The Official Publication of the New Zealand Cat Fancy Inc.
BREED STANDARDS ADVISORY COUNCIL Season’s greetings to all
final standard, in NZCF format. Submissions from NZCF members must be made before the meeting. o Decisions about changes or new standards must be made at face-to-face meetings and made no later no later than the last meeting of the year prior to implementation. The BSAC PM or BSAC Chair may run consultations directly with breed sections where no breed represented has been appointed. The BSAC Chair is to now an annual appointment following receipt of expressions of interest invited from all NZCF members. The Bombay (formerly the Australian Bombay) Breed code is now BOM. o
It’s certainly been a busy year for the BSAC. Firstly, I’d like to thank all those who have been on the BSAC this past year. There have been new and returning members this past twelve months and what has been particularly notable is the immediate involvement in issues – with both reports on matters and contributing to discussions.
•
I also value the respectful debates that are had online and the ‘true democratic nature’ of decision outcomes. I feel this is why the BSAC have managed to get so much done this past year. Thank you to members and also to the non BSAC members who have assisted with their input and reports for the BSAC to consider. Since the last edition of Flash Cats the BSAC have completed webpage information on the newly recognised American Shorthair Breed and this will soon be available as reference material and a breeders’ directory page. Similarly, guidelines on FIP have been updated (special thanks to veterinarian Genevieve Rogerson for her expert input into these) and they will appear under a new Cat Health section introduced specially onto the NZCF website. These guidelines will be reviewed on an annual basis. At the most recent Executive Council meeting the following were approved.
• • • • •
•
The Templecat has been granted challenge status and will be seen on the show bench next year in the Longhair Division. The bi-colour Siamese Group standards have been amended to remove the upper limit of ½ white in the bicolour standard, to now be at least 1/3 white. Cinnamon (and associated Colours and patterns) have been accepted in the British Shorthair breed. A further description of sepia has been added to the Burmese Standard and the word ‘solid’ removed from the colour description for seal and blue Burmese. Health & Conformation Policies will be available on the NZCF website on the breeder directory page for each breed as each breed policy becomes available and also under the Cat Health section. The Norwegian Forest Cat, Health & Conformation policy was approved and mandatory testing comes into force from 1 June 2020. A clear process for changes to standards was approved and includes: o They are to be placed on the agenda for an EC meeting o The agenda must include the recommended
Flash Cats
• •
The BSAC welcome the appointment of Sharyn van Aalst to the BSAC. Be sure you and your beloved cats stay safe this Christmas. For us it’s the start of the approaching warmer weather. Something both to enjoy and be mindful of the extra needs around shelter, water and warm weather care and awareness. Merry Xmas to everyone, enjoy the festive season and I look forward to catching up with everyone throughout 2020. Lyall Payne BSAC Portfolio Manager
22
Issue 19/04
