Feline Historica - July 2022 - Volume 3 Number 1 by purrcasso

HARRISON WEIR COLLECTION © A-Cat-Emy Concepts

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

John G. Smithson editor@felishistorica.com HISTORY PARTNERS The CFA Foundation COLUMNISTS/CONTRIBUTORS

Karen Lawrence (St. Catharines, Canada)

Lorraine Shelton (California, USA)

Dr. Leslie Lyons (Missouri, USA)

JULY 2022

VOLUME 3 NUMBER 1

EDITORIAL – An outline of the contents of Volume 3 No.1

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

Contents

THE AMERICAN CURL An Introduction to the American Curl Breed

MEOW – WHAT CATS TEACH US ABOUT JUDGING – New Book release

THE COLONEL (c.1870s) - by John Smithson The story of a White Longhair, once owned by Harrison Weir

HARRISON WEIR’S LETTERS – notes from ‘The Poet of Nature’ Files What Harrison Weir’s letters reveal - by John Smithson - PART TWO

FELIS HISTORICA

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GENETICS YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR CAT! - by Dr. Leslie Lyons The Ears Have It! Genetics of the Scottish Fold and American Curl

(Muscat, Oman)

INTERNATIONAL GALLERY – THE AMERICAN CURL LH & SH

Florent Fissot

(Monsegur, France)

GARDENING WITH CATS – Cartoons by Graham Harrop A Cats Guide to the Flower Bed!

Dr. Victor Zaalov

THE AMERICAN SHORTHAIR – New Book Release information.

(Acre, Israel)

Valerie Sheldrake

AH CHOO (1900) – by John Smithson The story of an early English-bred Sealpoint Siamese female.

Feline Historian (Suffolk, UK)

THE CAT THAT LOOKED AT A KING – Future Book release info…

THE POET OF NATURE – Future Book release information…

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: American Curl Longhair & American Curl Shorthair FIFe SP, SIRIUKSEN ALFACURL JW FIFe SC, CFA GC SIRIUKSEN TRITONCURL JW

76 88

Chloe Chung (Hong Kong)

Laura Vocelle

Jamie Christian (Ohio, USA)

PHOTOGRAPHY / GRAPHICS

Helmi & Ken Flick (Florida, USA)

Jack Terry (Florida, USA)

Editorial Editorial ’FELIS HISTORICA’ JOHN G. SMITHSON EDITOR

OUR COVER PHOTO Period photo of late Victorian era women that are into both Cycling & Cats Photo from the archives of The Harrison Weir Collection

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

In our July 2022 edition of Felis Historica, we mark two milestones, the start of Volume 3, (our 3rd year) and we celebrate a very unique breed - the American Curl! This is a breed that has only been in existence since its foundation cat ‘Shulamith’ (a domestic longhair with ears that curled backwards) walked into the lives of Grace and Joe Ruga at their Lakewood California home in June 1981. In the 40 plus years since that time, the breed has been carefully tended to by breeders passionate for preserving its uniqueness and by geneticists examining it for any negative hereditary defects, of which none have been found. It is a highly social variety of domestic cat, that loves attention and to be at the centre of activity! As part of our celebration of this breed, we provide a thumbnail introduction to its basic early history, as well as a gallery of examples of the breed, and feature two recently and very regularly placed Best in Show winners bred by Satu Hämäläinen (Finland) of Siriuksen cattery fame; namely a Brown Tabby Bi-colour neuter BW SW FIFe Siriuksen AlfaCurl JW; as well as an entire Champion male, the Brown Tabby, FIFe Supreme Champion and CFA Grand Champion Siriuksen TritonCurl JW. Our sincerest thanks therefore must go to Satu for her contribution of the story of both the aforementioned cats, plus many fine photos of her babies and adults – and to the photographers Tessa LV and Marika Lahti (both based in Europe) for the fine examples of their work showcasing this breed, to share with our readers. Our contributing geneticist, Dr. Leslie Lyons is currently spending some time with her mother in Kent, but has sent us an excellent article

GC SugarCurl Marshmellow of Siriuksen Photo: Tessa

IN CELEBRATION OF

JUNE 2022

JAPANESE BRITISHBOBTAIL SHs & LHs CATS

an excellent genetics article entitled ‘The Ears Have It!’ – The genetics of the Scottish Fold and the American Curl. Our feline history articles this month focus on a white longhair male once owned by Harrison Weir, named ‘THE COLONEL’, - a cat which dates from the earliest period of the Cat Fancy (c.1870’s), but whose story provides some mirth surrounding an unxpected lapse of judgement by the great cat fancier and what ultimately resulted from it. A second feline history article touches upon the attributes of an early Siamese cat named AH CHOO (1900), who was from a famous family of early Siamese and whom herself was to feature on the earliest medals of the Siamese Cat Club. Several very newly released feline history books and announcements of future releases are included, along with contact details for those who may be interested. We also include PART TWO of an article started in our June issue, about some of the letters written by the founder of the Cat Fancy that are held in The Harrison Weir Collection and what their content reveals to us about the man, his passions and interests. In the last week, we have been fortunate enough to uncover another letter, which was successfully added to this valuable historical repository. At the time of writing the CFA Annual is taking place and Regional Awards banquets are being hosted around the world. It is a timely reminder that our hobby is alive and well despite all the obstacles that it has had to deal with over the last two to three years. The cat fancy is here to stay!

John

EDITOR

Above: FIFe SP SIRIUKSEN ALFACURL JW Brown Tabby Bi-Colour American Curl Longhair Below: FIFe SC, CFA GC SIRIUKSEN TRITONCURL JW Brown Tabby American Curl Shorthair Photos: Tessa

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

Photo: Marika Lahti Photography

The American Curl An introductory thumbnail background of the American Curl Cat Backgrounds © wwwGoGraph.com

In June 1981, two hungry long-haired domestic cats, a black and a black and white, appeared in the courtyard of Grace and Joe Ruga in Lakewood, California.

Six months later, “Shu” produced a litter of four kittens, and to the surprise of the Ruga’s two kitten out of the four, sported the same curvy ears as their mother.

These had funny curved ears. Those cats were the “Shulamith,” the ancestor of the curls, to be found in the pedigree of every authentic American curl, and her sister “Panda”.

This caused a bit of a sensation and brought about considerable attention in the world of cats. The genetic basis of that trait, which was still unknown at the time, began to be considered.

Although ’Shu’ was very protective of her sister, she disappeared after two weeks. “Shu” however, charmed the Ruga’s and was duly adopted into their home.

The systematic breeding of the cats began in 1983, with the desire to give these unique cats their own breed status, perhaps also with show rights.

Photo: Satu Hämäläinen

The renowned English cat geneticist Roy Robinson examined data from 81 litters, (383 kittens) and found it to be an autosomatically dominant trait. This means that the trait is inherited when the gene that causes the trait is inherited from at least one parent, the trait will be seen in the progeny. In December 1998, Robinson reported in the “Journal of Heredity” that he had not found any evidence of hereditary harmful defects in any of the crosses analysed to date. This knowledge guaranteed the route to a new and healthy breed - with an awesome character. Likewise, well-known geneticist Solveig Pflueger also came to the same conclusion in her own research, that it is a dominant gene caused by a spontaneous mutation that does not have harmful properties.

The American curl was first introduced to the public at a CFA show in Palm Springs on October 23, 1983. The first standard for the curl was written and it was agreed that domestic cats with a curl-like structure should be used for breeding. This was considered a necessity, because the whole breed is based on only one cat from which the unique ear-curling gene was derived. The first curl-curl mating was done in January 1984. This combination gave birth to the first known homozygous curl named “Play it By Ear”, a black and white male with all of his resulting kittens, having curled ears. Since then of course, matings have taken place between curl to curl, including homozygous matings, but no genetic problems have been identified.

Photo: Satu Hämäläinen

homozygous matings, with absolutely no genetic problems having been identified. The American Curl cat was ultimately accepted for registration in CFA in 1986, then successfully advanced to “Provisional Status” in 1991, followed ultimately by being granted full Championship status in 1993. The first short-haired curl was born in the third litter from “Shulamith” and more of these were born from the offspring of “Shulamith”, so both hair lengths were accepted for the breed. Due to the history of the breed, all colors and patterns, even masked ones, were accepted, (“Shulamith” having produced a masked kitten in her first litter).

Finland in 2001, with FIFe providing the long - haired (ACL) and short - haired (ACS) curls with certificate rights from the beginning of 2003. HOW AMERICAN CURLS SHOULD LOOK America curls are elegant in design. They are medium-sized cats, with balanced proportions being more important than size. Males are larger than females. They are quite muscular and slender. The tail is the length of the body, so quite long. The eyes are quite large, bright and walnutshaped. The obvious hallmark of the breed is, of course, the curved ears. The tips of the show curls' ears curve softly straight back (90-180 degrees). No particular degree is preferred but both 90 and 180 degree ears are good in themselves.

