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ii ©Karen Lawrence, 2021. A Collabora on of The CFA Founda on, Inc. and The Harrison Weir Collec on

THE FIRST CENTURY

iii ©Karen Lawrence, 2021. A Collabora on of The CFA Founda on, Inc. and The Harrison Weir Collec on

THE DESCENDANTS OF BAST An Essay on the History and Development of the Abyssinian Cat : The First Century Published in Canada by Karen Lawrence © Karen Lawrence, 2021 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 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. ISBN Library and Archives Canada 978‐1‐7775916‐0‐1 978‐1‐7775916‐1‐8

Lawrence, Karen ‘The Descendants of Bastet 1st Edition ‐ 2021 Feline Historical Thesis Includes bibliographical references and Index. Cover Artwork: by Chuck Hoppe ©2019 This book is from THE ALCHEMY OF CAT BREEDS SERIES It has been produced in a collaboration between The CFA Foundation, Inc. and The Harrison Weir Collection felinehistoricalfoundation.org / www.harrisonweir.com who also jointly collaborate on THE HISTORY PROJECT at www.cat‐o ‐pedia.org

iv ©Karen Lawrence, 2021. A Collabora on of The CFA Founda on, Inc. and The Harrison Weir Collec on

Dedicated to my very dear friend and mentor, Edna Field, and to all Abyssinian breeders, both past and present, for their perseverance in the preservation of this wonderful breed.

v ©Karen Lawrence, 2021. A Collabora on of The CFA Founda on, Inc. and The Harrison Weir Collec on

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1— In the Beginning ………………………………………

Where Did They Come From?

Chapter 2— Early Years in Europe ……...………………………….

Breed Development and Pedigree Recognition

Chapter 3— Color Issues in Breed Development ………………..

Not Everyone Liked Silver‐or Bars‐or White Chins

Chapter 4— Early Abyssinians in North America ……………….

The Expansion of Breeding Programs

101 109 121 139 153 169 179

The Eﬀect of Multiple Recessives

Chapter 18— A Few Words about the Somali ……………………..

Understanding the Genetics of Blue

Chapter 17— The Fawn Abyssinian …..………....………………..

The Acceptance of the Color Red/Cinnamon

Chapter 16— Acceptance of the Color Blue ………………………..

New Breeders Establish Breed Popularity

Chapter 15— The Red/Cinnamon Abyssinian …..………………..

The Search for That Perfect Aby

Chapter 14— Expansion in the USA ………………………………..

Introduction to Australia and New Zealand

Chapter 13— The Chota‐Li Years ……………………………………

An Influx of Breeders in North America

Chapter 12—Abyssinians Down Under …………………………….

The Dedication to Revival

Chapter 11— Progress on the American Front …………………….

Chapter 10— The Post WWII Years …………………………………

A Decimation of the Breed

Chapter 9— Advancements Throughout USA ……………………

Exports to North America Make All the Diﬀerence

Chapter 8— World War II Years Overseas …………………………

Breeders Working Together for Good of the Breed

Chapter 7— Eﬀects of Exportation to the USA ……………………

An Explosion of Abyssinians

Chapter 6— The Abyssinian Cat Club …………………………….

Imports from England Form Basis of the Breed

Chapter 5— Breed Growth in England ……………………………

185

The Longhair Variety of the Abyssinian

vi ©Karen Lawrence, 2021. A Collabora on of The CFA Founda on, Inc. and The Harrison Weir Collec on

ABOUT THE AUHTOR………………………………………………..

199

ADDENDUM …………………………………………………………..

Addendum I— Abyssinian Historical Stories

Ankaret, 1929

Ouizero Taitou, 1909

Queen Jumbo, circa 1890

Sedgemere Peaty, 1894

Zula, circa 1867

Addendum II— The Woodiwiss Influence on the Cat Fancy

Samuel Woodiwiss

Major Edwin Sydney Woodiwiss

Addendum III—Abyssinian Development (after 1970)

‘Abyssinians in America’, CFA Yearbook, 1982

‘The Era of Expansion’, CFA Yearbook, 1992

‘Abyssinians in America’, CFA Yearbook, 1998

201

APPENDIXES …………………………………………………………….

