REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS - 1891

THE DALKEITH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL SHOW. The Scotsman, 6th June 1891
The Dalkeith Agricultural Society’s Annual Show of Horses, Cattle, Sheep, and Swine will be held in Elmfield Park, Newmills Road, on Saturday, 27th June 1891. [. . .] Grand Opend Dog and Cat Show under the auspices of the Society. 33 Dog and 4 Cat classes. Judge – George Raper, Esq., Sheffield. Schedules and all information form Mr. John Watson, 49 high Street, Dalkeith, with whom entries close 20th June.

DALKEITH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY ANNUAL SHOW Dalkeith Advertiser, 2nd July 1891
The annual show of the Dalkeith Agricultural Society was held in Elmfield Park last Saturday, and , as on previous occasions, was most successful.
Male or Female Cat, Long Haired – 1, Peter Inglis, Thorniebank, Dalkeith; 2, Mrs Robert Clark, sen., Grand Hotel, 342 Leith Walk; 3, Herbert W. H. Warner, 2 Violet terrace, Slateford Road, Edinburgh.
Male or Female Cat, Short Haired – 1, William Boag, Buccleuch Street, Dalkeith; 2, William Dawson, Thorniebank House, Dalkeith.
Gelding, Long or Short Haired – 1 and Special, Mrs Williamson, Eschiel House, Dalkeith; 2 an special, Miss Kate Inglis, Thorniebank Dalkeith; 3, Robert Anderson, 157 High Street, Dalkeith.
Single Kitten, under 6 months – 1, A. Drummond, 8 King’s Stables Road, Edinburgh; 2 and 3, Viscount Melville, Melville Castle.

THE DUNDEE DOG AND CAT SHOW. Dundee Evening Telegraph, 21st August 1891
The fourth exhibition of sporting and other dogs, under the auspices the Angus and Mearns Canine Club, and held under Kennel Club rules, was opened in the Drill Hall, Dundee, to-day. The weather in the morning was dull, and about eleven o'clock a thunder storm passed over the city, which caused the judges, who were performing their duties in the square in front the hall, to retire to the hall to judge the dogs.

THE DUNDEE DOG AND CAT SHOW. Dundee Evening Telegraph, 21st August 1891
Mrs. John Anderson, the judge of the cats, is little known outside of her own particular fancy. Her husband, John Anderson, is one the oldest fanciers in Scotland, and was a frequent exhibitor the large shows in England many years ago. His knowledge of cats is very extensive, in fact he has the reputation of being the best judge in Scotland. Mrs Anderson has acted as judge at some small shows, and the opinion those well qualified to judge is that with little more experience she would equal her husband as a judge of felines. Mrs Anderson keeps always a few prize cats.

THE DUNDEE DOG AND CAT SHOW. Dundee Courier – 21st August and 22nd August 1891
The fourth annual exhibition of dogs and cats promoted by the Angus and Mearns Canine Club is to be opened in the Drill Hall, Dundee, to-day. This year's show promises to be not only the 'largest, but the best ever held the annals of this young but vigorous and flourishing society. The entries this year number 562, compared with 541 in 1890. [. . .] The entries of cats number in all 39, and many beautiful and tabbies, some of them all the way from England, are shown.

Cats were a good show. There were six entries in the class for long-haired toms, but two of them were disqualified on account of their being geldings. The first prize was won by Mr J. H. Bell's "Pluto," a young cat with a beautiful black coat, and fine bushy tail. In the long-haired tabby class some very nice specimens were caged. The first ticket was awarded to Mr William Mathers' "Tibbie," a very large and beautiful silver grey with a lovely coat and tail. No awards were given for short-haired toms, as there were only two entries, and one of these was disqualified, while the other was of no special merit. There were five entries for the short-haired tabbies, all of which were very good, the first prize being awarded to a beautiful dun-coloured cat belonging to Miss Nellie Noble. Long-haired kittens were an excellent lot, the first and second prizes being awarded to two beauties, the property of Mr J. B. Macdonald, Dundee. The first ticket in the short-haired kitten class was secured by Mr David L. Ford with a litter of five, four white and one black ; while the second went to a lively tabby. There were seven entries for long and short-haired geldings, and the first prize was taken by a beautiful pure-white cat.

THE CAT SHOW. English Lakes Visitor, 5th September 1891
The time for entries for this show has been extended so as to include today (Saturday). It was felt that being a new departure (so far as Keswick is concerned) and from the fact that the scheme was launched rather late, there might be a number of possible exhibitors who had not had the opportunity to enter their pets. There has been a gratifying entry of long-haired cats, some of which are important prize winners, but so far as the shorthaired classes are but sparsely represented. It should be known that the latter classes are mainly for the ordinary domestic cat, so that any person who has a fine specimen need not hesitate to make an entry. Mr. Townsend, hon. sec. of the National Cat Club, will be the judge, and as he will maintain a supervision of the animals, exhibitors may rest assured that their cats will receive every attention in the matter of food and comfort.