The first American Curl was imported into to Finland in 2001. In FIFe, the long - haired (ACL) and short All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc. haired (ACS) curls were certified with certificate rights from the beginning of

Photo: Satu Hämäläinen

Straight-eared cats with only slightly curved earlobes can be used for breeding, but they are not show cats. As pets, they are as lovely as their crooked relatives, for the character and other appearance are, of course, the same regardless of the curvature of the ears. The earlobe of the curls is wrinkled and rather stiff (as in humans) at least 1/3 of the height, the tips of the ears are rounded and flexible. Both the short and long hair variants have a fine silky coat and as little undercoat as possible, which makes the fur really very easy to care for.

himalayan pattern, the color of the eyes should always be blue. Long and short hair curls are so-called sister breeds and may be used in breeding together, ie. the same litter may have both long-haired and short-haired curls, with short-hairedness being the dominant trait in cats. In FIFe, both hair lengths are judged separately in category II, divided into eleven different color groups; in CFA, you only get 1 point for coloring. TEMPERAMENT

By nature, American curls are curious and truly sociable cats, that attach easily to people and like to participate in all the All colors are allowed. The color of the eyes activities of the home; not content to just can be anything (blue, yellow, green or follow the journey as obervers. As well as orange) except for the mask variations, i.e. meowing, some curls actively use body Siamese, the color of the eyes should language differently from other breeds, always be blue. often arching their backs playfully, and All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc. talking “with pumping heads”.

Photo: Satu Hämäläinen

language differently from other breeds, often arching their backs playfully, and talking “with pumping heads”. It is characteristic of the breed that these intelligent and balanced cats remain kittenlike throughout their lives and as such they are often referred to as the ’Peter Pan’ of the cat world, (like the boy who never grew up). Like many other elegantly crafted cats, curls are great jumpers, so the tops of cabinets and shelves will be explored. They may also, quite surprisingly, jump on their owner’s shoulder at any time from somewhere, unless they then announce their need for additional attention with their small voice. Curls usually want to be at the center of everything, easily learn different tricks, and opening cupboards and doors is very easy for them.

for them. For an agility hobby, curl makes a great partner. They carry their toys and the owner’s belongings around. Curls are certainly not racists but highly adaptable, both to different situations and to humans or other animals. A cat or dog buddy is a good companion for the curl, few people alone are enough to meet all the social and activation needs of the curl. Editor: My own first experience with an American Curl was intriguing.. They have such an alert and curiously sweet expression to the face, and those ears were amazing to touch the first time. The base of the ear feels as if it had been ’starched’ as it was stiff to the touch, but the curl backwards is softer. They are truly an attractive feline, created by a deity with an amazing sense of humour.

HARRISON WILLIAM WEIR (1824-1906) Carte de Viste photograph by Elliott & Fry c.1871. © The Harrison Weir Collection, 2022 Article backgrounds: www.gograph.com

AN HISTORICAL PORTRAIT OF

An Amber-eyed White Longhair male (circa 1884), once owned by Harrison William Weir, the ‘Father of the Cat Fancy’. BY

JOHN G. SMITHSON

Adapted from the author’s text for ‘The History Project’ www.cat-o-pedia.org

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The story of ‘The Colonel’ is that of a deaf white longhair, found at a Crystal Palace Cat Show. It is a clear example of the dangers and humour associated with dealing with deafness in cats, in this case, a yellow-eyed White. The writer has personal experience with this, having owned a Blue-eyed White Persian female which was totally deaf, and a blueeyed white domestic male cat, which had perfectly sound hearing in both ears. So, there is no hard and fast rule on deafness, and the claim that “all blue-eyed whites are deaf”, which is so often heard, is untrue. The genes for Dominant White certainly possess the potential to pass on deafness, but the delivery of this anomaly is random and cannot be predicted with certainty. It is true, that it is associated more with blue eyes, but being white, and having either one or both eyes blue, does not automatically mean that the cat has been affected.

But before we take time to read Harrison Weir’s own story of his White longhaired cat, lets first take a closer look at the man himself, his passion for cats, and his relationship and observations of them. This is best achieved by reading some of his commentaries about cats in general, including some illuminating anecdotes of cats that have shared their lives with him and his growing family and some of the cats’ ingenious antics. As ‘The Colonel’ was not a breeding cat, the usual headings in this file will bear no relevance - but will be supplanted by other more pertinent headlines. IN DEFENSE OF CATS From his book ‘Animal Stories Old and New’ published in 1885, we take the following introduction to the world of cats, written by Harrison Weir himself: “Cats never attach themselves to individuals’ has been so often stated, and, as often is the case with regard to other matters, by persons who know nothing of the subject, and by persons who have never kept a cat in their lives, but simply, parrot-like, repeat what they have heard, without first testing its truthfulness.

as often is the case with regard to other matters, by persons who know nothing of the subject, and by persons who have never kept a cat in their lives, but simply, parrotlike, repeat what they have heard, without first testing its truthfulness. “From a number of years’ knowledge of the cat, its ways and habits, I am quite certain that it does attach itself to persons, and that in a remarkable degree, almost, if not quite as much so, as the dog, for like that sagacious animal they have been found dead on their loved one’s grave, having seemingly died of grief. As regards myself, I am fond of both dogs and cats, though I must admit that after the experience of years of having both as companions and pets, I think I give the preference to the cats for their gentleness, affection, sagacity, watchfulness, and knowledge of their surroundings, setting apart their great love for those whom they take a liking, which they often do for one person only in a household of many, though that may not be the one by whom they are fed.” ³ ANECDOTES OF AN OBSERVANT CAT OWNER We now look at a few anecdotes on cat ownership and cat behaviour from the personal experiences of Harrison Weir. These also give us an insight into his homelife both at ‘Weirleigh’, his country home near Matley, in Kent, where he kept a large garden, vinery, poultry yard and orchard, and later at Henwick Lodge …

“I have but two cats at the present time. Both are ‘outdoor’ cats, kept in my poultry yard on account of the rats. I generally go every day to feed my fowls, and there, waiting for me, I invariably find my cats. “They follow me from place to place, even out on the highway or in my garden, keeping all the time close to my legs, and whenever I stop they generally rub themselves against me; perhaps one will run up my back and sit on my shoulder. When I reach my orchard, which is not far, and where more fowls are kept, they still follow. Sometimes, when I stand still, they will climb the apple trees, jumping down directly I move off, and they often nearly throw me down by running between my legs, or suddenly getting in front when I am walking. “This to me is not in the least singular as regards these two cats. Nearly all that I have had have acted in a similar way. One, a red-tabby she-cat, ‘Lillah’, which I bought at the Crystal Palace Cat Show, used to clamber to my shoulder when I went into the garden, and there would sit purring as I walked in and out of the vineries, poultryhouses, and even along the road until I returned to the house, when she would jump off and never attempt to enter with me unless I enticed her to do so.” ³ ‘Weirleigh’ was purchased in 1866 and was initially a comfortable but modest two storey country residence for a gentleman used to the confines of a London outskirts property in Peckham and Camberwell, but desirous of more land to pursue his interests in both poultry and horticulture.

A view of the Garden at ‘Weirleigh’ on the occasion of Harrison Weir’s 50 th Birthday, in 1874 Harrison Weir is seen standing behind the table, his wife Ann Herring is seated at the end of the table. ‘The Pictorial World’ May, 1874 ⁴ Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

property in Peckham, Camberwell, but desirous of more land to pursue his interests in both poultry and horticulture. The above image was published in 1874, on the occasion of the artist’s 50th birthday, for which a floral competition was organised with prizes for the local children. In it, we see the original house, before its alterations and some of the extent of the gardens.

‘GEORGE’, ‘JETTIE’ & ‘THE OLD LADY’ In the following, we have anecdotal evidence of his own relationship with ‘The Old Lady’, a blue tabby female, whom he allowed to be on ‘exhibition only’ at the first Crystal Palace Cat Show in July of 1871, and the antics and relationship of the cats ‘George’ and ‘Jettie’ with two of his children. Harrison Weir writes: “Other cats had their fancies. One, a blue tabby, ‘George,’ would go to rest with no one but my youngest daughter

‘The Old Lady’, a favourite of Harrison Weir. Drawn by him for his book ‘Our Cats’ 1889.

but my youngest daughter.* A blacktabby, ‘Jettie,’ would leave all others for the room of my youngest son.* “A blue-tabby, ‘The Old Lady,’ came up to my bedroom door every morning, and often sat on my shoulder while I was painting a picture, or went to sleep on my knees. “At one time I had six cats, and each had their ‘likes and dislikes.’ They would rest only with the one they regarded most, and no inducement of food or fondling would have any effect in alluring them from their devotion to that person. “The truth of this character of the cat is fully corroborated by numbers of persons who have kept cats, and with whom I have conversed on the subject. Depend upon it, gentle reader, if you make up your mind not to like cats, cats will not like you, nor will dogs or any other animal, if not kindly treated. Cats like to be talked to and cosseted quite as much as dogs. To my thinking no animal moves with more grace than a cat, nor have more gentle ways, and yet few are more misunderstood. Their instinct and sagacity is indeed great, which

‘George’, knocking at the door. Illustration by Harrison Weir

cosseted quite as much as dogs. To my thinking no animal moves with more grace than a cat, nor have more gentle ways, and yet few are more misunderstood. Their instinct and sagacity is indeed great, which I think is due often to their observation, I might say is almost marvellous.

more than half full of bread and milk. First one put in its paw, and carried as much milk as it could to its mouth, then the next, and so to the next, in fair rotation, each taking its turn as regular as three hammermen do when beating consecutively a piece of redhot iron.

“One night I was sitting at work after my family had retired for the night, when, about twelve o’clock, I heard a knock at the front door. ‘Well,’ thought I, ‘they shall knock again, whoever they are, coming at this late hour.’ Presently another and another knock. I went to the door and opened it, when in walked my cat! ‘Master George’ purred, and then ran upstairs to my daughter’s room.

