Using various online archives and my own files, I thought it would be interesting to flesh out some of the prominent early cat fanciers on both sides of the Atlantic, most of whom were "society" people. In doing so, I also found tales of scandal and financial ruin that beset the British aristocracy, as well as accounts of upstanding families involved in their community.

MRS LOUISA HERRING

Louisa Herring, was a prominent breeder and exhibitor who owned and bred Blue, Red and Silver (Chinchilla), Siamese, Russian Blues, British Shorthairs, Abyssinians, and Manx and her Persians and British Shorthairs were frequent prize-winners. Mrs. Herring’s cattery was Lestock House, Lee, Kent. At some of the larger shows she exhibited 25 to 30 cats and these arrived with Mrs Herring in a large omnibus or van. Her cattery sometimes housed as many as 40 cats, but in the late 1890s she had to reduce her stock due to complaints from her neighbours. This meant removing some excellent, well-arranged cat-houses that encroached on a neighbouring garden wall. Mrs Herring personally supervised her cattery rather than leaving it in the hands of staff.

She sometimes entered almost 30 cats at the Crystal Palace Show, and was a prolific winner at other regional shows. She also got a lot of publicity in her local papers whenever she won, for exmple this from the Kentish Mercury, 23rd November 1888: "Mrs. Louisa Herring, of Leystock [sic] house, Leyland-road, Lee, got three prizes at the Brighton Cat Show, and two second, one third, and special prizes at the Maidstone Rabbit and Cat Show last week."

She was related by marriage to Harrison Weir. Both she and Weir had married into the Herring family. Louisa married Charles, a younger son of John Frederick Herring Snr (a noted animal painter), while Weir’s first wife was Ann Herring, John’s eldest daughter. When she was widowed her dogs and cats were her companions and a source of social life in the cat fancy. She was also a committee member of The National Cat Club (founded 1887)

Mrs. Herring’s house is full of trophies, cups, medals, and special prizes won by her cats; and no wonder ! Such care and attention was never expended upon dumb animals as Mrs. Herring lavishes upon her pets. Her fame has even spread as far as Turkey, and the Sultan has purchased direct a beautiful brown tiger tabby, with which he has expressed the greatest pleasure, and declares that he admires it greatly. Mrs. Herring is on the committee of the National Cat Club, and is, I believe, a relation of Mr. Harrison Weir. She tells me that none of her cats leave home for any show unless she accompanies them. Such is Mrs. Herring’s devotion, and it finds ample reciprocation in the love of her pets.

IN PUSSY’S PARADISE. The Sketch, September 18th, 1895

A short journey by train from Cannon Street, on a glorious August day, through the unlovely approaches to our far-reaching Metropolis, where the uniform ugliness was partially hidden from sight by thousands of gorgeous sunflowers blooming with lavish luxuriance in many of the poorest-looking suburban gardens, and I found myself on Lee railway station, from whence a short walk through the grounds of a flourishing nursery, and along a road bordered on either side by a row of mountain-ash trees in all their autumn bravery of scarlet berries, brought me to the gates of Lestock House, and the kindly welcome of its charming mistress. “We will first have lunch,” she said, after we had exchanged greetings, “and then I will show you all my pets.”

Mrs. Herring's beautiful animals have long been known to me from the show-benches, but until this day I had no idea how complete in everything conducing to their comfort, pleasure, and general well-being their home life has been made by their devoted mistress. On an emerald lawn some splendid full-grown cats lay basking in the sun, while the lovely fluffy kittens amused themselves tumbling one another over with all the natural grace and true poetry of motion inherent to most young animals.

There was the beautiful blue champion Jimmy, and the graceful Chinchilla Irene; the stately English tabbies, Sir Peter Teazle and Tommy Dodd; the magnificent orange King Harry, and an exquisite pure-blue kitten with topaz eyes, the offspring of Queen Nita and Blue Jack, with many others, most of them the winners of numberless firsts, specials, team, brace, and challenge prizes.

Along a wall which encloses the end of the lawn, and half hidden by a shrubbery, are the pens for the day accommodation of the Toms, their night-houses being in a different part of the grounds. One of these pens was occupied by a graceful pair of ladies, Cora, a splendid Russian cat, and Queen Indiana, a snow-white beauty with turquoise-blue eyes.

