FEATURES: PURRSONALITY – DR. GORDON STABLES
LONGHAIR – KING MAX
TRAVELLING WITH YOUR CATS
SHORTHAIR – NELLIE & DICK
ROYAL CANADIAN CAT CLUB
HAIRLESS CATS - AND MORE…
INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE FOR CAT LOVERS - LINECHASERS - & FANCIERS OF FELINE HISTORY
“Today’s achievements are part of tomorrow’s history”
HARRISON WEIR COLLECTION © A-Cat-Emy Concepts
PUBLISHED BY A-CAT-EMY CONCEPTS for THE HARRISON WEIR COLLECTION
MARCH 2021
EDITOR
John G. Smithson 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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Chloe Chung
VOLUME 1 NUMBER 9
EDITORIAL The Editor outlines issues covered in Issue 9 of Felis Historica!
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CONTRIBUTING TEAM MEMBERS Gallery of our Team of Columnists, Contributors & Correspondents
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KING MAX - Angora? or Persian? - by John G. Smithson Classification & Temperament of an early Longhair Show winner!
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NORTH OF THE BORDER – by Karen Lawrence The First 30 years of Cat Shows at the Canadian National Exhibition
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GENETICS YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR CAT! PART 9 - by Dr. Leslie Lyons The Naked Truth – Hairless Cats – Some do have hair! A Gallery of Sphynx
36 43
THE WANDERERS Dr. Gordon Stables RN – Author. Cat Judge, 19th Century Caravaner Kitty Kampers – 21st Century Cat Fanciers and RV Travellers
48 52
(Auckland, NZ)
THE FLICKS ‘DOWN UNDER’ – Ken Flick and Helmi Flick Part One of the story of the famous duo’s 2019 trip to New Zealand NZCF DGC GATODOURO OJAY (Imp.UK)
58 68
Valerie Sheldrake
THE SANDY CAT SHOWS – Latest addition The Harrison Weir Collection
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BEHIND EVERY FAMOUS PERSON IS A CAT – Cartoon by Graham Harrop
75
DICK & NELLIE SCHINICK – by John Smithson The story of the two of earliest known Mexican Hairless cats
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THE HAPPY FAMILY - A Sphynx Family Limited Edition
86
(Hong Kong)
Laura Vocelle (Muscat, Oman)
Dr. Keith Hammett (QSM)
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 ANNUAL $48.00 USD
CELEBRATING MODERN CATS – IN OUR FEATURED HISTORICAL BREEDS Long-hair Breed Type – Black Persian FIFe COTY - NW, GIC, SC BEAUBELL’S STETSON DSM Short-hair Breed Type – Black B-Colour Sphynx CFA KOTY GC, BWR, NW PINUPCATS SUPA DUPA FLY OF KUORII DM XX THE BIRTH OF THE NATIONAL CAT CLUB - by John Smithson Owner of the ‘Lee’ Cattery, and eclectic lover of many breeds.
88 94
Editorial ’FELIS HISTORICA’ JOHN G. SMITHSON EDITOR
OUR COVER KITTENS Sealpoint Bi-Colour Sphynx ‘Fuzzoff Sealed With A Kiss’ and solid Blue, ‘Fuzzoff Blue Suede Muse’. Bred by Sharyn van Aalst, Auckland, NZ. Sire: ‘Outtahair MacGyver’ Dam: ‘Fuzzoff Macy Gray’ Photo: Helmi Flick
COPYRIGHT ISSN: 2744-4430 National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa © 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
For our Sphynx cat enthusiasts, this month’s edition will be a true highlight - as we turned our combined attentions onto Hairless cats, beginning with their genetics. Dr. Leslie Lyons provides an explanation on how a naturally occurring sequence of gene splicing of exons results in the phenotypical trait known as hairlessness. This also includes a photograph of an early Canadian Sphynx, exhibited at the Canadian National Exhibition Cat Show in 1969; followed by a fun gallery of modern-day Sphynx, at home and at shows. Our grateful thanks to those Sphynx catteries who so generously provided photos for this purpose, and their time answering some of our questions relating to them. Staying with the Sphynx theme, we have the first report from Ken Flick on the Helmi and Ken duo’s first trip ‘Down Under!’ Their hosts for this section of their trip, were Sphynx breeders Sharyn and John van Aalst of Auckland. Ken gives us the lowdown of the highlights of their stay, including a glimpse into the photo shoot and some of the resulting photographs. One of our main features this month is an article by Karen Lawrence on the first 30 years of the Canadian National Exhibition and specifically, its Cat Shows! She provides us with a glimpse into that early history, and shows us images of winning cats, and of artifacts from the CNE, held in both the CFA Foundation and Harrison Weir Collection archives. Our historical cats in this issue are an early Black Longhair named King Max, who was famous not only for his beauty, but especially for his loving and patient nature… a reminder that a good show cat is one that can tolerate and enjoy good human company and attention. The second history file provides the story of Nellie and Dick Schinick, the first famous hairless cats, known in their day as the ‘Mexican Hairless’.
Nellie & Dick Schinick Page 76
March 2021
IN CELEBRATION OF
HAIRLESS CATS
Their story, which predates the 20th century, was published in Frances Simpson’s ‘The Book of The Cat’ in 1903 – but as you will read in the article, they were not the first, as evidenced by illustrations of hairless cats having attended the Boston Cat Club Show of 1880! (Were these earlier Mexican Hairless? Or perhaps they were the result of another natural mutation for hairlessness inside the United States in the late 1870’s or earlier.) Included in the modern-day counterparts celebrated this month, are the outstanding American-bred black Persian male, bred by Lyn and Colin Bayliss, NW, GIC, SC Beaubell’s Stetson DSM, who conquered every championship cat in FIFe, to gain the distinction of claiming Cat of the Year. Representing shorthairs, we celebrate the successes and beauty of the superb Black Bi-colour Sphynx female, GC, BWR, NW Pinupcats Supa Dupa Fly of Kuorii DM – whose celebrated wins include Best Kitten at the CFA World Show in the Purple Ring, 2015, then going on to win CFA Kitten of the Year, before likewise heading to Europe, where she was a one show Grand and Breed Winner. She now can also proudly celebrate success as a DM with five Sphynx CFA Grand Champion progeny.
PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURE
‘THE FLICK’S DOWNUNDER!’
Enjoy!
John EDITOR
Ken Kenand andHelmi HelmiFlick Flickon on assignment assignmentininNew NewZealand Zealand AASphynx SphynxCattery CatteryShoot Shoot
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
JAMIE CHRISTIAN
CHLOE CHUNG
LAURA A. VOCELLE
WRITER/COLUMNIST TICA INTERNATIONAL JUDGE OF THE YEAR 2016
COLUMNIST/PRESENTER CAT BEHAVIOURALIST/LECTURER CFA ALL BREEDS JUDGE Based in China & Hong Kong
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
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
CHAYAPON PUCHAROENYOS
ROBBIE WALKER
BANGKOK, THAILAND SEC: SIAM BLE-EYED CAT FANCIERS
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, K-CATS CLUB
IZADDIN SYAH YUSOF
FARAH DIANA
BAMBI J. EDWARDS (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
CHAMPION KING MAX – Photo: ‘The Angora Cat’ (1898) by Robert Kent James.
FACT FILE DOB:
November 17, 1895
Sire:
King Royal
Registry:
Beresford Cat Club - BCC: 107
Dam:
Champion Topsy
Alt. Name:
Mistic King Max
Owner:
Mrs. Edgar R. Taylor
AN HISTORICAL PORTRAIT OF
BLACK LONGHAIR MALE (Persian/Angora)? BY
JOHN G. SMITHSON
Adapted from the author’s text for ‘King Max’ @ The History Project www.cat-o-pedia.org
INTRODUCTION As both our feature Longhair’s this month are ‘blacks’ I have expressly chosen ‘King Max’ as the historical subject, chiefly because he is both an American-bred cat and one which falls into what was at that particular time for many in the United States, an indeterminate state with regard to breed classification on the show bench. In both the United Kingdom and the United States, the show categories were divided and described generically as either ‘Longhairs’ or ‘Shorthairs’ the show classes in the United Kingdom were then subdivided into fairly broad but simplified breeds categories. There existed a more definitive line between what was meant by the term ‘Angora’ and the term ‘Persian’ and by the end of the 19th century in the United Kingdom at least, very few cats described as ‘Angora’ were to be seen on the show bench. In the United States however, the term had taken on a more generic meaning, so that almost all and any cat with a long coat was had largely been replaced by ‘Persian’
by members of the general public at least, still being commonly referred to as an ‘Angora’. This practise was especially noticeable on the breeding ‘farms’ that had been established in Maine, and near the main centres on the East Coast, nearer to Boston, that were annually producing and distributing upwards of 1,000 ‘Angora’ kittens per year, in an attempt to keep up with the demand for longhair kittens in a country which was expanding at an enormous rate. Many of these cats were indeed beautiful, and the ground stock being produced in Maine were slowly being acknowledged as a unique breed of their own, soon to be more commonly accepted as ‘the Maine Cat’ and in through to our own time, as the ever popular ‘Maine Coon’. Breeders of Persian longhairs, were however, generally more conscious of the difference between a Persian from English ancestry and a cat being generically described as an Angora. Mrs. Adele Locke, who was based in Chicago, and
A profile photo of ‘King Max’ who although described as an ‘Angora’, had body type that conformed closer to the Persian standard. Photo: US Register & Stud Book for Cats (1906)
‘Swampscott Swampscott’ (BCC: 222) Born June 1898, bred by Mrs. Georgia E. Thomas, of Camden, Maine. Photo: ‘Concerning Cats’ (1900) by H.Winslow
had been importing Persian cats since the mid 1870’s from as far afield as Persia, (modern day Iran), later insisting that she sourced her finest Persian cats solely from English bloodlines. If a buyer came to her looking for something more moderately priced, she would simply refer them to a breeder of Maine cats!
Our subject cat, ‘Champion King Max’, whom, if we so choose to accept was regarded as a generic Angora; also won many accolades, primarily those specials won consecutively at the Boston Cat Club Shows of 1897, 1898, and 1899.
Even so, Maine Angora’s could still win at Shows such as those run by Mrs. Locke’s own ‘Beresford Cat Club, and a prime example of this is, the white longhair Maine cat known as ‘Swampscott’ who won a Special at Chicago in 1900, and a Silver Medal at Rochester in 1901.
