UP CLOSE AND Purr-sonal - DEE JOHNSON AND CONNIE ROBERTS

Nestled just outside of Sacramento, CA, lies the city of Roseville, named best place to live in the state and 21st best place to live in the USA

- Elizabeth Jennings

Not surprisingly, some notable stars reside in this stellar city, namely Dee Johnson and Connie Roberts of the famed CFA San-Toi Siamese and Oriental cattery.

For 53 years, San-Toi has consistently produced some of CFA’s top Siamese (and more recently Orientals), and stands as one of the most famous Siamese catteries in the world.

From the cattery’s start in 1960 to the present, San-Toi holds the distinction of producing the most grand champions and grand premiers in CFA with 289. Add to that an impressive 11 National Wins, 19 Distinguished Merits and too many Regional Wins to count, San-Toi has set unmatched precedence.

It all began for Dee Johnson at the age of 19 at Robinson’s Pet Store in Placerville, CA. “I saw two Siamese sitting in the glass window, “ said Roberts. “They were so beautiful. I just fell in love with them.” A seal point male, Pyewacket, and a chocolate point female, Ming, went home with Johnson. Thus began her long history with the breed.

“There was a cat show in Sacramento,” Johnson continued. “ I thought I had the prettiest cats, so I was sure I would win.” Sadly, and much to Johnson’s surprise, she was told otherwise. Instead of giving up, Johnson made contacts at the show to acquire some show-quality Siamese. Some of her first cats came from Vivian Wheaton, Marianne Williams, Lauren Jenkins and Betty White. Johnson’s first grand champion was named “Toi San,” which means “little toy.” She reversed the words, and the SanToi cattery name was born.