“However, in a few minutes, ‘Dolly,’ the elder, thought ‘Tommy’ was getting rather too much, so she gave him a pat, which had the desired effect, being that of making him look at her each time before he put in his paw after that. ‘Brownie,’ the third, never got chastisement; this, I think, was because he was such a little cat, consequently he had a much smaller paw.” ³

“That cat had never been taught to knock at the door, but had noticed that when there was a knock at the door, it was opened; so HE jumped and knocked. Having found he was right, he did it several times afterward. This is not an isolated case. I have had many cats that have knocked for admittance, and so have my friends, and none have been taught so to act.” ³ DOLLY, TOMMY & BROWNIE “It is no unusual thing for a cat, if it cannot reach the milk in a jug, to put in its paw, taking as much milk as it can between the toes, and then to lick it off. I have seen this done many a time. Once I was very much amused with three of my cats, who were sitting around a quart mug that was rather more than half full of bread and milk. First one put in its paw, and carried as much milk as it could to its mouth, then the next, and so to the next, in fair rotation, each taking its turn as regular as three hammermen do when

THE STORY OF ‘THE COLONEL’ "A curious fact relating to the white cat of not only the long but also the short-haired breed is their deafness. Should they have blue eyes, which is the fancy colour, these are nearly always deaf; although I have seen specimens whose hearing was as perfect as that of any other colour. “Still deafness in white cats is not always confined to those with blue eyes, as I too well know from purchasing a very fine male at the Crystal Palace Show some few years since. The price was low and the cat was 'a beauty', both in form, coat, and tail, his eyes were yellow, and he had a nice, meek, mild expressive face. I stopped and looked at him, as he much took my fancy. He stared at me wistfully, with something like melancholy in the gaze of his amber-coloured eyes. I put my hand through the bars of the cage. He purred, licked my hand, rubbed against the wires, put his tail up, as much as if to say, 'See, here is a beautiful tail; am I not a

‘Dolly, Tommy and Brownie at the Quart Jar, dipping for milk’ Coloured illustration by Harrison Weir, from ‘Animal Stories, Old and New’ (1885). ³ Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.

the gaze of his amber-coloured eyes. I put my hand through the bars of the cage. He purred, licked my hand, rubbed against the wires, put his tail up, as much as if to say, 'See, here is a beautiful tail; am I not a lovely cat?' “Yes, I thought, 'a very nice cat. When I looked at my catalogue and saw the low price, 'something is wrong here' I said musingly, 'Yes, there must be something wrong. The price is misstated, or there is something not right about this cat.' No! It was a beauty, so comely, so loving, so gentle - so very gentle. 'Well', I said to myself, 'if there is no misstatement of price, I will buy this cat'.

was a beauty, so comely, so loving, so gentle - so very gentle. 'Well', I said to myself, 'if there is no misstatement of price, I will buy this cat'. and, with a parting survey of its excellences, I went to the office of the Show Manager. He looked at the letter of entry. No, the price was quite right, 'two guineas!'. 'I will buy it' said I, and so I did.; but at two guineas I bought it dearly. Yes, very dearly, for when I got it home, I found it was 'stone' deaf. What an unhappy cat it was!

‘Weirleigh’, in Brenchley, Kent, in 1881 after extensive renovations, which included the addition of three level second home complete with attic level and tower. The tower housed the staircase, connecting the old and new homesteads and all levels. The artists ‘painting room’ is in the attic level, between the chimneys. Architectural rendering by Wadmore & Baker, published in Scientific American, April 1881.⁵ Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

‘The Colonel’, an amber-eyed deaf White Persian owned by Harrison Weir Illustration by Harrison Weir, 1886. Published in ‘Our Cats’ (1889) by Harrison Weir. ¹

“If shut out of the dining-room, you could hear its cry for admission all over the house; being so deaf, the poor wretched creature never knew the noise it made. “I often wish that it had so known,- very, very often. I am satisfied that a tithe would have frightened it out of its life. And so loving, so affectionate. “But oh! horror, when it called out as it sat on my lap, its voice seemed to acquire at least TEN cat power. “And when it lost sight of me in the garden, its voice rose to the occasion, I feel confident it might have been heard miles off.

Alas! he never knew what that agonised sound was like, but I did, and I have never forgotten it, and I never shall. “I named him 'The Colonel' on account of his commanding voice… “One morning a friend came - blessed be that day - and after dinner he saw 'the beauty'. 'What a lovely cat' he said. 'Yes' said I, he is very beautiful, quite a picture. 'After a while he said, looking at 'Pussy' warming himself before the fire, 'I think I never saw one I liked more'. 'Indeed' said I, 'if you really think so, I will give it to you; but he has a fault - he is stone deaf'. 'Oh I dont mind that' said he.

“He took him away, miles and miles away. I was glad it was so many miles away for two reasons. One was, I feared he might come back, and the other that his voice might come resounding on the still night air. But he never came back, nor a sound. “A few days after he left to 'better himself', a letter came saying, would I wish to have him back? They liked it very much, all but its voice. ‘No’ I wrote, 'no, you are very kind, no, thank you; give him to anyone you please. do what you will with 'the beauty', but it must not return, never. “When next I saw my friend, I asked him how 'the beauty' was. 'You dreadful man!' he said, 'why that cat nearly drove us all mad I never heard anything like it.' “Nor I' said I, sententiously. 'Well' said my 'all is well that ends well.' 'I have given it to a very deaf old lady, and so both are happy!'. 'Very, I trust' said I. “The foregoing is by way of advice; in buying a white cat, - or in fact, any other, - ascertain for a certainty that it is not deaf!” ¹ IN SUMMARY The humorous anecdote about ‘The Colonel’, from the pen of Harrison Weir, clearly shows that even the most experienced of cat enthusiasts, can be ‘taken-in’ unawares by the singular beauty and individual charm of a striking-looking cat. Harrison already knew about the possibility of a white cat being deaf, but it never crossed his mind that this .

deaf, but it never crossed his mind that this yellow-eyed ‘beauty’ before him at The Crystal Palace Show might be so afflicted. The price should have made him think twice, but as we all have done at one time or another, he acted on impulse, which is not unusual where animals are concerned, and where at a show, there is a pressure to be the first to make a claim on a ‘for-sale’ cat, or lose out to another potential purchaser. White longhairs of ‘The Colonel’s quality would have been few and far between, and this was quite a few years before the establishment of the National Cat Club’s register. ‘The Colonel’ could have been bred by Mr. A.A. Clarke, or possibly bred or imported by Mrs. Davies, but that he was a thoroughbred, albeit of unknown pedigree, was never in doubt. Harrison has given us with a noteworthy, witty, and educational reminder of the frailties of the human condition, while using his talent as an artist, to provide a wonderful historical record of the unmistakeable charms of ‘The Colonel’. References: 1. ‘Our Cats’ (1889) by Harrison Weir. R.Clements & Co.Edition.(UK) 2. ‘Our Cats’ (1889) by Harrison Weir. Houghton Edition.(USA) 3. ‘Animal Stories, Old and New’ (1885) by Harrison Weir. 4. ‘The Pictorial World’ May, 1874. 5. ‘Scientific American’, (April 1881). 6. Carte de Viste photo of Harrison Weir, Elliott & Fry. 7. Images and Quotations as per credits noted.

The Harrison Weir Collection

HARRISON WILLIAM WEIR (1824-1906) Article backgrounds © www.gograph.com

The Harrison Weir Collection

Harrison Weir’s Letters PART TWO Abridged from notes for ‘The Poet of Nature’ – a biographical sketch of Harrison William Weir by John G. Smithson In this second article about the letters of Harrison William Weir, we look not only at letters, but also notes, and small drawings that have added to our knowledge and a better understanding of the man and his life experiences. Weir was an extremely prolific artist and a prolific letter writer, an important letter he wrote to Lady Dorothy Nevill having been published in one of her book form memoirs and the Cambridge University Darwin correspondence project holds within its files, a letter that he wrote to the famous naturalist in answer to Darwin’s queries about pigeons. The Harrison Weir Collection houses by far the largest collection of original Harrison Weir letters in a single repository and is still actively acquiring any that come to light. At a guess, we have around 60 letters and notes under his hand, and many books which he has signed or notated, as well as books that have been signed and noted by other notable naturalists, artists and horticulturalists in gifts to him – notwithstanding that some

of the works of those individuals have also in fact been dedicated Harrison Weir. There are even several flower species, where examples of new varieties have been named after Harrison Weir, including one referenced to his wife, which was curiously named ‘Mrs. Harrison Weir. So it should really come as no surprise to our readers to learn that Harrison Weir was widely liked and respected, not only for his ability as an artist, but as a congenial conversationalist with a wide in-depth knowledge on a variety of subjects. Before we quote some of his letters and show what they reveal for us, let’s take a look at two rather innocuous examples that are not letters, - one being a ‘doodle drawing he did with a foundation pen and the other a note he inscribed and fixed to the inside of a book he had purchased for his own library. The first was one of two images with which the notation that came with them declares: “Dashed off while waiting for his paperbook and given me by Mr. Wilson at the Bank of London”. The first is a doodle in ink on blotting paper of

The Harrison Weir Collection

Above: A blotting paper ‘doodle drawing’ of a horse race drawn by Weir while waiting for his Bank of London paperbook, to be updated and returned. Below: His hand-written note attached to the inside cover of an exquisite copy of Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ that he acquired when visiting the Great exhibition of 1851 Images: courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection. Below: courtesy of David Brass Books.

a woman’s portrait, while the second ‘doodle’ shows a jockey on a horse in full flight at a race meeting. The fact that these were noticed after he had left, and preserved by a clerk at the Bank of London, is in itself a testament to Harrison Weir’s notoriety as an artist and his universal celebrity. The second example, is a note in Weir’s own handwriting, inserted into a copy of Milton’s ep

epic work, ‘Paradise Lost’, which Weir clarifies in his note as follows: “An extra fine copy illustrated by Martin (Ed: John Martin) bound by MacGregor of Edinburgh. Green Moroc (referring to the leather) Magnificently tooled. Very fine and unique from the -/51 exhibition (The Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park) – I got this as a great favor for £5.00 “ While this confirms some facts which were already know

The Harrison Weir Collection

A photograph of the actual book, once owned by Harrison Weir, purchased at the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, in 1851. Photo: courtesy of David Brass Books.