If you were to ask any competent judge as to what they like to see most in cat benched under their jurisprudence, they are likely to comment on four main facets, health, type, temperament, and presentation. But nothing pleases a judge more, than to be presented with
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
with a cat that not only ‘looks great’ and conforms to its own standard, but which clearly enjoys being shown. This makes it easy for the judge to show the cat off to observers, allowing the cat, to advertise itself to the public, so that they in turn, can judge for themselves, that a happy, well-kept pedigreed show cat can also enjoy a life as an appreciated and much-loved pet! Of the early cats, although a great many may have had wonderful show temperaments, these are seldom, if ever reported. But in this case, ‘KING MAX’ is the exception. From Helen Winslow’s ‘Concerning Cats’ (1900), we have this wonderful report of ‘King Max’ and his amiable disposition when exhibited at Boston, between 1897 and 1899: “King Max, a longhaired black male, weighing thirteen pounds at the age of one year, and valued at one thousand dollars, took first prizes in Boston in January 1897, ’98, and ’99. He is owned by Mrs E.R. Taylor, of Medford, Mass., and attracts constant attention during shows. “His fur is without a single white hair and is finger deep; his ruff encircles his head like a great aureole. He is not only one of the most beautiful cats I have ever seen, but one of the bestnatured; as his reputation for beauty spreads among the visitors at the show, everybody wants to see him, and he has no chance at all for naps. “Generally he is brought forward and taken from his cage a hundred times a day; but not once does he show the least sign of ill-temper, and even on the last day of the show he keeps up a continual low purr of content and happiness. Perhaps he knows how handsome he is.” ²
PARENTAGE & OWNERSHIP ‘King Max’ (USR 458) was born 17th November 1895, as the result of a breeding between ‘King Royal’ and ‘Ch. Topsy’. In his Beresford Cat Club registration, he appears as a Black male with yellow eyes. But it is in the U.S. Register and Studbook registration of his daughter ‘Martha’ (USR 417) that we find the second generation behind him. ‘King Royal’ is listed with his sire as ‘Sir Peter’, and ‘Topsy’ is listed as sire unknown and dam as ‘Scotia’ (Imported). In neither the Beresford or U.S. Register listings is a breeder noted, but his owner in both is Mrs Edgar B.Taylor, of Medford, Massechusetts. As Mrs Taylor’s cattery name was ‘Mistic’, he is sometimes referred to as ‘Mistic King Max’. ¹
SIBLINGS One full sibling can be found, and this is a Black Smoke named ‘Silverton’, (BCC 263), born 1st July, 1897, as the result of a later repeat breeding. Once again, no breeder is listed, but the owner is recorded as Mrs Florence Dyer of South Weymouth, Massachusetts. He is recorded as a ‘Smoke’ with green eyes. ‘Silverton,’ (aka Silverton Silverton), as Mrs Dyer’s cattery name was Silverton, is also listed as the sire of ‘Ruthia II’, (BCC 934), a yellow eyed White female, bred by Mrs Florence Dyer and owned by Dr C.H. Harwood of Boston. The dam of Ruthia II, was ‘Silverton Ruthia’, an orange-eyed white female belonging to Mrs Dyer, but bred by a Mrs William Rogerson, of Newton, Massachusetts ³ ‘Silverton’ followed on in his older brother’s footsteps by claiming a 1st at the Boston Show, of 1900.³
repeat breeding of ‘King Max’ to ‘Olive’. ‘Olive’ who is listed a ‘Cusic Olive’ (BCC 145) was an imported white female, clearly masking Bi-Colour. Martha was bred by Mrs Taylor, and sold to Mrs W.M. Chapman, of Romeo, Michigan. ¹
‘SILVERTON’, (Smoke), a later full brother to ‘King Max Photo: ‘Concerning Cats’ (1900) ²
BREEDING & PROGENY Mrs Evans seems to have used ‘King Max’ quite widely and there are a number of his progeny registered, either directly (numbered listings) or indirectly (as the sire or dam of other cats) in both the Beresford Cat Club Registers or The U.S. Register and Studbook for Cats (1906).¹ In approximate chronological order we find: TOPSY: (a daughter of ‘King Max’ and ‘Olive’) listed as the dam of ‘Grizel’ (BCC 280) who was born November 1897. That would mean that ‘Topsy’ was likely to have been born in late 1896, and may have been from one of the first litters to be sired by ‘King Max’. No colour is given for ‘Topsy’.³ MARTHA: (USR 417), born in April 1898, a Black & White female (shown opposite) was from a repeat breeding of ‘King Max’ to ‘Olive’. ‘Olive’ who is listed a ‘Cusic Olive’ (BCC 145) was an imported white female, clearly masking BiColour. Martha was bred by Mrs Taylor, and sold to Mrs W.M. Chapman, of Romeo, Michigan.¹
MISTIC MAGIC: (BCC 191), born October 1898, a Black female, sired by ‘King Max’ and out of a dam named ‘Maxine’ or ‘Maxine’ as we have two similar registrations with slightly conflicting information. This first female ‘Magic’ is registered as ‘Oasis Magic’ as she was first owned by Mrs Mary B. Thurston of Rhode Island. She later changed hands, becoming the property of Dr. Ottonegui of Newport, Rhode Island, and with that change, became ‘Saratoga Magic’ and was relisted. ³ But she appears to have a possible full sister, called ‘Black Beauty’: (BCC 283), who has no date of birth, and from a dam named ‘Maxime II’. Interestingly, both ‘Magic’s dam ‘Maxine’ and ‘Beauty’s dam ‘Maxime II’ are themselves from the same parentage, being ‘Black Prince’ and ‘Merry Girl’, which leads us to consider that they may in fact be one and the same cat and that ‘Magic’ and ‘Beauty’ could be siblings.³ BLACK BEAUTY: (BCC 283) was a Black female, bred by Mrs Taylor, and also first owned by Mrs Mary B. Thurston of Rhode Island, but she was subsequently passed to Mrs Florence I. Vivell, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, before later becoming the property of Mrs Frank L. Norton of Cazenovia, New York.³ JERROLD: a male of unknown colour, listed in the USR as grandsire of ‘KAISER’ (USR 454), with Jerrold himself recorded as being sired by ‘King Max’ and out of ‘Olive’. (So a full sibling to both ‘Magic’ and ‘Beauty’).¹
‘MARTHA’, owned by Mrs W. M. Chapman, sired by ‘King Max’ Photo: Mrs S.H. Bond. ‘The U.S. Register and Studbook for Cats (1906) ¹
by ‘King Max’ and out of ‘Olive’. (So a full sibling to both ‘Magic’ and ‘Beauty’).¹ TREASURE: (USR 459), born 4th February 1899, a Brown Tabby female sired by ‘King Max’ and out of ‘Mittens’ (USR 457). Mittens is listed an an ‘unknown’ colour and with an unknown pedigree. ¹ But from this breeding came two other known progeny, one registered and one indirect listing. These were: SENTIMENTAL TOMMY: (BCC 279), born 4th February 1899, a Black Neuter, with orange eyes, sired by ‘King Max’ and out of ‘Mittens’. In this case he is bred by Mrs F.E. Smith of Chicago, and sold to Mrs Florence I. Vivell, of Hot Springs, Arkansas.³
DOROTHY: a female found in Volume I of the Register of the American Cat Association, where she is listed as the grand-dam of ‘BelleMaxine’, (ACA 111), sired by ‘King Max II’ who is from ‘Dorothy’. She is then herself recorded as a daughter of ‘King Max’ and ‘Mittens’. ⁴ Then we find two more indirect listings linked to ‘King Max’ from other dams: BLUEBELL: by ‘King Max’ out of ‘Silvermist,’ listed as the dam of ‘Thistle’ (BCC 164) ³ CRICKET: a daughter of ‘King Max’ and ‘Rosebud’, who is listed as the dam of ‘Lady Raven’ (BCC 785) a daughter of ‘Lockehaven Prince Colburn’. ³
Three Tortie and White granddaughters of ‘King Max’, by ‘Rufus’ and out of Max’s daughter, ‘Dorothy’. From: ‘Munsey’s’ Magazine, September 1901. Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection
In the above photograph, we get to see how the bloodlines of King Max were preserved. The three little tortie and whites were bred out of the King Max daughter, ‘Dorothy’.
IN SUMMARY In truth, we will never know whether ‘King Max’ was a generic American ‘Angora’ or a Persian, or possibly the product of combining the lines of cats from both sources. At the end of the day it mattered little, as he was successful as a how cat n Angora
and as a sire. Such distinctions were not an issue to all at the time, only to those who were trying their best to establish and adhere to an emerging standard for a named breed, still very much under development. From a public standpoint, the kittens were cute longhaired cats which simply made delightful pets! ‘King Max,’ caused a sensation at the Boston Show for three consecutive years and was an greatly admired.
‘Champion KING MAX’, the black Angora/Persian owned by Mrs Edgar R. Taylor of Massechusetts. Renowned for his beauty, both within and without. Photo: Lothrop, Lee and Shephard Co. ‘The U.S. Register and Studbook for Cats (1906) ¹ Image Courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection
exceptional ambassador for longhaired cats in general. What a delight it must have been each time to see a happy healthy cat exhibited, presented in tip top condition, and who very clearly enjoyed all the attention he received. No doubt his very amiable personality would have helped to popularise the Angora/Persian breed in his day, while setting a memorable example for exhibits and exhibitors of the future to follow.
References: 1. ‘The U.S.Register and Studbook for Cats (1906). 2. ‘Concerning Cats’ (1900) by Helen M. Winslow. 3. ‘Register and Studbook of the Beresford Cat Club’, Vols 1-4. 4. ‘The Register and Studbook of the American Cat Association’ Vol. 1 5. ‘The Bazar’, 14th December, 1898 6. ‘Munsey’s’ Magazine, Sept. 1901. Article by Mabel Cornish-Bond. 7. The Angora Cat (1898) by Robert Kent James. 8. Photos and Quotations as per credits noted.
A Canadian National Exhibition pin, 1927, worn by members of the Cat Show Committee. Donated to the CFA Foundation by Karen Lawrence, 2003 Photo courtesy of Larry Johnson
NORTH OF THE BORDER THE FIRST 30 YEARS OF CAT SHOWS AT THE
CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION Many of us are aware that the first organized cat show was held in 1871 at the Crystal Palace in England. That begs the question, when was the first one held in North America? "Milwaukee thus won the proud distinction of having the first cat show which has been held on this continent.'
BY
KAREN LAWRENCE
Milwaukee did indeed hold a cat show on April 5-6, 1895 that was attended by more than 2,000 spectators. But, while I am reluctant to refute Milwaukee's 1895 "claim to fame" above, newspaper articles prove that cat shows were held earlier than 1895 on the east coast of the United States. An historical cat show catalog exists for a National Cat Show held at the Music Hall in Boston, MA on January 26-27, 1872. There is also documentation of a cat show held at Brunnell's Museum in New Haven, CT on February 6, 1882 Once the cat fancy established a toehold in the United States, cat shows in conjunction with poultry shows became common place. Shows at the Grand Central Palace in New York City were held as early as January 1899. Newspaper articles about the May 1895 cat show at Madison Square Garden detail much drama, the disappearance of runaway cats, the irritable and tired cats subjected to "petting lavished upon them day and night", and the biting of owners as well as the impressive show results and awards. Agricultural shows like the popular Empire Poultry Show spun off clubs such as the Empire Cat Club, established in 1913 and CFA’s oldest member cat club. In Canada, however, the cat fancy developed considerably slower than in the United States. Large agricultural fairs, such as those held in the US, took place in Canada as early as 1840s. One of the most prominent of those shows took place on lakefront land that the City of Toronto leased as a permanent fairground in 1878 for its own exhibition. Originally called the Toronto Industrial Exhibition, in 1912 it was renamed the Canadian National Exhibition, and is commonly called ‘the CNE’ to this very day.
For years, cat shows held in conjunction with the exhibition were organized by the Canadian National Cat Club, affiliated with the American Cat Association (ACA), and by the Royal Canadian Cat Club, affiliated at various times with ACA and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) club. Formed in 1902, the Royal Canadian Cat Club was called ‘the Beresford Annex’ by Mrs. Bond, editor of The Cattarian. The Royal Canadian club held shows both at the annual Toronto agricultural event, and at locations independent of it. The club sponsored their first show in January 1904. A January 23, 1904 Toronto Sunday Night newspaper article reports on the opening of that show. “On Monday the Royal Canadian Cat Club will open the first exclusive cat show ever held in Canada. Mrs. Mortimer Clark has promised to attend and formally declare the show open at three o’clock. “At this season of the year fur-bearing animals look their best and there should be a grand rally of Toms and Tabbies at St. George’s Hall on Monday. The beaux and belles of catocracy, who are well known in certain modish houses, will no doubt regard with indifference the blue ribbon, but not so their adoring mistresses. “Mr. W.J.O. Malloch is the honorary secretary of the show, and Mrs F.C. Ellis is the club’s president.” St. George’s Hall, located in downtown Toronto is a three-storey brick and stone structure built in 1891. At the rear of the building, which stands today, is the Great Hall with a cathedral ceiling that rises two stories and has Gothic Revival windows. It must have been quite an impressive location for the first “exclusive’ cat show held in Canada! Today, the building is a National Historic Site in Canada. The Ottawa Journal, January 25, 1904, reported on the opening of the multi-day event: “The Royal Canadian Club opens the first exclusive cat show in Toronto today that has ever been held in Canada. Mrs. Mortimer Clarke formally opened the show at 3 o’clock this afternoon and all the Toms and Tabbies arrayed in their best coats like a bevy of debutantes, awaited in St. George’s Hall with beating hearts and anxious mien the advent of the judges, and their mistresses, it might have been observed looked none the less anxious, anticipating individually each for their own favorites carrying off the coveted blue ribbon.” From an article in the January 27, 1904 Detroit Free Press we learn that exhbitors attended the Toronto show from the Detroit area – quite a distance to travel in 1904! “PRIZES FOR TWO DETROIT CATS – Among the awards made yesterday at the Royal Canadian cat show were the following: Long-haired cats, class 2, white females — First, Mrs. Avery Franklands, Detroit – Turquoise. Class 3. black male — First, Mrs. Avery Franklands, Detroit – Prince Mamill.”
Cover of the Canadian National exhibition cat show catalog held in 1906. Image: Courtesy of Toronto Public Library (Public Domain)
Apparently, financing for agriculture shows – and horrors, cat shows, too – was even a matter of discussion in the Canadian Legislature, as reported in the February 12, 1904 edition of The Ottawa Journal: “Mr. Kidd maintained that while the government boasted of its aid to agriculture the money thus voted was not properly distributed and in consequence the agricultural associations of Ontario did not get one-half what they were entitled to. He would not be surprised to find a figure in the estimates next year to aid the cat show which had recently been held in Toronto. It was in this manner that the government applied public money.” A second show, also held by the Royal Canadian Cat Club, was planned for August, 1904, anticipating that the show would draw entries from members of prestigious US clubs such as the Beresford Cat Club (Chicago, IL) and the Lockhaven Cat Club (Rochester, NY). Rochester’s Democrat and Chronicle explained details in their July 24, 1904 edition: “The Royal Cat Club, of Canada, will hold a cat show in Toronto on August 29th. Cats from all parts of the Dominion [Ed: Canada] and from a few cities of the United States will be shown. Some of Rochester’s highbred pets will be among the entries. Mrs. Alfred Jackson will enter her Phyrne, Cupid and King Edward VII. Other cats will doubtless be sent from Chicago, possibly some from New York.” Even excuses for not attending the show were reported in Rochester’s Democrat and Chronicle in their August 16, 1904 edition: “Mrs. Alfred Jackson’s new brown tabby, Queen Irene, has recently presented her with five beautiful kittens. Queen Irene was born in England and has an ancestry that includes some of the first prize winners of the world. She is called the handsomest brown tabby in the United States. She would be entered at the cat show in Toronto, which opens this month, were it not for the family now absorbing her attention.” It was in 1906 that the Royal Canadian Cat Club changed their association from the American Cat Association (ACA) to become an early club member of the fledgling Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA, established in 1906). The February 24, 1906 edition of the Toronto Saturday Night newspaper gave this report on the show: “The gentle Grimalkins and Tabbies have for the past three days been recalling days of old Egypt and cat worship, in Broadway Hall, where the Royal Canadian Cat Club has been holding its second annual show. Mrs. Coatsworth did perhaps her first official duty of that sort in opening the show at four o’clock on Wednesday, and there was a brave array of exhibits, both in the feline and sartorial lines. Some of the cats on exhibition are valued as high as five hundred dollars, the champion white cat of America goes as high as a thousand! The Cat Club was formed for the purpose of increasing the interest in cats and encouraging the breeding of Persians and Angoras. Judging from this week’s show, it is surely accomplishing its mission.”
