Felis Historica - April 22, Volume 2 Number 10 by purrcasso

HARRISON WEIR COLLECTION © A-Cat-Emy Concepts

PUBLISHED BY A-CAT-EMY CONCEPTS for THE HARRISON WEIR COLLECTION EDITOR

John G. Smithson

APRIL 2022

VOLUME 2 NUMBER 10

editor@felishistorica.com HISTORY PARTNERS The CFA Foundation

EDITORIAL The Editor outlines the contents of Felis Historica – Volume 2 No.9!

COLUMNISTS/CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTING TEAM MEMBERS Gallery of our Team of Columnists, Contributors & Correspondents

Karen Lawrence (St. Catharines, Canada)

Lorraine Shelton (California, USA)

Dr. Leslie Lyons (Missouri, USA)

Contents

LINGMOOR TOM (1901) - by John Smithson A Top Show Red Tabby Longhair (Persian) Neuter born 1900)

THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR PEDIGREED BREEDS – An up-to-date report from data collated by columnist Lorraine Shelton 20 RAGDOLL CAT HISTORY ‘The Foundations’ – by David Nudleman

Laura Vocelle

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GENETICS YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR CAT! - by Dr. Leslie Lyons The Genetics of the Ragdolls….

(Muscat, Oman)

INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION GALLERY – THE RAGDOLLS

Florent Fissot

THE DUPLICITY OF MR. TUBBS – Cartoons by Graham Harrop Including the TEN CATS series….

(Monsegur, France)

Dr. Victor Zaalov

THE AMERICAN SHORTHAIR – New Book Release information.

SWEET PHILLIS (1901) – by John Smithson An early Silver Classic Tabby English Shorthair

THE DESCENDANTS OF BASTET – by Karen Lawrence. New Book release information…

A PERSIAN RHAPSODY IN BLUE – by John Smithson. New Book release information…

CELEBRATING MODERN DAY LEADING CATS – Our Feature Cats: Ragdolls NZCF RUBY DB. GR. CH. RANCHDOLLS QUITE THE PRINCE CFA GC, BWC, NW ZEUS RAGDOLL KUNLUN

90 102

Chloe Chung (Hong Kong)

(Acre, Israel)

Valerie Sheldrake Feline Historian (Suffolk, UK)

Jamie Christian (Ohio, USA)

PHOTOGRAPHY / GRAPHICS

Helmi & Ken Flick (Florida, USA)

Jack Terry (Florida, USA)

FELIS HISTORICA

Editorial Editorial ’FELIS HISTORICA’ JOHN G. SMITHSON EDITOR

OUR COVER PHOTO NZCF Ruby Double Grand Champion RANCHDOLLS QUITE THE PRINCE Blue Point Bi-colour Ragdoll Bred and owned by Sheree & Tim Russell 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 publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, screen capture, or otherwise, without prior written permission. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of advertisements or information. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED www.felis-historica.com www.harrisonweir.com

The fourth edition of our e-Magazine for 2022 seems to have come round very quickly. March has gone, and so has the first quarter of the year! Taxes, Shows, Covid-19 and the invasion of Ukraine, along with the loss of life, the decimation of cities and for all our pet-loving readers, the very real concern over the strife and unnecessary trauma on our animal friends and fellow breeders and pet owners, takes centre stage. Much fundraising has been done locally all over the world to provide relief for cats and other pets, but in Europe particularly, the efforts have been more hands-on; with many excellent rescue schemes launched and carried out to provide pet food, provisions, carriers and other necessary supplies where they are needed most. It is at times such as this, that I am so proud of our ‘hands-on’ cat fanciers. Even now, Covid-19 still has a grip in some countries on the running of shows, in my own country the season starts in February and March and there have already been a few cancellations due to the restrictive nature of rules on many of the most popular show venues. But some shows are taking place, but fewer than any of us would have prefered. While restrictions on travel have been largely lifted, the demands and rules on isolation if infected still stand, so there is naturally some reticence about travel to some degree, not so much internally, but overseas. On a happier note, the April edition of Felis Historica is a celebration of the RAGDOLL breed. Dr. Lyons provides us with an excellent overview of the genetics of the Ragdoll, while David Nudleman (TICA) gives us a thumbnail early history of the Ragdoll breed’s beginnings. Lorraine Shelton provides us with another superb article and analysis of the World’s most popular breeds, based on the registration data from some of the world’s leading registries.

TICA IW RW Snugglerags Huckleberry Finn Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography

IN CELEBRATION OF

APRIL 2022

RAGDOLL BRITISH SHsCATS & LHs

This gives us an insight into the changing trends in public support for specific breeds, both regionally and around the world. In the last two decades, these changes have been quite dramatic and in some cases, legacy breeds which once dominated have very much taken a back seat. Coming out on top currently are the RAGDOLL, the MAINE COON and the BENGAL. The BRITISH is still strong, but in the historically minor breeds there are some surprises and some newcomers! Following on from the Genetics article, you will discover our celebratory Gallery of our featured breed, the Ragdoll, with many wonderful photographs from breeders and professional photographers alike. This is one of the best collection of Ragdoll images seen in one publication for a very long time. I extend grateful thanks to Helmi and Ken Flick for their continued support for the magazine, and to Lorraine and David for their respective articles. Our history pieces are on ‘LINGMOOR TOM’ a highly successful Red Tabby Longhair born in 1900; and ‘SWEET PHYLLIS’ a Silver Classic Tabby English (British) Shorthair, born in 1901.

Above: CFA GC, RW Calirags Sitting Bull of Cajundoll Seal Point & White Ragdoll male Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography

Below: Aberlady Persia Blue Pointed Ragdoll female.

Our modern-day cats being celebrated, are CFA GC.BWR. NW. Zeus Ragdoll Kunlun, the highest scoring Ragdoll cat for 2020/2021; and NZCF Ruby Db.Gr.Ch. Ranchdolls Quite The Prince, the top scoring Ragdoll cat locally. We look forward to bringing you the May issue, which will focus on the Manx cat, and to celebrate the 198th birthday of Harrison William Weir.

John

EDITOR

Photo: Mike Nelson

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. VICTOR ZAALOV

HELMI & KEN FLICK

JACK TERRY

CEO – WORLD GOLDEN CAT

HELMI FLICK CAT PHOTOGRAPHY www.helmiflick.com

‘THE RESTORIAN’ Photo & Graphics Specialist Photo Humourist

President of World Organisation of Cats

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 PAST 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

LINGMOOR TOM SEATED ABOVE AN IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF HIS SHOW WINNINGS. THE LARGE BOWL TOP LEFT WAS PURCHASED WITH HIS PRIZE MONEY EARNED DURING THE 1902 AND 1903 SHOW SEASONS. Photo: ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, December 17, 1904. © The Harrison Weir Collection. Article backgrounds © www.gographic.com

AN HISTORICAL PORTRAIT OF

JOHN G. SMITHSON

Orange Tabby (Red Tabby) Longhair (Persian) male born 1900 Bred Mrs. Singleton and owned by Miss Norah M. Lees

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND As we so clearly understand today, the exhibiting of top quality pedigree pets is as much of a passion for their owners as it is for breeders showing quality breeding stock, and in fact, it is not unusual when judging a show, to find examples of breeds in the neuter/spay or desexed divisions that are equal to if not better than their ‘entire’ championship counterparts. Not all fanciers see themselves as breeders when they first start out, but they may wish to partake in the hobby of showing their de-sexed pets, and enjoying both the win and the society shared with like-minded fanciers. One such lady from this early period in the Fancy was Mrs Hastings Lees, and her two daughters, Miss Norah Lees and Miss Gladys Lees, of Lingmoor, in Dean Park, Bournemouth. The province of cat fancying belonged in the main with Miss Norah Lee, who exhibited two fine longhaired specimens in the orange tabby ‘Lingmoor Tom’ (a desexed male) and the cream queen, ‘Lingmoor Myrtle’. As her interest in the cats and their varieties increased, she advanced to include ‘Lingmoor Dick’ (a Blue neuter) and ‘Lingmoor Harry’ (a Silver Tabby neuter) but often referred to as a chinchilla, while he was yet a kitten. These de-sexed males, ‘Tom’, ‘Dick’ & ‘Harry’ , when shown as adults, very quickly established themselves as noted fixtures under the ‘Lingmoor’ cattery name.

‘Lingmoor Dick,’ (a Blue neuter) and ‘Lingmoor Harry,’ (a Silver Tabby neuter) but often referred to as a chinchilla - while he was yet a kitten. These de-sexed males, ‘Tom’, ‘Dick’ & ‘Harry’, when shown as adults, very quickly established themselves as noted fixtures under the ‘Lingmoor’ cattery name. The most successful of all these were both ‘Lingmoor Myrtle’ (aka ‘Wynnstay Myrtle), who was Norah’s first serious breeding queen, and ‘Lingmoor Tom’ about whom this missive is written.

PARENTAGE & OWNERSHIP ‘Lingmoor Tom’ was an orange tabby, who could boast distinguished parentage. His sire was Mesdames Lemmon and Bartlett’s ‘Oliver Woolleepug’ a highly respected Blue Persian male in his own right, who could boast that he was one of the lucky sons of that very grand blue Persian male, ‘Champion Wooloomooloo.’ The dam of ‘Lingmoor Tom’ was Mrs Sinkin’s exceptional orange queen, ‘Orange Girl’, for whom there is no surviving pedigree information. But fortunate that her photograph survives as the leading image in Frances Simpsons chapter on Reds, in ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) published by Cassell & Co.