The Harrison Weir Collection

Evidence of the ‘magnificent tooling’ on Harrison Weir’s personal copy of Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’. Photos: courtesy of David Brass Books.

Known to us already, it also provides new information about Harrison Weir’s attendance at the Crystal Palace exhibition. It is known that he was there, possibly on a number of occasions, as he and a number of his fellow artists and printers would have wanted to see George Baxter’s stand and his colour prints. He and others were former apprentices of Baxter, and all are known to have attended and viewed the works on his stand. Weir was also at this time, represented by the publisher Joseph Cundall, who had released in in time for Christmas 1850, a new book entitled ‘Animals from the Sketchbook of Harrison Weir’ which Harrison has dedicated to his father, John Weir – and which was likely to be featured on a stand for Cundall at the exhibition. Harrison Weir, who was turning 27 years old during the opening week of the exhibition, was already happily married to Ann Heringwith two children

Herring, (daughter of the famous Horse Painter John Frederick Herring Snr), and had two children, a four-year-old son named Arthur, and a new baby girl named Edith. Although Harrison had already illustrated a number of early children’s books between 1845 and 1850, this book was the first to be published solely under his name and it contained 24 full page plates of his unique animal illustrations. Almost none of these have survived to this day, but book plates do on rare occasions come up for sale from copies which have been taken apart. It is indeed fortunate that the copy shown opposite is fully intact with all plates present. We now return to Harrison’s letters. From 1884, we hold a number of letters in the collection, several of them written to a favourite bookseller from whom he regularly purchased rare volumes he was seeking for his library for his literary work, writing historical articles on birds, especially pigeons or poultry.

The Harrison Weir Collection

ANIMALS FROM THE SKETCHBOOK OF HARRISON WEIR A rare, fully original copy of this work, published in late 1850, but dated 1851. Image © The Harrison Weir Collection

The Harrison Weir Collection

THREE DRAWINGS & THE DEDICATION PAGE FROM ANIMALS FROM THE SKETCHBOOK OF HARRISON WEIR - 1851 Top left: The Drovers Dog. Top right: To John Weir, Esquire, This Volume is inscribed by his affectionate son, Harrison Weir. Bottom left: Pigs. Bottom right: Suffolk Punch. Images © The Harrison Weir Collection

The Harrison Weir Collection

FIRST PORTION OF A LETTER DATED JANUARY 15TH, 1884. WRITTEN FROM ‘WEIRLEIGH’ to his favourite bookseller, Mr J. F. Muham. Image © The Harrison Weir Collection.

The first letter was written on January 15th, 1884, from Weir’s country house ‘Weirleigh,’ near Brenchley in Kent. It is significant on two counts – one, that it is one of a series of letters written to his preferred bookseller of many years and among the last written from that specific residence, which was sold that year to a wealthy merchant named Sassoon – whose son was born there in the following year (1885) was later destined to become the well-known ‘Great War’ war-poet Siegfried Sassoon. Although we know the house was sold during that year, we are not able to pinpoint when Harrison Weir moved, but a letter written later in 1884 to the same bookseller, is addressed fro

from Henwick Lodge, in Landsdowne Rd, in Tunbridge Wells – providing us with at least an approximation for when Harrison Weir moved from Weirleigh to a more temporary resident Tunbridge Wells. This same letter, that written in January, also provides a significant piece of information about Weir’s famous ‘Magnum Opus’ – his world renown book on Poultry, named ‘Our Poultry’ which was finally completed in 1902. That book was known to have taken the best part of 20 years to execute, containing as it does, some 36 paintings reproduced in colour, and over 250 sketches and line drawings. So although we have an end date for its publication, this letter provides evidence of when it began.

The Harrison Weir Collection

FINAL PORTION OF THE SAME LETTER DATED JANUARY 15th 1884 REVEALING WEIR’S START ON HIS EPIC BOOK ‘OUR POULTRY’ COMPLETED IN 1902. Image © The Harrison Weir Collection

when work on it had begun, as Weir states in the last paragraph: -

that as a result, he was unable to work for quite some time.

“I am about writing a Book of Poultry, and think illustrating it myself.”

As for the year the letter was written, we have since accessed newspaper articles that indicate that the Crystal Palace Cat Show, most often held in October and usually an event at which Harrison invariably judged at, was judged by another replacement judge due to Harrison having been incapacitated during the week prior to the show.

In the second letter to the same bookseller, dated November 20th, we have no year given, but that does not present us with a problem for very long. Its first key piece of information is the new address, at Henwick Lodge, Lansdowne Road, Tunbridge Wells – showing where Harrison Weir had moved to after selling his home country estate, ‘Weirleigh’. It then reveals that he was the victim of an accident, being knocked down by a cab, six weeks earlier, and ending up spending three days and nights at Charing Cross Hospital in London. It reveals that he suffered a fractured collar bone and also the bone of the upper left arm. The letter also reveals that the upper arm remained swollen for a very long time and that

Other newspaper articles dating from this period simply mention the seriousness of the accident and its victim, but these all provide the pieces of evidence to link his absence from the Crystal Palace Cat Show to the data contained in this key letter. Hence the investigation and the search for more letters continues and regular re-reading of letters already in the collection often reveals more information about Harrison himself and many of his interesting society contacts and interests.

The Harrison Weir Collection

Part of a letter from Harrison Weir to his bookseller dated November 20th (1884) providing key information of his serious accident and slow recovery. Image: © The Harrison Weir Collection

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 EARS HAVE IT! Genetics of Scottish Folds and American Curls Tale of the tails!

Body conformation is generally considered a complex trait because many different DNA mutations are needed to add together to produce the size and shape of a cat. Of course, environment, mainly implying nutrition in this case (which affects health also), whether during infancy, growth or as an adult, can greatly affect the overall size and shape of an individual, which can be presented partly as the body condition score. But as learned from the genetics of tail types, ear types are part of the body conformation, i.e., morphology, and ears style can also be controlled by single genes with basic Mendelian inheritance, meaning autosomal dominantly or autosomal recessively inherited. In the case of cats, two ears types define breeds, the ventrally folded ears of Scottish folds and the dorsally curled ear of the American curl and both are autosomal dominant single gene traits.1,2

EDITOR: This is the Twenty-fifth 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

Autosomal dominant traits imply the condition, i.e., trait or phenotype, will be expressed when only one copy of the causal DNA variant is present. While some autosomal dominant traits can be lethal, especially in utero, when two copies are present, such as Manx tailless, munchkin dwarfism, and polycystic kidney disease (PKD), both the folded ear DNA variant and the curled ear variant can be present in two copies and the cats will survive and can breed to propagate the trait.3,4,5 The breeding of a homozygous cat, which has two copies of the variant controlling the trait, will produce kittens where each one, 100%, have the trait. For tailless, dwarfism and PKD, no cats have been genotyped and been proven to have two copies of their respective causal DNA variants.

SP & SC Siriuksen Ragnar LothbrokCurl DSM Photo: TESSA. LV Photography

But for ear curl and ear fold, a breeder will want to know if a cat is heterozygous or homozygous to be more efficient in their breeding programs and for proper mate selection. The American curl appears to have a very innocuous DNA variant causing the tips (apex) of the ears (pinnae) to curl backwards (dorsally / caudally). The curl is a gentler curve than the folded ears for the Scottish fold and does not affect the cartilage of the ear as significantly as the fold trait. The ear curl phenotype was recognized in a longhaired female cat in California and documented as a single gene (monogenic) autosomal dominant trait and the symbol Cu represents its locus.2 College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

The kittens are born with straight ears but within a few days to weeks, the curl develops and is stable throughout the lifetime of the cat. Cats with either one or two copies of the yet unknown curl variant have not been documented with any health concerns and are suggested to have a normal life span.

GIC Siriuksen MaiaCurl Breeder/Owner/Photographer: Satu Hämäläinen

Since random bred cats were used in the breed development, the foundation cats should have had high genetic diversity. Genetic studies have unfortunately never included American curls, thus, diversity comparisons to other breeds cannot be evaluated.