CAT SHOW AT KESWICK. Carlisle Express and Examiner, 12th September 1891
Stimulated by the presence in Keswick of Mr. J. W. Townsend, hon. sec. of the National Cat Club, several gentlemen organised a cat show, which was held on Thursday in the Fitz Park. Mr. Townsend acted as judge and Mr. J. C. Scott. Keswick, as hon. secretary and treasurer. There was a good entry from all parts of the country. The first prize for short-haired males went to Darlington, the second being taken by Mr. J. H. Wilson, Keswick. Mrs. Bownes, Keswick, won the first prize for shorthaired females. In the long-haired classes all the prizes were taken by animals from a distance. In another short-haired class, Mr. James Campbell, Cockermouth Industrial School, took first honours; and the first in the corresponding long-haired class was won by Dr. Crawford, Keswick, with an animal which took the silver medal for the best cat in the show. The prizes for long and short-haired kittens were all taken by distant exhibitors, with the exception of a second awarded to Mrs. Murray, Forge, Keswick. Altogether there were 53 entries.

KESWICK AGRICULTURAL SHOW [AND CAT SHOW] English Lakes Visitor, 12th September 1891; Penrith Observer, 15th September 1891
The annual show of the Keswick and District Agricultural Society was held in Fitz Park on Monday . . . The Cat Show was held in a pavilion and Mr. J. W. Townsend officiated as judge. His awards were as follow:
Class 1 (Short-haired males). - 1 and special prize of 10s. 6d., (given by Mr. J. W. Townsend, hon. sec., National Cat Club), Mr Jno. Hardy, 37, Oxford-street, Darlington; 2, Mr J.H. Wilson, 97, Main-street, Keswick; c, Mrs Jos. Birkett, Market-square, Keswick. Five entries.
Class 2 (Short-haired Females). – 1, Mrs Sarah Bowness, 86, Main-street, Keswick; 2, Mrs Welsby, 55, Hampton-road, Southport; c, Miss Emily Southam, Highlands, Birkdale, Lancashire. Seven entries.
Class 3 (Long-haired Males). – 1, Mr H.W.H. Warner, 2, Violet-terrace, Slateford-road, Edinburgh; 2, Miss Emily Southam, Birkdale; c, Mrs J.H.B. Warner, Kepwick Park, Northallerton, Yorkshire. Eight entries.
Class 4 (Long-haired Females). – 1, Mrs Dykes, Overdale, Sandway, Northwich, Cheshire; 2, Mrs Kinchant, North Gate, Warwick; c, Mr Ernest Parsons, jun., Ashurst Place, Langton, Tunbridge Wells.
Class 5 (Short-haired Geldings). – 1, Mr Jas. Campbell, Industrial School, Cockermouth. One entry.
Class 6 (Long-haired Geldings). – 1 and silver medal given by Miss Southam, Birkdale; bronze medal given by the National Cat Club; and special prize of 10s. 6d., given by Mr J.W. Townsend – Dr Crawford, Keswick; 2, Mr Thos. Paulin, The Beeches, Keswick; c, Mrs Wheatley, Grapes Hotel, Penrith. Three entries.
Class 7 (Short-haired Kittens) – 1, Mrs Welsby, 55, Hampton-road, Southport; 2, Mrs Murray, Forge, Keswick; c, Mr Jon. Postlethwaite, Broomlands, Lorton, Cockermouth. Six entries.
Class 8 (Long-haired Kittens). – 1, Mr Wm. Goodall, Brinkburn, Darlington; 2, Mrs Dyke, Overdale, Sandway, Northwich; Extra 2nd prize – Miss Emily Southam, Birkdale; c, Miss Emily Southam, Birkdale. Fifteen entries.

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW Morning Post, 16th September 1891
The Twenty- Third National Cat Show, Tuesday and Wednesday, October 20 and 21 Sixteen special prizes, including the National Cat. Club's Gold Medal (open), nine silver medals, challenge cups, silver plate, etc. Entries close October 7. Schedules now ready. Sent post free on application to the Manager, Crystal Palace, S.E.

1891 was a good year for cat shows, with at least forty shows - from Canterbury in the east to Penzance in the west, from Brighton in the south to Ayr, Dundee and Dalkeith in the north. Croydon had a show in 1891 as did more obscure places such as Downend, Dalmellington and Eggleston, but as usual, the outstanding show of the year was the National held at the Crystal Palace. This attracted over 400 exhibitors and almost 600 cats, although two longhairs called "Sandy" and "Tiger" arrived too late for judging. In the Shorthair section, the class for "Tortoiseshell and Tortoiseshell-and-White Males" had only one entry - Mr. Johnson's "Tommy", but judge George Billett decided that Tommy was not worth a first prize (for those who can't work it out, cats are judged against a breed standard and not against each other). There were eighteen cats in the "Tortoiseshell and Tortoiseshell -and-White Females" classes. There were three classes for tabbies. Mrs Herring's Silver Tabby Shorthair, Jimmy (or "Jemmy" for those in the northern counties!), continued his successful show career with another First. In 1890 he had won his class and won the gold medal for the Best Cat in Show at Brighton.