Mrs Singleton’s ‘Orange Girl’, the dam of ‘Lingmoor Tom’ Photo: J.G. Christopher, Crewherne. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson.⁴ Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

exceptional orange queen, ‘Orange Girl’, for whom there is no surviving pedigree information. But it is indeed fortunate that her photograph survives as the leading image in Frances Simpsons chapter on Reds, in ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) published by Cassell & Co. The photograph is by J. G. Christopher, of Crewherne; and it shows that ‘Orange Girl’ had great depth of eye colour and a firm chin. We can also find two short commentaries on her, one by Frances Simpson and the other by Mrs Darcy Hildyard, who was herself a specialist breeder of reds. From Frances Simpson: “Among the prize-winning females of the present day I must not forget to notice Mrs. Singleton’s ‘Orange Girl’, bred from Mrs Beal’s noted strain. This cat has many honours showered upon her during a very short career, and as there must always be as scarcity of queens in this breed, this fine specimen is a valuable possession.” ⁴(Editor: This one reference to her heritage suggests that ‘Orange Girl’

Singleton’s ‘Orange Girl’, bred from Mrs Beal’s noted strain. This cat has many honours showered upon her during a very short career, and as there must always be as scarcity of queens in this breed, this fine specimen is a valuable possession.” ⁴ (Editor: This one reference to her heritage suggests that ‘Orange Girl’ may have indeed been descended from ‘Jael’, one of the finest reds ever benched.) And from Mrs Hildyard, further elaboration: “At present there is to my mind, no orange female on the show bench to compare with the late ‘Jael’, owned by Miss Mildred Beal, whose brilliant colour and perfect head with its tiny ears made her hold her own at all the shows up to within two months of her death at quite a venerable age; but I hope in future, as oranges become more popular and breeders work hard at producing good specimens, we may see her like again.

shows up to within two months of her death at quite a venerable age; but I hope in future, as oranges become more popular and breeders work hard at producing good specimens, we may see her like again. I was much taken at Richmond Show with Mrs Singleton’s ‘Orange Girl’, and also with the kitten of that colour, exhibited by the same lady at Manchester.” (Editor: The kitten mentioned here may very well have been the young ‘Tom’). ⁴

SIBLINGS & SHOWS As far as can be ascertained, there are no full siblings of record for ‘Lingmoor Tom’, but many sire-sibings, by ‘Oliver Woolleepug’, predominantly of course, from dilute to dilute breedings. None of these bear any historical relevance in their relationship with our lovely ‘Tom’. With regard to show results, the Registers do not generally record the wins of de-sexed cats! But from the page in ‘Our Cats’ in December 1904, which features a photograph of ‘Lingmoor Tom’ sitting among his many trophies and awards, we are able to at least glean the following: “Winner of 14 firsts, 3 seconds, 31 Special Prizes, and 3 challenge cups. The Bowl on the left was bought with his prize money for 1902 and 1903.” ¹

BREEDING & PROGENY As ‘Lingmoor Tom’ was a neuter, there were no progeny. But we have this illuminating report on a visit to the Lingmoor Cattery, by a staff reporter for ‘Our Cats’ magazine. The report was published December 19, 1903:-

The very popular Mrs. L. Sinkins Owner of ‘Orange Girl’ and breeder of ‘Lingmoor Tom’. and Influential President of Southern Counties Cat Club. Photo: ‘Fur and Feather’, January 24, 1913. © The Harrison Weir Collection.

“A real paradise for animal lovers is to be found at Lingmoor, Dean Park, Bournemouth. But the lucky pet which is allowed to remain within the paradise must prove himself or herself conclusively to be the very best specimen of their kind. No second-raters are tolerated and several cats have been lately tried and found wanting! Not merely cats are favoured by Mrs. Hastings Lees and her two daughters.

Two illustrations of Mesdames Lemmon & Bartlett’s ‘Oliver Woolleepug’. Sire of ‘Lingmoor Tom’ Above left: From a sketch by J.J. Rousseau, featuring cats at The National Cat Club’s Show at the Crystal Palace, published in ‘The Graphic’, November 2, 1901. ⁶ Above right: from a sketch by C.S. Allport, featuring cats at The Crystal Palace Cat Show, published in ‘The Tatler’, November 12, 1902.⁷

Hastings Lees and her two daughters. “The two Lingmoor Poodles, Coco and Café Noir, have won many first prizes, and are well-known characters in the town, and Kitty Grey, the friendly Toy Bulldog, carried off first at three Kennel Club Shows. “The cats are the special property of Miss Norah Lees, and Lingmoor Tom, the grand orange neuter, and Lingmoor Myrtle, the beautiful cream queen, have, we believe, headed their respective classes every time they have been “out” this year. “Unfortunately, Tom, who is a really gorgeously beautiful animal, does not photograph well, and we are able today to give only the photo of his comrade, Lingmoor Harry, a handsome Chinchilla., one of the trio of neuters, Dick, Tom, and Harry. Though not emulating Tom’s wins, Harry has taken many prizes, and generally scores a first in the Ring Class.” ⁵

Lingmoor Harry, a handsome Chinchilla., one of the trio of neuters, Dick, Tom, and Harry. Though not emulating Tom’s wins, Harry has taken many prizes, and generally scores a first in the Ring Class.” ⁵ (Editor’s note: Like many silvers shown as kittens, and invariably erroneously described as ‘Chinchilla’s’, some as adults, inevitably turned out to be silver tabbies. Lingmoor Harry was no exception. His is described in this article as a ‘chinchilla’, but in fact his registration as an adult shows him as a ‘7’, which is a Silver Tabby. We were also able to source an adult photo of him, which is featured on a postcard of the era – shown on page opposite). The writer continues to provide more insights into life at Lingmoor: -

‘Lingmoor Harry’, at left, when described as a chinchilla, and at right as an adult, registered as Silver Tabby. Photo above left: Kitten photo by Miss Norah Lees,(c. Oct,1900), published in ‘Our Cats’, 19th December, 1903. ⁵ Photo above right: J. Russell & Sons, (Crystal Palace Photographers), on a named cat postcard (circa 1903). ⁸ Images courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.

“Mrs Hastings Lees has also two aviaries of birds, and her younger daughter, Miss Gladys Lees, was until recently, a noted mouse fancier, having won challenge cups, championship and specials innumerable with fancy mice of her own breeding. “The cavy fancy was also taken in hand by these enthusiastic ladies, and a part of the garden is still given up to the old cavies running wild, the fathers and mothers of winners.

“What strikes a visitor to Lingmoor very forcibly is that all the animals are kept for the enjoyment of the thing; not too many dogs or cats to make their presence in the house and in the drawing room unwelcome. And how can these lovely orange and cream Persians be seen to better advantage than at their ease in an artistic and beautifully coloured drawing room? “We are a firm advocate of hobbies, and believe largely in their saving grace. The Lingmoor ladies have more than their fair share. Music, wonderful embroidery, elaborate art metal work, photography, all are taken up and carried as far as they will go by these energetic ladies. Their motto certainly is that anything that is worth doing at all is

Stud advertisement for ‘Oliver Wooleepug’, the sire of ‘Lingmoor Tom’. From ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, 1903. © Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection Note: the name of ‘Oliver Woolleepug is recorded with the alternative spellings of ‘Wooleepug, Woolleepug and Woolleepug. We have chosen to use that latter as that predominates, but it is also the name of record in his published details, which appear in the NCC Registrations for Blue Persians, in ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, October 17, 1903 to wit we now refer: OLIVER WOOLLEEPUG – Mrs Neall’s and Miss Bartlett’s male, Born July 1898. By Ch. Wooloomooloo ex Mrs Brougham. Breeder: Mrs Neall. ²

believe largely in their saving grace. The Lingmoor ladies have more than their fair share. Music, wonderful embroidery, elaborate art metal work, photography, all are taken up and carried as far as they will go by these energetic ladies. Their motto certainly is that anything that is worth doing at all is worth doing as well as possible. In this we most cordially agree with them.” ⁵

IN SUMMARY How many breeders of today got their start in pedigree cats, by first buying a pedigreed pet that took their fancy? A great many we would suggest!

This fundamentally underpins the fact that all pedigreed cats are firstly pets, even the top breeding and show cats!, which is of course, how it should be. The cat’s individual welfare should never come second to the owners desire to have it breed successfully or take honours in the ring. The joys of winning awards and even of enjoying watching the gambols of progeny from your beloved pet, should never override the personal relationship you have , one on one with that special animal. The story of ‘Lingmoor Tom’ is one of success in the ring, and of the joy obtained by sharing that fun with the cat….and we see plenty of evidence of cats that are simply born to show themselves off on

‘Lingmoor Dick’, ‘Lingmoor Tom’ and ‘Lingmoor Harry’ Described as the neuter pet of Mrs. Hastings Lees. Photo: The Royal Central Photo Company, Bournemouth. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson.⁴

that fun with the cat….and we see plenty of evidence of cats that are simply born to show themselves off on the judges table, and in fact, very often thrive on it. But not all cats are the same, and if yours show a propensity for not wanting to be shown, please leave it at home! For all our sakes! ‘Lingmoor Tom’ represents what a top show cat that would today be exhibited in the ‘Premiership’ show category, could achieve, well over 100 years ago. It gives much pleasure to see a cat from that era, who so clearly enjoyed the shows and who very likely did so, because of the loving relationship he had with his owners both inside and outside of the family home.

References: 1. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, 17th December, 1904. 2. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, 17th October, 1903. 3. ‘Fur and Feather’, 24th January, 1913. 4. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson. 5. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, 19th December, 1903. 6. ‘The Graphic’, 2nd November, 1901. 7. ‘The Tatler’, 12th November, 1902. 8. ‘Postcard’ J.Russell & Sons, c.1903. 9. ‘The Cat Club Stud Book and Register. (Vols 1-5). 10. ‘Show Catalogue of the MCCC’ (1904). 11. ‘Photos and Quotations as per credits noted.

John G. Smithson

THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR PEDIGREED CAT BREEDS by

LORRAINE SHELTON

THE LATEST ANALYSIS ON BREED REGISTRATION TRENDS

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

The COVID Baby Boom The spring of 2020 seems like a lifetime ago. When I prepared my summary of cat registry data in the early days of COVID, I was encouraged by the steady and strong rise of registrations in TICA and LOOF and noted that the decline of registrations in CFA that reached a nadir in 2011, had reversed the trend in the past five years due to spectacular growth in China. Unfortunately, due to the aggressive actions to control the spread of the pandemic in China, the trend of overall growth in CFA has stalled, despite positive growth in domestic registrations. Meanwhile, it is apparent how cat fanciers were dealing with the pandemic elsewhere around the world: they were breeding kittens! I know that my colleagues were delighted when kittens joined our Zoom meetings. When reviewing the data below, keep in mind that I am limited by the availability of this data. Since CFA and TICA are centralized, international registries, I am able to obtain this data most easily. However, this data is primarily reflective of historic North American trends. For the first time, FIFe has published compiled data from their members, but this still does not reflect the activities of the numerous independent European clubs. I would like to include data from Australia and New Zealand in my database in the future. The cat fancy in Russia is very active and my database does not reflect their breeders’ activity, which will be especially interesting to trend in the light of recent geopolitical events. New registries have been established in China that will lend additional insights into the overall growth of breed gene pools. From my limited data sources, my summaries extrapolate from what I believe are the largest cat registries, assuming that they are representative of trends around the world. I have also rounded or approximated the data points below for ease of readability. In 2011, TICA and GCCF registrations were on par, at around 21,000 cats. CFA and LOOF were also about the same size, at around 25,000 registrations. In 2021, CFA registered approximately 52,000 individual All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Seal Point & White RAGDOLL - TICA RW, QGC CALIRAGS SITTING BULL OF CAJUNDOLL The most populous breed in CFA, by registration (2020) and 3rd Best in TICA (2020) Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography

individual cats from 16,000 litters, about the same as in 2020. This was down 12% from 2019 registrations. In contrast, TICA registrations have grown over 18% in each of the last two years, with total registrations in 2021 only slightly behind CFA at 51,600. In the past decade, GCCF registrations have grown 24% to about 24,600. LOOF remains the largest centralized registry of individual cats, with 15% growth in 2020 and 18% growth to almost 62,000 in 2021. Total FIFe registrations were 99,000 in 2019 and 106,000 in 2021. As I did two years ago, I will discuss trends in selected breeds in four groups, which I have categorized the Big Six, the Legacy Breeds, the Newcomers, and Endangered Species.

