Felis Historica - March 2022 - Volume 2 Number 9

MARCH 2022 Volume 2 No.9

FEATURES: LONGHAIR – CAMBYSES (1899) SHORTHAIR – SHERDLEY MICHAEL BREED – THE BRITISH SHORTHAIR & NEW COLOUR VARIATIONS AND MORE……

INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE FOR CAT LOVERS - LINECHASERS & FANCIERS OF FELINE HISTORY

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

HARRISON WEIR COLLECTION © A-Cat-Emy Concepts

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

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

MARCH 2022

VOLUME 2 NUMBER 9

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

6

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

8

Contents

SHERDLEY MICHAEL (1901) - by John Smithson A foundation English (British) Shorthair…….

12

CATS ON STAMPS – Collated by Karen Lawrence Feline Philately – by Patrick Roberts (reprinted with permission)

24 30

THE AMERICAN SHORTHAIR – New Book Release Pre-Order Info.

35

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GENETICS YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR CAT! - by Dr. Leslie Lyons Accuracies of Genetic Testing - The Problem of Penetrance

36

Laura Vocelle

CELEBRATION GALLERY - EXAMPLES OF THE ‘BEST OF BRITISH’

44

(Muscat, Oman)

CAMBYSES (1899) – by John Smithson An early Chinchilla male (Grandson of Ch. Silver Lambkin)

78

THE DESCENDANTS OF BASTET – by Karen Lawrence.

New Book release information…

90

A PERSIAN RHAPSODY IN BLUE – by John Smithson.

New Book release information…

92

CELEBRATING MODERN DAY LEADING CATS – Part 1 Our Feature Cats: British Blues CFA GC, BW, NW CASTLKATZ PEEVES OF CHLOEADORE DM CFA GC, BW, NW. CHLOEADORES MR. BLUE CHANTRESS DM

94 102

A GALLERY OF NEW COLOURS IN BRITISH SHORTHAIRS

108

BEHIND EVERY FAMOUS PERSON IS A CAT – by Graham Harrop

113

CELEBRATING MODERN DAY CATS – Part 2 Our Feature Cat: British Blue Longhair TICA QUADRUPLE GCA LAZIBLUES ROBYN

116

CAT POEMS and OTHER FANCIES / & TEN CATS – by Graham Harrop

80

Karen Lawrence (St. Catharines, Canada)

Lorraine Shelton (California, USA)

5

Dr. Leslie Lyons (Missouri, USA)

5

Chloe Chung (Hong Kong)

Florent Fissot (Monsegur, France)

Dr. Victor Zaalov (Acre, Israel)

Valerie Sheldrake Feline Historian (Suffolk, UK)

Jamie Christian (Ohio, USA)

PHOTOGRAPHY / GRAPHICS

Helmi & Ken Flick (Florida, USA)

5

Jack Terry (Florida, USA)

CONTENT All Rights Reserved © A-Cat-Emy Concepts SUBSCRIPTIONS Published Monthly Single Issue $4.00 USD ANNUAL $48.00 USD

FELIS HISTORICA

Editorial Editorial ’FELIS HISTORICA’ JOHN G. SMITHSON EDITOR

OUR COVER PHOTO Image cropped from “Miss Tabitha’s School” Antique Colour Print after a painting by LOUIS WAIN (c.1895) 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

For our third edition for the 2022 calendar year, the featured breed is the British Shorthair (formerly the English Shorthair), as well as its relatively newly recognised counterpart, the British Longhair. The British Shorthair is currently ranked the sixth most popular breed by CFA. The British Shorthair shares some of its foundation lines with both Russian Shorthairs (known formerly as the Foreign Shorthair) and some links with Persians, both in the early days of the fancy, and during the Great War. (WW1).

The early controversy over the English and Foreign blue shorthairs, was that there was only ONE standard for many years, and this singularly favoured the English style of cat – so that exhibitors who were breeding and/or specialising in Foreign Blues (mainly Russian) were disadvantaged. The Judges of the day, if they were to adhere to the standard therefore had to choose accordingly. Therefore, the cats that did not conform to that single standard were usually not amongst the prize-winners.

Fortunately, one judge finally suggested the obvious, that what was needed was TWO standards, one for the English or ‘British’ blue style cat, which was more robust, more compact, heavier in boning, broader in chest with ears set lower and more often with yellow, or gold eye colour; and another for the ’Foreign’ shorthair, which was leaner, with a more wedged shaped head with upright ears, and distinctly more refined body type and more often than not, ‘green’ eyes.

Our feline historical article for shorthairs features a cat named SHERDLEY ALEXIS. His breeder was clearly of the opinion that her cats were Russian in origin, and most of her breeding stock carried Russian names! But while the two styles of cat were competing, her stockier styled cats did win awards

GC, NW Kitties Land Blue Fire of Teddy Cat

IN CELEBRATION OF

MARCH 2022

BRITISH SHs & LHs

awards, as by phenotype, they were more closely aligned to the early ‘British’ or ‘English’ style as described in the standard of the day. Hence, for those of you with either Russian Blues or British Blues, it may come as a surprise to realise that in late 19th century and early 20th century terms, your cats are very likely to have common ancestry.

In this issue Dr. Lyons provides another insightful article on Genetic testing and specifically the problem of ‘penetrance’.

Karen Lawrence of the CFA Foundation provides us with a glimpse into ‘Cats on Stamps’ with eaxmples of stamps and first day covers held in the Feline Historical Museum.

She also shares a reprinted article ‘Feline Philately’ by stamp officionado Patrick Roberts, who has permitted us to share his piece written in 2005 and published in Fanc-eMews, in 2007.

I wish to extend personal thanks to Allen Shi, and Chloe Chung and others for their assistance in collating the photos and material for our Gallery of the ‘Best of British’ and to Helmi and Ken Flick for sharing their amazing work.

A nod also to Karin Tenbensel for photos of some of the newer colours being bred in the British Shothair.

Above:

CFA GC, NW Kitties Land D’Coat of Chelsea Rose Below:

TICA Quadruple GCA Laziblues Robyn

Lastly, as we are about to go to digital press, lets take a moment to consider and pray for our cat-loving friends in the Ukraine, who have in recent days suffered the concern we all fear most, what to do to protect our innocent pets from the devastating effects of war and essential interrupted supply chains. With social media we are only too aware of its affects and nothing is now hidden from view.

John

EDITOR

Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography

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

SHERDLEY MICHAEL Mrs. Michael Hughes Blue Shorthair male born May 25, 1901 Sire: ACTON WARRIOR Dam: SHERDLEY SASHA II Photo: Jordan & Metcalf, St. Helens. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson.

Backgrounds © www.gographic.com

AN HISTORICAL PORTRAIT OF

BY

JOHN G. SMITHSON

Blue Shorthair (British type) male born 1901 Bred and owned by Mrs. Michael Hughes

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND During the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, the development of the Blue Shorthair was unquestioningly controversial and frought with difficulty.

Unlike the blue Long-hair, which developed in type along Persian lines, the blue short-hair had a mixed history of type and styles. Mrs Carew Cox, who historically is seen as the cultivator and preserver of the Russian Blue variety was of the opinion, that all the original blue shorthairs, were of foreign extraction. In the main, these were from northern Russia, but also from Scandinavia, Iceland, Malta, and numerous other European climes.

These blues were shown from the earliest of times, sometimes featuring in show reports dating from the late 1870’s and were at that time, nearly always referred to as Russians, or Foreign Shorthairs.

However, as the English Shorthair took hold in other colours at home, (bred for its recognisable stockier conformation, with shorter legs, broader head and lower ear set), blues of this variety were ultimately produced from matings between whites and blacks, and from crosses between short-haired and long-haired cats, as well as from original English shorthairs which carried dilute.

and from crosses between short-haired and long-haired cats, as well as from original English shorthairs which carried dilute.

In 1903, Francis Simpson alludes to the two types that resulted in her chapter on blue shorthairs: “That there are two types of these blue cats is apparent to anyone who observes the specimens exhibited at our shows. The foreign or imported variety had wedgedshaped faces, and are longer and larger in the head, with prominent ears, otherwise in colour and coat, they are similar to those bred in England, which partake of the same formation as an ordinary British cat.” ¹ But even in 1903, she lamented the lack of appropriate eye colour in what she perceived to be the English style of blue shorthair.

“The blues now exhibited appear generally to fail in eye, the colour being yellow, and often green or greenish-yellow; whereas a special feature of this breed should be a deep orange eye, round and full.” ¹ We might forgive her bias a little for she was the most ardent supporter of record for the Blue longhair, for which deep orange eyes was considered more and more, a valuable pre-requisite.

We might forgive her bias a little, for she was the most ardent supporter of record for the Blue longhair, for which deep orange eyes was considered more and more, a valuable prerequisite.

Frances also singles out Lady Alexander, (Ballochmyle); Mrs. Hughes (Sherdley) and Mrs. Carew Cox, as the three principal breeders of blue shorthairs at that time.

In truth, both Lady Alexander and Mrs. Hughes were breeding their blues to the English standard, (even though Mrs. Hughes was still advertising her Blues as ‘Russians’!) while Mrs. Carew Cox was devoted to preserving the alternative or ‘foreign’ type blue shorthair and the one and only accepted standard, favoured the former variety or type.

This undoubtedly squeezed the Russian variety, once the doyen of blue shorthairs, almost to the point of extinction, while supporting the ongoing development of an independent English or ‘British’ blue!

Hence many of the blue short-hair cats produced during this period can be found in the pedigrees of both varieties today, as forebears of both the ‘British’ Blue Shorthair, and the ‘Russian’ Blue Shorthair.

PARENTAGE & OWNERSHIP Sherdley Michael’s registration in Volume 6 of the NCC Studbook (367a) gives his date of birth as May 25, 1902.² However, this is a clerical error which can be verified. His actual date of birth is May 25, 1901 as he and ‘Sherdley Alexis’ (366a) were litter brothers born on the same date. Moreover, this is independently verifiable from an article in ‘Our Cats’ about the cattery at Sherdley Hall Farm, which when reviewing the cats in residence, unequivocably states: -

from an article in ‘Our Cats’ about the cattery at Sherdley Hall Farm, which when reviewing the cats in residence, unequivocably states: “We will be ungallant, and take the gentlemen first. Of these there are two – twins –Sherdley Alexis and Sherdley Michael.

(Sherdley is the registered prefix of all the cats, and we will hereafter take the title for granted.) This fine pair were born in May, 1901, and are by Acton Warrior ex S.Sacha II.” ⁴ ‘Michael’s’ dam, Sherdley Sacha II (born 18th April, 1899), is by ‘Sherdley Peter’ and out of ‘Sherdley Sacha I’.⁵ Both the ‘Sacha’s’ (mother and daughter) are shown further below.

SHERDLEY HALL Sherdley Hall itself has a long history. The house was formerly a monastery and many interesting relics of ancient days have apparently been found in the grounds.

Sherdley Hall Farm, the house of the bailiff and the home of the cats, bears the date on its lintel of 1671, and the solid oaken door bears immediate witness, on entering, to the claim of antiquity. In speaking of the cats, the writer informs us: “Our visit today was not the first that we had paid to the Sherdley cats in their own domain, but this was purely a business call, in order to let out readers learn something about the remarkably fine kennel of blue short-hairs, which is, so-to-speak, in their midst. For this is what struck us so forcibly. One after the other the whole number were passed under review, and there is really not a poor specimen amongst them.” ⁴

‘SHERDLEY HALL FARM’, situated near St. Helens, in Lancashire.

Photo: ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, December 20, 1902.⁴ Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

“The photograph shows a couple of Boulton and Paul’s cat houses, and several of these are in use. But all the cats, even the males, are allowed to run free every day, though their exercise has to be taken under supervision on account of the game. Mrs Fazakerley, who has the entire charge, is certainly to be congratulated on the capital condition of all the cats under her care.” ⁴ The breeder and owner of the ‘Sherdley’ cats was Mrs Michael Hughes. In fact, we have very little additional information about Mrs Hughes, other than that in Frances Simpson’s review of Blue Shorthairs in ‘The Book of The Cat’, she is listed as one of the three principal breeders of Blue Shorthaired cats alongside Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle and Mrs Carew Cox.

other than that to be found in Frances Simpson’s review of Blue Shorthairs in ‘The Book of The Cat’, where she is listed as one of the three principal breeders of Blue Shorthaired cats alongside Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle and Mrs Carew Cox. And it would certainly appear that apart from making the decisions about the breeding and exhibiting of her cats, the care was very much left to the control of her at attendant, Mrs Fazakerley.