A clearer photo of ‘Albert Edward’ the Blue Persian male that appears on the cover of the 1906 Show Catalogue. Imported into Canada from England, by Dr. J.S. Niven, of London, Ontario. Image: The U.S. Register and Stud Book (1906) It would be August, 1906 before the Royal Canadian Cat Club moved their cat shows to be associated with the Toronto Industrial Exhibition at their property on the shore of Lake Ontario. Their 5 th show was a 3-day event, held August 29-31 with local judges – Mr. A.E. FieldMarshall of Beamsville and Mr. A. Burland of Grimsby officiating. The July 8, 1906 Detroit Free Press publicized the show for expectant exhibitors: “The cat show in connection with the Industrial Exhibition association will be held this year August 29 to 31. The show is improving every year and this year they hope to have a better one than ever and think that the exhibitors from all parts of the continent will give them their best support.” In addition, the July 28, 1906 Toronto Saturday Night published info for those interested in joining the club, or entering the show. The show catalog features information on the 105 entered cats, including a “Short-Haired Jumping Cat”. “A cat show will be held by the Exhibition authorities next month at Exhibition Park, under the auspices of the Royal Canadian Cat Club. Any person desiring to join the club, or wanting any information, should apply firstly to the secretary, 1,040 Brunswick avenue, secondly, to the Exhibition offices.” Mr. Field-Marshall again officiated at the club’s December 1906 show, which was the second show licensed by CFA (the first being in Detroit that same year). The Toronto-based club’s entries numbered 183 and winners could count on accumulating a total of two points at the show. We learn information about the 1908 show in the September 24, 1909 issue of the Jedburgh Gazette, a British publication:
Advertisement for a young brown tabby Persian winner at the 1913 Royal Canadian Cat Club show held in Toronto. From The Cat Review, January 1914 in the archives of The CFA Foundation. “At Broadway Hall, Toronto, in December 1908, the Duke of Roxburghe took two firsts and three specials, under the Toronto Cat Club Association, and he was mentioned there as the finest Chinchilla Persian Cat in the Show.” In the same article, reporting on the 1909 show tells us that the show had approximately 400 entries, and what sounds like a superb silver Persian class in attendance from overseas and the USA. Lord Charles Beresford, a member of the British Parliament, attended to open the show. “… splendid collection of Persian cats from Dublin (Ireland). Mrs W. Fortune of Toronto was among the prize-winners this year again. She took first and special with Lady Balmoral, first and special with Jed-Forest, second with the Duke of Roxburghe, and second for the best Chinchilla long-haired kitten in the show; and Miss Fortune got third with her young Queen Highland Mary. There were something like four hundred cats on exhibition. “Mrs. Fortune’s cats were mentioned in every paper in Canada as being the finest collection in the cat section at the exhibition. There is not a Persian queen in Canada that can beat Lady Balmoral, and the Duke of Roxburghe is the finest Chinchilla tom in Canada at the present day. He has never been beaten by a Canadian cat, although he only got second at the Exhibition, one for the United States being first.” Lady Balmoral was a silver tabby Persian female, born in 1901, whose pedigree traces back to the famous English chinchilla, Silver Lambkin. No registration records have been located for Jed-Forest or Duke of Roxburghe. A letter to the editor of the September 30, 1910 edition of the Jedburgh Gazette, reports on the Toronto show held that year: “Sir, I beg to ask space in your valuable paper to let the readers of it know that we have just had our great National Exhibition, held at Toronto, Canada, from the 21st August to the 12th September. “The cat show was a bigger success this year than ever, both for the cats and the number exhibited. Here are some of the famous prize winners. I saw Mrs W.F. Fortune got first and silver cup with ‘Lady Balmoral’.
Mrs. J.R. Reynolds was President of the Royal Canadian Cat Club in 1913. Mrs. W.C. Bell was a well-known and respected Persian breeder in Toronto. Shown here with her blue Persian, Blue Lagoon. The Cat Courier, August 9, 1913 in the archives of The CFA Foundation
“This great long-haired cat has never been beaten in Canada, and I don’t think anywhere else, and at the great age of thirteen years. She also too first with ‘Mercury,’ and second with the ‘Duke of Roxburghe.’ Miss Annie Fortune took first with her short-haired ‘Silver Tommy.’ So she must be going into the cat business like her mother. They took 12 hundred dollars at the cat show, so you see cat shows pay as well as anything else. - J.A. Wilson, Toronto, Canada. 13th Sept, 1910.” While the Toronto Industrial exhibition continued on an annual basis, it is 1913 before we can find any additional reference to another Royal Canadian Cat Club show held in Toronto. This was most likely held as part of the newly renamed Canadian National Exhibition. We only know about this show because of information found in cat magazines of the era. A stud advertisement for Pascarel, a brown tabby male, mentions that he won a Second at the Toronto show held in 1913. The results of the 1913 Toronto show include the following statement by Miss Elizabeth Brace, publisher of The Cat Courier, who attended the show: "The entries were not quite as numerous as last year, but they were of far better quality as a whole. The entries from the U.S. were many and will no doubt increase as they find out the fineness of the Exhibition Shows. There never was a show at which everyone seemed so contented with the awards, and Mrs. Hewitt said there was not one complaint, which is certainly marvelous."
Notice of the regular meetings held by the Royal Canadian Cat Club. The Cat Review, October 1914 from the archives of the CFA Foundation. As in most of the world, cat shows were sparse during the war years, ie. 1914-1918 and 1939-1945. The Royal Canadian Cat Club, however, remained active during WWI, holding monthly meetings on the last Friday of each month and planning for their 1915 show. At some point, and for some unknown reason, the club had changed its affiliation back to ACA from CFA.
Show announcement for the 1914 CNE Cat Show, featuring Miss Ethel Champion as the ACA Judge. From the archives of The CFA Foundation
Show announcement for the 1915 CNE Cat Show, featuring Mrs. G.B. Brayton as the ACA Judge. From the archives of The CFA Foundation The judge at the 1914 show was the esteemed Miss Ethel Champion, who had emigrated from England to New Jersey years earlier, along with her mother Mrs. Florence Champion, and her sister, Dorothy Bevill Champion, a well-known author. Along with them when they emigrated were several very fine Persians that have established a superb line of offspring in the USA. The Hamilton Daily Times reported in their September 3, 1914 edition that the Toronto show had attracted 212 entries; a more than decent showing, in fact a record entry number, considering that a World War had broken out in late July. “The cat show, which will come to a close today, has been the most successful in the history of the Exhibition. There were 212 entries, a substantial increase over the number shown a year ago, and they represented a value of $16,000. The work of organising the cat show has again fallen upon Mrs. Hewitt, of Grimsby, who has to her credit the record gathering of felines so far shown in Toronto.” The 1915 show was again held under the auspices of the American Cat Association, with only one judge - Mrs. G.B. Brayton - officiating. Per the September 4, 1915 issue of the Hamilton Daily Times, the show was one of the best ever held at the CNE. The complete article gives us insight into some of the local winners at the show: “Many Hamilton people at the Toronto Exhibition this week were visitors to the Cat Show, generally conceded to have been one of the best in the history of the Exhibition.”
A CNE ‘Special” rosette awarded at the 1915 cat show held in Toronto at the Canadian National Exhibition. Courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection
Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s Blue Persian, ‘Sebastian’, Best Longhaired Cat, 1918. Photo: CFA Stud Book Volume 8, Archive of the CFA Foundation, Inc. “Hamilton exhibitors made an excellent showing, notably Mrs. Hugh O'Heir, whose cream angora "Lolita” captured first prizes in the open and novice classes, two specials and the much-coveted white ribbon in the winners. Mrs. O’Heir also won a second and a special prize with "Peter" an orange tabby kitten. A G. Bain's magnificent tortoiseshell "Trixie" won a first; Mrs. Cloke's black Persian "Gypsy Jet," was awarded a second prize and a special prize for a kitten; Miss Springer's tortoiseshell "Lady Betty" got second in the novice class and third in the open, and J. T. Price's orange tabby "Comet" was also among the winners.” Interesting events took place at the 1918 show, with the arrival of kittens, both born at the show and young strays found on the CNE grounds. The August 29, 1918 edition of The Toronto World, detailed the happenings: “Nine kittens have been added to the show since it started. Two striped gray kittens were born to a short-haired gray cat, and a mother cat, long and lean with five kittens about three weeks old, was found in a tent near the military camp and brought to the cat show to be cared for. Tender care was given the foundlings, and milk and meat was given the good little mother that had raised her babies so carefully without any help. They will be turned over to the humane society, unless someone cares to take them.” In the same article, the newspaper reported on the winners of the 1918 cat show at the CNE: “The ribbons and awards were handed out yesterday to the cats at the Exhibition, and the cages were all gorgeously decorated with the gay ribbons, some cages having ribbons of three colors. Mrs. Fitzpatrick's gray Persian, “Sebastian,” was awarded the prize as the best long-haired cat in the show, besides winning three specials. Mrs. Jones’ orange tabby won the prize for best short-haired cat in the show, and also, carried off seven specials. “Khaki Boy” had the most special prizes of any cat or kitten in the cat show.”
Correspondence in letters sent to the editors of various magazines reveal that members of the Royal Canadian Cat Club were actively seeking and purchasing cats to add to their breeding programs. For instance, this letter from the December 22nd, 1926 issue of Cat Gossip: “I am pleased to hear that the two Siamese kittens shipped by Miss Leatherdale to Mrs. Stroud of Toronto have arrived in good shape. “Mrs. Stroud, who is Vice-President of the Siamese Cat Club of America, also a member of the Detroit Persian Society and the Royal Canadian Cat Club, has written to the Canadian Pacific Express Co. warmly thanking them for the excellent care evidently bestowed on these delicate creatures, the first Siamese kittens to come from England into Canada, on the voyage. “She has also ordered from Miss Leatherdale another female Siamese to be forwarded in the spring, and an unrelated male kitten to travel with her.” After an absence of seven years, cat shows were again part of the CNE in 1926. A report by Mrs. F.E. Hewitt, who judged the show, was printed in the October issue of The Cat Courier: "The Toronto Show is distinctive, even as the Canadian National Exhibition is distinctive, the largest permanent exhibition in the world. There were 240 cats entered, 216 present and competing....” About the 1926 show, Mrs. Hewitt also noted: "Now to those who visit the Royal Canadian Cat Club Show as a visitor, exhibitor, or judge, I want to say you will find a cordial welcome, courteous treatment, and you will meet some of the best sports in the cat fancy. I know, for I have worked with them for years. Next year I think they will have their long promised new building, affording an appropriate setting for such a splendid show.” During 1927, the cat show was but one event at the exhibition, but the highlight of the CNE that year was the opening of the Princes' Gate on August 30th. HRH Prince Edward, Prince of Wales, and his brother Prince George were in attendance to officially open the new east entrance to the exhibition. The November 23rd, 1927 edition of Cat Gossip provides the following look at classes at the Royal Canadian Cat Club's 1927 cat show, presumably held at the CNE as it had been in 1926. Mrs. Taylor, who judged the show, was to become President of CFA in 1928. “Toronto schedule is out. We observe white have 11 classes for blueeyed, 11 for yellow-eyed, and 5 for odd-eyed. Blue Persians only 11 classes, Masked silvers have 11 classes, shaded silvers, 8. “The schedule gives description of the properties of each breed. Shaded silvers are thus described: “‘Pure unmasked silver, shading gradually down the sides, face and tail, from dark on the ridge to pale on chin, chest, bellow and under tail; legs to be same tone as face. General effect to be much darker than a Chinchilla.’
A copper-eyed white Persian, who was winner of Best Cat. at the Toronto based Canadian National Exhibition in 1967. Photo: Courtesy of the CNE Archives. “Masked silver: The body colour of a masked silver should be either Chinchilla or shaded silver, face marked like a smoke, very dark silver or black.’ “Australians are very different to those whites shown by Miss Wilson last January, and approach more those described by ‘Cat Gossip’. ‘The head is to be wedge-shaped with a Roman nose, muzzle pinched, whiskers very short or not at all … wrinkles on forehead and chin … hindlegs higher … Paws high-arched, bony in appearance; claws unsheathed … Color: Those marked with white are eligible to championship points.’
Winning Sable Burmese entries at the Canadian National Exhibition, in Toronto, on August 19th, 1973. The Burmese adult was bred by Robert and Toby Bryan, and owned by Hazel Lindstrand, of Illinois. Born October 22, 1972. Photo: Courtesy of the CNE Archives. “Abyssinian tails are described as short and thick; Probably this is due to an inexplicable mistake in Miss Simpson’s Book of The Cat, which somehow resulted from no proofs having been submitted to me at the time. “The scale of points of the Cat Fanciers’ Association to be applied to all breeds and colours, runs: Colour, 25; coat and condition, 25; head, 20; type, 20; color of eyes, 10. Mrs. Taylor, of the ‘Cat Courier,’ is judge.” From the 1930s on, both clubs that hosted shows at the Canadian National Exhibition continued to do so. The Canadian National Cat Club eventually disbanded in 1968, and sole management of the CNE cat shows then passed to the Royal Canadian Cat Club.
CCA Judge, Joyce Fraser, presenting awards a winning Siamese at the CNE Cat Show in Toronto, with the assistance of that year’s Miss CNE, on August 18th, 1974. Photo: Courtesy of the CNE Archives. Over the years, the cat shows at the CNE have been managed by clubs affiliated with both ACA and CFA, and are currently hosted by the National Cat Club, which is affiliated with Canadian Cat Association (CCA). Free entrance to the cat show is part of the entrance fee for a day spent at the CNE – a fun-loving event held annually in late August in Toronto. Unfortunately, COVID-19 affected the 2020 event which was cancelled for the first time since World War II. The 2021 CNE is being planned and they hope to be able to hold the event – including a cat show! - in observance of the Provincial and City health restrictions.
Everything you need to know about Genetics… You can learn from your Cat! PART NINE – HAIRLESSNESS IN CATS BY
DR. LESLIE LYONS
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri
The Naked Truth – Hairless cats – Some do have hair! Hairlessness is known as atrichia or hypotricia, which means absences of hair or low quantities of hair, respectively. The term can imply the entire hair coat or just one of the types of hair within the fur (down, awn, or guard hairs). Historically, a variety of sporadically hairless cats have been reported around the world1-10. Scientific documentation of hairless cats was first reported in 1933 in France (locus name - h)1, later in Canada in 1973 (hr)2 and then also in England in 1981 (hd) and 1984 (hi, hr)3,4. The later report from the United Kingdom described two kittens, one with more attenuated whiskers (hr) than the other with normal whiskers (hi)4. Only the Canadian version (hr) has taken root in the cat fancy and are represented as the current Sphynx (a.k.a., sphinx) breed2. None of these cats have had any cross - breeding studies, thus, these cats may or may not represent different genes and or mutations for the hairless condition.