The Big Six In 1988, 74% of CFA registered cats, 58% of SVERAK registered cats and 36% of GCCF registered cats were Persians (including Himalayans) or Exotic Shorthairs. This declined to 49%, 15%, and 13% respectively by 2005. One of the most surprising breed trends seen in the past year is the reversal of the decline of these registrations for the first time: there was a 13% increase in CFA and a 9% increase in TICA in the total number of Persians/Exotics/Himalayans between 2020 and 2021. Perhaps the new “work from home” trend is conducive to ownership of this high maintenance breed? In 2019, 43% of CFA registered cats were Ragdolls. This decreased to 31% in 2021, apparently due to the decline of registrations in China, where they are the dominant breed. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Above: BOYDSBENGALS BREAKING BAD DM ‘Beaker’– Brown Rosetted Spotted Tabby Bengal male. Bred and owned by Melody Boyd Below: NZCF GR.CH. FLURMONZ CAESAR – Black Silver Tabby Maine Coon male Bred by Judy Formby. Owned by Stacey Day Photos: Helmi Flick Cat Photography

CFA GC, BWR, NW CHELSEA ROSE THOMAS – Blue British Shorthair male. Bred and owned by Cyndy Bird Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography.

Ragdoll registrations in TICA have been below overall registration growth, at about 10% a year. In contrast, Ragdoll popularity has soared in continental Europe: SVERAK registrations increased 56% (they are the most popular breed) and LOOF increased 62% (the fifth most popular breed) between 2019 and 2021. Registration levels have been level in GCCF (where they are the third most popular breed). Ragdolls are the third most popular breed in FIFe, representing 13% of registrations worldwide. Registrations of TICA’s most popular breed, the Bengal, grew 32% between 2019 and 2021. The fourth most popular breed in LOOF, Bengal registrations increased 36% in France between 2019 and 2021. The breed has also been gaining popularity slowly and steadily in SVERAK, with a 22% increase in the past two years. CFA Bengal registrations remain level at approximately 400 Bengals a year. The number of Bengals registered in GCCF also remained level between 2019 and 2021, after a precipitous decline from a high of over 3000 in 2005 to only 268 in 2021. A giant around the globe, in every sense of the word, is the Maine Coon. Registrations in CFA, LOOF, and GCCF grew over 50%, and in SVERAK almost 30%, between 2019 and 2021. In TICA, Maine Coon registrations increased an incredible 94% in the same period. The Maine Coon is the most popular breed in FIFe, representing 24% of all registrations worldwide. GCCF’s most popular breed, the eponymous British Shorthair, grew 36% between 2019 and 2021, currently representing 40% of all registrations. Across the channel, LOOF registrations increased 43% as well, becoming their third most popular breed. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Brown McTabby SIBERIAN male - LA SGC MYSTICMELODY BAZINGA – TICA 7TH BEST CAT 2014 Breeder/Owners: Dan/Judith/Tessa Johnson. Photo: Helmi Flick Photography

CFA British Shorthair registrations decreased 38% in the same period, while TICA registrations of this breed doubled and SVERAK registrations increased by 30%. The British Shorthair is the second most popular breed registered in FIFe, representing 18% of registrations worldwide. The incredible recent growth in popularity of the Siberian (including the Neva Masquerade) has earned it entry into my group of the most dominant breeds worldwide. CFA registrations increased over 40% for this breed during the pandemic, while TICA registrations were up 30%, making the Siberian TICA’s fifth most popular breed. GCCF and SVERAK registrations have remained steady, and this breed is currently the third most popular in Sweden. Registrations of Siberians increased 60% in LOOF between 2019 and 2021. In FIFe, Siberians are the fourth most popular breed.

The Legacy Breeds Beyond the recent dominance of the Ragdoll and Maine Coon, the continuing popularity of the British Shorthair, and the growth of the Siberian, how are our other historic breeds holding up? Unfortunately, not well. The Siamese family of breeds, in particular, continue to decline in a worrisome way, with only 256 litters born to CFA breeders in 2021, down from almost 2000 in 1996 and 600 in 2010. Only slightly over 600 individuals in the Siamese/Balinese/Oriental breed group were registered in TICA in 2021 and 400 in SVERAK. Once the dominant breed in England, second only to the Persian, the Siamese/Oriental breed group has declined from a high of 8800 registrations in 1989 to only 2300 in 2021. In FIFe, under 2800 individuals in this breed family were registered worldwide in 2020. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Left: CFA GP, RW SAN-TOY’S CAFÉ AU LAIT – Chocolate Point Siamese bred by Dee Johnson. Right: CFA GP KATS’N’KLAMMS ROB ROY – Lilac European Burmese bred by Wendy Klamm. Photos: Helmi Flick Cat Photography.

The Burmese is another breed that has shown a decline in popularity around the world. From over 5000 registered in GCCF in 1988, only 1100 were registered in 2021. Only 220 litters of Burmese were registered in CFA in 2021, 32 of them as European Burmese. A minority breed in TICA, only 180 individual cats were registered in 2021. In SVERAK, individual Burmese registrations have been hovering around 200-250 for most of the past two decades, but increased 20% during the pandemic. In LOOF, only 63 American and English Burmese combined were registered in 2021. In FIFe, Burmese registrations increased 25% between 2019 and 2020 to slightly above 2000 individuals. Let’s hope this positive trend in FIFe continues! The Birman, a long-time staple of the French cat fancy, has been maintaining its popularity in its native country, increasing in the past decade from 4000 in 2011 to almost 6300 individual cats in 2021. This represents an increase of 26% during the pandemic. However, the number has been declining in SVERAK in recent years, from a high of 1700 in 2001 to an average of 850 a year from 2013 to 2021. The decline has been even more precipitous in GCCF (from 2200 in 2001 to just 460 in 2021) and CFA (from around 1000 a year during 1990 2005 to under 250 in 2021 from fewer than 120 litters). In FIFe, Sacred Cat of Burma registrations declined 12% between 2019 and 2020 to just under 4200 individuals. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Left: NZCF BR.DB.GR.CH. CHALFONT WILLIAM TELL – Seal Point Birman male, owned by Lyall Payne. Right: KARMA - Ruddy Abyssinian owned by Angela Sherzer. Photos: Helmi Flick Cat Photography

2005, to under 250 in 2021 from fewer than 120 litters). In FIFe, Sacred Cat of Burma registrations declined 12% between 2019 and 2020 to just under 4200 individuals. The Abyssinian, historically a popular breed around the world, has also seen its numbers decline in the past decades, but there are promising signs of improvement. From a high of over 1700 litters registered in CFA in 1996, to a low of 483 litters in 2014, individual registrations were over 1400 in 2021 (from 560 litters) with an increase of 19% during the pandemic. Numbers appear to be holding steady in LOOF, TICA, and SVERAK, although declining in GCCF. The numbers of Russian Blues are also holding steady over the past decade in CFA and GCCF (around 350 cats a year in each) but increased over 85% in TICA (to over 400) from 2019 to 2021. FIFe registered 2600 Russian Blues in 2020, an increase of almost 25% from the prior year.

The Newcomers Are there other breeds that thrived during the pandemic? The Sphynx continues to grow in popularity worldwide. Sphynx registrations grew over 38% in TICA, almost 40% in SVERAK, and 46% in LOOF during the pandemic. CFA has consistently registered around 500 litters a year since 2008, however this dropped to under 300 during the pandemic with a drop in individual registrations of over 40%. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

NZCF DB.GR.CH, & TICA CH, RW GATODOURO OJAY (IMP.UK) – 7TH BEST CAT NZCF 2019. Breeder: Jelena Nakipova. Owner: Sharyn Van Aalst (NZ) Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Left: JEAN LUC – Red Tabby & White Devon Rex, owned by Megan Sanchez. Right: DRAMATAILS AMERICAN BEAUTY – Selkirk Rex LH Alter, owned by Susan Silva. Photos: Helmi Flick Cat Photography

Another breed that appears to be benefiting from the rise of the cat fancy in China is the Devon Rex. After two decades of maintaining a stable litter registration rate of 300-400 a year (500-700 individuals a year), CFA registered almost 4200 individual Devon Rex in 2021, an amazing growth rate of 101% during the pandemic. TICA individual registrations have also increased over the past decade, from 130 in 2011 to almost 500 in 2021. In GCCF, individual registrations have declined from their peak in 2003 of 650 to 360 annually in recent years. In SVERAK, registrations increased 22% between 2019 and 2021, to over 600 individuals. Only moderately popular in France, LOOF registrations have been stable over the past decade at around 200 cats. Devon Rex registrations in FIFe increase almost 20% between 2019 and 2020, to over 4000 cats. Two other curly cats, the Selkirk and Cornish Rex are breeds appear to be thriving, with fairly stable breeding numbers across the registries over the past decade. After reaching a nadir of only 44 cats registered in GCCF in 2019, the Cornish Rex may be rebounding in its country of origin, with 80 cats registered in 2021. The Selkirk Rex is showing a definite recent increase in popularity during the pandemic, with registrations increasing 95% in CFA, 17% in TICA, 42% in GCCF, and 54% in SVERAK between 2019 and 2021. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

BON BON – Dense Calico Cornish Rex, owned by Teresa Schroeder and Cynthia Rigoni. Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography.

Even newer breeds are on the horizon, with the Lykoi, Kurilian Bobtail, and Peterbald growing well in TICA and LOOF and the Toybob getting off to a good start in TICA and CFA. Toyger registrations in TICA soared from 235 in 2019 to 525 in 2021. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Endangered Species The term “Preservation Breeder” is becoming increasingly popular in the cat fancy and there are numerous breeds, both old and new, that appear headed towards extinction without the recruitment of new breeders to carry on their lineage. The most threatened breed, in my opinion, is the Turkish Van. A breed which has never experienced more than 50 litters in a single year born in CFA, with five or fewer in the past three years, I fear that the gene pool is not large enough in the United States to sustain the gene pool in this country. Looking beyond the borders, significant numbers do not appear to exist in the other major registries, with only 84 cats registered worldwide by FIFe in 2020. A beautiful breed with a long and distinguished history, including its significance as the genetic foundation of the major variants for long hair and the white spotting trait, it would be a shame to see this breed fade into extinction. Its cousin, the Turkish Angora, is also in decline in the United States, however the popularity of this breed in Europe, in France in particular, makes it far less threatened. I am concerned about the American Wirehair as well. One of the first breeds based on a distinguishing mutation found in the community cat population in North America, this breed had only 10 individuals registered in 2021, down from 14 in 2019, across the associations I track. Luckily, the dominant nature of this trait and the large gene pool of potentially available American Shorthair outcrosses would make it relatively easy to bring back from the brink, if breeders were so inclined. The La Perm is also at critically low numbers in the United States, with only 35 cats registered in 2021, down from 50 cats registered in 2018. However, the breed is growing in popularity in Sweden, with over 200 individuals registered in 2021 and almost 300 in FIFe, as a whole in 2020. Another American breed, the American Bobtail, has experienced a greatly reduced population in recent years, with only 5 litters born in CFA in 2021. The Havana Brown was identified by UC Davis’ Veterinary Genetics Laboratory as a breed with critically low genetic diversity. With the number of litters dropping in CFA from 50 in 2013 to 11 in 2021, that seems unlikely to improve, unless the recently accepted Suffolk breed in England generates new excitement for these cats. The Korat is another breed with less than 60 individuals registered by US-based registries in 2018, however steady breeding activity in LOOF and GCCF may indicate the breed will be able to avoid extinction. I have not been able to cover all our wonderful breeds in this article. If you have any questions about a specific breed, feel free to contact me at featherland@gmail.com. The “raw data” is also available upon request. I would like to thank those from the various registries who have helped me compile this data over the past 15 years, especially Frances Cardona, Dick Kallmeyer, and Leslie Bowers. Additional contributions to my database from other registries would be greatly appreciated! All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

2020 Individual Registrations CFA

TICA

GCCF

SVERAK

52,665 5,183

43,620

24,922

13,352

105,807

52,395

Maine Coon

6251

2566

1855

25332

19452

Ragdoll

22,278

8142

4397

2491

13585

3192

British Shorthair/LH

3,795

3986

9430

995

18743

4244

Persian/Exotic

9,588

773

1258

499

5602

3755

Bengal

332

10013

263

792

4639

3976

Siberian/Neva Mas

348

2194

358

2295

7696

1949

Birman

215

170

472

729

4162

5253

NFO

334

342

301

1008

5632

1588

Devon Rex

3,271

435

321

746

4076

196

951 712

510

2382

351

2727

566

Sphynx

2049

196

270

2476

1328

Scottish Fold/Str.