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

But because the breed standard accepts a variety of colors, both long and shorthaired varieties and was open to outcrossing to random bred cats until 2015 (perhaps longer in other registries), the American curl breed should have high genetic diversity.6 The breed standards focus on moderation, including an ear curl that does not interfere with normal functioning of both the inner and outer ear. To date, no other genetic health conditions have been documented in the American curl breed. A more historical cat breed with an interesting ear phenotype is the Scottish fold.1 The Scottish fold originates from a novel phenotype identified in a random bred cat in Scotland in 1961. The fold of ear is a ventral fold, a more pronounced fold than the curl, and strongly affects the cartilage of the ear as the folded ear is thicker and less flexible. The ear fold is not present at birth but develops at 3 to 4 weeks of age. The folded ear locus was

Scottish Fold – Lanna Sky Cattery Photo: Kiatkul Jirapatpimol

is thicker and less flexible. The ear fold is not present at birth but develops at 3 to 4 weeks of age. The folded ear locus was designated as Fd. Early concerns regarding deafness, ear infections and ear mites kept registration limited in the UK with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCC) withdrawing registrations.7 The Scottish Fold was granted championship status by The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in the United States in 1978.8

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

Although deafness is not a concern for Scottish folds and proper husbandry limits ear and mite infections, the Scottish fold has been documented to have a bone and cartilage disease, known as osteochondrodysplasia, which was documented in the early 1970’s.9 However, debate regarding the presentation of this disease has ensued as breeders considered homozygous cats to be prone to the disease but heterozygous cats, would not have the bone and joint issues. Thus, Scottish fold breeding was supposed to be limited to crossing a folded eared cat with only straight eared cats. .

Scottish Fold – Lanna Sky Cattery Photo: Kiatkul Jirapatpimol

Breeders and veterinarians started to recognize progressive bony abnormalities and a crippling lameness within the folded eared cats, especially the cats thought to be homozygous for the trait.9

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

The most usually and first noted abnormalities were the tail had an abnormally thick and inflexible base.10 The feet are often short, and the underlying skeletal changes result in reduced ability to support weight, an abnormal gait and eventually lameness and the inability to walk in the most severe cases. Radiographs can diagnose the condition, which can be seen as early as 7 weeks in some cases! Currently, the rate of progression and the severity of disease cannot be predicted for any given cat. In 2016, the causal mutation for the folded eared phenotypes was published; a mutation in a gene known to cause cartilage disorders in humans. The gene is called transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) and cats can now be genetically tested to determine if folded eared cats have one or two copies of the dominant mutation.11

Scottish Fold – Lanna Sky Cattery Photo: Kiatkul Jirapatpimol

Also, the genetic testing has allowed the definitive determination as to if heterozygous cats have osteochondrodysplasia, which has been proven to be true and is now supported by several studies. Although osteochondrodysplasia is likely more severe and likely has earlier presentation in homozygous cats, heterozygous cats can also have severe disease.12 Out-crossed cats with the folded ears have also been shown to have disease.13 Genetic diversity studies have been conducted for the Scottish fold breed, demonstrating their genetic pools are very similar to Persians, British shorthairs, Exotic and Selkirk rex.14

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

A shorthaired straight eared fold is very difficult to distinguish from Exotics and British shorthairs. Scottish folds have moderate to high genetic diversity, due to the outcrosses with other breeds and the variety of acceptable colors and fur lengths. But because of the outcrossing with Persians, polycystic kidney disease has been documented in Scottish folds, thus, any health concerns of British shorthairs and Persians should be evaluated in Scottish folds, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and progressive retinal atrophy, the AIPL1 DNA variant for early onset blindness found in Persians.5,15

progressive retinal atrophy, the AIPL1 DNA variant for early onset blindness found in Persians.5,15 Interestingly, although two different ear types define two different cat breeds, the American curl ear type poses no risk to the health and welfare of the cat, while the Scottish fold ear type has a significant health and welfare concern and debate. If recognized in the current times, likely the Scottish fold would not be accepted for registration by cat fanciers and discouraged from breeding. Breeders hope some lineages may be absent of disease, which could be true as every gene and every mutation has interplay with other genes and mutations in the body, leading to differences in disease penetrance, such as age-at-onset, and severity. However, to determine lineages “clear” of secondary adverse effects of desired mutations, breeders, owners, veterinarians and researchers need to continue strong interactions to monitor the health of our cats. Whether the secondary adverse effect of deafness in a dominant white cat or the osteochondrodysplasia of the Scottish fold, hearing testing and radiographs, respectively, will help identify cats with no secondary adverse effects and hence maybe the genes and mutations controlling these good attributes can be also be identified and used to manage breeding programs. Finding the main gene and causal DNA variant is often the first step to a more interesting road to overall health. References

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

1. Dyte CE, Turner P. Carnivore Genet Newsl 1969; 1.125-126. Todd NB. Carnivore Genet Newsl 1972; 2:64-65. 2. Robinson R. J Hered. 1989; 80:474-5. 3. Buckingham et al., Mamm Genome. 2013; 24:400-8. 4. Buckley et al., PLoS Genet. 2020; 16(10):e1008926. 5. Lyons et al., J Am Soc Nephrol. 2004; 15:2548-55. 6.https://cfa.org/american-curl/american-curl-breed-standard/; Accessed 09 June 2022. https://www.tica.org/images/Breed-Seminars/ac.pdf; Accessed 09 June 2022. 7. Morris D. Cat Breeds of the World. 1999 Penguin Books, Ltd. London, UK. 8. https://cfa.org/scottish-fold/; Accessed 09 June 2022 9. Jackson OF. Bull Feline Advisory Bur 1975; 14:2-4. 10. Malik R, et al., Aust Vet J. 1999; 77:85-92. 11. Gandolfi B, et al., Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2016; 24:1441-50. 12. Rorden C, et al., Hum Genet. 2021; 140:1525-1534. 13. Takanosu M, et al., J Vet Med Sci. 2020; 82:1769-1772. 14. Filler S, et al., J Hered. 2012;103:727-33. 15. Lyons LA et al., BMC Genomics. 2016; 17:265.

Velvet Luxury Aristocrats Lilac Tortie Tabbypointed Bi-colour American Curl Photo: Satu Hämäläinen

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

SIX AMERICAN CURL KITTENS – ALL IN A ROW Photo: Marika Lahti Photography.

INTRODUCTION TO OUR GALLERY OF AMERICAN CURL CATS & KITTENS America Curl cats are in fact, another of the minority breeds of the Cat Fancy, and a relatively new North American mutation discovered in the 20th century. They hold a peculiar charm, and their sweet expressions and feline antics are unique for their ears, which curl backwards, and feel different to the ears of any other breed of cat, in that the are relatively rigid with excess cartilage. They are graceful, but agile and playful - whilst possessing exceptional personalities. We wish to thank the breeders who have provided their own photographs, and give a special acknowledgement to photographers Marika Lahti and Tessa.LV who have approved the use of the results of their incredible talents. It is our understanding that CFA Judge Pam DelaBar once challenged Marika by suggesting that due to their hyperactivity, she would be unlikely to be able to capture six American Curl kittens in single photo without at least one not being truly focused on the job in hand. The incredible photo above, was produce by Marika Lahti, proving beyond doubt, that she was indeed capable of rising to the challenge! We believed it deserved to lead in our Gallery of American Curls!!

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

Above and above right: GIC SIRIUKSEN CHARONCURL - Blue Lynxpoint American Curl Longhair Bred by: Satu Hämäläinen Photos: Tessa LV Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

IC SIRIUKSEN XIANCURL – Odd Eyed Brown Tabby Van American Curl Breeder/Owner: Satu Hämäläinen Photo: Marika Lahti Photography. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

Above & Above opposite: CFA GC, & FIFe IC SIRIUKSEN JESSECURL – Red Tabby American Curl Longhair Breeder: Satu Hämäläinen Owner: Phatthara Rattharasan (Thailand) Photo: Tessa.LV Photography. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

Below: FIFe GIC SIRIUKSEN ASTICURL – Black Bi-Colour American Curl Longhair Breeder/Owner: Satu Hämäläinen. Photo: Tessa LV Photography. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

Above & Above Opposite CFA GC, & FIFe SC SIRIUKSEN OPALCURL – Brown Spotted Bi-Colour American Curl LH Above Photo: Tessa.LV Photography. Photo below and above opposite: Marika Lahti Photography. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

Below: CFA GC, & FIFe SC SUGARCURL MARSHMELLOW OF SIRIUKSEN Tortie Tabbypt Bi-Colour. AmCurl. LH Breeder: Phatthara Rattharasan, Owner: Satu Hämäläinen. Photo: Tessa LV Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

Above & above opposite: FIFe GIC SUGARCURL SOUFFLE OF SIRIUKSEN – Cream Tabbypt Bi-Col. Am. Curl LH. Breeder: Phatthara Rattharasan. Owner: Satu Hämäläinen. Photos: Tessa LV Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

Below: TICA SGC, CFA GC, & FIFe EC DBCATS HEARTBREAKER OF SIRIUKSEN DM – Brown Tabby Bi-Col. Am.Curl LH Breeder: Dianna & Bruce Clark (USA) – Owner/Photographer: Satu Hämäläinen. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

Above: SIRIUKSEN VINCENT CURL – Black American Curl Longhair Neuter Breeder: Satu Hämäläinen. Owner: Tiina Hakkinen. Photo: Marika Lahti Photography Below: Siriuksen VegaCurl ACSH (n), IC Siriuksen VenusCurl ACS (n), IP Siriuksen ViggoCurl ACLH (n) and Siriuksen.VictorCurl ACL (n). Breeder: Satu Hämäläinen. Photo: Marika Lahti Photography. Photos: All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

