EXHIBITING.
Amongst cat fanciers there is a laudable ambition not only to breed
good stock but to exhibit it. Certainly there is vastly more
gratification and satisfaction in obtaining high honours for cats
and kittens that we have bred ourselves, rather than for those
specimens which money has purchased.
If we consider that our cats have sufficiently good points to merit
their being entered for a show, we must bear in mind that all the
beauty and form and feature will be thrown away unless our pussies
are in good show condition. For exhibition purposes condition means
everything, and this is more especially the case with the
long-haired breeds. A first-class specimen whose coat is ragged and
matted cannot fail to suffer in the judges’ estimation when compared
with another cat, of inferior quality perhaps as regards points, but
yet in the pink of condition, with its coat well groomed, its eye
bright, its fur soft and silky. In the present day many of the
specimens penned are so close together in point of breed merit that
a very little turns the scale one way or the other. I have often
said to myself, when judging a class of cats, “This exhibit would be
a winner but for its condition,” and I have had to put it down in
the list. There is no doubt that with long-haired cats a fine full
coat will cover a multitude of sins, but it cannot alter a long nose
or poor shape and bad-coloured eye; and in urging the importance of
condition, I at the same time deprecate the awarding of prizes to
cats that have nothing to recommend them but their pelage. Seeing,
therefore, that a handsome specimen may go to the wall for the lack
of attention on the part of the owner, it behoves all cat fanciers
and would-be exhibitors to do everything in their power to make
their cats look their very best, so that their pets may be things of
beauty in the show pen. In the dog, rabbit, and pigeon fancy a great
deal more attention is given to condition than amongst cat fanciers,
who need waking up to the fact that nothing goes so far to
propitiate a judge as superb show form and general good appearance.
There may be standards of points for the guidance of the awards, but
assuredly a common-sense judge will look with disfavour on a
specimen with excellence of breed and correct colour of eye if his
coat is draggled and matted, his tail dirty, and his fur soiled. We
have only to run our minds back to the various exhibits of
well-known fanciers at our large shows, and we shall find that the
most persistently successful exhibitors have been those who have
sent their cats to the shows in the best condition. Some fanciers,
wishing to help on entries at a show, will exhibit their Persian
cats when quite out of coat. This is a mistake; send your entry
money if you like to the secretary, but keep your coatless cats at
home. As regards the short-haired breeds, these cats should have
coats with a gloss and brilliancy like that of a well-groomed horse,
shining like satin; a spiky appearance in the fur denotes poor
condition in both long and short breeds.
In getting cats ready for exhibition owners should look to their
comforts in every way. Their houses and beds should be kept clean,
their coats combed and brushed daily. Attention should be paid to
their ears, for if these are neglected a cat will continually
scratch them, and thus injure its appearance by tearing out its fur.
Some fanciers are in favour of washing their cats, but when we take
into consideration the usually delicate constitutions of Persian
cats, and the restless, impatient nature of these animals, it
behoves us to try to find some other effectual means of cleansing
their coats, which in the case of white and silver cats are
naturally easily soiled. Experience has taught me that very good
results can be obtained by damping the coats with a soft cloth
dipped in a weak solution of ammonia and water. Follow this up by
rubbing some white powder into the fur and well fingering the parts
that are at all greasy. Pears’ white precipitated fuller’s earth is
the best preparation, and is perfectly harmless. To clean away the
powder use a fairly soft brush, and after this process has been gone
through several times your cat will be fit for show. Another method
of cleaning long-haired cats is to heat a quantity of bran in the
oven. Put it into a large bowl or footbath, and stand the puss in
it. Rub the hot bran well amongst the fur for some minutes, and
afterwards carefully brush it out. This treatment will give a soft
and silky appearance to the coat, but for light-coloured cats the
powder is more cleansing.
Cats require to be educated to the show pen, and it is very
necessary in some cases to give a course of training. For this
purpose it is well to obtain a similar pen to those used at shows,
and to place your puss in this for an hour or two daily. In time he
will learn to come and sit and look out of his temporary prison, and
when he makes his _début_ he will not spoil his chances by crouching
at the back of the show pen, or vex his would-be admirers, who may
have recourse to the use of an umbrella or stick to make the exhibit
move into a more convenient and conspicuous position.
Taking it for granted you have decided to send your cat to a show,
the first step is to register it in the club under whose rules the
show is to be held. At present the National Cat Club and the Cat
Club both require separate registration, the charge being one
shilling. It is, however, to be hoped that the earnest wish of all
cat fanciers and exhibitors will ere long be fulfilled, and that one
register will be kept by an independent person, so that pedigrees
can be verified and mistakes rectified, and the confusion caused by
a double registration will cease to worry and perplex the cat-loving
community. Registration forms are supplied by the secretaries of the
respective clubs, and you must fill in the particulars of your cats
as set forth on the forms, a sample of which is here given, together
with the registration rules of the National Cat Club:—
REGISTRATION.
The registration rules of the National Cat Club are as follow:—
1. Every Cat exhibited at a show under National Cat Club Rules
must (except such as are exhibited exclusively in Local Classes,
or exhibited in Classes exclusively for litters of kittens),
previous to the time of entry for such show, have been entered in
a registry kept by the National Cat Club at their offices. A
charge of 1s. each shall be made for registration. In such
registry shall be inserted the name and breed of the cat, and its
breeder’s name, the date of birth, names of sire and dam, and of
grand-sires and grand-dams, and if the dam was served by two or
more cats their several names must be stated. If the age,
pedigree, or breeder’s name be not known the cat must be
registered as breeder, age or pedigree “_unknown_,” any or all, as
the case may be. If the name of a cat be changed, or an old name
re-assumed, such cat must be again registered and identified
before exhibition in its altered name.
2. A name which has been duly registered in accordance with Rule 1
cannot be again accepted for registration of a cat of the same
breed, without the addition of a distinguishing number, prefix, or
affix, for a period of five years, calculated from the first day
of the year next after the one in which the name was last
registered; but the name of a cat after publication in _“Our Cats”
and the Stud Book_, or which has become eligible for free entry
therein, cannot again be assumed.
N.B.—The name of a cat that has become eligible for free entry in
the _Stud Book_ in any year shall not be changed after the 31st of
December of that year.
Cats do not receive a number on registration. Numbers are only
assigned to Prize Winners or cats entered in the Stud Book on its
publication, on payment of a fee of Five Shillings, in addition to
One Shilling for registration.
The application for registration must be made on a form as
follows:—
NUMBER OF BREED AS PER LIST IN MARGIN____COLOUR____
I wish to register the following __ (_Sex_) by the name of____
Previously registered by the name of_______________________
_Signature of Owner___________________________________________
(Mr., Mrs. or Miss)
_Address_______________________________________________
LATE OWNER (if any)_________________________
SIRE____________ } G. SIRE_______
}
OWNER OF SIRE___ } G. DAM_______
DAM_____________ } G. SIRE_______
}
OWNER OF DAM____ } G. DAM______
DATE OF BIRTH_______________________
NAME & ADDRESS OF BREEDER___________________
________________________
NOTE.—If this name cannot be registered, I select one of the
following, and name them in the order named: (1) _______________
(2) ______________ (3) _______________
Only one cat must be entered on one form, which must be forwarded
with a remittance of one shilling to Mrs. A. Stennard Robinson,
Hon. Sec., at 5, Great James Street, Bedford Row, London, W.C.
The various varieties as recognised by the Club are as follow:—
SHORT-HAIRED CATS.
1. SIAMESE.
2. BLUE.
3. MANX.
4. FOREIGN.
5. TABBY.
6. SPOTTED.
7. BICOLOUR.
8. TRICOLOUR.
9. TORTOISESHELL.
10. BLACK.
11. WHITE.
12. SABLE.
13. TICKS.
14. ABYSSINIAN.
LONG-HAIRED CATS.
15. BLACK.
16. WHITE.
17. BLUE.
18. ORANGE.
19. CREAM.
20. SABLE.
21. SMOKE.
22. TABBY.
23. SPOTTED.
24. CHINCHILLA.
25. TORTOISESHELL.
26. BICOLOUR.
27. TRICOLOUR.
It will be seen that you are requested to give more than one name,
and it is very desirable in the first instance to select an uncommon
one, which may be considered your cat’s exhibition title, but you
will doubtless have some short pet name for home use. A prefix,
probably the name of the town or village in which you live, can be
used to specially identify your cat. For this an extra charge is
made. It is well to fill in the pedigree as far as possible, and
every exhibitor should strive to obtain correct particulars of date
of birth and name of breeder of the cat to be exhibited. It is a
pity to label your cat “unknown,” if with a small amount of trouble
exact details can be obtained. At any rate, it is important to state
the names of the two parents. The age of kittens should be counted
by months—that is, say, from the 20th to the 20th. Having registered
your cat, you receive a notification of such registration, and
whether you are intending to exhibit or not it is very necessary and
advisable that your cat should be duly registered in at least one of
the parent clubs.
A separate fee is charged for each cat or kitten in each class, and
the amount must be forwarded at the same time as the entry is made.