Of the two ‘Sacha’s’, we are given the following background on these two key matriarchs: -

‘Sherdley Sacha II’ and ‘Sherdley Sacha I’ Dam and maternal grand-dam of ‘Sherdley Michael’ and ‘Sherdley Alexis’ Photo: Jordan and Metcalfe, St.Helens. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson ¹ Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

matriarchs of the ‘Sherdley’ lines: “S. Sacha I, by Brookside Jim II., ex Brookside Tibby II., is the ancestress of all the Sherdley cats. She has seldom been shown, but has won several prizes. She and her litter took first and gold medal at the Botanic in 1899.

“It is easy to see where the Sherdley cats derive their beautiful colour, and Sacha I, also excels in head and shape. She is a beautifully shaped cat with round head and very large round eyes.

“But the gem of the females is Sacha II., who was one of the gold medal litter just mentioned, and has besides won second Crystal Palace, 1900, and first and cup at the Palace, 1902. S.Peter is her sire, and she is the mother of Mrs Hughes’ present stud, S. Michael and S.Alexis.” ⁴

mentioned, and has besides won second Crystal Palace, 1900, and first and cup at the Palace, 1902. S.Peter is her sire, and she is the mother of Mrs Hughes’ present studs, S. Michael and S.Alexis.” ⁴

SIBLINGS & SHOWS As has already been indicated, ‘Sherdley Alexis’ and ‘Sherdley Michael’ were littermates, but they were not the sole littermates. A female, known as ‘Juliet’ was also from the same litter.

She too was originally retained by Mrs Hughes for breeding, but was eventually sold to Mr Burton Heap, and later known as ‘Grove Juliet’.³

Of these three siblings, we can glean the following information from an article in ‘Our Cats’ Magazine: “Alexis and Michael, though so young, boast a fine record in the show pen, competing in most cases with full-grown cats when they were in kittenhood. Alexis has won first in brace with Michael at the last Botanic Show, two seconds, one special, six thirds at the Botanic, Crystal Palace, Manchester, Richmond, and Glasgow. Michael’s wins are first in brace at Botanic, first Manchester and two specials, two seconds and one third.

“Michael seemed to mature and fill out rather earlier than his brother, but this summer Alexis has caught up with him, for the latter is now the larger and more powerful cat of the two, and weighs 12 ¼ lbs.

“Both have quite unusually massive limbs and the broadest of heads. Michael is rather paler in colour, but perhaps loses a point to Alexis in texture of coat.

“The colour in all the Sherdley cats is remarkably good, and especially is this the case with the stud cats. They are a very fine pair, and in the pink of health and condition.

“S. Juliet, a litter sister to Alexis and Michael, is a large cat for a female, very good in colour but rather poor in head. She has taken four seconds and two thirds, competing mostly with grown cats.”⁴

Sire and Dam Siblings ‘Michaels’ sire siblings by ‘Acton Warrior’ (CCR:v1), include: -

ACTON CZAR Blue shorthair male born July 20,1899, (CCR:v3) out of ‘Acton Queen’, bred and owned by Mrs Illingworth.

ACTON CZARINA Blue shorthair female, born July 20, 1899, (CCR:v3) out of ‘Acton Queen’, bred and owned by Mrs Illingworth.

ACTON PRINCE Blue shorthair male, born March 9, 1899, (CCR:v5)(OC:17/Dec/04), out of ‘Acton Queen’, bred and originally owned by Mrs Illingworth.

Later sold to Mrs E A Clarke and renamed ‘PRINCE OF BATH’.

AYTON BLUE BELL Blue shorthair female, born June 16, 1900, (NCC:v6), out of ‘Ayton Hekla’, bred and originally owned by Miss S.M. Butler. Later sold to Mrs E.A. Clarke and renamed ‘BLUE BELLE OF BATH’.(MCCC:1906 & 1907) AYTON BLUE STOCKING Blue shorthair female, born April 25, 1901, (NCC:v6), out of ‘Ayton Blue Bell’, bred and owned by Miss S.M. Butler.

CATTERMOLE Blue shorthair male, born March 25, 1900, (OC:11/May/01), out of ‘Acton Queen’, bred and owned by Mrs Illingsworth.

Dam siblings, out of ‘Sherdley Sasha II’ included: SHERDLEY NICHOLAS Blue shorthair male, born April 30, 1904, (MCCC:1904),by ‘Sherdley St.Olaf’,bred and owned by Mrs Michael Hughes.

SHERDLEY SACHA III Blue shorthair th female, born 30 April 1904, (MCCC:1904) by ‘Sherdley St. Olaf’, bred and owned by Mrs Michael Hughes.

‘SHERDLEY ALEXIS’, litter brother to ‘SHERDLEY MICHAEL’ Photo: Jordan and Metcalfe, St. Helens. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

SHERDLEY SACHA III Blue shorthair female, born April 30, 1904, (MCCC:1904) by ‘Sherdley St.Olaf’, bred and owned by Mrs Michael Hughes.

BREEDING & PROGENY All of the progeny of record for ‘Sherdley Michael’ appear to come from two litters sired by him out of the same queen, ‘Lady Henry’. These were born on October23, 1902 and April20, 1903 respectively. They include in the first litter: SHERDLEY AMICE Blue shorthair female, bred and owned by Mrs. Michael Hughes.⁶ SHERDLEY ANN II Blue shorthair female, bred and owned by Mrs. Michael Hughes.⁶ SHERDLEY DELVES Blue shorthair male, bred and owned by Mrs. Michael Hughes.⁶ SHERDLEY MOSCOW Blue shorthair male, bred and owned by Mrs. Michael Hughes.⁶ Then in the second litter: SHERDLEY ANN III Blue shorthair female, bred and owned by Mrs Michael Hughes.⁷ We learn more about ‘Lady Henry’ and her contribution to the breeding program from the same article in ‘Our Cats’. The litter mentioned in the article is in fact that which was born on 23rd October, 1902: “A basketful of four charming kittens were next introduced to us, sired by S. Michael, the mother being Lady Henry, a queen purchased by Mrs Hughes at the last Westminster Show. Lady Henry won five first and many other prizes before her change of ownership, but has not been shown since.” ⁴

“The little basketful before us were too young to have begun the cares and struggles of show life, and were charmingly irresponsible and frolicsome. Here again we traced the splendid physique of the sire in a very marked degree.

Lady Henry’s strong points are her beautiful orange eyes. Her colour is not so good as that of the native Sherdley cats.” ⁴

IN SUMMARY Despite the fact that there was only one standard available to blue shorthairs in the late nineteenth and very early twentieth century, regardless of having two distinctly different origins, and many exhibits having a mixed heritage containing both; the blue shorthair none-the-less remained a popular variety.

Whether of the rounded, low set eared, heavier boned ‘British’ type; or the foreign, higher set eared, graceful lighter boned ‘Russian’ type, both varieties did ultimately survive this turbulent period of their history and in due course, both were granted separate standards and developed independently down a very divided ‘conformation’ path.

Both are particularly loved for their amazing coat textures, which have also developed into very distinct and widely different types, so that there is no longer any muddying of the waters of recognition.

It is fair to say that in assessing the phenotypical traits of the ‘Sherdley’ cats, they appear to be definitely more ‘British’ in style, with stockier build and bone. But whether you accept them as British or Russian shorthairs, what is most evident, is that they were consistently good and of robust build and constitution.

‘Our Cats’ Magazine,

20th

Stud Advertisement for the ‘Sherdley’ cattery.

December, 1902.⁴ Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

It is clear from the above advertisement, that Mrs. Michael Hughes was breeding to the standard, as it was at that time, and with considerable success, and that although she considered them to be Russian blues, they were by the later standard adopted for the ’English’ or ‘British’ Shorthair, a far better fit for the British variety.

One can fully understand the frustration of the breeders in both camps ‘British’ or Foreign’ with at the time, a single standard which forced judges to select between the two differing types for awards, and only ONE show class in which to enter their BLUE shorthairs!!!

Ultimately breeders chose to produce the style of cat that they preferred, Mrs. Hughes continu

continuing to produce cats which conformed to a more compact, broader headed, heavier-boned type, with lower set ears and round eyes of deep orange eye colour.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Carew-Cox stayed true to her desire to preserve what she considered to be the ‘foreign style’, narrower and longer in the head, with more erect ear set, and decidedly green eye colour – true to her conception and belief that she was preserving the truly ‘Foreign’ or ‘Russian’ shorthair.

Mrs. Carew-Cox and others like her, were therefore consistently challenged at shows by the actions of Judges, who, despite holding personal opinions akin to her own, HAD to nevertheless adjudicate according to the only standard they had available to them, until such times as there were two standards adopted, one for each distinct variety.

such times as there were two standards adopted, one for each distinct phenotypical variety.

One of the reasons such standards were slow in being adopted is that the premise for what constituted a breed, was originally its place of origin. Hence all cats from Siam for instance was considered Siamese, regardless of colour or form, leading to cats we know today as the Siamese, the Korat, and Burmese, and the Tonkinese, and even the Khao Manee, all be clustered together as Siamese in the minds of 19th century observers.

But over time, it was realised that in order to adjudicated fairly, an appraisal had to differentiate also based on structure, and physical conformation – that which we today call the phenotype – that which we can SEE! Colour, which has formerly reigned supreme, was than recognised as a ‘selected’ criteria, and conformation began to reign supreme. But It was a long fought battle, and one which is still sadly in evidence today, when registries unilaterally decide to restrict the colour varieties within a breed, whether based on historical precepts, or as they should more properly do, on the genetics of the newly recognised breed or variety.

But let us return to Mrs. Michael Hughes cats.

It is fair to say that in assessing the phenotypical traits of the ‘Sherdley’ cats, they appear to be definitely more ‘British’ in style, with stockier build and bone. But whether you accept them as British or Russian shorthairs, what is most evident, is that they were consistently good and of robust build and constitution.

In support of this view of the ‘Sherdley’ cats, the following letter, written by her respected contemporary Mr. Colin Campbell of the Scottish Cat Club affirms this view and illustrates clearly that the defining problem was the adoption and application of the one standard: (excerpt from ‘Our Cats’ dated December20, 1902) Blue Shorthairs - Mr. Colin Campbell, at the request of one of our subscribers, is good enough to give us his views upon blue shorthairs. Mr Campbell writes: “Some of the principal London clubs have a framed standard for a shorthaired blue variety, which they recognise as British, which, in point, is decidedly irregular as regards the true Russian.

“I thoroughly agree with the remarks of Mr Sam Woodiwiss after the Palace show, stating that, in his opinion, a long, thin nose was the proper shape for the foreign blue variety, not the round head the club had made the standard.

“We have had ample opportunity in Scotland of judging imported Russians, and none ever having come under my observation agree with the standard of the British shorthaired blue variety. Hence my remarks in my report alluded to. To compare the two specimens in point: “British – Blue shorthair. Head: Round and flat, with good space between the ears, which are small and well set on. Shape: Cobby in build, round quarters, and good in bone substance. Coat: Short and close, of sound blue colour throughout; legs and feet shade lighter in colour, with no bars or markings. Eyes: Deep orange in colour.

SHERDLEY MICHAEL Mrs. Michael Hughes Blue Shorthair male born May 25, 1901 Sire: ACTON WARRIOR Dam: SHERDLEY SASHA II Photo: Jordan & Metcalf, St. Helens.

‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson Courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection, and Digital Restoration by Jack Terry.

substance. Coat: Short and close, of sound blue colour throughout; legs and feet shade lighter in colour, with no bars or markings.

Eyes: Deep orange in colour.

“Russian – Blue. Head longer in formation, has space between the ears, and welltapered face; fairly round under the cheek bone, thin, falls away under the eye, and comes out rather longer in back; less bone substance, colour same as the British shorthair, with no bars or markings; eyes deep orange colour.