After inspecting these, Mrs. Herring took me to the ladies’ quarters and the nurseries. Here I saw again the splendid Siamese cat Queen Rhea, who was the admired of all admirers at Cruft’s Cat Show in the Royal Aquarium in March of this year. She is a stately and regal dame, and the proud mother of some handsome kittens, who have inherited her fine, close, creamy-white fur, chocolate-brown ears and muzzle, and brilliant blue eyes. Their sire is a cat imported from Singapore. Here, also, was the Cheetah cat Lady Agnes, a breed from India which bears a close resemblance to the Russian. Many of these their mistress will not sell at any price, one or two at fifty guineas, but some deightful kittens she will part with, to a good home, for much smaller sums.

Mrs. Herring’s pretty rooms, with their wealth of old china and valuable pictures, contain many trophies in the way of silver cups and vases of the victorious competitions of her cats, as well as many rare books, including a volume of Ally Sloper, won by a cat of the same name, and having the most unique autograph of the donor on its first page.

“These are my medals,” said Mrs. Herring, unlocking the box which her dear dead retriever Carlo used to bear suspended round his neck when on many Hospital Saturdays he collected at Charing Cross for the London hospitals. What a display it was. There were gold, silver, and bronze medals and pendants, those of the National Cat Club bearing a special design by Harrison Weir; Crystal Palace medals, Brighton Aquarium, Canterbury, Clifton, Tunbridge Wells, the Animals’ Institute in Kinterton Street, Knightsbridge — from all these shows there were these testimonies to the perfections of Mrs. Herring's cats.

“Have you shown cats many years?” I asked my genial hostess.

“In 1877 I first exhibited Chin, a lovely silver-grey Chinchilla, and was so successful that at the next cat show I sent a pair, and since then I have gone on increasing until now I have about fifty cats and kittens here. It is not all pleasure,” she went on. “Last winter, and during the cruel spring which followed it, I lost some fine cats and lovely kittens. These also are some of my dead pets,” pointing to some fine skins mounted full-size and tiger-fashion. “This was Dick, who won the Crystal Palace gold medal in 1891; this Lady Minnie; and here is the skin of my Siamese cat Prince Chang.”

Mrs. Herring’s cats are well known for deeds of charity, as their kind-hearted mistress has several times exhibited them and allowed them to collect for different institutions. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is one of many which have benefited by their mute appeals. Full of admiration as I was for these beautiful felines, and at their mistress’s arrangements for their comfort, I had plenty left for her even still more fascinating pack of tiny King Charles Spaniels, who are the perfection of breeding and good manners. Two of these, Duke of Buckingham and Princess Voska, were exhibited at the Ladies’ Kennel Association Show at Ranelagh in June last, and were greatly and justly admired. It was indeed a pretty sight to see eight or ten of these beauties disporting themselves on the lawn. Some are included in the photo reproduced of Mrs. Herring and her pets. Prince Lestock is at her feet, El Dorado and Princess Voska in her lap, Duke of Buckingham on the table beside her, while the cats, Lady Snow, Queen Irene, Braemore, and others, make up the “happy family.” Besides these, there is the Duchess of Teck — a very merry duchess indeed, and as sweet as she is beautiful — and others, not to mention some lovely puppies which are for sale. I longed to be a millionaire, to take away as many of the crowd with me as their mistress would part with.

Mrs. Herring, though a most evident object of adoration to her dogs, confesses that her cats are nearer her heart, and asserts positively that, if properly treated, they are the equals of dogs in intelligence and affection.

After a prolonged and most enjoyable visit, I reluctantly tore myself away from “Pussy’s Paradise,” bearing with me a pen-and-ink drawing by Miss Rosa Bebb, of Ridgeway Park Road, Bristol — some of whose water-colours adorn the walls — as well as several photographs which Mrs. Herring had kindly lent for reproduction. -L.S.