The following is a copy of the entry form used at the Cat Club’s
Show at Brighton in 1901, and I may mention that the fee for
registration has since been raised from 6d. to 1s.:—
+----------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| _ENTRIES CLOSE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH, 1901._ | Class as per Schedule. |
| | |
| BRIGHTON CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW OF THE CAT CLUB, | No. |
| TO BE HELD AT | |
| MELLISON’S HALL, WEST STREET, BRIGHTON, | |
| ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH AND 14TH, 1901, | |
| Under the Exhibition Rules of The Cat Club. | |
+----------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| RULE AS TO REGISTRATION OF NAMES OF CATS AND KITTENS. | Also Entered in Classes |
| | numbered as per |
| Every Cat or Kitten exhibited at a Show under The Cat | Schedule. |
| Club Exhibition Rules MUST be Registered at the Cat Club.| |
| Fee 6d. | Nos. |
| | |
| Every Cat or Kitten which may have changed ownership | |
| since Registration MUST, before Exhibition, be | |
| Transferred to its new owner in the books of The Cat +-------------------------+
| Club. Fee One Shilling. | Please not to write in |
| | this space |
| To change the name of a Cat or Kitten, when allowable, | |
| the fee is One Shilling. | |
| | |
| _See The Cat Club Exhibition Rules, Nos. 1 to 6,_ | |
| _in the Schedule._ | |
+----------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| CERTIFICATE OF ENTRY. | Kindly fill in the |
| | amount enclosed for |
| I hereby Certify that the Cat or Kitten to be exhibited | for Fees, &c., as |
| by me as below is _bona fide_ my property, and I enter it| under:-- |
| at my own risk, subject to the Exhibition Rules of The | |
| Cat Club, and the Regulations of this Exhibition as | | £ | s.| d.|
| arranged by the Committee. | Cheque | | |
| | | | | |
| Has this Cat been Registered at The Cat Club | Post Office | | | |
| (_see note above_) ---- | Order | | | |
| | | | | |
| Has this Cat been Transferred (_if purchased_) to | Postal | | | |
| yourself as owner in the books of The Cat Club | Order | | | |
| (_see note above_) ---- | | | | |
| | Cash | | | |
| Name of Exhibitor (in full) ---- | +-----------+
| (Title, Rev., Mr., Mrs., or Miss. _See Rule 3._) | Total £ | | | |
| | +-----------+
| Address ---- | |
| +-------------------------+
| Name of Cat or Kitten (as registered at | |
| The Cat Club) ---- | |
| (If in Stud Book, add number.) | |
| | |
| Breed ---- Colour ---- | |
| | |
| See { Date of Birth ---- Sex ---- | |
| Exhibition { (Male, Female or Neuter.)| |
| Rules { Breeder ---- | |
| 1 to 6 { | |
| of The { Sire ---- | |
| Cat Club { Dam ---- | |
| in the { | |
| Schedule. { Prizes won ---- | |
| | |
| Particulars must be given as registered at The Cat Club. | |
| | |
| Price £ : : (_If for Sale._) _Date_ ---- 1901. | |
| | |
| N.B.--No MILK will be given to any Cat or Kitten unless | |
| specially requested here----. Water will be provided | |
| otherwise. | |
| | |
| ONE FORM IS SUFFICIENT FOR ONE CAT OR KITTEN IN ANY | |
| NUMBER OF CLASSES. | |
+----------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| No Entries will be accepted without Fees. |
| Postage Stamps taken Thirteen to the Shilling. |
| |
| Exhibitors are particularly requested to write distinctly, and also to be careful |
| to name correctly the Class in which they intend to exhibit their Cat or Cats. |
| |
| All Correspondence and Entries to be addressed to Miss F. SIMPSON, Durdans House, |
| St. Margaret’s-on-Thames. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
The exhibiting rules should be carefully studied, and intending
exhibitors must pay great attention to the classification set forth the
schedule so as to determine the correct class in which to enter their
cats. If there remains any doubt in the mind of the novice, then it is
best to consult some reliable and well-known breeder, giving a full
description of the cat you wish to show.
It is a grievous disappointment if through ignorance or carelessness a
good specimen is labelled “Wrong class.”
It is always stated in the schedules that the entries close on a
particular date, and that after this none can or will be received.
Experience proves, however, that this is often not a law of the Medes
and Persians, for the date is frequently of an elastic nature, and
therefore it is always worth while for an intending exhibitor to write
requesting that, if possible, his entry may be received, although it is
forwarded after the advertised time of closing. Many exhibitors are not
aware that by paying an extra shilling they can generally secure a
double pen for their cats. It is not usual for the secretary of a show
to send a receipt for entries and fees, as the tallies and labels which
are forwarded later serve as an acknowledgment for these. When by any
chance labels, etc., are not received in time to be used by exhibitors,
or they are lost or mislaid, then the hampers should be addressed to the
secretary of the show, and a note of explanation enclosed. The entry can
then be looked up, and the pen number discovered. If cats are entered in
joint names, then it is desirable that the owners should let the
secretary know to whom to send the labels and tallies, as if these are
only forwarded a day or two before the show to the partner who does
_not_ keep the cat, complications may arise. If litter classes are
provided at a show, it is well for the intending exhibitor to send the
whole litter, as the number of the family is taken into consideration in
judging, and perhaps a large litter of six may take over a smaller
litter of three, even though the quality of the trio is in advance of
the larger family. As regards pairs of kittens, I would say select two
kittens as near alike as possible in colour, size, and quality; they
need not be of the same litter, but it is as a “pair” they will be
judged, so if one exhibit is much inferior to its fellow then the value
of the pair is seriously diminished. A defective eye or damaged tail
will tell against a cat or kitten in the show pen, therefore it is
useless to throw away entry fees upon these blemished, though perchance
dearly loved, creatures.
[Illustration:
RICHMOND CAT SHOW: ARRANGEMENT OF TENTS.
(_Photo: Cassell & Company, Limited._)
]
The question of ribbons to suit the colours of the various cats is one
deserving of consideration. Many exhibitors make the mistake of using
broad ribbons and making very big bows, but both long and short-haired
cats present a neater appearance with narrow ribbons, and the bow should
be stitched in the centre, so that it cannot come undone and thus give a
dishevelled appearance to the puss. The metal tallies will hang more
gracefully round the neck if a slip ring is run through the hole of the
tally and then the ribbon is put through the ring. Cushions and hangings
for the pens are not at all desirable, even if they are permitted. They
collect germs and become offensive, and moreover it is much better that
all exhibits should be placed on the same footing—namely, a bed of hay
or straw.
If owners are unable to accompany their exhibits to the show, it is more
than ever necessary that secure, comfortable, and safe travelling boxes
or hampers should be used for the transit of the cats. It is not
advisable, nor is it generally allowable, for more than one cat to be
sent in a hamper to a show.
The question of hampers and travelling appliances has been dealt with in
a previous chapter, but I would earnestly impress upon exhibitors not to
send their cats away on journeys, long or short, in tumble-down hampers
and unsafe packing cases. Whether hampers or boxes, I would here suggest
that whichever is used let the fasteners be secure and yet easy to
manipulate. Straps should be attached to the box or hamper, as in the
confusion and hurry of show work these, if left loose, may get mislaid.
The labels should be so arranged that they may be conveniently turned
over for the return journey, where, on the reverse side, ought to be the
owner’s name and full address. It is most important that these should be
distinctly written. I recommend all exhibitors to insure their cats when
sending them to a show. The charge is 3d. for every £1, and having paid
our money we take our chance, which is perhaps a less hazardous one than
if this precaution had been neglected.
The arrangements, or rather want of arrangements, as regards the transit
of live stock on our railways leave much to be desired, and therefore it
behoves fanciers and exhibitors who value their cats for their own sakes
and for their intrinsic worth, to do all in their power to mitigate the
discomforts of a journey and the risks that must necessarily attend the
conveyance of live stock by rail. Some fanciers make it a rule never to
exhibit unless they themselves can take and bring back their cats, and
though this necessarily entails a great deal of trouble and some
expense, yet there is an immense satisfaction in feeling our pets are
under our own supervision. There is also an advantage in penning your
own cats, and if you arm yourself with a brush and comb you are able to
give some finishing touches to pussy’s toilet previous to the judges’
inspection and awards. Let me recommend a metal comb, and a brush such
as is used for Yorkshire terriers, which has long penetrating bristles,
but is neither too hard nor too soft.
Disqualification of cats or kittens at shows may arise from various
causes. First, if the cat has not been registered, or if it can be
proved that the animal has not been in the possession of the exhibitor
for fourteen days before the show, or if a wrong pedigree has been
given, or the date of birth of a kitten is incorrect. Any attempt at
“faking” will disqualify an exhibit, and in some cases the too free use
of powder on white and silver cats is a disqualification in the eyes of
some judges. Exhibitors have been known to dye the chins of tabby cats
and treat white spots on self-coloured cats in the same manner. Such
“faking,” as it is popularly called, is always risky, as well as a most
undesirable operation, and if resorted to ought not to be passed over by
a judge who might detect the artifice and yet lack the moral courage to
expose the offender. Let me warn exhibitors against the evil practice of
over feeding their cats at shows. It is so much better for a cat to
starve for two days than to overload its stomach with the plentiful
supplies brought by an over-anxious exhibitor. The sanitary arrangements
at present existing at cat shows do not allow of such a course, and if
one meal of raw meat and plenty of fresh water is supplied by the show
authorities pussy will fare much better than being stuffed with a
variety of dainties brought in paper bags.
[Illustration:
MRS. GREGORY’S “SKELLINGTHORPE PATRICK.”
(_Photo: W. J. Smith, Lincoln._)
]
Whilst the inmates of your cattery are attending shows it is a good
opportunity to give an extra cleansing and airing to their houses, and
on their return be careful to destroy the hay or straw contained in the
hampers or boxes, and thoroughly disinfect these, leaving them out in
the open air for a day or two before packing them away. It is generally
advisable to give a slight aperient to grown cats after they come back
from a show, for it often happens that these cleanly creatures refuse to
make use of the scanty accommodation provided for them in the show pens,
and thus complications may arise unless attention is paid to their wants
on their return. If many cats are kept, and some are sent to a show, on
no account allow these to mix with your other animals on their return.
It is a wise precaution to keep them apart for a few days, more
especially if you have young kittens to consider.
The prize cards should be returned in the hampers when sent back to
exhibitors. If these are soiled or broken on their arrival, a request to
the secretary asking for fresh ones will probably be attended to.
Every member of a cat club and exhibitor at a show has a right to lodge
a complaint with the secretary and committee of the club under whose
rules the show is held, if an injustice has been done to an exhibit in
the opinion of the exhibitor. According to the rules a deposit has to be
paid, which can be reclaimed unless the complaint is considered
“frivolous.”
Show promoters cannot afford to give their money away without some
return or provisional stipulation, and therefore fanciers must not
complain if when a class does not fill it is either amalgamated or only
half the advertised prize money is given. This latter plan is by far the
more satisfactory. There has probably never been a show of any live
stock held where complete satisfaction has been given; but, generally
speaking, “grumbling” is a most mistaken and pernicious habit, and
exhibitors should strive to become good losers. If they cannot learn
this lesson, then the remedy remains in their own hands, and they had
better keep their cats at home rather than run the risk of being
disappointed themselves and of causing unpleasantness to others. If a
judgment is obviously wrong, then the triumph is with the best cat, and
we should take our defeat in a sportsmanlike manner.
[Illustration:
“INQUIRY.”
(_Photo: Mrs. S. F. Clarke._)
]
In July, 1902, a cat section in connection with the annual dog show was
held in the Old Deer Park, Richmond. This proved a great success, and
entries numbered over three hundred. A few words in description of this
show may be appropriate here, especially in view of the photographs
(specially taken) which illustrate this chapter.