Above (left in photo) GIC SIRIUKSEN MAIACURL (pic at Ykkös Kissat Show where she was triple BIS) Above (right in photo) BW22, SW22, SP SIRIUKSEN ALFACURL, JW (pic at Ykkös Kissat Show where he was triple BIS) Below: CFA GP, DW & FIFe SP SIRIUKSEN URBANCURL – Cream Silver Tabby American Curl Longhair Breeder: Satu Hämäläinen. Owner: Anneli Sargas (Sweden) All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

Above: BW22, SW22, SP SIRIUKSEN ALFACURL, JW (pic at Ykkös Kissat Show where he was triple BIS) Below: GIC SIRIUKSEN MAIACURL (pic at Ykkös Kissat Show where she was triple BIS) Photos: Opposite above and above: Satu Hämäläinen All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

Above: CH. SIRIUKSEN JIROCURL – Brown Tabby American Curl Longhair Breeder: Satu Hämäläinen. Owner: Sanna Vertanen. Photo: Marika Lahti Photography. Below: SIRIUKSEN ZARIACURL– Blue Tabby American Curl Shorthair Female. Breeder: Satu Hämäläinen. Owner: Tytti Rajala. Photo: Marika Lahti Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘AMERICAN CURLS’

Above: Two straight eared kittens S. AKARINA & S. OLIVIER and American Curl SIRIUKSEN ASAKACURL Breeder: Satu Hämäläinen. Below: IC SIRIUKSEN KOLOBARRACURL – Chocolate Tabby American Curl Shorthair Male. Breeder: Satu Hämäläinen. Owner: Fausto Bertolaso. Photos: Marika Lahti Photography All All content content © © 2022 2022 Felis Felis Historica, Historica, The The Harrison HarrisonWeir WeirCollection Collection&& The The CFA CFAFoundation, Foundation,Inc. Inc.

AH CHOO Seal Point Royal Siamese female, born May 3rd, 1900 Photo: E. Landor, Ealing. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson.

AN HISTORICAL PORTRAIT OF

A Royal Siamese Cat Bred by Lady Vyvyan & owned by Mrs. Mary Robinson. BY

Adapted from the authors text for ‘The History Project’ at www.cat-o-pedia.org

JOHN G. SMITHSON

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND In her day, ‘Ah Choo’ was the ‘glamour girl’ of the Siamese breed. Her dam ‘Polyphema’ was a powerhouse of Mrs. Vyvyan’s famous strain of ‘Tiam O’Shian’ Siamese, and ‘Ah Choo’ was the product of a father to daughter breeding between ‘Tiam O-Shian III’ and ‘Polyphema’. The ‘Tiam O’Shian’s had been selectively bred by careful outcrossing and then line-breeding, and the sisters Mrs. Vyvyan and Miss Forestier Walker were naturally proud of all their accomplishments over a nearly twenty year period:“A pair from the Palace were given to Mrs. Vyvyan and myself in 1884-5,and we have been very careful in breeding , mating when possible with such good cats as Mrs Lee’s celebrated ‘Meo’, Miss Moore’s ‘Siam’, Mrs Harrington’s ‘Mechi’, etc, and have bred in consequence, the famous ‘Tiam-O-Shians’ II, III and IV., ‘Polyphema’, ‘Susa’, ‘Kitya Kara’, ‘Goblin’, ‘Champion Eve’, ‘Mafeking’, ‘Vishuddha’, ‘Ah Choo’, ‘Suzanne’ and many others.” ¹

‘Vishuddha’, ‘Ah Choo’, ‘Suzanne’ and many others.” ¹ Being a daughter of ‘Polyphema’, ‘Ah Choo’ can also claim full sibling status with a string of top-class Siamese, and as a daughter of ‘Tiam O’Shian III’, to being a sire-sibling to a plethora of other cats, bred from this specific bloodline. The risks associated with showing were not to be underestimated. ‘Show fever’, (as distemper was invariably called), was a very real threat, and many an excellent specimen was shown, only to return home to die. Mrs Parker Brough explains the breeder’s fear of showing kittens: “Owners run a great risk in sending their Siamese (especially kittens) to shows, as in addition to being more liable to take cold, are apt to fret themselves ill at being separated from their mistresses. Many fanciers are leaving off showing Siamese for that reason.” ¹

When one considers the tragedy of these losses, it is easy to see how the breed gained a reputation for being “delicate”, and “more sensitive” than even the most delicate of longhaired breeds. Yet despite these disappointments, the dedication of these early breeders won through, and it is thanks to their sheer determination and hard work, that we can count ‘the Royal Cat of Siam’ among the most popular breeds on the planet today. PARENTAGE & OWNERSHIP ‘Ah Choo’ was born on 3rd May 1900, bred by Mrs. Vyvyan. She was sired by ‘Tiam O’Shian III’ and out of his most famous daughter, ‘Polyphema’, who was at that time, regarded as one of the best Siamese females to have graced the show bench, with perhaps the exception of her other daughter ‘Champion Eve’, who was a full older sibling to ‘Ah Choo’, born in 1899. So we can fully understand how pleasing it must have been for Mrs. Vyvyan to be able to claim to own and have bred three females of such outstanding quality, and all of them sired by her own home-bred ‘Tiam O’Shian III’. None-the-less, Mrs. Vyvyan could not justify keeping another daughter and ‘Ah Choo’ found her way into the hands of Mrs Robinson, the owner of ‘Ch. Wankee’ and no doubt great things were expected from her in such experienced hands, and with ‘Ch. Wankee’ as a potential mate.

Champion Eve’, full older sibling to ‘Ah Choo’ Photo: ‘The Tatler’, 2nd October 1901 ³ Courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

SIBLIING & SHOWS Like her older sister ‘Eve’, ‘Ah Choo’ is in excellent and famous company with her full siblings, which included ‘Champion Eve’, ‘Tiam O’Shian IV’, ‘Vishudda’ and ‘Suzanne’. She was the product of one of Polyphema’s last litters, which included her litter sibling, ‘Suzanne’, and while ‘Ah Choo’ was destined for Mrs. Robinson, ‘Suzanne’ was retained by Mrs. Vyvyan. Although we have no images of ‘Suzanne’, we do have the following commentary by Mrs Carew-Cox: “In awarding prizes in the Siamese classes at the Cat Club Show at Westminster in 1901, I found ‘Suzanne’ quite the best cat present, and upon referring subsequently to a catalogue

Full older sibling to ‘Ah Choo’, the famous ‘Tiam O’Shian IV’ owned by Mrs Vyvyan Photo: E.Landor. From: ‘Diseases of the Cat’ (1907) by Woodroffe Hill. ⁴ Courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.

found ‘Suzanne’ quite the best cat present, and upon referring subsequently to a catalogue was not surprised to find that Mrs. Vyvyan was her owner.” ¹

‘Boojum’, (a male), ‘Bandoola, (a female), ‘Sin Jin’, (a female), and ‘The Bogie Man’ (a desexed male). The latter being born 7th April, 1900.⁵

Her oldest full sibling was ‘Eve’, born in February 1899. ‘Eve’ had had a most distinguished career, being both an award winning Siamese female and a successful brood queen, who, of all the daughters of ‘Polyphema’ was the one to leave a lasting legacy for the furtherance of the breed.

‘BOOJUM’, was retained by Mrs Backhouse, and was the sire of ‘Boojum II’ out of ‘Ranee’ who was in turn was the sire of ‘Prince Vudighi’.(out of his litter sister ‘Bandoola’ ‘BANDOOLA’, also retained by Mrs Backhouse, and eventually mated to ‘Boojum II’ produced ‘Ch. Prince Vudighi’. ‘SIN JIN’, also retained by Mrs Backhouse, for whom we have no verifiable progeny. ‘THE BOGIE MAN’, who was desexed, and became the pet of Rev. P.L.Cosway.

‘Eve’ became the property of Mrs. Backhouse, and when mated to ‘Champion Wankee’ produced the following wellknown Siamese of record. These were ‘Boojum’, (a male), ‘Bandoola, (a female), ‘Sin Jin’, (a female), and ‘The Bogie Man’ (a Regretfully, no images can currently be th desexed male). The latter being born 7 found of any of ‘Eve’s progeny. April, 1900.⁵ All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Two Medals of The Siamese Cat Club. Above left, the earlier design, based upon the image of ‘Ah Choo’. (this one dating from c.1924).Above right, a later version, with an amended style Siamese, (this medal awarded in 1960, to the well-known Siamese male ‘Silken Sultan’). Images courtesy of the Medal Collection of Missy and Christopher Eimer, (London) ²

Regretfully, no images can currently be found of any of ‘Eve’s progeny. ‘Prince Vudighi’ , and hence, ‘Boojum’, ‘Boojum II’ ‘Bandoola’, ‘Wankee’ and ‘Eve’ may all be found on the pedigrees of many of today’s Siamese, a great many coming down from the sons and grandsons of ‘Prince Vudighi’, through cats such as ‘Litabois’ and ‘Bigabois’ to name just a few.

retained at stud by Lady Vvvyan, while ‘Vishuddha’ was held by her sister, Miss Forestier Walker. ‘Vishuddha’ was shown, gaining a First and Challenge, at the Botanic Gardens Show of 1900.⁵ ‘Tiam O’Shian’, of course, was widely used, but sad to say, despite this, few if any, of his own lines have survived to this day, but the combination that produced him, lives on in the progeny from his older sibling, ‘Eve’, who as the dam of ‘Bandoola’, is the forebear behind ‘Prince Vudighi’ and thence to ‘Litabois’, who may consequently be found behind most Siamese cats of today.

