FEATURES: SHORTHAIR – TACHIN LONGHAIR – BIRKDALE RUFFIE THE ART OF - DAVID TRANT OCTOBER 2020 Volume 1 No. 4
THE CAT FRIENDLY HOME THE KHAO MANEE and more!
INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE FOR CAT LOVERS - LINECHASERS - & FANCIERS OF FELINE HISTORY
“Today’s achievements are part of tomorrow’s history”
FELIS HISTORICA HARRISON WEIR COLLECTION © A-Cat-Emy Concepts
PUBLISHED BY A-CAT-EMY CONCEPTS for THE HARRISON WEIR COLLECTION EDITOR
John G. Smithson
OCTOBER 2020
VOLUME 1 NUMBER 4
editor@felishistorica.com HISTORY PARTNERS The CFA Foundation COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTORS
Karen Lawrence (St. Catharines, Canada)
Lorraine Shelton (California, USA)
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Dr. Leslie Lyons (Missouri, USA)
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Laura Dilley Thomas (Virginia, USA)
Laura Vocelle (Muscat, Oman)
Dr. Keith Hammett (QSM) (Auckland, NZ)
Valerie Sheldrake Feline Historian (Suffolk, UK)
Jamie Christian (Ohio, USA)
PHOTOGRAPHY & GRAPHICS
Helmi & Ken Flick (Florida, USA)
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Jack Terry (Florida, USA)
CONTENT All Rights Reserved © A-Cat-Emy Concepts SUBSCRIPTIONS Published Monthly Single Issue $4.00 USD ANNUALLY $48.00 USD
EDITORIAL The Editor outlines issues covered in Issue 4 of Felis Historica!
IN THIS ISSUE! CONTRIBUTING TEAM MEMBERS
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Contents
Gallery of our Team of Columnists, Contributors & Correspondents
MAKING YOUR HOME A CAT FRIENDLY HOME by Dr. Genevieve Rogerson
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THE ART OF DAVID TRANT – Feline Creations by the Canadian Wood Sculptor Our Editor interviews David Trant, - Canadian Pop Culture artist 20 THE CFA CENTENNIAL 100 CAT SCROLL - by Karen Lawrence and David Mare The unique donation of the Hong Kong Cat Lovers Club
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GENETICS YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR CAT! PART 4 - by Dr. Leslie Lyons
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FELIS HISTORICA
THE BOOK SHOPPE - by Ms Rosabella Purrnett
Book Reviews and Promotions on ‘Cat-Related’ Publications
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THE KHAO MANEE – ‘Breed Feature’ - by Lorraine Shelton & Janet Poulsen A history of the Khao Manee and its development today
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SHORTHAIR HISTORY FEATURE – “TACHIN” (Siamese) - by John Smithson
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LONGHAIR HISTORY FEATURE – “BIRKDALE RUFFIE” (Brown Tabby Persian) - by John Smithson
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THE ADVENTURES OF ‘LARRY’ THE LAPERM - by Dr. Keith Hammett (QSM)
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CELEBRATING MODERN CATS - OUR FEATURED HISTORICAL BREEDS Shorthair Breed Type – CFA GC, BW, NW THAIFONG RIO OF AYUTHAYA - (Siamese) Longhair Breed Type – CCA SMGC. WHITE SEAEXO ARAMIS OF LADILUCK CNW - (Exotic)
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LADY MARCUS BERESFORD - by John Smithson Breeder, Importer, Judge, & Founder of The Cat Club, (UK) and the inspiration behind the founding of the Beresford Cat Club (USA) 94
Editorial ’FELIS HISTORICA’ JOHN G. SMITHSON EDITOR
OUR COVER SIAMESE CAT CLUB AWARD MEDALS Hand-Painted Ceramic and Stirling Silver Medals on Stirling Silver Fob Chains. c.1926 Image: The Harrison Weir Collection
COPYRIGHT © A-CAT-EMY CONCEPTS / FELIS HISTORICA THE HARRISON WEIR COLLECTION No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of advertisements or information. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED www.felis-historica.com www.harrisonweir.com
This is our fourth edition, and as I write this, the devastating fires that began ravaging forests and grasslands in California and then vast numbers of urban settlements, have now engulfed large sections of Oregon and spread into Washington State and Idaho, so that is seems that the whole West Coast is now affected. They bring back unpleasant memories from the past about cat lovers who have been affected by fires, losing beloved pets and in some cases whole catteries. We truly cannot appreciate the full impact of this devastation on the lives of our American brothers and sisters, who have borne the brunt of fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and Covid-19 not separately but consecutively! Our prayers and support are with them, their families, and pets during these epic history-making times. We are fortunate this month to be able to share with our readers, a new article which contains very practical and sensible advice from Veterinarian Dr. Genevieve Rogerson, who is not only an exceptional vet working at the Cahill Animal Hospital in Palmerston North, New Zealand – but is also herself a ‘cat fancier’ and breeder of beautiful Burmese. She therefore has a clear understanding from a breeder’s perspective! Her considered and concise observations on how to make your home a ‘cat friendly’ environment, are therefore all based on genuine experience and a considerable knowledge of cat behaviour and psychology. Thankyou Genevieve! The article is also illustrated with numerous examples of how cat lovers have provided comfortable zones for their cats as well as some innovative cat gyms and options for feline activity even in relatively confined spaces! Our columnist Lorraine Shelton and contributor Janet Poulsen have on this occasion introduced us to the unique history of the Khao Manee, one of the original cats of Thai origin, and its place within the pantheon of Maew Boran breeds. In this issue we finally get to introduce another of listed columnists, Dr. Keith Hammett (QSM), a Plant Breeder extraordinaire, and a cat fancier in the truest sense of the word. His story about his cat ‘Larry’ the LaPerm is destined to amuse, while providing an insight into the life of one of the world’s leading authorities on Dahlia’s. The CFA Foundation’s regular segment is covered once more by Karen Lawrence and includes a reprint of an article by David Mare, about the 100 Cat CFA Centennial Scroll. This unique and masterful piece of oriental art was presented to CFA in 2006 by the Hong Kong Cat Lovers Society, to honour CFA’s centenary of service to the Fancy. The entire cat-filled landscape has been captured and reproduced here in sequence within that article.
October 2020 Dr. Leslie Lyons provides us with the fourth episode in her series on Feline Genetics, under the banner of ‘Everything you need to know about genetics you can learn from your cat!’ very appropriately engaging us in the link between phenotypical variation, genetics and the environment. This month’s history articles are features on two cats from the 1890’s, the first being the commandingly handsome seal-point Siamese named TACHIN, bred in Bangkok, and imported into England with the aid of Lord William Beresford. The second is the story of BIRKDALE RUFFIE, a Brown Tabby Persian, whose phenotype was well ahead of his peers in that specific colour. Our ‘Purrsonality’ feature this month is the late 19th century socialite, mover and shaker, Lady Marcus Beresford, breeder of Persians in a variety of colours, lover and importer of Siamese and Manx, founder of ‘The Cat Club’ in 1898 and the tour de force behind the highly popular Westminster Cat Shows. Our article touches upon her close friendship with Mrs. Adele Clinton Locke of Chicago, the links between these two leading breeders in their respective countries and the establishment of the Beresford Cat Club in the United States, in honour. In a lighter vein, we bring you the first examples of cat-themed woodbased sculpting by Canadian self-styled ‘pop-culture folk artist’ David Trant – whose fascinatingly wide range of work we will bring you more of, in later issues! A new regular item beginning this month - will be a cat-themed cartoon from the pen of talented Liverpudlian-born, Canadian-resident Graham Harrop; editorial cartoonist for the Vancouver Sun, and whose comic ‘BackBench’ appeared daily in The Globe and Mail for around 25 years. We know that you will enjoy his succinctly humorous work. Take care. Enjoy your read. A Happy Halloween! Until the next issue… John G. Smithson EDITOR – Felis Historica
VIEW THE ARTIFACT FILE AT http://www.cat-o-pedia.org/medal-ACA.html
OUR TEAM OF COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTORS
KAREN LAWRENCE
LORRAINE SHELTON
LESLIE A. LYONS Ph. D
ADVERTISING MANAGER advertising@felis-historica.com Director: CFA Foundation, Inc Manager: Feline Historical Museum Co-Editor: The History Project
AUTHOR/LECTURER ‘Robinson’s Genetics for Cat Breeders & Veterinarians’ Director: CFA Foundation, Inc www.wegies.net www.featherland.net
RESEARCHER/COLUMNIST FELINE GENETICS SPECIALIST Prof. of Comparative Medicine Dept. of Vet. Medicine & Surgery University of Missouri felinegenome@missouri.edu
JAMIE CHRISTIAN
LAURA D. THOMAS
LAURA A. VOCELLE
WRITER/COLUMNIST TICA INTERNATIONAL JUDGE OF THE YEAR 2016
COLUMNIST/AUTHOR Owner/Founder - Formulator at: CASTLEBATHS www.castlebaths.com Owner/Product Developer at: www.purrinlot.com
COLUMNIST/AUTHOR FELINE HISTORY & ART HISTORIAN Creator and Founder The Great Cat www.thegreatcat.org
DR. KEITH HAMMETT
HELMI & KEN FLICK
JACK TERRY
PLANT BREEDER President of the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture
HELMI FLICK CAT PHOTOGRAPHY www.helmiflick.com
‘THE RESTORIAN’ Photo & Graphics Specialist Photo Humourist
OUR TEAM OF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENTS
DARRELL NEWKIRK
PAM DELABAR
GAVIN CAO
(CFA, USA)
(CFA, EUROPE)
(CFA, CHINA)
NEVADA, UNITED STATES PRESIDENT CFA
TAMPERE, FINLAND CFA DIRECTOR REGION 9
CHENGDU, CHINA CFA CHINA BUSINESS ADVISOR
JOHN HANSSON
CHERYLE U’REN
ANNELIESE HACKMANN
(GCCF, UK)
(CCC of A, AUSTRALIA)
(WCF, EUROPE)
LONDON, ENGLAND CHAIRMAN GCCF
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA PRESIDENT CCC of A VICE-PRESIDENT WCC
ESSEN, GERMANY PRESIDENT WCF
.
JOHAN LAMPRECHT
BOB GLEASON
JANE WEBSTER
(SOUTH AFRICA)
(CCA, CANADA)
(NZCF, NEW ZEALAND)
DURBANVILLE, SOUTH AFRICA PRESIDENT, C.A.S.A. (WCF)
LONDON, CANADA CHAIR - CANADIAN CAT ASSOC. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
PALMERSTON NORTH, NZ NZCF HISTORIAN
OUR TEAM OF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENTS OUR TEAM OF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENTS
JUN KOHNO
RUSSELL LAW
CHATE RUENGRUGLIKIT
(CFA, JAPAN)
(CFA, HONG KONG)
(CFA, THAILAND)
TOKYO, JAPAN SEC: MICINA CAT FANCIERS
HONG KONG SEC: UNITED FELINE ODYSSEY
BANGKOK, THAILAND SEC: SIAM BLE-EYED CAT FANCIERS
CHAYAPON PUCHAROENYOS
ROBBIE WALKER
SANDRA ALSUMAIT
(WCF, ASIA)
(ACF, AUSTRALIA)
(CFA, KUWAIT)
BANGKOK, THAILAND CHAIR: WCF DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION
GOLD COAST, QLD, AUSTRALIA PRESIDENT, FCCQ. QLD
KUWAIT CITY, KUWAIT PRESIDENT, FCCQ. QLD
BAMBI J. EDWARDS
IZADDIN SYAH YUSOF
FARAH DIANA
(ANCATS, AUSTRALIA)
(CFA, MALAYSIA)
(CFA, INDONESIA)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA NAT.SEC: ANCATS AUSTRALIA
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA CFA INT.DIV. CLERK OF THE YEAR 2016
JAKARTA, INDONESIA RICIMACKA CATTERY
OUR TEAM OF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENTS
ELLEN CROCKETT
STEVEN MESERVE
LUIZ PAULO FACCIOLI
(TICA, UNITED STATES)
(TICA, EUROPE SOUTH)
(TICA, SOUTH AMERICA)
PORT TOWNSEND, WA, USA TICA DISTINGUISED JUDGE
VILA DE CUCUJAES, PORTUGAL TICA REGIONAL DIRECTOR
PORT ALEGRE, SOUTH BRAZIL TICA REGIONAL DIRECTOR
LIESBETH VAN MULLEM
EVA PORAT
DONATELLA MASTRANGELO
(TICA, EUROPE NORTH)
(FIFe, SWEDEN)
(FIFe, BELGIUM)
UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS TICA REGIONAL DIRECTOR
OREBRO, SWEDEN PRESIDENT SVERAK, (FIFe)
ROME, ITALY CHAIR: JUDGES & STANDARDS COMM.
STEVEN JONES
JINSON CHOI
LISBETH FALLING
(FIFe, NORWAY)
(CFA, SOUTH KOREA)
(NRR, NORWAY)
STAVANGER, NORWAY SEC: JUDGES & STANDARDS COMM.
PAJU-SI, SOUTH KOREA PRES. CAT FANCIERS OF KOREA
OSLO, NORWAY PHOTOGRAPHER/EDITOR - ARISTOKATT
A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME WITHOUT A CAT – OR TWO…
Interior climbing walls inside multi-storey homes can be a challenge. This one, is in the home of Desiree Bobby, CFA’s Director of Marketing, based in Port Sanilac, Michigan, and can be seen enjoyed by three of her cats. The fixtures are by Catastrophic Creations, in Michigan.
PRACTICAL ADVICE ON
BY
DR. GENEVIEVE ROGERSON BVSc. CAHILL ANIMAL HOSPITAL
In the wild, the number of cats living in any given area are dictated by the amount of resources in that area. This reduces proximity of groups of cats from each other. Contrary to common belief cats are not solitary animals. They usually live in small family groups. However, by nature, cats will avoid confrontation at all costs and aggression is a last-ditch behaviour. When cats are kept in a domestic situation and resources are made freely available to them, then the number of cats in an area increases. This forces the cats to come into greater contact with each other and increases stress. This can cause incidences of aggression and undesirable behaviours such as urine spraying. It is important to address the cat’s normal behaviour and provide an environment for your cats that allow for this. Resources that are important to cats are food, water, toileting areas and sleeping areas. It helps to think of each resource as a “station”. It is important to keep each station separate from the other. In multi cat households there should be multiple “stations” that allow the cats access without being visible from other “stations”. It is also important to allow your cat to display normal behaviours such as hunting, playing, and clawing. FOOD AND WATER Cats are solitary eaters. It may look like all of your cats get on well together at mealtimes. However, if the resource (food) is only being given at set times of the day, your cats may have no choice but to eat with each other. This may cause them to eat very quickly as they are anxious to leave the feeding station as soon as possible. I do query whether this could contribute to the vomiting immediately after eating that many owners complain about. Watch your cat’s body language as they eat. If they crouch down or flatten their ears at each other it may indicate they are anxious when being fed together. If this or other anxiety related problems such as urine spraying are seen, then it is important to provide separate feeding stations for each cat.
Toileting options come in all shapes and sizes. This automated litter module offers many features, including sensors which make it rotate and filter clumping waste within 3-14 minutes after use. No scooping, always fresh! Photos and feline models by Sharyn Van Aalst, Auckland, New Zealand.
Cats prefer their water station to be separate from their food station. If your cat has kidney problems or lower urinary tract disease, it is very important that they have a high fluid intake. Placing water close to food e.g. using double bowls may decrease the amount of water your cat drinks. Cats seem to like flowing water so commercially available cat water fountains can be a good idea to help increase water intake. TOILETING AREAS Litter trays should be placed in quiet, non-threatening areas. They should not be placed next to food or water stations or next to entry & exit points. Generally, it is recommended to have one more litter tray than the number of cats in the household. However, this does not mean lining them up, side-by-side! It is important that they are placed out of a cat’s line of sight from each other. Some entertaining examples given by Sarah Heath of poorly placed litter trays she has actually seen are: 5 litter trays in a row at the bottom of stairs – the poor cat sitting on the tray as its housemate is sitting above it watching it toilet; a litter tray on top of the washing machine – imagine the poor cat sitting in this as the machine began its spin cycle; litter trays beside the cat door – very threatening for the cat as other cats may come in while on the tray. Cats can have very strong litter substrate preferences. If you are having problems with your cat either urine spraying or toileting inappropriately in the house it is worth trying different types of litter. It is important to clean the tray out at least once daily of soiled material and a complete change should be done every 2-4 days (depending on the number of cats using the tray).
Left: Emma Kimberley’s Oriental sleeping on two blankets on a raised platform. Carolyn Littlejohns’ Ragdoll, with a bed in an elevated position atop a Cat Tree.
SLEEPING AREAS Cats need three-dimensional spaces. Providing a sleeping area in an elevated position gives the opportunity to rest and feel safe and secure. Placing blankets on top of wardrobes, cupboards, shelving or platforms on cat scratching posts can provide suitable places for sleeping areas. Remember that visual contact with cats outside the home can be stressful to your cat. Place sleeping areas away from windows and doors. If possible, remove any outside vantage perches where a cat can sit and stare into your home. Microchip cat doors are also beneficial for preventing outside cats entering your home. Cats love to hide in boxes. However, they can feel trapped if there is only one entry/exit point. In multi cat households using tunnels or boxes with 2 openings gives the cat a chance to escape if cornered by another cat. SCRATCHING Scratching and clawing is a normal behaviour for your cat. Clawing stretches the back muscles after waking, helps to mark the boundaries of their territory and removes the blunted outer claw sheaths. Some cats have a preference between horizontal and vertical surfaces to scratch on. If vertical posts are used, they should be big enough to allow your cat to stretch up to its full body length and stable enough not to topple over and potentially injure your cat. Scratching posts should be placed in areas that reflect their function – close to resting places, near to entry & exit points and near to furniture.
Left: A scatching post that offers both vertical and lateral scratching opportunities. Right: The ever-popular rotating exercise wheel, a great exercise option for cats who manage their own pace. Exrecise wheel and keen model in the home of Sharyn Van Aalst, Auckland, New Zealand.