Its chief features were the twenty-five entries in the litter classes
and the ring class for neuters only. Objection is often made to litter
classes, and yet these are certainly the most attractive. I think that
double pens should be provided, and special food ought to be supplied
for the little ones. It stands to reason that very young kittens cannot
be fed like the grown cats, and it is only natural that if big pieces of
meat are thrust into the pen for the mother the hungry little creatures
will make a rush for it. They bolt down the hard lumps, and these remain
undigested in their tender little stomachs. It is not to be wondered at
if gastritis, inflammation, and other distressing ailments supervene. It
is much better to let the mother do without her usual meat rations and
content herself with good, nourishing baby food, such as Mellin’s or
Ridge’s, rather than run the risk of providing her with such which will
injure her little kittens. With ordinary supervision no evil
consequences should ensue from the introduction of litter classes,
especially at a one day show. It is not, however, advisable to have
litter classes at shows held during the winter months. But in perfect,
warm weather no fatalities will be reported. Certainly the mothers with
their families prove a great attraction, and as woollen balls, attached
from the top of the pens, are provided for the amusement of the kittens,
they delight themselves and their audience with their playful frolics.
The ring class for neuters _only_ was an innovation and proved very
successful, and although some of these pet pussies declined to show
themselves off to the best advantage, yet they did not “go” for each
other as is sometimes the case when the males are within measurable
distance of each other. The illustration given is from a photo specially
taken for this work, and shows the judges deliberating on the respective
merits of the neuter cats. On this occasion a famous Blue Persian owned
by Madame Portier carried off the honours. He behaved very well on the
lead, and his grand shape and wonderful coat made him an easy first.
Another illustration shows the judges at work awarding the special
prizes, which in many cases have to be decided conjointly. Miss Frances
Simpson and Mr. C. A. House are comparing notes and determining which of
the first prize kittens is deserving of the special for the best in the
show. On this occasion Mrs. Bennet, a well-known breeder of Blue
Persians, was awarded the coveted prize.
A general view of one of the rows of pens is given, but on this
particular occasion no covering was supplied for the benching, and,
therefore, the aspect of the show pens leaves much to be desired. The
travelling baskets being placed under the pens, these should be hidden
from the public gaze in order to give a neat and tidy appearance to the
show. The best material for this purpose is red baize. The custom of
allowing exhibitors to pen their own cats enables them to give their
pussies a final brush up before they are subjected to the critical
examination of the judge. Our illustration represents Mrs. Peter Brown,
a well-known breeder of Blue Persians, attending to the toilet of her
beautiful “Bunch,” who on this occasion repeated her successes at the
Botanic Gardens, and carried off the highest honours in the Blue Female
Persian class (_see_ page 73). And now to pass on to another portion of
our subject.
JUDGING.
A standard of points for all long and short-haired cats was drawn up by
a sub-committee of the Cat Club, of which I was a member; but since
specialist clubs have come into existence, having each their own list of
points, nothing much has been seen or heard of the Cat Club’s standard.
It is just as well to have some definite lines upon which fanciers and
exhibitors may base their ideas, and so aim at, if they cannot attain
to, the height of perfection set forth in these standards. They are
really not meant for judges, because I venture to assert that a judge is
no judge if he requires anything besides his own personal conviction,
experience, and common sense when called upon to decide the various
points in the different breeds. A good judge of old china will not
search for the mark to know whether the specimen is Chelsea or
Worcester. He will tell you “it is marked all over”—that is, he knows a
good bit of stuff, even if it should not have the gold anchor of Chelsea
or the square mark of Worcester ware. So it is with a good all-round
cat. It appeals at once to the eye of the connoisseur, just as a
worthless specimen is at once put out of the ranks of winners.
[Illustration:
RICHMOND CAT SHOW: JUDGES AT WORK.
(_Photo: Cassell & Company, Limited._)
]
It is the greatest error not to have thorough confidence in oneself when
undertaking to judge cats, or, in fact, in judging any animal, or any
thing. No one should undertake to judge if they wish to seek the counsel
of others. They must have the courage of their _own_ convictions, and,
although some amount of training may be required, I think that judges
are born, not made; and people who have not a keen power of observation
and a faculty of coming rapidly to a fixed conclusion can never hope to
become satisfactory or competent judges. There are many cat fanciers on
whose judgment of a cat I should implicitly rely, and who know a good
specimen when they see it, but if placed before a row of twenty or
thirty cats of a breed they seem to lose their heads and get hopelessly
confused, and then the reporter says, “We could not follow the awards.”
There is no doubt that judges of cats are severely handicapped. Firstly,
cats are such terribly timid, shrinking animals that when dragged out of
their pens with great difficulty—for the doors are most inconveniently
small—they often struggle so violently that, for fear of hurting the
animal or of its escaping, the judge will swiftly restore it to its
resting place without having obtained much satisfaction from his cursory
examination. Unless judging pens are provided, there is really no chance
of making fair comparisons between two cats which may appear of almost
equal merit. How is a judge to decide on the form of limbs and general
build of a cat when holding it in his arms or seeing it huddled up at
the back of its pen?
An agitation is now on foot for having cats judged in a ring, and, no
doubt, in time this will be the order of the day at our shows; but
fanciers will have to train up their cats in the way they should
go—namely, when quite young they must be accustomed to a lead and also
be constantly brought out amongst strangers. As an example, I would
refer to the starting gate recently introduced into this country on the
racecourse. It was no use to attempt it for the old stagers, but
trainers soon accustomed the two-year-olds to the innovation, and I
believe many, if not all, the objectors are now converted to the new
system of starting racehorses.
[Illustration:
TYPE OF CAGE AT THE RICHMOND CAT SHOW.
(_Photo: Cassell & Company, Limited._)
]
In judging a class, I first go round and mark the absent cats; then I
note down those that could not under any circumstances take a prize. If
there is a large class—say, of twenty to thirty specimens—I mark off all
poor and seedy-looking cats until the number is reduced to about eight
or ten; then I begin to search for the winners. At this point I take out
each specimen, and, if no judging pen is provided, I get someone to
assist me, and by bringing out two cats at a time I can make comparisons
and note down any remarks in my book for further reference. It often
happens that one particular cat will stand out prominently from all the
rest in a class, and then there is no difficulty about the first award.
It is always well to give a “reserve” and to distribute—but not too
freely—the V.H.C., H.C., and C. cards. It does not do to make these too
cheap, and scatter them all over the class. V.H.C. might be awarded to a
cat in splendid coat, but which failed in head and eyes; H.C. to another
specimen with hardly any coat and poor head, but correct in eye; and C.
to a promising youngster without any serious fault, only with no
striking point of merit. A good judge must thus weigh the pros and cons
and have a reason to give himself or anyone else for each degree of
merit, from first prize to the humble C. And here I would mention that
there is a nice and a very nasty way for an exhibitor to question a
judge’s award. To be attacked suddenly with the query, “Why have you not
given my cat a prize?” is quite enough to make a judge retire into his
shell and refuse any explanation; but if asked to kindly give a reason
why a certain animal has failed to win, and to explain why one specimen,
apparently a fine cat, should be lower than another, I am sure any judge
would gladly give the inquirer the benefit of his larger experience and
the reason for his awards. It is a mistake for a judge to distribute the
full complement of prizes in a class when and where the exhibits are not
possessing of sufficient merit. A first prize cat should be a good
specimen of its kind, and it is much better to withhold this award than
to give it to a poor representative of his breed. It also reflects
discredit on a judge, for an exhibitor wishing to boast of his honours
may publish that his “Tommy Atkins” took first under so-and-so, when
perhaps there were only two cats in the class. It is quite legitimate
for a judge to ask permission of the show authorities to award an extra
prize in a large class with several fine specimens; and if he has
withheld others in a poor and badly filled class then there is no extra
burden put on to the funds of the club. A great deal should be left to
the discretion of the judge, and in the matter of special prizes, if one
is offered for, say, the best long-haired white cat, and only one or two
specimens are on show, and these are neither of them good types of this
breed, then the judge should be empowered to withhold the prize. Such a
course may be an unpopular one, but I am sure it is the correct and
fairest one, for it is a farce to award first prize and specials to an
inferior animal just because he happens to be without other competitors.
Anyone who has judged the large classes of blues and silvers which now
appear at our principal shows will bear me out in my suggestion that
such classes, numbering perhaps thirty and more exhibits, should be
subdivided according to age. Such an arrangement would be welcomed by
judge and exhibitor alike. At the Crystal Palace Show in 1901 the blue
kittens numbered thirty-nine in the class, male and female, the age
limit being three to eight months. How could a judge be expected to
satisfactorily award three prizes in such a huge class? And I know that
many superb specimens on this occasion had to be content with a V.H.C.
card, which it would have gone to my heart as a judge to place on their
pen.
[Illustration:
MR. C. A. HOUSE,
EDITOR OF “FUR AND FEATHER.”
(_Photo: A. & G. Taylor._)
]
[Illustration:
MR. T. B. MASON.
(_Photo: C. L. Eastlake, Leeds._)
]
If there is a prize offered for the best cat in the show, the judge or
judges have not to consider which is their favourite breed or which is
the most fashionable colour, but just which cat is the best possible
type, which specimen is the nearest perfection, and which is exhibited
in the best all-round show condition. In long-haired classes the length
and quality of coat and fulness of ruff go a long way towards a high
place in the awards, and, as I have before remarked, condition is a most
important factor in the judges’ estimation. In the self-coloured classes
of blues and blacks a judge should make diligent search for white spots
on throat or stomach. Formerly cats thus blemished were relegated to the
“any other” class, but it has been wisely decided by both clubs that
cats with white spots should be judged in their own classes, and that
this defect should count as a point or points against them. This is as
it should be, for to place self-coloured cats in an “any other colour”
class seems absurd. They are black and blue cats in spite of a few white
hairs, and should be judged as such. They may never aspire to a first
prize, at any rate at a large show; but surely a really fine black or
blue cat, with correct eyes, grand head, and good shape, even with the
unfortunate spot, should and ought to score over a poor specimen with
green eyes and long nose. In the tabby classes a judge will first
consider the ground-work and markings, and to these premier points
special attention should be given, as there is a tendency to breed tabby
cats which are barred only on heads and legs, the body markings being
blurred and indistinct. It is not unlikely that in due time the “any
other colour” class will no longer form part of the classification at
our large shows. Formerly this used to be the largest class of any, but
nowadays the entries are becoming small and beautifully less. It is not
worth while for a fancier to keep these specimens—they do not fetch any
price, they are not valuable as breeders, and it is quite a toss-up
whether they can win in such a mixed company. I remember the time when
blues were entered in the “any other colour” class, and when blue
tabbies were more numerous than silvers or blues. It is really a most
difficult task for a judge to give his awards at a local show where all
sorts and conditions of cats are placed in the one class. Such an
arrangement is good for neither man nor beast. And then, again, at our
large shows it behoves a judge to be very level-headed to cope with the
numerous brace, team, and novice classes, for one cat may be entered in
all these, besides being in the open cat and kitten class; and woe
betide the unfortunate judge who makes a slip, for the wrath of the
exhibitor and the sarcasm of the reporter will be poured out upon him.