In a subsequent litter from ‘Polyphema’ born 15th May 1899, were two males; one of them being the famous ‘Tiam O’Shian IV’, who very quickly became the most popular Siamese male in the country beside ‘Ch. Wankee.’. The second male from this litter Of Dam half-siblings, there is only the litter was ‘Vishuddha’. ‘Tiam O’Shian’ was from ‘Polyphema’ and ‘Ch.Wankee’ born on retained at stud by Lady Vvvyan, while 8th February, 1901, which included the three ‘Vishuddha’ was held by her sister, Mrs males ‘Tamagno’, ‘De Reszke’ and ‘Van Forestier Walker. ‘Vishuddha’ was shown, Dyke’ (Van Dyck), as well as the female ‘Nada’. However, none these left Inc. any registered gaining a First and Challenge, at the Botanic All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFAofFoundation, progeny.⁵ Gardens Show of 1900.⁵

8th February, 1901, which included the three males ‘Tamagno’, ‘De Reszke’ and ‘Van Dyke’ (Van Dyck), as well as the female ‘Nada’. However, none of these left any registered progeny.⁵ OF SHOWS ‘Ah Choo’, who was a most appealing looking Siamese, had distinguished wins at Manchester in 1901, followed by Firsts at the Botanic and Crystal Palace Shows of 1902. Her photo, by Landor, is a delightful and revealing study, giving us an insight into what appears to be her friendly, almost ‘impish’, inquisitive personality. It also shows us the beautiful contrast between her light body colour and her dark, well-defined points; a genetic trait, which has no doubt been passed down through the generations, through her sister ‘Eve’. Miss Forestier Walker, then reveals another interesting piece of history: “Mrs Robinson’s ‘Ah Choo’ was chosen as a model for the medal of the Siamese Club” ¹ So now we know that this wee lady impressed enough fanciers and members of the newly formed Siamese Cat Club, to be selected as the most suitable model for the Clubs first medallion, which is shown on the page opposite.

IN SUMMARY No doubt, the fact that we can find no progeny from ‘Ah Choo’ and ‘Ch. Wankee’ must have been huge disappointment for Mrs. Robinson, who was later to lose her beloved ‘Ch. Wankee’ on 1903. We can only speculate on what such progeny would have looked like, coming from the only Champion Siamese male in the country, crossed with the glamour girl from most consistent fine line of Siamese females produced to date! But we must also be thankful to see ‘Ah Choo’ and to know that ‘Eve,’ from this same combination was successfully bred to ‘Ch. Wankee’ and subsequently produced both ‘Boodum’ and ‘Banjoola’, and that ‘Banjoola’ went on to deliver ‘Ch. Prince Vudighi’, who in time became one of the pillars of the Siamese breed. References: 1. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson. 2. ‘The Cat Medal Collection’ of Missy and Christopher Eimer, London. 3. ‘The Tatler’ 2nd October 1901. 4. ‘Diseases of The Cat’ (1907) by Woodroffe Hill. 5. ‘Siamese Cat Register’ (1924) compiled by Major E. Sydney Woodiwiss.

BREEDING & PROGENY There are no records of any surviving progeny from ‘Ah Choo’.

KING CHULALONGKORN (RAMA V) OF SIAM in Field-Marshall attire, during whose reign, the greatest number of foundation Siamese cats were imported into Europe. Image © The Harrison Weir Collection READ MORE ABOUT FOUNDATION CATS AND THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE SIAMESE BREED IN

JOHN G SMITHSON Scheduled for release in the 2024/2025 Published by A-CAT-EMY CONCEPTS Send your PRELIMINARY BOOKINGS AT NO COST to nutrenz57@yahoo.com.au

A-CAT-EMY CONCEPTS is pleased to announce the pending release in February 2024, of ‘THE POET OF NATURE’- a new biography of

HARRISON WILLIAM WEIR (1824-1906) Register your interest now - in a reserve copy in either hardback or paperback. Reservation is not a commitment, but to closer estimate the Limited Edition run. by emailing the author at nutrenz57@yahoo.com.au

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 mirrored the ‘A Juvenile Party’ and ‘An Unwelcome Visitor’ Illustrations from ‘The Adventures Cat – And of a Fine expansionofofa influence the Cat thenToo’ Illustrations by Harrison Weir, Images courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection. 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.SP GR.SIRIUKSEN CH. RANCHDOLLS QUITE PRINCE ALFACURL JWTHEPRINCE RUBYRUBY DB.FIFe GR. CH. RANCHDOLLS QUITE THE Photo: TESSA.LV. Photography

FACTFILE Call name: ‘ALFA’ Breed: American Curl Longhair Colour/Pattern: Brown Tabby Bi-Colour Date of Birth: May 28th, 2019 Sire: GIC Curland Unique Dam: SC Siriuksen TianaCurl Breeder/Owner: Satu Hämäläinen

Notable Awards and Achievements: Junior Winner 2019 – Best In Show Kitten at 6 shows Nomination at FIFe World Show Italy 2019 Nomination at FIFe World Show Germany 2021, second best Neuter Cat of the year 2021 Neuter in Finland #2 Supreme Premior 2022 Scandinavian Winner 2022 Baltic Winner 2022 Best In Show Neuter at 23 shows

FIFe, SP SIRIUKSEN ALFACURL JW Our Brown Tabby Bicolour Siriuksen AlfaCurl and his four siblings were born 28.05.2019. Alfa’s mom is Supreme Champion Siriuksen TianaCurl, a Blue Spotted Tabby Bicolour American Curl Shorthair, and his is dad Grand International Champion Curland Unique, a Chocolate Tabby Longhair Curl, our import from Ukraine. Mom Tiana has done well at shows, being 5 times Best in Show and 26 times nominated for Best in Show; while dad Unique has won Best in Show, five times and been nominated 13 times. Three of the kittens in our A6 litter were longhair and two shorthairs, all very promising!

As is normal they were born with straight ears and at about 10 days of age their ears curled. All had very nice even and symmetrical ears, but Alfa’s ears were a bit bigger than the others and quite soon he and his Black Bicolour brother Asti were the picks of the litter and I decided to keep them both. I was expecting them to develop nicely as both parents are good quality American Curls and mom Tiana’s litter brother FIFe National Winner Supreme Champion & CFA Grand Champion Siriuksen TritonCurl, Junior Winner is the best Shorthair American Curl I have ever seen.

Tiana’s and Triton’s dad is Supreme Premier & Supreme Champion Siriuksen Ragnar LothbrokCurl, Distinguished Show Merit, 20 times Best In Show winner. AlfaCurl is 9th of&Siriuksen American All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrisongeneration Weir Collection The CFA Foundation, Inc.Curls.

The parents of FIFe Supreme Champion SIRIUKSEN ALFRACURL JW Above left: GIC CURLAND UNIQUE – Chocolate Tabby American Curl Longhair. Below right: SC SIRIUKSEN TIANACURL – Blue Spotted Tabby Bi-Colour American Curl Shorthair. Photos: ‘Unique’ by Tessa LV Photography. ‘Tiana’ by Pauliina Raikonnen

times Best in Show winner. AlfaCurl is a 9th generation of Siriuksen American Curls. The kittens grew well with Tiana’s and family Raikkonen’s good care, eventually all finding new homes. Some of the owners promised to show them a little but that has not happened; so those other three are now neutered or spayed. So, it seemed that my decision to keep two brothers was a good one. Asti (the Black BiColour) is now a Grand International Champion and is half-way to gaining his Supreme and been eight times nominated for Best in Show. He has sired two litters so far. Alfa and Asti were shown first time at the age of 4 months and 1 day and both were nominated!

Judges took quite some time to compare them as the decision was not a simple one, but Alfa took the Best in Show Kitten title! I showed Alfa 10 times in Kitten the class of 4-7 months and of those he was nominated for Best in Show 9 times; one was at the huge FIFe World Show in Germany. He was chosen as the Best in Show Kitten six times, twice even Best of the Best II, once in Russia and once in Estonia. Alfa earned the Junior Winner title already in Kitten Class, at just 6 months of age. During the Covid-19 break from shows, Alfa was used for breeding; he sired two litters to our females and two litters to our friends cats. He has 16 offspring. As almost all kittens go to be pets, only two of them have been used for breeding. Alfa is a grand dad to 10 promising kittens.

SIRIUKSEN ALFACURL AS A BABY AND AS A YOUNG SHOW KITTEN Photos: Left: Satu Hämäläinen. Right: Tess LV Photography.