PLAY Play is an important to your cat’s mental well-being. In the wild, hunting is a very timeconsuming occupation. Cats have approximately 100 to 150 hunting attacks per day. About 10% of these attacks are successful leading to relatively small meals. In the domestic situation we tend to provide an over-abundance of food resources. This takes away a large mental stimulus as well as providing easy calories that contribute towards obesity. Schedule regular play times with your cat. Cats are most active in the early morning and evening and before mealtimes. Cats often prefer toys that move and that are small and can be picked up. Bright, reflective, and glittery colours are best. The most effective noise for a toy to make is a high-pitched prey noise. Toys are often more effective if changed regularly and different textures are offered, particularly textures that allow tearing and clawing. Toys like laser pointers can induce frustration in cats, as they feel that they can never grab on to the toy. If laser pointers are used make sure that they periodically land on a toy and allow the cat to grab hold of something. The normal pattern of cat to cat interaction is one of very frequent but low-key communication. In contrast humans tend to give low frequency but high intensity interaction. We are often at work all day and then expect our cats to be interacting with us whenever we are at home. A study done indicated the ideal length of playtime for a cat was the length of television ad breaks! The suggestion was to schedule play interactions in the ad breaks & then leave your cat alone during the program
Photos and happy cats by Emma Kimberley (Palmerston North, New Zealand)
Making your cat work for its food helps to provide mental stimulation and also helps to reduce over-eating. This can be done by hiding small amounts of biscuits in different places through the house, so that your cat has to search them out in different places each day. Treat toys can be purchased from pet shops or you can make your own by placing holes in a small coke bottle. Biscuits are then put inside and your cat has to bat the toy around to get the biscuits to roll out. Another great idea is to wrap biscuits up in greaseproof paper parcels. Your cat then has to rip and tear through the paper to get to the food, which also provides some hunting like activity. Remember to use a small length of natural string to tie the parcels up so there is no chance of a gastro-intestinal foreign body. Taking the time to assess and improve the environment of your cat will improve their mental wellbeing, reduce the possibility of undesirable behaviours, while increasing your own enjoyment of your pet. Dr. Genevieve Rogerson Acknowledgement: This article has been based on a lecture that I attended by Dr Sarah Heath BVSc, European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine, England, given at the World Small Animal Veterinary Assoc conference in Auckland March 2013 (Ed: Our sincere thanks to Dr. Genevieve Rogerson for her excellent practical advice on how to keep our cats mentally and physically fit at home, with the ability to enjoy a relatively stress-free environment!)
A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME WITHOUT A CAT – OR TWO…
Clockwise from top left: Ragdoll Cat Tree (from Carolyn Littlejohns) in Wales; A bevy of Couch Potato Cats (from Chayapon Phucharoenyos) in Bangkok, Siam; Norwegians, on an architectural stairwell and shelving unit (from Russell Law in Hong Kong); and Sphynx kids at home (from Sharyn Van Aalst) in Auckland, New Zealand.
APARTMENT PATIOS CAN OFFER CATS REST & EXERCISE TOO…
Just four samples of apartment patio cat gym designs made exclusively by Johan Morales, of ‘ARTE FELINO GYM’ in Medellin, Colombia. The company is dedicated to creating comfortable, healthy, and aesthetic spaces, by optimizing the space within homes. Many other indoor and outdoor designs and specialised feline furniture may be viewed on facebook @artefelinogym
David Trant, seen here in his workshop with an unfinished wood-carving piece featuring a wood-sculpture Pop-Culture icon of a Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey player. Inset: The finished piece.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CANADIAN-BASED
Our Editor interviews the Artist. Photos all © David Trant It is always a satisfying feeling when you stumble across an artist or craftsman whom you previously knew nothing about, only to be more than pleasantly surprised by what you find! In the case of David Trant, we find not only a talented artist and wood sculptor, but a curiously modest man, with a highly tuned sense of humour and wit, which finds perfect expression in his unique creations. Make no mistake, although he refers to himself modestly as ‘an obscure Canadian pop-culture artist’, an examination of his work suggests that he is an accomplished painter, illustrator, and wood sculptor of unique ability. I first found his work on Facebook, and by browsing through his gallery of photos, soon began to find multiple points of interest and much to admire. His ability to visualise a finished piece in wood, and then to craft it by employing time-honoured techniques and skill, was fascinating of itself and grabbed my attention. Then I was attracted by the gentle humour in some of the pieces, and then I discovered his folk-art creations based on ‘cat’ themes and was hooked yet again. Needless to say - I spent considerable time further examining his extensive range of work! This ultimately led me to a conclusion that this was a man whose talent, technical expertise, creativity, and light-hearted humorous approach to his work, needed and deserved to be commended to a wider audience. Knowing full well that his cat humour pieces would also appeal to our ‘cat-mad’ band of readers, I set about contacting him to arrange for an interview, and permission to create an article and feature some of his work. And this is the result of that enquiry: Question:
Did you train formally as an artist?
Answer:
Art-wise. I studied painting and drawing at York University, and then at OCAD, which is one of Canada’s top arts schools, graduating from there in 1991. I worked doing ceramic sculpture while at OCAD, and after graduating, began teaching myself to carve wood, using some of the ceramic techniques. I call it “The Mr. Potato-Head school of woodcarving”. Basically, I make a basic shape, fabricate parts, and stick them on the basic shape.
Question:
What led you from paintings to wood sculpting?
Answer:
I worked doing paintings, shows and some freelance work early on. Prior to that, I worked in the motorcycle industry, before Crohn’s disease took me out of the regular workforce, and I had to focus on making money as an artist full-time. In the mid 90’s I started to experiment with woodcarving, using some of the tools I had for working on motorcycles, (rotary tools mainly), and managed to get that
Just a sampling of the fine art paintings of David Trant, indicating his mastery of a multiplicity of styles and techniques.
From carved wooden fish, to painted masterpiece at left, and David holding what initially appears to be a real fish on his deck. Such fine pieces find favour with local fisherman. The first image seriously belies the very many wood-working stages of creativity the piece went through before getting to the pre-painting stage!
work into some of the galleries and shows that featured my paintings. By the late 90’s I was making more as a sculptor than as a painter. Question:
I see many fine fishing pieces. What was the inspiration behind those?
Answer:
Style wise, there is a long tradition on the east coast of Canada, of whimsical folk art. My family are from there, and were fishermen, so I drew on some of that inspiration to produce what I called pop culture folk art. After a number of years, I found that I could make fully realistic sculptures, and especially fish.
Question:
How would you personally define your style? And what is your preferred modus operandi?
Answer:
I still make some totally realistic work, but prefer to stylize what I do, and create what I call stylized realism, which is essentially something that appears real at first glance, but is more about how you feel the subject should look (or a more cartoon version, done in a realistic way) than about being identical to reality. Folk-art is more about the essence of a subject than it is about realism, and I try and capture that. Often a carving is most expressive, just before you start to smooth out the flaws and create a realistic image.
Question:
Now to the question our readers will be interested in. What is your relationship to cats and the cat themed works you have created? Is there a history?
Answer:
Cat-wise. I had many cats as a child. Unfortunately, we lived part of the year on a boat, and at some point, the cats would get off the boat at a port, and not return,
Above: Wood sculpture of a cat in the style of Ghengis Khan riding a horse. Below: Cats as Batman and Superman, and three cat ‘purrsonalities’ in a box!
either through taking a few days to explore, or some sort of misadventure in a new land. We ended up getting a dog after that. My wife and I got a rescued tuxedo cat (Mooshie) as our first pet, and had her for many years. She was the subject of a number of paintings, and is the main inspiration for many of my tuxedo cats, although she was nothing like the perpetually annoyed or disinterested cats that I make! Question:
Were there any other cat models that gave you any inspiration?
Answer:
Currently, we have a dog, but we do have a tenant of the past decade (a friend whose husband passed away, so she’s like family) and she had three cats, (Gonzo, Mojo, and Ju-Ju) all black, and all different in temperament, despite being siblings. Currently, she has one 17-year-old cat (Gonzo) remaining of the three. These cats were definitely models for my carvings. There was also a big, fat “owns the world” cat (Patches) when we moved into our house, that used to live here, before being adopted by the people across the street. He was also a constant presence around here, having an office behind one of our decorative shrubs. He also had a posse of hanger-on cats, which followed him around.
A selection of the novel folk-art cats designed to be humorous, not prone to breakage and reasonably priced
An array of David Trant wood-based Cat-themed Folk-Art
Two versions of a Cat and Mouse story, in sculpted and painted wood, based on a Star Wars theme.
Question:
Were there any practicality issues you needed to take into consideration while in the process of planning your creations?
Answer:
The cats came out of a series of sculptures I did 15 years ago. I found that much of my work was too fragile for houses with kids, and not easy to transport. I wanted something that was simple, expressive, fun, and that you could toss in a pocket, or backpack, and get it home in one piece. Travelling with my wife, I soon realized how much a priority this was, as we’d see artwork we loved, but had no way to get it back to the hotel, let alone home safe on an airplane. This is why for instance, that over time, my cats stopped having external whiskers and tails.
Question:
Is pricing a consideration?
Answer:
Years ago, my work was in the 10 to 250 dollar range. But nowadays, the middle class has no money (a detached house in Toronto is over 800k!) so now my work is concentrated in the small stuff for tourists (pre Covid!) and gifts….and bigger, fancier stuff at high end galleries. My work is generally $15-55 in the one end, and between $500-2000 on the other! The middle ground is very sparse. I do two types of work. The cats and the robots and small carved paintings, which have the lines and shapes burned/cut into them (with at times) some light relief carving, and the large, fancy, fully 3D stuff. Cats usually take me about 25 minutes, robots around 35, for the basic cats/robots, and the fancy stuff can take days to weeks.
Dave admits that he doesn’t get onto the computer to attend to email as much as he probably should, but I found his responses not unduly delayed. He tells me that his wife is also working from home for an Engineering firm, which is headquartered in Australia, and she reports to both North America and Australia, so working from home works better for calls to down under, with the 14 hour time difference! What was perfectly clear to me, is that David (Dave) Trant is a gifted artist whose tendency to humility belies his true ability. The scope of his work was tremendously wide, and I could see many applications for it across a plethora of design disciplines. Thank you Dave for sharing your valuable time with us! For our readers, watch out for our December issue!, which will feature some of Dave’s amazing original Christmas themed art!
The CFA Centennial 100 Cat Scroll and Foreword Text on Exhibition in Hong Kong
The CFA Centennial 100 Cat Scroll The story behind the Centennial Scroll presented to When the CFA Foundation began in 1990, I doubt expectations were that the book Catover Fanciers’ Association collection would one dayThe number 8,500 volumes. But, today, the library consists of that impressive number books Cat -- all Lovers’ related to Society, the topic of by the HongofKong incats. 2006. Introduction and updated history
Now held in the Feline Historical Museum, in Alliance, Ohio by the CFA Foundation.
BY
What a way to celebrate a Centennial!
KAREN LAWRENCE
Imagine the detailed work and expertise it would take to paint, in watercolor no less - and on fragile silk no less - 100 black and white cats, each different, frolicking in the grass with lotus flowers in the background. Now imagine that the work is a whopping 27 feet long!. This artistry, which is an almost perfect recreation of an early Ming Dynasty scroll was beautifully crafted by the famous Chinese painter, Mr. Li Yuekai. The famous Chinese calligrapher, Mr. Zhao Pengnian, wrote the message. Translated into English, this message reads: The cat is a spiritual animal with very quick movements. Because of its lovely appearance and posture it has been good friends of mankind. Our great leader Deng Xioping said “No matter black cat or white, those who catch mice are good cats”. There is a Chinese saying that the cat has nine lives which represents good fortune and longevity. The scroll was presented to CFA on the occasion of their Centennial in 2006. The following, written by David Mare who attended the scroll’s unveiling and presentation in Hong Kong in 2006, tells the story of the scroll and the history behind the artwork involved to create the piece. g Kong Cat Lovers’ Society would present a hand-painted scroll to us which they had
100 Cat Scroll In 2006, about two weeks before we were to leave for a show in Hong Kong, the judges received an email indicating that the Hong Kong Cat Lovers’ Society would present a hand-painted scroll to us which they had commissioned to be painted in honor of the 100-Year Anniversary of CFA. BY
DAVID MARE reprinted with permission from The CFA Yearbook 2007
It seemed like a wonderful gesture to all of us and we wrote individual letters expressing CFA’s genuine gratitude and appreciation. Two days later some digital photos arrived, and we had our first look at this magnificent work of art, which was no less than 27 feet long and approximately 30 inches tall. To understand fully the importance of this work, a small primer in Chinese “periods” must be understood. Having been a collector of important Chinese antiquities and later a dealer, I realized as I looked at these photos that this gift to CFA was something of great significance. The concept of court artisans began in the Shang Dynasty (1700-1027 B.C.). The early Shang emperors gathered tens of thousands of artists and charged them with the responsibility of making bronze vessels and decorative works, which despite the primitive nature of their tools and kilns, are unrivaled today in their execution. Though some were functional, the vast majority were intended to be burial pieces for use by high ranking officials. Only the finest examples of the works would be buried with the Emperor himself to be used in the next life. Each succeeding dynasty continued this process, but interestingly halted any design similarity to any preceding dynasty so that each Emperor could point with pride to his own artistic genius. Failure for an artist to observe these rules was cause for execution. The penalty continued up to the early 18th Century when the Chang Emperors (1644-1911 A.D.) relaxed some of these rules and permitted revival pieces to be made to honor past emperors. In truth, however, while the porcelains from this period remain some of the most important (particularly the K’Ang Hsi and Chi’n Lung Dynasties), most of the paintings, including revival pieces, failed to capture the movement and beauty of earlier pieces, making them easy to differentiate from the actual period pieces. Later examples of this concept were demonstrated in Europe, particularly England and France, whereby ruling monarchs mandated the shape, proportion, and design of furniture to be identified with their rule - hence the term Queen Anne chairs or Louis XV bureaus. While highly egotistical on the parts of either the Chinese emperors or the European monarchs, it did measurably assist antiquarians, such as myself, to correctly identify an item and correctly date it. One of the earliest Ming emperors, Hongwu - 1368 A.D., who had led and won the war overturning the Yuan Dynasty, showed an incredible gift and knowledge of art. Perhaps it was his peasant background but his taste for art was gentle, almost whimsical, and it was reflected in the early Ming period until the middle of the Dynasty, which lasted about 275 years. Today, museums and collections seek the gentle paintings of the early Ming period, and it's always exciting to secure one when it becomes available.
San Mateo 2006 - Phoebe Low left, Rarteo Lo center, and Dee Dee Cantley at right Photo reprinted from the CFA Almanac, with permission.
As the digital photograph of the Chinese scroll began to appear on my screen, my heart began to race. Since I could not observe the entire 27’ painting at one time, I had to see it in segments and imagine it in its entirety. As each segment passed before my eyes. I became more convinced that I was looking at an almost perfect recreation of an early Ming scroll. My trip to Hong Kong was now taking on considerable new meaning. The morning of the first day of the show was beautiful, despite oppressive heat and humidity, which is typical in Hong Kong in August. We six judges - Carla Bizzell, Donna Fuller, Darrell Newkirk, Jan Stevens, Aki Tamura, and myself - boarded the Star Ferry from our hotel on the Kowloon side and headed for the show hall in Hong Kong. We were escorted in typical Asian fashion to a waiting room where we were given our judges’ books and refreshments until they were ready to announce us. We were told that as part of the opening ceremonies, Darrell and I would assist in opening the scroll. The moment finally arrived, and we were introduced and escorted to the scroll display. There it stood, little more than a vertical tube. As it stood there completely wrapped, it might have been nothing more than Christmas wrapping. Television cameras were rolling, television and newspaper reporters were on hand and what seemed to be thousands of exhibitors and spectators all waited anxiously to see us unroll it. Darrell gave a wonderful extemporaneous speech thanking the Chinese people in general and the Hong Kong Cat Lovers’ Society in particular for this gift, which would be housed and maintained by the CFA Foundation and museum. As then-president of the CFA Foundation, I expressed additional thanks and told them we were humbled by their generous gift, which we would treasure.
A full-size reproduction of the Centennial 100 Cat Scroll on display on the Mezzanine floor of The CFA Foundation’s Feline Historical Museum Photo: Karen Lawrence
And then it happened. With the assistance of several of their club members, we began to unroll the scroll from right to left. As I watched, the animated cats were almost dancing and playing amid the forsythia, lotus and plum blossoms in classical Ming fashion. This was certainly no Christmas wrapping! My eyes didn’t know where to land first. It was beyond my wildest hopes or expectations. The use of form was correct. The placement of the subjects was correct, so as to move the eye gently but steadily back and forth and not linger too long in any one place. The colors were broken by the floral blossoms which continued to move the eye. It was a masterpiece. It was painted by a skilled artist who understood not only the techniques necessary to paint with one of the most difficult mediums (watercolor) - unforgiving in the extreme (a single missed stroke can render the painting unsuitable), but to also paint it on to silk, not canvas, which can take a drop of watercolor and literally place it where it wants to place it and not necessarily where the artist intends it to be placed. And despite these obstacles the artist maintained the integrity of the Ming style to a fault. The artist had done what might have caused his own demise just a few hundred years earlier - and with skill rarely seen in revival pieces. CFA will cherish the gift from the Hong Kong Cat Lovers’ Society both for what it is and for the motivation that prompted them to give it to us. We will make every effort to make it available for you to see at certain major venues around the country. The logistics of displaying it and shipping it are still being sorted out, and it will become a permanent part of the Feline Historical Museum acquisitions under the umbrella of The CFA Foundation.
Both the original Centennial 100 Cat Scroll (in cabinet) and reproduction (wall mounted), on display in Hong Kong in 2016.
The Scroll Story continues… And, since then … Once the scroll was shipped to the United States in late 2006, it made its US debut at the 2006 CFA International Cat Show in San Mateo, CA. Phoebe Low and Rarteo Lo, members of the Hong Kong Cat Lovers’ Society, the club that commissioned and presented the scroll to CFA, were on hand to participate in the unveiling ceremony. The Cat Fanciers’ Almanac reported on the unveiling:
BY
KAREN LAWRENCE
“Shortly after the show was underway, the magnificent scroll donated by the Hong Kong Cat Lovers’ Society was unveiled. The scroll had been commissioned as a gift to CFA from the Hong Kong club, and Phoebe Low and Rarteo Lo were on hand to participate in the ceremony. The scroll is a beautiful depiction of 100 cats, celebrating CFA’s 100 years as the foremost registry of pedigreed cats. Script in Chinese calligraphy is written on the scroll, wishing CFA success in their second hundred years. Dee Dee Cantley read the translation of the inscription and the scroll was unveiled to great applause. “Along with the scroll, there was a display celebrating artifacts from the past 100 years of CFA history. This display remained very popular over the course of the weekend; many spectators and exhibitors strolled through to admire the scroll and the collection.“ After the successful display at the San Mateo show, the scroll was sent to Art Graafmans for photographing and printing full size on canvas. Because of the 27 foot length of the scroll, and the delicate silk it was painted on, we knew we would not be able to display the original scroll in the Feline Historical Museum. The alternative was to create a full-sized copy. So, we used Art’s expert photographs to print the scroll on canvas, in four sections, which would ideally fit on the wall of the museum’s mezzanine level. Placement of the scroll on the mezzanine level means that it is one of the first things that catches your eye when you enter the museum. Over the years, the scroll has attracted much attention, and many people spend time studying the artwork in detail.