No doubt it is a grave mistake to reverse one’s own awards, and yet
judges are but mortal, and “to err is human.” It is hard when cat
fanciers take to judging the judges and their judgments. A judge may be
absolutely ignorant of the owners of the cats, and thus utterly
unbiased; yet there will not be wanting those who will pick holes in
their characters, and see in their awards clear proof of personal spite
and party favour. The intense suspiciousness of some fanciers and the
readiness with which they impute low motives to others is greatly to be
deplored.
[Illustration:
THE TOILET.
MRS. PETER BROWN AND HER PRIZE CAT.
(_Photo: Cassell & Company, Limited._)
]
I will here quote from an article by Mr. C. A. House, the well-known
editor and judge of live stock. Under the heading of “The Judging of
Cats,” Mr. House says:—“All my awards are based on the idea that each
breed possesses a distinctive feature, and that distinctive feature must
be the one to which most consideration is given. After the chief
features come others, such as shape, coat, colour, etc., and the premier
awards should be given to cats possessing the best all-round
properties.... Selfs, above all things, should be pure in colour. For
instance, a blue should be blue, and a black, black. Yet a little
rustiness of colour should not be allowed to outweigh a host of other
good properties. Colour, however, is hard to breed rich and pure, and
should at all times be more highly valued than size, or even coat. The
same with markings. Only those who have tried to breed markings know how
difficult it is to get them anything approaching perfection. Nothing is
more fleeting than marking, and nothing more tantalising to the breeder.
Summing up the matter, my own opinion is, and has been for years, that
the cat fancy has been hindered and hampered by judges judging the
exhibits because they belong to so-and-so, or had won so-and-so under
so-and-so.... I was much amused at one incident at Westminster where a
big champion had suffered defeat. The fair owner was heckling the judge,
and he in reply to her remarks made this answer: ‘It makes no difference
to me had the cat belonged to the Queen herself; I should then have done
the same. I don’t judge cats on what they have previously won or because
they belong to any particular person. I judge them on their form at the
time, and it makes no difference to me if a cat has won fifty firsts or
none at all.’ This reply was more than the exhibitor had bargained for,
but all honest-minded fanciers must acknowledge the judge was right.
What is sadly needed in the cat fancy to-day is more of this sturdy,
unflinching determination to judge cats and not their owners. Cat
exhibitors have much to learn yet, and the sooner the morale of the
judging arena is raised the more healthy will the fancy become and the
more quickly will it advance.”
[Illustration:
BLUE PERSIAN KITTENS.
(_Photo: Mrs. S. F. Clarke._)
]
Another of our well-known judges, Mr. T. B. Mason, writing on the same
subject, says:—“In my judging engagements I have very often come across
exhibits with good-coloured eyes, but not the correct shape. A small
eye, however good the colour may be, will give the cat a disagreeable,
sour expression. With this shape of eye we generally see a narrow, long
face, which should keep any exhibit out of the prize list in good
competitions. Let it, however, be clearly understood, I do not want eyes
to have undue weight in the general conditions of cat judging; but they
are important, and as such ought to have due and careful attention at
the hands of breeders and judges alike. Two things in the judging of
short-hairs weigh heavily with me, namely, pale colours and light-marked
heads and white lips. These defects, in my opinion, ought to put out of
the money those that possess them in good competition. I perfectly agree
with Mr. House about the standards. They are useful both to the breeder
and judge; but for the judge to take the standards and try to judge by
them at any show would be foolish indeed. All judges are expected to
know the varieties they are called upon to judge, and to have the
faculty to weigh up the good points and defects of the specimens before
them, and place them accordingly.”
[Illustration:
KITS WITH A TASTE FOR FLOWERS.
(_Photo: Mrs. S. F. Clarke._)
]
[Illustration:
TWO KITTENS BRED BY MISS WILLIAMS.
(_Photo: H. Jenkins, Lowestoft._)
]
MANAGEMENT OF SHOWS.
Now to turn our attention to the management of shows, and upon this
question I feel I am fairly competent to give an opinion, as I have
acted as show manager and as show secretary to some of our largest
exhibitions in London and at Brighton. The office is indeed no sinecure,
and very few fanciers, exhibitors, or visitors have any idea of the
enormous amount of forethought required, to say nothing of physical and
secretarial labours, to make a big show run smoothly. The responsibility
also is great, for a conscientious manager feels he has valuable live
stock in his temporary possession, of which he has, so to speak, to
render up account. There are many mixed shows held throughout the
country where a cat section is given, and it is to be regretted that in
most, if not all cases, the poor pussies are badly provided for and
generally go to the wall. At a dog and cat show everything goes to the
dogs! Secretaries wishing to promote successful cat sections at their
mixed shows should secure some well-qualified person to have entire
control of this department. It is certainly true that, of all live
stock, cats require the most consideration and supervision, and yet to
the masculine mind of a show secretary it would appear that the cats can
look after themselves. There is no doubt that the first step towards
making a show successful is to engage the services of a competent,
energetic, and painstaking manager and secretary. It is also very
desirable to appoint a really good working show committee, the members
of which should each undertake some particular duty in connection with
the show. For instance, one member might superintend the feeding,
another could be responsible for obtaining promises of special prizes,
another devote him- or herself to verifying the prize tickets placed on
the pens, and so on. A system of advertising a show must be decided upon
by the show committee, and notices sent to the various journals which
are circulated amongst fanciers. The class and prize tickets must be
ordered in good time either by the secretary of the club or the manager
of the show.
The best time of the year for a show as regards the appearance of
Persian cats is in December or January. Then, if ever, these particular
cats should be in the best show condition. As regards kittens, the early
summer or autumn is the best period, as spring kittens will then be
ready to make their bow to the public. It is much to be regretted that
the two principal shows of the National Cat Club—namely, the Botanic
Gardens and the Crystal Palace Shows—should be held respectively in June
and October, when Persian cats are in poor coat.
Quite three months before the date of the show a managing secretary will
start work. Catalogues of previous shows must be collected together, in
order to ascertain the names and addresses of likely exhibitors.
Special prizes are now a great feature at all cat shows, and a good deal
of extra work is entailed by writing to obtain promises of these for the
various breeds. If possible, it is well to appoint someone who is in
touch with those who are likely to become donors, and to hand over this
department. I would advise anyone undertaking this branch of the show to
have a book, and to head each page with the respective classes of long
and short-haired breeds, and then when a special is received—say, for
the best black Persian cat—to place this on the page set apart for
specials for this particular breed. Keep a separate list for kittens,
and decline to accept specials given in the form of stud visits or for
cats bred from such and such a sire; these savour too much of
self-advertisement. There are so many specialist societies nowadays, and
as these provide their own specials the show executive is considerably
relieved of the duty of obtaining prizes. Of course, there are always a
certain number of challenge cups, medals, and specials given by the club
holding the show, and care should be taken to distribute these fairly
amongst the various classes. It is usual and advisable to limit the
competition of the majority of these special prizes to the members of
the club. I do not approve of a special prize being offered for the best
cat in the show, as it is almost impossible for the judges to arrive at
a satisfactory decision, and considerable heartburnings are generally
the result of such a competition. A very useful mode of assisting a show
is by guaranteeing classes; and I would suggest yet another plan,
namely, to subscribe so much towards the expenses of the show. These are
necessarily heavy, and it has been stated that no cat show can ever be
made a paying affair.
As regards the specialist societies, I think it seems the correct thing
that the club intending to hold the show should instruct its secretary
to write to the secretary of each specialist society to ask if he is
willing to support the show by prizes or by guaranteeing classes, and to
name the latest date for receiving particulars of the support to be
given. The specialist societies have their own judges, and it is only
natural when they are offering handsome prizes that a claim should be
made for first-class judging in the interests of the breed. It is
therefore essential, as matters at present stand, for one of the judges
from the list of the specialist club to be selected to give awards in
the classes connected with the society. It is important to obtain as
full a list as possible of special prizes from societies and outside
donors in good time for insertion in the schedule, as a tempting list
will ensure a better entry. In the schedule the exhibition rules of the
club should be printed, and in addition there should be a list of
arrangements in a prominent position setting forth details as to the
opening and closing of the show, the time up to which exhibits are
received, the earliest hour at which they may be removed, and the prices
of admission. The names of the judges, with their respective classes,
should be clearly set forth, and it should be mentioned whether classes
will or will not be amalgamated or cancelled. A few advertisements of
stud cats and trade notices should be obtained, as this means grist to
the mill and helps to pay for the printing of the schedules and
catalogues.
[Illustration:
RICHMOND CAT SHOW: THE RING CLASS.
(_Photo: Cassell & Company, Limited._)
]
The question of classification is an all-important one, and needs the
consideration of a careful show committee, well versed in the ways of
cats and of fanciers. A list of the classification used by one or two
big cat clubs has been given. Of course, at smaller shows it is often
impossible to give separate classes for several breeds or to divide the
sexes; but my remarks in this chapter will refer to the customs and
arrangements of large shows, such as those held by the National Cat Club
at the Crystal Palace, and the Cat Club at Westminster. I do not think
it is good policy on the part of a show committee or management to
amalgamate classes. It is much better to advertise in schedules that
when entries are fewer than, say, four or five, then the judges are
empowered to withhold any of the prizes; or, again, in the case of a
very small class, half prize money might be awarded.
[Illustration:
“MINDING SHOP.”