EDITOR: This is the Ninth in a series of articles based on feline genetics by Dr Leslie Lyons being published in FELIS HISTORICA during the 2020/2021 period Article Graphics ©www.gograph.com
The Devon Rex (see next month) has been shown via breeding to be allelic of the Canadian Sphynx, thus, the same gene but different mutations within the gene controls the two hair phenotypes. The Peterbald (Don Sphynx) presentation is considered to be a different mutation for hairlessness10. The other curly coated cat breeds, such as Cornish rex11, laperms, Tennessee rex, Selkirk rex12, Ural rex13 and German rex11 are also considered cats with hypotrichia. The mutations for fur types allows the introduction of an interesting type of mutation, the splice-donor / splice-acceptor variants. The DNA sequence of a gene gets transcribed into RNA and into a protein.The gene sequence is constructed of regions called exons and intervening regions called introns. Only the exon sequences are used to make the protein.
ENJOYING A JOKE - ‘THAT’S A GOOD ONE!’ A Sphynx owned and photographed by Jelena Nakipova
Six week old Seal tabby bi-colour sphynx ‘Outtahair Katniss Everdeen' Breeder/Photographer: Julie Stanaway
The mutation governing the hairlessness of the Canadian Sphynx has now been documented as a “splice-donor” in a keratin gene (Keratin 71, KRT71)14. The variant is near position 816 in the nucleotide sequence of the gene, which is the last base of exon 4. Exons are the sequence of the gene that gets transcribed into a messenger RNA (mRNA), which then gets translated into a protein.
EDITOR: This is the Ninth in a series of articles based on feline genetics by Dr Leslie Lyons being published in FELIS HISTORICA during the 2020/2021 period
The DNA variant is the next nucleotide, a guanine, which has been changed to an adenine and is the first base of intron 4. At the end of each exon are a few bases of DNA that are termed the exon splice-donor site, or splice-donor recognition signal. Generally, at the end of each exon are the nucleotide bases “AG” (adenine and then a guanine). The next two bases in the DNA sequence, which are actually the first two bases of the intron sequence that gets removed, are generally a GT (guanine then a thymine). These four bases, two at the end of the exon and two at the beginning of the intron, form a well - recognized signal. This signal tells the enzymes that convert the DNA into mRNA to splice here – or jump over the intron, and splice to the next exon.
Figure 1: THE EXON SPLICING SIGNALS OF A GENE. The DNA sequence of genes is divided into exons and introns. Only the exonic sequences are used to make a messenger RNA and then the protein. Exons have very specific signals to denote where splicing should occur. At position 815 and 816 in exon 5 of KRT71 are the signals AG (adenine and guanine). Position 814, the third position before the end of an exon, is usually a cytosine or an adenine (C/A). The first neuclotides at the beginning of the intron are usually G and then T (guanine and thymine) and then either adenine or guanine (A/G). These DNA signals tell the cellular enzymes to splice out the intron sequence and jump to the “A/G” signal at the end of the intron. The next exon, Exon
6, will generally start with a cytosine or an adenine (C/A). This is the splice-acceptor signal. These signals can vary but are very conserved across mammalian species. The sphynx mutation is a c.816+1G>A. This means at one base past nucleotide 816, the guanine is changed to an adenine, which then disrupts the splicing donor signal (AGGT is now AGAT). The gene then does not have the intron removed and the resulting protein gets made from this incorrect intronic DNA sequence, thus the protein is incorrect and ends abruptly. College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri
The protein will be made from exon 1 to exon 4, then 43 amino acids get made from the intronic sequence, which are incorrect amino acids. After 42 incorrect amino acids, amino acid 43 is a stop code and the protein production fails. This disruption of the protein causes the hair to not form properly. Sphynx cats do make hair, however, the hairs are very brittle and break as they erupt from the skin.
A family of MAJIKMOON Sphynx bred by Rebekkah Lewis. Born July 4, 2003. Sired by CFA’s first Sphynx Grand Champion, Majikmoon Molesta Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography
The Sphynx c.816+1G>A mutation in the gene KRT71 acts as a dominant allele. One copy causes the cat to be hairless. Interestingly, Devon rex (complex deletion)14 and Selkirk rex (c.445-1G > C)12 also have mutations in the same gene, KRT71. The allelic sequence for the Sphynx and Devon rex variants are KRT71+ > KRT71hr > KRT71re. The Selkirk mutation is also dominant, but, how it interacts with the hairless Sphynx and Devon rex mutations are unknown.
EDITOR: This is the Ninth in a series of articles based on feline genetics by Dr Leslie Lyons being published in FELIS HISTORICA during the 2020/2021 period
The KRT71 variants are demonstrative of how some alleles can be dominant while others are recessive, although in the same gene, affecting the same protein. Interestingly, the early genetics declared the locus name for hairless in the cat as “Hr”, which was taken from the hairless or nude mouse. The names of the locus are generally determined long before the gene is known. After the Hairless mouse mutations were identified, the gene officially became known as Hairless. But the cat mutations are in a different gene, which is KRT71, demonstrating that phenotypes can look very similar within and across species, but, the best candidate gene may not be the true culprit.
A litter of Sphynx kittens bred by Sharyn van Aalst, Auckland, New Zealand. Photographed at home in Auckland, in June 2019. Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography
Mutations in the true gene Hairless, actually cause the phenotypes seen in the lykoi cat breed, in which many have been discovered15. Hairless breeds of cats are interesting and are extremely pampered individuals. Some health issues have been associated with other hairless phenotypes, such as the variant found in Birmans16 and one early type of hairless (hd) noted by Robinson, which are lethal3.
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri
Anecdotal reports of immune issues with Peterbalds (Don sphynx) have been heard by this author, but no scientific documentation has developed. Devon rex and Sphynx can have issues with yeast infections, can suffer from sunburn and need to be kept warm17. The first documentation of hairless cats disputed the ethical concerns of hairless variants of cats18, thus, these fascinating breeds do need diligent pampering and protection.
One of the early Canadian Sphynx cats on display in 1969 at the Canadian National Exhibition. Photo: Courtesy of the CNE Archives References
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.
Letard E. Rev Med Vet 85:545-552, 1933. Robinson R. J Hered 64(1):47-9, 1973. Robinson R. Genetica 55;39–40, 1981. Hendy-Ibbs PM. J Hered 75(6):506, 1984. Carpentier CJ. Rev Zootech 10:298-300, 1934. Collett P Jean-Blain M. Bull. Soc Sci. Vet Lyon 37:175-179, 1934. Letard E. Terre et la Vie 5:67-70, 1935. Sternberger HA. J Hered 28:115-116, 1937. Sternberger HA “J Hered 28:310, 1937. Zhigachev AI, Vladimirova MV, Katser IJ. Russian J Genet 36:435-440, 2000. Gandolfi B, et al., PLoS One. 2013 Jun 27;8(6):e67105. Gandolfi B, et al., Sci Rep. 3:2000, 2013. Manakhov AD, Andreeva TV, Rogaev EI. Anim Genet 51(4):584-589, 2020. Gandolfi B, et al., Mamm Genome 21(9-10):509-15, 2010. Buckley RM, et al., Genes (Basel)11(6):682, 2020. Abitbol M, et al., PLoS One 10(3): e0120668, 2015. Older et al., PLoS One 14(7): e0220463, 2019. Letard E. Rec Med Vet Éc Alfort 114: 5–13, 1938.
A GALLERY OF SPHYNX
Our sincere thanks to ‘PinUpCats’ ‘Gatodouro’ ‘Fuzzoff’ & ‘Outtahair’ catteries, for sharing their photographs.
A GALLERY OF SPHYNX
Our sincere thanks to ‘PinUpCats’ ‘Gatodouro’ ‘Fuzzoff’ & ‘Outtahair’ catteries, for sharing their photographs.
A GALLERY OF SPHYNX
Our sincere thanks to ‘PinUpCats’ ‘Gatodouro’ ‘Fuzzoff’ & ‘Outtahair’ catteries, for sharing their photographs.
A GALLERY OF SPHYNX
Our sincere thanks to ‘PinUpCats’ cattery for sharing these photographs.
A GALLERY OF SPHYNX
Our sincere thanks to the photographer Yuso Teng and the Muses Secret Cattery.
‘SHIPMATES’ DR. WILLIAM GORDON STABLES M.D, C.M, R.N. (1837 – 1910) & PETS VICTORIAN ERA NAVAL DOCTOR, AUTHOR, NATURALIST, CAT FANCIER, CAT JUDGE & FOUNDING CARAVANER – OWNER OF THE LAND YACHT - ‘THE WANDERER’ Photo: ‘CATS’- Their Points & Characterists (1876). The Harrison Weir Collection
AND
Very few cat fanciers are likely to have made the connection between Dr. Gordon Stables R.N., the Cat Fancy, his vast array of published adventure books for boys, and the foundation of the caravanning craze in Victorian England; let alone his direct links to the Father of the Cat Fancy, Harrison Weir. In fact, he was involved in cats quite early on, as being a published author, he would have rubbed shoulders with Harrison Weir, who was at the time one of Englands best known illustrators of children’s books, with an established and wellknown leaning towards animal subjects. Not long after Weir had convinced the Crystal Palace Company directors to promote the cause of the Cat with the founding Crystal Palace Cat Show in July 1871, we find that he has convinced Dr. Stables to take up cat judging, with his first recorded assignment alongside the brothers John Jenner Weir and Harrison Weir at the Crystal Palace Cat Show of 1875 – a show for which the patrons were Lady Dorothy Nevill, and Dr. Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist and evolutionist. His book ‘CATS’- Their Points & Characteristics soon followed in 1876, and was in fact the best publication on Cats, their Varieties and Patterns until Harrison Weir’s epic time published quite some time later, in 1889. While Harrison Weir may have been the first President of the National Cat Club when it was established in 1887, we find that by the time the first National Cat Club Stud Book was published in 1893, that Dr. Gordon Stables is listed as a Vice-President!
Illustrations of ‘Angora’ and ‘Persian’ cats from Dr. Gordon Stables book, published in 1876.
In fact, as an author of some repute, his work was often quoted by others. We find an excellent example of that, in the June 19 1890 issue of ‘Fur and Feather’ where the Secretary Pro-tem of the National Cat Club, Mr. J. A. Townsend, quotes: -
Dr. Stables classified advertisement in the August 21, 1890 issue of ‘Fur and Feather’ The Harrison Weir Collection.
“Mr. W. Gordon Staples (sic)M.D., in his work on ‘Cats’ tells us that there are in the British Isles 4,000,000 cats. If each one does away annually with 20 rats or mice (a very low average), and each rat destroys one pounds worth of property per annum (an equally low average), then these 4,000,000 cats multiplied by twenty, gives an annual saving of £80,000,000 worth of property, and these cats do not take more than £4,000,000 to keep them alive. These figures must commend themselves to any reader.” In another issue of ‘Fur and Feather’ from the same year, dated August 21st, we find a classified advertisement under the heading for cats, in which Dr. Stables is offering for sale, a prize bred Black Persian stud cat, indicating that he was also an active breeder of Persians. The next advertisement in the same column is for the sale of Pure Blue Persians, by none other than Miss Frances Simpson herself!
‘Old friends around the fire’ From ‘Shireen and Her Friends’ (1894)
It really should come as no surprise that Dr. Stables may have bred Persians, for we find he had penned an adventure story about a female Persian cat, entitled ‘Shireen and her friends’ – Pages from the Life of a Persian Cat’ (1894) which just happens to be illustrated by Harrison Weir! In fact, even earlier, in 1891 Dr. Gordon Stables had published a set of books under the primary heading of ‘Our Humble Friends’ three of which were subtitled ‘of Hearth and Home’, ‘of Wood and Field’, ‘of Homestead and Farm’. In each case, they were all illustrated by Harrison Weir.
‘Our Barn-Door Friends’ From ‘Our Humble Friends of Hearth and Home’ (1892)
Dr. Gordon Stables (right) with his dog and an unidentified friend in front of his Land Yacht, ‘The Wanderer’. Photo: Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain. www.caravanclub.uk.
THE LAND YACHT – ‘THE WANDERER’ The above impressive horse-drawn caravan was conceived, designed and commissioned by Dr. Gordon Stables, in 1884, and built by the Bristol Wagon Works Company, the ‘land yacht’ as he had dubbed it, measured 18 feet long, 6 feet 7 inches wide, and 10 feet 8 inches high. In all, it weighed a hefty two tons, built with panelled walls of mahogany lined with maple. In June of 1885, Stables set off from his home in Twyford, Berkshire, bound for Inverness in Scotland. The Wandered was pulled by two heavy horses named Captain Cornflower and Polly Pea Blossom. Included in the travel party was a valet, a coachman, a Newfoundland dog and a cockatoo. The whole trip was followed in the press of the era and the journey was popularised by Stables himself in a book he chronicled about the 1300 mile journey written about it entitled “The Cruise of the Land Yacht Wanderer”. (1886)
To supplement his pension upon retirement from the Navy, Stables had turned to writing, publishing a diverse range of books. In all by the time of his death he had penned at least 130 books, the largest proportion of which were about health, and real-life adventures aimed at boys, representing at least 100 of that total. To say that during his life, he was a keen outdoorsman would be an understatement, and his books for boys were an encouragement of that lifestyle Although he was unable to attend the first meeting of the Caravan Club in 1907, he did accept nomination and confirmation as VicePresident. Stables daughter, Ottoline, was also a one-time Council Member and Vice-President of the Club. ‘The Wanderer’ remained in the possession of the family until Ottoline’s death in 1961, when it was willed to The Caravan Club. It is now housed in the Industrial Museum at Bristol, in the city in which it had been built and is now fully restored to its former glory.