Panels 1 and 3 of the continuous depiction of the 100 Cats on the Centennial Scroll, by Chinese craftsman Mr. Li Yuekai
The Scroll travels back to Hong Kong……. and back! In late fall of 2015, we were approached by Phoebe Low of the Hong Kong Black Cat Society, asking if it would be possible to “borrow” the original scroll for exhibition at their cat show and pet fair in Hong Kong. To be honest, I gulped. The scroll hadn’t been unrolled in almost 10 years, and I had concerns, including the possibility of loss in shipment. They promised to take exceptional care of it, have it professionally displayed and photographed, and returned to us in the same condition as it was sent. As it was a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the donation, with some trepidation, we agreed to loan the scroll to the club for display. The fact that two of our Foundation Board members, Karen Lawrence and Pam DelaBar, would be judging at the show helped ease our concerns as they could keep a watchful eye to ensure the scroll was safely displayed.
Panels 2 and 4 of the continuous depiction of the 100 Cats on the Centennial Scroll, by Chinese craftsman Mr. Li Yuekai
Our concerns were unfounded, and we were delighted with the care that was taken of the scroll. We were thrilled that the club again had the scroll photographed and reprinted at full size for display on the wall at the pet fair, and that they arranged display cases that would allow the full length display of the original watercolor on silk scroll as well. It was the first time I’d seen the actual original scroll, and it was absolutely breathtaking. As David Mare has said in the past, the piece is so rare that it probably could be exhibited at either the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, or the Metropolitan Museum in New York. For now, though, it remains safely rolled up and stored in its tube in the collection of The CFA Foundation in Alliance, Ohio.
Felis Historica would like to thank the CFA Foundation’s Feline Historical Museum in Alliance, Ohio, for the use of these photographic images of the original scroll, which have been placed in sequence across these two pages to give a continuous view of Mr. Yuekai’s spectacular masterpiece.
Everything you need to know about Genetics… You can learn from your Cat! BY
DR. LESLIE LYONS Ph.D
PART FOUR
THE SIAMESE PHENOTYPIC VARIATION = GENETICS + ENVIRONMENT
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri
A basic concept of genetics is - the interaction between genes and the environment (GxE) produces the variation seen in the phenotype of an individual. Although someone may have “good genes”, we do have to remember “you are what you eat”. Siamese, Burmese and Tonkinese cats are a perfect example of the interaction between a gene and its environment. The Color locus (C) in mammals encodes for the gene called tyrosinase (TYR).1 Cats have TYR DNA variants causing the temperature‐sensitive colorations of the sable Burmese (cbcb) and the “points” of the Siamese (cscs)2,3 (OMIA 000202‐9685) and recently, the mocha colored Burmese (cmcm).4 These breeds originated in Thailand and are known as the Suphalak (Burmese), Wichien‐maat (Siamese) and Wila Krung Thep is suggested for the name of the Si Mai Thong (mocha) colored cats. 5 Two complete albino variants (c, c2) are also known in TYR for cats (OMIA 000202‐ 9685).6,7 For the well‐known Siamese ‘pointed’ phenotype is cscs; the fur is pigmented only at the extremities (tail, paws and a 'mask' on the face), the torso coloration is very light to white, and the lack of pigmentation produces blue eye color.8-11 Burmese is an allelic variant (cb) that is less temperature-sensitive, producing more pigment throughout the torso.12 The sable Burmese (cbcb) also has “points”, which are less noticeable because of the overall greater color production on the body. The Tonkinese (cbcs), is termed a compound heterozygote, having once copy of the Siamese allele and one copy of the Burmese allele and has an intermediate color gradient phenotype to Burmese and Siamese.12 Several cat breeds are fixed for the thermolabile albinism alleles, including Burmese and Singapura for the cb allele, and Siamese, Birman,
EDITOR: This is the Fourth in a series of articles based on feline genetics by Dr Leslie Lyons that will be published in FELIS HISTORICA in the ensuing months
Two early examples of Himalayan pattern Rabbits, dating from 1903. Above: HIMALAYAN, Challenge Cup, Crystal Palace. Owner, F Avard. Below: SIBERIAN RABBIT. ‘Rabbits, Cats & Cavies’ (1903) by Charles H. Lane. Illustrations by Rosa Bebb.
Colorpoints, and Himalayan (pointed Persians) for the cs allele. Over 13 cat breeds have desired segregation for the cs and/or cb alleles.13,14 Animals with this thermolabile type of “albinism” are called acromelanistic – Greek (akro – meaning top or point). The Himalayan rabbit phenotype was first published in 1857 in Europe, also known as the Black Nosed Rabbit from China15 and was also described by Charles Darwin and others16,17. The inheritance of the pattern was determined as recessive by several early geneticists studying cats8-12, Himalayan rabbits18-20 and guinea pigs.17,21,22 Likely, the Himalayan cat breed (pointed Persians) borrowed the name from the Himalayan rabbits. The DNA variants causing similar temperature‐sensitive acromelanism phenotypes have been identified in the Himalayan mouse23, rabbit24, gerbil25, mink26, and human.27 The Siamese ‘pointed’ phenotype was demonstrated to be associated with (linked) to hemoglobin (HBB) protein variants in the cat.28 TYR is on the same chromosome in cats as HBB, thus, TYR was suggested as the gene causing the Siamese phenotype. After this discovery, all other animals with the same “points” or “Himalayan” phenotype investigated the TYR gene and found the causal DNA variant!
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GENETICS – YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR CAT!
Photos: www.gograph.com
The trait locus was originally designated the Color locus (C). The C allele is completely dominant with normal color presentation. Breeding data from cats suggested an allelic series with at least three alleles, C > cb > cs.29 The DNA variant associated with the Siamese phenotype is an exon 2 guanine to adenine nucleotide transition changing the glycine to an arginine amino acid (G302R) in the protein. 2,3 The DNA variant associated with the Burmese phenotype (c.679G>T; p.Gly227Trp) is an exon 1 guanine to thymidine nucleotide transversion changing the glycine to a tryptophan amino acid. The mocha variant appears to interact with the temperature‐sensitive alleles but also produces a more even, lighter coloration and is less thermally labile when homozygous. This variant introduces two novel amino acids and deletes 39 amino acids of exon 2, which causes a 37‐amino‐acid deletion (c.820_936delinsAATCTC (p.Ile274_Leu312delinsAsnLeu). The current allelic series is consider C (full color) > cb (Burmese) = cs (Siamese) > c, c2 (albinos), but, not all allelic combinations have been produced, thus, the complete interactions and the amount of dominance is not entirely understood.4 TYR is an enzyme, implying it causes (catalyzes) a chemical reaction. TYR uses a non-essential amino acid called tyrosine, which itself is made from the essential amino acid phenyalanine, which is commonly found in many highprotein food products, such as, chicken, turkey, fish, and milk. TYR is a copper-containing enzyme present in plant and animal tissues that catalyzes the production of melanin and other pigments from tyrosine by oxidation. This enzyme is found inside a small organelle called a melanosome, which are synthesized in the skin cells that make pigment melanocytes.1 Melanocytes are also found in the iris and the tapetum of the eye, thus, the color variation affects these cells – a plieotrophic effect.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GENETICS – YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR CAT!
EDITOR: This is the Fourth in a series of articles based on feline genetics by Dr Leslie Lyons that will be published in FELIS HISTORICA in the
Siamese cats have blue eyes and red eye-shine, Burmese and Tonkinese are more intermediate to full eye color and full eye shine. The optic nerves are also affected, the variants interfering with the normal development of the optic chiasma, which can lead to cross-eyes (strabismus) and shaking eyes (nystagmus).30,31 Studies in Himalayan mice demonstrated the environmental effects of the TYR DNA variants.32 Pigment synthesis only occurs in actively growing hair. Housing adult and juvenile mice at 15°C (59°F) produced pigment in growing hair follicles whereas mice housed at 30°C (86°F) were absence of pigment granules in the growing hair follicles. An early study on Siamese also demonstrated cats that were raised outside at 3°C (37°F) – 13°C (55°F) and never above 16°C (61°F) had very dark coats.33 All pointed / Himalayan animals are born all white at birth. In cats, the kittens are developing at the mother’s body temperature, which is ~38°C (101°F), no pigment is produced in the fur and kittens are born all white. However, as kittens mature and they molt and regrow their fur, they begin to develop their point coloration. As cats age, circulation gets poorer, skin gets thinner, more coloration develops beyond the points. Areas of the fur that have been shaved or damaged will often grow in a different color and remain until a full mottling of the fur. The Siamese cat is another example of how the domestic cat helped to develop and understand the basic concepts of genetics. The cat’s variants in tyrosinase explain, co-dominance, recessive, plieotrophic effects, environmental effects and variable expression. They also demonstrate how a simple coat color can be important to understanding the biology of all mammals and the diverse roles of pigment genes of other physiology of the organism.
ensuing months
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GENETICS – YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR CAT! References 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Ohbayashi N, Fukuda M. (2020) F1000Res. 9:F1000 Faculty Rev-608. Lyons LA, et al. (2005) Animal Genetics 36:119– 26. Schmidt‐Küntzel A, et al. (2005) Journal of Heredity 96:289– 301. Yu Y, Grahn RA, Lyons LA. (2019) Animal Genetics 50(2):182-186. Clutterbuck MR. (2004) Siamese Cats: Legends and Reality, White Lotus, Bangkok, Thailand. 6. Imes DL, et al. (2006) Animal Genetics 37:175–8. 7. Abitbol M, et al. (2017) Animal Genetics 48:127–8. 8. Whiting PW. (1918) Journal Experimental Zoology 25:539. 9. Castle WE. (1919). American Naturalist 53:265–268. 10. Tjebbes K. (1924) Journal of Genetics 14:355-366. 11. Bamber RC. (1927) Bibliographie Genetica 3:1-83. 12. Thompson JC, et al. (1943) Journal of Heredity 34(4):119-123. 13. Cat Fanciers’ Association (1993a) In: The Cat Fanciers’ Association Cat Encyclopedia (Ed. Cat Fanciers’ Association), pp. 128– 36. Simon & Schuster, New York. 14. Cat Fanciers’ Association (1993b) In: The Cat Fanciers’ Association Cat Encyclopedia (Ed. Cat Fanciers’ Association), pp. 155– 94. Simon & Schuster, New York. 15. https://www.himalayanrabbit.com/copy-of-archived-breed-history 16. Darwin C. (1868) The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication (1st ed.) London: John Murray 17. Lane CH. (1903) In: Rabbits, Cats and Cavies. p.77 J.M. Dent & Co., London. 18. Castle WE, Allen GM. 1903. Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences 38(21):603. 19. Castle WE. (1907) Science, 26(661):287-291. 20. Punnett RC. (1912) Journal of Genetics 2:2. 21. Castle WE. (1905) Carnegie Institution of Washington No. 23. 22. Wright, S. (1915). American Naturalist 49:140–148. 23. Kwon BS, Halaban R, Chintamaneni C. (1989) Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 161:252– 60. 24. Aigner B, et al. (2000) Mammalian Genome 11:700–2. 25. Petrij F, et al. (2001) Journal of Heredity 92:74–8. 26. Benkel BF, et al. (2009) Mammalian Genome 20:256– 9. 27. Giebel LB, et al. (1991) Journal of Clinical Investigation 87:1119–22. 28. O'Brien SJ, et al. (1986) Journal of Heredity 77(6):374-8. 29. Robinson R. Genetics for Cat Breeders. International Series of Monographs in Puer and Applied Biology Zoology Division, Vol 45: Pergamon Press, London, UK. 1971, 1977, 1991. 30. Hubel DH, Wiesel TN. (1971) Journal of Physiology 218(1):33-62. 31. Kalil RE, Jhaveri SR, Richards W. (1971) Science 174(4006):302-5. 32. Kidson S, Fabian B. (1979) Journal of Experimental Zoology 210(1):14552. 33. Iljin NA, Iljin VN. (1930) Journal of Heredity 21(7):309-318.
A SAMPLING OF BREEDS THAT ARE THE INHERITORS OF THE HIMALAYAN POINTED COAT PATTERN
Left: Seal-Point Siamese, bred by Jenny Thomsen. Right: Blue-Point Bi-Colour Ragdoll, bred by Carolyn Littlejohns
Left: Blue-Point Exotic Shorthair, bred by Alex Luk Chun Lap. Right: Seal-Point Templecat, bred by Cheryl Davies-Crook All photos courtesy of the breeders/copyright holders.
IN OUR LIBRARY – (Books featured in previous issues)
ATTENTION CAT LOVERS & BIBLIOPHILES! We would be delighted to receive your suggestions about any cat-related books that have found favour in your eyes, or which have a special or specific appeal for you, for whatever reason, whether fiction or non-fiction, historical or allegorical, textbook or creativity based. Email recommendations to editor@felis-historica.com
INTRODUCTIONS, PROMOTIONS & OCCASIONAL REVIEWS BY
MS. ROSABELLA PURRNETT
Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography
WHEN CATS REIGNED LIKE KINGS: - On the Trail of the Sacred Cats: by Georgie Anne Geyer. From Andrews McMeel Publishing, Kansas City. In this fascinating exploration of feline history, nationally syndicated journalist Georgie Anne Geyer explores the connections between the royal and sacred felines od ancient civilisations and the beloved domestic cats of today. The result is a remarkable book, bound to delight and amaze cat fanciers and adventure seekers. Reviews: "After fifty years of judging cats from man-made standards, it is difficult to look at a cat or kitten any more without faulting it – but in her book, Georgie Anne Geyer has made us appreciate and honor every cat and kitten and see the wondrous history of legend, suffering, and eventual triumph that has characterized all of their lives.” - Richard H. Gebhardt THE SECRETS OF THE SACRED CAT OF BURMA: English Edition: by Alwyn Hill. Translated from the original French work, ‘Les Secrets du Chat Sacre de Birmanie’ by authors Simone Poirier & Giselle Barnay.
Available at Amazon.com, on Kindle, or in Hard Cover & Paperback formats.
First published in France by Bornemann Editions, this English edition is from Trafford Publishing (UK) Ltd. (2006) Commentary: Of all the Pedigree Cats the Birman is the most mysterious one, first appearing in 1926 at a large cat show in Paris, after the First World War. It was accompanied at that time by a strange legend. The book reads like a novel but is packed with information and anecdotes. It is illustrated with many of the historical cats whose names appear behind many Birmans today. A successful French breed which has acquired an international reputation now with clubs all over the world dedicated to the protection and promotion of the breed. Noy currently available through a publishing house, fanciers may come across a second-hand copy if they seek with diligence. (Highly recommended!)
Second-hand copies listed at Bookfinder.com
Top quality Ragdolls bred for health, personality, type, but most importantly – love!
carolyn@cwtchycats.com
OUR READER REVIEWS… “This is an amazing e-magazine that I look forward to future issues and will be subscribing to – Check it out! Lorna Dawn Friemoth “This magazine is highly recommended to all my ‘cat friends’! From the get-go Felis Historica truly makes a legitimate attempt in sharing valuable history and timeless knowledge with fellow fanciers around the world. Cannot wait for the next issue! Kai Cao “The very clever and very interesting new review on the history of cats and breeds… supported by the CFA Foundation”. Cat-H-Art Club “I’ve been glued to the August issue and I’m only on the first pages. Love where John (Ed note’s) are inserted. It makes it all the more fun, perky and personal. Now, the question is, When will I stop reading and get back to work?” Roeann Fulkerson
Pictured: ‘FFF. SNW. AreeSiam Mintra of ThaiWila’ bred by Pairat Kumsawang. Registered in TIMBA, CFA & FFF.Owned by Mattaneeya Pattaragamol (ThaiWila Cattery) Photo: by Amyworks
THE WHITE GEM OF THAILAND BY OUR COLUMNIST LORRAINE SHELTON & JANET POULSEN The first time the Royal Cat of Siam was exhibited in England, at the Crystal Palace Show in 1871, they were described as "nightmare" cats, "ugly" and "frightening". They were certainly different from the cats exhibited at the time. Western cats were substantial, broad of head and chest with dense coats, while these new cats from the East were the opposite in every way. Form follows function, and students of anatomy can understand why the cold British winters lead to the development of conformation to conserve heat, while the cats of Thailand developed sparser coats on bodies with elongated torsos, ears, and nasal passages to dissipate heat. Even the temperaments of these cats was different: loud, boisterous, and naughty. But it is their devotion to their owners that won over the hearts of all who brought them into their homes. However, these blue-eyed cats with their striking masks and gauntlets were not the only feline treasures the Thai people cherished. The famous Tamra Maew (Siamese Cat Poems) of Thailand are thought to have been created about 700 years ago, kept alive by oral tradition, and finally published. There are currently 15 different Tamra Maew manuscripts preserved in the National Library of Thailand. Martin Clutterbuck has studied these manuscripts in great detail and published an in-depth analysis of these poems in his book "Siamese Cats: Legends and Reality". Some believe that that these manuscripts are from the Ayutthaya Period (1351 1767), while other researchers date them to the early 1800s. A recently discovered manuscript provides some evidence that these poems (although not the manuscripts themselves) may date back to the 12th century during the Khmer (Cambodian) empire. The poems described the “good cats” deemed worthy of breeding and preservation, not only the Wichien-maat (the pointed cats), but also the Suphalak (brown cats), Konja (black cats), and the Si-Sawat (blue cats). When Westerners visited Thailand they brought these cats back with them and the cat fancy embraced them as the Siamese (and, more recently, Thai), Burmese, and Korat breeds. Dennis Ganoe, CFA Allbreed Judge and Korat breeder notes, “Korats came to the United States via Jean Johnson in 1959. She knew about the Copper (Suphalak) and other colored cats, but liked the blue ones better.” Another “good cat” of these poems was the Khao Plort, a white cat with “mercurycolored” eyes, which we would describe as greyish-blue, in contrast to the deep blue of the Siamese.