(_Photo: C. Reid, Wishaw._)
]
Having decided on the classification, and given as liberal and
attractive a one as is possible and practicable, it is well to consider
the number of schedules likely to be required, and then start addressing
the wrappers. In each schedule must be inserted two or three entry and
registration forms. The entry forms, with fees, are returned to the
secretary, and the registration forms to the person who keeps the
register of the club holding the show. And here I would remark on the
mistake it is to have two registers for cats. It is very confusing for
exhibitors, and a double expense, as the National Cat Club and the Cat
Club each charge a shilling. Then, again, as the National Cat Club has
recently passed a rule disqualifying all cats exhibited at Cat Club
shows, the confusion is worse confounded. Some fanciers having large
catteries divide their exhibits and send to both National Cat Club and
Cat Club shows; but this new registration rule falls heavily on cat
fanciers who are keen to exhibit their specimens and anxious for the
pleasure of obtaining prizes, and desire to profit by showing their stud
cats or having an opportunity of disposing of their stock. The National
Cat Club shows since the passing of this rule have suffered
considerably, both from lack of entries and by the absence of some of
the fine champion cats that, having been exhibited at the Cat Club show
in January, were thus debarred from appearing at the Botanic Gardens and
Crystal Palace shows. How much simpler and better it would be if both
clubs could and would agree to have _one_ register kept by an
independent person, not necessarily a catty individual, and that the
fees should form the salary of such a person. A small fee might be
charged when reference was desired by fanciers as to the pedigree of any
cats. If the secretary of a show happens to be acquainted with the
members of the cat fancy, he will be able to use his discretion as to
the number of entry and registration forms needed. In some cases, where
he is sending to a well-known breeder and possessor of a large cattery,
more numerous forms will be required. Schedules should be sent out quite
a clear month in advance, and the entries should close about ten days
before the date of the show. The secretary will have a book in which he
will note down each entry as it is received, placing it under the
correct class heading, and, of course, these can only be numbered up
when entries close. The entry forms should be filed and kept for
reference. Then comes the work of arranging and writing the labels, and
placing these with the tallies, entrance tickets, and removal orders in
envelopes and addressing them to the exhibitors. These should be posted
four clear days before the show.
During this time the secretary will be able to compile the catalogue for
the printer, and arrange to have an instalment of copies the night
before the opening day of the show, also to draw up the judges’ books.
Letters should be written to the judges and veterinary surgeons
acquainting them with the hour at which they are desired to present
themselves at the hall, and a complimentary pass ticket should be
enclosed. A pass should also be sent to the representatives of the
Press, to the veterinary surgeon, and to those who may be giving their
services as stewards. Distant exhibitors will write requesting
catalogues to be forwarded to them, and a list should be kept. A
secretary will do well to provide himself with strong cord, scissors,
brown paper, writing materials, labels, telegraph forms, stamps, and
other useful articles.
[Illustration:
“THIEVES.”
(_Photo: Mrs. S. F. Clarke._)
]
In these days of specialist clubs it is necessary for the secretary to
have a list of members of each society supporting the show, as the
prizes being confined to members the judge will have to refer to the
secretary’s office for information before making his awards.
The day before the show will be fully occupied in superintending the
arrangement and putting up of the benching and pens. A conveniently
sized glass case should be ordered for the special prizes, and this must
be placed in a prominent position. The prizes should all be distinctly
labelled with the donor’s name and the breed of cat for which each is
offered. The case should be one which locks up, and then it is not
necessary to have any supervision of the contents. It is best for some
two members of the show committee to undertake the arrangement in the
case of the special prizes. Two men should be engaged to take the
tickets and money at the entrance gate, and in the sales office a clerk
will be required to receive purchase money and give receipts. At a large
show it is necessary to employ four or six stewards to collect the
judges’ slips as they complete each class, and take them to those in the
office appointed to write out the tickets. These same stewards should
also undertake to place them on the pens. And here let me say how much
better it would be if some arrangement could be made for the prize
tickets to be fixed in a rack at the top of the pen, instead of being
thrust between the wires, where a large number almost hide the cat, and
frequently they are torn down by the inmates of the pen.
[Illustration:
MISS SIMPSON’S “CAMBYSES.”
(_Photo: Gunn & Stewart, Richmond._)
]
A good manager will have all in order well before the hour when the cats
are received, and if the veterinary engaged is in attendance the cats
can be examined and, when passed, placed at once in their proper pens.
It is very important to entrust the work of penning to those who are
used to handling cats, and no better men can be found than those
employed by Messrs. Spratt, who, as everyone knows, are the universal
providers at cat shows, as at every other live stock exhibition. It is a
question whether hay or straw is best for bedding. I incline towards the
latter if it is the fine wheaten straw, as hay, if it becomes at all
damp, will stick to the long-coated cats. I also prefer dry earth at the
back of the pens to sawdust, for the same reason. I trust we may ere
long be able to provide something better in the way of a cat pen than
those at present in use. The doors should open the full height of the
cage and two thirds of the width, so that the cat can be more easily
taken out.
[Illustration:
MRS. DRURY’S BROWN TABBY, “PERIWIG.”
(_Photo: Kerby & Son, Ipswich._)
]
There is no doubt that, considering the peculiar nature of cats, some
more adequate arrangement should be made in the sanitary accommodation.
The earth scattered at the back of the pen amongst the bedding is not
all that could be desired. What we want is a false bottom, and an earth
pan or tray sunk in it about two inches deep, on the plan of the bird
cage, so that it can be drawn out and fresh earth supplied, and
replaced. Greater care should be paid as regards the security of the
fastenings of the pens, and the wires of some of them are too wide
apart, so that young kittens can easily make an exit. It is well known
that cats have extraordinary powers of escaping whenever and wherever
escape is possible.
I disapprove as strongly as do the cats of any disinfectant being
sprinkled or placed _inside_ the pens. Each pen must, of course, bear a
number; but instead of the different classes being numbered, it is much
better to have them named, and the large placards fixed high about the
pens by means of split sticks of Japanese bamboo. Thus anyone seeking
the blue or the brown tabby class will have no difficulty in locating
it, even without a catalogue.
It is very important that all exhibits should be examined by a qualified
veterinary surgeon before being penned, and if a cat is seriously ill
the owner should be at once communicated with and the specimen returned.
If it is a doubtful case, perhaps a running eye or high temperature,
then the cat should be placed apart in a properly arranged, and if
possible warmed, hospital room to be again examined. Remember it is
always better to disappoint one exhibitor by refusing his cat, than to
disgust everybody by bringing their carefully trained and dearly loved
pets into contact with disease. It is necessary to appoint an official
to check off each exhibit as it is passed, and in the event of
pronounced illness or some other objectionable feature to make a note of
this for future reference.
[Illustration:
A LITTER OF BLUES.
(_Photo: E. Landor, Ealing._)
]
As regards the feeding of exhibits, I am in favour of raw beef or cooked
meat cut into small pieces or else put through a mincing machine, and
water to drink. For many reasons it is not desirable to provide milk; it
is apt to turn sour, and it certainly more easily collects germs of
disease, and so may prove a fruitful source of evil.
The Cat Club started the idea of having china saucers instead of the
usual tins, and these are decidedly better in every way. A one-day show
is no doubt best for the cats, but for the exhibitors and the executive
a two-days show is really preferable. If the exhibits are allowed to be
penned up till eleven o’clock on the morning of the show, the judging
ought to be got through and the tickets placed on the pens in two hours
with a competent staff, and the show opened at one or 1.30.
A smart secretary will arrange with his printer to have a list of awards
printed with the utmost speed directly after the class judging is
finished. This can either be given in the catalogues themselves or a
separate sheet inserted in the catalogues. A large board ought to be
hung in a conspicuous and convenient position, and the list of class
winners and the winners of special prizes entered on it. This is better
than having the slips pinned upon a board. They are often very
indistinctly written, and are apt to get torn down. Let the closing hour
on the first night be eight or nine o’clock, when the hall should be
cleared and the pens covered over. I consider one good feed of raw meat
ought to suffice during the day, with fresh water continually supplied.
The hour for opening on the second day may be ten o’clock, and before
then the pens ought to be cleaned out, fresh straw given where needed,
and disinfectant sprinkled up and down the passages between the rows of
pens—not in them. Careful attention to these points will ensure the show
being free from disagreeable odours by the time the public are admitted.
It is a wise plan to arrange and announce that the show closes, say, at
five p.m. on the second day, so that exhibitors can, in many cases, get
home with their cats the same night. It is unreasonable to expect to be
allowed to depart before the time fixed, even though in some cases half
an hour would save a train. As regards a one-day show, it is almost
impossible for a secretary and manager to get through the necessary work
and to open in anything like time. There must be a scramble, and for the
exhibitors to be obliged to present themselves and their cats at some
unearthly hour in the morning is very trying and most inconvenient. Then
a two-days show is, of course, an advantage as regards the entrance
money. The Cat Club used to have a stringent rule against exhibitors
penning their own cats, but at the Westminster Show this rule was
amended, and cats could be penned by their owners or representatives on
the night before the show, but not in the morning. No evil result
followed this concession on the part of the authorities, and therefore I
trust this very natural desire on the part of the exhibitors to see
their precious pussies safely into their temporary quarters may always
be permitted at Cat Club shows.
In order to facilitate the work of the judges, it is well to have their
books carefully and clearly arranged, and this especially applies to the
list of special awards. I instituted a plan at Westminster Show, in
1901, which gave great satisfaction, but which entailed a lot of extra
work for the secretary. I am sure, however, this special arrangement
lightened the labours of the judges, and hastened the appearance of the
special prize cards on the pens. I had separate books for the special
awards, and carefully cut out of the schedules the prizes pertaining to
each judge. Thus, if Mr. A. had black, white, and blue long-haired
classes, every challenge medal and special offered for these cats I
arranged in order on one side of the page, with the numbering as it
appeared with them in the schedule. So in the left-hand page would be,
say, “Special No. 10, for best long-haired black,” and on the right-hand
page “Awarded to No. ....,” leaving a blank for the judge to fill in the
number of the winner. Any prizes that had to be awarded in conjunction
with other judges, such as for best long-haired cat in the show, I made
a note of to this effect. Let me add that I gummed the printed portions
relating to the prizes, cut from the schedule, into the judging books,
so the judges needed neither schedule nor catalogue to refer to. In
preparing judges’ books it is very helpful to place male and female (M.
and F.) after each catalogue number in the mixed kitten classes, to
avoid reference for the special awards; and this should also be done in
the catalogue itself, as very often the name of the kitten does not
indicate the sex, and would-be purchasers are obliged to make inquiries.