A SINGULAR CASE. - Sussex Agricultural Express, 14th October 1890
At the County Court (Petworth) on Thursday, before his Honor Judge Martineau, Mr. G. H. Nutt, of Pulborough, sued Mr. Charles Herring and Louisa Herring, his wife, to recover £49 19s 11d, the value of certain cats, stud fees, and prizes gained by the cats in question. Mr. Mant appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Stephen Lynch, instructed by Messrs. Burgoyne, Watts, and Co., of 81, Wood-street, Cheapside, appeared for the defendants. Mr. Mant, in his opening remarks, said that the action was brought to recover the sum mentioned, the estimated value of Roguery [actually called "Roguey"] and Bogey (laughter), two cats, some kittens, the stud fees, and prizes won. On the 24th April, 1889, a cat show was held at Pulborough, when Roguery, who is a “blue” cat, was shown. His Honour: Well. I have heard of a good many things, but never heard of a "blue" cat before (laughter)

Mr. Mant – Roguery was the property of a Mrs. Rowell, of Pool-valley, Brighton, and was bought at the show by Mr. Nutt, the plaintiff. This cat, with “Bogey” and another cat, named “Minnie Loo” (laughter) were taken away by Mrs. Herring for the purpose of being shown, the arrangement being that the cats should returned with fees, and any prizes that had been won with deduction for keep; Roguery had gained various prizes, and Mr. Nutt wrote for a statement of the prizes won and stud fees, but never had any statement whatever. In August he wrote and said that if the blue cat Roguery and a statement were not returned in three days proceedings would be taken to recover. This letter was replied to by the son of defendant, who expressed surprise at what he termed Mr. Nutt’s ungentlemanly conduct, alleging that Mrs. Herring had purchased the cat; also that Minnie Loo had been a considerable expense owing to her bad state of health when she had kittened.

Mr. Nutt was called, and said that he bought the cat Roguery for £2 10s., Bogey for £1 10s., and Bogey’s kittens for £1 10s. at the Puborough Show, cheques for which wore produced. By friendly arrangement, Mrs. Herring was take the cats to London, have the care of them, show them, and sell them if possible, and all prizes were to come to him, and if they could not be sold the cats were to be returned.

By Mr. Lynch: Mrs. Herring was an exhibitor at the show, and won prizes to the value of £210 and a silver medal valued at 10s 6d. He ran the show and was the secretary. He had not particularly taken any notice of the remarks made in the Stock Keeper with regard to this show nor had he seen that Roguery had been advertised for stud purposes. Mrs. Herring had written for accounts, but he had not sent the money as she had his property in hand.

Several letters were then read. Mrs. Herring said that at her instigation Mr. Nutt telegraphed Mrs. Rowell that she (Mrs. Herring) had purchased the cats and had taken them. Mr. Nutt paid, but she had won prizes and other things nearly covering the amount, and frequently wrote to say that, if Mr. Nutt would send her the account she would send balance if any. Mr. Nutt had said that Bogey had been sent back, but she still retained the cat Roguery [the report said Bogey, but he had been sent back]. Minnie Loo had been sent back, she having been kept to mate with Roguery.

Mr. Lynch addressed his Honour, who characterised the case as one the most singular that had ever come before him. He was of the opinion that the defendant was the owner. Plaintiff was entitled to the balance due on the purchase money, and he would dismiss the action with costs. Counsel applied for costs in the action against the husband, which was allowed.

MRS. HERRING – NATIONAL CAT SHOW. Derby Daily Telegraph, 21st October 1891
At the Crystal Palace yesterday there were cats galore, over 600 specimens of the tribe having turned up to grace the National Cat Show. Everybody has his or her failing, and I suppose cat fancying is one of them. But the cat, as seen in its perfect state of domesticity, is undoubtedly a lovely animal. The beautiful silver tabby, "Jemmy," which yesterday was grinning and bearing its enforced confinement rather uncomfortably, looks a sweet enough argument to confirm an old maid in her vows of celibacy. It deservedly took the gold medal and a host of other prizes, and its owner, Mrs. Herring, was warmly complimented on its career of triumph during a short life of 17 months. There were many other cats, long-haired, shorthaired, and of every hue that the rainbow can boast. But as Mrs. Herring's "Jemmy" eclipses all the other exhibits, so does that lady excel the other competitors in the value and variety of her 17 entries. She lives at Lee, Kent, and her cat-fancying must be extensive to allow her to maintain the national reputation she has already won.