Another view of ‘FFF. SNW. AreeSiam Mintra of ThaiWila’ bred by Pairat Kumsawang. Registered in TIMBA, CFA & FFF.Owned by Mattaneeya Pattaragamol (ThaiWila Cattery) Photo: by Amyworks
There are temple paintings featuring these white cats cat dating to the time of King Nangklao (1824-1851 AD.). These cats were said to be kept and bred initially by Siam royals, as was the Wichien-maat. It is believed that the name of the cat referred to in the poems as the ‘Khao Plort’ may have been changed to Khao Manee during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910 AD.), who was said to favor them. In Thai, ‘khao manee’ means “white gem.” In recent years, visitors to Thailand have fallen in love with this ancient breed as well and breeding programs have commenced in the US, the UK, and continental Europe, especially in France. The first Khao Manee cat was imported to the United States in 1999 by Colleen Freymuth, a blue-eyed male by the name of Sripia. Breeders in the west are currently working to promote and establish foundation lines for the Khao Manee, and, to acquire registration acceptance through all the members of the World Cat Congress. Like all cats native to Thailand, Khao Manees are shorthaired, more lithe in build than cats of Western origin, and in personality they are lively, highly intelligent, communicative, and people-loving. The Khao Manee may have any eye color, but the variety most highly cherished in recent years is the odd-eyed. The Khao Manee is a natural breed, and selective breeding for extreme type is discouraged. Preserving the resemblance to the native cats includes, for example, preserving their natural sexual dimorphism. Males are typically 8 to 12 pounds and may have slightly heavier boning than females. Females are typically 6 to 8 pounds. Characteristics common to Western breeds, such as round heads, heavy boning, or dense coats, are to be avoided.
From left to right: WhiteGem Kasem, (Yellow eyed) WhiteGem Froggy (Blue-eyed) and WhiteGem George (Odd-Eyed). Khao Manee pets placed in forever homes bred by Lori Snook-Haas. Photo: Lori Snook-Haas
The personality of the Khao Manee, like that of all the native cats of Thailand, is highly communicative, though not necessarily noisy. They are active, playful, curious cats. They love to interact with people and hate to be left alone and ignored. The Khao Manee is highly intelligent. This is not a reserved, self-sufficient, independent breed, but a breed for those who are looking for a family member that is almost human in their personalities and needs. STATUS AS A NATURAL BREED The collective term Maew Boran has been adopted by Thai breeders to describe the naturally occurring breed of cats found living in Thailand. In the west, we separate them into the Siamese, Burmese, Tonkinese, Korat, Thai, and Khao Manee cats. Through isolation of foundation cats following their export from Thailand and selective breeding for agreed upon traits, each of these breeds have been developed into distinctly different phenotypes. However, in Thailand they are one breed, with different colors to which the Thai people assign historically meaningful names. A natural breed of cat can be defined as one that develops without human intervention in a specific, often isolated, geographic region. Natural breeds have a characteristic physical appearance, and the unique look of the natural breeds often develop for adaptive reasons. As an example, the Turkish Van developed a long coat to survive the cold winters of Mountainous Turkey; whereas the Thai cats developed short coats and lighter coat colors to survive the brutal heat of Thailand. Variants of the tyrosinase gene (in Siamese, Burmese and Tonkinese) and of the melanophilin gene (in Korats) cause a reduction in pigment expressed in the coat.
Left: A Thai stamp, featuring the Khao Manee. Photo: Lorraine Shelton. Right: WhiteGem Sweet Daisy (below), with her son ‘Taco’ who became SGC WhiteGem Taco, bred by Lori Snook-Haas and owned by Nancy Schuman. Photo: Lori Snook-Haas.
Experts believe that these lightening mutations may be adaptive in response to the extreme heat in Thailand. Recent genetic research has determined that Maew Boran are distinct from cats from other parts of the world, to which anyone who has had one of these cats can attest. This can explain the difference in not only their appearance, but also their temperament, from the European or Middle Eastern cats. Thai breeders, including those associated with TIMBA (The International Maew Boran Association), are working to keep this natural breed alive in Thailand. TIMBA provides education and resources to breeders wishing to contact Thai breeders in order to establish breeding programs in the West. Efforts to preserve this natural breed in its native country include a registration program for cats in Thailand, the development of a breeding management plan, and study of the breed. Many of the foundation cats registered in TICA and CFA have been registered in Thailand by this association. GENETICS, NOMENCLATURE, AND HEALTH A Khao Manee cat is, by definition, white in color. However, due to the dominant nature of the mutation, non-white kittens may be born to Khao Manee breeding programs. The same issue was discussed with the board of the Cat Fanciers’ Association in the 1960’s when the Korat was presented for acceptance. The recessive pointed mutation was known to exist in the breed, causing occasional pointed kittens to be born. Korat breeders pledged with the people of Thailand not to describe the pointed cats as “Korat”. The Khao Manee breeders make a similar pledge today. The majority of Khao Manee breeders mate white cats to white cats. Because blue and odd eyes tend to be favored over gold eyes, these breedings are likely to include cats that are
Cropped header, from the website of The International Maew Boran Association, the official cat registry dedicated to preservation and registration of original Thai breeds. Reproduced with permission of TIMBA. (Panarat Kamchat)
homozygous for the white allele (two copies of the white mutation, one from each parent), resulting in litters of all white kittens. In fact, the recent availability of a genetic test for this allele allows breeders to choose whether they wish to breed with homozygous or heterozygous white cats (cats carrying the non-white allele recessively). Creating a population of all homozygous white cats has an unfortunate consequence however. Dominant white color results from the insertion of a feline endogenous retrovirus in the KIT gene. One or two copies of the affected allele results in white phenotype, regardless of the other allele. Dominant white is distinct from albinism which results from a mutation in a different gene (TYR). The KIT mutation is not completely benign; varying degrees of hearing impairment is associated with this allele. Although the population of tested cats is limited thus far (a University of Baltimore breeding colony), approximately 75% of cats with two copies of the mutation have been found to be deaf and the remaining 25% appear to have at least partial hearing impairment. In contrast, of cats with only a single copy of the allele, approximately 60% had normal hearing, 21% were deaf and 17% had hearing impairment. For this reason, some breeders prefer to avoid breeding two white cats together in an attempt to avoid creating homozygous kittens. In addition, some cat clubs, registries, and countries prohibit the breeding of two white cats and require that only cats demonstrated to be sound of hearing through a neurological exam called a brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test are used for breeding. Khao Manee breeders around the world continue to submit DNA samples and BAER test results to Dr. Leslie Lyons at the University of Missouri, in order to better understand this phenomenon and to determine the incidence level of deafness in our breed.It is unlikely, however, that the incidence of deafness in this breed can be completely eliminated, as the attempt to accomplish this with a similar genetic phenomenon (i.e. spotting in Dalmation dogs) has been unsuccessful, despite many years of breeding restrictions based on BAER testing.
The high-flying Thailand bred Khao Manee male, - ‘A Wei (อาเหว่ย)’ A Best in Show winning Kitten at the KU Thai International Show. Owned by Suthiwat Siritanayothin Photos: by Juriwan Anantayanon
Official Photo of Winning Exhibit at the KU Thai International Show. ‘A Wei’ – with owners.
In order to allow breeders the means to attempt to minimize deafness in their breeding programs, non-white cats from a Khao Manee breeding program may be registered for breeding purposes in both CFA and TICA. However, the breed standard includes a prohibition against exhibiting these non-white cats in the Khao Manee class. Other than deafness, which Khao Manee breeders do not consider a highly impactful condition in indoor cats, no other health problems appear to be evident in this breed thus far. Breeders are advised that testing for lysosomal storage diseases known to be present in the Siamese, Oriental, and Korat breeds would be prudent. OUTCROSSES AND RULES FOR REGISTRATION As a natural breed, imported white cats from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, or Burma/Myanmar may be currently registered with unknown or unregistered parents in CFA and TICA. The Korat is an outcross for the Khao Manee in The International Cat Association (TICA). However, due to our large foundation gene pool and continued availability of Thai imports, the CFA breeders do not feel the need to outcross to the Korat breed. The desired type of the Khao Manee does not make the modern CFA style Korat an appropriate outcross. Foreign pedigrees, in particular those from Southeast Asia, including from the Thailand Cat Fanciers (TCF) or The International Maew Boran Association (TIMBA), may include references to other natural breeds of Thailand not currently recognized by some cat registries in the pedigree of Khao Manee cats (e.g. Suphalak, Maew Boran, Konja, Wichienmaat, or Si Sawat). This is acceptable, as these cats are of the correct type for our breed. A new color in the native Thai breed population has been identified, known as the “mocha” variant of the tyrosinase gene, allelic with the pointed (cs) and sepia (cb) variants. This variant, in its homozygous form, results in unique pigmentation lighter than the sepia shade. In its heterozygous form with the other tyrosinase alleles, it can result in expanding
Above: The French were extremely active in the late 19th and early 20th century in procuring Siamese or Thai breeds into France. This unique Press Photograph was taken at a Paris Cat Show in 1932, where there was an exhibition of ‘Siamese’ cats. It is interesting to note the Seal-pointed adult and kitten held by this young lady, while at her side, is a blue-eyed white shorthair…could this be an early ‘Khao Plort’ (Khao Manee) imported at the same time as the Sealpoint Siamese? - Photo: Stella-Presse, Rue Mondetour, Paris. Image: courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.
the spectrum of intermediate colors between pointed and sepia, beyond the “mink” color seen in Tonkinese. Some Khao Manee breeders are working with this newly identified mutation in their Maew Boran breeding programs.
Letter from Thai officials to Daphne Negus dated June 29,1988 – congratulating her on having successfully established a Si Sawat (Korat) Cat Association in California. Image courtesy of The CFA Foundation, Inc.
THE BREED STANDARD While drafting the standard for CFA, there was a great deal of debate as to how many points should be allocated to the head, and in particular the eyes. About half the breeders wanted 90 points assigned the head, eyes, and eye color. The other half wanted more. Obviously, this would unacceptable to any association, so a more balanced compromise was reached. Some breed standards refer to circles, hearts, rectangles or triangles. In order to understand the Khao Manee standard, you must become acquainted with the geometric shape called the ellipse. The shape “oval” is in the form of an ellipse. The head is a modified, but not exaggerated, wedge, medium in width and length. Viewed from the front, the face appears elliptical, with focus points just below the outer corners of the eyes. The fairly prominent cheek bones lie along an inner ellipse with the same focus points. The tip of the nose and tips of the ears form the points of an equilateral triangle. The profile is long, with a very slightly convex forehead. The profile should be nearly straight, but with a slight downhill slope from the brow to just below the eyes. The nose may be slightly convex. The muzzle is medium in length and width. The muzzle break forms the boundaries of the hemispheric, rounded muzzle. The chin is moderate and proportional to the nose, neither receding nor overly prominent. A short, blunt muzzle or long, pointed muzzle should be penalized. In addition, a straight profile or narrow upper head are considered undesirable. Slightly large, wide at the base, oval tipped ears form the top of the triangle. The ears should point toward 11 and 1 o'clock, well separated from each other, and a bit less than an ear base width apart. Light furnishings are allowed. Penalize for narrow space between the ears; small ears, very large pointed ears, or ears set low or high (significantly above or below 11 and 1 o’clock).
Evaluating the geometry of the Khao Manee head. The drawing at right represents the theoretical perfect proprtions. Sketches by Janet Poulsen.
Eyes are slightly to moderately large and luminous. Oversized, “buggy” eyes out of proportion to the face would not be desirable. The eyes should have an open almond shape, but they may be somewhat rounded when fully open or if the cat is startled with a teaser, however they should return to a noticeable Asian slant when the cat is relaxed. Fully round eyes with no indication of an Asian slant should be penalized, as should small or dull looking eyes. The eyes should be set a bit more than an eye width apart. Any eye color permissible, but the color must be clear, vivid, and jewel-like in tone. Jewellers refer to good color in faceted stones or rough as “gemmy” and we are looking for similar saturation of tone. Crossed eyes are a disqualifying fault; keep in mind that blue-eyed Khao Manee may be masking a pointed genotype. The ideal Khao Manee has a medium torso with very firm musculature, however the cat should look agile and feel flexible and springy, not meaty or heavy. Males should have more muscle than females, but should never appear cobby or thick-necked. The underbelly is mostly firm, level and parallel to the ground, but some loose skin on the underbelly is permissible, consistent with providing room for flexibility and agility for this active, athletic breed. The legs are medium to slightly long, and should be well-proportioned to the body. The front legs appear slightly shorter than the back legs. The boning should be medium to slightly refined in females, but may be slightly heavier in males. The paws are oval in shape and medium in size. The tail should be proportional to the body, tapering gradually to the tip. Tail abnormalities are extremely common in the native Thai breeds and we accept even significant kinks as a reflection of this well-known characteristic. However, the ideal exhibit has a visibly straight tail that is not shortened by excessive kinks. This is possibly the most challenging characteristic to attain in a Khao Manee breeding program.
Left: A drawing depicting a stylised profile that fits the Khao Manee Standard. Right: The blue-eyed breeding queen ‘WhiteGem Sunny’ Photo: Lori Snook-Haas,
The coat is medium short in length, fine, and slightly open. The coat should be smooth enough to reveal the underlying musculature of the cat, with a sparse to moderate undercoat. It should never have the density or sharp resilience of a Western breed. The coat should not feel coarse nor appear to be fluffy.
Grand Champion Alter, WhiteGem Elliott, now a much-loved family pet Note his gem-like eye color saturation and the shadow cast by his correct profile. Bred, owned, and photo by Lori Snook-Haas.
Above left: WhiteGem Max, a Khao Manee, working stud male. Above right: Close-up beauty shot of the Blue-eyed breeding queen, WhiteGem Sunny. Bottom left: WhiteGem George (standing) and WhiteGem Pete (A Khao Manee Stud male). Bottom right: In the forefront, former odd-eyed breeding queen WhiteGem Spirit, with in the basket, her daughter WhiteGem Sweetie, (left) and WhiteGem George (right). Photo set: by Lori Snook-Haas.
Above left: WhiteGem George and WhiteGem Mahidol. Above right: Blended litters, at rear, WhiteGem George, Kasem & Pete. Front row: WhiteGem Froggy, Minky Mouse & Goldie. Below: A fine litter of Khao Manee pets, sired by WhiteGem Xander, out of WhiteGem Goldie. Photo set: Lori Snook-Haas
WHY THE KHAO MANEE? When a group of breeders was asked why they have these cats in their lives, most mentioned their amazing personalities first and their beauty second. Khao Manee owner Alyssa Dewi calls her girl, “Super loyal, majestic, and intelligent.” Ger McKerlie added that hers are “loving and friendly with humans and other cats.” Longtime breeder Janet Poulsen of Vinlands cattery describes them as feeling “like cashmere and they melt in your arms when you hold one.” Pet owner Victoria McCallums calls hers “intelligent, playful, perceptive, and like no other cat I have ever been owned by.”
TWO exceptional Khao Manee females. Left: RW. BW. QGC. ROCKINASHI VARANA, the highest scoring Khao Manee in Championship. Right: RW. BW. QGC. ROCKINASHI EYUPADEE YINDEE both bred by Nikki Crandall-Seibert.DVM. Photos by Larry Johnson
Robin Austin of Leotie cattery states: Odd-eyed KM Female
“Years ago I saw my first Khao Manee and was blown away by its beauty. I was astounded learning of the history of the breed and surprised that it was virtually unknown. I could not get the breed out of my mind and I eventually joined the efforts to get the breed official recognition in TICA. I never thought I would start with a second breed. I absolutely love these cats. They are smart, active, opinionated, and loyal to their people. I love watching the moms with their babies, so concerned and gentle. They are great companions.” Joe and Lori Haas of WhiteGem cattery explain: “We are an Ohio couple that have been fortunate to become a breeder of the ancient Thailand cats through our introduction to a Khao Manee kitten. We were so impressed with the friendliness, sleek, athletic, almost panther-like appearance, compared to any other cat that we have had before. Thailand cats are thought to bring good luck. We sold two Suphalaks to the President of the Cleveland Indians and they were American League Champions the following year! What we enjoy is the thrill of helping preserve the ancient Thailand breeds that are so rare. We send money from our kitten sales to Thailand for their help with the Temple cats and street cats.” The sparkling white cat with the jewel-like eyes has won its way into hearts around the world. With the acceptance of the breed for championship competition in TICA and the Miscellaneous evaluation class in CFA, we hope that others will be inspired to preserve this unique breed.
TICA RW SGC LEOTIE KHALEESI OF ROCKINASHI – Bred by Janet Poulsen & Robin Austin First TICA Supreme Grand Champion in the Khao Manee breed. Owned by Nikki/Cory Crandall-Siebert. Photo: Preston Smith Photography
The Harrison Weir Collection A SITE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF HARRISON WEIR
POET OF NATURE - FATHER OF THE CAT FANCY ARTIST - ILLUSTRATOR – AUTHOR – POULTRYMAN – JOURNALIST - NATURALIST
www.harrisonweir.com
The only photo of ‘TACHIN’ above, and below left with ‘CAMBODIA’ Photo by E. Landor. ‘Living Animals of the World’ (1901) Photo: Wild World. ‘Nos Amis Les Chats’ (1947) by Marcel Reney.