MODERN DAY
INTRODUCING
LYN AND COLIN BAYLISS – OF ‘BEAUBELL’ If we move forward 135 years from the days of cat fancier, author and judge Dr. W. Gordon Stables and his ‘Land Yacht/Caravan’ named ‘The Wanderer’ and from the United Kingdom to the United States, and we will find our representative modern-day cat fanciers, breeders/exhibitors Lyn and Colin Bayliss, based in Florida. Similar to the 19th century adventurer counterpart, both Lyn and Colin have for many years enjoyed the outdoors, and in all their adventures have managed to include their beautiful Persian cats, whether on their boat as shown here, or more recently in their 21st century version of the ‘caravan’ their Recreational Vehicle or RV. Our hardy pair are actually English, both hailing from Lydney, Gloucestershire; but emigrated to the United States in January 1992. Setting up originally in South Bend, Indiana, they lived there for six years and it was during that time that they set up their Beaubell Cattery and their breeding program. Colin worked as a ‘turn-around’ director for an automotive manufacturing company, so they were consequently moved around from State to State. With regard to RV’s, Lyn reveals their history: “We have always been RV’ers from raising our sons back in England. The company Colin worked for had offices in Europe and it was perfect for visiting in the RV with our two sons. When we emigrated to Indiana, weekend RVing was difficult as you can drive for miles and miles and see
Colin and Lyn’s 40 foot Endurance Toy Hauler RV by Dutchmen (Keystone), referred to as the ‘Cat House,’ and their 22 foot Ford F250 6.2 Liter Truck for towing! All photos courtesy ‘Beaubell Cattery’
see nothing but corn! So, for the first thirteen years in the United States we bought a boat instead and thoroughly enjoyed it” “Eventually, Colin’s company got tired of moving our boat around the United States as it required certain permits due to its width…but in all fairness it was them that were moving us. But by then, we were living on the Southern States, so we reverted back to an RV.”
Even when they were using a boat, the cats would travel with them, and Lyn admitted that they had even attended a show or two using the boat as the base. Over the years, since that time they travelled to shows in RV, which provided them with all the familiar comforts of home, and in which the cats themselves were perfectly comfortable and used to. When Colin later became ill, and needed treatment away from home, it made perfect
THE PLEASURES OF RV’ING WITH CATS AND ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME Top Left: Celebrating Halloween while away. Top right: Access to the Kitty Komfort stop. Below left: a lounge with a Kitty View gallery. Below right: Kitty’s virtual fireplace.
One of the ‘necessary accessories’ of life on the road – a golf cart! Or is it a Cat-Mobile? Colin Bayliss and Cats.
perfect sense for them to take the RV. Lyn adds: “We used the RV to stay in while Colin had treatment. It meant we could take the cats as I won’t leave them behind, I’m just a fussy mum!” What is abundantly clear of course, is that they are both dedicated to the cats, and have been so, for years. And yet they are very humble about their achievements. In our correspondence about their exceptional black Persian male, ‘Stetson’ it came to light that they had home-bred three National Winners and a FIFe Cat of the Year. They gained a 2nd Best Premier in CFA and a 2nd Best Kitten in FIFe. They have bred or shown 16 CFA Regional Winners, 2 FIFe Junior Winners and a whopping 70 CFA Grand Champions! These are incredible statistics. The work that is involved to campaign cats to Grand status alone is not inconsiderable, let along multiple Regional winners. But planning is clearly their forte’ as these photos clearly demonstrate.
Above: Kitties catching some sun. Belw: Ready for any eventuality!!!
It’s a hard life! - Not! The Cats and ‘Dad’ chillaxin’ at the RV park. Just who is watching who?
Kitty Navigators can lead you astray!
Consequently, Lyn and Colin’s ‘Beaubell’ have justly became world famous, and they are still producing to this day, typey, happy, healthy and well-adjusted Persian kittens, with fabulous temperaments and oodles of flowing coat! It gives us great pleasure to bring our readers in this edition, the story of their amazing black Persian male and FIFe double National Winner – FIFe COTY, NW, GIC, SC Beaubell’s Stetson DSM. At a later date, we plan to bring you even more highlights of their RV travels, along with sage advice for anyone travelling with cats!
Anything is possible! Even Christmas!
For those of you who find it difficult to cope with even one or two Persians, you can imagine just how much work is involved in staying on top of a whole cattery which is on the move, and still to be able to show them too perfection. The answer is – a heap of LOVE and DEDICATION!
A SIX-MONTH OLD STRAY CAT FOUND WALKING THE STREETS OF PARIS EXHIBITED AT THE CENTRAL CAT CLUB SHOW IN PARIS IN OCTOBER 1930 Original Acme Newspictures photo, October 21, 1930. Archive photo from The Harrison Weir Collection
AOTEAROA – THE LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD
PART ONE – AUCKLAND – THE CATTERY SHOOT with photos by Helmi and Ken Flick, and occasionally others BY KEN FLICK After nearly 17 years of an internet friendship with John Smithson, to whom my wife, Helmi, and I have long provided our cat images to illustrate his work as a cat show judge, author and historian of the cat fancy, we finally got to meet him in person when he stayed with us in our home in Dallas, Texas, for a few days in the late fall of 2018. Toward the end of John’s visit, he thanked us and wondered aloud how he might repay our hospitality. Helmi didn’t even hesitate to tell John how New Zealand had long been the country that we had most hoped to visit. Then, she asked him if there were some cat shows where we might photograph the cats of his country and thus make the trip affordable for us. John smiled and said, “Let me see what I can arrange.” As that fall turned to the winter of 2018, we gave the matter no more thought, but then, John wrote and announced that he could arrange for us to shoot a Sphynx Cattery and two Cat Shows during the coming June and July. Moreover, he could also arrange for us to stay in the homes of several “cat people” during our visit. He didn’t have to ask twice. In mid-June of 2019, we swapped seasons, happily trading the stifling heat of another Texas summer for a five-week respite in the temperate winter weather of a country that, in so very many ways, seemed to us to be as close to Eden as any place on earth our nearly 20 years of cat photography travels had taken us.
Left: The Flicks arrival at the International Terminal. Right: Room for luggage and Photographic equipment.
Left: House frontage, John & Sharyn van Aalst. Right: Helmi in the lounge enjoying Sphynx babies.
Left: The Living Room. Right: John Smithson and Ken Flick enjoying a conversation seated at the Island bench.
John Smithson met us at the Auckland airport and drove us across the city to our first destination, the Herne Bay home of John and Sharyn van Aalst, our hosts for our first stay in New Zealand. While there, we would photograph all of the cats in their Fuzzoff Sphynx cattery. Our accommodations were a modern, spacious and posh suite in the van Aalst’s basement – a new space that, curiously, didn’t exist until John and Sharyn’s restored Victorian house was lifted off its foundation to create it.
Above left: Helmi & Ken on the waterfront at Birkenhead. Right: A sphynx volunteers to help Ken to unpack the photographic equipment. Below, Sharyn training her kittens for the impending photo shoot…
After a couple of days of jet lag recuperation, social gatherings and sightseeing tours, we set up the staging and lighting gear of our mobile photo studio in the van Aalst’s living room and began photographing every Sphynx cat and kitten in Sharyn’s cattery, plus one cat of her friends and cobreeders, Greg and Julie Stanaway. We also photographed a Devon Rex belonging to Sharyn’s son and the two van Aalst dogs. Finally, it was our pleasure to take a portrait of John and Sharyn with their kitten, Fleur.
Above and below left: Ken and Helmi set up and prepare for the photo shoot. Below right: The hosts, John and Sharyn van Aalst, with Sphynx female ‘Fleur’.
Above: A grouping of ‘Fuzzoff’ Sphynx’. Below: NZCF Db.Gr.Ch. Gatodouro Ojay (Imp.UK)
We always enjoy these at-home, extended photo sessions we call “Cattery Shoots” because, while they involve the same kind of formal studio portraiture we do at cat shows, and sometimes as many cats, they generally proceed at a far more relaxed pace. We typically start shooting after breakfast, then break for lunch, shoot some more and maybe even take a nap before another late afternoon photo session.
Above left: Our Cover Kittens, Sealpoint Bi-Colour ‘Fuzzoff Sealed With A Kiss’ and solid Blue, ‘Fuzzoff Blue Suede Muse’. Sire: ‘Outtahair MacGyver’ Dam: ‘Fuzzoff Macy Gray’ Above right: NZCF Db.G.Ch. Gatodouro Ojay (Imp.UK) Below: Two of the van Aalst’s pet dogs, who partook in the cattery shoot. Left: ‘Stella,’ a Hungarian Vizsla, and ‘Mavis,’ an Italian Greyhound.
Images from a visit to the Chelsea Sugar Refinery and Café on the north shore.
Because we stayed with the van Aalsts for a week before our first cat show, the Catz, Inc. show in Kumeu, our days shooting their cats were even more relaxed. On several days Sharyn took us to visit local attractions in the Auckland area. In the evenings, we dined in or out with John and Sharyn, and on occasion, with their friends or extended family. This was our first taste of the unfailingly gracious Kiwi hospitality that was to define every stay of our delightful trip.
Meeting new friends at the Soljans Estate Winery
Contributing to the delight of our stay with the van Aalsts was the overall cooperation level of their cats. (Dogs are always eager to please.) We photograph Sphynxs at virtually every cat show, but this was our first-ever shoot at a Sphynx cattery. The Fuzzoff queens were easy to photograph and quite photogenic, and Ojay, Sharyn’s English import stud, was an especially rewarding subject. The kittens, like most kittens generally, were a joy – not just to photograph, but to play with between photo sessions.
Top and Lower left: The joys, relaxation, and comforts of dining at home. Dining out on the town at night in Auckland, with great company.
The typical photo session at a cat show is about a 30-minute encounter with our customers and their cats. And sometimes – especially with repeat customers who we see several times – these encounters evolve from strictly business relationships into lasting friendships. This kind of transition occurs far more often with our cattery shoot customers because of the social aspect of spending several days in close company.
Above: Sharyn and Helmi pose next to an original ink drawing by John Smithson, of Sphynx bred by Sharyn. Below: The Auckland skyline from the Harbour Bridge – in the land of the Long White Cloud.
This was certainly true of the time we shared with John and Sharyn van Aalst. Beyond being gracious hosts, they are thoughtful, warm, generous people who are great company and fun to be around. We will always remember our time with them as a friendship we hope to renew one day. Ken and Helmi Flick Editor: More gracious and fun-loving hosts you would be hard-pressed to meet in the United States than the Flicks! After my visit to their Dallas home, it was clear that Helmi and Ken had New Zealand on their bucket list, but the logistics of getting them and 150+ kilograms of photographic equipment safely into and around the country and back, as well as finding suitable accommodation with hosts that would do New Zealand proud was my main concern. I really needed not worry. All of the hosts that volunteered to be part of this adventure did such an exemplary job! I was so proud of our cat fancy representative breeders and exhibitors. Over time, Ken will provide us via these articles, a glimpse into the segments of this amazing tour of the local cat show scene and the beauty of this exceptional destination – accompanied of course, by the wonderful Flick photography that duly ensued!!! We hope that you enjoyed these snippet insights into just one part of this epic trip.
NZCF DB. GC, GATODOURO OJAY (Imp.UK) TICA RW, CH. GATODOURO OJAY
FACTFILE Pet name:
‘Ojay’
Awards & Titles
Breed & Colour:
Sphynx, Blue Tabby Bi-Colour
TICA Champion 2018
Date of Birth:
November 9, 2017
RW (Regional Winner), 2018
Sire:
Merloni Ruggles of Velvetskin
NZCF Champion, March 2019
Dam:
TICA RW, SGC Gatodouro Winona
NZCF Grand Champion, August 2019
Breeder:
Jelena Nakipova (London, UK)
NZCF Double Grand Champion, Sept. 2019
Owner:
Sharyn van Aalst (Auckland, NZ)
NZCF 7th Best Shorthair Cat, 2019 (Nationally)
OJAY’S STORY I first contacted Jelena in October 2017. I was making plans for my breeding program and realized I would need new blood lines going forward. Jelena was introduced to be by another amazing UK breeder, Pauline Singfield of Ninavetta Sphynx in the UK, from whom I had purchased my first 2 Sphynx stud boys. They were ‘Rudy’ NZCF Sil.Db.Gr.Ch. Ninavetta Nazma Hero (Silver Tabby Mink - now retired) and NZCF Gold Db.Gr.Ch. Ninavetta Pure Future (Black & White Bi-colour – now retired). They were both delightful boys, and big winners in both National Registries, ‘Rudy’ Nazma Hero, taking National Best of Breed Sphynx in 2012 and 8th Best Shorthair Championship Cat; with ‘Elton’ Pure Future, arriving in 2014 and taking Best Sphynx Championship Cat, and Nationally, 2nd Best Shorthair Cat. Pauline had by the time of my enquiry, since retired from breeding. Jelena was at that time, and I still consider her to be, one of a few exclusively amazing Sphynx breeders in the UK. She has a very small number of cats in the home, and holds a high standard of ethics. Jelena HCM scans all of her breeding cats annually, and regularly shows her cats.I therefore considered myself extremely fortunate to be considered as a potential owner for one of her kittens. Ojay was born a month later, a litter of 2 boys. Jelena watched them grow and decided Ojay’s type and temperament was the best of the litter. As Ojay grew, Jelena showed him under TICA. The shows in the UK are much bigger than in NZ. There were many Sphynx entries. Ojay consistently placed well with the judges. Before Ojay came to NZ, Jelena had him scanned for HCM by a veterinary cardiologist, and also used him for a mating to ensure he was fertile. Ojay was shown as a young adult before flying to New Zealand in February 2019 at the age of 1 year 3 months. In this short time of being shown as an adult in the UK, he became a TICA Regional Winner & Champion. That was just amazing, and it was so very kind of Jelena to show him, knowing he would leave the shores of the UK and move to New Zealand. Ojay travelled well to New Zealand and it was most exciting to finally bring him home from quarantine. Ojay has the most friendly, affectionate, laid back temperament. With this cruisy attitude and with being handled so regularly, Ojay has been an absolute pleasure to show. He attended 4 shows in 2019 and gained 7th place in the National standings for short hair for that year, what an achievement!