MRS. HERRING – NATIONAL CAT SHOW. Kentish Mercury, 23rd October 1891
It will be seen by our report of the Cat Show held this week at the Crystal Palace that Mrs. Louisa Herring, of Leystock House, Lee with whose name our readers are familiar as the owner of the late lamented dog Carlo, whose philanthropic efforts on behalf of the Saturday Hospital Fond, we have often chronicled - has carried, with a phalanx of seventeen remarkable cats, all competition before her at the Exhibition, to which candidates for honours were brought from all parts of the United Kingdom. Mrs. Herring has won a gold medal, a silver medal, fruit spoons and sifter, four first prizes, four second, and one third, as well as several minor prizes. Mrs. Herring writes as follows:- “Will you kindly mention my cats are still gathering for the hospital box, and will gladly welcome visitors any afternoon by appointment if a contribution is placed in the hospital box, of course only silver or gold from those so disposed.“ We cannot doubt this kind-hearted invitation will be very widely accepted. The address is Leystock House, Leyland-road, Lee.

PROFITABLE ANIMALS. Belfast News-Letter, 1st September 1894
Another enthusiast in matters feline is Mrs. Herring, who has quite a little zoo, attached to her house in Kent. Parallel with the residence runs the cattery, containing ?well-arranged pens of match-board and wires irreproachably clean and comfortable.

“Not my ideal cattery," ' said Mrs. Herring. “A large field with several houses, so that the animals can be shifted from, one to the other, is what I should like. Here you see some of my prize-winners. That black, short-haired Malay cat is the famous Lady Curly Tail. The black smoke cat near her is The Countess, sister to Candace, the Crystal Palace medal-winner last year, when The Countess was highly commended. The blue Persian over there won the challenge vase and medal, and this pretty little cat, Lady Jap, hails from Chrysanthemum Land. You see, I give the ladies their freedom; the gentlemen are kept in a separate cattery behind the rockery."

Mrs. Herring seems to regard thirty cats as a very moderate number to have, and she advises us to keep only a few if we would make a profit. Then followed a dissertation on tile various species of cats, which include, among the short-haired tortoiseshell tabbies, whites, blacks, greys, and creams. Long-haired cats are the Persian, Angora, Indian, French, Russian and Chinese. Other varieties are Siamese, Abyssinian, Malay, Japanese, and Manx cats. Some of these breeds are sub-divided according to colour, especially Persian. The article continues:-

"I must show my lovely Siamese Queen Rhea, such a sweet and gentle creature, except when she has kittens, and then woe betide any cat that comas near her." Rolled in flannel, Rhea's kittens were brought down, mewing loudly with indignation, pretty little cream-coloured creatures with chocolate ears and muzzles. Then Mrs. Herring's pet Persian, The Countess, was hurried out of the room before Rhea made her appearance in the arms of her proud mistress. "'Of course, you have heard of the great imported Tiam. Queen Rhea is his daughter, the best Siamese female at Crufts show. Look at her beautiful blue eyes. Those kittens are worth six guineas each, so do you wonder I give them and their mother a room at the top of the house instead of a pen in the cattery?"

The cat seems to be heir to as many ill as man, but cold is one of his greatest enemies - barring the fox-terrier, of course-. Pussy's lovers may be glad to know that the best treatment for cold is a drop of camphor daily in half a teaspoonful of water. For bronchitis, Mrs. Herring prescribes, with delightful feminine vagueness, a. drop of aconite three times a day. I fear that aconite taken by the drop could cure feline colds almost as effectually as a fox-terrier. [she meant the herbal aconitum remedy] - " Tyro" in the "Sun."