“To compare the two breeds, I consider Mr McNish’s St. Inan a true specimen of the Russian blue, and Mrs M. Hughes’ Sherdley Alexis a good specimen and well up to the standard of the British Shorthaired blue variety, only point failing in colour of eyes.” ⁴ (Editors bolding) Mrs. Carew-Cox of course, was of the firm opinion that the correct eye colour for the ‘foreign’ or ‘Russian’ blue shorthair, was ‘green’ and nothing but green, and this was to become the accepted norm for the breed when it finally gained its own standard and remains a truly indicative trait of Russian blue shorthair to this day.

The ‘English’ or ‘British’ varieties have consistently followed the solid Blues for depth of ‘orange’ and lately even ‘copper’ eyes, with the exception of those more recently accepted colour varieties where genetics requires allowances, such as in pointed British Shorthairs, the solid whites and Bi-Colours, where Blue or Odd-eyed cats are also allowable and in Silvers, where green is accepted.

One of the truest signs of success in any breeding program, is consistency.

The breeders who produce a consistent, clearly identifiable style and type, are those whose cats will be remembered, and those that will ultimately leave a permanent genetic stamp upon the breed itself.

These are the breeders who consistently ‘raise the bar’, drawing ‘a line in the sand’ so-tospeak, from which there is generally no backward developmental movement.

The ‘Sherdley’ blues successfully marked out a strong baseline for type and quality, setting in motion a drive to maintain it that has never since abated.

References: 1. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson 2. ‘The National Cat Club Studbook and Register’. (Vols.6 & 7) 3. ‘Midland Counties Cat Club’ Catalogues (1904, 1905, 1906,1907) 4. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, 20th December, 1902.

5. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, 23rd June, 1900.

6. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, 31st January, 1903.

7. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, 28th November,1903.

8. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, 17th December, 1904.

9. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, 11th May, 1901.

10. ‘The Cat Club Register’ (Vols.1-5) 11. Photos and Quotations as per credits listed.

John G. Smithson

REPRESENTED BREEDS From top left, row by row.

Norwegian Forest Cat, Scottish Fold, Burmese (Red), British Shorthair (Blue), Abyssinian, Siamese (Lynxpt), Exotic Shorthair, Turkish Van, Persian (Black), Burmilla (Black Tipped), Singapura, Domestic Shorthair (Calico).

Image: Courtesy of the CFA Foundation.

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Feline Philately at the Museum

BY BY

KAREN LAWRENCE KAREN LAWRENCE

Ever since the British government issued the Penny Black Stamp along with the burgeoning new Postal Service in 1840, Stamp collecting has become a world-wide hobby. Among the myriads of collectors world-wide, are of course, many cat fanciers, many of whom are keen to collect stamps on their favourite subject.

Of course, many countries have followed suit, and part from using stamps to celebrate their history and geographical features, they too have celebrated ‘human interest’ activities, among them the rise of the domestic cat and some of its celebrated breeds. On the page opposite, is a Guyanan ‘cat-themed’ issue, just one of many held in the collection of the CFA Foundation’s Feline Historical Museum in Alliance, Ohio.

What follows, are examples of stamps and first day covers held in that collection, followed by a reprint of an article (with permission)

by Patrick Roberts, entitled ‘Feline Philately’ - Cats on Stamps, written and first published in 2005, then subsequently published in Fanc-e-Mews in 2007. Readers are encouraged to view the writer’s site at http://www.purr-n-fur.org.uk/philately/index.html All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Two examples of modern First Day Covers featuring cat breeds, both from the collection of the CFA Foundation, Inc. This series ‘Our Domestic Friends’ features well known cat breeds of the era, above the full block of four stamps, dated February 5, 1988, and below, two stamps on a cover which features the postmark of the Empire Cat Clubs, 71st Annual Show, May 14, 1988.

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Above: Presentation Cover at the Winter Garden Theatre, New York, February 5, 1988. Below: Inside the presentation cover, the order of the event, and signatures of key participants. (The CFA Foundation, Inc.) All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Inside the Presentation Cover: The story published by the US Postal Service providing reasoning for their celebration of Cats on Stamps.

Image: The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Above and opposite: Cat Stamp promotions from various countries, in the collection of the Feline Historical Museum.

This one also from Guyana. (The CFA Foundation, Inc.)

Top to bottom, left to right, more cat stamp promotions from the collection of the Feline Historical Foundation.

From Afghanistan, Republic of Congo Africa, Ghana – Africa, Guines Bissau Africa, Azerbaijan, and Cambodia.

Images: The CFA Foundation, Inc.

FELINE PHILATELY CATS ON STAMPS

by PATRICK ROBERTS Original publish date: Vol.6, No.5, September’October 2005 Published in Fanc-e-Mews, 2007 Editors note: Our thanks to Mr. Roberts for sharing his expertise and collection.

For more than 10 years now, I have gained a great deal of pleasure from collecting cats on stamps and related philatelic material. I concentrate on domestic cats, although I do have wild-cat stamps too.

FIRST CATS ON STAMPS There was only one domestic cat on an actual stamp prior to WW2; it came from Spain and was part of a 1930 set featuring famous aviators. It showed Lindbergh’s ‘Spirit of St. Louis’ and in one corner, shows his black kitten, Patsy, wistfully watching the plane fly by. Apparently, he had planned to take her on his epic transatlantic flight, but thought better of it at the last minute. It adds greatly to the interest of the collection to find out any background stories such as this that may be behind the stamp.

No more cats appeared until 1952, when the Netherlands had a toddler playing with a kitten as part of a child-welfare set.

Thereafter there was an occasional cat tucked away in the corner of a painting or a picture of a fairy-tale – cameo appearances, you could call them – but it was 1964 before a whole set was issued devoted only to cats. It came from Poland, and I still find it one of the most attractive cat sets, despite the hundreds of others that have followed. I picture a cover (envelope) showing three of the stamps and with a cat illustration too.

From the mid-1960’s on, cats started to appear more often on stamps and many issues from the 1970’s and 1980’s, include them.

In the 1990’s there was practically and ‘explosion’ of cats on stamps – that is, stamps devoted to cat portraits, rather than ‘incidental’ cats – from a wide range of countries. Some have been produced as sheetlets, with an overall linking theme or background design; many are accompanied by very handsome miniature sheets (or souvenir sheets), without which the set really isn’t complete. My example is from the Maldives, showing a Birman cat with a Burmese temple pagoda behind.

ARTWORK AND FAIRY TALES I will give a brief outline of some of the kinds of stamp on which cats are most often to be found. Paintings have been mentioned: there is a hue amount of art on stamps, and cats are not infrequent, although sometimes they form a very small part of the picture.

‘Black Cat’, by Shunso Hisida, is a fine example of modern Japanese art. Fairy tales and children’s stories are another rich source, as they often include cats. By far the best known is Charles Perrault’s ‘Puss in Boots’, and he has been given quite a number of cat outings. The one shown below is on a ‘maxicard’ (see later in the article (from Monaco). But I have come across a number of other tales from diverse lands as a result of finding cats on their stamps; one such is the magnificent example of ‘Cat and Mice’ from Mongolia (also below).

FESTIVE OCCASIONS A fair number of Christmas issues have included cats; my example (overleaf) comes from Latvia, but shows Santa dozing, with his cat on the back of his chair. In fact, the second US stamp with a cat, was the 1982 Christmas one, with a puppy in the show (yes, we have to put with

accompanying dogs sometimes!). The first American stamp with a cat, marked the 1972 centenary of the mail-order business, with a little black cat on the store counter. An amusing printing error on some examples has a shift of black ink, making it look as though the cat has two tails!

There are numerous greetings stamps produced for occasions other than Christmas. The picture from Slovenia (part of the former Yugoslavia now independent) is, of course, a Valentine’s Day one.

CARTOON CHARACTERS & ANIMAL WELFARE STAMPS Most of the well-known cartoon cats are to be found on stamps from somewhere – including Garfield, Tom (from Tom and Jerry), Pinocchio’s ‘Figaro’, Disney’s ‘Black Pete’, ‘The Aristocats’, and various others from foreign countries. There are also plenty of examples of children’s paintings with cats in; some of these are very good, while others like themselves are more like cartoons. I picture one from Taiwan that does at least resemble a cat! And I shouldn’t leave out stamps issued on behalf of animal welfare, such as the US ‘spay or neuter’ ones of 2002; and those in which a cat is included among stamps showing domestic pets, like the El Salvador one shown (above opposite).

UNIQUE COLLECTIBLES Any topical subject-related stamp collection worth it’s salt, doesn’t stop just with the actual stamps. Some stamps come in varieties – perhaps without perforation, or with errors such as colour missing; the latter are mostly uncommon and consequently expensive, but worth having. Sometimes one can find sample of the original artwork from which the stamp was designed and produced – but these are even more expensive and I have only two or three after 10 or 12 years. More reasonably priced and more accessible in general, are ‘proofs’, which come in several forms and are intermediate steps in the production process to check that all is in order before the actual stamps are finally printed.

Most modern stamps use a four-colour printing process – sometimes five – and ‘progressive proofs’ are fun: they show how the separate colours are applied one by one, leading up to the final version. Here I show a proof of the finished version of a Madagascar stamp, which has a signature to approve it and details of the printers in Moscow.

Much cheaper altogether to acquire are covers, ‘a cover’ simply means an envelope with stamps on. First-day covers (FDC’s) are specially prepared for the day the stamp is first released, and cancelled accordingly; the cancellations for cat stamps frequently have a cat design and the cover will often have a cat picture on it as well.

Both features are on this Polish cover mentioned above.

Although I do collect such FDC’s, I’m also very keen on acquiring what are known as commercial covers, meaning ones that bear one or more cat stamps but have been used to send mail through the regular postal system. These can be quite hard to come by, but they are satisfying to find.

There are still more items that can be looked out for! Special cancellations (postmarks) that include cats is one, even though there may

may not be any cats on the stamps being cancelled. In earlier years the US went in for what are called ‘fancy cancels’; I picture one with a Hallowe’en theme from the 1930’s.

France has used various cancellations in connection with an anti-litter campaign, that show a cat sweeping up litter; and there are many, many other examples. I show a 1936 one from Hitler’s Germany, advertising a Rhine town famous for its ‘Black Cat’ white wine. The US quite regularly issues cat cancels, pet shows provide one reason for doing so.

Then there are airmail letter forms, which sometimes have cats in the design; other postal stationery items such as reply cards; and ‘maxicards’, postcards with a stamp affixed to the front and a cat design (and ideally, a cancellation, too!) reflecting the stamp.

I almost forgot booklets of stamps. These might contain cat stamps in them; or they may just have a cat picture on the front, like this one from Sweden (below). I have found one booklet from France that pre-dates the Spanish stamp – early 1920’s – and has some cats inside it on an advertisement. I think these are the very first philatelic cats. And so on!

I hope I have given an idea of the breadth of material available to collect, and of my enthusiasm for finding it. As well as acquiring a large number of beautiful stamps and related items, I have greatly increased my knowledge of all kinds of things while researching the stamps; and also I think most stamp collectors find that, when you’re fed up or feeling low for any reason a browse through an album or two can help to relax you and maybe put things back into perspective. © Patrick Roberts 2005.

Note: A series of articles on Feline Philately, from 2000 to date, can be found at www.purr-n-fur.org.uk and is regularly updated. The site includes a quantity of other cat material that readers may find of interest.

Everything you need to know about Genetics…

You can learn from your Cat! Accuracies of Genetic Testing - (Part 1) BY

DR. LESLIE LYONS

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

Backgrounds © www.gographic.com

EDITOR: This is the Twenty-first 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

THE PROBLEM OF PENTRANCE Genetic testing is commonly used in the management of companion animals, including parentage testing to verify pedigrees and variant testing to manage undesired disease and health traits, as well as desired and undesired phenotypic traits, such as coat colors and fur types. Some genetic tests, which have supportive evidence as diseasecausing variants, can be scrutinized due to the seeming poor correlation with clinical disease.

Genetic tests should have high degrees of sensitivity (low type I (alpha) errors) and high specificity (low type II (beta) errors). A high sensitivity means few falsely negative results occur, and thus fewer cases of disease are missed. Thus, the test is accurate in detecting individuals with the condition. The specificity refers to a tests ability to determine that a negative result is true for an individual without the condition. A highly specific test means few false positive results are obtained.

However, some genetic variants influence diseases that have low penetrance and or high variability in clinical presentations, thus, the sensitivity and specificity of the tests for these types of diseases or traits can come into question.