NZCF Db.Gr.Ch. Gatodouro Ojay (Imp.UK) – Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography
The judges enjoyed handling him and he absolutely loved to play with a feather if one was offered. As a stud cat in my cattery, Ojay has been very easy to keep. He is happy, affectionate and has maintained a good weight. He loves to run on his cat wheel each day. He enjoys helping in the garden under my watchful eye. We didn’t put any pressure on Ojay once he arrived with regards to girls. We let him settle and enjoy individual attention. Ojay’s first kittens NZ were born in 2020.I have been over the moon with the kittens Ojay has produced.They are a great size, as Ojay is a solid boy. Most importantly the type is just amazing, as is the personality of the kittens. They are sweet, affectionate and confident. We have a had a few mini Ojays produced which delights myself and Jelena immensely. Jelena and I talk regularly about cats and kittens and exchange photos. I consider Jelena to be a dear friend and am forever grateful for her advice, expertise, trust and friendship. Sharyn van Aalst
‘Ojay’ on the back steps leading into the garden
‘Punch’ May 28th, 1924. Image: The Harrison Weir Collection
The Harrison Weir Collection’s The Sandy Cat Shows … The Sandy Cat Club shows first come to our attention in Miss Frances Simpson’s epic ‘The Book of The Cat’ in which she introduces both the show and its organising Secretary, Mr. F.W Western, (shown at left) who, himself became a cat breeder, judge and an established writer and historian of the Cat Fancy. The following historical summary written by him, will suffice to give an adequate formal background to the popularity of the annual show. It is introduced by Miss Simpson, who simply states:
Mr. F.W. Western
“As an example of the ever-increasing interest shown in cat sections at local shows, the following account, kindly supplied to me by Mr. F.W. Western, the secretary, will of interest: “Sandy Show has long since outgrown in size and importance the title it bears, viz ‘The Exhibition of the Sandy and District Floral and Horticultural Society.’ The first schedule, issued in 1869, catered or plants, flowers, fruit, vegetables, poultry, and cage birds. In 1880 pigeons were introduced, and in 1883 rabbits were added. Later, in 1899, dogs put in an appearance with four classes. It was not, however, until 1894, that our friend ‘pussy,’ in whom we are especially interested, made her debut at Sandy, and as we look at the schedule for that year we are driven to the conclusion that none but a philosopher could have drawn up such a classification for our pets. The trouble which we now frequently experience at a cat show of being ‘wrong classed’ could not well arise on that happy day in August 1894, when eight catteries were represented in the one and only class, viz, ‘Any variety, any age, male or female.’ But if our pets made a modest bow to the public in that year, they have lived to be proud of their position. In the succeeding year three classes were provided, bringing together 31 cats. From that date the cat classes have shown substantial improvement. “The year 1900 found Sandy with five classes and 41 entries. By this time the cat fancy throughout the country had come into prominence; clubs had been established, and specialist societies were springing into existence. With a leap forward the cat section of the 1901 shows numbered 20 classes. This was far too bold a bid for popularity to be lightly esteemed. The support
latest finds… was obtained of the Cat Club, the Silver Society, (today the Silver and Smoke Persian Cat Society), the Short-haird cat Society, and the Siamese Club. Generous aid was given by many individual lovers of cats, and fifty special prizes, in addition to the class prize money, were offered. The show was attended with success, both as regards the number (about 150) and the quality of the exhibits. From a public point of view, moreover, the result was most gratifying. The cat tent was crowded throughout the day, and this section was acknowledged on every hand, to have been one of the best features of the show. “With such success attending their first earnest adventure in cats, it is not surprising to find that the committee resolved still further to increase the classification. In August 1902, therefore, 32 classes were arranged, of which 21 were guaranteed. Special prizes numbered 85, and the cat section had the support of all the specialist societies. “With such attractons the splendid entry of 1901 was eclipsed, and at the very worst time of the year for cats as many as 266 entries were made. Long-haired cats were decidedly well represented, and in the blue kitten class 21 specimens were penned. In the short-haired classes some noted winners appeared. Ring classes were provided, and proved a great attraction to the public. The local classes were proof that Mrs. F.W. Western has succeeded in interesting some of her friends in the hobby, and the specimens to which the honours fell would have done well in the keenest competition.” The latest piece of cat fancy memorabilia to be added to the Harrison Weir Collection, is a magnificent silver medal, awarded in 1921, for the Best members Cat in Show. (Shown at left) On this occasion, the winner was the Hon. Mrs. Clive Behrens, a keen fancier who bred and exhibited both Longhairs (predominantly white Persians) and Shorthairs (mainly Siamese).
This lady is herself, a very intriguing individual. Her father was the extremely wealthy philanthropist, banker, and later politician Lord Rothschild. When his daughter married Major Clive Behrens in October 1899, her father presented the couple with the keys to ‘Swinton Grange’ a newly built estate in Malton, Yorkshire, as his wedding gift. When the Hon. Mrs. Clive Behrens later became enamoured of pedigree cats, her cattery prefix was duly styled ‘Swinton’ after the estate. Between 1914 and 1919, the grand home was used as an Auxiliary Hospital, the Behrens being patriots to the core. In fact, War Service records show her as working full time during that period as Commandant of the Hospital alongside the Medical Officer Dr. D.C. McCormack. Many hundreds of wounded soldiers were rehabilitated at the facility and one of the staff nurses Mrs. Ursula Lascelles, was often referred to in the memoirs of soldiers who were treated there. Linking the silver medal to the Hon. Mrs. Clive Behrens was made easier due to the fact that the writer
The Harrison Weir Collection
‘Swinton Grange’, the home of Major & the Hon.Mrs Clive Behrens – active as an Auxiliary Military Hospital between 1914 and 1919, and where the ‘Swinton Cattery’ of Persian and Siamese cats was also located. Photo: Period Photo Postcard in the Archives of The Harrison Weir Collection.
writer did know that the Hon. Mrs. Clive Behrens regularly exhibited her cats at the Sandy fixture; but as we have seen in other cases, often the engraving on objects such as these contains spelling errors, and this medal was no exception. It is engraved as won by Hon. Mrs Olive Behrens? – which is clearly meant to read Hon. Mrs. Clive Behrens. The task then at hand, was to attempt to ascertain which of her cats, may have been contenders as the winner of the medal. The show results for individual cats exhibited during the period this medal was won are fortunately included in Volume 2 of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy’s Stud Book, covering the years 1917 through to 1923. From that, it is possible to reduce the contenders owned and exhibited by the Hon. Mrs. Clive Behrens at the Sandy fixture in August 1921 down to just two cats, specifically her white long-haired female named
‘Swinton Ann’ who successfully gained a 1st, and Championship at Sandy, but also her Sealpoint Siamese male, ‘Champion Slightly’ who similarly gained a 1st and Championship at the same event. Although we cannot at this stage be sure, we err on the side of the Siamese, who had consistently won at shows that season, including 1st and Championship at the preceding NCC Show in 1920, and also 1st and Championship at the Newbury Show of 1921. J. Smithson
Champion SLIGHTLY Siamese Cat Register, Volume II
Land of the Dinosaurs
Possibly the oldest known image of a hairless cat, one of two hand-coloured illustrations of exhibits at the Cat Show held in the Music Hall, Boston, March 6 th, 1880. ‘The Daily News’ March 6 1880. Image © The Harrison Weir Collection
AN HISTORICAL PORTRAIT OF
BY
JOHN G. SMITHSON
MEXICAN HAIRLESS CATS (1890’S) Adapted from the author’s text for ‘Nellie’ @ The History Project www.cat-o-pedia.org
PREAMBLE
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The modern-day hairless cat, more commonly known as the ‘Sphynx’, has its beginnings in a litter born in Toronto in 1966; but mutations resulting in hairless cats have happened in many parts of the world for some time, two of the earliest identified named and photographed examples cats were ‘Nellie’ and ‘Dick’ a pair of hairless cats that were then identified as the ‘Mexican Hairless’ strain.
In the case of the modern-day Sphynx, the apparent hairlessness is the result of a recessive mutation. The Sphynx of today are descended from a mix of two lines of naturally occurring mutations, one from a domestic cat in Toronto, and the other from a family of barn-cats, in Minnesota.
This story, although concentrating on those two cats specifically, also sets about to demonstrate that other mutations for hairlessness, have taken place in various locations over time. The image on the page opposite is currently, the earliest I have managed to find of hairless cats being exhibited at a cat show. It is one of two such images depicting hairless cats that were shown in the Music Hall at Boston, at the Cat Show held there in March 1880. These cats do therefore predate ‘Nellie’ and ‘Dick’ who were immortalised in Frances Simpson’s epic work ‘The Book of The Cat’, published in 1903.
The descendants of both these foundation lines, (generally referred to as the Canadian Sphynx), were notionally outcrossed to Devon Rex lines, in an attempt to expand the gene pool, and the resulting offspring then became the basis and early foundation for the Championship breed so popular now in all corners of the globe. Because ‘Mexican Hairless’ cats, certainly appear to resemble a modern Sphynx, we have no reason to believe that its occurrence was any different, and therefore, likewise, it could just as easily have been the result of a naturally occurring mutation in a domestic population. However, because none of these
The second of two hand-coloured illustrations of exhibits at the Cat Show held in the Music Hall, Boston, March 6th, 1880. This one, strongly resembling a ‘Sphynx’ of over 140 years later. ‘The Daily News’ March 6, 1880. Image © The Harrison Weir Collection
original cats survived, or were successfully bred from to our knowledge, we can never know whether their gene for hairlessness was in fact a recessive one; or whether, such as in the case of the Don Sphynx found in Russia, a dominant one. Certainly, the appearance of ‘The Mexican Hairless’ cat in the last nineteenth century caused quite a sensation. The widely known photograph of ‘Nellie’ and ‘Dick’, which was published in an excellent full-page format, in the ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903), alongside both the article by Mr. H. C. Brooke and the letter contained from Mr F. J. Shinick of New Mexico, has certainly become iconic.
But this was not the first time that this photo had been published, nor the second, and the writer has every reason to believe that this wonderful image, may have been obtained through the connections and labour of other well-known cat fanciers. PARENTAGE & OWNERSHIP Although parentage can never be established, ‘Nellie’ and her companion ‘Dick’ were at the time the article was written, in the ownership of Mr Shinick, who had so kindly written the below letter in answer to Mr H. C. Brooke’s initial enquiries about the new breed:
The now almost iconic photograph of ‘Nellie’ and ‘Dick’, the only Mexican Hairless cats then known, as they appeared in ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) ¹ Image: courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection
Albuquerque, New Mexico, February 3rd, 1903 Mr. H. C. Brooke, Dear Sir, - Yours of January 20th is at hand. In answer would say my hairless cats are brother and sister. I got them from the Indians a few miles from this place. The old Jesuit Fathers tell me they are the last of the Aztec breed known only in New Mexico. I have found them the most intelligent and affectionate family pets I have ever met in the cat line; they are the loving
the quickest in action, and smartest cats I have ever seen. They are fond of a warm bath, and love to sleep under the clothes at night with our little girl. They seem to understand nearly everything that is said to them; but I have never had time to train them. They are marked exactly alike – with mousecoloured backs; with neck, stomach, and legs a delicate flesh tint. Their bodies are always warm and soft as a child’s. They love to be fondled and caressed, and are very playful; will run up and down your body and around your waist like a flash.
your waist like a flash. Nellie weighs about eight pounds and Dick weighed about ten pounds; but I am sorry to say we have lost ‘Dick’. We have never allowed them to go out of the house, as the dogs would be after them. They were very fond of our water spaniel and would and would sleep with her. ‘Dick’ was a sly rascal, and would steal out, one night last year, he stole out and the dogs finished him. His loss was very great, as I may never replace him. The Chicago Cat Club valued them at $1,000 each. They were very anxious for me to come on with them for their cat shows, but I could not go. They were never on exhibition; as this is a small city, I feared they would be stolen. I have made every endeavour to get another mate for ‘Nellie’, but have not been successful. I never allowed them to mate, as they were brother and sister, and I thought it might alter ‘Nellie’s’ beautiful form, which is round and handsome, with body rather long. In winter they have a light fur on back and ridge of tail, which falls off in warm weather. They stand the cold weather same as other cats. They are not like the hairless dogs, whose hide is solid and tough; they are soft and delicate, with very loose skin. ‘Nellie’ has a very small head, large amber eyes, extra long moustache and eyebrows; her voice now is a good baritone, when young it sounded exactly like a child’s. They have great appetites and are quite dainty eaters – fried chicken and good steak is their choice. Have never been sick an hour. The enclosed faded picture is the only one I have at present; it is very lifelike, as it shows the wrinkles in its fine, soft skin.