767

1417

Russian Blue

331

365

443

107

2604

173

Burmese/Euro Burm

240

140

1091

211

2015

Chartreux

1037

2181

Abyssinian

950

181

143

129

1111

243

TOTAL

Siamese/Oriental/LH

Savannah

FIFe

LOOF

2129

2162

Cornish Rex

377

211

Amer SH/Euro SH

884

Selkirk

260

150

Munchkin/Minuet

159 71

178

919

258

260

288

904

Somali

283

158

Burmilla/Asian

187

265

4 100

236

294

Ocicat

104

272

Turkish Angora

249

107 196

122

115

169

235

104

152

107

LaPerm

Egyptian Mau Tonkinese Kur Bobtail

Thai Toyger Peterbald Lykoi Singapura

Toybob

331

127

180

163

Pixiebob Turkish Van

103

157 5

61 8

RAGDOLL CAT HISTORY ‘THE FOUNDATIONS’ AN ABBREVIATED HISTORY

by David Nudleman Article backgrounds © www.gographic.com

The Ragdoll is a breed of cat which was first bred and developed by Ann Baker of Riverside, California, in the 1960's. Ann Baker was a breeder of Persians at that time she began the Ragdoll Breed. The birth of the Ragdoll Breed started with a non-pedigreed Angora-type female longhaired white cat called Josephine, whom Ann had said was owned by one of her neighbors. Josephine was a very prolific breeder and Anne became interested in some of the offspring of this cat. Josephine would later become the founding queen of the Ragdoll breed. Josephine produced frequent litters of kittens which were all fairly wild in nature until at some stage she was severely injured by a car. After her recovery, the kittens she produced appeared to be quite different in temperament, in that they seemed to crave human attention and were very playful, loving and relaxed. This trait aroused Ann's interest and she started to acquire some of Josephine's kittens. The first of these was a black solid female described as being similar to a Burmese but it was thick-furred. One day Ann noticed that one of the offspring had the appearance of the Sacred Cat of Burma (the Birman Breed). She kept him and named him Raggedy Ann Daddy Warbucks. Daddy Warbucks was used to help her create and establish her Ragdoll breeding program. The offspring produced from a mating back to Josephine resulted in pointed kittens. Apparently, Josephine must have had the recessive pointed gene, in order for her to produce pointed kittens. The kittens seemed to have inherited the temperament of the Birman-like marked father and Ann was very drawn their exceptionally docile nature.

Josephine and kittens in the summer of 1965.

By the time Ann Baker realized she had created a new breed of cat, she decided to market them as Ragdolls. She also created her own organization called the IRCA (the International Ragdoll Cat Association), in order, to provide breeders a way of being able to register their Ragdolls. This organization existed until recently, but its modern-day purpose was to produce Ragdoll cat shows, providing Ragdolls an opportunity to compete in the show ring. Once she was confident that the Ragdoll breed was set, she sent ragdoll cats to other breeders to help her continue to develop the breed. However, she realized she still needed to exercise control over the progression of the breed, so she set up franchises starting in 1970, to create a controlled breeding program that she would direct. However, the contracts were strict and costly, which caused stress for the contracted breeders. By 1976 these contracts were eventually cancelled, and the Ragdoll Breed began to flourish and continued to be widely developed within the catteries of many new Ragdoll Breeders. Luckily Denny and Laura Dayton from (Blossom Time Cattery) had acquired the Ragdoll breed prior to the franchise contracts, and they were therefore free to develop the breed on their own. From the Dayton’s and other early breeders, the Ragdoll developed into three patterned cats. The colorpoint, the mitted and the bi-color. .

Raggedy Ann Daddy Warbucks, a foundation male of the modern-day Ragdoll breed.

An interesting note is that Ann Baker felt that the bi-color pattern was the less favourable one and cheaper, the mitted pattern was the middle level value pattern, and the colorpoint pattern was the most desirable and most valuable pattern. This is now totally opposite of today’s Ragdoll breeder societies. Through the 1980’s and on, the Ragdoll cat was imported to all locations around the world. World-wide, breeders developed their lines as close to the original standards as possible but over time, cattery lines were created that were distinct for those countries. All had the correct large, modified wedge with rounder contours, medium rounded ears, medium muzzle, oval blue eyes, semi non matting fur and substantial bodies. Each cattery or region had its distinct facial features and size too. Some countries stopped imports over time and the genetic lines became close, causing recessive traits to show up more often. Once this occurred, they sought out additional breeding stock using very long quarantine programs prior to allowing them into their country. Thankfully the reintroduction of new genetic lines improved the well-being of the cats produced in these cattery lines. Since the late 90’s the bi-color pattern was favoured and most valued by the Ragdoll breeders and were shown more often, than not. They were the only pattern accepted in CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) until early 2010’s when the mitted and colorpoint patterns were also accepted. TICA (The International Cat Association) has accepted all these patterns for decades.

Mrs. Ann Baker with Raggedy-Ann Fugianna.

During the early 2000’s the bi-color Ragdoll cat pattern flashiness usually won in the show rings so the breeders began to breed the bi-color pattern exclusively. Unfortunately, the white spotting factor took over and many bi-color Many Ragdolls had too much white in the pattern. Additionally, they became severely mismarked, or they looked like the van pattern (20% color 80% white). This caused an issue, so they had to add colorpoints and mitteds to their programs to control the white spotting gene and to bring back the correct pattern and color proportions Even though mitted and colorpoint patterns were largely ignored, and not presented in the show rings, the ragdoll breeders realized that they needed these patterns to control the white spotting factor. Finally, more people began to own, breed, and show these patterns. I personally think and a blue or seal colorpoint is exquisite. This bi-color to bi-color breeding practice has occurred on numerous occasions including in the last decade as more and more new Ragdoll Breeders make the same breeding decision. Once they began to see the pattern faults, they sought out the mitted and colorpoint pattern cats to help re-establish the correct patterns. In the last decade there has begun a trend for creating smaller round ears, rounder heads, semi cobby bodies, rounder and bigger eyes and shorter legs in Ragdolls. These are not true “Ragdolls” that conform to the accepted breed standards, but a marketing program to sell this version to a select clientele that will pay big money for this type of pointed cat. Unfortunately, these trends tend to confuse people’s ideas of what a standard Ragdoll should look like.

The Dayton’s with Floppy, Phil and Loveable.

Breeding Ragdoll cats has been a wonderful experience for me for the last 20 years. I have developed my lines towards the Ragdoll standard and my cats reflect this. They are substantially boned cats with the bluest eyes and the most docile dispositions. They have rabbit soft semi-long non-matting fur and come in many of the pointed colors and patterns. They love their owners and enjoy being pampered. There is nothing like having a 15–18 pound Ragdoll cat lay on your chest, stare into your eyes and purr very loudly while your pet them and hug them. I am very proud of the breeding history of my cattery Brightstone Ragdolls and I look towards the future with a smile on my face. David Nudleman David Nudleman is a long-time breeder of Ragdoll cats and an Approved All Breed Judge with The International Cat Association. (TICA) You can visit his site at www.brightstonerags.com References: The Definitive Guide to Ragdolls Authors Lorna Wallace, Robin Pickering, David Pollard 1995. Left: Brightstone Azuzie Delamer – Blue Lynx Mitted Ragdoll

BRIGHTSTONE MAXINE NIGHTINGALE Seal Tortie Lynx Point & White Ragdoll female. Bred, owned, and photographed by David Nudleman.

Everything you need to know about Genetics… You can learn from your Cat! BY

DR. LESLIE LYONS

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

THE GENETICS OF RAGDOLLS Ragdolls are a large, longhaired cat with pointed colorations (i.e., cscs) and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) both recognize three patterns, two with white (mitted and bi-color) and one with no white (colorpoint). The Ragdoll breed developed in the United States, in California, during the 1960’s1. Whether developed from other breeds or from random bred cats of the area, the genetics of Ragdolls supports their origins. The overall genetics of the Ragdoll indicate this breed is central to cat breeds, having likely genetic contributions from Western European cats, such as the cats from the USA, from Southeast Asian cats, and potentially cats from the Mediterranean2.

Backgrounds © www.gographic.com

EDITOR: This is the Twenty-second article in a series based on feline genetics by Dr Leslie Lyons published in FELIS HISTORICA during the 2020/2022 period Article Graphics ©www.gograph.com

Genetic studies of different types of DNA markers have shown that Ragdolls are amongst the most genetically diverse breeds, similar to Norwegian Forest cats, Siberians, Manx and Turkish Angoras, which are all breeds representing foundation cats from a region2. Like most all longhaired breeds, Ragdolls have the common and oldest longhaired DNA variant (c.475A>C, a.k.a. M4) but they also have a variant in the longhaired gene, fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5), known as c.356_367insT (M1) that is more particular to Ragdolls. This longhaired variant likely originated in the USA and got introduced into the breed during early breed development. Thus, Ragdolls can have two copies of either variant or also be a compound heterozygous, having one M1 and one M4 allele (M1M4). If the other longhair variants are present, such as M2 and M3, some outcrossing with Norwegian Forest cats or Maine Coon cats may have occurred as these variants are more particular to these breeds, respectively. Ragdolls have interesting Spotting patterns, (Ed: ‘White Spotting factor) commonly bi-color and mitted. Genetic studies of Spotting have indicated that the Ragdoll mitted pattern is not the same as Gloving or Birmans and the Birman DNA variant is absent in mitted Ragdolls3.

A classically marked example of a Mitted Ragdoll, in TICA IW, RW, SGC SUNGGLERAGS HUCKLEBERRY FINN Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography

Gloving is caused by DNA variants in the gene called KIT3, which also has DNA variants causing Dominant White and Spotting4-6. Any presence of the Gloving variant in Ragdolls suggest cross-breeding with Birmans.