I am always an advocate for having selling classes for cats and kittens
at shows, where the price should be limited to £5 5s. in the long-haired
classes, and £3 3s. in the short-haired classes. It would be an
assistance if someone who understood cats, and was also a good salesman
or saleswoman, undertook to preside over the selling classes. The 10 per
cent. commission deducted by the show authorities is a material help,
and often a little pressure and persuasion, combined with useful
information, will decide a wavering purchaser. A class I should like to
see introduced into our shows is one for kittens bred by exhibitors. I
am of opinion that more encouragement should be given to fanciers to
keep the best of their litters for exhibition. Lady Marcus Beresford had
the happy inspiration of starting breeders’ cups for competition at Cat
Club shows, and special prizes are often given for the best kitten bred
by exhibitors. But these are tiresome awards for a judge to make; he is
obliged to make inquiries from someone with a catalogue, and even this
reference will not always suffice. It is always pleasant to win prizes,
but an additional pride would naturally be felt if, in a large class of
kittens bred by well-known exhibitors, the son or daughter of our own
breeding should be awarded first and special.
[Illustration:
JUDGING IN THE RING AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.
(_Photo: Russell & Sons, Crystal Palace._)
]
With respect to a ring class, which is often held at some of the
National Cat Club shows, I cannot say that it is very interesting to see
a collection of toms, females, and neuters, long- and short-haired,
being dragged along by their anxious owners, whilst the puzzled judges
try hard to decide which of the motley and mixed assembly is most worthy
of honours. I think that for a ring class neuters alone should be
eligible, or at any rate until we have trained our young cats to behave
properly on a lead. There need be no necessity for the neuters to be
entered and penned in the show, but they could be charged a higher fee
for the ring class; and I believe that many owners of neuters would not
object to their precious pets being on exhibition for ten or twenty
minutes, led by themselves into the ring, but who will not let them be
cramped up in a pen for two days. Neuters are always at a disadvantage
in the show pen—they are generally too large and too lazy to be properly
seen, and a ring class for these specimens would be a very attractive
feature at our cat shows. A row of chairs should be placed round, and
sixpence a seat charged. It is quite absurd to mix up the sexes, and
dangerous to allow tom cats to come within fighting distance of each
other. At a recent show great excitement was caused in the ring by the
sudden attack of one famous stud cat on another, and it was lucky that
nothing worse than a torn and bleeding ear was the result of this
onslaught. Another class I should like to see at some of our large
shows, and certainly at the summer N.C.C. Show, is a class for stud
cats, which should be judged quite irrespective of coat, and special
attention directed to form of limb, size of head, and massive build in
awarding the prizes. This might not be an attractive class, but it would
be an instructive one, and give the veterans a chance of proving of what
stuff they are made. A young untried male will often take all the
honours in his class, and the stud cat of a busy season is forced to
take a back place, probably on account of services rendered. Anyhow,
this idea might be carried out as regards the two largest
classes—namely, those for silver and blue Persians. In former days there
used to be classes at some of the shows in which the cats were judged by
weight, but these have wisely been done away with.
[Illustration:
MISS KIRKPATRICK’S BLUE KITTENS.
(_Photo: E. Landor, Ealing._)
]
The question of open judging at cat shows has frequently been discussed
in catty circles, and several fanciers have given their opinions on this
subject. Mrs. Neate, a well-known fancier, writes thus in _Fur and
Feather_:—“It would indeed be a step in the right direction if cat shows
were run on (as far as possible) the same lines as dog shows. Much of
the absurd mystery that at present envelops our cat shows would vanish
if exhibitors were permitted to be present during the judging, and I
feel sure that the majority of cat fanciers would not be so wanting in
etiquette and good taste as to hinder the judges or any of the officials
in discharge of their onerous duties.” No doubt there is much truth in
these remarks; but, at the same time, I do not think fanciers take
sufficiently into consideration the very timid, shrinking nature of the
cat when they advocate open judging. It is often most difficult for a
judge to properly examine a cat, even when he or she is quietly going
round giving the awards; it would be still more trying to man and beast
if a collection of strangers were pressing forward on all sides.
What I consider is more practical than open judging for cats is that
some arrangement should be made so that judges may be enabled to compare
the points of the various exhibits, and for this purpose I consider that
judging pens on movable tables should be provided at all shows, as were
adopted by the Cat Club at Westminster. By these means the work of the
judges would be much simplified, and the cats more satisfactorily and
quickly judged.
Supposing a special prize or medal is offered for the best cat in the
show, then I think it is interesting and instructive to have the first
prize-winning cats placed, if possible, in pens, and to arrange for the
award to be given in public during the show by the judges in conjunction
with each other. Such a plan was adopted at the last Manchester Cat
Show, and much satisfaction was expressed at this innovation.
Having given some suggestions as to the classification, I would again
refer to points of management in shows. At the closing hour on the
second day the hall should be cleared, and only exhibitors or their
representatives allowed to remain. An efficient staff of attendants
should at once set to work to assist in packing up the cats belonging to
those exhibitors who intend taking them away. After these have all left,
then the manager should direct his attention towards those exhibits that
should be started by the night mails. The catalogue must be consulted,
and a good way is to mark with a cross on the pen tickets those cats
that must be packed up; and, having previously ordered the railway vans
at a certain time, the precious packages should be sent off as speedily
as possible. Those exhibits left over till the following morning should
be fed again and started at daybreak.
[Illustration:
“ROSE OF PERSIA.”
(_Photo: E. Landor, Ealing._)
]
There is a sense of immense relief when the last hamper has been
fastened down and seen off the premises. And here let me say how much
exhibitors can contribute towards the speedy and safe despatch of their
pets, if only they will provide substantial and well-appointed
travelling baskets or boxes. Amidst all the hurry and confusion of
packing up an immense amount of extra trouble is given by having to lace
up a hamper with string, or nail down a box that has no other means of
being made secure! I speak from experience, and therefore I plead for
more consideration to be extended to the show manager and his
assistants, and, above all, to the poor pussies themselves.
At every show that is held there are a number of exhibitors who try the
patience and courtesy of the manager or secretary, or both, by
requesting to be allowed to remove their cats before the advertised
time. Of course, it is only natural that those fanciers residing at a
distance should wish to make tracks home and catch early trains for
their own comfort and convenience and the welfare of their pussies. But,
looking at the matter from a secretary’s and a visitor’s point of view,
it is certainly hard that perhaps some of the best prize cats should be
absent from their pen whilst the public are paying their money at the
gate; but, having made a rule, it is best to stick to it, and no cat
should be taken away till the fixed hour under any pretext whatever,
unless a veterinary certificate of illness is obtained.
It is always open to the management to advertise an earlier hour for the
removal of exhibits on payment of a certain sum, but this should be made
a substantial fine, especially in the case of a prize-winner. A lower
figure might be named for other exhibits. As regards cats or kittens
purchased at the show, it is certainly an inducement and incentive to
buyers if there is a rule that these exhibits may be removed at any
time.
According to the rules of the two leading clubs a certain fixed time
must elapse before the prizes are sent out. In some cases this is a most
uncertain and unfixed time, and many complaints have been made through
the cat papers of the long drawn out period between the prize being won
and the prize being received. No doubt, immediate distribution of prizes
after the show would lead to complications, for objections might be
lodged within the given time allowed by the rules, and such objections
would have to be brought before the committee of the club; therefore it
is obvious that successful competitors must allow, say, a month to
elapse before showing signs of impatience. It is then the manager’s
business to send the money awards, and the secretary of the club is
generally accountable for the distribution of the “specials,” which
certainly call for a special acknowledgment from the recipient to the
donor of these prizes.
As regards the financial aspect of a cat show, the first important point
is to make the entries pay for themselves—that is, supposing your prize
money in each class is £1, 10s., and 5s., then you need twelve entries
at 3s. to carry you through. And here let me remark that, considering
the character of our first-class shows and the value of the special
prizes offered, I am inclined to think that entry fees are too low, and
that they should be more in accordance with the fees charged at dog
shows. It is always advisable to make a difference between members of
the club holding the show and outsiders. Thus, if 5s. is the entry fee
for members, then 6s. or 7s. 6d. might be charged to non-members. New
recruits to a club are often gained by this arrangement. The usual
commission on sales is 10 per cent., and then there is the gate money,
which somehow is generally disappointing, for truly the outside public
are not partial to cats, nor attracted to exhibitions of the feline
race. I have always contended that exhibitors themselves ought to be
charged an entrance fee—say, half-price admission on presentation of
their exhibitor’s pass, which in many cases would only be sixpence, yet
one or two hundred of these small coins would materially assist the
exchequer; and surely no cat fancier would grumble at this tax on their
resources when they consider how much trouble and expense is entailed in
providing them with a favourable opportunity of exhibiting their pets,
and with a possibility of winning golden guineas and silver trophies.
Another plan is to advertise in schedules that exhibitors of more than,
say, two entries would be allowed a free pass. Fanciers will be tempted
to send additional cats, and thus swell the entries, in order to secure
their free admission ticket. I do not think it would be a bad plan to
have a “Contribution Column” on the entry forms for members’ and
exhibitors’ voluntary donations towards the expenses of a show which, if
well managed, is worthy of the utmost support from the cat-loving
community.
“Every mickle makes a muckle,” and it should be the earnest desire of
each individual member of a club to do something, however small, towards
keeping a balance on the right side of their treasurer’s accounts.
BUYING AND SELLING.
I believe that a Bow Street magistrate once asserted that anyone owning
a stud dog or selling a dog was, in the point of law, a dealer. I do not
know if the same decision would apply in the cat world. Anyhow, there
are few fanciers who do not desire at some time or other to dispose of
their cats and kits; and, again, there are many who keep stud cats, yet
cannot be considered dealers in that sense of the term. The best way to
set about trying to sell our surplus stock is to advertise in the cat
papers, in which case it is advisable to fully and fairly describe our
animals and to name the price required. If profit is to be considered,
it is not advisable to keep kittens more than eight weeks. Very soon
after this period they begin to lose their fluffiness and grow leggy in
appearance. There is also the risk of illness and death. It is better,
therefore, to be willing to accept a moderate sum for kittens at eight
weeks old rather than to keep them to see how they turn out. It is a
clear case of “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
I have always thought that there is a good opening for any enterprising
person well versed in cat lore and cat fanciers to start an agency in
London, where cats and kittens might be sent on approval, for would-be
purchasers to call and interview them. There might be a system of
messengers who would meet cats and see them off at London stations. In
connection with such a cat agency a register might be kept of cats for
sale or cats wanted and arrangements made as at the Army and Navy Stores
for having a certain number of animals on view. These could be boarded
at so much per week, and commission charged on the sale.