There were only six entries in the Siamese class and the first prize was won by Mrs Lee's Meo, who had already won a National Cat Club gold medal. Mrs Wellman's White Shorthair was another cat that continued an already illustrious show career. Minnie had her first win at the Crystal Palace in 1884 and had won again in 1885. She got Seconds and Thirds between 1886 and 1888, then got Firsts in 1889 until her last appearance on the show-bench in 1892 after which she retired. As with most cats, the catalogue had a claiming (sale) price - if the breeder didn't really want to sell the cat, this was set very high. Minnie's claiming prize was £10 - a very large amount at the time.

The Longhair entries in 1891 were much more numerous at the shows than Shorthairs. There were two good classes for White Longhairs, attracting 12 cats, though only "Prince Rupert" had blue eyes and he only achieves Commended. Later, orange eyes and odd eyes would be penalised in Whites. Thirty-one Blue Longhairs were entered in two classes, quite an achievement for a variety that had only recently been granted a class of its own. The classification stated the cats must be "blue without white" - breeders had not then eradicated white lockets or bell markings. Frances Simpson obtained a Third in the Blue Longhairs with "Beauty," a cat she had bought at the 1890 Crystal Palace show. Beauty must have been out of sorts at the Crystal Palace show as she had won firsts at Crystal Palace and Brighton in 1890 and she went on to provide some outstanding kittens. Simpson went on to become Secretary of the Blue Persian society and bred some excellent cats.

The cats in the A.O.V. classes at the Crystal palace in 1891 included a "Cheetah Cat." The catalogue doesn't describe exactly what this is and it is unlikely (though not impossible!) to have been a Cheetah, although small wildcats were exhibited. There were two Black cats "imported from China " exhibited by Mrs Warner (wo later became Mrs. McLaren Morrison). Mrs Carew-Cox exhibited a blue-and-white Russian cat and also a Blue Archangel called Lingpopo who was described as "very tame". Mr. Jagel exhibited three kittens under six weeks old (unthinkable by modern standards), but did not win a prize or even a card.

HARRISON WEIR RESIGNS AS CAT SHOW JUDGE. London Daily News (and widely reprinted), 2nd October 1891
Mr. Harrison Weir has resigned his seat as judge for the Cat Show, a popular institution founded by Mr. Weir himself more than twenty years ago. If we count rabbits, pigeons, poultry, etc., Mr. Harrison Weir has been for forty years a "fancier judge." In a letter to "Poultry," he explains that he has given up his Cat Show judgeship because of some differences between the manager and himself regarding classes and schedules of prizes; Mr. Weir considering that, out of fairness to exhibitors, who incur so much expense and risk in forwarding their pets to these shows, the number of ,classes should be increased. His judgeship on the Fruit Committee of the Royal Agricultural . Society is the only position of the kind which , Mr. Weir means to retain. It is unnecessary to say that cat lovers and cat exhibitors will regret Mr. Weir's decision.

[CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW]various, 8th October 1891
Mr. Harrison Weir has resigned his seat as judge for the Cat Show, a popular institution founded by Mr. Weir himself more than 20 years ago. If we count rabbits, pigeons, poultry, &c., Mr. Harrison Weir has been for 40 years a "fancier judge." In a letter to ‘Poultry,’ he explains that he has given up his Cat Show judgeship because of some differunc.es between the manager and himself regarding classes and schedules of prizes, Mr. Weir considering that, out of fairness to exhibitors, who incur so much expense and risk in forwarding their pets to these shows, the number of classes should be increased. His judgeship on the Fruit Committee of the Royal Agricultural Society is the only position of the kind which Mr. Weir means to retain. It is unnecessary to say that cat lovers and cat exhibitors will regret Mr. Weir's decision.

THE CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. St James's Gazette, 21st October 1891
The twenty-third National Cat Show was opened yesterday at the Crystal Palace and will be continued to-day. The entries number 603, an increase of sixty-seven compared with last year, when the number was the highest on record. The gold medal for the best cat in the exhibition, presented by the National Cat Club, was won by Mrs. A. Herring’s silver tabby “Jimmy,” which secured the second prize at last year's show, and which has also gained several medals at other shows. “Jimmy" also secured the special prize for the best short-haired cat in the exhibition. Mrs. Pottinger’s “Beauty,” which has twice secured the first Prize at the Crystal Palace, was awarded the special prize for the best long-haired cat in the show, as well as the challenge vase presented by Mr. A. A. Clarke, the treasurer of the National Cat Club. The challenge vase, presented bv Mr. A. A. Clarke, for the best cat in classes 22 and 28, was secured by Mr. W. Goodwill's blue “Smoke Jack.”