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

The mitted pattern includes greater amounts of white on the feet and lower legs than Birmans and also a white chin. The DNA mutation causing mitted Ragdolls has not yet been identified, however, like in other species, various other genes controlling melanocyte production, migration and survival may be involved7. Ragdolls also have highly variable bi-color patterns, hence, this breed may be an example of various alleles for Spotting that are yet unidentified.

CFA DW Zeus Ragdoll Whisper – 9th Best Kitten North China 2020-2021. Breeder: Zhang Zu. Owners: Yu Zhang, Xiuran Wang 5D. Photo: Spyzoo Photography

The main cat blood group, the AB system, is caused by DNA variants within the enzymatic gene called cytidine monophospho-Nacetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH)8. The normal, wildtype allele of this gene causes the more common type A blood group. Cats with DNA variants that highly disrupt the enyzme’s function will have the type B blood group when homozygous for the variant (2 copies). EDITOR: This is the Twenty-second article in a series based on feline genetics by Dr Leslie Lyons published in FELIS HISTORICA during the 2020/2022 period

Ragdolls are also genetically interesting in that they commonly have the rare type AB blood group, which is not A carrying B (type Ab) 9. The AB blood type has shown to have a higher frequency in random bred cats from California, the origins of the Ragdoll breed8-10. CMAH has not had a variety of genetic studies and more variants have been identified causing the B blood type, but mainly variants in random bred cats and not within breeds11-12. However, CMAH has become a gene with complex DNA variants and a wealth of variants need to be genotyped to correlate blood type with serological type. Fortunately, many of the variants are rare and do not lead to high incidence of neonatal isoerythrolysis within the Ragdoll breed.

A litter of Bi-Color Ragdolls, sired by Ch. For-real Koya of Doll Villa, out of GC, BW, NW Doll Villa My Love Story of Nudawnz. Breeder/Photographer: Lorna Dawn Friemoth

Genetically, Ragdolls are a diverse and healthy breed, however, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has been noted within the breed13. Some clinical studies suggest Ragdolls have an earlier onset form of HCM than Maine coons, with affected cats having an average age of diagnosis of 15 months compared to the reported age of diagnosis of 5 – 7 years for the general feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy population. College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

Unlike Maine coons, the age of diagnosis for Ragdolls with HCM between the heterozygous and the homozygous cats was not significantly different. For nine cats homozygous for the mutation, HCM diagnosis ranged from 4 - 48 months (mean 21 months) and for 11 of the cats heterozygous for the mutation, diagnosis ranged from 9 - 65 months (mean 39 months) 13. .

NZCF Ruby Db. Gr. Ch. Ranchdolls Quite The Prince Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography

The DNA variant identified in myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) is termed R820W and is different from the A31P variant found in the same gene and is highly associated with Maine coon HCM. Less studies have been conducted in the Ragdoll as compared to the Maine coon to indicate if other causes of HCM may be present in the breed, as found in the Maine coon.

EDITOR: This is the Twenty-second article in a series based on feline genetics by Dr Leslie Lyons published in FELIS HISTORICA during the 2020/2022 period

A disease that is currently under investigation within my own laboratory at the University of Missouri is called Ragdoll uterine aplasia. Many Ragdolls have been noted to have only one uterine horn and often the kidney on the same side is also absent. This disease will cause cats to have smaller litter sizes and renal failure may occur earlier as affected cats are supported by only one kidney. Both ovaries are present in the females, thus, veterinarians must be vigilant to identify and remove the ovary on the side with the absent uterine horn during spay procedures as the cat will display elicit estrous is the ovary is not removed. Males also have been noted with one kidney, although they may not be identified as readily as both testes are present and kidneys are often missed during palpations. Any Ragdolls are welcome to join the genetic study to identify the DNA variants causing this condition. Overall, Ragdolls are a healthy and robust breed, becoming exceedingly more popular within the cat fancy around the world. They are recognized as a mellow breed and have been suggested as suitable cats for companionship with autistic children and for nursing care14.

A Blue Tabby Point Ragdoll male with exquisite eye colour. ANCATS Bronze Db.Gr.Ch. Aberlady Magical Merlin Owner/Breeder/Photo: Mike Nelson (Australia)

Their diverse color varieties and patterns supports their popularity and genetic diversity. The interesting genetics of the Ragdoll help us to track their origins and the origins of DNA variants. As important biomedical models, Ragdolls will help us to understand cardiac disease and also human reproduction. Enjoy your Ragdoll cats and support further studies within the breed.

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

1. “Ragdoll History - The Beginning". Ragdoll Historical Society. Archived from the originalon 18 February 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20150218211300/http://ragdollhistoricalso ciety.com/ragdoll-history.php 2. Kurushima et al., Anim Genet. 2013 Jun;44(3):311-24. 3. Montague et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2014 Dec 2;111(48):17230-5. 4. Cooper et al., Anim Genet. 2006 Apr;37(2):163-5. 5. David et al., G3 (Bethesda). 2014 Aug 1;4(10):1881-91. 6. Frischknecht et al., Anim Genet. 2015 Feb;46(1):98. 7. Negro et al., Anim Genet. 2017 Jun;48(3):349-352. 8. Bighignoli et al., BMC Genet. 2007 Jun 6;8:27. 9. Gandolfi et al., PLoS One. 2016 May 12;11(5):e0154973. Erratum in: PLoS One. 2018 Mar 13;13(3):e0194471. 10. Giger et al., J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1989 Nov 1;195(9):1230-2. 11. Uno et al., Front Vet Sci. 2021 Sep 13;8:720445 12. Kehl et al., PLoS One. 2018 Sep 20;13(9):e0204287 13. Meurs et al., Genomics. 2007 Aug;90(2):261-4. doi: 14. Hart BL & Hart LA (2013). Your Ideal Cat: Insights into Breed and Gender Differences in Cat Behavior. Purdue University Press. pp.99–101.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

Two gorgeous Cream Lynx & White Ragdoll Neuters seated comfortably at home BRIGHTSTONE KOBI (above right) and BRIGHTSTONE SHIA (below left) Photo: Courtesy of David Nudleman

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE GALLERY OF RAGDOLLS Ragdoll cats may be said to be currently, amongst the most upwardly mobile, healthy, and publicly popular cats across the known world. This gallery is a celebration of both show cats and pedigreed pets, (some indeed are clearly both! – exactly as it should be!). These cats fit well into modern busy lifestyles; as clearly witnessed by some of these images. Our sincere thanks to the breeders and photographers around the world, who have submitted photos of their cats for our readers to view and enjoy. Backgrounds@ www.gograph.com

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

Seal Mitted Ragdoll Neuter Pet – BRIGHTSONE PANDA BLAKE. Bred by David Nudleman Photo: Courtesy of David Nudleman All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

Lorna Dawn Friemoth strikes a pose with Seal Lynx Point & White Ragdoll female CFA GC, BW, NW DOLL VILLA DORA THE EXPLORER – Owners: J.Tan / Y.Yang/L.Friemoth CFA 2nd Best AB Kitten and 6th Best Cat AB Cat, 2018-2019. Photo: Courtesy of Lorna Dawn Friemoth All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

Above: A first litter of Bi-color Ragdoll kittens for the Nudawnz cattery. Below: Seal Point & White Ragdoll male TICA QGC, & CFA GC, RAGMAGIC ALLWENEEDIS A DREAM Photos: Courtesy of Lorna Dawn Friemoth All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

ANCATS Silver Db. Gr. Ch. & National Ch. WILLOWTREERAGS APACHE BRAVEHEART (Imp. USA). Seal Point & White Ragdoll male bred by Mabel Roberts and owned by Mike Nelson (Australia). Photos: Courtesy of Mike Nelson All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

Above: ‘BRAVEHEART’ being judged by Tony Hurry at the CatsNSW Show, February 2021. Below: ‘BRAVEHEART being judged by Erin Brown at the Royal Easter Show, Sydney in 2021. Photos: Courtesy of Mike Nelson All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

Blue Point & White Ragdoll male - ANCATS Gold Db. Gr. Ch. & National Ch. RAGALON MAVERICK. at Australian Shows and under Judges Cheryle U’Ren (above) and Ern Fuller below. Bred by Pam Baker, owned, and Photos: Courtesy of Mike Nelson (bottom right). All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

Seal Point & White Ragdoll female – ANCATS Db. Gr. Ch. RAGALON VENUS at Australian Shows with Judges Bambi Edwards (Top left); Tokoma Valach (Top right); and Debbie Cameron (Below left) Bred by Pam Baker, owned, and Photos courtesy of Mike Nelson (Bottom right) All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

CFA NW EULALIE ASURA OF ZEUSRAGDOLL - 3rd Best Kitten China and Best Ragdoll Kitten 2018-2019 Blue Point & White Ragdoll male - Bred by Eva Beckertova. Owner: Zhang Yu. Photo: Spyzoo All content © 2022 Felis The Harrisonby Weir Collection & Lap The CFA Foundation, Inc. BredHistorica, and photographed Alex Luk Chun

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

CFA GC, DW ZEUS RAGDOLL GYARADOLLS – Best Cat China & Best Ragdoll Cat of the Year 2020-2021 Seal Lynx Point & White Ragdoll Male – Bred by Zhang Yu. Owners: C Cao / Y Zhang / X Wang / 5D /Z Ning Photos: Spyzoo All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

TICA IW, RW, SGC SUNGGLERAGS HUCKLEBERRY FINN Seal Point Mitted Ragdoll bred and owned by Heather Sands. Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

TICA IW, RW, SGC SUNGGLERAGS HUCKLEBERRY FINN Seal Point Mitted Ragdoll bred and owned by Heather Sands. Photos: Helmi Flick Cat Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

CFA GC, DW, DIAMOND RAG YURI DREYAR – Blue Point & White Ragdoll Bred and owned by Pak Hei Leung and Alex Chan. 6th Best Kitten in Hong Kong, (2017-2018) Photos: Courtesy of Alex Chan. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

NZCF Ruby Db. Gr. Ch. RANCHDOLLS QUITE THE PRINCE – Blue Point & White Ragdoll Male Bred and owned by Sheree & Tim Russell. NZCF 2nd Best LH Cat 2019, 4th Best LH Cat 2021. Photos: Helmi Flick Cat Photography. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

ANCATS Db. Gr. Ch. & National Ch. ABERLADY NOVA – Lilac Point & White Ragdoll female. Bred and owned by Mike Nelson. Photos: Courtesy of Mike Nelson All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

ABERLADU DIEGO – Seal Tabby Point & White Ragdoll. Bred by Mike Nelson. Owned by Victoria Mercer. Photo: Mike Nelson. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

Above: CFA GC, DW ZEUS RAGDOLL JUMBO DUMBO - Seal Lynx Point & White male. Bred by Zhang Yu. Owned by Zhang Yu & Hang Ying. 5 th Best Cat, 2nd Best Ragdoll China 2019/2020 Below: CFA GC, NW MIRA-KITTYS POMISESSS – Seal Lynx Point & White female. Bred by Yingyi Kang & Feng Zhuoxi. Owners: Feng Zhuoxi & Zhang Yu. th 8 Best Kitten China 2018/2019 (2nd Best Ragdoll Kitten). Photos: Above by Spyzoo and Below - by Amyworks. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