A list of names and addresses of those willing to receive cats as
boarders would be very useful, and many ladies who do not choose to
advertise could and would, I am sure, avail themselves of the means of
letting fanciers know they could undertake the charge of pets during
their owners’ absence from home. Many and frequent are the letters I
receive on this subject, especially as the summer vacation approaches.
A day and hour for the visit of an experienced veterinary might be
arranged, so that country fanciers could send or bring their sick cats
for advice. All sorts of cat appliances might be on sale. It would be
convenient to have a writing-room for the use of fanciers, where
correspondence on catty matters could be carried on. Perhaps a tearoom
could be added, and bedrooms, if space was available, for fanciers
coming up to attend London shows. Anyhow, a list of suitable rooms might
be kept which could be personally recommended.
THE BLUE PERSIAN CAT SOCIETY PEDIGREE FORM.
Breed and Sex—————————————— Breeder—————————————————
Colour————————————————————— Date of Birth———————————
Name of Cat———————————
======================================================================
PARENTS. GRAND-PARENTS. GREAT GRAND-PARENTS. GREAT GREAT GRAND-PARENTS.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Sire. { { { _ex_
{ {——————————————————————————————————————
{ { { _ex_
{——————————————————————————————————————————————————————
{ { { _ex_
{ {——————————————————————————————————————
{ { { _ex_
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Dam. { { { _ex_
{ {——————————————————————————————————————
{ { { _ex_
{——————————————————————————————————————————————————————
{ { { _ex_
{ {——————————————————————————————————————
{ { { _ex_
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Prizes Won, Remarks, &c. —————————————————
These Forms, at 8d. per dozen, can be obtained on application to Miss F.
SIMPSON, Hon. Sec., 9, Leonard Place, Kensington, W.
In these days, when competition is so keen and occupation so difficult
to obtain, the idea of starting a cat agency should commend itself to
some who, being in touch with members of the cat fancy, and wishing for
lucrative employment, might embark on this novel undertaking. Needless
to say, it would be most desirable to have the cat agency in a central
part of London, and in close proximity, if possible, to some of the main
railway stations. I think that, if only as a means of assisting fanciers
in the purchase and disposal of their cats and kittens, this idea of an
agency might be successfully worked. Many breeders become very
disheartened at the inability to find purchasers for their kittens. A
complaint was recently made by a lady living in the Isle of Wight. She
writes: “No one seems to care for breeding in this island, and people
are not willing to give more than about five shillings for pedigree
kittens.” No doubt fanciers living in the country and away from any
catty centre have but little opportunity of finding a sale for their
surplus stock. I would suggest photography as one means of making known
the perfections of their pussies. A start in the right direction has
been made by Mr. Landor, of Ealing, whose clever pictures of kittens are
so well known. He is willing to take portraits of pretty, fluffy kits
and good cats on special terms, provided he retains the copyright of
such photographs. It is always handy to have a good photograph to send
by post when endeavouring to dispose of our pets, and by such means
fanciers may be spared the trouble and risk of sending their valuable
kittens on approval.
[Illustration:
“MISCHIEF.”
(_Photo: Mrs. S. F. Clarke._)
]
Naturally, for unknown cat fanciers it is more difficult to effect sales
through advertisement, and in their case it is necessary to offer to
send on approval at buyer’s risk and cost; and if an application is made
from an entire stranger, then the purchase money should be deposited in
the hands of some reliable and independent third person. Some fanciers
entirely decline to send their cats on approval, and then it is very
requisite to enter fully into particulars, and, if possible, to send a
photograph. It is best to give the faults and failings as well as the
good points, so that disappointment and disagreement may not follow
between the purchaser and seller. Buyers should endeavour to learn
something about the person from whom they purchase their cats; and it as
well to ask not only for age and full pedigree, but whether the cat has
been exhibited, and if it has taken any honours, and at which shows. It
sometimes happens that valuable animals may be picked up for low prices
at shows; but there is always a risk, and this is especially the case
with young kittens, who more easily contract any disease. In buying a
cat or kitten it is always advisable to make inquiries as to the way in
which it has been fed, so as to continue the same regimen for at least a
few days. The pedigree of a cat or kitten should be sent at the time of
purchase, and it is much easier to fill this in on a properly drawn out
form, and certainly it is pleasanter to receive the particulars thus
intelligently written out. I give a copy of the forms I drew out for the
use of blue Persian members, but these can, of course, be used for cats
of any breed.
[Illustration:
OUR PLAY-ROOM.
(_From a Painting by Madame Ronner._)
]
Here let me quote from an article in that excellent American paper, _The
Cat Journal_, headed “Unreasonable Buyers.” The writer says:—“One of the
most difficult things with which the cat seller has to contend is the
unreasonable buyer. There are buyers who, finding a cat to suit them,
pay the price and are satisfied. There is, however, another class that
it is best to let alone. They are never satisfied, and blame the seller
for everything that happens either on the road or after the kitten is
received, and many of them also think if they are sharp they will be
able to buy a $100 kitten for $10 or $15, and when they get such a
kitten and they discover that it is not worth $100, they are disgusted,
and have a lot to say about unfair dealing, etc. If a kitten that has
been a pet is taken from its surroundings, and sent on a long journey,
the rattle and the unusual conditions of such a trip places her in a
state of nervous terror, so that she very rarely shows off to good
advantage in her new home. The purchaser, if a true cat lover, will
appreciate all the trouble of poor little pussy, and give her the
tenderest treatment and coax her to make the best of her new
surroundings. It is a very rare thing for a kitten to come from the box
after a long journey looking just as the new owner expected. Tired,
homesick, and frightened, she will not eat, and is altogether a pitiable
looking object. It is always advisable to put a new arrival in a room by
herself, with a comfortable bed and conveniences, entirely away from the
rest of the cats and kittens, and allow her to become acquainted with
the members of the family gradually. Do not allow other cats to come
bothering around till the new member of the family is entirely
acquainted with its surroundings. Especially be very cautious in
introducing two male cats.
“Sellers must be very cautious in sending out their stock, and buyers
must not expect too much. Give the new member of the family a little
time to know things before you write your letter of complaint. Be sure
you are not expecting too much for the price you paid.”
The question has often been asked, “Can cats be made to pay?” and,
naturally, novices in the fancy wish to know the best way in which to
make a good start.
Here I would say how much may be done by well-known and influential
members of any fancy if they will give themselves a little trouble in
helping the novice, who, after all, is the backbone, so to speak, of
every fancy, and hence it is very essential that beginners should start
on the right lines and with reliable, and therefore profitable, stock.
Speaking from experience in the cat fancy, I can say that several
persons have come into the ranks and gone out of it again, in many cases
through sheer disgust because of the deceptions practised, and of which
they, as novices, have been made the victims. I hold that if beginners
are to be retained as members of a fancy, they should be treated kindly
and liberally by the experienced fancier, especially when it is a
question of purchasing stock. It is much to be lamented that novices are
frequently treated in a reverse manner, and fanciers (so-called) seize
upon an opportunity of getting rid of superfluous and often inferior
specimens to those who are unable to discover good from bad in the cats
offered to them.
At the same time, it is a pleasing fact that there are many true
fanciers in the feline world who, having made their names as breeders,
prize-winners, and perhaps judges, put themselves out to give valuable
advice, and often spare no pains in endeavouring to obtain good stock
for the novice at reasonable prices.
Another question often asked is, “Does showing pay?” In answer to this
query, I give an extract from the pen of the clever weekly correspondent
of _Fur and Feather_, “Zaida,” who says:—“To those who keep their cats
for pleasure, who really love them and can afford to despise the small
‘takings’ available, keep your cats at home and do not show. Expense
does not count with this class of exhibitor, but risk to the welfare of
their best-beloved pussies undoubtedly does. To those who are trying to
make money by their cats, we would urge: harden your hearts, learn how
to show, where to show, and when to show; and recognise the expense,
risk, and trouble involved as part of the unavoidable outlay which is to
bring in a certain return. Undoubtedly, a show is a heavy expense, and
will always leave you out of pocket. Even if you conduct it on the most
selfish terms—the ‘give-nothing’ and ‘take-all-you-can’ system—you will
be exceptionally lucky if you clear your expenses. You cannot expect to
sell your kittens well if you do not exhibit.
“If you possess a stud cat, he must be seen and known before you can
hope to have a demand for his services. Your own eye must be continually
trained by comparison of your own stock with the prize specimens of
others. In short, if you wish to make money, you must spend money. On
the other hand, never exhibit except at first-rate shows, and never be
tempted to show an animal out of condition. If you can afford to buy
animals already well known in the show world, cats of renown, for whose
offspring there will always be a keen demand, you may possibly abstain
from exhibition. This plan, however, involves a very large initial
outlay. Then, again, the happy people who have won their laurels, whose
names are always associated with first-rate animals of a particular
breed, they, indeed, can afford to rest in peace, and show no more.
Other people will buy their kittens, and do their exhibiting for them,
and also do that mournful nursing and burying that too often follows a
show. Undoubtedly, it is fascinating to show successfully; but, on the
whole, we think the most enjoyable shows are those where one goes to
look at other people’s exhibits and leave one’s own at home.”
A few words as to the stud fees and arrangements for visiting queens
will not here be out of place. The usual fee for the services of a stud
cat is fixed at £1 1s., but some fanciers are willing to accept less,
especially if their cat is not a well-known prize-winner. A higher
charge is often made if the railway journey has to be followed by a cab
fare, or if the owner, having a valuable stud cat, does not wish to
encourage many visitors. The carriage of the queen should always be
defrayed by the sender, and if a telegram and return insurance is
desired, then these sums expended should be refunded to the owner of the
stud cat. It is desirable to announce the despatch or intended despatch
of a queen, as it may not be convenient to receive her. The usual time
to keep a visitor is from three to six days, and then the owner of the
stud cat should give notice of the return. In case the first visit
proves unsuccessful a second visit is usually allowed by courtesy
without any extra payment, but this must not be taken as a matter of
course, and it is best for the owner of the queen to ask permission to
send again. If through a mistake in the time of sending a cat apparently
fails to mate during two visits, it can only be by the kindness of the
stud cat’s owner that a third visit is permitted for the one fee. If,
however, the queen has been known to have mated on each occasion, a
third visit gratis cannot be expected even if there is no result. A fee
once paid for a visit is not returnable. It is sometimes a matter of
arrangement between fanciers to have the choice of a kitten instead of
the mating fee, but this transaction does not commend itself unless the
parties are on very friendly terms. A clear understanding should be
arrived at on all occasions between the sender and the receiver, and
thus any after unpleasantness may be avoided. It is catty etiquette to
forward the fee when sending the queen; or, at latest, immediately on
her return. A label for the return journey should be fixed inside the
lid of the hamper. This is a saving of trouble to the owner of the stud,
and is also a means of identification.