LADIES’ COLUMN. A FAMOUS CAT FANCIER. Dundee Evening Telegraph, 29th October 1896

(From Woman’s Life) Since Mr Louis Wain, Mr Harrison Weir, Madame Henriette Ronner have enthusiastically championed the cause of the domestic cat, this once despised and much neglected animal has quite been restored to favour. The name of Mrs Herring is familiar to all frequenters of the famous cat shows held in the metropolis and other parts of the country, and a short while ago I spent a delightful afternoon with her at her pretty home at Lee. Lestocke House is not very far distant from Lee Station, and, from the road, gives an idea of the valuable feline treasures which it shelters. Mrs Herring, a remarkably attractive and genial woman, gave me a warm welcome, and, alter a rest and a refreshing cup of tea, she is good enough to tell something of her career as a cat fancier.

“I have always been devoted the dear beasts from childhood, and I believe I have understood them, too.”
“When did you first show your pets?”

“In 1879, when I took a short haired silver chinchilla and won the Cat Club bronze medal. You may think how delighted I was at this first success. Since then I and my pussies have become somewhat surfeited of cups, medals, and prizes all descriptions. Just look here,” and my hostess proceeded to show me a most brilliant array of trophies typifying the merits of Mrs Herring’s proteges. “And these are not all, for some of the silver articles are in use, and many of the best medals are framed. I always go with my pets when they are to be son show. I know then that they are properly looked after and have the food they are accustomed to at home ; besides, I think they are happier feeling I am with them."

Just then a wheezy sound emerged from a round basket which lay close to a small fire burning in the grate. “That’s my poor little patient,” says Mrs Herring, rising and going over the basket. “She is very ill with bronchitis; indeed, I afraid l am going to lose her. I sat with her for two whole nights - my cattery maid and I.”

I went to look at the object of all this tender solicitude, and found a beautiful chinchilla curled round in the cosy flannel-lined home. “ What would be the value cat like that?'’ I asked.

“About 80 guineas, but I have some, which I will show you presently, which are worth a hundred or more."
“Do you sell any of your cats, Mrs Herring?*
“No, I only sell the kittens. I never part with any of my prize ones ; at least only on very rare occasions. I once sold a beauty to the Sultan of Turkey ; he was, I believe, delighted with it. Now if you like will outside and see all my pets."

I announced myself as more than ready, and with a final cosseting of her poor sick chinchilla, Mrs. Herring led the way into the garden and the “Cattery." This runs along one side of the house, the space between it and the garden wall being enclosed and subdivided ; each of these separate compartments being warmed and lighted by gas, and having a proper system of ventilation. The cages are arranged along either side, and both these and the sleeping apartments were scrupulously clean and fitted with wire-netted doors. Outside, beyond a fountain and rockery, there are more houses with open wire runs for summer, and there are mating houses, and some isolated establishments for any more than usually obstreperous felines, such as “Queen Rhea” – a Siamese belle, whose transmigration from the Far East had not led to her assuming a more angelic frame mind. Mrs Herring laughs heartily over the narration of some of this pug-like cat's capers.

“Who attends to them and keeps the place clean?” I ask.
“Oh, I have a ‘cattery-maid,’ and she is devoted to them. I had rather a difficulty in getting girl to do it."
I express my extreme surprise at the post ever being satisfactorily filled, for it seems to me the maid must require no little amount nerve to move about amongst these beautiful animals, and perform the necessary daily cleaning of their houses.

They all looked pleased to see their kind mistress, and there is a general mewing and rushing to the doors to obtain a caress. One large tabby jumps on to her back, a blue-black kitten curls itself up on her shoulder, and an impish little animal, named Lady Curley Tail, scrambles up her dress.

“Are they very delicate, these thoroughbreds?"
“Very, they require the utmost care ; you see many of them are from warm countries. These two are Malay cats, and that plump, short-haired one, Lady Agnes, is a native of India, Pippin is Parisian, and Lady Maria a subject of the Shah's."
“All your cuts, then are aristocrats?"
“Yes, or, least, with very few exceptions. This matronly party here, who acts as foster-mother to all kittens, has, I believe, known the London streets, but she is a nice cat for all that."
“A woman with a past," I murmur, as we move along to the gentlemen’s quarters, where I am introduced to many feline celebrities.
“This is Jim,” says Mrs Herring, stopping before a lovely silver tabby, “who has made many friends in public; and here is Snip, who has taken over fifty prizes.”
“Snip'’ is a monster, with dark spots on his coat. There are orange cats, long-haired and short-haired ones, Angoras, Persians, smooth skinned and curly coated; in fact, every variety from Orient to Occident. All of them prize ones, most of them unique specimens. Yet Mrs Herring knows the points of each, their special needs, and their idiosyncracies.