Above: CFA DW CLUMSY ANGEL AMOUR OF ZEUS RAGDOLL – Seal Point & White Ragdoll female. Bred by Jitao Shi. Owner: Zhang Yu. 14th Best Kitten WC China 2019/2020 Below: CFA GC CINNAMON SKY LILITH – Seal Point & White Ragdoll female. Bred by Malgorzata & Tomaz Sajna. Owner: Zhang Yu. Photos: Above - by Spyzoo and Below – by Amy Works All All content content © © 2022 2022 Felis Felis Historica, Historica, The The Harrison HarrisonWeir WeirCollection Collection&& The The CFA CFA Foundation, Foundation, Inc. Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

CFA GC, RW CALIRAGS SITTING BULL OF CAJUNDOLL – Seal Point & White Ragdoll male. Bred by Mark & Peggy Schidler. Owned by Anne Paul. #1 Ragdoll CFA’s Gulf Shore Region 2016/2017 and #3 Ragdoll Internationally. Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

Above: CFA DW ZEUS RAGDOLL WHISPER – Blue Point & White Ragdoll male. Bred by Zhang Yu. Owner: Yu Zhang /Xiuran Wang 5D. 9th Best Kitten North China 2020/2021 Below: CFA DW ZEUS RAGDOLL FOLLOWER OR HATER – Blue Lynx Point & White Ragdoll male. Bred by Zhang Yu. Owner: Yu Zhang /Xiuran Wang 5D. 22 nd Best Kitten North China 2020/2021. Photos: Spyzoo Photos: Spy All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

Above: CFA GP, NW DIAMOND RAG SUPERB BABE – Blue Point & White Ragdoll Spay. Bred by Pax Hei Leung/Alex Chan. Owners: Pak Hei Leung/Alex Chan/Amber Wong. nd 2 Best Cat Premiership (International), 6th Best Cat Premiership (Hong Kong (2019/2020) Below: TICA IW SGC SNUGGLERAGS BREAKFAST AT TIFFANYS - Blue Point & White Ragdoll Photos: Above – by Chanan. Below – by Helmi Flick Cat Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

CFA GC, BW, NW CAJUNDOLL MARSHALL DILLION – Seal Point & White Ragdoll male. Bred by Anne Paul. #1 Ragdoll Internationally for the 2017/2018 Show Season Photos: Helmi Flick Cat Photography

ST OF BRITISH’

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

CFA GC, BW, NW CAJUNDOLL MARSHALL DILLION – Seal Point & White Ragdoll male. Bred by Anne Paul - #1 Ragdoll Internationally for the 2017/2018 Show Season Photos: Helmi Flick Cat Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

CFA GC, RW CAJUNDOLL DÉJÀ VU - Blue Lynx Point & White Ragdoll Bred by Anne Paul. Photos: Helmi Flick Cat Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘RAGDOLLS’

CFA GC, RW CAJUNDOLL DÉJÀ VU – Blue Lynx Point & White Ragdoll Bred by Anne Paul. Photos: Helmi Flick Cat Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

SWEET PHILLIS ON MRS. LOUISA HERRING’S LAP A strikingly clear patterned Silver Classic Tabby English Shorthair female born May 1901. Photo: Russell & Sons, Crystal Palace. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, March 1904. © The Harrison Weir Collection.

AN HISTORICAL PORTRAIT OF

An early Silver Classic Tabby English Shorthair BY

owned by Mrs. Louisa Herring.

JOHN G. SMITHSON

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ‘Sweet Phillis’ was owned and shown successfully by Mrs Louisa Herring in 1903. But it is important that she be seen in the full historical context of the exhibiting silver classic tabby short-haired cats during the early period of the cat fancy, and in particular, those tabby shorthairs owned specifically by Mrs Herring, who remained a tourde-force amongst breeders of both short-haired and long-haired cats since joining the ranks of cat fanciers more than twenty-five years earlier. One of her earliest and possibly most famous silver tabby cats, was ‘Champion Jimmy’; who left an indelible mark on the early fancy, both in the winners’ circle at shows and through his numerous and often famous progeny. Cat judge and author Charles Lane, who owned his litter sister, recalled: “Her brother, (Ed: Jimmy) was a very handsome cat, took numerous prizes, and was the only cat I remember taking the Gold Medal of the National Cat Club, at the Crystal Palace Show, as ‘Best Cat, Long or Short-haired,’ in the show.” ⁶ Fellow cat fancier and writer E. Leuty Collins also noted:-

Fellow cat fancier and writer E. Leuty Collins also noted: “Champion Jimmy, the property of Mrs Herring, the veteran pioneer of lady fanciers, always holds his own. He revels now under the titles of ‘Champion’ and ‘Premier’, and has gained for his mistress over fifty first and special prizes, with silver cups and medals. He is a magnificent English silver tabby, with perfect markings, and, having captured so many coveted honours, considers himself beyond the average professional. “Of course Mrs Herring exhibits her other famous beauties, both Persian and other foreign scions of the cat tribe; and I was much amused lately to see them all gambolling over the lawn at ‘Lestock’, in the company with six or seven beautiful King Charles spaniels.” ⁷ Mrs Herring was extremely active in the fancy, having started as an exhibitor in 1877, and serving on the committee of the National Cat Club since the first days of the Register and Stud Book (first published in 1893). Her interest in cats and dogs was rather eclectic, having raised and exhibited Persians in Blue, Silver Tabby,

CHAMPION JIMMY Born 1890, ‘Jimmy’ held sway until the rise of his famous son, Ch. James II. Photo: V.E. Vandyke. ‘The Sketch’ October 28, 1896

CHAMPION JAMES II – THE MOST FAMOUS SON OF CHAMPION JIMMY Owned by Mrs. Collingwood. Photo: J.Russell & Sons. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson.

interest in cats and dogs was rather eclectic, having raised and exhibited Persians in Blue, Silver Tabby, Chinchilla and other varieties; as well as Siamese, Abyssinian, Manx, Russian, and English short-hairs. Mrs. Herring’s fame as a breeder and exhibitor, extended well beyond English shores, with the Sultan of Turkey purchasing direct from her, a beautiful ‘brown tiger tabby’ “with which he has expressed the greatest pleasure, and declares that he admires it greatly.” ⁸ It was against this historic background, that ‘Sweet Phillis’ entered into the ‘Herring’ cat colony.

PARENTAGE & OWNERSHIP We have two original sources of registration information on ‘Sweet Phillis’. She first appears in the published registration records of the National Cat Club, in ‘Our Cats’ magazine, April 12, 1902¹. Here she is listed as ‘Phillis’, rather than ‘Phyllis’, with her breeder of record being Mrs. Saw. The second source is the National Cat Club Stud-book, Volume 6, where she is listed as ‘Sweet Phyllis’ born May 1901, but with the breeder as Mrs. Love and the owner listed as Mrs Herring.⁵

Two more of Mrs Herring’s beloved English short-hairs. Left: ‘Sir Peter Teazle’ (NCC: 2025)⁵. Brown Classic Tabby; Right: ‘Prince George’ (NCC:3333)⁵, Tabby & White. Photos: Percival Turner, Adam St, W.C. ‘The Sketch’ Sept. 18, 1895 Images courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.

It is certainly possible that Mrs. Saw had changed her name to Mrs. Love in the intervening period, but our preference is to stick to the earlier listing and Mrs Saw. Mrs. Love may have been an earlier owner, but we can probably discount that possibility due to the fact that the sire of ‘Phillis’ was Mrs. Herring’s ‘Sir Nigel’, (NCC: 1562)⁵, raising the distinct possibility that ‘Sweet Phillis’ may have been taken by Mrs. Herring in lieu of a stud fee, or by the not uncommon arrangement of ‘pick of litter’. ‘Sir Nigel’ is described as a short-haired ‘dark grey tabby’, (Born 20th May, 1893). The dam of ‘Sweet Phillis’ is recorded as ‘Sarah’, so we must assume that ‘Sarah’ was a Silver Tabby. ‘Sarah’ appears to have been owned initially by Mrs. Charles Heslop, who, alongside Mr. Young, bred some of the best shorthaired cats in England. But she must have later been moved on to Mrs Saw, who owned her by the time she was bred to “Sir Nigel.

in England. But she must have later been moved on to Mrs. Saw, who owned her by the time she was bred to “Sir Nigel.

SIBLINGS & SHOWS Two possible older dam-siblings exist for ‘Sweet Phillis’. The first of these is ‘Cinderella of Londesborough’ (NCC:2074)⁵, born 5th November, 1894, who is registered as a Tortoiseshell short-haired female, bred by Mr. Charles Heslop and owned by Miss CockburnDickinson. The other is a litter sister, ‘Darlington Tibby’ (NCC:2040)⁵, bred and owned by Mrs. Heslop but with no details recorded with regard to colour or pattern. The only official show wins recorded for ‘Sweet Phillis’ are a 1st at Victoria Hall in 1903, and a 2nd against ‘Dame Fortune’ at the Crystal Palace in 1903.⁵ However other memorable wins are alluded to in an excerpt from the editorial columns of ‘Our Cats’ with regard the cover illustration of Mrs Herring and ‘Sweet Phillis’:-

possessed a champion. ‘Ch. Jimmy’ is no more, but ‘Ch. King Alfred’ is as vigorous as ever, and as excellent a stud cat, though he sends his young son ‘King Alfred II’, to take his place at shows. Mrs. Herring has just had a heavy loss in the death of ‘King David’, her well known winning blue Persian. But we must not forget ‘Sweet Phillis’, Mrs. Herring’s charming companion in the photograph. Her markings come out with wonderful distinctness, and her beauties require no pointing out at our hands. Needless to say, she is a very high prize-winner.” ² ‘Champion Snip’, (NCC:1105)⁵ Blue Banded Tabby (Born 1888). ‘The Cult of the Cat’ by W.M. Elkington, 1900.⁸

wins are alluded to in an excerpt from the editorial columns of ‘Our Cats’ with regard the cover illustration of Mrs Herring and ‘Sweet Phillis’: “Our Front Page – We feel sure that the sight of our front page this week will give pleasure to very many of our readers, and that it will give them great pleasure to possess a likeness, and an excellent likeness, of Mrs. Herring. This lady has had for many years, a seat on the Committee of the National Cat Club, and been one of the largest and most successful exhibitors at the Club shows. Many well-known cats have come from the Lestock House Catteries to win fresh laurels in the show pen, far too many to quote from memory. Silver tabbies, both long and shorthair, have been prime favourites with Mrs. Herring, and in each variety she has possessed a champion. ‘Ch. Jimmy’ is no more, but ‘Ch. King Alfred’ is as vigorous as ever, and as excellent a stud cat, though he sends his young son ‘King Alfred II’, to take his

BREEDING & PROGENY Regretfully, there are no official records of progeny from ‘Sweet Phillis’. Mrs. Herring however, had extensive catteries and of these we have some excerpts from a remarkable review of her premises by a reporter for ‘The Sketch’, published on September 18, 1895 ⁹: “…I found myself on Lee railway station, from whence a short walk through the grounds of a flourishing nursery, and along a road bordered on either side by a row of mountain-ash trees in all their autumn bravery of scarlet berries, brought me to the gates of Lestock House, and the kindly welcome of its charming mistress. ‘We will first have lunch,’ she said, after we had exchanged greetings, ‘and then I will show you all my pets.’ “On an emerald lawn some splendid fullgrown cats lay basking in the sun, while the lovely fluffy kittens amused themselves tumbling one another over with all the natural grace and true poetry of motion inherent to most young animals.