This article reviews some of the mechanisms that can lead to doubt associated with some genetic tests / genetic risk factors. In these cases, the accuracy of the genetic test is high – the correct genotype is detected and report – but phenotype associated with the genotype is not (yet) evident in the individual.

In general, genetic testing errors are most commonly due to errors in animal identification during submission (by the owner), inadequate sample quantities and qualities (poor sample collection by owner or veterinarian), poor assay design or assay capabilities for the given genetic test (technology limitations) and potentially sample mismanagement by the diagnostic laboratory (true laboratory error).

NZCF Emerald Db. Gr. Pr. Petals Watsonia True Blue (as a kitten) Bred by Marion Petley – Owned by Avril McBeth

Each of these issues can be corrected by re-submission of samples and/or obtaining a second opinion from a different diagnostic laboratory using a different technology or assay. These errors affect both sensitivity and specificity and are dependent on the laboratory and its assay techniques. Breeders should try different commercial testing services and share experiences to identify genetic testing laboratories with highly accurate results and closely follow submission instructions to limit these correctable errors.

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

However, additional concerns for all genetic tests are due to wellknown biological processes that are difficult to explain and comprehend by the non-geneticist. Reduced penetrance and variable expression are two terms used to explain what appears to be low sensitivity of some genetic tests, i.e., an individual has a positive test, but no clinical disease presentation.1

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

Penetrance refers to the proportion of individuals with a particular genetic variant (i.e., gene mutation, genotype) who actually exhibit signs and symptoms of the corresponding genetic disorder or trait.

Many diseases have reduced penetrance while most coat colors and fur types have high penetrance, but some variable expression. When some individuals with a causal variant for a disease do not develop recognized features of the disease, the condition is said to have reduced (or incomplete) penetrance. Penetrance itself is commonly affected by proper diagnosis, co-morbidities, age-of-onset, genotype, and variable expression.

A disease can be incorrectly suggested as having incomplete (reduced) or non-penetrance if a clinical diagnosis is incomplete or inaccurate, thus, proper veterinary examinations by specialists for some health concerns are often necessary to correct diagnose a disease.2-4 The ageof-onset of the disease may also affect the penetrance of a condition and may lead to a genetic test to be seemingly inaccurate. Some traits are congenital and present or occur soon after birth, such as most coat colors, fur types and structural phenotypes. However, many diseases develop later in the lifetime of an animal, therefore have late ages-ofonset, such as many retinal degenerations, cardiac diseases and neuromuscular disorders.

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

For example, the Abyssinian-associated progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in the gene CEP290 has a late age-of-onset (2 years or so) and reduced penetrance whereas the Persian PRA caused by variant in AIPL1 caused rapid blindness (within 2 months or so) and penetrance is considered complete.5,6 Other co-morbidities (i.e., health problems) can even cause the death of an animal, prior to the presentation of genetically influenced conditions due to a later age-of-onset. Comorbidities can be exacerbated in pedigree animals due to inbreeding or breed predilections, thus, many animals may have more than one condition leading to poor health or have a shorter lifespan and the disease does not have enough time to manifest.7 For example, aged cats of > 15 years may have more signs of dementia than cats that live a more normal lifespan of 12 – 14 years.8,9 For autosomal dominant traits, less severe presentations or later agesof-onset may be present in the heterozygous individuals versus the homozygous individuals. Many other mechanisms (topics for future articles) can influence penetrance of a trait, including sex limitation, imprinting, germline or somatic mosaicism, premutation, alternative RNA splicing, linkage disequilibrium, modifying alleles in trans or cis (compound heterozygotes), as well as environmental factors, such as nutrition or toxic exposures. Again, the genetic testing results are accurate and may indicate a disease state, but these confounding factors interfere with the expression of the disease.

Julie Maas Breeder/Owner, with Judge Cheryl Pollock, and ACF Gold AoE QFA Emerald DGC, CQ Platinum DGC, QICC Diamond DGC, AMBRITT HURRICANE HARRY at a Queensland Australia Show.

The traits with low penetrance are often grouped into the category of “risk factors”. Risk factors may be necessary for a health problem but not sufficient, implying other factors help the risk factor to produce the condition.

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

Secondary risk factors can be genetic or environmental factors, but often unknown. The influence of more than one DNA variant leads to conditions being considered multigenic or complex, each variant being a risk factor for the disease. Breeders may use the term “multi-genes”.

Actually, all traits are affected by other genetic variants as complex biological pathways actually lead to a phenotype, not just one specific genotype. Most aspects of our health and phenotype are multi-factorial, implying the interplay of . genetics and environment.

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

Think about all the blue / grey cats – they all are homozygous for a melanophilin (MLPH) variant, but their pigmentation is affected by other known variants in known loci such as Orange, Brown, and Color, as well as unknown variants that can just change the hue of the blue coloration. *Note the difference of the blue hue for a Korat versus a Chartreux versus a Russian Blue versus a blue British shorthair.

In cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the hallmark condition that has known genetic variants that increase risk for an individual to get the disease.* Considered an autosomal dominant disease, some heterozygote cats develop HCM, but generally have a less severe condition at a later age of onset than individuals homozygous for the known DNA variant.

Cats can die of other health problems earlier than the onset of HCM, thus, the disease will appear to have low penetrance. To account for the penetrance concern, odds ratios or relative risks are often calculated for the variants associated with low penetrance diseases.

These risk calculations then help in breed management decisions. For example, a breeder may decide to not breed any cats with an HCM variant to minimize risk as much that is known, or they may breed only heterozygotes, especially if other cats in the lineage have displayed low penetrance, mild or very late onset disease.

Expressivity (i.e., variable expression) is the term describing the differences observed in the clinical phenotype between individuals with the same disease and genotype. Some variation of the overall clinical presentation of a disease may not occur due to a companion animal’s structure.

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

For example, less cardiac disease and scoliosis may be present in disproportionate dwarf cats as compared to humans due to differences of chest development and weight distributions of bipeds versus quadrupeds. Spotting has high variable expression, both bicolor and van-patterned cats can have extreme variation in the amount of pigmentation and the placement of the pattern.* This high variation may be sporadic migration of melanocytes during development or perhaps other genetic variants influence the migration and survival of the melanocytes. Most diseases have variation in the rate of disease progression, severity and the types of health problems associated with the disease.

The genetic test for pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK – def) in under scrutiny in domestic cat breeds. Cats with the disease and a DNA variant in PKLR (pyruvate kinase, liver and RBC) was initially identified as Abyssinians and Somalis.10 Cats with PK – def usually have pale mucous membranes, are lethargic and often anorexic.

The exquisite DGC AMBRITT HURRICANE HARRY gratefully claims his Supreme Rosette, at a Gold Coast show, presented by Janis Christison.

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

Clinically, cats can present with anaemia, elevated liver enzymes, and an enlarged spleen and liver. The disease manifests as an intermittent anaemia with a moderate regenerative response but no osteosclerosis (abnormal hardening of bone and an elevation in bone density).

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

CFA GC, BWR, NW CHELSEA ROSE RASPBERRY TART Eagerly awaiting in the tub for a bath! Where are you???

Photo: Courtesy of Allen Shi.

PK deficiency shows variation in age of onset and severity of signs.

Since PK-deficient cats can be asymptomatic prior to breeding, genetic testing for is strongly recommended in breeding programs.11

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

Although published investigations regarding clinical disease have been limited to the Abyssinian and Somali breeds, the DNA variant for PK-def has been identified in breeds developed by matings with Abyssinian cats, including Bengals and Singapuras.12 The variant in PKLR is intronic and is suspected to affect normal splicing of the mRNA by producing a cryptic splice site in the domestic cats.13,14 However, no studies have examined the leopard cat version of the PKLR gene to see if the PK-deficiency associated DNA variant may be a common polymorphism in leopard cats or have a different surrounding DNA sequence that would disrupt the produced cryptic splice site. The sequence difference of the leopard cat allele may account for the lack of PK deficiency diagnosis in Bengals with the PK-def DNA variant.

Low-cost whole genome sequencing (WGS) supports rapid discovery of DNA variants for simple, recessive and dominant traits. However, the study of complex diseases is still very laborious and tedious.

CFA GC, BWR, NW CHELSEA ROSE RASPBERRY TART Deservedly resting after a big day competing at the International Show.

Photo: Courtesy of Allen Shi.

Reduced penetrance can add to the complexity of associating genetic test results with clinical disease, however, reduced penetrance does not indicate a specific DNA variant is inaccurate or does not cause disease.

Thus, breeders need to stay engaged with genetic research, even after a major causal variant has been discovered, since additional studies may be necessary to clarify why different cats have different clinical signs, different rates of disease progression, and differences in disease severity, thereby helping to solve the riddle of reduced penetrance.

References: *Commonly used citations from earlier articles not replicated

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

Zlotogora, J. Genet Med 5, 347–352 (2003).

Kittleson MD, Côté E.. J Feline Med Surg. 2021 Nov;23(11):1007.

Kittleson MD, Côté E. J Feline Med Surg. 2021 Nov;23(11):1009-1027.

Kittleson MD, Côté E. J Feline Med Surg. 2021 Nov;23(11):1028-1051.

Menotti-Raymond M, et al., J Hered. 2007 May-Jun;98(3):211-20 Lyons LA, et al. BMC Genomics. 2016 Mar 31;17:265.

Donner J, et al. PLoS Genet. 2018 Apr 30;14(4):e1007361.

Landsberg GM, et al. J Feline Med Surg. 2010 Nov;12(11):837-48.

Sordo L, Gunn-Moore DA. Vet Rec. 2021 Jan;188(1):e3.

Mansfield CS, Clark P. Aust Vet J. 2005 Aug;83(8):483-5 Kohn B, Fumi C. J Feline Med Surg. 2008 Apr;10(2):145-53.

Grahn RA, et al. BMC Vet Res. 2012 Oct 30;8:207.

Scotti MM, Swanson MS. Nat. Rev. Genet. 2016, 17, 19–32.

López-Bigas N et al. FEBS Lett. 2005, 579, 1900–1903.

GALLERY OF ‘BEST OF BRITISH’

Contributing photographer, relaxing at home with her British Shorthair pets.

TICA RW, SGA EARINDEL SKY and TICA CH. EARINDEL NOX, bred by Thora Hart.

Photo: Ken Flick

AN INTRODUCTION TO ‘THE BEST OF BRITISH’ GALLERY How lucky we are to have the support of some amazingly talented photographers, none more-so than Helmi Flick of the ‘Helmi & Ken’ photography duo, so well-known to breeders and exhibitors around the world. It is especially fitting therefore, that in having this opportunity to celebrate the beauty of the ‘Best of British’ cats this month, that we should begin that gallery with images of Helmi and Ken’s own British Shorthairs!

But we also wish to thank participating breeders and photographers for providing images of their beautiful ‘British’ cats and kittens, whether they be show cats, or breeding cats, or much-loved pets. Winners or not, all of them are the ‘Best of British’ to someone! The gallery includes top National Winners, exhibits winning awards at shows and candid shots of ‘British’ cats at play, or simply relaxing at home, or even having a bath! Appreciation to Helmi Flick, Allen Shi, Chloe Chung, Julie Maas, Avril McBeth and others…ENJOY! Backgrounds@ www.gograph.com

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘BEST OF BRITISH’

Above: Two poses from TICA RW, SGA EARINDEL SKY Owned by Helmi & Ken Flick. Photographs courtesy of Helmi Flick Cat Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘BEST OF BRITISH’

‘SKY’ - STRIKING A PERFECT CHRISTMAS CELEBRATORY POSE Owned by Helmi & Ken Flick. Photographs courtesy of Helmi Flick Cat Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘BEST OF BRITISH’

‘SKY’S’ -PHOTOSESSION FOR THE TICA REGIONAL AWARDS Owned by Helmi & Ken Flick. Photographs courtesy of Helmi Flick Cat Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘BEST OF BRITISH’

CFA GC, BWR, NW CHELSEA ROSE THOMAS – 2016/2017 Regions 1-9, Best of Breed & 8th Best Cat Bred and owned by Cyndy Bird. Photos by Helmi Flick Cat Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘BEST OF BRITISH’

TICA QUADRUPLE GC LAZIBLUES ROBYN - Bred by Zina Lemish – Owned by Lise and Bob Clark Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘BEST OF BRITISH’

CFA GC, NW KITTIES LAND D’COAT OF CHELSEA ROSE – 2015/2016 6th Best Kitten Regions 1-9.

