A woman from Felixstowe who has helped breed one of the country’s rarest varieties of cats is searching for people to carry on the work she has started.

Pamela Sharp-Popple, 68, has been involved in the breeding of the Suffolk Chocolates for many years. These are sleek cats of original Siamese type, with chocolate-coloured coats and distinctive green eyes.

“In 2000, I bred a Siamese stud with a Tortie Oriental mum,” explained Pamela, who has been breeding cats for over 45 years.

“That resulted in a mixed litter, which contained one Havana Brown. I was star struck to say the least!”

A Havana Brown is a rare kind of Siamese-type cat with brown fur and blue-green eyes.

The Suffolk Chocolate is a variation of this breed, and was officially recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in 2014. They achieved Championship status in 2016.

It became Pamela’s mission to breed more of these cats.

“This has been an all-consuming hobby,” she said. “I breed my cats to a very high standard, whilst taking good care of them. They have ample space, and each gets eight hours in the garden every day.

“I am sure there can’t be more than two hundred of them around.”

However, due to ill health, Pamela has decided that it is time for her to stop breeding, and is looking to rehome seven cats.

Milly, Molly, Chablais, Timmy, Ida, Julie and Flo are now looking for new homes. According to Pamela, any of them would make a loving addition to somebody’s household.

“They make wonderful companions,” she said. “They are as clever as dogs, if not cleverer. They’re so friendly and affectionate – they’ll be waiting by the door for you to come home.”

Pamela would like people who are serious about either breeding, or offering a home to a cat as a domestic pet, to get in touch.

“I would prefer it for the cats to go to responsible breeders, so the Suffolk Chocolate breed can continue – but it is more important to me that these cats go to good, loving homes.

“This has been a huge part of my life for so long, and I will be sorry to give it up.

“I think my husband is rather looking forward to it, though – he doesn’t really like cats!”

Email Pamela at: pamela.sharp@btinternet.com