NATIONAL CAT SHOW. NORTH-COUNTRY WINNERS. Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail, 21st October 1891 and Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 21st October 1891
The twenty-third National Cat Show, opened yesterday the Crystal Palace, may be pronounced the most successful yet held, the number of exhibitors exceeding 400, and the animals generally are of higher class. The champion of the show is short-haired silver tabby, “Jimmy,” the property of Mrs Herring, of Lee, Kent. "Jimmy,” though only 17 months old, may already be regarded as a veteran, having taken a second at the Palace lost year, first and medal at Brighton, a second at Bagshot, and another first at Maidenhead. On the present occasion he carries off the first in his class (a silver medal) as the best short-haired cat exhibited, along with another special prize and the Society’s gold medal, conferred upon the best animal in the exhibition. Mrs Pottinger’s “Beauty,” two years and eleven months, a pure white long-haired cat, takes the first in her class, a silver medal, and, for the second time, the Challenge Vase as the best long-haired cat exhibited. Among exhibits from the Northern counties the following are prize-winners:
Short-haired he cats. Class 2 - Brown tabby - 1, Mrs G. H. Hutchinson, Darlington; 3, Mr J. Hardy, Darlington.
Class 3 - Silver or blue tabby - 3, Mrs Pyle, Sunderland.
Class 4 – Red Tabby – 2, Mrs. Welburn, Beverley.
Short-haired she cats. - Class 8 - 1 Tortoiseshell - 3, Mrs Downs, Stockton.
Class 9 – Toertoiseshell and White – 1, Mr. C. Graves, Chesterfield.
Class 10 – Brown tabby – Mr. F. Auckland, Goole.
Class 11 – Silver Tabby – Mrs. S. Sugden, Withnell.
Class 12 - Red tabby - 3, Mr Kenneth Hutchinson, Eggleston, Darlington.
Class 13 – Black – 1, Miss N. Pilling, Rawtenstall.
In Class 19 for Short-haired Kittens two very handsome “Siamese,” exhibited by Miss Hill, Helen’s bay, County Down, took 1st and 3rd prizes, the 2nd falling to Mr. J. Mottershead, Oldham Road, Manchester.
Long-haired he cats. - Class 20 - Pure white - 3, Mrs J. H. B. Warner, Kepwick Park, Northallerton. [note: Mrs. Warner later became Mrs. McLaren Morrison]
Class 22 - Blue self-colour, 1st and special prize for best animal in classes 22 to 28 - Mr W. Goodwill, Brinkburn, Darlington.
Class 23 - Brown or Red tabby - 2, Mrs J. Bird, Cockerton, near Darlington; 3, Miss Southam, Birkdale.
Long-haired she cats. - Class 28 - Blue - 1, Mrs J. H. B. Warner, Kepwick Park, Northallerton.
Class 33 - Long-haired kittens, under three months - 3, Miss Stobart Pepper, Arden, near Northallerton.
Class 34 - Long-haired kittens, between three and six months, whole colour - 3, Mr C. Heslop, Darlington.
Class 35, ditto, other colours - 1 and silver medal, Mr W, Goodwill, Brinkburn, Darlington.
Class 43 – Long-haire Tabby, Gelded – 3, Mrs. T. Panton, Keswick.

NATIONAL CAT SHOW. Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail, 21st October 1891
Many things are to seen at the Crystal Palace in the course of the year. [. . .] The special feature this week is a cat show - the “National Cat Show,” as it is called. It is an annual institution, and the exhibition opened yesterday was the twenty-third of the series. That the race of cat fanciers is not approaching extinction may be gathered from the fact that the show is one of the best ever held at the Palace, that there are as many as fifty-six classes, with 603 entries. People who affect to hate and despise these “harmless, necessary,” domestic pets may be surprised to learn that there is such an institution as the National Cat Club, and that the gold medal which it gives for competition at this exhibition is an object eagerly sought after by breeders and fanciers.

CAT SHOW. Gloucester Citizen, 21st October 1891
The 23rd annual cat show was opened at the Crystal Palace on Tuesday, and proved the largest on record, 603 animals being exhibited. The entries came from all parts of the country, including Gloucester and Cheltenham, but none of the prizes came this way.