‘Dick’ was a very powerful cat; could whip any dog alone; his courage, no doubt, was the cause of his death. He always was the boss over our dogs. I have priced ‘Nellie’ at 300 dollars. She is too valuable a pet for me to keep in a small town. Many wealthy ladies would value her for her weight in gold if they knew what a rare pet she is. I think in your position she would be a very good investment to exhibit at cat shows and other select events, as she doubtless is the only hairless cat now known. I have written to Old Mexico and all over the country without finding another. I would like to have her in some large museum, where she would interest and be appreciated by thousands of people. – Trusting this will reach you in safety, I am very truly yours, F J SHINICK. ¹ From this letter, we find that ‘Nellie’ had a normal home life, sharing a bed with a child, or the pet water spaniel! As to her colour and pattern it is likely that she and Dick were Blue Bi-Colours, when taking into account both their descriptions and the photograph. SHOWS But it seems possible that ‘Nellie’ and ‘Dick’ were indeed exhibited...not in Albuquerque, “for fear of being stolen” and Mr Shinick’s letter is certainly open to interpretation when he states that “they were very anxious for me to come on with them for their cat shows, but I could not go.” This could equally mean that arrangements had been made for them to be shown, but that Mr Shinick could not find the time to travel with them. In an article written by Jennie Van Allen, about the recent ‘Chicago Cat Club Show’
Photo of ‘Lady Nell’ and ‘Dick Schinic’ as it appeared in ‘Harpers Bazar’ 14th December 1898 Image © The Harrison Weir Collection
the recent ‘Chicago Cat Club Show’ , for the 14 th December issue of ‘Harper’s Bazar’, there is a lengthy discourse on the exhibits on display at the First Regiment Armory, between the 7th and 10th of December 1898. Among the many named cats from all corners of the United States, are listed both ‘Lady Nell’ and ‘Dick Schinic’ who are described as “the only hairless cats in Christendom!” in the text, and “the only hairless cats in the world” in the caption to their photo.
cats in the world” in the caption to their photo. This would suggest that the cats were possibly shipped to Chicago for the big Show, (the very first Cat Show to be held in Chicago). I am of the opinion, that this is possibly where the famous photo of “Nell and Dick’ may have been taken, as the publication of this photo (which is the same image), predates the publication of it in both Helen Winslow’s book, ‘Concerning Cats’ in 1900, and the subsequent publication of it again, in Frances Simpson’s ‘The Book of The Cat’ in 1903.
‘Concerning Cats’ in 1900, and the subsequent publication of it again, in Frances Simpson’s ‘The Book of The Cat’ in 1903. Mrs. Leland Norton, was the President of the Club at this time, and would certainly have been in a position to have the press come to her home in Drexel Boulevard, to have the photo taken in a studio environment. This first show was also supported by a large number of wealthy patronesses who between them could have easily arranged for the safe passage of the cats. And where did the $1,000 suggested valuation of the cats come from? The Chicago Cat Club. A copy of the excellent (not faded) image we see today, would then have found its way into the hands of Mr H.C. Brooke, who eventually passed it on to Cassell’s for inclusion in ‘The Book of The Cat’. BREEDING & PROGENY Obviously, there are no records of ‘Nellie’ ever having been bred. But the mystery does not stop there. From Mr Shinick’s letter to Mr Brooke, we know that ‘Dick’ died a in the preceding year, hence in 1901. If we accept that at best, the cats were indeed in Chicago for the Show of late 1898, or presume at worst, the photo which was used in the article published on that date was authentic, then judging by the maturity of ‘Dick’ in that photo, we may fairly assume that he was already probably two or three years old when the photo was taken. This puts his date of birth, and probably ‘Nellie’s’ at around 1895 and probably not later than 1896. But what happened to Nellie after the cats had been returned to Albequerque? We know of Dick’s demise, but what happened to Lady Nell? These were supposed to be the only Mexican Hairless cats in the world were they not?
Yet, in Charles H.Lane’s book, also published in 1903, he includes an illustration by artist Rosa Bebb, of another Mexican Hairless cat, a female named ‘Jesuit’. In his brief article on it, he states: “I believe the above-named (referring to the Mexican Hairless) and following varieties of cats have not been mentioned or illustrated in any previous work on domestic cats, not do I remember seeing more than one specimen of the former exhibited in this country, but I hope it may prove they are not quite extinct, as they are different from any other variety with which the writer is acquainted, and so rare as to be exceedingly valuable to all students of natural history, irrespective of their interest to cat lovers. “The illustration is of a portrait of the one belonging to the Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison, the only specimen I have seen shown in this country.” ⁴ So this now begs the question... was that very well-connected, industrious, and pioneering importer of all things exotic, Mrs McLaren Morrison, motivated to succeed where Mr Shinick had not? Or perhaps, did she in fact buy ‘Nellie’ from him? And have her shipped to England? Is it possible that ‘Nellie’ ended her days at Kepwick Park in Yorkshire? And if she did, if only Mrs Morrison had bred her to a domestic and then bred in, by breeding a male back to her, she may have unwittingly discovered that coated progeny could carry the ability to throw hairless kittens. Ah! What might have been!
‘Jesuit’, a Mexican Hairless cat owned and exhibited in England
By the Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison Illustration by Rosa Bebb, from ‘Rabbits, Cats and Cavies’ (1903) ⁴
Although the unique Mexican Hairless mutation appears to have died out, others did follow. In the November 1956 issue of ‘CATS MAGAZINE’ the well-known breeder Virginia Cobb of Newton Cattery (USA), published a photo of a bi-colour Mexican
Mexican Hairless kitten named “Friskie” who was born in a normal litter and was owned by a Loren Hanson of Hillsboro, New Hampshire. He apparently appeared in the 1931 Boston Cat Show! ³
‘Friskie’, a tabby bi-colour Mexican Hairless, (Sphynx), shown at Boston in 1931 Photo: Loren Hanson. ‘CATS Magazine’, November 1956 ³
Another instance was reported by none other than renown Australian judge Fred W. Pearce, in the March 1960 issue of ‘Our Cats, with the article supported by two excellent photographs of the ‘nude’ cat. It appears to be a black and white hairless mother cat playing with her normal coated tabby and white kitten. The owner of the cat was Mr Rigby Warren, of Longwarrin, Victoria, whose female cat was named ‘Sylvester’. From a subsequent interview it was determined that she had been born in December 1955. ² Of one thing we can be sure, that although ‘Nellie’ and ‘Dick’ are long gone, their legacy of wonder about the possibilities that come with natural mutations is sure to keep the cat fancy alight for many generations to come.
about the possibilities that come with natural mutations is sure to keep the cat fancy alight for many generations to come. References: 1. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson. (article by H.C. Brooke). 2. ‘Our Cats’, (UK) March 1960. (Photos by R. Daley) 3. ‘Cats Magazine’, (USA) November 1956. (Photo by L. Hanson) 4. ‘Rabbits, Cats and Cavies’ (1903) by Charles H. Lane. 5. ‘Harper’s Bazar’, 14th December, 1898 6. ‘The Daily News’ March 6, 1880
Two images of ‘Sylvester’ the ‘nude cat from Down Under’ with her 1959 kitten. Photos: R. Daley. For ‘Our Cats’ March 1960 At right: A modern-day Sphynx cat. This black bi-colour male is GC RW Pinupcats Pirate Flag DM, Born December 1, 2009 bred by Cyndee Hill and owned by Johary Gomez Posada & C. Hill. He is the sire of one of this month’s feature cats GC NW BWR Pinupcats Supa Dupa Fly of Kuorii DM – who was CFA’s Kitten of the Year, Regions 1-9, 2015-2016 and a 4th generation DM on the sires’ side of her pedigree.
‘THE HAPPY FAMILY’ AN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED EDITION PRINT RUN OF ONLY 100! featuring a family of Sphynx, a mother and her six kittens. Drawn in Pen and Ink, using the Pointillist technique, by New Zealand artist, John Grant Smithson. Printed on quality card, individually signed and numbered in gold by the artist, and issued with a Certificate of Authenticity. Dimensions Outer Edges of Card: 35.2cm high x 52cm wide Image area: 27.5cm high x 45.5cm wide Some prints already sold.
$70 USD each Shipping additional, dependent upon location Orders/Enquiries to:
editor@felis-historica.com Detail
COTY - FIFe NW, GIC, SC BEAUBELL’S STETSON DSM
FACTFILE Pet name:
‘Steters”
Breed & Colour:
Persian, Black
JW (Junior Winner) 2011
Date of Birth:
April 20, 2010
NW (National Winner, FIFe 2nd Best Kitten 2011
Sire:
GC. Beaubell’s Boston T’Party (Blue Tabby)
Awards & Titles
Champion 2012
Dam: GC. Purrman’s Pearl of Beaubell (CE White)
IC (International Champion) 2012
Breeders:
Lyn & Colin Bayliss
GIC (Grand International Champion) 2012
Owners:
Jose Luis Correia Ribeiro (Portugal)
NW. (National Winner, FIFe Cat of the Year, 2013
Later:
Lyn & Colin Bayliss (USA)
DSM (Distinguished Show Merit) 2013
BLACK – BEAUTY BOTH WITHIN AND WITHOUT For over 130 years, Black Persians have remained popular and many judges and breeders in that time have expressed their fascination with, and love for. a good dense coloured black longhair with startling contrasting eye colour. In each generation there have been Blacks that were considered timeless, from Mrs. McLaren Morrison’s ‘Neptune’ in late 19th century England, to Mrs. Marjorie Bull’s National Show winning ‘Ch. Deebank Mascot’ in the 1960s; fromMr. Richard Gebhardt’s CFA GC.Velvene Voo Doo of Sylva-Wyte on the American continent, to the magnificent ‘headlining’ Blacks of the modern era, that became the standard-bearers of the Persian breed in the 1980’s through to the early 21 st century. Our story today is about another dynamic American-born black Persian male, who made his mark on the Western European show circuit, and then went on to leave winning Grand Champion progeny. His story was gleaned in a series of email interviews between the Editor and his breeders, Lyn and Colin Bayliss of the ‘Beaubell’ cattery. The following questions, and their answers, will provide for our readers a clear picture of the life of our subject cat ‘Stetson’ and of his inspiring international contribution to the world of the Persian cat. Editor:
From what you have already told me, you did not get into cats until you lived in the United States. So,when did you decide to emigrate?
Lyn:
We were based in Lydney, Gloucestershire, which is where both Colin and I were born and raised. We emigrated to the USA from the UK in January 1992, originally sent by Colin’s company, Turner and Newell to South Bend, Indiana.
Editor:
Is that where you lived when you got involved in the cat fancy? And did you stay there or move elsewhere in the United States?
Lyn:
Yes, we spent six years there, starting our ‘Beaubell’ cattery and began breeding and exhibiting, a hobby we have been involved in ever since! Over the following years we were transferred from Indiana to South Carolina, North Carolina, Michigan, Tennessee, and Georgia. Colin was a ‘turnaround’ director for an automotive manufacturing company.
Editor:
That’s alot of moving. Where did you finally end up and when?
Lyn:
In 2009, Colin took early retirement, rather than be transferred to Juarez, Mexico. We decided to buy our last home in Florida, which is situated 20 miles south of Ocala, on the edge of the ‘Ross Prairie State Park’. No doubt you may have seen our videos on Facebook of bears visiting the property at night!
The sire and dam of NW. GIC. SC Beaubell’s Stetson DSM. Left: GC. Beaubell’s Boston T’Party (Blue Tabby) Right: GC Purrmans Pearl of Beaubeull (CE White)
Left to right, Beaubell’s Stetson, in profile at 8 weeks, then as a baby, and at 5 weeks of age. Photos: Lyn Bayliss.
Editor:
I certainly have. I also noted that you enjoy your Recreational Vehicle and getting away in it, and that it is set up beautifully for the cats too. Have you always enjoyed travelling that way?
Lyn:
Yes, we have long been RV’ers, even from raising our sons back in England. The company Colin worked for had offices in Europe and it was perfect for visiting in the RV with our two sons. When we emigrated to Indiana, weekend RV’ing was difficult as you can drive for miles and miles and see nothing but corn. So for the first thirteen years in the US, we bought a boat instead and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Editor:
Did you ever take cats out on the boat with you?
Lyn:
Absolutely! I will send you photos of the cats on board! Eventually, Colin’s company got tired of moving our boat around the States. It required certain permits due to its width, so by then, when were living in the Southern States, we reverted back to an RV.
Editor:
Tell me more about your breeding program and some of your successes.
A fully matured adult photo of FIFe COTY – NW, GIC, SC Beaubell’s Stetson of Fare Niente DSM Photo: Courtesy of Cattery Fare Niente
Lyn:
Our breeding program has been minimal, but we have home bred three National Winners and a FIFe Cat of the Year. In addition, we gained a 2nd Best Premier in CFA and a 2nd Best Kitten in FIFe. We have also bred and or shown, 16 CFA Regional Winners, 2 FIFe Junior Winners, and 70 CFA Grand Champions.
Editor:
(Laughing), I would hardly call breeding 70 CFA Grand Champions minimal! But let’s talk about Stetson. Tell us about him, about his birth and how he ended up in Europe.
Lyn:
Well, once in a while a special kitten comes along, and Stetson, a solid black male, was one of those kittens. He was born April 20, 2010. His sire was our Blue Tabby CFA Grand Champion, Beaubell’s Boston T’Party – and his dam was our copper-eyed White queen CFA Grand Champion Purrman’s Pearl of Beaubell, aka ‘The Duchess.’
Lyn:
He was special from the start, as you can see from the kitten photographs I sent you, including the one showing his profile. He was also a very confident kitten, happily strutting his stuff, but with a gentle nature. But at that time, Colin was experiencing some health issues and we had decided to take a break from exhibiting. It just happened to coincide with a request from a friend in Portugal, Jose Luis Correia Ribeiro, who was wanting to campaign a kitten in FIFe in Europe. His cattery name is ‘Fare Niente,’ and we decided that Stetson was the right candidate for him.
Editor:
How did he get the name Stetson?
Lyn:
Jose had asked me to name Stetson and wanted something very American. So we decided to call him Stetson, after the Stetson cowboy hats. Coincidentally, there is a restaurant on the San Antonio Texas River walk called Stetson, which happens to be a favourite of ours. So it seemed to fit the bill!