XXX

Appendix I —Early Abyssinians & Their Show Wins

Appendix II — Abyssinian Exports from UK

Appendix III — Abyssinian Cattery Names

Appendix IV — Breed/Color Codes in Pedigrees

Appendix V — CFA Award Winners, 1966‐2020

Appendix VI — CFA Distinguished Merit Abyssinians, 1976‐2017

From the GCCF Stud Books, 1908‐1951 Cats Exported Overseas 1900‐1950 Cattery Name Ownership of Influential Breeders Easy Mind System (EMS) , GCCF and CFA

PHOTOS & ILLUSTRATIONS ………………………………………..

XXX

REFERENCE BIBLIOGRAPHY ………………………………………

XXX

INDEX ……………………………………………………………………..

XXX

GC CHOTA‐LI R.S.T. Photo by Joan Wastlhuber viii ©Karen Lawrence, 2021. A Collabora on of The CFA Founda on, Inc. and The Harrison Weir Collec on

FOREWORD What a privilege it is to write this foreword to Karen Lawrence’s book on ‘The Early ‘History and De‐ velopment of the Abyssinian Cat.ʹ The Abyssinian is a breed like no other. For generations it has reminded us of the ancient cats of Egypt, where the cats were literally worshipped as Gods. Never throughout mankind’s history, were they so highly treasured or respected for their innate and singular virtues. Although their definitive origin may cur‐ rently appear to be unknown, in the not‐so‐distant future, feline genome mapping will assist us to glimpse closer into the truth of that reality. Despite numerous setbacks over the last 150 years, the Abyssinian cat has grown in strength and popularity, garnering a unique corner in the hearts of cat fanciers worldwide. Karen has already been involved with the ‘cat fancy’ for half a century, devoting 25 years of that as a highly respected judge of international acclaim with the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the world’s largest regis‐ try of pedigreed cats. Although she has owned, bred, and judged numerous breeds, when you observe her judging an Abyssinian, you can literally see and feel her passion for the breed she holds dearest to her heart, shining through! Now retired from judging and honored by her peers as a ‘Judge Emeritus’ – she has turned her atten‐ tion and many other talents to her second passion, feline history! As a serving Director on the Board of the CFA Foundation, and as the Manager of the finest Feline Historical Museum in existence, this multi‐faceted lady is an experienced and award‐winning writer, a dedicated and truly gifted feline historian, and a seri‐ ously capable web‐master ‐ all talents she has used to benefit the wider cat fancy. Despite both serving as Judges and feline historians for many years, our paths were not destined to cross until 2013, when through fate and the instant magic of email, we discovered our common earnest inter‐ est and goal for preserving feline related history and artefacts. Since then, we have happily collaborated on countless projects on an almost daily basis. I have personally derived much joy from a friendship ‘like no other.’ Karen has dedicated this work, to a true stalwart of the breed in North America. She happily acknowledges the mentorship and influence of Edna Field in her own journey into the delights and mores, of the Abyssinian breed; and certainly not without justification, as Edna’s work within the breed has had an enormous bearing on the development of the Abyssinian on the American continent. I first met Edna when she judged a show in New Zealand in 1980 and again a few years later. Her devotion to the Abyssinian breed was apparent to me even then and I can truly say that I have not met a more considerate or sweeter natured cat fancier anywhere on the planet! But it is nigh impossible for me not to also observe, that the once dutiful ‘student’ now mirrors her ‘mentor’ in her depth of passion for, and masterful knowledge of this breed. Karen has furnished the reader of this book, an unparalleled view of the early history and develop‐ ment of the Abyssinian breed; by delving into the hidden depths of old records and resources housed in our joint collections, while simultaneously and unstintingly seeking out additional material through sheer deter‐ mination and years of hard graft! The result is ‘The Descendants of Bastet’ – a book which is destined to be an invaluable ‘go‐to’ reference for serious lovers of the Abyssinian cat, for generations to come. John G Smithson Past President, All Breeds Tutor Judge – New Zealand Cat Fancy Director, The CFA Foundation, Inc. Curator, The Harrison Weir Collection Editor, Felis Historica Hamilton, New Zealand ix ©Karen Lawrence, 2021. A Collabora on of The CFA Founda on, Inc. and The Harrison Weir Collec on

