

Cat fanciers worldwide, as well as cats, are mourning the recent loss of Joan Miller. Cats knew no better friend than Joan to champion their cause. Whether it was related to health issues or legislative problems, Joan always had them covered—she literally had their backs.

- Karen Lawrence

Joan entered the cat fancy world in 1970, and along with her devotion to the breeding of Abyssinians, she dedicated her life to the health and welfare of all cats. Her Nepenthes Abyssinians were outstanding, achieving numerous National Winner Awards, and provided the basis for several other breeding programs over the years. Joan’s article on Abyssinian history, published in the CFA 1982 Yearbook, is a dynamite treasure trove of information about Abys of that era.

She joined the CFA Judging Program in 1981, traveling around the world to judge, and eventually retiring in 2013 after an illustrious 32-year career. The CFA Board of Directors immediately conferred on her the title of Judge Emeritus. Joan also served on the CFA Board of Directors as a Director-at-Large and as Vice-President. For her service to CFA, Joan received the CFA Medal of Honor in 2010.