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EDITORIAL Our Editor introduces you to Felis Historica
JOHN G. SMITHSON
EDITOR
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OUR COVER
Watercolour by Louis Wain from a series of images entitled ‘The Hunt’ circa 1910 Private Collection Photo: © John G Smithson
’FELIS HISTORICA’!
AND OUR GRAND BUMPER FIRST ISSUE
Finally! A magazine for the Cat Fancier who is also passionate about the species, their divergent breeds and varieties, their array of coat lengths, textures, colours and patterns, and a deeper interest in their developmental history, both long before and since the founding roots of the Cat Fancy!
The path to this, our first issue, has been a long but exciting journey, years in the making, and along the way we have delighted in meeting those among our number that share a common passion for the history associated with every aspect of our amazing hobby, in its spectacular divergency.
Cats have played a critically important part in our social history, our art history and literature, our understanding of domestic animal management and their genetics. In their relationship with mankind, they have literally touched the lives of millions, over almost countless centuries of our own social and cultural development.
This magazine celebrates almost every aspect of the history of cats, both well before and during the 150 years since the start of cat shows, and those that are contributing to it, either as columnists or correspondents, are all well versed in the lore of the cat, all as humans who have shared their lives with cats; many of them as breeders or judges, but also as writers, artists, historians, line-chasers, veterinarians, geneticists, scientists and technicians.
The calibre of their abilities and achievements can be read in their respective profiles which follow. Their willingness to contribute, participate, and support this venture, is of itself a testament to their dedication and love for the cat. The profiles of all our contributors, across all areas of expertise, provides you with a brief opportunity to learn a little of each of their individual paths through the cat fancying fraternity, leading to their roles in this first international magazine dedicated to the history of their beloved pets. It is for me, truly an honour to have this opportunity to work alongside such a world-class team!
Our cover art is an exceptional piece by that remarkable British caricaturist and famous cat fancier, Mr. Louis Wain. We felt that it admirably mirrored our mood and desire both to celebrate and to visually trumpet the introduction of our unique new feline history magazine! The team sincerely hopes that you will enjoy, each month, all that is contained in our columns and feature articles, and as time goes by, news from around the globe from our very impressive team of international correspondents!
Among our columnists we introduce Laura Dilley Thomas, author of ‘How to Have Purr-fect Faith –Even at a Cat Show’. Apart from her phenomenal show career early on in breeding Odd-Eyed and Blue-Eyed Bi-colours, Laura has experience as a product formulator of natural skin care products for both humans and pets, personally developing over 200 formulations sold
INTRODUCING MEMBERS OF OUR Feline Team OF CORRESPONDENTS
in the marketplace worldwide under multiple brand names. Each month, she will bring you a noteworthy featured vendor or product, beginning with an item or two from her own range. She will then formally introduce readers to other wonderful products being developed internationally, not only for grooming, but also for nutrition and general feline well-being.
Lorraine Shelton, a name familiar to many of you already, has provided us with the latest trends on the popularity of cat breeds, based on more recent registration data worldwide. It provides a compelling case for the changing times we live in and the ebbs and tides of breed popularity.
Dr. Leslie Lyons, whose presentations never fail to grab your attention, presents us with an intriguing article entitled ‘Everything you need to know about
genetics –you can learn from your cat!’
Lastly, the amazing talent represented by those in our list of International Correspondents, will, over time, bring you news from around the world, from the plethora of Associations and Regions which make up the Cat fancy of today. These are all people who are intensely passionate about cats, an eclectic mix of both long experience and emerging talent!
Connections are important in today’s world. My sincerest thanks to those invaluable friends who have given their unqualified support to this venture, as it is YOU that have helped turn a vision, into a reality.
We make no apology that you will find in our pages both alternately English and American spellings, for example such as the words ‘Colour’ and ‘Color’. They are presented honestly, in the common usage of the author. We do promise however to bring you interesting, rare images, and information about the animals you already enjoy so much –opening up to you, some of the long forgotten amazing facts, stories and mysteries from their not so distant past! We shall also bring to your attention, both tales and facts about cats from within distant living memory; to remind one and all, that today’s achievements, are part of tomorrow’s history!
Curator John G. Smithson
EDITOR
FELIS HISTORICA