AN HISTORICAL PORTRAIT OF
SEAL POINT SIAMESE BY
JOHN G. SMITHSON
Preamble & Article adapted from authors text for ‘The History Project’
INTRODUCTION We do not know for certain when ‘Tachin’ was born, but can estimate an approximated date from the little which can be ascertained from a relative timeline of events. He is therefore likely to have been born circa 1890, and possibly earlier. The fact that we have a photograph (shown at left) at all of ‘Tachin,’ is nothing short of a miracle, and that we have been able to identify him, equally miraculous. The fine portrait in rectangular form given here was the work of Mr. E. Landor, of London, and this version of it was published in ‘Living Animals of the World’ in 1901, in an article written by Mr. Louis Wain; who at that time was Chairman of Committee of the National Cat Club. However, on that occasion the cats were not identified. Another version of it already existed, in a landscape oval format, published in 1900, in the ‘Lady’s Realm,’ in an article which had been entitled ‘The Cult of the Cat’ by W. M. Elkington. On that occasion, the cats were identified as ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia’, the property of Lady Marcus Beresford. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The story of ‘Tachin’ is inextricably linked with that of Lady Marcus Beresford, of whom it has been said: -
their little span of life is over, they find a resting place under the shadow of the grand old trees, and a little white tombstone with a loving inscription marks the spot of pussy’s last long sleep.¹ “Lady Marcus Beresford has had almost every breed of cat under the sun at her catteries, but of recent years she has specially taken up silvers, blues and Siamese, and a grand specimen of each of these varieties is in the stud at Bishopsgate. ¹ “Amongst some of the celebrated cats owned by Lady Marcus Beresford I may mention ‘Lifeguard’, a grand orange of massive build,; ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia’ two imported Siamese with perfect points; ‘Cora’, a tortoiseshell and white of great beauty, and ‘Kismet’, a brown tabby of exquisite shape, both imported; and ‘Cossy’, a smoke that has found a home in America. At the present time, three of the most notable inmates of the Bishopsgate cattery, representing blues, silvers and Siamese, are ‘Blue Boy II’, ‘Beetle’, and ‘King of Siam’.” ¹ Like many of the early fanciers, Lady Marcus was quite smitten by the many unique and endearing charms of the Siamese cat. They were in her opinion, the most intelligent of all the cat breeds. THE EARLIEST SIAMESE
Frances Simpson gives the following account of feline life at ‘Bishopsgate’, the home of Lord and Lady Marcus Beresford:-
Among the very earliest owners and breeders of Siamese was Lady Dorothy Nevill, whose cats were observed on her estate at ‘Dangstein’, near Petersfield, by Harrison Weir, and are mentioned in his book ‘Our Cats’ published in 1889. In her own memoirs she writes of Weir and mentions an illustration rendered by him of one of her cats:
“Truly the lives of inmates of the Bishopsgate catteries are spent in peace and plenty, and when
“Mr Weir made the most delightful sepia sketches, and amongst my treasures, I especially value the
“There is no doubt in the mind of anyone that she is the best friend the cat and cat fancier ever possessed.” ²
A litter of Siamese Kittens owned by Lady Marcus Beresford Photo: J. Fall, Baker Street. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson. ¹ Image: The Harrison Weir Collection
portrait of a lovely Siamese cat which he painted for me. He was also a proficient in the art of portraying wild Nature, whilst in sketching birds, his talent has never since been equalled.” ⁴ Lady Dorothy was involved with the earliest cat shows, and in fact judged at the second Crystal Palace Show in December of 1871. It is highly probable that the sketch done by Harrison Weir could have been of her Siamese female, named ‘Mrs Poodle’, who was a Gold Medal winner at one of the early shows. Harrison Weir in commenting on Siamese, in turn mentions ‘Mrs Poodle’: “The one exhibited by Lady Dorothy Nevill (Mrs Poodle) had three kittens by an English cat; but none showed any trace of the Siamese, being all tabby.” ⁸ “Lady Dorothy Nevill informed me that those which belonged to her were imported from Siam and presented by Sir R. Herbert of the Colonial Office; the late Duke of Wellington imported the breed, also Mr Scott of Rotherfield.⁸ The first Siamese cats to appear at a Cat Show, were those owned and exhibited by Mr J. Maxwell, at the very first Crystal Palace Show at Sydenham, in July of 1871. Lady Dorothy is known to have followed suit, most probably at the third Crystal Palace Show, held in May of 1872. What this tends to suggest, is that Siamese had already been imported into England as early as the 1860’s. Mr Maxwell owned a Siamese female named ‘Mimie’ who was shown subsequently at the Crystal Palace in 1875, along with a very young litter of kittens. It is
reported that by then, she was already five years old, which places her date of birth back into 1870. This means that she, or her siblings may very well have been, one of the those to first appear at the first Crystal Palace Show, in July 1871. For her part, Lady Dorothy Nevill, along with her friend and eminent naturalist Mr Charles Darwin, jointly acted as sponsors for the Crystal Palace Cat Show of 1875. Whilst Lady Dorothy genuinely tried to interest Mr Darwin in her Siamese cats, his interest was instead piqued by those cats which displayed the traits of polydactyly, (extra toes). These clearly whetted his obvious appetite for natural mutations, as part and parcel of evolutionary development. Another early and active breeder and fancier of Siamese during the latter part of this decade was Mrs Cunliffe Lee, who was a regular exhibitor of both Siamese cats and kittens. She was also the owner of the celebrated ‘Meo’ who was later to feature in the pedigrees of the follow-on ‘Tiam O’Shians’, produced through the combined efforts of Mrs Vyvyan and her sister Mrs Forestier Walker. It was these ladies, who, having first made acquaintance with the breed in 1883, were soon after presented with ‘Susan’ and ‘Samuel’ direct from the Palace at Bangkok. Later, ‘Tiam O’Shian I’, one of their most important and influential acquisitions, would likewise come out of Bangkok. In 1884, the British Consul General in Bangkok, Edward Blencoe Gould, brought in a breeding pair of Siamese,
A General View of ‘Bishopsgate’ – at Englefield Green, Surrey. The home of Lord and Lady Marcus Beresford Photo: Cassell & Company Ltd. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson. ¹ Image: The Harrison Weir Collection.
namely ‘Pho’ and ‘Mia’ to England as a gift for his sister, Lilian Jane Gould. (Later Mrs Veley). From ‘Pho’ and ‘Mia,’ in two separate litters, were then produced the famous ‘Duen Ngai’, ‘Kalohom’ and ‘Khromata’, who were shown as kittens at the Crystal Palace in 1885, but who regretfully later died. Mrs Vyvyan was in China when ‘Susan’ and ‘Samuel’ reached her, and in the following year (1886), she arranged to import another breeding pair, along with their two kittens. Within a year or two, she and Mrs Forestier Walker were successfully establishing a reliable breeding strain of Siamese in the form of the ‘Tiam O’Shian’ lineage of stud males. These, in their turn assisted many other fanciers establish their own independent lines. Mr Young of Harrogate was also among the early breeders who established an independent strain in the later part of the 1880’s. It was the early 1890’s by the time Lady Marcus Beresford entered the scene with ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia’ and by this time also, Mr Elliott Hill, who was based in Ireland, had also imported his foundation cats ‘Siam I’ and ‘Siamese Cheetah’. The latter, like ‘Cambodia’ would soon prove her worth as an invaluable and remarkably reliable brood queen. It was into this emerging landscape and against this rising tide of Siamese breeders and fanciers, that ‘Tachin’ and his companion ‘Cambodia’ arrived, to carve their place in the history of the breed.
Very soon afterward, these were followed Mrs. Sutherland’s ‘Prince of Siam’, Mrs Spencer’s ‘Royal Siam’ and Mrs Robinson’s ‘Wankee’. By this time, there was a plethora of new and enthusiastic breeders of Siamese, many of whom, were already well-known figures throughout the feline fanciers’ establishment. These included the likes of the Hon. Mrs. McLaren Morrison, Mrs. Carew-Cox, Lady Gertrude Decies, Mrs. Sutherland, Mrs. Hankey, Miss Cochran, Mrs. Hawkins, Mrs. Backhouse and Mrs. Armitage to name just a few. PARENTAGE & OWNERSHIP ‘Tachin’ appears in The Cat Club Register, with no date
of birth, no sire or dam, but simply as a ‘Royal Siamese Male, owned by Lady Marcus Beresford, of Bishopsgate, Englefield Green, Surrey. ⁵ ‘Tachin’ was in fact sourced by Lord William Beresford, (elder brother to Lord Marcus), while the former served as Military Secretary to the Viceroy of India. Upon securing both the Siamese male and a companion female, named ‘Cambodia’, both cats were duly dispatched to England. This link to Lord William Beresford is seldom reported in any official history of the Siamese breed, but is nonethe-less significant, as by looking at the image of ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia’ together, one cannot help but be struck by the quality and beauty of both these cats. The only claim that has been made with respect to a connection to the Palace at Bangkok, is found in Frances Simpson’s ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903), in which she states: -
The striking beauty of ‘CAMBODIA’. Seal-point Siamese queen & travel companion of ‘TACHIN’, imported from Bangkok. Photo: by E. Landor, Ealing. The Book of The Cat (1903). Image: The Harrison Weir Collection.
Left: Lady Marcus Beresford, wife of Lord Marcus Beresford. Right: Her brother-in-law, Lord William Beresford, Military Secretary to the Viceroy of India. Images: Lady Marcus, from a painting by Edward Hughes, The Book of The Cat’ (1903). Lord William: The Harrison Weir Collection.
“In the days gone by ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia’ were the admired of all admirers, and I doubt if ever a more perfect pair has landed on these shores. “These cats were given to Lady Marcus Beresford twelve years ago by the late Lord William Beresford, who brought them straight from the palace at Bangkok”. ¹ This information is useful on two counts. It affirms that these two cats were in fact supplied by the Palace, and we must assume that a direct official request for them would have been made through diplomatic channels. We do know that the Thai Government, which at that time was run by a branch of the Royal family, already had very significant diplomatic connections with the British Viceroy’s office in India. But the inference is that Lord William Beresford brought them straight from the Palace, which would suggest that arrangements had been made for him to go to Bangkok to personally collect them. He then either arranged for their passage to England, or quite possibly escorted them on their prospective journey.
The second point is regarding the date, which if the timeframe of twelve years is correct, would place that transfer to around 1890/1891, which means that ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia’ were possibly born circa 1889 or 1890. However, the number of years could easily have been innocently misreported, and the shipment could have taken place as late as 1893 or 1894, for reasons yet to be explained. But regardless of the how and who, and exactly when, it is clear that the cats that were eventually procured, were of the highest possible quality, and one can only imagine the delight that must have been Lady Beresford’s, upon receiving such an amazing delivery to Bishopsgate, via her future brother-in-law’s efforts in both India and Siam. However, it appears that they were not the only new arrivals. From another independent source, also reporting based upon the words of Lady Marcus Beresford we are duly informed: “Two Siamese beauties, ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia’ were sent home by Lord William Beresford ……..when he was in India, together with a number of beautiful Persians.” ²
A Litter by “Tachin”, owned by Lady Marcus Beresford Photo: J. Fall, Baker Street. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson ¹ Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection
So now we have two more facts provided. One, he probably did not escort the cats back to England, but instead arranged for their safe passage home, along with a number of additional ‘beautiful Persians’. Persians were usually sourced from what is now modern-day Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, usually through commercial contacts inside India. Mrs. McLaren Morrison had similarly sourced dogs and cats from the central Asia region in this manner, and it is highly probable that she and Lady Marcus would have discussed the ‘ways, means and perils’ associated with such transactions. Both ladies had the advantage of family contacts within the British diplomatic community. Mrs..McLaren Morrison’s husband was a diplomat himself, and for several months of the year, she was stationed in India during which time she was engaged in her usual pursuit of sourcing fascinating new cat and dog acquisitions. It therefore seems likely that Lord William, having personally gone to the Palace at Bangkok to take possession of the Siamese cats, returned with them to the Viceroy’s office in India, combining them into one shipment with the Persian cats sourced through local connections, and organising their subsequent safe shipment to ‘mother England.’ Perhaps, this could have been the source of “‘Cora’, a tortoiseshell and white of great beauty, and ‘Kismet’, a brown tabby of exquisite shape, both imported” ¹ both mentioned by Frances Simpson in her report on the beauties living at Bishopsgate. ‘Cora’, also known as ‘Windsor Cora’, is registered with The National Cat Club and her birth date is given as 1893, so, if she had been one of the Persians to travel
to England at the same time, this would place the shipment closer to late 1893 or even as late as 1894. ‘Kismet’ on the other hand, also registered with The National Cat Club, does not show a date of birth.⁶ So although we cannot pin-point exactly when ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia’ arrived in England, the fact that they were procured and sent to England by Lord William Beresford is beyond doubt. Another curious fact emerges however, with regard to exactly when Lady Marcus assumed her new name. Officially, she and Lord Marcus were married in August 1895. Her former maiden name, was Louisa Catherine Ridley, but she had in fact been married twice previously. Interestingly, a cat she bred which was born in July 1894, and therefore predating her marriage by over a year, is recorded in the register of The National Cat Club, as having been bred by Lady Marcus Beresford! ⁶ Whether this was indicative of a long engagement is yet to be clarified. One is left then to wonder, whether, if the cats were shipped in 1894, they might have formed part an engagement gift from Lord Marcus to his new fiancé, very conveniently arranged between the two brothers. Or, if shipped at the earlier date, whether this was simply a great kindness on the part of the ‘Beresford’s’, to a close family friend, one whom Lord Marcus was now beginning to take a close personal interest in! Two further reports appear to conflict on the issue of dates, mainly to do with how long Lady Marcus had been involved in cats as a hobby. In ‘Concerning Cats’ (1900), feline fancier and author Helen Winslow begins with the affirmation: -
Stud advertisement for the Bishopsgate Cattery, with ‘Tachin’ taking the lead of the representative listings. Supplement to ‘The Cat Club Register’ Vol. II ⁵ Image: The Harrison Weir Collection.
“Lady Marcus Beresford has for the last fifteen years, made quite a business of the breeding and rearing of cats.” ⁷ Given that her book was published in 1900, that suggests that Lady Marcus had been an active participant in the Fancy since the mid 1880’s. Yet on the same page she quotes directly from Lady Marcus, who states: -
“My catteries were established in 1890, and at one time I had as many as 150 cats and kittens.” ⁷ … while in a report written by W.M. Elkington for ‘The Lady’s Realm’ in the same year asserts: “Lady Marcus Beresford has long kept cats as pets, but it is only six or seven years since she went in largely for breeding show specimens. She was the prime mover in Cruft’s great cat show in 1894.” ²
‘Pugs visiting the Siamese, in Mrs. Hawkins Cattery at Brighton’ ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson ¹ Image: The Harrison Weir Collection
Other evidence would tend to support this. From a history of the Crufts Shows we learn that the Cat Shows in question took place on 7th and 8th March, 1894 at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, with none other than Lord Marcus Beresford himself, as President of the new venture. The show offered an almost unheard list of prizes, and was keenly supported by a long list of aristocratic patrons and the four judges engaged for it were the brothers John and Harrison Weir, John Jennings and Miss Gresham (the daughter of Fred Gresham). The critical role taken by Lord Marcus provides us with ample evidence that he was choosing to involve himself in cat-related activities, well ahead of his marriage to the future Lady Beresford. A trophy, styled as the ‘Beresford Challenge Cup’ was won by a brace of Persian cats owned by Mrs. W.R. Hawkins, who exhibited the sensational and historically significant blue Longhair (Persian) male, ‘Wooloomooloo’ and a chinchilla Longhair female named ‘Shalimar Sweet Lavender’.⁶ These important wins are also duly recorded against the registration details of the said cats, in the Register of The National Cat Club, and it is interesting to note that Mrs. Hawkins was to become the proud owner of both a son and daughter of ‘Tachin’, the male, ‘Cuss’ being from both ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia’ SIBLINGS & SHOWS To date, no records have been found for either siblings of, or show records for, ‘Tachin.’ But we do
however, know that a Royal Siamese son of ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia’, namely ‘Cuss’, born in 1897 and owned Mrs Hawkins, was a winner in the Siamese class at the Westminster Show of 1899. ⁶ BREEDING & PROGENY ‘Tachin’ was a worthy and reliable stud, and we are indeed fortunate that in Frances Simpson’s ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903), are preserved evidential images of his success as a sire. The very first image leading her chapter on Siamese, is simply captioned, ‘A Litter by “Tachin”’. The photo is by J. Fall of Baker Street and is that which is featured at the top of the page, two pages back, in this article. Lady Marcus Beresford’s passion for the Siamese breed, is particularly evidenced by her commentary about ‘Tachin’ and Cambodia’ specifically: “I never once had any trouble or anxiety with them, dear, gentle, friendly little people, so clever and attractive. I have never seen any I have so admired. They had many fine, healthy litters, scattered about now, amongst various friends. My success all round was great with them – no illness of any kind, till one day a fiend poisoned both ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia’ and some of their six months kittens. I have replaced them with some bred in England; and my opinion is that, as a rule, the imported ones are much the stronger. A pair of Siamese imported from the Temple at Bangkok I purchased from Mrs Vary Campbell, and had the great misfortune to lose them. They differed from the royal Siamese being darker and having a more pointed head and face, and their eyes were larger and fuller.” ¹
Above left: Mrs. Hawkins Cattery with outdoor runs, and some of her Chinchilla’s enjoying the sun. Above right: Enlargement from the Siamese Cattery photo – the Siamese cat in the left of the image bearing a striking resemblance in profile to ‘Tachin’. Perhaps this is ‘Cuss’ the Royal Siamese male born in 1897, by ‘Tachin’ and out of ‘Cambodia’. Photo set: ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson ¹ Images: The Harrison Weir Collection
“I consider than Siamese cats are much cleverer than other breeds, and with patience can be taught several clever tricks. I intend to go in more largely for them in the future.” ¹ In commenting on some of the ‘Tachin’ progeny that changed hands, Frances Simpson adds: “Several of Lady Marcus Beresford’s Siamese found their way into Mr and Mrs Hawkins’ possession, and were exhibited from time to time, always gaining great distinction. Mrs Hawkins possesses a daughter of ‘Tachin’, and so hopes to keep up this unique strain. Mrs Hawkins has some of the best arranged and very solidly built catteries at Brighton.” ¹ Progeny of record for ‘Tachin’ include: ‘CUSS’
Royal Siamese Male, born March 9, 1897. By ‘Tachin’ out of ‘Cambodia’. Bred by Lady Marcus Beresford. Owned by Mrs. W.R. Hawkins, Shalimar, Preston Park, Brighton.⁵
‘PHRA’
Royal Siamese Male, born May 20, 1898. By ‘Tachin’ out of ‘Minita’.Bred by Mrs. Brodie, owner of ‘Minita’ who was by ‘Tuam’ out of Lady Betty’. Owned by Mrs Brodie, Elmbourne, Elmbourne Rd, Upper Tooting.⁵ ‘MINNIE’
Royal Siamese Female, born in 1898. By ‘Tachin’ out of ‘Kora’.Bred by Mrs Alex Hankey, owner of ‘Kora’.Owned by The Hon. Mrs Green Wilkinson. ⁵ Lady Marcus has claimed that she had many fine and healthy litters from ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia’, so it is reasonable to assume that, depending upon the date of their importation, there were unrecorded litters dating from anywhere between 1892 and 1896. The progeny that are recorded, are only those born close to, and after, the formation of ‘The Cat Club’ in 1898 and the start of that organisation’s Register.
‘UNNAMED ’Royal Siamese Female, with no name or date of birth, by Tachin. (mentioned by Frances Simpson in ‘The Book of The Cat’), bred by Lady Marcus Beresford. Owned by Mrs W.R. Hawkins. ¹
From the cattery advertisement found in Volume II of that Register, we find ‘Tachin’ listed at public stud for a fee of two pounds, which was considerably above average. But it is clear from the above registrations, of ‘Minnie’ and ‘Phra’, that some breeders did never-theless make use of the valuable outcross that ‘Tachin’ provided.