CAT SHOW. The Sportsman, 21st October 1891
The annual Cat Show was opened at the Crystal Palace yesterday, this being the twenty-third of the series, and haring produced 603 entries, divided into 56 classes. In addition to numerous money prizes the Company gives two special awards of silver articles and nine silver medals, the National Cat Club gives a gold medal, and Mr A. A. Clarke, the treasurer of that body, presents four beautifully mounted emu-egg vases and cups. Mr A. A. Clarke, Mr G. Billett, and Mr G. H. Billett were the judges. This year the champion of the show is a beautiful silver tabby, Jemmy, which belongs to Mrs Herring. One of the challenge vases offered by Mr Clarke was taken by Mrs Pottinger's Beauty, a fine, pure white animal, aged nearly three years. The vase has to be won three times, not necessarily in succession, before it comes the property of the holder, and it has now been taken twice by Mrs. Pottinger (Clapham-rise), who, being then Miss Abbott, won it last year. Another vase, competed for on the same terms, was taken by Mr W. Goodwill’s ( Darlington) blue Smoke Jack, together with first prize. Mrs. W. W. Walker (Warwick) takes a first and an emu-egg claret cup with two blue long haired kittens, Romulus and Dido, under three months old; and Mrs W. Wlls (Isleworth) a first and an emu-egg spirit barrel for a couple of long-haired kittens over three months old. Amongst the other principal prize winners are Mrs G. H. Hutchinson, Darlington, in the class for he-tortoiseshells; Mr W. Letts, Norwood, in that for red tabbies; Mr C. H. Lane, Bristol, for black or white ; Mr Dobson, Lee, Manx ; and Mrs Herring, who has a superb blue Persian, which has won nearly a dozen prizes and medals before. This lady is one of the largest contributors to the show, sending from Lee, Kent, no fewer than seventeen entries.

CATS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. Morning Post, 21st October 1891
The 23d annual cat show was opened at the Crystal Palace yesterday, and will be continued to-day. The judges, Messrs. A. A. Clarke, George Billett, and George Billett, jun., had some difficulty in selecting the prize- takers from the 603 entries, albeit the list of awards is very large, including, besides the three prizes in each of the 55 classes, two special awards, and nine silver medals by the Crystal Palace Company, a gold medal by the National Cat Club. The champion of this year's show is a large silver Tabby, Jemmy, 17 months old, the property of Mrs. Herring, of Lee, Kent. Jemmy is already an old prize-winner, having been second in his class at the Crystal Palace last year, and subsequently first with a medal at Brighton, second at Bagshot, and first at Maidenhead. Here he has won the gold medal for the best cat in the show, a silver medal, one of the special prizes, and the 1st prize in his class. Another valuable animal is Beauty, a pure white long-haired cat, who takes a challenge vase, the 1st prize in her class, and a special prize as the best long-haired cat in the show. Her owner, Mrs. Pottinger, of Clapham-rise, has already won several prizes with Beauty, who was born in Bombay, including the challenge vase at the Palace last year. If Beauty holds her own in 1892 the vase will become Mrs. Pottinger's own property. Mrs. Herring is one of the largest individual exhibitors, sending no fewer than 17 animals, three others of which besides Jemmy take 1st prizes. Mrs. J. H. B. Warner [note: she later became Mrs. McLaren Morrison], of North Allerton, also has 17 entries, the best, a fine black Persian, taking a 1st prize. The second challenge vase is taken by Mr. W. Goodwill's (Darlington) "Smoke Jack," a blue, long-haired cat nearly two years old. In the class for this description of very young kittens Mr. W.W. Walker (Warwick) wins a 1st prize with a pretty pair under three months old ; Mrs. W. Wells (Isleworth) obtaining a like success with two kittens of the same breed over three months. An habitue of the Show is Minnie, a white-haired cat, eight and a half years old, who has been taking prizes here since 1884. There are half a dozen entries of the curious-looking, dark fawn coloured, black faced Siamese cats, and seven tailess animals associated by name with the Isle of Man. The special classes for cats belonging to working men were well filled, all the 1st prize winners, except one, hailing from the immediate neighbourhood of the Palace. The animals were the objects of affectionate attention and admiration on the part of the visitors who crowded the show from the moment the judges had finished their labours until the Palace was closed.

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. London Daily News, 21st October 1891
The fact there has been no falling-off in to the number of entries to this exhibition, but, on the contrary, rather an increase, shows that there is no diminution in the popularity of these shows, which yesterday entered on their twenty-third year. There are about 380 exhibitors, and no fewer than 603 exhibits. Of the exhibitors, we have estimated that 243 are ladies and 131 gentlemen, a few of them having left it doubtful by their description to which sex they belong. This goes to prove that, after all, the cultivation of this particular fancy still lies within the province of women rather than of men. They have, moreover, been successful in the proportion of prizes they have taken. Mrs. Herring, for example, who has seventeen cats in the show, exhibits the best animal, in the opinion of the judges, that is to be seen here. “Jem my," the champion of the exhibition, has a long record of successes to show, though he is but 17 months old. A very interesting class is that for cats belonging to working men, and in this some very fine specimens of the short-haired cat are shown. “Fancy" prices do not reign in this department, though a good many are “not for sale." Some of the prices, however, seem prohibitive, especially that of £40 for a Persian, aged seven years. Prices ran from £1,000, for cats down to 5s., and 3s. 6d. for kittens, and at the latter rate sales were freely effected, as there is no telling what potential wealth in the shape of prize winning exists in a well-bred kitten.