Two of Stetsons most successful progeny. Above left, CFA GC. FIFe NW, GIC, Fare Niente Majestic, with 2 National wins; and right: CFA GC. FIFe NW, GIC, Fare Niente Amaluna, with 3 National Wins and 2 Mediterranean wins to her credit. Photos: Courtesy of Cattery Fare Niente
Editor:
When did he leave?
Lyn:
We shipped Stetson just after four months of age. By three months he had a huge coat. Even today his coat grows so fast and very thick and really black. Stetson made his ‘debut’ on September 11th, 2010 in Aveiro, Portugal, exhibited in the Junior class. From there he went on to achieve his JW (Junior Winner) Title.
Editor:
How different was the show format at a FIFe show?
Lyn:
FIFe is somewhat different to CFA, but the Titles are somewhat similar. They are judged, assessed and reports written about them, at the judges table. The cat is expected to sit quietly on that table, whilst the report is written. The biggest difference other than that, is that the end of the FIFe show year is December, not April as it is in CFA. The Titles are JW for Junior Winner, best described as an equivalent to a CFA National Kitten win. CH for Champion, as with CFA. IC for International Champion, which means he was shown and made BIS in several other countries. Then GIC, the same as a CFA Grand Champion, but shown Internationally. Then there is SC, which stands for Supreme Champion, higher than GIC (GC), and this title takes precedence over GIC. Lastly NW, the same as in CFA.
Editor:
And what were his achievements in FIFe?
Lyn:
After his debut in 2010, in the following 2011 season, Stetsons campaign really began and he achieved his first NW title, being ranked as 2nd Best Kitten.
Lyn:
In 2012, he competed in the adult classes achieving in order, his Championship, his IC title (International Champion) and GIC, (Grand International Champion). But it was in 2013 that he achieved the success that we had hoped for, when he received his 2nd NW title, finishing as FIFe’s Cat of the Year!
Editor:
What an incredible achievement. Was that the end of his show career?
Above: Stetson with his former owner Jose, on the campaign circuit in Europe. Right: Stetson aged 9 years, relaxing in his carpeted cat tree back in the USA.
Lyn:
Absolutely not! Finally, in 2014 on February 23, in Valladoid, Spain he succeeded is gaining his last title, that of SC (Supreme Champion) and the affix DSM (Distinguished Show Merit). This was to be his last show, after a successful three and a half year reign. He went on to enjoy fatherhood and has produced many beautiful offspring, both for Jose and for us, with many of his kittens enjoying incredible show careers of their own, including five FIFe National Winners, 3 CFA Grand Champions, and 2 Mediterranean Winners. Most notable among these were Jose’s stunning Tortie, CFA GC FIFe NW, GIC Fare Niente Amaluna – who went on to achieve three National Wins and two Mediterranean Wins. Another was the fabulous copper-eyed white male, CFA GC. FIFe NW, GIC Fare Niente Majestic who has two National Wins under his belt and attributes such as outstandingly deep and sound eye colour and has inherited the magnificently long flowing coat.
Editor:
You must be proud of your wee black kitten and what he has ultimately accomplished.
Lyn:
We are. But our sincere thanks must go to Jose, without whose devotion to Stetson and his impeccable presentation, this story would not have been written.
Editor:
And what about Stetson’s personality and his life today?
Lyn:
Stetson is a very loving and playful cat. He loves to sleep on your head and tussle your hair. He did not like the journey’s ‘to’ the shows, but drank up the attention whilst he was there, flirted with the females and was a happy boy travelling home. Stetson is now back home with Colin and I, after his extensive show career travelling around Europe and although he is almost 11 years old, he is still romancing the ladies and producing beautiful Beaubell babies.
CFA KOTY GC, BWR, NW PINUPCATS SUPA DUPA FLY OF KUORII DM CFA TOP CAT CHALLENGE 2020- BEST OF THE BEST - HIGHEST SCORING KITTEN – PHOTO EVENT
FACTFILE Pet name:
‘Supa’
Awards & Titles
Breed & Colour:
Sphynx, Black Bi-Colour
Best Kitten CFA World Show 2015 (Purple Ring)
Date of Birth:
May 15, 2015
NW – CFA Best Kitten Regions 1-9, 2015
Sire:
GC RW PinUpCats Pirate Flag DM
CFA Champion – Finicky Felines, USA, 2016
Dam:
Randazzleme MyFairLady pf PinUpCats
CFA Grand Champion – Finicky Felines, 2016
Breeder:
Cyndee Hill
BWR – Breed Winner CFA - Europe 2016
Owners:
Cyndee Hill / Sophia Staples Paolo Carnevaletti / Paola Scardaccio
DM – Dam of 5 Grand Champions April 2019 Top Cat Challenge Highest Scoring Kitten 2020
SUPA’S STORY It gives us great pleasure to bring our readers the background story behind this dynamic little lady, the Sphynx known affectionately as ‘Supa’ who has had a most incredible show and breeding career. What follows is our transcript of an interview between our Editor and Supa’s breeder Cyndee Hill, which we are sure will cast great light on the powerful pedigree behind this truly exceptional cat. Editor:
Please tell me about Supa as a baby, her birth, parentage etc…
Cyndee:
Supa was born 5/15/2015. Her sire is our own GC, RW PinUpCats Pirate Flag DM – who is the 2nd male DM in the Sphynx breed. There are only two as of this date, both appearing on Supa’s pedigree. She is also the 4th generation DM on her sire’s side, with the common ancestor, from both her sire and dam, in our own matriarch, GC,NW,BW PinUpCats Vision in Black and White DM. (aka ‘Poopsie’).
Editor:
Do you still have Poopsie?
Cyndee:
Absolutely! She is Supa’s Great Great Grandmother on her dam’s side, the foundation of all of my cats and is now almost 15 years old. She was from my very first litter of Sphynx kittens in 2006. She was my first National Winner. She still lives with me and sleeps with me every night. She is my constant companion at home.
Left: A baby ‘Supa’. A strong family heritage – Middle: Supa’s sire: GC, RW PinUpCats Pirate Flag DM and right: her paternal great grandmother, GC, GR, BW, NW PinUpCats Vision in Black and White DM (aka ‘Poopsie’) ‘Poopsie’ is also Supa’s maternal great great grandmother. Photos: Courtesy PinUpCats Cattery
‘Supa’ being assessed by CFA Judge Hope Gonano, at the World Show during the Best of the Best session, 2015 Photos: Larry Johnson
Editor:
And what other successful Sphynx cats are featured in her pedigree?
Cyndee:
Her sire’s dam, - GC, RW PinUpCats Next Top Model DM, a calico out of ‘Poopsie’. Supa’s dam was Randazzleme MyFairLady of PinUpCats, a descendant on her paternal side from GC, RW Naykids Mr. Nudiverse of Kikapoo DM (the first male Sphynx DM in CFA history.) Supa’s maternal grandmother was also IW SGC Randazzleme Promise Me This, - who was TICA’s Kitten of the Year. She in turn was out of RW PinUpCats Spotted U Nude, who was from the combination of ‘Poopsie’ and GC, RW Naykids Mr. Universe of Kikapoo DM. Consequently, Supa has doubles on both these early DM’s!
Editor:
What were your impressions of Supa early on?
Cyndee:
I knew within a couple of weeks that she would be special. As a breeder, we have those kittens that just have that ‘something special’ from the beginning. Not only was Supa showing signs of being an excellent example of the breed, she also had that show personality to go along with her incredible type. Paolo Carnevaletti had been wanting a Sphynx kitten from me for some time. I posted a picture of her on my Face-book page when she was just a few weeks old and both Sophia and Paolo messaged me almost at the same time asking me what I was going to do with this amazing kitten. I had a gut feeling she could go ‘all the way’.
Editor:
How did she get her unusual name?
‘Supa’ at the World Show as a kitten Getting a good luck kiss from Sophia.
‘Supa Dupa Fly’ on her winning streak at Cotton States Show, in November 2015 where she placed Best Kitten in every ring! As the highest scoring kitten she was awarded the Lilliput Cattery Perpetual Trophy. Photo: Courtesy of PinUpCats Cattery
Cyndee:
Supa got her name after I sent some young kitten pictures to Paolo. After seeing the photos, he was in love and saw how big her ears were and started looking for the word ‘Fly’ in any potential name. As he is a huge fan of Missy Elliot’s music, he gave her the great name of ‘Supa Dupa Fly!’
Editor:
How did her show career begin?
Cyndee:
It was decided that Supa would be co-owned by Paolo Carnevaletti, myself, Sophia Staples and Paola Scardaccio. Sophia was up to the challenge of showing a ‘naked’ baby for us and so we started planning her kitten show career. Sophia picked up Supa from my home and took her to her to her first shows from the age of four months. Supa almost immediately began picking up many Best Kitten wins. Highlights of her kitten career were when she received Best Kitten in every ring at the prestigious Cotton States Show. She was also entered into the World Show (known today as the CFA International Show) winning Best Shorthair Kitten in the purple ring and participating in Best of the Best finale. (Ed: see her photos with Hope Gonano). She continued her winning ways throughout the season. Sophia, while showing her during the 2015/2016 show season enjoyed shouting out her name SUPA when she would end the final as Best Kitten. Everyone in the show hall knew Supa and would help cheer her on. She has such a show presence on the judges table, it was hard not to fall in love with her. She finished as the highest scoring kitten, and CFA’s Kitten of the Year (Regions 1-9). It was an extraordinary career for a Sphynx, thanks to Sophia Staples, supported by Paolo, Paola and myself in showing her to perfection. Sophia proved why she is the queen of grooming during that show season as she always presented Supa in the most spectacular condition… flawless at every show. Not an easy feat for a Sphynx.
Editor: Cyndee:
Where and when did her adult show career begin?
FIVE of Supa’s CFA Grand Champion progeny – in date of birth order, top left: GC, RW Kuorii Kokkodimamma; Top right: (at right) GC, RW Kuorii La Boom of Mililas L&F (Calico); Bottom left: GC Kuorii Ke-Violent-A, with Piotr Rogowski; Bottom centre: GC Kuorii Poison Envy of Muses Secret; and bottom right: GC Kuorii Kandela of Grace Li. ‘Supa’ is herself, a 4th generation Sphynx DM. Photos courtesy of all owners.
Cyndee:
Her adult career got a great start in the United States at the Finicky Feline Society show where she gained her Champion title and became a ‘one show CFA Grand Champion’ all on the same weekend in January 2016! Supa then travelled to Italy, to live with Paola, who birthed her first litter. After weening her kittens, it was decided to bring Supa back out and show her in Championship, where she eventually earned her BW title during the 2017-2018 show season. She now enjoys a very spoiled life living near Venice and is the ‘Queen Boss’ of the house.
Editor:
I see that she has now also earned the distinction of DM?
Cyndee:
Yes, it’s hard to believe that in what seems now to be a very short time, she had three litters, from which she has already produced five CFA Grand Champion offspring! These are in order of their date of birth, GC Kuorii La Boom of Malilas L&E, (Calico); GC, RW Kuorii Kokkodimamma (Black Bi-colour); GC Kuorii Ke-Violent-A (Blue Bi-Colour); GC Kuorii Poison Envy of Muses Secret (Black Bi-Colour) and GC Kuorii Kandela of Grace Li (Black (Blue Bi-colour) – all bred by Paolo and Paola under the Kuorri cattery name.
Above, beloved ‘Poopsie’ the matriarch of the PinUpCats dynastic line, on the shoulder of her breeder, Cyndee Hill. Right: her Great granddaughter, ‘Supa’ on the day she took Best Kitten in all rings at the Cotton States Show, November 2015. She is sitting in the Lilliput Perpetual Trophy.
Editor:
It would appear, that you have been on quite a roller-coaster journey since you first took up the challenge of breeding Sphynx. Is that a fair summation?
Cyndee:
Yes, that is fair. My love for the breed bloomed in the early the 90’s when I was lucky enough to meet these elegant creatures first-hand at a cat show in Atlanta Georgia. For me, they were the ‘pin-ups’ of the cat world and it was love at first sight. I have been obsessed with all things Sphynx ever since! I have been showing and breeding since 2004. I exhibited for two years in both kitten and championship classes with two lovely boys I received from Judy Webb Gunby of Skinzin Cattery in 2004 and 2005., before I had my first PinUpCats litter in Aril of 2006. This litter produced my first National Winner, GC, BW, NW, SGC, RW PinUpCats Vision in Black and White DM (aka ‘Poopsie’) who has titled in both CFA and TICA. She was also my first double National Winner in CFA, obtaining this title in both Kitten and championship divisions. She is still the foundation to my breeding program and will happily turn 15 years old in April 2021.
Editor:
Anything else you can tell us about Supa?
Cyndee:
Only that she is my 6th PinUpCats Sphynx Breed Winner in CFA – the most from any Sphynx cattery in CFA so far. She loves to sleep next to you at night and eats treats from your hands. For many, she is one of the finest examples of the Sphynx breed and considered almost perfection to the breed standard.
We would like to thank Cyndee for taking the time to share the story of ‘Supa’ with us, and to congratulate her on having earned National Wins, in CFA, TICA and FIFe with this unique breed.
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HARRISON WEIR COLLECTION An International Monthly Magazine Dedicated to all things related to
Domestic and Fancy Cats
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COMING IN A FUTURE ISSUE… HISTORIC CATS ROMALDKIRK ADMIRAL (Cream Persian) MISS TOODLES (Silver Tabby English SH)
ICONS OF THE CAT FANCY LOIS WESTON – SIMBELAIR CATTERY EVENTS
COSEY (Maine Coon)
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SHOW - 1895
CH. BUNDLE (early Blue Persian Champion)
THE CRYSTAL PALACE SHOWS – 1871
TOPICAL ARTICLES
PURRSONALITIES
THE DEVON REX BREED
MR. ENOCH WELBURN
THE CHINESE LOP – PRECURSOR TO ‘THE FOLD’
HARRISON WEIRS BIRTHDAY – 1874/2021
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