Below: with Allen Shi and Judge Wain Harding. Photos: courtesy of Allen Shi. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘BEST OF BRITISH”

CFA NW KITTIES LAND OLIVER OF CHELSEA ROSE – 2017/2018 8th Best Kitten Regions 1-9.

Below: with Cyndy Bird, CFA Judge Hope Gonano and Allen Shi. Photos: courtesy of Allen Shi All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘BEST OF BRITISH’

CFA GC, BWR, NW CHELSEA ROSE RASPBERRY TART – 2018/2019 Best of Breed, 6th Best Kitten & 12th Best Cat Regions 1-9. Below left: With Judge Darrell Newkirk.

Below right: with Andrea Bohren, Mark Hannon, Allen Shi and Cyndy Bird. Photos courtesy of Allen Shi. All content © 2022 Felis The Harrisonby Weir Collection & Lap The CFA Foundation, Inc. BredHistorica, and photographed Alex Luk Chun

GALLERY OF ‘BEST OF BRITISH’

CFA GC, NW CHELSEA ROSE WATSON OF KITTIES LAND – 2013/2014 3rd Best of Breed & 2nd Best Kitten Below: showing his densely cracking coat, and with Judge Sharon Powell & Tina Patron Photo: Cyndy Bird.

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘BEST OF BRITISH’

CFA GC, NW KITTIES LAND BLUE FIRE OF TEDDY CAT – 2016/2017 China 17th Best Kitten Below left: Allen Shi, Judge Cheryle U’Ren & Chris Lee. Right: Allen Shi, Judge Kathy Calhoun & Chris Lee. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF ‘BEST OF BRITISH’

CFA GC, NW KITTIES LAND BLUE FIRE OF TEDDY CAT – 2016/2017 China 17th Best Kitten Below left: Allen Shi, Judge Wain Harding & owner Chris Lee. All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

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CFA NW KITTIES LAND PRAY FOR ME OF LOTTE&M – 2018/2019 China 2nd Best Kitten Below left: Judge Ayumi Ueda, Allen Shi & Peter Chang. Right: Allen Shi, Judge Carole Fogarty & Peter Chang All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

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GC, NW TEDDY CAT ANTHONY OF R-MINT – 2019/2020 China 4th Best Kitten.

Bred by Beixue Wang. Owner: Chris Lee.

CFA GCD, NW ATZELHOF’S BLUE BERLIN – 2015/2016 2nd Best of Breed & Best Cat International Bred by Michael Hans Schleissner. Owners: I. Rattanaweerawong & Y. Wongrattanapong. Photo: Amy Works All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

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CFA GC, DW CHLOEADORES MIGHTY OF SIAM AQUA 2019/2020 International 3rd Best of Breed. 2020/2021 Thailand BEST CAT in Championship.

Bred by Chloe Chung. Owned by Napon Pansuvan & Anuchit Suttichat. Photos: Amy Works All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

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CFA GC, NW CHLOEADORES HULU 2017/2018 – China: 4th Best Cat and Best Solid Colour.

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CFA GC, CHLOEADORES DUODUO Sire of GC, BWC, NW Elvis Simba of Ghost Yoyo Bred by Chloe Chung. Owned by Chloe Chung & Wuhaodi. Photos: by Amy Works All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

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CFA CH, CHLOEADORES GEGE THE BEAR DM Dam of GC, BWC, NW Elvis Simba of Ghost Yoyo Bred by Chloe Chung. Owned by Chloe Chung and Wuhaodi. Photos: Amy Works All All content content © © 2022 2022 Felis Felis Historica, Historica, The The Harrison HarrisonWeir WeirCollection Collection&& The The CFA CFA Foundation, Foundation, Inc. Inc.

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CFA GC, BWC, NW ELVIS SIMBA OF GHOST YOYO 2017/2018 – China: Best of Breed and BEST CAT Bred by Chloe Chung & Wuhaodi. Owned by Haodi Wu & Li Xian. Photo: Amy Works All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

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CFA GC, BWC, NW ELVIS SIMBA OF GHOST YOYO 2017/2018 – China: Best of Breed and BEST CAT Bred by Chloe Chung & Wuhaodi. Owned by Haodi Wu & Li Xian. Photo: Amy Works All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

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AWARDS WON BY CFA GC, BWC, NW ELVIS SIMBA OF GHOST YOYO 2017/2018 – China: Best of Breed and BEST CAT Bred by Chloe Chung & Wuhaodi. Owned by Haodi Wu & Li Xian.

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Above: CFA GC, BWC, NW ELVIS SIMBA OF GHOST YOYO. Photo: Amy Works.

2017/2018 – China: Best of Breed and BEST CAT. His fan club, collecting his National Win. Below: Gigi Peng, Dick Kallmeyer (Presenter), Jin Mei, Wuhaodi, & Chloe Chung.

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Above: CFA GC, BW WOOLLENCAT COCKTAIL RIO – 2015/2016 China: Best of Breed, 2nd Best Cat, 22nd Best Kitten Below: CFA GC, NW CHLOEADORES GAO GAO THE BEAR – 2015/2016 China: 3rd Best of Breed, 8th Best Cat. Photos: Amy Works.

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CFA GC, DW XIAOZHU CAT HUI XIONG OF JOYDEN – 2021 Sire: WOOLLENCAT BIGBBLONG OF XIAOZHU - Dam: NC CH. WOOLLENCAT U R YAYA SISTER Bred by Quiang Deng. Owner: Zhuohui Fan. Photo: Spyzoo.

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ACF Gold AoE QFA Emerald DGC, CQ Platinum DGC, QICC Diamond DGC, AMBRITT HURRICANE HARRY – with breeder/owner Julie Maas Winner of back-to-back Australian National Shows 2014/2015 Supreme All Breeds Cat - ACF National Sydney 2014 – CCCA National Brisbane 2014, ACF National Perth 2015.

ST OF BRITISH’

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ACF Gold AoE DGC AMBRITT HURRICANE HARRY Above left: with breeder/owner Julie Maas. Above Right: Multiple Ring wins at a major show.

Below: ‘Harry’ sitting amongst multiple Supreme wins as a kitten.

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CFA GC, BWC, NW THE CATS INN’S DA BAI 2019/2020 – China: Best of Breed and 8th Best Cat Breeder/Owner: Wei Sun. Photo: Spyzoo All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

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Above: CFA GC, NW CAIHONGCHENG’S YUN ZHENGTAI – 2016/2017 China: 22nd Best Cat – Shaded Silver.

Bred by: Lijuan Cui - Owned by: Weiwei Tian Below: CFA DW WOOLLENCAT AUGUST ANGLE (Blue female) Breeder/Owners: Changqui Fu & Vera Chan Sire: GC Chloeadores Bobby Blue Bear – Dam: Hoobee Amina of Woollencat DM BEST KITTEN – International Division 2011/2012 All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

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CFA GC, RW CASTLKATZ MURDOCH Above: Comfortable on a chair at home. Below: Enjoying his regular bath!

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Above: CFA GC, BW, NW CASTLKATZ HARRY POTTER DM – Photo: D.B. Photography.

Sire of 56 Grand Champions & Grand Premiers – more than any British SH in the history of CFA!!!

Below: CFA GC, RW CASTLKATZ WARLOCK – 2nd Best Cat NW Region, 2012-2013.

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ALICEADORES ROSE – Dilute Calico Sire: GC Chloeadores Bei Bei the Bear – Dam: Aliceadores Cupcake Breeder/Owner: Xie Sicong – Nanjing, China.

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CFA GC, NW DANDYBLUE MR WONDERWORLD OF CASTLKATZ -14th Best Kitten 2012/2013 Bred by Lyudmila & Mike Menshov - Owned by Drs. P & G Meeker. Photo: Zoo Crew.

CFA GC, CHLOEADORES EMPRESS – (Bluecream) Bred by Chloe Chung – Owned by Sasiphim Lee & Napon Pansuvan, Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Amy Works.

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GOLD DB. GR. PR. KENDRICK BLUE BEAR – ‘BLUEY’ - Multiple BIS winning Neuter (2000 -2018) Sire: Elainah Porthos The Mouseketeer – Dam: Marshallpark Honeybear (Imp.Aust) Breeder: Bryan Surgenor – Owner: Avril McBeth Below Opposite: ‘Bluey’ going with ‘Mum’ on the farm-bike down to the letterbox!

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Above: GOLD DB. GR. PR. RIBBONS EARL OF TEDDLY ‘TEDDY’- Multiple BIS winning neuter. (2003 – 2019) Sire: DGC. Ribbons Lord Ted E Bear – Dam: Ch. Ribbons Lady Ashleigh Two x Best in Show and R/Up Best in Show at the NZ National Cat Show 3 Rings. (2018) Breeder: Gail Jeffcoat – Owner: Avril McBeth - Above right: ‘Teddy’ with TICA Judge Tomoko Vlach.

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CAMBYSES Chinchilla (Silver) male born April 17, 1899. Owned by Miss Frances Simpson.

From a painting by W. Luker Jnr. Bookplate from The Harrison Weir Collection.

Backgrounds © www.gographic.com

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AN HISTORICAL PORTRAIT OF

An early Chinchilla Longhair male, a grandson of Champion Silver Lambkin, BY

JOHN G. SMITHSON

and owned by redoubtable, Miss Frances Simpson.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Named after one of the great Persian Emperors of ancient times, there can be little doubt that Frances Simpson expected great things of ‘Cambyses’ when she acquired him as a kitten in 1899.

She also condescended to have her photograph taken, holding him in her arms, for the frontispiece of her first book, ‘Our Cats and All About Them’ published in 1902, by Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons. This was a full year ahead of her epic work, ‘The Book of The Cat’ published in 1903 by Cassell & Co. Ltd. Like most breeders of Blue Persians, (and Miss Simpson’s loyalty and fidelity to the cause of the ‘Blue’ could certainly never be questioned), she too, dabbled in Silvers, as these were a popular variety both within and outside the fancy. But the circle of top lines was very hard to break into and as a judge she had her detractors and some political opposition. Nevertheless, in ‘Cambyses’, she had successfully acquired control of a grandson of the very famous ‘Ch. Silver Lambkin’.

Although he was probably a perfectly acceptable example of the breed, he does not appear to have been considered by the more serious breeders of Chinchillas as a top show prospect.

But Miss Simpson was able to demonstrate her mastery of diplomacy and of marketing, by getting the best possible value from this nominally good male and standing him very successfully ‘at Stud’ for a number of years.

She tactfully promoted his good points, glossing over his shortcomings and significantly raised his public profile. By modern standards this achievement would be akin to the role of a seasoned ‘campaign manager’. In short, he was in good and experienced hands!

In her own words he was promoted as follows: “(Cambyses) ...has had the distinction of carrying off two prizes for the palest silver, or chinchilla male. He is almost unmarked, with faintest lines on his head only, although as a young cat of six months’ old he was inclined to be a silver tabby. He has an unusually long, soft silky coat, and a beautiful expression of countenance. His sire was the celebrated ‘Mowgli’ and his grand sire, the ‘Silver Lambkin’.”²

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silky coat, and a beautiful expression of countenance. His sire was the celebrated ‘Mowgli’ and his grand sire, the ‘Silver Lambkin’.” ²

PARENTAGE & OWNERSHIP ‘Cambyses’ was bred by Miss Chappell, born on April 17th 1899. His sire was ‘Mowgli’ (1897) a first line chinchilla son of the famous ‘Ch. Silver Lambkin’. His dam, was an unknown female named ‘Victoria’, whose colour and background is shrouded in mystery. In some databases she is listed as a Blue, in others as a Silver Grey, but Frances Simpson states categorically, that she was a Silver Tabby.

‘Mowgli’, his sire, who was born June 11th 1897, was bred by a Mrs Dunderdale, out of a dam named ‘Sheila’ and appears to have had a very successful show career. He is listed by Mrs Balding (the owner of ‘Ch. Silver Lambkin’), among the well-known sons of which her stud was a progenitor.