TAILSEND SATCHEL (CDA‐FIN) Ruddy male bred by the author

PREFACE Abyssinians have been the love of my cat fancy life. I’ve bred other breeds, sure, lots of them, but there is just something special about the Abyssinian that draws me in. Considering the current day popularity of the breed, I’m not the only one to succumb to their beauty, style and antics. I have to achknowledge Harry Blok of The Netherlands, with whom I worked closely on Abyssinian his‐ tory before his untimely death in 2003, and who shared his 36,000+ historical Abyssinian pedigree database with me and donated his extensive collection of Abyssinian Cat News Letters to the CFA Foundation. Many of the pedigree and progeny reports contained herein are a result of his diligent work linechasing the elusive early Abyssinian pedigrees. The archives of the CFA Foundation’s Feline Historical Museum have been a goldmine of historical mag‐ azines and books, containing interesting quotes, and a source of numerous photographs. I’m privileged to be on the CFA’s Foundation’s Board of Directors, to manage their fine museum, and very fortunate to have easy access to their magnificent research library. In addition, several years ago, I made the online acquaintance of John Smithson of New Zealand ... a day I will never regret! John is a feline historian extraordinaire, and has been a wonderful source of information, illustrations, and photographs for me, as well as a prolific writer for The History Project, a collaboration be‐ tween The CFA Foundation and John’s Harrison Weir Collection. Do not miss the individual Abyssinian sto‐ ries written by John in the Addendum section. They are a fabulous insight, not only into the Abyssinian world, but into the world of early breeders in both England and North America. I cannot end without thanking my dearest friend, Edna Field, who, for so many years, dedicated herself not only to the Abyssinian breed where she had the greatest impact, but to all cats, breeders, and exhibitors around the world. Oh, the hours we spent chatting about Abyssinians, and the tales she could tell! She gen‐ erously shared her photos and stories about her Chota‐Li cattery, and read through this work for accuracy. She is one of those special CFA judges whose eyes would just light up when she got her hands on an Abys‐ sinian in the judging ring. To those who were around in the early days to protect, preserve and continue the existence of this beauti‐ ful breed, my eternal thanks. You certainly have left the cat fancy an incredible gift! To those who are currently interested in the Abyssinian breed, I hope this compilation of history about the breed will enlighten you as to the amount of hard work that was necessary to create and maintain this fabulous breed for you. It is my wish that this volume will instill in you the courage and foresight to contin‐ ue to breed the Abyssinian to the highest standard possible. Each and every Abyssinian is well worthy of the satisfaction their owner receives, whether when awarded a rosette in the judging ring or if the cat is just sitting at home in your lap, purring its little heart out. Karen Lawrence St. Catharines, Ontario April 2021 xi ©Karen Lawrence, 2021. A Collabora on of The CFA Founda on, Inc. and The Harrison Weir Collec on

"Miss Adye writes that she fell in love with Miss Morant’s beautiful Abyssinian, and hopes that ‘she will not fall for the breed’. We can assure her that she will make no mistake if she does take up this most graceful and beautiful race of a most ancient lineage."