‘THE HEATHEN CHINEE’ Royal Siamese Female, born March 1898. By ‘Tachin’ ex ‘Cambodia’. Bred by Lady Marcus Beresford. Owned by Miss H. Cochran, Alderholt Lodge, Fordingbridge. ⁵
Sadly, both ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia’ were lost simultaneously, the innocent victims of a malicious poisoning. The loss was heartfelt and immense, as it was not restricted to just the two cats, which of itself would have been grief enough, but as reported by Lady
‘Romeo & Juliette,’ two alternative ‘temple cat’ Siamese imports from Bangkok acquired by Lady Marcus Beresford after the loss of Tachin and Cambodia. Formerly a gift from the King of Siam to Dr. Nightingale as a mark of respect, then owned respectively by Mrs. Wylie, Mrs. Vary Campbell, and lastly by Lady Marcus Beresford. Photo: J. Clapperton, Galashiels. ‘The Book of The Cat’ 1903) by Frances Simpson ¹ Image: The Harrison Weir Collection
Marcus, the loss also included some of the six-month old kittens she had run on from them. Another report of the incident, written in 1900, provides a further shocking insight: “These, with over twenty others of the best that Lady Marcus possessed, were maliciously poisoned last year – a dastardly act which robbed Bishopsgate catteries of some of their most distinguished inmates.” ² Unfortunately, such acts remind us of the frailty and inconsiderate side of human nature and in this case, the loss was not only Lady Beresford’s but the entire cat fancy. This dated quote also gives us a firm timeline for their sad demise, which would equate to 1899. For a very long time, the life of ‘Tachin’ and his unidentified image has gone unreported. It is the role of historians, to patiently piece together, from often minimal resources, a skeletal history from those fragments. When finally combined, this can offer us a small, but hopefully new insight, into a real world that has come and gone before us. The story of ‘Tachin’ and his ‘Cambodia’, reads akin to a cross between a fairy-tale of ‘discovery, travel and familial delight’, mixed with the feline version of a
Shakespearean tragedy. But what we can take heart in, is the lesson of selflessness offered to us by the example of these innocent and childlike cats, which Lady Marcus so eloquently described in these terms:“dear, gentle, friendly little people, so clever and attractive.” ¹ References: 1. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson 2. ‘The Cult of the Cat’ (1900) by W.M. Elkington 3. ‘Living Animals of The World’ (1900), published by Hutchinson. 4. ‘The Reminiscences of Lady Dorothy Nevill’ (1906) 5. ‘The Cat Club Register’ (Vols 1-5) 6. ‘Studbook and Register of The National Cat Club’ (Vols 1-5) 7. ‘Concerning Cats’ (1900) by Helen M. Winslow 8. ‘Our Cats’ (1889) by Harrison Weir. 9. ‘Crufts: Official History’ (1990) by Frank Jackson 10. Photos and Quotations as per credits noted.
FACTFILE – CHAMPION BIRKDALE RUFFIE Date of Birth: March 22, 1890.
Registration: NCC 1778 Colour: Sable (Brown) Tabby
Sire: Climax Dam: Nourmahal (both by Ch. Topso of Dingley) Breeder: Mr. J.W. Townsend Owner: Miss Emily Southam
Photo by J.A. Kay, Southport. The Book of The Cat (1903) by Frances Simpson Image: The Harrison Weir Collection
CHAMPION
BY
JOHN G. SMITHSON
Adapted from the author’s text for ‘Birkdale Ruffie’ @ The History Project
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ‘Champion Birkdale Ruffie’ stands tall as one of the most memorable of early Brown Tabbies. And when you consider that he was born in 1890, his overall type was comparable to, if not better than some of the best solid colours appearing on the show bench. But in general, the indifference with which the Brown Tabby was treated by the show world, deliberately left it languishing in the background, and proved to be an unmistakable stumbling block to its ongoing development. Nowhere was this more obvious than in the provision of Show classes, where, although Silver Tabbies had a class of their own, their cousins, the Brown Tabbies were relegated to a joint class, for ‘Brown or Grey Tabbies’! Frances Simpson provides a perfect description of these struggles, written by the sister of Miss Southam, who was the owner of ‘Birkdale Ruffie: “It was at this period, when the nondescript tabby was reigning supreme, that Champion ‘Birkdale Ruffie’ made his debut in the show world, my sister, Miss Emily Southam, being the first to bring the sable tabby into prominence. Whether, however, it was that the public was not sufficiently up-to-date to appreciate the sudden departure from the usual sombre colours with which it had hitherto been satisfied to a brilliant sable, or whether he was particularly unfortunate in his choice of judges, it is difficult to say; at any rate, it was not until four years after his first appearance in the show pen that he met with the justice that his many beautiful points so richly deserved. In fact, after exhibiting him at several shows, where he was deliberately passed over for other and most inferior cats, he being in the pink of condition, my sister was so annoyed at the
treatment he received that she simply burnt the schedule which poured in upon her and kept him at home, determined he should not be further insulted by such flagrant injustice!” ¹ But things were about to change; and did, and ‘Ruffie’ was eventually exhibited again in 1894, generously gaining the recognition and accolades that he so truly deserved. Further grand successes followed, including a memorable win at the Crystal Palace Show of 1896. It was also in 1894, that another English Brown Tabby was born, who would have a remarkable impact on the emerging cat fancy in the United States. This was ‘King Humbert’, bred by Mr A.A. Clarke, and imported into the USA by Mrs E. Neil Barker. He made his American show debut at the Newburgh Show in 1895, followed by an appearance at the second Madison Square Garden Show in New York, in 1896. PARENTAGE & OWNERSHIP ‘Ruffie’ was born on the March 22, 1890; (NCC:1778)², bred by Mr J. W. Townsend of Lancaster Rd, Wimbledon. His sire is given as ‘Climax’(NCC:1034)², also bred by Mr Townsend. ‘Climax’ is described as a Silver Grey, and was a known son of the famous Silver Tabby, Mrs Anderson Leake’s ‘Ch. Topso of Dingley’. He is also described in another entry as a full brother to ‘Ch. Felix’ (NCC:1045)². The dam of ‘Ruffie’ was ‘Nourmahal’ (NCC:1016)², who is described as a Silver, with black markings. Her parents were ‘Tilgath Pileser’ and ‘Soupeya Sat’, believed by many to have also been the parents of ‘Ch. Topso of Dingley’. What is patently obvious here is that the lovely warm sable colouring comes from the fact that he was a Tabby, bred from out of two Silvers, with the genetic
‘CHAMPION TOPSO OF DINGLEY’ The paternal Grandsire and key forebear of Ch. Birkdale Ruffie and possibly a full sibling to his dam ‘Nourmahal’ Photo: ‘Concerning Cats’ (1900) by Helen M. Winslow ¹⁰ Image: The Harrison Weir Collection
make-up of ‘Ii’ (or in lay terms, Silver carrying ‘nonsilver’ aka ‘non-inhibtor’); hence his warm colouration, plus his well-defined markings. If ‘Nourmahal’ and ‘Topso’ were siblings, then this close line breeding may also account for his superior head type. At this juncture, it may be pertinent to consider for a moment ‘Ruffie’s’ silver heritage. His paternal grandsire, who was dubbed by the American author Helen M. Winslow, as ‘the Best Long-haired Silver Tabby in England’ ¹. In fact, ‘Champion Topso of Dingley’ stands at the very apex of a long family tree of famous Silver Tabby Longhairs, a number of whom have made a significant contribution to the history of Silver Tabbies both in the United Kingdom and the United States. He also features on the pedigrees of a good number of chinchilla cats, which have likewise been bred from his descendants, duly mixed with the offspring from other Silver Persian bloodlines. But his successes and those of many his offspring were due in the main to the untiring efforts of his devoted owner and admirer, Miss S. Anderson-Leake. It is acknowledged by Frances Simpson, that Silver Tabbies were the original root stock of all silvers, but that, in the craze for breeding ‘an unmarked silver cat’,
namely the ‘Chinchilla’, - that the silver tabbies of the day suffered materially. This appears to have begun with the appearance of ‘Ch. Silver Lambkin’ (born in 1889), sired by the Smoke ‘Ch. Perso’ and out of ‘Beauty of Bridgeyate’(1885), a daughter of the appropriately named silver ‘Chinnie’(1883). ‘Ruffie’ was purchased as a kitten by Miss Emily Southam, and shown without success in 1891, much to the chagrin of his devoted mistress. However, the day finally came when she took him out again in 1894, to the West of England Cat Show, where he forged his first real success under judge Mr Fred Gresham. Here at last, his beautiful sable colouring, dense markings and distinctive face were seen and appreciated for their worth. On this occasion he won two first prizes in the open and novice classes and two specials. Shown at the Crystal Palace in 1896, he swept the board, taking first prize, championship and several specials, including a special given by the Prince of Wales for the best rough-coated cat in the show, the prize being a handsomely framed portrait of the Prince with his autograph attached. In 1897 he was shown again with great success at The Crystal Palace, winning first prize, championship and special.
Miss Emily Southam’s ‘CHAMPION BIRKDALE RUFFIE’ Photo: J.A. Kay, Southport. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson. ¹ Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.
Not long after his latest win at the Crystal Palace in 1897, the owner of ‘Ch. Birkdale Ruffie’, Miss Emily Southam, of Birkdale, Lancashire; became gravely ill, and soon afterward died. What became of ‘Ruffie’ after the Show is detailed in an account by Miss Southam’s sister provided by Miss Frances Simpson: “This was the occasion of ‘Birkdale Ruffie’s’ last appearance before the public, as it was during the following month my sister was taken dangerously ill, and for this reason his pen at the Brighton show was empty. After her death we determined to subject him no more to the trials and discomforts of the show pen, so ‘Ruffie’ who was now seven years old and a great pet, both for his own sake and that of his mistress, only too gladly retired into the privacy of home life, spending the cold winters by the fireside, in his own little snug retreat, and in the long summer days lying under his bower of shady hops, lazily watching his facsimile, his little son ‘Master Ruffie,’ growing up more beautiful each day and ready to take up the thread of his father’s famous career in the exhibition world. “Our cattery is built on the principle of shepherds’ huts, each house having a separate wire run, with shrubs planted, and a thick wall of ivy in the background, which gives a picturesque appearance to the whole of the little colony. In summer, a mass of luxuriant hops makes a welcome shade from the sun.
“The houses are warmed by gas stoves, on which the cats love to sit, purring contentedly, and with the pretty curtained windows, carpets, wickerwork armchairs, and cosily cushioned benches, I think ‘Master Ruffie’ and his seven feline playmates have a pretty easy time in this tempestuous world! The one bone of contention is that the cats have appropriated the sunniest corner of the garden, their houses having the much-desired southern aspect, which our gardener looks at with longing eyes for his beloved peaches and early peas. Happily, he bears the little occupants no grudge, and when we go from home takes over the whole of the cattery into his charge.” ¹ SIBLINGS & SHOW RECORDS Although there are no known full siblings to ‘Birkdale Ruffie’ there are a small number of sire and dam siblings. Most of his sire siblings appear to have been born around March 1890. The first of particular note is ‘SILVER RUFF’,(NCC:1567)², a smoke female born 13th March, 1890; bred by Mrs Vallance out of her precious ‘Chinnie’, (the dam of ‘Beauty of Bridgeyate’- the dam of ‘Ch. Silver Lambkin’) and the mother of the Chinchilla variety! With the sire being ‘Climax’ this combined the blood of ‘Chinnie,’ with the lines of ‘Ch. Topso of Dingley’.
Miss Emily Southey’s ‘Birkdale’ cattery, the home of ‘Champion Birkdale Ruffie’. Photo: ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson¹ Image: The Harrison Weir Collection
Similar configurations may be discovered in a various other foundation chinchilla blood-lines. ‘Silver Ruff’ appears to have been sold initially to Miss Molony, later being transferred to Miss Hester Cochran. Also born in March 1890, was ‘LORD RUFUS’, (NCC:1168),² a Red Tabby male owned by Mr. Charles H. Lane. The name of the breeder is not given, but the sire and dam are listed as ‘Climax’ and ‘Dolly’ respectively. We must therefore presume that the orange or red colouration was inherited from his dam, for whom there are no further details. A third sire sibling is ‘DAINTY’ the dam of ‘Master Ruffie’ who is found only in that cat’s registration, (NCC:3168). So the only information we have on ‘Dainty’ is that she was by ‘Climax’ but out of ‘Birkdale Patty’(NCC:1793).² Given that she is out of a Birkdale female and the dam of a cat bred by Miss E. Southam, ‘Dainty’ should probably be more correctly named ‘Birkdale Dainty’. ‘Patty’ was registered as a Blue Tabby and as she was born in 1894, that means that ‘Dainty’ cannot have been born until at least 1895. There is only one dam sibling of record, but she is from a significant combination. The dam of ‘Ruffie’ was ‘Nourmahal’(NCC:1016)² and in late 1891, she was bred to ‘Ch. Silver Lambkin’, producing the silver tabby female ‘BROOKVILLE FLUFFY’ (aka ‘Fluffie) ,on 20th February, 1892.
Her breeder is given as Mrs Smyth, suggesting that her dam has changed from the ownership of Mr J.W. Townsend to Mrs Smyth since the birth of ‘Birkdale Ruffie’. ‘Brookville Fluffy’(or ‘Fluffie’) was owned by Mrs Edward Robinson. SHOWS By combining the official record of ‘Ruffies’ wins contained in The National Cat Club Stud Book, with those provided in the published article from Frances Simpson’s epic work, we can confirm the following list of awards: 2nd, Crystal Palace, 1890; 3rd, Crystal Palace, 1891; 2nd, Keswick, 1894; 2nd, Blackpool, 1894; 2nd, Southport, 1894; 1st Open, 1st Novice, and two Specials, West of England,1894, (Judged by Fred Gresham); 1st, Championship, and multiple Specials, Crystal Palace 1896, (Judged by Mrs Vallance); 1st, Championship and Special, Crystal Palace, 1897. BREEDING & PROGENY Despite the fact that ‘Ch. Birkdale Ruffie’ was a muchadmired stud of obvious quality who lived a relatively comfortable life in the Birkdale cattery environment, we can only find a relatively small number of progeny. Three of these appear to have all come from one specific combination, when ‘Ruffie’ was mated with the tabby female ‘Birkdale Priscilla’ (NCC:1774). ²
‘Miss Whitney’s ‘Brayfort Princess’, a grand-daughter of ‘Champion Birkdale Ruffie’. Photo: W. Lawrence, Dublin. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson.¹ Image: The Harrison Weir Collection.
‘Priscilla’ is listed as a Dark Tabby female, born in 1887 from unknown parentage; bred by Mrs Kinchant, and owned by Miss E. Southam. For two of the three cats which resulted from this mating, we have dates of birth, the third is unknown. The earliest with a known date of birth was ‘GREVILLE CHIPONAP’, (NCC:1922), ² born 16th May 1893 and described as a Sable Tabby male, like his sire. He appears to have been sold to Mrs Pengelley of Greville Place, London. NW. The second was ‘BIRKDALE QUEENIE’, (NCC:1777), ² a sable tabby female born 26th August 1894. ‘Queenie’ was shown successfully as a kitten at Southport in 1894, winning a first prize and a medal. The third cat from this combination is found in the background of a cat registered in Volume One of the Cat Fanciers Assocation Stud Book and Register. His name was ‘BLUE TOM’ and he appears as the sire of ‘Greville Pearl’. ⁴ The next cat of record is ‘DAWNA’ (CCR”v2), a Brown Tabby female by ‘Ruffie’ out of Miss Southam’s ‘Bundle’ (colour and pattern not given), born 30 th April, 1897. So in effect at least, she would have been born ‘Birkdale Dawna’ except that she was duly sold to Miss Frances Simpson. In this case she appears to have not been re-registered with a secondary prefix. This was in essence a significant sale, as Miss Simpson was known to be extremely passionate about her ‘Brownies’ and the birth of this female sits exactly between the dates of ‘Birkdale Ruffie’s’ two greatest
wins and prior to his retirement from the show bench. Miss Simpson recalls her own impression of him: “I remember the incomparable ‘Birkdale Ruffie’ in his full glory at the Crystal Palace – a mass of red-brown fur, of the style of ‘Persimmon Laddie’, but with more distinct markings and a very keen, almost fierce expression; in fact, he looked like a wild animal!” ¹ Wild he may have looked, but she obviously was enamoured with him enough to seek out a brown tabby daughter of her own. When ‘Birkdale Ruffie’ was bred to his half-sister ‘Dainty’, doubling on his own sire ‘Climax’, this produced his future namesake ‘MASTER RUFFIE’, (NCC:3168), ² a sable tabby male born 19th May, 1897. ‘Master Ruffie’ was retained by Miss Southam and was destined to follow in his sire’s footsteps. He, in his turn, became the sire of a second generation of sable tabbies, producing Miss Whitney’s ‘Brayfort Princess’ and ‘Brayfort Fina’. The dam of both Miss Whitney’s sable tabby queens, was ‘Bluette’, by ‘Birkdale Boy’ and out of ‘Dainty’; so that on paper at least, there was a triple on ‘Climax’, appearing in three of the eight lines comprising the fourth generation. The only outcross in the entire pedigree comprised of ‘Blue Boy the Great’ and Miss Jay’s ‘Holmwood Trixie’ who were the sire and dam of the blue Persian male, ‘Birkdale Boy’.
Miss Whitney’s ‘Brayfort Fina’, a grand-daughter of ‘Ch. Birkdale Ruffie’ Photo: ‘Cats: Show and Pet’ (1903) by Charles A House. ⁶ Image: The Harrison Weir Collection.
Unfortunately, there are no surviving photographs of ‘Master Ruffie’ but the following excerpt about him by Miss A. Southam, explains the reasons why: “Master Ruffie’ has only been shown on two occasions – in 1897 as a kitten, and in 1899 at the Crystal Palace, when he returned home with his box literally filled with cards, his winnings including three first prizes, four specials and a Championship. “I am sorry we can manage to get no really good photo of ‘Master Ruffie’. Time after time we have attempted it – in studios, out of doors, by means of professionals and amateurs – including many kind relatives and friends with their ever-ready little Kodaks! ‘Master Ruffie’ steadily refuses to face the camera. Again and again the button is pressed in vain, and only the glimpse of a vanishing tail upon the negative is all we have to show as ‘Ruffie’s’ portrait!
Mrs Toothill in turn exported ‘Hercules’ to Mrs F.J. Sarmiento and Mrs Dwight Cutler of Arlington Place, Detroit, Michigan. With this sale, his named was changed to ‘Arlington Hercules’ (BCC:601) ⁵ and he established a considerably respectable name for himself as a major winner. Before leaving England, he won a first and Special at Westminster, following this up in the United States with wins at Cleveland (Ohio) and Chicago in 1902, and at New York, Boston (Mass.) and Rochester in 1903. His awards included the Atlantic Challenge Cup, and medals and specials too numerous to mention.