Mrs Herring and her pets on the lawn of ‘Lestock House’ in 1895. Photo: Percival Turner, Adam St, W.C., ‘The Sketch’ September 18, 1895 Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.

to most young animals. “There was the beautiful Champion Jimmy, and the graceful Chinchilla Irene; the stately English tabbies, Sir Peter Teazle and Tommy Dodd; the magnificent orange King Harry, and an exquisite pure blue kitten with topaz eyes, the offspring of Queen Nita and Blue Jack, with many others, most of them winner of numberless first, specials, team, brace, and challenge prizes. “Along a wall which encloses the end of the lawn, and half hidden by a shrubbery, are the pens for the day accommodation of the Toms, their night-houses being in a different part of the

pens for the day accommodation of the Toms, their night-houses being in a different part of the grounds. “One of these pens was occupied by a graceful pair of ladies, Cora, a splendid Russian cat, and Queen Indiana, a snow-white beauty with turquoise-blue eyes. “After inspecting these, Mrs. Herring took me to the ladies’ quarters and the nurseries. Here I saw again the splendid Siamese cat Queen Rhea, who was the admired of all admirers at Cruft’s Cat Show in the Royal Aquarium in March of this year….

March of this year…. “Mrs. Herring’s pretty rooms, with their wealth of old china and valuable pictures, contain many trophies in the way of silver cups and vases of the victorious competitions of her cats, as well as many rare books, including a volume of ‘Ally Sloper’, won by a cat of the same name, and having the most unique autograph of the donor on its first page. “ ‘These are my medals’ said Mrs. Herring. Unlocking the box which her dear dead retriever Carlo used to near suspended round his neck when on many Hospital Saturdays he collected at Charing Cross for the London hospitals. What a display it was. There were gold, silver and bronze medals and pendants, those of the National Cat Club bearing a special design by Harrison Weir; Crystal Palace medals, Brighton Aquarium, Canterbury, Clifton, Tunbridge Wells, the Animals’ Institute in Kinterton Street, Knightsbridge – from all these shows there were these testimonies to the perfections of Mrs. Herring’s cats.

Coverpage of ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, March 5, 1904 featuring Mrs Herring and ‘Sweet Phillis’ ² Image © The Harrison Weir Collection.

is at her feet, El Dorado and Princess Voska in “Full of admiration as I was for these beautiful her lap, Duke of Buckingham on the table felines, and at their mistress’s arrangements beside her, while the cats, Lady Snow, Queen for their comfort, I had plenty for her even still Irene, Braemore, and others, make up the more fascinating pack of tiny King Charles ‘happy family’. Spaniels, who are the perfection of breeding and good manners. Two of these, Duke of “Mrs Herring, though a most evident object Buckingham and Princess Voska, were of adoration to her dogs, confesses that her exhibited at the Ladies’ Kennel Association cats are nearer to her heart, and asserts Show at Ranelagh in June last, and were positively that, if properly treated, they are greatly and justly admired. It was indeed a the equal of dogs in intelligence and pretty sight to see eight or ten of these affection. beauties disporting themselves on the lawn. “After a prolonged and most enjoyable visit, I Some are included in the photo reproduced of reluctantly tore myself away from ‘Pussy’s Mrs. Herring and her pets. Prince Lestock is at Paradise,’ bearing with me a pen and ink her feet, El Dorado and Princess Voska in her drawing by Miss Rosa Bebb, of Ridgeway lap, Duke of Buckingham on the table beside Park Road, Bristol – some of whose waterher, while the cats, Lady Snow, Queen Irene, colours adorn the walls – as well as several Braemore, and others, make up the ‘happy All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection which & The CFA photographs Mrs Foundation, Herring hadInc. kindly lent for family’. reproduction.” ⁹

Winners of First Prizes at the Crystal Palace Cat Show in 1891. In front, Mrs. Herring’s ‘Ch. Jimmy’ Image: ‘The Sketch’ November 7, 1891. Courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.

Paradise,’ bearing with me a pen and ink drawing by Miss Rosa Bebb, of Ridgeway Park Road, Bristol – some of whose watercolours adorn the walls – as well as several photographs which Mrs Herring had kindly lent for reproduction.” ⁹ When the prior photograph featured on the cover of ‘Our Cats’ in early March 1904, Mrs Herring was moved to write a complimentary letter to the Editor, stating the following: “I must write and tell you everyone is repeating how splendidly ‘Our Cats’ has reproduced Sweet Phillis and myself. I think Messrs Russell also should be complimented for the photography, which has been very much

Messrs. Russell also should be complimented for the photography, which has been very much appreciated by those who understand photography. Many people here wish to have one of the books.” ³

IN SUMMARY When we view the photograph of Mrs Herring with her ‘Sweet Phillis’ we cannot help but be impressed with the striking, extraordinarily clear and well-defined, wide-banded classic patterning of the coat on ‘Sweet Phillis’; which would be the envy of any breeder of Silver Classic tabbies to this very day!

The ‘Ring Class’ at the Botanic Show of 1900. Second from right is Mrs Herring, loosely attached to what appears to be either a dark blue long-hair or smoke hair. Photo: E. Landor, Ealing. ‘Living London’,(1901) in an article by Frances Simpson ⁴ Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

Mrs Herring’s contribution to the early growth of the fancy and the preservation of some of its founding bloodlines across a range of breeds and varieties cannot be overlooked. But just like the reporter who spent a happy afternoon reviewing Mrs. Herring’s cats and dogs, we too must reluctantly tear ourselves away from ‘Pussy’s Paradise’ taking with us, the memories of the historic beauty and achievements of Mrs. Herring’s beloved cats. John G. Smithson

References: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

‘Our Cats’ Magazine, April 12, 1902. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, March 5, 1904. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, March19 , 1904. ‘Living London’ (1901) by Cassell & Company. ‘The National Cat Club Stud Book & Register’ (Vols 1-6). ‘Rabbits, Cats and Cavies’ (1903) by Charles H. Lane. ‘The Windsor Magazine’ (1899), art. by E. Leuty Collins. ‘The Lady’s Realm’ Cult of the Cat by W.M.Elkington ‘The Sketch’, September 18, 1895. ‘The Sketch’, November 7, 1891. Photos and quotations as per credits noted.

A-CAT-EMY CONCEPTS is proud to present A NEW PUBLICATION FROM ‘THE ALCHEMY OF CAT BREEDS’ SERIES

‘The Descendants of Bastet’ gives a complete overview of the first century of the Abyssinian breed, from the first mention of the breed in the early 1870s through until circa 1970. Additionally, chapters on the later development of the colors red, blue, and fawn ar included – plus the longhair version of the breed is discussed in a chapter on the originas of the Somali. The book is 8 1/2 x 11. Pre-index, it is 265 pages chock full of historical information for Abyssinian lovers! It includes a great deal of registration information, pedigrees, progeny reports and photos of cats important to the breed history. Preview of the introductory pages here – http://bit.ly/3aBqFys Contact Karen (catfanrep@gmail.com) for pre-order form. No payment is due at this time; you will be contacted when the book is available for mailing.

A word from the Author… The origins of the Abyssinian breed are unknown, and are likely to stay that way. While anecdotal stories tell of cats being imported from Abyssinia (now Somalia), geneticists have expounded theories that the breed originated in countries bordering on the Indian Ocean. Records relate the early importation of cats, but from where is never specified. Breeders have told stories of cats resembling the Abyssinian being found in Abyssinia, but they are hearsay and cannot be positively confirmed. So while origins will remain guesswork, and are explored in-depth herein, the unknown bits are most likely to remain guesswork forever.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The Descendants of Bastet weaves together what we do know and what can be confirmed regarding the history of the breed growth, in intimate detail, using pedigrees, progeny reports and historical records, starting with that first mention of Zula, on to Queen Jumbo who was the first registered Abyssinian. While we don’t know Queen Jumbo’s birthdate, we do know that she died in 1893. Other Abys of her era included Sedgemere Peaty and Sedgemere Bottle, both produced from unknown heritage; both, however, important to the early development of the breed and pedigrees.

This book is the exciting culmination of years of research, studying of pedigrees, scanning of photos and scrupulous reading of many old magazines in search of tidbits to include and expand upon. The first print run was limited to 175 copies, and there are a small number of copies still available for purchase. If you are interested, please contact Karen Lawrence at catfanrep@gmail.com.

A-CAT-EMY CONCEPTS is proud to present A NEW PUBLICATION FROM ‘THE ALCHEMY OF CAT BREEDS’ SERIES

‘A Persian Rhapsody in Blue’ – Volume 1, provides a rare look into the pre-history and establishment of the Blue Persian Cat, from the first recorded importations direct from the Khorasan province, into Europe in the 1620’s; to a detailed development in 19th and 20th century Britain. Includes many new images of Blue Persian cats, not published in well over 100 years. In depth coverage, of Foundation bloodlines and famous strains. In A4 format, Pre-index, this book comprises of 546 pages of detailed information and rare images of key progenitors of the Persian cat, and their breeders.

Preview of the introductory pages is found at – http://bit.ly/3gOMM8b Contact John (nutrenz57@yahoo.com.au) for pre-order booking form.

A word from the Author… What a long and amazing journey it has been, to collate, collect, curate and document the amazingly complex journey of the Blue Persian cat, from its genetic ancestral home in the mountainous regions of Khorasan province, to its establishment in Western Europe, and in particular, its strong foothold in the British Isles – a journey that took the best part of 260 years before it was finally recognised by a dedicated handful of English and Scottish breeders, as unique and full of beauty. From relative obscurity in the mid 1880’s a small but growing band of faithful adherents to its cause, did the faithful groundwork behind this colour variety, which would see it rise to prominence in the world of cats, the formation of the largest specialty club in the world for a time, and an absolutely phenomenal period of expansion of its influence that ‘A Juvenile Party’ and ‘An Unwelcome Visitor’ Illustrations from ‘The Adventures Cat – expansion And a Fine CatofToo’ mirrored of athe Illustrations by Harrison Weir, Images courtesy of The Harrison Weirof Collection. influence the then British Empire. The Blue Persian became the recognised ‘Prince’ of the Persian breed, the pinnacle of what could be achieved by any colour, if the same level of love and dedication was poured into new programs as the founders of the colour-bred Blue had poured into what had become, the cornerstone colour of the modern breed. This writing of this first volume of the history of the Blue Persian has likewise allowed me to develop those necessary skills to tackle similar feline histories with a dedication that is all pervading. It is a privilege and a joy to embrace the detective work and pedigree research involved. I recognise the unique opportunity it has afforded me to meet and work with some amazingly talented and special like-minded individuals around the world, who share a similar or same passion. For that I am especially grateful.