‘Mowgli’s’ wins are also duly listed under his registration with the National Cat Club (#3084) as: 1st and five Specials, Crystal Palace, 1897; 1st and 2nd Botanic, 1898; 3rd, Crystal Palace, 1898; 1st and Special, Crystal Palace, 1899.³ As to the value placed on his sire, it is probable that had it not been for the fame of ‘Cambyses’ we would in fact not know a great deal about his sire, who was, one of the rare and valuable sons of Mrs. Baldings ‘Champion Silver Lambkin,’ styled as the father of the Chinchilla as a breed (Colour) variety.

‘Mowgli’ appears to have been an exception to the trend in regard to size and substance.

In an article on some of the early ‘Pillars of the Stud Book’ published in ‘Our Cats’ in May

‘MOWGLI’ Photo: E.Landor, Ealing From ‘Diseases of The Cat’ (1907) by Woodfroffe Hill.

Courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.

Book’ published in ‘Our Cats’ in May 1901, we find this interesting snippet which provides a comparison between the half–brothers ‘Lord Southampton’ and ‘Mowgli’: “First and foremost let me mention ‘Lord Southampton who may now be said to have had his day. He was born in 1894, and was bred by Mrs Greenwood, from ‘Silver Lambkin’ and ‘Southampton Duchess’. Perhaps no stud cat ever made such a name for himself, and at one period, the difficulty was to find a silver cat unrelated to his Lordship. Hence a great deal of in-breeding which caused much weakness and loss of stamina in this particular variety of Persian cat. Nowadays there is a plethora of silver and Chinchilla stud cats from which to make a selection

1901, we find this interesting snippet which provides a All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc. comparison between the half –brothers ‘Lord Southampton’ and ‘Mowgli’:-

but the tenor of her commentary is none-theless based on fact.

‘Mowgli’ did appear to have a better head and to be a larger more substantial cat, and his son ‘Cambyses’ was known to weigh in the vicinity of 11-12 lbs. ‘Lord Southampton’ was indeed sold to Lady Decies, for what was then, the highest sum paid for any pedigreed cat in Great Britain, some £60 sterling!

‘MOWGLI’ Photo: E.Landor, Ealing Hill.

Supplement to ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, October 12, 1901.

Courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.

silver and Chinchilla stud cats from which to make a selection. We believe Lord Southampton is now in the possession of Lady Decies, but his name is no longer a household word among cat fanciers. ‘Mowgli’ was another silver pillar of the stud book, and only recently dropped out of the ranks and was gathered to his forefathers. He again was sired by ‘Silver Lambkin’, and bred by Mrs Dunderdale. ‘Mowgli’ was more massive than ‘Lord Southampton’, with a better head.”¹⁴ The above commentary was written by Miss Frances Simpson, whom we may surmise could have harboured a little bias in favour of ‘Mowgli’ as the sire of her beloved ‘Cambyses; but the tenor of her commentary is none-theless based on fact.

‘Cambyses’ appears to have remained solely in the ownership and control of Frances Simpson from when she acquired him at the age of five months in September of 1899. However, there were many instances where due to the pressure of commitments away from home, Miss Simpson did have to place ‘Cambyses’ in the care of a reliable friend. She also had limited space to hold studs at her London address.

In late 1904, she wrote in a letter to the Editor of ‘Our Cats’ providing us with the following information for readers: “A rumour has reached me that I intend to sell Cambyses. This is perfectly untrue. It is a grief to me that I cannot keep the dear fellow with me in London, but I know how carefully he is looked after by Mrs. Taylor, whose devotion to him equals my own. In next week’s issue of Our Cats I shall be advertising him at stud at Mrs Taylor’s new address, which will be within five minutes of Ashford (Middlesex) Station, where very up-to-date catteries are in course of erection. I hope to exhibit my stud cats at Southampton, (not for competition, as I am judging).“ We find another illuminating record of the nature of Cambyses and the close relationship between cat and owner/caregiver in a report published in ‘Our Cats; on 15th December, 1900.

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Miss Frances Simpson with ‘CAMBYSES’ as a kitten.

Photo: Gunn & Stewart, Richmond. Frontispiece from ‘Cats for Pleasure and Profit’ (1909) by Frances Simpson ²

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between cat and owner/caregiver in a report published in ‘Our Cats; on December 15th, 1900. The report was written by one of the contributing reporters to this magazine, and although the name of the writer is not given, the style of writing would suggest that it was probably Mr. T.J. Ambrose. (a well-known and respected judge and part-time reporter). He duly describes a visit to the home of Miss Simpson at ‘Durdan’s House, St. Margaret on Thames: “On being shown into a most inviting diningroom to await Miss Frances Simpson, I saw, spread out on the hearth, in full length, in front of a bright fire, one of the loveliest ‘silvers’ I had ever seen. ‘I suppose this is Cambyses?’ I asked of Miss F. Simpson, after exchanging greetings. ‘Yes,’ she replied, ‘he is the pet of the household,’ which remark did not surprise me, for a more amiable-looking cat it would be impossible to imagine. He is a lovely shade of pale silver, and only very slightly marked. His head and face are beautiful, and he certainly does his sire Mogli (sic) more than credit. “ ‘I am very surprised you have not exhibited him,’ I remarked. ‘I have never had the heart to send him to a Show,’ Miss Simpson replied.

‘I have entered him on two occasions, but, when the time came, I felt I could not part with him.’ ‘Well,’ I said, “I hope I shall see him at Westminster?...’ ‘I shall enter him!’ she replied, whereupon we both laughed heartily.

“It was a pretty sight to see Cammy’s mistress toss up a ball of paper, for each time Cammy would stand on his hind legs and gracefully catch the ball with his two front paws! “

He also states of Cambyses: - “Cambyses weighs between 10 and 11 lbs, a record weight, I should imagine for a silver!”

Later in the same interview, the writer gives us further insight into family life within the Simpson household: “‘Do you have any photographs to let me have?’ I asked.

Miss Simpson gave me one of herself and Cambyses, and another of a pair of blue kittens, bred by herself. After making me feel quite at home, and as if I had known her for years, Miss Frances Simpson informed me that her mother expected me to stay for lunch. I needed no second bidding, for I was in no hurry to leave to this pleasant home and kind, hospitable friends.

In course of conversation, I asked Mrs. Simpson if she, too, were fond of cats. ‘I don’t profess to love them,’ she replied, but I noticed that though she was not so entirely devoted to the feline species as her daughter, yet she had no small amount of sympathy with them, and a lurking love for ‘Cambyses’.

SIBLINGS & SHOWS The register of The Cat Club, records one full sibling, named ‘Tamina’ born of the same parentage on the same date, a chinchilla female, subsequently sold by Miss Chappell to Mrs. C. Reay Greene.

Of ‘Cambyses’ own wins, we only have those revealed by Frances Simpson in the brief prologue for ‘Cambyses’ at the beginning of ‘Cats for Pleasure and Profit’ (1909 edition) in which she states: “At the Westminster Show of 1902, he won the Challenge and Breeder’s Cup, Silver Medal and several specials.” ²

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Miss Lederboer’s ‘Lady Grissel’, sired by Miss Simpson’s ‘Cambyses’ Photo: Cover photo from August 1st, 1903 issue of ‘Our Cats’. ⁵ Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

“At the Westminster Show of 1902, he won the Challenge and Breeder’s Cup, Silver Medal and several specials.” ²

BREEDING & PROGENY In a commentary in support of Silver Tabbies in ‘The Book of The Cat’(1903) Frances Simpson gave this anecdote about ‘Cambyses’ siring both clear-coated Chinchillas and deeply marked Silver Tabbies, dependant of course, on the females he was bred to: -

“To Miss Cope’s last statements I can add my testimony, but I will also mention a curious case coming under my direct notice and regarding my own silver stud cat. ‘Cambyses’ is by ‘Mowgli’, (a noted pale Silver of ‘Silver Lambkin’ strain) and a handsome silver tabby, unknown to fame, being a house pet.

“When I became possessed of ‘Cambyses’, then five months old, he was a decided silver tabby, taking after his mother; he has since shed all his markings, except faint grey pencillings on head and legs, and is one of the lightest silvers at stud.

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‘An unmarked Silver, son of Cambyses’ ‘Persia’s Prince’ was exported to Mrs Brian Brown, of Brooklyn, New York.

Photo: ‘Our Cats’ magazine, January 14th, 1905.

Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.

and legs and is one of the lightest silvers at stud. When mated to smokes and silvers, I have not known or heard of any tabbies in the litters; but on one occasion, when crossed with a silver tabby, he had some very densely marked tabbies” ¹

One such silver tabby daughter, was Miss Lederboer’s ‘Lady Grissel’ for whom we do have a photo, (shown opposite) as it appeared on the front cover of ‘Our Cats’ published August 1st, 1903, when ‘Lady Grissel’ was but just one year old.

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‘Cambyses’ as a kitten Photo: Gunn & Stewart, Richmond. From Page 80, ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson.¹

Although his list of his progeny was probably quite extensive, given that he appears to have been a popular choice while standing at stud, the only cats that are easily traced in the registers are two males bred by Mrs J. Falconer Sinclair, out of ‘Princess Stennia’, born on May 5th, 1901. These are the two Chinchilla’s ‘Mustapha’, and ‘Prince Fair’.⁴

However, on the cover page of the January 14th, 1905 issue of ‘Our Cats’ magazine, appears an image showing the back view of a son of ‘Cambyses’ named ‘Persia’s Prince’.

The caption reads: ‘An unmarked silver son of Cambyses’. (Ed: shown on previous page) In the editorial columns, an explanation of the cover-page image is provided: -

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‘Cambyses’ as an adult Photo: from Opposite Page 52, ‘Cats for Pleasure and Profit’ (1909 Edition) by Frances Simpson ²

“The beautiful kitten illustrated on the front page is an eight months old son of Cambyses.

Persia’s Prince is going out to Mrs. Brian Brown, of Brooklyn, New York. He was bred by Miss Wood from her Zillah, a daughter of Abdul Hamet. His body is quite unmarked, and his head and paws only very slightly barred. At six months old he weighed 7 ½ lbs.”

In the weekly issues of ‘Our Cats’ magazine, during the season, appeared listings under the headings of ‘VISITS’ and ‘BIRTHS’. These listings proclaimed the proclivities of pedigree cats and resultant litters born and reported since the last issue.

Taking a limited selection from just one issue, that which is dated 23rd May 1903, we find the following are reported: VISITS April 24th Mrs. Ward’s Sukey, to Miss F. Simpson’s Cambyses.⁵ May 12th Miss Hawkins’ Smoke, to Miss F. Simpson’s Cambyses.⁵ BIRTHS April 5th Mr. Hugh Maxwell’s Dusky, seven kittens to Miss F. Simpson’s Cambyses.⁵ May 18th Miss Fisher’s Lonsdale Duchess, four kittens to Miss F. Simpson’s Cambyses.⁵

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‘Cambyses’ (unnamed in publication) Full page colour print from ‘The Wonder Book of Animals’ by Harry Golding, published by Ward Lock & Co.⁶ Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

It is clear all three of these last images of Cambyses (including the proposed photograph from ‘Cats for Pleasure and Profit’ on the previous page), were probably derived from the painting of Cambyses by W.Luker Jnr, as published in ‘The Wonder Book of Animals’ by Harry Golding. The image is unsigned and undated, but in style at least, it is very similar to other paintings by W.Luker Jnr that appeared in Frances Simpson’s ‘The Book of The Cat’(1903), published by Cassell & Co. Ltd; even down to the background, atop a red brick wall backed by green foliage,

wall backed by green foliage, as appears in other paintings by W. Luker Jnr. of cats, one being that of the blue Persian male, Ch. Orange Blossom of Thorpe, commissioned by Mrs. Helen Slingsby.

It also seems likely that this painting of Cambyses had been commissioned and was likely owned originally by Miss Simpson herself.

The third and last image is a collectible card from the ‘Cowan’s Noted Cats Series’ produced in 1925. Unlike some of the others in this series, the cats name is listed correctly and a

good attempt has been made to colour it to look like a green-eyed Chinchilla!

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‘Cambyses’ Chinchilla Male Collectable card from the ‘Cowan’s Noted Cats Series’ issued 1925 ⁷

the cat’s name is spelt correctly, and a good attempt has been made to colour it correctly as a typically green-eyed Chinchilla!

This certainly accounts for his even and pleasing temperament and his reliability as a sire of bonny, healthy bloodstock.