“But we have only to look at ‘Birkdale Ruffie’s’ picture, and we have ‘Master Ruffie’ too! The only difference between them is that the latter is a very cobby little fellow, being perhaps shorter in the legs, which makes him appear to be a somewhat smaller cat than his father. In fact, at the Crystal Palace show he was pronounced by the judges to be perfect in every point.” Lastly, a daughter of ‘Birkdale Ruffie’ out of an unnamed queen, was ‘MOLLIE’, who was owned by Mr James Whitley of Bingley. From ‘Mollie’ Mr Whitley bred a Sable Tabby male named ‘Hercules’ born 3rd April, 1897, whom he sold to Mrs Toothill in Leeds.
‘Arlington Hercules’ in Detroit, Michigan Grandson of ‘Ch. Birkdale Ruffie’ Photo: ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, 16th May, 1903 Image: The Harrison Weir Collection
A Caricature of Miss Southam’s ‘Birkdale Ruffie’ by Louis Wain. From: ‘Prize winners at the National Cat Club show at the Crystal Palace’ ‘The Illustrated London News, October 24, 1896.⁸ Image: The Harrison Weir Collection.
IN SUMMARY: In all varieties of cats, there occurs from time to time, an anomaly; an example that is, simply put, ‘ahead of its time’. ‘Champion Birkdale Ruffie’ certainly falls into that category. Looking at his photograph, it is hard to believe that he arrived a full seven years before Miss Frances Simpson’s great favourite, ‘Champion Persimmon’. That he could not help but be noticed is obvious from this missive by Miss Southam: “Birkdale Ruffie’ was noted for the extreme beauty of his expression; he had certainly one of the most characteristic faces ever seen in a cat, and his son inherits the same. The former was constantly the subject of sketches in the illustrated papers, those by Mr Louis Wain being especially lifelike.” ¹ Today, we can see, photograph and share beautiful things, including images of the cats that capture our hearts and/or our imagination, in a matter of seconds; almost instantly uploading them to social media. Although this functionality may appear seamless and be almost instantaneous, in reality, what we share was in itself, not the product of any quick or impulsive decision-making. The cats of today, have been carefully crafted from the genetic package passed down to us to-day, from
yesteryear, through the stewardship of generations of breeders’ hands, and unbelievable levels of dedication. Selection takes time, patience, and fortitude, and when our eyes are suddenly focused on an image of unbelievable feline beauty, we are truly living ‘In the moment’!
References: 1. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson. 2. ‘The National Cat Club Stud Book and Register’(Vols.1-5) 3. ‘The Cat Club Register’ (Vols.1-5). 4. ‘Stud Book & Register of the Cat Fanciers Association’ (Vols.1-5) 5. ‘Stud-Book and Register of the Beresford Cat Club’ (Vols 1-4) 6. ‘Cats: Show and Pet’ (1903) by Charles A. House. 7. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, 16th May, 1903. 8. ‘The Illustrated London News’ 24th October, 1896. 9. Photos and Quotations as per credits noted. 10. ‘Concerning Cats’ (1900) by Helen Winslow.
NEWS RELEASE from the HARRISON WEIR COLLECTION
The Harrison Weir Collection serves to preserve not only as many original historical items related to the life of Harrison William Weir (dubbed the ‘Father of the Cat Fancy’), but to also seek out items of historical significance related directly to the history of the Cat Fancy and its natural breeds, pedigreed or domestic; which is why it is important to celebrate recent finds. Our latest success, was to find, secure and preserve not one, but TWO original Pen drawings of cats, by celebrated Cat caricaturist and Chairman of the Committee of the National Cat Club, Louis Wain. These represent amazing finds on their own merit, but their historical value is far greater because they were drawn with the intention of being used as Awards at the National Cat Clubs two major annual fixtures, the Crystal Palace Cat Show and the Brighton Cat Show, both from 1893 (still early in the cat career of Louis Wain). Both are signed, and both bear the names of the winning cats, which were Blue Persians, Miss Jay’s female ‘Trixie’ who took Best In Show at the Crystal Palace, and Mrs. Hill’s male ‘Blue Ruin’ who took honours at Brighton. One of these, won by ‘Trixie’ is pictured here. Visit our site at:
www.harrisonweir.com
The first Virtual Museum of the Cat! – online now at: www.cat-o-pedia.org
BY
DR. KEITH HAMMETT QSM
EDITOR’S NOTE: It is certainly rare these days to get a glimpse into the personal lives of professionals and to enjoy a few details of their relationships with their pets. In this instance we have a rare opportunity to peek into the work-life of British-born, New Zealand resident, cat-loving plant breeder and plant judge, Dr. Keith Richard Hammett QSM. ‘Keith’ just also happens to be the current President of the N.Z. Royal Horticultural Society, a Past President of CATZ Incorporated, and an ardent cat fancier, (pets only), who has over the years provided a loving environment for both domestic and pedigreed cats – including multiple Maine Coons, a Bengal, and LaPerms. On his acreage at Massey Heights in West Auckland, Keith has created a large growing establishment, where he cultivates his numerous rare specialties; among them to name just a few, are unique new colour varieties of ‘Sweet Peas,’ ‘Clivias,’ ‘Orchids,’ and his beloved ‘Dahlia’s’ – a plant species on which he is considered a world expert. Today, he shares with us, one of many anecdotes about his ‘Larry’ the LaPerm, after which we asked of him, details of how he came to own ‘Larry’ in the first place.
‘CURLY CAT HAS CLOSE SHAVE Larry (Coiffurr Sir Laurence) was the first pedigree cat to come and live with me. He is a LaPerm, a striking looking animal, being chocolate tabby mink and white with aqua eyes, in addition to his gypsy shag curly coat and plumed tail. I confess I was attracted to the breed, mainly as the result of enjoying the antics of Larry’s uncle at shows, rather than aesthetics. Larry has not disappointed, he is a natural clown, albeit not a little accident-prone. He loves showing visitors around the place and consequently, he tends to end up in photographs, some of which have been published internationally. A few weeks ago, I received a phone call just as I was about to have lunch. It was the nurse from the vet practice that I use. She said, “I think we have Larry here”. He was on the bed that morning when I awoke, and I had not missed him during the morning. However, he has a distinctive diamond shaped blaze between the eyes and the description of the cat at the vets seemed to match Larry. So, lunch was postponed and said animal was retrieved, somewhat crestfallen and certainly pleased to see me.
‘Larry’ the LaPerm, flanked by his two Maine Coon buddies, munching on food treats inside the cupboard. On the left, Kiwicoons Viscount Surrey, aka ‘Wooky’ – and on the right, Maineflame Lord Oakleigh.
Gradually I have been able to piece together the train of events. Larry likes cars, especially if he can get into the driver’s seat or lie across the dashboard. Now that morning I had a longer than normal discussion with the Chinese courier driver, who sometimes picks up parcels on time. He had failed to materialise at all the previous day and unbeknown to either of us, Larry had decided to explore his van, while we had our extended discussion. Next stop was the loading bay at the local branch of Placemakers, where Larry disembarked, unfazed by trucks, forklifts, and the like. The courier driver, who I suspect has no interest in cats, was unhelpful and would not divulge his immediate previous calls. Fortunately, the people at Placemakers were cat people and several had even considered giving a home to this odd-looking stray. They phoned the SPCA, who fortunately were unable to attend, so they phoned my vet. The vet nurse wondered if the cat might be her sister’s, so she went down and collected Larry, who she thought “looked familiar”. As I mentioned earlier, Larry has been somewhat accident-prone, so is no stranger to the surgery. After a while, the nurse remembered him and got in touch with me. Alternative scenarios do not bear contemplating. He could have gone to the SPCA or the pound and I would probably not have got that serious about looking for him for a day or two. Equally had the people at Placemakers, not used my vet for a previous shop cat, they could have gone to any of several other vets in the area, not to mention just adopting him. Larry’s Great Day Out cost me two large boxes of chocolates and nine microchips. No point in half measures!
Keith Hammett
‘Larry’ above left, comfortably ensconced in his master’s embrace. Above right: “Dad, can I help you with that?” Below left, on the block wall on the edge of the terraced grounds; bottom right, in curved pose guarding a potted plant.
Dr. Hammett judging at the Annual Dahlia Show, staged by the Auckland Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society At the Horticultural HQ of the Auckland Horticultural Council. Photo: Kay Shirley.
On asking Keith how he came to acquire Larry he shared the following: I think I told you John, that Larry was my first pedigree cat. Larry’s uncle, ‘Coiffurr PanO-Mine’ always put on a performance whilst being judged, which attracted me to the breed. Twink, (Ed: the original breeder of LaPerms in NZ) knew I was vacillating and invited me to view several LaPerm litters. In the event none of them appealed to me, nor were any of them interested in me, so we retired for a cup of tea, where Larry “happened to be”. Our eyes met over a not very crowded room. His being a striking Aqua colour. As it happened, he was a little older and was waiting to be sent to Hawaii as a stud cat, a deal that had fallen through. Twink said that I could buy him, which I did without hesitation. (His brother, the aptly named “Shagpile” did make it across the Ditch as a stud.) Not long previously a spotted tabby moggy kitten had been brought to me. Initially he was so pretty that we thought he was a female, an idea quickly disabused by our vet. Hence his name ‘Artie’ seeing that we had not known whether he was Arthur or Martha. I like to have kittens in pairs so that they can interact and play together. A small irony perhaps that I was buying a pedigree as a companion for a domestic foundling.? Larry soon settled in and quickly took on the role of escorting visitors around my property. A curly cat was a novelty and he enjoyed the attention he was afforded. Larry’s greatest claim to fame occurred only a few years ago and was perhaps out of character. One day I had many visitors, one of whom had chosen to bring their large aged dog. A very docile animal on a lead, you understand. Larry was unused to dogs, took exception to this alien intruder and went into attack stance. I shouted, “NO LARRY!”, to no avail. Larry attacks, probably distracted by my shout, misses dog and rips open the leg of a nearby lady. Much blood, much consternation, and no blame for Larry. People, including the victim, said that Larry was simply protecting his property and that it had been a mistake for anyone to bring a dog! Such was the affection that Larry engendered. PS. Artie (whose spelling seems to have changed) is still with me despite several neardeath episodes and has been very much a one-man cat.
CFA GC. BW. NW. THAIFONG RIO OF AYUTHAYA FACTFILE
SEAL POINT SIAMESE MALE
Pet Name: ‘Rio’ DOB: June 18, 2008
Rio did well as a kitten, and despite the fact that he achieved a regional award, I wasn’t convinced that I had the stamina to run full tilt for a year to try and get a National Win.
CFA’S 11TH BEST KITTEN Great Lakes Region 2008-2009 CFA’S 6th BEST CAT CHAMPIONSHIP Nationally 2009-2010 CFA’S 2nd BEST CAT Great Lakes Region 2009-2010 CFA’s BEST SIAMESE 2009-2010 Sire: GC Alexy’s TL Tango of Thaifong DM
Dam: GC Fairydust Chocolate Cappuccino DM Breeder: Virginia Wheeldon Owners: Virginia Wheeldon / Susan Perkins
Rio had other ideas! We took him to the first show of the season to support a local club and he went best across the board! Later that month, I had a trip to the Midwest and decided to take Rio along to make a show more interesting. When he got four best cats and a second best with over 100 cats present, I realized that this was bigger than both of us and we hit the ground running. We were at a show almost every weekend until the end of October when he was the first cat in championship to break the magic 7,000 point mark, and was briefly the number one cat in the country. We took it slow during the winter months, with only one or two shows each month, before coming back out for a final run during the last month of the show season. In total, despite winter mishaps and cancelled flights, Rio was shown in 34 shows and was named Best Cat 82 times. Rio was a pleasure to show. He enjoyed the attention he got on the table and the judges’ toys. He also enjoyed flirting with the competition and he was often between his favorites, the pretty Russian and the sexy Oriental, in finals. Although he was passionate about females and sired two litters before the end of the season, he was always amenable to being handled in the rings.
CCA SMGC. WHITE SEAEXO ARAMIS OF LADILUCK CNW FACTFILE
BROWN CLASSIC TABBY EXOTIC SHORTHAIR MALE
Pet Name: ‘Army’ DOB: May 12, 2014
CFA GC. NW. WHITE SEAEXO ARAMIS OF LADILUCK
CCA’s 4TH BEST CAT CHAMPIONSHIP Nationally 2015-2016 CFA’s 12th BEST CAT CHAMPIONSHIP Nationally 2015-2016 CFA’s 2nd BEST CAT CHAMPIONSHIP Great Lakes Region 2015-2016 Sire: Ch. Sybarit’s Pirx of White Sea
Dam: White Sea Kapitoshka Breeder: Irina Gerasimova Owners: S. Soules/K. Doyle/ R. Mastin Photo © Blue Sky Photography
The moment I saw a photo of Aramis posted on Facebook I knew he was special. He wasn’t for sale, but after talking to the breeder, Irina Gerasimova, he was on his way to Canada. After he grew up a bit, we headed to cat shows. He granded quickly in CFA, and thoughts of a National Win flitted through my mind. Because of my inability to do a lot of traveling, it was going to take the assistance of some special friends to help show this beautiful boy, who just got better day by day. So it was that Kathleen Doyle, Rich Mastin and myself began the journey to achieve an NW. Fortunately, Army loved to show and enjoyed all the attention that took him to 12th Best Cat in CFA. Since I live in Canada, and show in CCA as well as CFA, we thought, “why not?” He enjoyed showing, I love showing, so off we went. He got a late start because of the concentration on showing in CFA, but he was able to accumulate enough wins to be 4th Best Cat Nationally in CCA. Aramis only improved as he matured, his massive body structure, coat, and color pattern made him hard for judges to ignore, resulting in numerous Best Cat wins throughout the year. I can’t thank his breeder and my friends enough. Thanks to the judges for recognizing the promise that I first saw in him as a youngster.
LADY MARCUS BERESFORD Cover Photo from ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, January 17, 1900. © The Harrison Weir Collection.
Lady Marcus Beresford The ‘Windsor Cattery’ at Bishopsgate CAT FANCIER, BREEDER SOCIALITE & PHILANTHROPIST BY
JOHN SMITHSON
Composite Selections from ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ by the same author.
There can be little doubt, that Lady Marcus Beresford, was one of the more colourful of early cat fancy participants. From a simple commoner middle-class background, and with a history of what would have normally been considered by her peers as socially unsavoury incidents involving elopements, she had nevertheless successfully navigated the social dangers of surviving two husbands. The second of was in the process of suing her for divorce when he died, giving her the golden opportunity as a widow, to legalise her relationship with Lord Marcus. This marriage brought her into the Irish aristocratic family of Lord Marcus Talbot de la Poer Beresford, a son of John Beresford, the 4th Marquess of Waterford. Lord Marcus’s elder brother was Lord William de la Poer Beresford, who was a veteran of the Zulu war, and recipient of the Victoria Cross, and who was later stationed in India as a member of staff of the Viceroy. But it was her involvement with the Cat Fancy that brings her to our attention, and her actions within it, that had a profound effect upon it, both in England and the United States, through her friendship with Mrs. Adele Clinton Locke. Although Lady Marcus has herself stated that her catteries were established in 1890, she is known to have bred cats long before her marriage to Lord Marcus Beresford, which is intimated in the writings of Helen Winslow who stated in 1900: “Lady Marcus Beresford has for the last fifteen years made quite a business of the breeding and rearing of cats. At Bishopsgate, near Egham, she has what is without doubt the finest cattery.” It was writer W.M. Elkington who said of Lady Marcus Beresford: - “There is no doubt in the mind of anyone,
that she is the best friend the cat and the cat fancier ever possessed”. This opinion is closely endorsed by the description given of her activities by Frances Simpson in ‘The Book of the Cat’, who introduced her, and her achievements as follows: “The National Cat Club reigned alone until 1898, when Lady Marcus Beresford started and founded the Cat Club. This ardent cat lover has done more for pussy than anyone in the fancy. She is most lavish in her generosity and unwearying in her efforts to promote the welfare of the Club. It was Lady Marcus who first started the idea of holding cat shows in aid of charity. The Cat Club’s first show, held at St. Stephen’s Hall, Westminster, in 1899, was in aid of the Children’s Guild of the Deptford Fund. “In 1900 the families of the soldiers and sailors who had fallen in the Transvaal were benefited to a large extent by the proceeds of the show. In 1901, the Children’s Hospital, Great Ormond Street, was the charity selected to receive a handsome donation of £100. The Westminster shows have always been splendidly managed, a noticeable feature being the wonderful array of beautiful special prizes offered for competition.” THE WINDSOR CATTERY AT BISHOPSGATE From an interview with Lady Marcus, Helen Winslow recorded these interesting quotes from Lady Marcus herself, about her cats and cattery: “I have applications from all parts of the world for my cats and kittens, and I may tell you it is largely because of this that I founded the Cat Club, which has for its object the general welfare of the cat and the improvement of the breed. My catteries were established in 1890, and at one time I had as many
Interior view of a living room inside ‘BISHOPSGATE COTTAGE’ Englefield Green, the Residence of Lord Marcus Beresford. Image: ‘The Country Home’ (undated circa 1904) courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.
as 150 cats and kittens. Some of my pets live in a pretty cottage covered with creepers, which might well be called Cat Cottage. No expense has been spared in the fittings of the rooms, and every provision is made for warmth and ventilation. One room is set apart for the girl who takes entire charge of and feeds the pussies. She has a boy who works with her and performs the rougher tasks. There is a small kitchen for cooking the meals for the cats, and this is fitted with every requisite. On the walls are racks to hold the white enamelled bowls and plates used for the food. There is a medicine chest, which contains everything that is needful for prompt and efficacious treatment in case pussy becomes sick. On the wall are a list of the names and a full description of all the inmates of the cattery, and a set of rules to be observed by both the cats and their attendants. These rules are not ignored, and it is a tribute to the intelligence of the cat to see how carefully pussy can become amenable to discipline, if once given to understand of what that discipline consists. “Then there is a garden cattery. I think this is the prettiest of all. It is covered with roses and ivy. In this
there are three rooms, provided with shelves and all other conveniences which can add to the cats’ comfort and amusement. The residences of the male cats are most complete, for I have given them every attention possible. Each male cat has his separate sleeping apartments, closed with wire and with a ‘run’ attached. Close at hand is a large, square grass ‘run,’ and in this each gentleman takes his daily but solitary exercise. One of the stringent rules of the cattery is that no two males shall ever be left together, and I know that with my cats if this rule were not observed, both in letter and precept, it would be a case of ‘when Greek meets Greek’. “I vary the food for my cats as much as possible. One day we will have most appetizing bowls of fish and rice. At the proper time you can see these standing in the cat kitchen ready to be distributed. Another day these bowls will be filled with minced meat. In the very hot weather a good deal of vegetable matter is mixed with the food. Swiss milk is given, so there is no fear of its turning sour. For some time I have kept a goat on the premises, the milk from which is given to the delicate or younger kittens.