All over the house there are pictures of cats, photographs, oil paintings, and in some corners stuffed images of past favourites. Indeed, Lestocke House is almost as full of pictures as of cats, for Mrs Herring relative is a relative of the famous artist of that name. He seems, like his charming wife, quite wrapped up in the animals, and shares with her the pleasant duties of cicerone to their many treasures, both artistic and feline.

THE HERRING FAMILY

Louisa married into a very interesting and artistic family. Her husband, Charles (1825-1908), was a nephew of the famous racehorse painter, John Frederick Herring Sr, born 1795. John was the son of Benjamin Herring (an American of Dutch ancestry) and Sarah Jemima Howard. At the age of 19, John married Ann Harris and they had sons John Frederick Jr, Charles (died unmarried age 28) and Benjamin. One of his daughters, Ann, married Harrison Weir.

John Frederick Sr had a brother Charles (I'll refer to him as Charles Sr) who married Emma Gale and they had Charles Jr in 1825. Charles Jr married Louisa Hughes (b 1835, Highbury Park, Middx) at Camberwell in 1851 and they had three children: Leonard (1855), Annette Constance (1860), Helen Gertrude (1867). This means Louisa Herring was not sister-in-law to Harrison Weir as stated on some sites, but they were cousins-by-marriage.

The following court case relates to a female blue Persian lost when sent to a stud cat and appears to be linked to the Herring family.

CAT FANCIERS IN COURT. Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, 24th March 1900
SALFORD COUNTY COURT, before Deputy Judge Brierley. A case interesting to cat fanciers in particular was heard, in which the plaintiff was Mr. W. J. Herring, of Mauldeth-road, Withington, who claimed £7 10s., the value of a Persian cat, which had been entrusted to the care of Mrs. Ellen Bluhm, of Lyndhurst, Higher Broughton.—Mr. Cunningham appeared for the defendant. The hearing of the case occasioned a good deal of amusement. —Mr. Herring, who conducted his own case, said that his cat was a blue female Persian cat; it was named "Nona," and was very valuable. The defendant was a well-known fancier, and possessed a male cat named "Nanki Poo." Arrangements have been made, and it was decided that his (plaintiff's) cat should be entrusted to the care of the defendant. The cat was duly despatched, and on the night of arrival at its destination, according to what Mr. Bluhm told him, he went to the pen and placed in an extra cushion for the cat. He neglected to close the door, however, and "Nona" made good its escape. The following morning it was seen on a wall near the house in question. (Loud laughter.) The cat was lost, and he could not, therefore, produce it. He could, however, submit portraits very much like the cat and her sister. They had been described as "of charming shape, with beautiful head and nice expression." (Loud laughter.) He contended that the defendant had been negligent.

Cross-examined by Mr. Cunningham: Didn't you tell Mr. Bluhm that it was in the habit of sleeping in at night?—l daresay I did.—And sleeping on a cushion? (Laughter.)— Witness: I may have done, but I thought it was an extraordinary thing at midnight.—Had the cat a reputation for being active?—l don't know.—Not within the family circle?—It had the same reputation I suppose that other cats have. (Laughter).—It had performed a remarkable jumping feat, had it not? No; nothing very remarkable. The cat was "pure blue," with a grand pedigree. It had not taken a prize, but it was exhibited when a kitten at the Crystal Palace. The plaintiff said that the prices of cats differed, and from £20 to £100 were often paid for them. —Mrs. Herring was called to give corroborative evidence.—The Deputy Judge: How old was the cat?— Three years last August.—Mrs. Copeland, a well-known cat fancier, spoke as to the value of "Nona," and, after other evidence had been given, Mr. Cunningham submitted that there had been negligence. His client on the night in question went to put a cushion in pen when the cat jumped over his shoulder and escaped. A window in the roof was broken, and the cat evidently was in a state of wild excitement. (Laughter.)— The Deputy Judge considered there had been negligence, and gave judgment for the plaintiff for £5.