Left: ALFACURL BEING ASSESSED BY JUDGE MARINA VINKEL (Estonia) Right: ALFACURL IN PLAYFUL MODE Photos: Tessa LV Photography

to 10 promising kittens. Alfa was neutered a year ago and started his career as neuter August 2021 and was immediately selected as a Best in Show Neuter! He has now been nominated for Best in Show at 27 shows, in Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Italy, and of those he has been Best in Show Neuter 21 times! In Italy, at FIFe World Show he was second best Neuter, just the winner and Alfa got judge’s votes at 5-3. In the Scandinavian winner show he was nominated and became Best in Show getting the title Scandinavian Winner 2022. Some weeks after that in Latvia at the FIFe Baltic Winner show he took again Best in Show and got the title Baltic Winner 2022. Last year he competed for just 4 months as neuter but was still #2 Cat of The Year Neuter 2021. We will see how this year

Neuter 2021. We will see how this year will be. Right now, he is at #1 but there is still half a year left. It is easy to travel with Alfa, he does not mind if he is travelling by car, by bus, by train, by ferry or by plane, he is such a relaxed traveller. Hotel rooms are fun to examine, the only tiny problem is that he does not remember he is a neuter. He does not accept bigger cats than himself, as he wants to be the king. He is gives kisses and head bumps to judges and stewards, but when he is face to face to another male cat, he would be ready to see who is the boss! Naturally such situations should not happen at shows but sometimes people make mistakes. When Alfa was still a full male he lived with our other full males, sleeping together, eating together, going

FIFe SP, SIRIUKSEN ALFACURL JW WITH HIS BREEDER/OWNER SATU HAMALAINEN SCANDINAVIAN WINNER – Photo: Pam DelaBar

together, eating together, going to their outdoor run together but now as a neuter we keep him in the house with females. As a beautiful example of American Curl Alfa has good body proportions, 1,5 times his height on shoulders.

soft, his muzzle is nicely rounded. He has big bright walnut shape eyes and his ears are wide at base, high and symmetrically curled. His coat is very silky, easy to maintain – no need to give him a bath prior to every show. His tabby pattern is clear with good contrast and he has the proper balance of white to a patterned bicolour.

His tail is same length as his body. His head is 1.5 longer than broad, his face profile is soft, his muzzle is nicely rounded. He has big brightAllwalnut contentshape © 2022eyes Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Above: FIFe SP, SIRIUKSEN ALFACURL JW – SCANDINAVIAN WINNER Below: FIFe SP, SIRIUKSEN ALFACURL JW – BALTIC WINNER Photos: Tessa LV Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

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FIFe SC, CFA GC SIRIUKSEN TRITONCURL JW

FACTFILE Call name: ‘RIKU’ Breed: American Curl Shorthair. Colour/Pattern: Brown Tabby Date of Birth: November 6, 2016 Sire: SP & SC Siriuksen Ragnar LothbrockCurl DSM Dam: GIC White Star Iskra of Siriuksen DM Breeder/Owner: Satu Hämäläinen

Notable Awards and Achievements: Junior Winner 2017 – Best In Show Kitten at 8 shows, Best of Best II in Estonia Nomination at FIFe Baltic Winner Show Estonia 2018 Kitten of the year 2017 in Finland National Winner 2018 Cat of the year 2018 #3 in Finland Cat of the year 2019 #2 in Finland Supreme Champion 2019 CFA Grand Champion Best In Show Male at 16 shows

FIFe SC, CFA GC SIRIUKSEN TRITONCURL JW EDITOR: Historically speaking, the majority of minority breeds, have far greater competitive hurdles to overcome than better known breeds with a longer history. These include the fact that they need a lot of exposure in the show ring before judges, for their qualities, both physiological and temperamental, to be fully appreciated and fully understood by those charged with the responsibility of assessing them against their own standard of excellence. So it is with pleasure that we have received this short missive from Satu Hämäläinen, telling the story of her lovely Brown Tabby American Curl Shorthair entire male, Triton.

‘Riku’ as he is affectionately known, was born in a litter of five, 3 longhairs and 2 shorthairs. One of the sisters never got curled ears but is a straight ear American Curl. The other four developed nicely curled ears, especially big and beautiful on Brown Tabby shorthair Riku and his shorthair Blue Spotted Bicolour sister Tiana. The kittens’ mom is Tortietabby Bi-colour longhair Grand International Champion White Star Iskra of Siriuksen, Distinguished Merit whom we imported from the Ural area of Russia.

Their dad was our Brown Spotted shorthair Supreme Premier &Supreme Champion Siriuksen Ragnar LothbrokCurl, All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc. Distinguished Show Merit and a multi Best

Above: SP & SC SIRIUKSEN RAGNAR LOTHBROKCURL OF SIRIUKSEN – the sire of TRITONCURL JW Below: GIC WHITESTAR ISKRA OF SIRIUKSEN DM – the beautiful dam of SIRIUKSEN TRITONCURL JW Photos: Tessa LV Photography and Marjaana Honkanen All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

‘RIKU’ (TRITON) as a young kitten – Photo: Satu Hämäläinen

Supreme Premier & Supreme Champion Siriuksen Ragnar LothbrokCurl, who is a Distinguished Show Merit winner and a multi Best in Show winner. Before very long we knew that ‘Riku’ was something special and that he would be staying at home, and his very promising sister Tiana would move to our friends but stayed co owned.

boy that never grew adult”). So, we enjoyed a lovely time observing kittens grow and develop. Then it was time for them to move, but it was not difficult as three of them moved into new homes where the owners already had American Curls from us!

Riku was first time shown at 4.5 months of age and was right away Best in Show Kitten! American Curl kittens are very active as After four more Best in Shows in the kitten they stay active and playful even in older classes and he had earned his title as a JW age. In the United States they are referred (Junior Winner), but he continued to gain to as ”Peter Pans ”, (in reference to ”the more, so that even before he was competing boy that never grew adult”. open class he had 8 Best In Show and 13 Nominations for BIS. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

‘TRITON’ winning a BEST OF THE BEST at a FIFe Show. Photo: Tessa LV Photography.

in the open class he had already gained 8 Best in Show wins and 13 Nominations for BIS. At some shows he competed in the Best in Show panel with his sister Tiana and won over her. All his wins gave him a National Winner title, as Best Category II Kitten/Junior 2017. In the adult classes ‘Riku’ has been 16 times Best in Show Male, nominated 30 times. Very often judges have commented about him, that he is the best American Curl they have ever seen, his ears are something special and his shiny close lying silky coat fulfilling all the requirements within the written standard.

He is very muscular cat, very much like a ballet dancer! Riku’s eyes are big, open, and bright, and his ear shape, size and placement are simply remarkable. He truly exudes a lovely mixture of both natural elegance and power. In the Cat of the Year listings, he was successful in garnering 3rd best Male in 2018 and 2nd best in 2019.

Since that time he has not been shown, but of course we do plan to show him again in order that he may gain his DSM (distinguished show merit) title. He had already won more than the required ten BIS results, but he gained them ”too fast” well before the 2 year and 1 day milestone. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

‘TRITON’ being assessed at a CFA Show by Judge Doreann Nasin. Photo: Marika Lahti Photography

FIFe Supreme Champion & CFA Grand Champion SIRIUKSEN TRITONCURL JW as an adult. Breeder/Owner: Satu Hämäläinen. Photo: Marika Lahti Photography.

well before the 2 year and 1 day milestone. Riku has been shown of course in Finland but also several times in Estonia, Latvia and Poland. To date, Riku has had three litters and he is still unneutered. He lives together with our other full males peacefully and in harmony. Hopefully we will have a few more beautiful shorthair American Curls from him. He is already a great great grandfather to the kittens we have right now and is himself, an 8th generation representative of Siriuksen curls breeding. Satu Hämäläinen

Siriuksen cattery was registered 1975 in FIFe, and 2004 in CFA. Satu first bred Persians. Blues, creams, blue creams, then blacks, and tabbies in 1981. Her first Norwegian Forest Cat litter was born in 1986 while studying to become a semi-longhair judge after sitting her longhair exam. In 1988 she started to work with silvertabbies and smokes, and Exotics in 1989. In 2001 she got her first American Curl, a golden spotted LH, EC Karmen of Boomer and Smaragd. Curls were not yet recognized in FIFe (2003) so she was active in promoting and showing them as nonrecognized breed at FIFe shows and as FIFe Judges and Standard Commission member working with the recognition process. The breed was finally voted recognition in 2002. Since then, she has bred 60 curl litters, having now produced 11th generations of Siriuksen curls. She has imported curls from many countries and also exported them worldwide, while continuing to mentor new breeders like a ”god mother” to the curl breed.

WHAT OUR READERS HAVE TO SAY! “This is an amazing e-magazine that I look forward to future issues and will be subscribing to it – Check it out! “ Lorna Dawn Friemoth “This magazine is highly recommended to all my ‘cat friends’! From the get-go Felis Historica truly makes a legitimate attempt in sharing valuable history and timeless knowledge with fellow fanciers around the world. Cannot wait for the next issue!” Kai Cao “The very clever and very interesting new review on the history of cats and breeds… supported by the CFA Foundation”. Cat-H-Art Club “I’ve been glued to the August issue and I’m only on the first pages. Love where John (Ed note’s) are inserted. It makes it all the more fun, perky and personal. Now, the question is, When will I stop reading and get back to work?” Roeann Fulkerson Half-way through reading this month’s edition and thoroughly enjoying it, have enjoyed each edition! Robbie Walker Fabulous edition! Congratulations on this wonderful work!

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Just read the December edition. A lovely festive theme filled with beautiful photos and a lot of informative history. Sandra Al Sumait What a great magazine, an excellent addition to the world’s cat fancy.

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IN OUR UPCOMING ISSUES FOR 2022! HISTORIC CATS & CAT FANCIERS CH. BALLOCHMYLE PERFECTION (1894) CH. BLUE JACKET (1894) BREED FEATURE ARTICLES THE NORWEGIAN FOREST CAT THE BLUE PERSIAN

GENETICS ANOTHER ARTICLE BY DR. LESLIE LYONS TOPICAL ARICLES CAT FANCY SHOW MEMORABILIA LATEST FELINE HISTORICAL DISCOVERIES And much more! ...

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