NZCF DB.CH. GR. RANCHDOLLS CH. RANCHDOLLS QUITE PRINCE RUBYRUBY DB. GR. QUITE THETHEPRINCE

FACTFILE Call name: ‘PRINCE’ Breed: Ragdoll Colour/Pattern: Blue Point & White (Bi-Colour) Date of Birth: May 7th, 2018 Sire: Gold Db.Gr.Ch. Adoradolls Will Be The Duke (‘Duke’) Dam: Adoradolls Undercover Lover (‘Lexie’) Breeders & Owners: Sheree Russell & Tim Russell Notable Awards and Achievements: NZCF Ruby Double Grand Champion NZCF Annual Awards: National 2nd Best Longhair Cat 2019. NZCF Annual Awards: National 4th Best Longhair Cat 2021. National Cat Show – 2nd Best Longhair Cat in National Ring 2019. National Cat Show – 2nd Best Longhair in the National Ring 2021.

Ruby Db.Gr.Ch. Ranchdolls Quite The Prince We first began in Ragdolls in 2015, with the arrival of my foundation queen, Adoradolls Greta Gaea, bred by Keryn McOmish; and my first stud, Aurorapetz Humpfrey. Unexpectedly, in 2017 Keryn decided to take a step back from breeding, and kindly offered me both her lovely stud male, Gold Db.Gr.Ch. Adoradolls Will Be The Duke, (a Blue Point BiColour) and a mature female, Adoradolls Undercover Lover (a Blue Point). Prince’s story therefore really begins with the arrival of his mother and father into our cattery, as it was from this combination that ‘Prince’ was born on May 7th, 2018. My queen, Adoradolls Undercover Lover was already 7 years old at the time, and I was not really expecting her to get into kitten, but it was certainly lucky for me that she did! She also surprised me by having her litter two days early. I had checked on her before going to bed at 10.30pm, when I had arrived home fomr

‘PRINCE’ as a kitten, at four weeks old. Photo: Courtesy of Sheree Russell

From the 2018 Palmerston North Show, only to wake up the next morning to find a very happy mummy and three clean little babies curled up with her.

Above: PRINCE’S Sire: GOLD. DB.GR.CH. ADORADOLLS WILL BE THE DUKE – Blue Point & White ‘Duke’ Below: PRINCE’S Dam: ADORADOLLS UNDERCOVER LOVER – Blue Colourpoint ‘Lexie’ Both bred by Keryn McOmish. Photos: Courtesy of Sheree Russell

Left: ‘PRINCE’ in his show cage at the Dominion Cat Club Show, April 2019 Right: ‘PRINCE’ being assessed by Judge Lyall Payne, at the Dominion Cat Club Show, April 2019. Photos: Courtesy of Sheree Russell.

‘Prince’ stood out from the beginning, and I was over the moon when the breeder of his parents said I was able to keep him as a stud, as normally they do not allow males to be retained for breeding. Due to being born in May, which is the middle of our show season in New Zealand, Prince was only able to be entered into the last two shows of the 2018 show season, but he nevertheless did quite well, considering he was the youngest, and up against much older kittens. These were the Wellington and Kapiti-Horowhenua Shows held in August and September respectively. Fortunately, like his dad, Princes loves showing off and if he is allowed, will proudly stand on the show bench to show himself off.

‘PRINCE’ as a kitten, at six weeks old. Photo: Courtesy of Sheree Russell

Above: ‘PRINCE’ with TICA Judge Lynn Sherer, at the National Cat Show - 2019 Right: with owner Sheree Russell at the Hutt Feline Show, in 2019. Below: Giving mum an affectionate head-butt at the Auckland Cat Club Show after winning Best Cat.

In 2019, he started the season off by gaining his Champion status at the Dominion Cat Club show in April. By the time he completed the season, he finished it by gaining his Gold Double Grand Championship title at the last show, which just also happened to be another show run by the Dominion Cat Club! Prince did well at all the shows he attended but the highlights of the season for me was his being placed 2nd at the National Show and in the NZCF Annual Awards, taking 2nd Best Longhair Cat Nationally. Prince has a very sweet, loving personality and just like his father Duke, he loves giving head butts, as witnessed by the photo at left which shows him giving one to me at the Auckland Cat Club show after winning Best Cat under Jo Millar.

Above: ‘PRINCE’ being assessed by Judge Michelle McGrath, at the Patches & Pointed Show, April 2021. Below: ‘PRINCE’ being assessed by Judge Paul Henry at the Hamilton Cat Club National Show, July 2021. Photo: Courtesy of Sheree Russell. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Above and below: RUBY DB.GR.CH. RANCHDOLLS QUITE THE PRINCE From a photoset taken at the Hamilton Cat Club Show in July 2019, at just 14 months. Photos: Courtesy of Helmi Flick Cat Photography.

2021 proved to be another amazing show year for Prince. There were loads of Top Ten placings, but once again the major highlights included a replication of his high placement at the National Cat Show, where he again was placed 2nd Best Longhair Cat in the National Ring. This was duly followed by him gaining another National standing as NZCF 4th Best Longhair Cat Nationally for 2021. Prince sired his first litter at the age of nine months! While I haven’t kept any kittens from his previous litters, I have this breeding season, a Blue Point Bi-Colour female that carries chocolate. Prince has brought us much joy, and I am eternally grateful to Keryn for entrusting her beautiful cats into our care. Sheree Russell.

Above and below: RUBY DB.GR.CH. RANCHDOLLS QUITE THE PRINCE From a photoset taken at the Hamilton Cat Club Show in July 2019, at just 14 months. Photos: Courtesy of Helmi Flick Cat Photography. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

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“Today’s achievements are part of tomorrow’s history”

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“Today’s achievements are part of tomorrow’s history”

CFA GC, BWC, NW ZEUS RAGDOLL KUNLUN

FACTFILE Call name: ‘Tun Tun’ Breed: Ragdoll Colour/Pattern: Seal Lynx Point & White Date of Birth: February 10, 2019 Sire: Zeus Ragdoll Dragon Heart Dam: Zeus Ragdoll Polaris Breeder: Zhang Yu Owner: Zhang Yu – XiuRan Wang Notable Awards and Achievements: One show Grand Champion – CFA International, Oct.12-13, 2019 Best Ragdoll Cat (Purple Show), CFA International, 2019 Best of Colour – China 2019-2020 Best of Breed – China 2019-2020 Best Cat - China 2019-2020 CFA National Winner, 2019-2020

CFA GC, BWC, NW Zeus Ragdoll Kunlun Born on February 10, 2019, GC, BWC, NW Zeus Ragdoll Kunkun gets his registered name from Kunlun Mountain, which is known as the sacred mountain of China. It is part of the longest mountain range in China, and in fact in all of Asia, and holds a prominent position as the ancestor of 10,000 mountains, in the cultural history of the Chinese nation. At the time of his birth, I had only been a breeder for a little over two years, during which time I was competing regularly at CFA shows for top titles, in order to gain a clearer direction for my breeding program. So, I had a good feeling when this litter was born and was confident about its quality, even though it was the first litter from this combination. Kunlun’s parents were just the first generation of my own breeding. His

His sire, Zeus Ragdoll Dragonheart, was descended from an excellent very traditional bloodline from Spain, and his dam, Zeus Ragdoll Polaris’s bloodline is from KOC Monica in Poland, both of which are almost impossible to obtain today. We called Kunlun ‘Tun Tun’ which is mandarin for ‘piggy’. We called one of his littermates Jumbo, or ‘Xiang Xiang, which is mandarin for ‘little elephant’, because I named all of this litter after animals when they were little babies. As it turned out, my sensitivity to the breed standards required by the CFA shows was accurate. There were five littermates, and three of them went to CFA shows and achieved outstanding results – the other two went to pet families and did not participate. The other two show babies besides Kunlun were GC, DW Zeus Ragdoll Jumbo Dumbo and Zeus Ragdoll Peppa Pig.

Above left: ‘KUNLUN’ in his kitten show cage with winners’ ribbons. Right: On his arrival in the USA, about to start his adult show career. Below: at the CFA International Show, with Judge Wain Harding. Photos: Courtesy of Zhang Yu & XiuRan Wang

During the CFA show season 2019-2020, I kept exhibiting DW Zeus Ragdoll Jumbo Dumbo in China, while 5D (XiuRan Wang) exhibited ‘Kunlun’ in the United States. ‘Jumbo Dumbo’ succeeded in winning almost all of the All-Breed Best Cat rosettes in all the shows he has partaken in, second only to his litter brother ‘Kunlun’. Jumbo achieved 2nd Best Ragdoll (being ‘Kunlun’ who was Best), but also took All-Breed 5th Best Cat in China. Their little sister, Zeus Ragdoll Peppa Pig, also won high honours in shows, but did not title as high as her brothers as she came into heat and became a mother. ‘Kunlun’ himself stayed in the United States for about four months, beginning with the CFA International Show until his return due to concern over the Covid-19 pandemic.

Above: ‘KUNLUN’ responding to a wand in his dedicated grooming space. Below: His rosettes from the Purple Show at the CFA International, including Best of Breed Ragdoll. Photos: Courtesy of XiuRan Wang All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Above: ‘KUNLUN’ at other USA Shows, with Judges Darrell Newkirk, and Larry Adkison. Below: ‘KUNLUN’ surrounded by rosettes won in all rings at another USA Show. Photos: Courtesy of XuiRan Wang.

During those four months, Kunlun competed in 16 shows, in a total of 152 rings, made it into 144 finals, got 140 Best of Breed ribbons, gained 6 All-Breed Best Cat in Show awards, gained all 16 Best of Breed in Show awards, was 10 times Best Longhair Cat in Show, was 12 times in the Top 3 of Show, became a one show Grand and Best Ragdoll in the Purple Show of the CFA International Show 2019. After his homecoming, he competed in the two famous CFA Shanghai Shows, famous because they were the first shows held after CFA was banned in China for a time. They were also the celebratory shows to indicate that CFA was now officially back in China. ‘Kunlun’ undisputedly won the BEST CAT IN SHOW rosette at both of these prestigious events. He has gained many records, among them being the first Longhair All-Breed Best Championship cat to be bred in China.

Above: ‘KUNLUN’ with his Rosettes leading to his BEST CAT win at one of two major shows in Shanghai. Below: ‘KUNLUN’ winning BEST CAT in Shanghai, with Judges and fellow winning exhibits. Photos: XiuRan Wang All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Above: ‘KUNLUN’ with his Rosettes leading to his BEST CAT win at one of two major shows in Shanghai. Below: The HIGHEST SCORING CAT Rosette won by ‘KUNLUN’ with his photo by Larry Johnson. Photos: XiuRan Wang.

Finally, by the end of the Show season, we could proudly look back at his amazing achievements as a young cat – his title now Grand Champion, Breed Winner, National Winner, Zeus Ragdoll Kunlun for CFA Show season 2019-2020 as well as ALL-BREED BEST CAT for China, 2019-2020. ‘Kunlun has once appeared on the official twitter of CFA, and today his image appears on the page banner of CFA’s official website, as a representative of the Ragdoll breed. During the period since his birth until now, the positive public perception of the Ragdoll breed has risen to new dominance; already twice being named the most popular breed by CFA registration statistics for two consecutive years. ‘Kunlun’ has been a flagship for the breed - and we are thankful for this loving cat.

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