Cat Gossip March 30, 1927

INTRODUCTION For decades, the Abyssinian cat has been a mesmerizing breed among all the shorthair breeds— striking in color and stature, yet maintaining the unique look that relates to early Egyptian statues of the revered cat. Since the first mention of Zula in Gordon Stables’ book, Cats: Their Points and Characteristics (1874), the Abyssinian has survived, consistently, for over 150 years. That survival hasn’t been without its struggles, whether it was over the color of the original Abys‐ sinians .. were they *really* silver? … or whether they should be allowed to have white chins … or if bars and necklaces were considered a serious fault … or whether they should be outcrossed during the war years to preserve the breed … or whether new colors, such as fawn and blue, should be accepted after a century of mostly ruddy and red … or even if the longhaired ones should be called Longhair Abyssinians or be considered a new breed entirely. The breed has survived, and remains very much similar to the very first Abyssinians in both looks and body type, ticking and coat. The origins are the 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 guess‐ work, and are explored in‐depth herein, the unknown bits are most likely to remain guesswork forever. This book 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 Sedge‐ mere Peaty and Sedgemere Bottle, both produced from unknown heritage; both, however, important to the early development of the breed and pedigrees. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many cats were registered as Abyssinians with an unknown par‐ entage. It is deduced that, through these “unknowns” in the gene pool, we have encountered additional colors over the years, and even the longhair gene, especially when we consider that recessives are forever and can be passed along through multiple generations. Color has long been an issue within the ranks of breeders, and is examined in detail in a chapter devoted to it. We explore early catteries and breeding programs of those devoted to the breed, among them is Mrs. Constance Carew Cox, about whom Mr. H.C. Brooke says “almost single‐handedly deserves credit for the survival of the Abyssinian breed”. Abyssinian breeders of today owe her a great deal of thanks for her efforts to keep the breed viable in the early 20th century. We also explore the work of Major E. Sydney Woodi‐ wiss (Woodrooffe), Mr. & Mrs. Harold Basnett (Croham), Miss Florence Bone (Nigella), Mrs. Edith Menezes (Taishun), Mrs. Metcalfe & Miss Hanztmon (Djer‐Mer), and Mr. & Mrs. Fairchild (Fairchild). Of special interest is a very personal peek into Mrs. Edna Field’s Chota‐Li cattery through the years. We also delve into the cats that have had a profound influence on the breed, such as the ruddy males Woodrooffe Ras Seyum, Albyn Jason, and Chota‐Li R.S.T. Ras Seyum was imported into the USA from England in the 1930s, and was destined to be a huge contributor to the foundation of the Abyssinian breed in North America. Jason was born in 1952, and sired over 50 offspring, some of which were exported to as many as ten countries throughout the world, spreading his genes far and wide. R.S.T. was a home‐bred Canadian cat, born in 1966 as the offspring of two imported American cats, and is often referred to as “ the one cat who has had the greatest influence on the Abyssinian breed during the 1970s and still continuing into the 1980s.” We explore the breeding programs that produced these cats xiii ©Karen Lawrence, 2021. A Collabora on of The CFA Founda on, Inc. and The Harrison Weir Collec on

and trace their offspring through generations of Abyssinians. A painful period during both World Wars decimated the Abyssinian. At one point, it was believed that only 13 Abyssinians existed in the UK to carry on the breed. We explore these cats and their offspring used to revive the breed after each war. Covering the development of the red Abyssinian, both in the UK and in North America, takes a look at a male born in the 1920s, Southampton Red Rust, and explores the influential breeding programs of Mrs. Dorothy Winsor and Mrs. Edna Field. Mrs. Winsor, worked to develop the red alongside other breed‐ ers in the UK, and Mrs. Field in Canada, who had such an influence of the Abyssinian breed as whole through her Chota‐Li cattery. Of course the book wouldn’t be complete with exploring the new colors that have become recog‐ nized and very popular decades after their first century—mainly the blue and the fawn. We dig into the genetics behind these colors, their possible origins and their development within the breed. And, how could we forget the longhairs? We don’t know where they originated, although we do have beliefs that we research along with the story of their early existence, development, and acceptance into a separate breed that we know today as the Somali. While this book is intended to cover only the first century of the Abyssinian breed, to about 1970 or so, there have been articles published that more than adequately recount the breed history in the ensuing years. With the kind permission of The Cat Fanciers’ Association those articles, from several editions of the CFA Yearbook, can be found in our Addendum. We have also included five individual cat histories reprinted, with permission, from The History Project web site at www.cat‐o‐pedia.com. The in‐depth narration of these stories help us to understand the challenges of early Abyssinian breeders and exhibitors. As a treat, we have included a complete family history of the Woodiwiss brothers—Samuel and Edwin Sydney —and their influence on the Abyssinian breed, the Cat Fancy as a whole, and the other Fan‐ cies that they were involved with. In our Appendix you will find listings of early imported cats, of early registered Abyssinians and their show wins, of influential cattery names and their registered owners, of CFA National Winners, and CFA Distinguished Merit cats. We have tried to be as complete, and as accurate, as possible in our re‐ search. It has taken decades to collect it. Many quotes and anecdotal tales from printed newspapers and magazines are included to enhance the stories of the individual cats, their progeny, and their show results. As the majority of my Cat Fancy life has been spent in The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), I make no apologies for concentrating on their timeline for acceptance of colors, their annual award and breed wins, and using their titles throughout this book. Titles earned by cats in other registering bodies have been so noted. Every effort has been made to secure permissons for use of photographs. In many instances, the magazines they are taken from are now out of business, or the book publisher no longer exists. If I have inadvertently missed a credit, I apologize, and will happily rectify the omission in the electronic version of this book.. It is my sincere hope that this tome will impress upon new breeders the amount of work that has gone into the development of the fabulous Abyssinian cat.