The cats are sent from all parts of the country, and even from Ireland. They are well looked after, and in most cases their owners display their solicitude by daily visits. To one cage was attached a card, earnestly requesting that no meat should be given to the occupant. Many of the cats were furnished by their owners with luxurious cushions of padded silk and satin on which to repose, but those who had not seemed quite content with the straw, which; indeed, in the case of the kittens supplied abundant opportunities for play. The show, which continues during to-day, was well attended and seemed to afford particular delight to the lady and children visitors.. Some of the cats seemed to resent their enforced confinement, but on the whole they were apparently happy, and undoubtedly well cared for.

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.

THE CAT SHOW. SCOTTISH WINNERS. The Scotsman, 23rd October 1891
In connection with our notice of the Crystal Palace Cat Show, it should be stated that two of the prize-winning cats came from Edinburgh, being the property of Herbert W. H. Warner. These are well-known winners, both in England and Scotland. Another Scotsman exhibited – namely, Mr. P. Inglis, clerk of works to his Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, who got very highly commended in the gelded class.

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW The Field, 24th October 1891
The tendency of the public to indulge in that mild species of gambling which prevails at competitive shows of fancy animals is strikingly illustrated by the extent to which the cat show at the Crystal Palace has progressed. The recent exhibition was larger than any of those preceding it. Considerably more than 400 exhibitors, showing 600 pens, which, as many contained two animals in each, and some of the cats were shown with large families of kittens, must have amounted to a number approaching 1000 animals. The majority of the exhibitors were ladies, some of whom showed as many as sixteen or seventeen examples; and as many as three or four from each exhibitor were common. The prizes at the show were not large. There were forty-four classes for different varieties of cats, for the general exhibitors, with first, second, and third prizes of £1, 10s., and 5s. in each; and a dozen for cats belonging to working men, each with prizes of half the previous amounts; in addition to which there were certain small prizes of plate and cup. The animals brought together for competition by these inducements did not offer anything specially new in the way of variety. They were mostly examples of what Shakespeare termed “The harmless necessary cat," arranged in various classes, according to colour and length of fur.

As is well known to those naturalists who have studied this group of mammals, the ordinary domestic cat of Europe appears to have descended from the species known as Felis maniculata, a native of North Africa, which was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians; but this species has obviously hybridised with the other smaller felines existing in those parts of the world to which the domestic cat has been taken. Thus numerous well-marked local races of domestic cats are seen in different part of the world - those of South America, for example, differing widely from that of South Africa, and that again from the Indian varieties.

One of the most remarkable variations, of which perhaps one of the best specimens ever seen was shown at the Crystal Palace, is a variety called the Siamese cat. The entire body is a very delicate cream colour, blending into pale cinnamon on the hind quarters, with all the extremities - that is to say, the ears, muzzle, tail, four feet - dark chocolate, approaching black; the form and size of the animal, as well as the peculiar colouration, give rise to the idea that it must have had a distinct specific origin from our ordinary European varieties. The long-haired Persian cats - which have also received the name of Angora, from coming from that port - were present in very large numbers; but, with one or two exceptions, we did not see them as profuse in length of hair as was formerly the case. Many of the prize-winners had obviously been crossed with our short-haired varieties. In the short-haired cat the male animals with the singular variation of colour known as tortoiseshell, in which the black and yellow are mottled up together, were absent; in fact, it is many years since one was exhibited, and of tortoiseshell and white there was only one specimen. Amongst the she cats the tortoiseshell were numerous, eleven specimens being exhibited, and the winners were well marked. In tortoiseshell and white it is singular that the black and yellow, instead of being mottled together, are usually in very distinct patches, so that a tortoiseshell and white female has black, white, and reddish yellow all distinct. Sometimes, however, the colours are mottled together, as was the case with some of the winners at the Palace.

The proceeding to be adopted in breeding varieties of colour is not a subject to which the attention of scientific naturalists has been directed; and the reason why tortoiseshell male cats should be so rare and so difficult to breed is as yet an unexplained fact, as in the wild felidae sexual distinctions of colour do not prevail. A similar difficulty, though not to so great an extent, obtains in breeding red tabby females. We were pleased to see that the monstrosities which occasionally were exhibited at former shows were this year absent. Cate with six toes, others with five legs, and other monsters which so frequently occur in multiparous animals, were only conspicuous by their absence.

[CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW] Beverley Independent, 24th October 1891
Mrs. E. Welburn, of Beverley, is the owner of the second prize taker in the male class, at the National Cat Show, on Tuesday.

[CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW] Middlesex County Times, 24th October 1891
Mrs. W. Wells, of Isleworth, secured a first prize at the Crystal Palace Cat Show, for couple of long-haired kittens only three months old.

[CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW] Smethwick Telephone, 24th October 1891
Of all the exhibitions organised by the Crystal Palace Company, London, the National Cat Show is not the least popular. There were 608 specimens of the feline race penned this year, as compared with 547 last autumn. On Tuesday, from the hour of opening, the marquee was thronged with lovers of the cat, ladies and children predominating, but many artisans were also to be seen amongst the most ardent admirers of domestic pets, for a noteworthy feature of the exhibition was the number of prizes offered for cats belonging to working men. Fully one-third of the total number of entries were of this description, and, speaking generally, these classes form a strong section in point of quality.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. LIST OF LOCAL EXHIBITORS. Sydenham, Forest Hill & Penge Gazette, 24th October 1891
The twenty-third cat show at Crystal Palace was opened on Tuesday last, and continued on Wednesday. The number of entries and the attendance at this show increase every year, showing its evident growth in public favour. This year’s show was larger than any of its numerous predecessors, and involved fifty more animals than the total of last year, when the exhibition was considered to best on record. The collection of cats this year, was, it goes without saying, a very fine one, and there was a keen competition in nearly every section, the judges having often a difficult task to select the best animal among so many good ones. All breeds were generally well-represented. Blue long-haired cats showed up very strongly, and they were pronounced such a grand lot throughout, that the judges were compelled to award an extra third prize. The old-fashioned tortoise-shell tom cat is now almost a thing of the past, and has not been seen here for some years, but there was a tortoise-shell and white cat this time, though considered only good enough for a second prize. Altogether the entries numbered 603, and they came from all parts of the United Kingdom. The chief honours of the show were carried off by Mrs. L. Herring, of Lestock House, Lee, the largest exhibitor, who took no less than four first prizes, four seconds, one third, and four cards of commendation, exclusive of gold and silver medals. Mrs. J. Hurst, Upper Norwood, who succeeded in carrying off two first prizes and one third, took the silver medal for the two best-marked short haired kittens; and Mrs. Shelley, also of Upper Norwood, was similarly fortunate in gaining the silver medal offered for long-haired he-cats with her only exhibit, a seven month old silver tabby. Appended is a list of local prize winners and exhibitors:-

Prizes were taken by the following:-
Mr. R.T. Babb, 1, Laurel-grove, Penge, 2nd, class 3, spotted silver tabby; 2nd, class 11, spotted silver tabby; 2nd, class 12, red tabby; 1st, class 29, brown tabby.
Harry Babb, 1, Laurel-grove, Penge, 2nd, class 51, black and white.
Mrs. Bedward, Tudor House, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood, 3rd, class 12, black.
Mr. Bedward, same address, 3rd, class 48, black cat and kittens.
Mrs. Binckes, Hillside, Overhill-road, Forest Hill, 3rd, class 10, spotted tabby.
Miss P.M. Bowling, 39, Central-hill, Upper Norwood, 3rd, class 39,black.
Miss Brigden, Crown-hill, Norwood, 2nd, class 26, pure white.
Mr. J. Bull, 48, Maple-road. Penge.
Mrs. J. Burgess, South-vale stables, Upper Norwood, 3rd,class 54, dark tabby, working men’s section.
Miss A. Brunker, 134, Gipsy-hill, 2nd, class 13, black and white.
Mrs. Clarke, 35, Maple-road, Penge, 2nd, class 45, working men’s section.
Mrs. Clifford, 15, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood, 2nd, class 15, Manx.
Miss Hammond, 2, Alma-place, Church-road, Upper Norwood, 1st, class 47, brown tabby.
Miss Hunt, 8, Lethbridge-road, Lewisham, 2nd, class 54, working men’s section.
Mrs. J. Hurst, 23, Westow-street, Upper Norwood, 3rd, class 4, red tabby and white; hc, class 9; 1st, class 18, pair of tortoise-shell kittens; 1st, class 45, black and white; c, class 47.
Mr. H. Johnson, 1, St. Germain’s-villas, Lewisham, 2nd, class 1, tortoise-shell and white.
Mr. Kelf, 23, Westow-hill, Norwood, 3rd, class 16, Siamese; vhc, class 43.
Mrs. Keeping, Albert-yard, Westow-hill, Upper Norwood, 3rd, class 51, black and silver tabby kitten.
Mrs. King, 17, Anerley-vale, 1st, class 48, tortoise-shell.
Mr. W. Letts, the Stables, 5, Anerley-road, 1st, class 4, red tabby; vhc, class 50.
Miss Orris, 7, Anerley-road, 3rd, class 37, tabby.
Misses Owsman and Adams, 52, Richmond-terrace, Birbeck-road, Beckenham, 2nd, class 5, black.
Mrs. L. Perry, 99, Maple-road, Penge, 2nd, class 10, striped tabby.
Mr. A. Preddy, 50, Sainsbury-road, Gipsy-hill, 2nd, class 47, grey tabby.
Mrs. T. Roberts, 113, Oakfield-road, Penge, 2nd, class 46, tabby and white.
Mrs. A. Sadler, 8, Prospect-road, Sydenham, 1st, class 54, brown tabby.
Mrs. Shelley, 14, Grange-road, Upper Norwood, 1st, class 24, silver tabby.
Mrs. Stilwell, 89, Ridsdale-road, Anerley, 2nd, class 48, black.
Miss Stuart, 55, Church-road, Upper Norwood, 1st, class 39, black.
Mr. W. Waterman, 15, Sydenham-road, 2nd, class 38, short-haired white cats.
Mr. J. Weightman, 32, Embleton-street, Lewisham, 1st, class 31.
Miss Wilcher, Lambeth Water Works, Sydenham-hill, 3rd, class 46, tabby and white, working men’s section.
Mrs. Wilcher, same address, 1st, class 31, short haired tabby and white kitten.
Mr. F. Wood, 9, Millpond-cottages, Dulwich Common, 2nd, class 9, tortoise-shell and white.