Frances Simpson’s faith in ‘Cambyses’ was not altogether unfounded. He sired many very clear-coated silvers and helped to expand the gene pool for silver breeders. He was wellgrown and like his sire, a heavier boned silver than many of his contemporaries; the variety already suffering the effects of line-breeding and in-breeding.

References:

When we read about ‘Cambyses’ we are reminded that breeding is not exclusively about either colour or type; it’s equally about health, vigour, and a contented lifestyle. We can be sure that ‘Cambyses’ was a healthy cat, who received plenty of love and attention.

1. ‘The Book of The Cat’ (1903) by Frances Simpson.

2. ‘Cats for Pleasure and Profit’ (1909 edition)

by Frances Simpson.

3. ‘National Cat Club Register’ 4. ‘The Cat Club Register’ 5. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine. 1903 6. ‘The Wonder Book of Animals’ by Harry Golding.(undated) 7. ‘Cowans Noted Cats Series’ Collectable Cards 1925 8. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, January 14th, 1905 9. ‘Our Cats’ Magazine, December 15th, 1900 10. Photos and Quotations as per credits noted.

John G. Smithson

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

‘The Descendants of Bastet’ gives a complete overview of the first century of the Abyssinian breed, from the first mention of the breed in the early 1870s through until circa 1970.

Additionally, chapters on the later development of the colors red, blue, and fawn ar included – plus the longhair version of the breed is discussed in a chapter on the originas of the Somali.

The book is 8 1/2 x 11. Pre-index, it is 265 pages chock full of historical information for Abyssinian lovers! It includes a great deal of registration information, pedigrees, progeny reports and photos of cats important to the breed history.

Preview of the introductory pages here – http://bit.ly/3aBqFys Contact Karen (catfanrep@gmail.com) for pre-order form.

No payment is due at this time; you will be contacted when the book is available for mailing.

A word from the Author…

The origins of the Abyssinian breed are unknown, and are likely to stay that way. While anecdotal stories tell of cats being imported from Abyssinia (now Somalia), geneticists have expounded theories that the breed originated in countries bordering on the Indian Ocean. Records relate the early importation of cats, but from where is never specified.

Breeders have told stories of cats resembling the Abyssinian being found in Abyssinia, but they are hearsay and cannot be positively confirmed. So while origins will remain guesswork, and are explored in-depth herein, the unknown bits are most likely to remain guesswork forever.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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

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

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

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

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

A word from the Author…

What a long and amazing journey it has been, to collate, collect, curate and document the amazingly complex journey of the Blue Persian cat, from its genetic ancestral home in the mountainous regions of Khorasan province, to its establishment in Western Europe, and in particular, its strong foothold in the British Isles – a journey that took the best part of 260 years before it was finally recognised by a dedicated handful of English and Scottish breeders, as unique and full of beauty.

From relative obscurity in the mid 1880’s a small but growing band of faithful adherents to its cause, did the faithful groundwork behind this colour variety, which would see it rise to prominence in the world of cats, the formation of the largest specialty club in the world for a time, and an absolutely phenomenal period of expansion of its influence that ‘A Juvenile Party’ and ‘An Unwelcome Visitor’ Illustrations from ‘The Adventures Cat – expansion And a Fine CatofToo’ mirrored of athe Illustrations by Harrison Weir, Images courtesy of The Harrison Weirof Collection. influence the then British Empire.

The Blue Persian became the recognised ‘Prince’ of the Persian breed, the pinnacle of what could be achieved by any colour, if the same level of love and dedication was poured into new programs as the founders of the colour-bred Blue had poured into what had become, the cornerstone colour of the modern breed.

This writing of this first volume of the history of the Blue Persian has likewise allowed me to develop those necessary skills to tackle similar feline histories with a dedication that is all pervading. It is a privilege and a joy to embrace the detective work and pedigree research involved. I recognise the unique opportunity it has afforded me to meet and work with some amazingly talented and special like-minded individuals around the world, who share a similar or same passion. For that I am especially grateful.

CFA CHLOEADORES,DM DM CFAGC, GC,BW, BW,NW NWCASTLKATZ CASTLKATZ PEEVES PEEVES OF OF CHLOEADORES All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

FACTFILE Call name: ‘PEEVES’ Breed: British Shorthair Colour/Pattern: Blue Date of Birth: August 11, 2006 Sire: GC, BW, NW Castlkatz Harry Potter DM Dam: CH & GP Chloeadores Sweet Summer Surprises DM Breeder: P & G MeeKer & Chloe Chung Owner: P & G MeeKer & Chloe Chung Notable Awards and Achievements: CFA Grand Champion CFA Best Cat in Asia/Latin America Division 6th Best Cat NW Region CFA Breed Winner CFA National Winner – 8th Best Cat CFA Sire of Distinguished Merit

GC, BW, NW Castlkatz Peeves of Chloeadores, DM Editor: The story of ‘Castlkatz Peeves of Chloeadore’ runs almost parallel to and is intrinsically linked with the introduction and rise of Chloe Chung into the Cat Fancy. Today Chloe is a much respected CFA Judge, and is one of the contributors from around the world, to ‘Felis Historica’.

Her path with British Shorthairs has set new heights, her cattery having recently achieved the enviable position of producing the most Distinguished Merit British Shorthairs in CFA history.

This story is based on text written by Chloe for the CFA Yearbook, edited and abridged, so that it is historically pertinent to our readers today. Sincere thanks to Chloe for her collaboration.

My name is Li Ling Chung. Chung is my family name. This is also the name you will see in the show catalogue. Chloe is my English name.

My love for animals has been a lifelong passion. It all began with a uniquely special relationship with Mimi, a Pomeranian who was by best companion for the sixteen years of her life. She taught me that an animal’s love is totally unconditional and completely trustworthy.

I began a keen interest in showing dogs when I got Fay Mui, my first Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Initially I learned dog grooming from a Hong Kong dog judge, and then I also went to England, staying for a month, so that I could extend my training in show grooming.

It took several years of effort to finally obtain a Welsh Corgi of show quality. This was ‘De Dee’, (Ch. Tyrooki Sammy) - whom I routinely began to participate in dog shows. He went on to become Hong Kong’s top award-winning C

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CHLOE CHUNG CRADLING WITH ‘PEEVES’ AND CFA JUDGE BETTY WHITE Photo: Courtesy of Chloe Chung.

Corgi during that time. With much study and travel overseas to shows to continue learning, De Dee’s offspring became consistent winners at Hong Kong’s Dog shows. In fact, winners of the Best Puppy in show for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005 included several of De Dee’s offspring.

I got my first cat when someone dumped it on my home’s doorstep as though it were a package from the post! After a bath, she was looking white, and similar in style to a Turkish Angora. She got along well with my puppies and from her I learned that a cat can be as sweet as a dog. Having reduced my dogs to a minimum, I decided it was time for me to find a breed of cat, which would be easy for me to find loving homes for the kittens as pets.

My selection was for the British Shorthair – they are one of the best breeds suitable for the Hong

Hong Kong living environment. I wanted to have cats to show, but the biggest concern was about finding good homes for my babies.

This concern had contributed to my decision to stop breeding Corgis at a time when I was enjoying my greatest successes.

I registered my kennel and cattery with the same name, Chloeadores, the philosophy behind the name being that each dog/cat that comes from us is individually loved. When naming any of our dogs and cats, Chloeadores becomes their surname, as well as a mark of my hope that they will become adored for the rest of their lives, especially when they leave for a new home. I adore all my babies, no matter whether they are show or pet quality.

About three years ago, I took two female British Shorthair kittens, (Chloeadores Sweet Summer Surprise & Chloeadores Barbie Doll) to

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

CHLOE CHUNG CRADLING PROUDLY HOLDING ‘PEEVES’ NEXT TO CFA JUDGE BRIAN MOSER Photo: Courtesy of Chloe Chung.

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

CHLOE CHUNG HOLDING ‘PEEVES’ AND WITH CFA JUDGE BETTY WHITE Photo: Courtesy of Chloe Chung.

to Paul and Ginger Meeker’s home in Idaho in the United States (Castlkatz Cattery) to be bred to their National Winning British Shorthair male ‘Harry Potter’ when they were old enough.

that dream started to come to fruition at the Malaysia show in November, when three judges told me that ‘Peeves’ was good enough to go to the USA and try for the British Shorthair Breed win.

At the time, these two females were the best that I had, and I felt very fortunate that the Meeker’s were willing to work with me to help me improve my line.

With the help of ‘Peeve’s’ co-breeders/coowners the Meeker’s, and the support of my mother (who paid the Credit Card bill!) I was in fact able to achieve that dream. GC, BW, NW Castlkatz Peeves of Chloeadores is the first Asian cat ever to win five titles in the same show season: 1) CFA Grand Championship. 2) Best Cat in Asia/Latin America Division. 3) 6th Best Cat in the North-West Region. 4) Best British Shorthair Nationally (BW). And 5) 8th Best Cat in CFA (NW).

When ‘Summer Surprise’ was ready to deliver her kittens from ‘Harry’, I flew back to the USA and stayed with the Meeker’s to help care for the litter. One of those kittens was a beautiful little blue male who was to become a holder of many titles and honors.

We named him ‘Peeves’ because he was so mischievous as a kitten.

After ‘Peeves’ had granded, his first show in Hong Kong was September 1, 2007, where he was the highest scoring cat. I then started to have a dream in my mind, and that

Being the first cat from Hong Kong to achieve a National win was very difficult. The import policy of the Hong Kong government requires all animals to be imported as cargo on a manifest (not in cabin or a passenger baggage),

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

Above: L to R, CHLOE with PEEVES receiving wins under CFA Judge Brian Moser.

Below: L to R, CHLOE with PEEVES receiving wins under CFA Judge Pam Moser.

so I made the outgoing trips as easy for him as possible, taking him with me in the cabin on the way to Europe or the USA. When I was in the USA showing ‘Peeves’ and becoming a certified clerk, I met many breeders of other breeds and was fortunate to have excellent examples of other breeds to show. Pat Decano of Washington State gave

gave me a gorgeous CPCH female (GP. DW. Casadecano Lalique of Chloeadores) that I got as a kitten but exhibited for part of the season in Premiership. Also, at a show in California, when I clerked for Donna Fuller, I asked if she would send me a Russian Blue kitten to show, and she sent me a little male, (GP, DW. Tsar Blu’s Tsunami of Chloeadores) whose kitten career

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

CFA JUDGE BETTY WHITE, WITH CHLOE ‘PEEVES’ & GINGER MEEKER Photo: Courtesy of Chloe Chung.

Career was at the right time for many of the larger kitten counts in the International Division.

These three cats made my 2007-2008 show accomplishment in the Asia section of the International Division truly a dream come true! Tsunami was BEST KITTEN; Peeves was BEST CAT; and Lalique was 2nd BEST in PREMIERSHIP. It would take all my space to thank all the people who supported me and my cats: using my cats in your finals – all beloved judges; teaching me the secret of tracking points – Donna Fuller; setting up the show schedule – Thomas Lam; teaching me clerking skills – Dick Kallmeyer; giving me clerking and master-clerking

master-clerking assignments – all beloved show managers; ensuring nice benching for me – all the beloved entry clerks I don’t drive and my English is not good enough, but in the cat fancy my body language with the cats clearly indicated to one and all how much I loved the cats.

During that show year, Tony Chan, who sold me my first British shorthair passed away. He was my mentor in my early days in CFA, and I am very grateful to him for all the help that he gave me. Therefore, part of this recognition belongs to him.

Thank you to the people of the Asia Division for selecting me for the honor of the spotlight – I feel humbled and honored. Chloe Chung

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

CHLOE CHUNG CRADLING CFA GC, CHLOEADORES MIRACLE Sired by CFA GC, BW, NW Castlkatz Peeves of Chloeadore Photo: Courtesy of Chloe Chung All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

CFA GC, BW, NW CHLOEADORES MR BLUE ENCHANTRESS DM All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

FACTFILE Call name: ‘MR BLUE’ Breed: British Shorthair Colour/Pattern: Blue Date of Birth: August 19, 2013 Sire: Chloeadores The Power Of Love Dam: Chloeadores Lance Penny Breeder: Chloe Chung Owners: Chris Lee & Bei Xue Wang Notable Awards and Achievements: CFA: Best of Breed, 2014 CFA China: 6th Best Cat CFA Grand Champion CFA Breed Winner CFA National Winner CFA Sire of Distinguished Merit

GC, BW, NW Chloeadores Mr Blue Enchantress, DM What distinguishes ‘Mr Blue’ is his excellent pedigree, which boast four generations of Distinguished Merit award winners, the very best indication of proven consistency when it comes to breeding.