THE ‘WINDSOR’ CATTERY AT BISHOPSGATE. ABOVE: STUD’S CATTERY & YARD. BELOW: CATTERY COTTAGE AND KITCHEN. Photos: Cassell & Co, ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson.
THE GARDEN CATTERY AT BISHOPSGATE Photo: Cassell and Company Ltd, ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson
“I have started many of my poorer friends in cat breeding, and they have proved conclusively how easily an addition to their income can be made, not only by breeding good Persian kittens and selling them, but by exhibiting them at the various shows and taking prizes. But of course there is a fashion in cats, as in everything else. When I started breeding blue Persians about fifteen years ago they were very scarce, and I could easily get twenty-five dollars apiece for my kittens. Now this variety is less sought after, and self-silvers, commonly called chinchillas, are in demand.” Both photographs of excellent quality, and an almost contemporaneous description of the Windsor Cattery at ‘Bishopsgate’, is provided by Miss Frances Simpson in ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903): “The Bishopsgate cattery may be said to have won a worldwide renown and those who have been privileged to visit the ideal residence of Lady Marcus Beresford will agree with me that it is impossible to give any idea, either by photography or description
of the delightful dwelling places set apart for the pussies belonging to this true lover and fancier of the feline race. “There is the cat cottage, where the attendant has her rooms, and where the other apartments are especially fitted up for the cats. Here the Siamese have their quarters, and the sun streams in at the windows, which face due south. Opposite to the cottage, as may be seen in the illustration, are some of the cat houses, and in the centre is the kitchen. The cat attendant stands at the door, and some of the pussies are having their mid-day meal. The celebrated ‘Blue Boy II’ occupies a house, and in the background is a grass run, securely wired in, which is used as a playground for the pussies. In the hot summer weather, this is shaded by the lovely spreading beech trees of Windsor Park. “The stud cats’ houses are splendidly arranged with sleeping places and nice large runs. The space in the centre in front of these runs is used as an exercise ground for the females and kittens. The garden-house
THE CATS’ EXERCISE GROUND AT BISHOPSGATE. Photo: Cassell and Company Ltd, ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson
is, indeed an ideal one, being a bower of roses in the summer-time, and in the winter it’s an ivy-clad retreat. This house is divided into two apartments, and these are generally used for the queen mothers and their families. On the shelves along the windows the pussies sit and sun themselves. “Truly the lives of inmates of the Bishopsgate catteries are spent in peace and plenty, and when their little span of life is over they find a resting place under the shadow of the grand old trees, and a little white tombstone with a loving inscription marks the spot of pussy’s last long sleep. “Lady Marcus Beresford has had almost every breed of cat under the sun at her catteries, but of recent years she has specially taken up silvers, blues, and Siamese, and a grand specimen of each of these varieties is in the stud at Bishopsgate. Amongst some of the celebrated cats owned by Lady Marcus Beresford I may mention ‘Lifeguard,’ a grand orange of massive build; ‘Tachin’ and ‘Cambodia,’ two imported Siamese with perfect points; and ‘Cora,’ a
tortoiseshell and white of great beauty, and ‘Kismet,’ a brown tabby of exquisite shape, both imported; and ‘Cossy,’ a smoke that has found a home in America. At the present time three of the most notable inmates of the Bishopsgate cattery, representing blues, silvers, and Siamese, are ‘Blue Boy II’; ‘Beetle,’; and ‘King of Siam.” In an article entitled ‘The Cult of the Cat’ W.M. Elkington provides another historical overview of Lady Marcus Beresford’s activities and the benefits derived from them: “Ladies, as I have said, have been pre-eminently successful in their cult of the cat, and none more so than Lady Marcus Beresford, in whom pussy has a devoted friend. Lady Marcus Beresford has long kept cats as pets, but it is only six or seven years since she went in largely for breeding show specimens. She was a prime mover in Cruft’s great cat show in 1894. In those days, Lady Marcus went in for nearly every possible colour, chiefly favouring blues, oranges, and tortoiseshells; but nowadays
THE GARDENS AT BISHOPSGATE, ENGLEFIELD GREEN, THE RESIDENCE OF LORD & LADY MARCUS BERESFORD. The garden abuts on Windsor Forest, which His Majesty the King has on more than one occasion allowed Lady Marcus to enclose portions of the forest. As Master of the Horse, Lord Marcus has often entertained the King at Bishopsgate. Photo: ‘The Country Home’ circa 1904.
the Bishopsgate catteries are almost entirely inhabited by blues, silvers, and Siamese. Lady Marcus keeps a cat-girl, whose whole time is devoted to the care of the cats and their houses, but their mistress personally superintends all the arrangements. There are usually between twenty and thirty cats at Bishopsgate; but of course, when the kittens begin to arrive their numbers are greatly augmented. The cats are fed almost entirely on meat; no milk is given, and of late no artificial heat has been used in the houses, with the result that the health of the inmates is found to be much improved. “In January, 1898, Lady Marcus Beresford started a club called the Cat Club, and this has proved a brilliant success; for, owing to the untiring energy and generosity of Lady Marcus, the club has been able to offer at its shows an absolutely unequalled list of prizes; and at the first show in January, 1899, there were more cats shown than at any show before. The club now boasts a very large membership and an excellent financial position, so that Lady Marcus Beresford has just cause to be proud of her work. There is no doubt that she is the best friend the cat and the cat fancier ever possessed.
“Lady Marcus does not breed cats solely to sell and to win prizes; her cats are pets, and their lives are truly happy. The two Siamese beauties, Tachin and Cambodia, whose portraits are reproduced (here) were sent home by Lord William Beresford when he was in India, together with a number of beautiful Persians.” Over the years, Lady Marcus has owned and bred a very long list of notable Blue and Silver Persians. Living so near to H.R.H. Princess Victoria of Schleswig Holstein, whose cattery at Cumberland Lodge also bordered Windsor Forest; she was in an excellent position to act as a mentor to the young royal in her acquired hobby. In the latter part of the 19th century and the opening years of the new century, Princess Victoria is known to have used Lady Marcus’s studs and to have acquired silver Persians from Lady Marcus’s local strains. The Princess’s grand silver male ‘PUCK III’ was bred by Lady Marcus, sired by Miss Snell’s ‘Silver Starlight’ by ‘Silver Laddie’ and out of Lady Marcus Berefsord’s lovely chinchilla female, ‘Windsor Dimity’, a daughter of the then world famous ‘Lord Southampton’ by ‘Silver Lambkin’.
ANOTHER VIEW OF THE GARDENS AT BISHOPSGATE, ENGLEFIELD GREEN, RESIDENCE OF LORD & LADY MARCUS BERESFORD. Windsor Forest is seen behind the railings. Many birds find nesting places in the holes in trunks and branches, while in other places Lady Marcus has put up nesting boxes. Photo: ‘The Country Home’ Circa 1904.
The Princess also bred her two most famous blue males from her own ‘Duschar’ by ‘Fulmer Roy’ bred to Lady Marcus Beresford’s ‘Blue Boy II’; namely Mrs. Gotwalts ‘Bagdad Amesh’ and Mrs. Collingwood’s ‘Royal Bobs’. Among the blue males Lady Marcus is known to have placed at stud are: ‘AZURE’ (aka ‘Windsor Azure’) (CCR: v1), by ‘Blue Robin’ ex ‘Myosotis’, a daughter of ‘Ch. Woolloomooloo. Also, ‘NEMOPHYLA’ (Refs:CCR) from the same parentage; (both showing in the stud advertisement for Bishopsgate, from Volume Two of the Cat Club Stud-book and Register on this page) and of course, ‘BLUE BOY II’ (NCC:3045) by ‘Diavolo’ ex ‘Blue Lady’. Other studs available, but not showing would have included ‘GOLIATH’ (CCR: v1) and his son ‘GOLIATH II’ (CCR: v4). There are far too many blue females either purchased and owned by Lady Marcus Beresford, or bred by her, and either retained or sold for breeding to list here, but Mrs. MacKenzie Stewart’s ‘Ayrshire Bluebell’ is but one example. Lady Marcus Beresford’s overall influence on the Cat Fancy between the mid 1890’s and 1903 is enormous,
and in many ways, it is distinctly possible that her personal motives and actions may have been largely misunderstood. LINKS WITH MRS. CLINTON LOCKE Lady Marcus Beresford’s father-in-law, was John Beresford, who was not only a Peer of the Realm and the Marquess of Waterford, but also a Church of Ireland Minister, an autonomous province of the Anglican Communion. She therefore would have shared much in common with American cat fancier, Mrs. (Adele) Clinton Locke, whose husband was the Rector of the Grace Episcopal Church, in Chicago. Despite being a busy Rector’s wife, Mrs. Adele (Clinton) Locke of Chicago, still managed to find time to pursue an extremely active interest in her hobby of cat keeping and breeding, including being one of the most active importers living on the American continent, and certainly one of the earliest. Records show that she imported a white cat ‘Wendell’ from the United Kingdom, possibly as early as 1876. ‘Wendell’ is recorded in the register of the National Cat Club with the number 1823, and the distinctive notation that he was brought by a noted
Above left: Mrs. Clinton Locke with ‘Wendell’ (aka ‘American Wendell’ NCC:1823) Photo: ‘Concerning Cats’ (1900) by Helen M. Winslow. Above right: Mrs. Clinton Locke, with her two Siamese kittens, namely ‘Calif’ and ‘Bangkok’ Photo: ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson.
traveller, (Dr Prime), from Persia. So, this cat, amongst Mrs Locke’s very first, was a cat that had come indirectly all the way from the Persian Gulf, via England, into the United States. The author Helen M. Winslow, in ‘Concerning Cats’ (1900), further enlightens us: “It is a full twenty-five years since Mrs. Locke began to turn her attention to fine cats, and when she imported her first cat to Chicago there was only one other in the United States. That one, was Mrs. Edwin Brainard’s ‘Madam’, a wonderful black, imported from Spain. Her first long-haired cat was ‘Wendell’, named for the friend who brought him from Persia, and his descendants are now in the Lockehaven Cattery.” As far as may be verifiably ascertained, the first registered Blue Persians in America, included both ‘American Doc’ (NCC:1827) born in 1884, and his daughter, ‘American Vashti’ (NCC:1828) born in 1886. ‘American Doc’ was imported from Turkey, via the agency of Ward Wilkinson, and ‘American Vashti’ was
bred by Mrs. Clinton Locke, out of ‘American Nera’, a black female also bred by Mrs. Locke, born in 1884. Thus does Mrs. Clinton Locke qualify as one of the few ‘Pre-Registry’ American breeders of Persians, and possibly the first to own and breed Blues. Her breeding philosophy, and opinion on where the best stock was likely to be obtained is also clarified for us by Helen M. Winslow: “Mrs. Locke’s cats are all imported. She has sometimes purchased cats from Maine or elsewhere for people who did not care to pay the price demanded for her fine kittens, but she has never had in her own cattery any cats of American origin. Her stock, therefore, is probably the choicest in America.” After the establishment of the National Cat Club in 1887 and then its decision to create the first stud-book for cats, she became a member and began registering her cats with the National Cat Club in the UK, the first entry being her beloved ‘American Wendell’ and others, which can be found in Volume Three.
Above left: Mrs. Robert Locke, with ‘Calif’ (centre), ‘Siam’ (on her lap), and ‘Bangkok’ (on her shoulder). Photo: by S.S. Finlay, Chicago. ’The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson. Above right: A presentation Sterling Silver notepad holder with pencil, an inscribed gift from Lady Marcus Beresford. Image: Courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.
Mrs. Clinton Locke’s passion for importing inevitably lead to her and her daughter-in-law Mrs. Robert Locke travelling to England and France in search of new bloodstock, firstly for Blue Persians and again later for Siamese.
modest means with an opportunity to establish an additional stream of income.
During her English stays she would visit major shows and spend time with Lady Beresford, whose husband Lord Marcus Beresford was at the time, jointly a President of the National Cat Club with the Duchess of Bedford.
“One of the first American women to start a ‘cattery’ in this country was Mrs. Clinton Locke, wife of the rector of Grace Church, Chicago. As a clergyman’s wife she has done a great deal of good among the various charities of her city simply from income derived from her kennels.
It was in 1894 that Mrs Locke took the decision to import a pair of Blues, that would have a significant impact on the advancement of this colour variety back in the United States. These were a male, ‘Lockehaven The Beadle’, (BCC:125) born March 18th 1894, bred by Mrs Dean, of Hawthorndene, of Slough and a female, ‘Rosalys’(BCC:105), born in August 1894, bred by Mrs Foote, of Palace Gardens, London. Both Mrs. Locke and Lady Marcus shared common charitable interests, not the least among which was a conviction that the raising of cats provided women of
This is witnessed by statements about both women by Winslow in ‘Concerning Cats’ from observations of Mrs. Locke and from quotes by Lady Marcus: -
“She has been very generous in gifts of her kittens to other women who have made the raising of fine cats a means to add to a slender income, and has sent beautiful cats all over the United States, to Mexico, and even to Germany.” She then quotes directly from Lady Marcus: “I have started many of my poorer friends in cat breeding, and they have proved conclusively how easily an addition to their income can be made, not
DETAIL: ENGRAVED INSCRIPTION OF LADY MARCUS BERESFORD ON PRESENTATION STERLING SILVER NOTE-PAD HOLDER Image: Courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection
only by breeding good Persian kittens and selling them, but by exhibiting them at various shows and taking prizes.” Mrs. Clinton Locke had over time, formed a lasting and committed friendship with Lady Marcus Beresford, in whose honour she would later choose to form and name her new Chicago-based Cat Club the ‘Beresford Cat Club.’ Not only was it on of the earliest registered feline societies formed in the USA, it is now the oldest surviving club in the United States! The sterling silver engraved notepad holder and pencil, shown here was probably gifted to Mrs. Clinton Locke by Lady Marcus Beresford during one of Mrs. Clinton Locke’s trips to England in 1895. It was purchased from an estate sale in the eastern United States and is now held in the archives of the Harrison Weir Collection. It is engraved as follows: “A LITTLE SOUVENIR FROM
Lady Marcus Beresford 1895” ‘THE CAT CLUB’ UK & ‘THE BERESFORD CAT CLUB’ (USA) In 1898, came an inevitable rift in the National Cat Club, with Lady Marcus Beresford breaking away to form an alternative National Body and Registry, to be known as ‘The Cat Club’, and well within a year of that, Mrs. Locke had founded her Chicago-based Cat Club. On the formation of the America clubs, Helen Winslow reported on the creation of a club in New York in 1896,
as a result, and on the back of the successful show held at Madison Square Garden in 1895. The President of that Club was veterinarian Dr. Rush S. Huidekoper. But it seems that the New York club may not have lasted, judging by the following commentary excerpts: “More successful than this club, however, is the Beresford Cat Club formed in Chicago in the winter of 1899. The president is Mrs. Clinton Locke, who is a member of the English cat clubs, and whose kennel in Chicago contains some of the finest cats in America. “The Beresford Cat Club has the sanction of John G. Shortall of the American Humane Society, and on its honorary list are Miss Agnes Repplier, Madame Ronner, Lady Marcus Beresford, Miss Helen Winslow, and Mr. Louis Wain. At their cat shows, which are held annually, prizes are offered for all classes of cats, from the common feline of the back alley up to the aristocratic resident of milady’s boudoir. “The Beresford Cat shows are the most successful of any yet given in America. One hundred and seventy-eight prizes were awarded in the show of January 1900, and some magnificent cats were shown. “This club numbers one and and seventy members and has a social position and consequent strength second to none in America.”
Left: LOCKEHAVEN SIAM (Imp. Siam) via France. Centre: The Lockehaven Challenge Cup of the Beresford Cat Club. Right: NETHERLANDS MA, imported from Lady Marcus Beresford. Photos: (in order) ‘Concerning Cats’ (1900), ‘Captain Kidd & Sinbad the Sailor’ (1906), and ‘Harmsworth’ Magazine, (1900).
The rift in the National Cat Club that had led to the formation of ‘The Cat Club’ as an alternative National Body was in itself a catalyst of further change that ultimately brought about the demise of both as sole bodies in control of a National Registry under one set of rules. November 1899, witnessed the arrival of the very first independent magazine published solely with the interests of cats and cat fanciers in mind, in the form of ‘Our Cats’; in which, very public debates, fears and frustrations were aired by fanciers finding themselves falling victim or foul of the whims of one or the other organisation. 1901 marked two significant milestones in England. On one hand fanciers joined to celebrate the 30 th year since Harrison Weir had established the first organised show at the Crystal Palace, firstly by promoting and contributing to a Testimonial to the now aged artist, through the auspices of ‘Our Cats’ magazine. On the other hand, having two National Associations with similar but opposing rules and where no common ground could seem to be reached over a prolonged period, had its own novel consequence – which was that in 1901, independent specialist clubs began to proliferate – largely to promote their own special interests but also dividing the political landscape into many more smaller portions. All were in a desperate bid to wrestle back and maintain a measure of control over the cat fancy’s future destiny.
Although ‘The Cat Club’ ultimately fell out of favour and was abandoned with the sudden retirement from the cat world by Lady Marcus Beresford in 1903, this did not mean a win for the National Cat Club. Lady Marcus had been the power behind the popular Westminster Shows, where she had created attractive prize lists and espoused running of shows to support specific charities. These ideas were simultaneously espoused and achieved in alignment with Lady Marcus, by Mrs Clinton Locke with the Beresford Cat Club, based in Chicago. Instead, the failings of National Cat Club to serve the needs of its members and clubs, were ultimately exposed in a two-year coup de tat that began in 1908, when several of its largest member clubs pulled away, starting their own Register, and sanctioning their own shows, which were at that time, among the largest held in the country. By 1910 The National Cat Club was finally forced to meet with representatives of all the English Clubs, and an agreement was reached whereby it would hand over its control of the Registry and all its governance of the Fancy in return for four seats on a newly formed Governing Council. (GCCF). Between 1895 and 1902, Mrs. Clinton Locke continued to buy Siamese cats from Lady Marcus and to import Siamese from France. From France came ‘Lockhaven Siam’ shown above, while from Lady Marcus she purchased ‘Netherlands Tilu’ (formerly ‘Windsor He’) and ‘Netherlands Ma.’ JGS
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