[Illustration:
MR. F. W. WESTERN, THE SECRETARY OF THE SANDY CLUB SHOW.
(_Photo: Kingham, Bedford._)
]
In selecting a young kitten for purchase out of a litter, take note of
the size of head and width between the ears. In self-coloured kits look
out for white spots, and avoid those with long tails. Fanciers should
strive to resist the temptation of buying too many cats and kittens of
different breeds. To the novice and the beginner I would say, Buy two or
three good specimens, carefully selected; these will be worth quantities
of doubtful ones, which, as a matter of fact, have, as a rule, no value
at all. Seize every opportunity which comes across your path of seeing
and examining well-bred, prize-winning cats, and attending shows. The
cleverest fancier and most successful breeder can improve himself by
observation and education.
Do not be offended if you are told by those who have had a larger and
longer experience in the fancy, and who are really experts, that you
have made a mistake in any purchase. If you resent their criticisms, you
may, and probably will, accumulate much rubbish as a monument of your
own conceit. A great deal may be learnt from books, but more from
observation. Above all, do not, when you have acquired some knowledge,
form too high an estimate of your own powers and of your own cats; a
true fancier is always ready—nay, anxious—to learn, well recognising
that ignorance alone claims to be omniscient.
LOCAL SHOWS.
As an example of the ever-increasing interest shown in cat sections at
local shows, the following account, kindly supplied to me by Mr. F. W.
Western, the secretary, will be of interest:—
[Illustration:
OFFICIALS OF THE N.C.C.C.
(_Photo: Mrs. G. H. Walker._)
]
“Sandy Show has long since outgrown in size and importance the title it
bears, viz. ‘The Exhibition of the Sandy and District Floral and
Horticultural Society.’ The first schedule, issued in 1869, catered for
plants, flowers, fruit, vegetables, poultry, and cage birds. In 1880
pigeons were introduced, and in 1883 rabbits were added. Later, in 1899,
dogs put in an appearance with four classes. It was not, however, until
1894 that our friend ‘pussy,’ in whom we are especially interested, made
her _debut_ at Sandy, and as we look at the schedule for that year we
are driven to the conclusion that none but a philosopher could have
drawn up such a classification for our pets. The trouble which we now
frequently experience at a cat show of being ‘wrong classed’ could not
well arise on that happy day in August 1894, when eight catteries were
represented in the one and only class, viz. ‘Any variety, any age, male
or female.’ But if our pets made a modest bow to the public in that
year, they have lived to be proud of their position. In the succeeding
year three classes were provided, bringing together 31 cats. From this
date the cat classes have shown substantial improvement. The year 1900
found Sandy with five classes and 41 entries. By this time the cat fancy
throughout the country had come into prominence; clubs had been
established, and specialist societies were springing into existence.
With a leap forward the cat section of the 1901 show numbered 20
classes. This was far too bold a bid for popularity to be lightly
esteemed. The support was obtained of the Cat Club, the Silver Society
(to-day the Silver and Smoke Persian Cat Society), the Short-haired Cat
Society, and the Siamese Club.
“Generous aid was given by many individual lovers of cats, and fifty
special prizes, in addition to the class prize money, were offered. The
show was attended with success, both as regards the number (about 150)
and the quality of the exhibits. From a public point of view, moreover,
the result was most gratifying.
“The cat tent was crowded throughout the day, and this section was
acknowledged on every hand to have been one of the best features of the
show.
“With such success attending their first earnest venture in cats, it is
not surprising to find that the committee resolved still further to
increase the classification. In August 1902, therefore, 32 classes were
arranged, of which 21 were guaranteed. Special prizes numbered 85, and
the cat section had the support of all the specialist societies.
“With such attractions the splendid entry of 1901 was eclipsed, and at
the very worst time of the year for cats as many as 266 entries were
made. Long-haired cats were decidedly well represented, and in the blue
kitten class 21 specimens were penned. In the short-haired classes some
noted winners appeared.
“Ring classes were provided, and proved a great attraction to the
public. The local classes were proof that Mrs. F. W. Western has
succeeded in interesting some of her friends in the hobby, and the
specimens to which the honours fell would have done well in the keenest
competition.”
Mention was made in the list of clubs on a previous page of the Northern
Counties Cat Club, which was founded in 1900. The committee decided on
holding a one-day kitten show in September of that year, and the judges
selected were Miss D. Champion, Miss Frances Simpson, Mr. T. B. Mason,
and Mr. L. P. Astley. Entries came up well, numbering 154, and this
novel undertaking was in every way a great success. The Northern
Counties Cat Club kitten show is now an annual fixture, and on October
1st of 1902 a really splendid exhibition of promising youngsters was
held at Bellevue, Manchester. Twenty-two classes were arranged, and over
fifty specials offered. Entries were twenty in excess of the previous
year, and would have been still higher in number had not sickness
prevented several well-known silver breeders from exhibiting. The litter
class numbered 17, and these, with the splendid blue classes, were the
chief glory of the show. There were 18 pairs of blue kittens and 40
entries in single blue kittens, and it was most noticeable how few of
these specimens failed in eyes. There were rows of gleaming orange orbs
that rejoiced the heart of the Hon. Sec. of the Blue Persian Cat
Society.
The kitten show of 1902 may fairly be classed as another success for the
Northern Club.
A similar show for cats and kittens is held annually in December in
Manchester by this enterprising club. I am indebted to Mrs. G. H. Walker
for the group of officials and members of the Northern Club. The photo
was taken by Mrs. Walker at the Manchester kitten show of 1902.
In connection with the dog show of the Ladies’ Kennel Association, an
exhibition of cats is now held annually at Harrogate under the rules and
patronage of the National Cat Club. The first venture in this popular
and fashionable water resort was made by Mrs. Stennard Robinson in 1901,
when entries came in splendidly; but rain descended most disastrously,
and seriously interfered with the success of the show and the attendance
of visitors. In 1902 the weather proved most favourable, but the cat
section suffered considerably as regards numbers of exhibits in
consequence of the date clashing with that of the Sandy Show, held also
on August 28th. On this occasion the Hon. Mrs. McLaren Morrison was
advertised as judge, but owing to ill-health her place was taken by Mrs.
Stennard Robinson, and Mr. J. B. Townend, of the National Cat Club,
undertook the management. The Midland Counties Cat Club held its first
show in Birmingham. The classification was on a liberal scale, and
several of the classes were guaranteed. Several of the specialist clubs
supported this first venture of the Midland Counties Cat Club. A new
departure in the matter of shows may shortly be attempted, and a scheme
has been submitted to the cat world by the Hon. Sec. of the Silver and
Smoke Persian Cat Society, that the specialist societies should combine
and hold a show in the West of England. Each society is to be asked to
bear a part in the expenses, and secretaries will probably hold a
meeting to consider the best ways and means of carrying out such an
undertaking. It is not intended that such a show should be in any
opposition to those held by the parent clubs, and registration in either
of these clubs will be enforced; but, to quote the words of a well-known
fancier and supporter of the specialist societies, “It is simply a way
of escape from the enforced division of interests, and a means for
permitting the cats of all club persuasions to meet on equal ground. As
matters now stand, open competition is a thing of the past, and the
sooner it becomes a possibility again the better for the cat fancy. On
this ground, therefore, we think all unbiased minds will accept with
pleasure the scheme submitted to the public by the secretary of the
S.S.P.C.S.”
[Illustration:
SANDY STEALING THE MILK.
THE PROPERTY OF MISS HARPER.
(_Photo: B. Tugwell, Haywards Heath._)
]
The Scottish Cat Club, which has Lady Marcus Beresford for its
President, holds its annual show during the winter months, and its
exhibition follows closely on that of the Midland Counties.
Under the list of winter shows mention may be made of the following,
where, in connection with other live stock, cats play a more or less
important part:—Peterborough, Sheffield, Hounslow, Kendal, Bedford,
Caterham, Hinckley, Hamilton, Doncaster, Yarmouth, Stratford-on-Avon,
Bristol, Haverfordwest, Stockton, Cheltenham, Taunton, Epsom, Hexham,
Larkhall, Stirling.
In this list I have made no mention of the great championship show of
the National Cat Club, held annually at the Crystal Palace in October,
to which the whole of cat creation looks forward with awe and longing.
This is one of the greatest events in the cat world, and is always
eagerly looked forward to by fanciers in all parts of the British Isles.
In the schedule for the exhibition in 1902 no fewer than 216 special
prizes were offered. Many of these were given by the following
specialist clubs, who generously supported this annual fixture:—The Blue
Persian Cat Society, the Silver and Smoke Persian Cat Society, the
Chinchilla Cat Club, the Orange, Cream and Tortoiseshell Society, the
Siamese Cat Club, the Manx Cat Club, and the British Cat Club.
The names of the judges acting on this occasion were as follow:—Mrs.
Greenwood, Miss Forestier-Walker, Miss G. Jay, Miss Cochran, Miss F.
Simpson, Mr. Louis Wain, Mr. Sam Woodiwiss, Mr. C. A. House, and Mr.
Jung.
In our latter-day shows the work of the judges is considerably augmented
by the numerous specials that have to be awarded amongst the winners in
the well-filled classes, and as regards the Crystal Palace show of 1902,
the patience and skill of the judges making these awards were taxed to
the uttermost.
[Illustration:
SILVER CATS BELONGING TO MRS. CLARK, OF ASHBRITTLE.
]
The Cat Club’s show has been held for three years in succession at St.
Stephen’s Hall, Westminster Aquarium, about the beginning of January,
and it is at this season that the really finest exhibition of Persian
cats is witnessed, for at no other time are long-haired cats in such
grand coat and good condition as in the middle of winter.
It is no wonder, therefore, with so many shows held throughout the
length and breadth of the land, that the cult of the cat is becoming
more and more widely known and appreciated, and that the fancy is really
assuming such proportions that there can be no doubt of its permanent
position amongst us.