As a breeder I considered it my responsibility to either show him myself to give him the best opportunity to achieve results, as I did with his grandsire GC, BW, NW Castlkatz Peeves of Chloeadores DM, or, alternatively pick the right show family for him. In this quest I was extremely fortunate to have picked the best parents for ‘Mr. Blue’ in Chris Lee and Bei Xue Wang; who already had great credentials and experience in both on preparing and training a cat for showing.

The CFA show season starts with the first weekend in May and ends with the last full weekend in April. ‘Mr Blue’ went to his new home when he was five months old and was en

entered in several shows as a kitten, mainly in order to ready him for competing as an adult in the Championship division.

In the early stage of his Championship career ‘Mr Blue’ performed very well, between May and July, during which he succeeded in gaining ‘Highest Scoring Shorthair Cat’ in Championship for almost every show in which he was entered.

Then there was a break in August because of the hot weather. Unfortunately, now that he was a mature male adult, he was also now interested in breeding, and the combination of the two meant that he began to drop a significant amount of coat, which was thinning. After participating in a show at the end of August, ‘Mr Blue’ began to develop a skin problem, largely brought on by stress, and he began to lose even more coat! At the Foshan cat show in October, there were two o

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

CFA GC, BW, NW CHLOEADORES MR BLUE ENCHANTRESS, DM Breeder: Chloe Chung – Owners: Jing Wang & Bei Xue Wang Photo: Amy Works

other Grand Champion British shorthairs competing at the same show. ‘Mr Blues’ performance at that show was therefore far from satisfactory.

At one point, his owner Chris Lee, was seriously considering giving up on any attempts at further showing him. But, by the end of October, ‘Mr Blues’ coat condition had recovered somewhat, and there was a 12-ring cat show coming up in Beijing.

Also at this time, because there was an APEC meeting about to take place in Beijing, the conditions for entry to the show were very strict, with pet quarantine was also involved.

So, Chris elected to drive the full ten hours to Beijing, despite these difficulties. But the drive proved utterly worthwhile, as the results achieved by ‘Mr Blue’ at this major show exceeded all expectations, and gave Chris the confidence

Chris the confidence to continue entering ‘Mr Blue’ into competition.

‘Mr Blue’ seemed to return the favour and by the time of Shanghai Cat Show in November he was already back into his former phenomenal condition. At this show he once again took ‘highest scoring Shorthair cat in Championship, thereby strengthening even more-so, Chris’s confidence in to compete.

In March, a cat show was held at Chengdu, in which over 100 Championship Cats were duly entered.

At that time, cats from all over the world were entered and participated in the competition; including a Maine Coon that was standing at No.1 nationally, and a Persian that was standing at No. 2 nationally, and an Exotic Shorthair that was standing at No.3 nationally – as well as other cats which held positions in the Top 15 nationally.

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

CHLOEADORES THE POWER OF LOVE, DM Sire of CFA GC, BW, NW Chloeadores Mr Blue Enchantress, DM Photo: courtesy of Chloe Chung All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

CFA GC, BW, NW CHLOEADORES MR BLUE ENCHANTRESS, DM Breeder: Chloe Chung – Owners: Jing Wang & Bei Xue Wang Photo: Amy Works

other Top 15 national standings! At this tough show ‘Mr Blue’ managed either 5th or 6th highest scoring cat in the Championship division. Overall, this great result helped ‘Mr Blue’ to solidify his position as 6th Best Cat nationally.

On April 26, 2015, the last CFA cat show of the season was held in Wuhan. During the show season, we had been watching ‘Mr Blue’ accumulate points towards a possible Breed Win internationally. He had done extremely, well, but had to maintain enough points across all his shows to gain the coveted title.

When Chris arrived at the Cat Show, he realised that the Championship division count

count was only 40+ points! That meant that disappointingly there was no opportunity for him to ADD points to his cumulative total.

At this time ‘Mr Blue’ and another British shorthair in Europe were competing for the Breed Winner title. The total score difference between the two cats was very close. There was also a cat show in Germany the same weekend, and reports indicated that the count at that show was over 70.

Two weeks after the show, CFA Central Office results were updated. In the end, ‘Mr Blue’ took the British Shorthair Breed Win, with a score of just 12 points higher than his competitor in Europe. Naturally we are very proud of our precious boy’s achievements.

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

GALLERY OF NEW & RARE COLOURS DEVELOPMENT OF NEW COLOURS & PATTERNS IN BRITISH SHORTHAIRS EDITOR: In a career aligned with cats now spanning four and a half decades, I have had the opportunity, like many others, to observe changes within breeds and the development of new colours and/or patterns within existing breeds. Certainly not least amongst these was the British Shorthair, and in the 1980’s the rising interest of the pointed series, and a broadening acceptance of Silver and Goldens. At the time I very much doubted that the Pointed British would ever manage to get the desired density and crispness into the coat, but by a decade later they most certainly did! From these came the extension into Chocolate and Lilac, and latterly into Cinnamon and Fawn. Although this short gallery walks us through some of these newer colours, there are also some references to long recognised colours, those that have been used to push conformation (type) into these new colour lines, but which are themselves still relatively rare. (with the exception of blue of course!)

CRYSTAL FLAMES SWEET BONBON VOM HERRESBACH – Cinnamon Bi-Colour British Shorthair Bred by Karin, Tanja & Sonja Tenbensel.

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc. Tedd

GALLERY OF NEW & RARE COLOURS

Above: CRYSTAL FLAMES ROSWOOD D. PP – Solid Chocolate British Shorthair Bred by Karin, Tanja & Sonja Tenbensel.

Below: AMBRITT PEARLS WHISPERING ANGEL – Solid Lilac British Shorthair Bred by Julie Maas.

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc. Tedd

GALLERY OF NEW & RARE COLOURS

Above L to R: CRYSTAL FLAMES KARLOTTA (Fawn), CRYSTAL FLAMES DISNEY DUCHESS (Cinnamon Bi-Colour) Below L to R: CRYSTAL FLAMES DAISY DUCK (Fawn Tortie), CRYSTAL FLAMES LILLIFREE (Cinnamon Tortie/White) Bred by Karin, Tanja & Sonja Tenbensel.

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc. Tedd

GALLERY OF NEW & RARE COLOURS

Above: CRYSTAL FLAMES ZAPPA LOTTA (Black Tortie) Below: WINNETOU DEL MILLARS (Blue, outcross line) & CRYSTAL FLAMES WILD WILY (Black Bi-Colour) Flames & Wily bred by Karin, Tanja & Sonja Tenbensel.

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc. Tedd

GALLERY OF NEW & RARE COLOURS

Above: An attractive SILVER TABBY & WHITE and a handsome SOLID BLACK owned by Sindy Panther.

Below: AMBRITT ROCKABILLY REBEL (Solid Lilac) Bred and owned by Julie Maas.

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TICA QUADRUPLE GCA LAZIBLUES ROBYN British Blue Longhair Alter. Bred by Zina Lemish – Owned by Lise and Bob Clark Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

FACTFILE Call name: ‘ROBYN’ Breed: British (Longhair) Colour/Pattern: Blue Date of Birth: May 23rd, 2007 Sire: Ch. Matvej Blue Dream of Laziblue (British SH) Dam: Laziblues Mighty Aphrodite (British SH) Breeder: Zina (Avrutova) Lemish Owners: Lise and Bob Clark Notable Awards and Achievements: TICA Quadruple Grand Champion Alter, 2010 Mid-Atlantic Region Best British Longhair Alter, 2010

TICA QUADRUPLE GC LAZIBLUES ROBYN It was 2006 and Bob and Lise Clark were at a crossroads. For years they had been avid cat show spectators, traveling to as many as a dozen TICA and CFA shows per year.

So, there they were at the crossroads.

Should they let in another moggy, which were plentiful on the farm, or should they take the plunge into pedigreed cats.

They had been unable to show however, due to a central feline figure in their family, Calvin. Calvin was born in one of the barns on the Clark’s farm, and from kittenhood he was highly opinionated. At a very young age, he decided he was moving into their house and there was nothing to be done about it; he moved in.

The decision was made, they would start with two; an American Bobtail named Beloved Bobtails Chepi, and a British Shorthair. But even then, things didn’t turn out as anticipated.

This was a very fortunate move on his part, as this little moggy turned out to be a haemophiliac.

During his long and eventful life, the Clarks managed Calvin’s haemophilia while satisfying their cat show appetites as spectators-only. Especially in his later years, Calvin’s condition made it necessary for him to be an only cat.

One sad day, at seventeen and a half years, Calvin succumbed to his condition.

While awaiting a British Shorthair kitten, events conspired in a way that resulted instead, in the arrival of a British Longhair kitten. At this point, the Clarks had never even seen such a cat.

Neither CFA nor TICA accepted this breed.

Yet there he was, a beautiful blue longhair male, born in May of 2007 at Zina (Avrutova) Lemesh’s Laziblues Cattery, the child of British Shorthair parents, sire: CH Matvej Blue Dream of Laziblue and Dam: Laziblue Mighty Aphrodite.

‘Robyn’ was bushy, blue and decidedly longhair despite having no Longhairs in his pedigree as far back as it was recorded.

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

‘Robyn’ in a nonchalant grand pose for his favourite photography duo.

Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography.

He and his American Bobtail companion, Chepi, soon became fast friends and Robyn was ready to show in no time.

But how to accomplish this in a world where the registries didn’t accept his variety?

Robyn made his debut in the CFA Household Pet (HHP) class and did quite well. But he really hit his stride in 2009 when TICA wisely moved British Longhair cats into Champion status.

In that first year of acceptance, this gorgeous longhair became TICA’s Quadruple Grand Champion Laziblues Robyn, and Mid-Atlantic Region’s Best British Longhair Alter.

It was an exciting season of introducing many in the cat world to this long-existing but only recently accepted breed. And what a truly stunning example he made.

As is common to Brits of either coat length, Robyn is an absolute joy to live with.

Always quiet except when he was not, he would move room-to-room as stealthy as an MI-5 agent, then suddenly burst out running, chirping and banging his feet for no apparent reason.

He would chase thrown toys with reckless abandon and then continue past the toy when its movement stopped, for the sheer joy of running.

His delight in eating always led to his finishing his meal before his friend Chepi was halfway through hers, but with proper British etiquette, he would quietly wait for her to finish before cleaning her bowl of what she had left behind.

For some, cats are a hobby. For others, they are are family

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

TICA QUADRUPLE GRAND CHAMPION LAZIBLUES ROBYN – in his ‘I’m titled’ shot.

Photo: Helmi Flick Cat Photography

All content © 2022 Felis Historica, The Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc.

‘Oh, come on Dad! How about a tune?” – Robyn waits patiently in the Mandolin case.

Photo: Lise and Bob Clark.

are family members. There is no doubt that Bob and Lise’s cats are members of their family, to the point that Bob and Robyn actually share a hobby.

has slightly diminished as his hearing has waned with age, it continues to be one of Bob’s favourite memories of his life with this beautiful British longhair.

Bob is an enthusiastic mandolinist, playing in the Rob Roy duo, and in the Philadelphia Mandolin Ensemble.

At nearly 15, Robyn is now in his senior years.

Robyn shares this hobby as Bob’s biggest fan.

When the mandolin comes out, Robyn comes running to sit and listen, perhaps even from the comfort of a mandolin case.

He still enjoys his meals, but most of his time is spent dozing on the porch in the sun, or in a cardboard box, or on a soft chair. He doesn’t run around so much anymore. But he still loves his human companions, he is still quick to let forth his basso profundo purr, and he shows in many little ways just how happy he is.

While it’s possible that Robyn’s attentiveness has diminished slighdiminished as his hearing has waned with age, it continues to be one ofAllBob’s favorite memories of his life content © 2022 Felis Historica, Thewith Harrison Weir Collection & The CFA Foundation, Inc. this beautiful British longhair.

‘ROBYN’ – enjoying a blissful moment listening to Papa Bob playing the Mandolin!

Photo: Lise and Bob Clark.

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