The following also exhibited:
Miss F. Abbott, Ivanhow, Devonshire-road, Honor Oak Park, vhc.
Mrs Amos, 82, St. Hugh’s-road, Anerley, hc.
Mr. Atwood, 8 Albion-terrace, Lewisham-road, Lewisham.
Mts. Bailey, 36, Prospect-road, Wells-road, Sydenham.
Mr. E. Batchelor, 25, Farquhar-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. A.W. Bernaw, 28, Melford-road, Lordship-lane.
Mr. J. Biddle, 56, Eagle-hill, New Town, Upper Norwood, vhc.
Mr. E. Billings, 18, Oxford-road, Upper Norwood, c.
Mr. Bollond, 30, Dover-road, Central-hill, Upper Norwood, vhc.
Mrs. Bowyer, 1, Prospect-road, Upper Sydenham, vhc.
Mrs. Brander, 15, Lunham-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. W. Brimmer, 80, Laurel-grove, Penge, c.
Mr. Brown, 15, Wordsworth-road, Penge, hc.
Mrs. Bullpit, Whiteley-house, Anerley-road, vhc.
Mr. H.G. Bunn, 28, Sainsbury-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. J. Butler, 5, Goose Green, Dulwich, c.
Mrs. A. Byford, 7, Rowland-grove, Sydenham, c.
Mr. A. Byford, 7, Rowland-grove, Sydenham.
Mr. J. Carter, 8, Paddock-gardens, Upper Norwood, hc and c.
Mr. G.L. Chinnyah, 6, Westow-street, Upper Norwood, vhc.
Mrs. Clements, 148, Anerley-road, c.
Mr. R.W. Cornutt, 50, Anerley-road, hc.
Miss Crockett, 47, Woodbine-grove, Penge, hc.
Mr. E. Davidson, 10, Prospect-road, Upper Sydenham, hc.
Mr. S. Davies, The Hawthorns, Lawrie-park, Sydenham.
Mr. W. Daws, 25, Kingswood-road, penge.
Mrs. M.A. Dempster, 26, St. Hughs-road, Anerley.
Mrs. Eagle, 22, Palace-road, Norwood, hc.
Miss Eberwein, 146, Gipsy-hill, c.
Mr. J.H. Edwards, 36, Rowland-grove, Sydenham, c.
Mr. J. Edwards, 36, Rowland-grove, Sydenham.
Mrs. Field, 154, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, vhc.
Mr. T. Freeman, 7, Oaksford-avenue, Sydenham, vhc.
Miss C. Freeman, 7, Oaksford-avenue, Sydenham, vhc.
Mr. W. Gooke, 8, South-vale, Upper Norwood.
Mr. W. Gutteridge, 49, Dalla-road, Sydenham, c.
Mr. E. Harris, 83, Woodland-park, Upper Norwood.
Mr. E. Hands, 14, Bradford-road, Sydenham, vhc.
Miss Hands, 14, Bradford-road, Sydenham, vhc.
Mrs C. Harvey, 81, Gipsy-road, vhc.
Miss S. Harvey, 9, Eagle-hill, Norwood, vhc.
Mrs. Harvey, 7, Farquhar-road, Norwood. Forest Hill, vhc.
Miss D. Hawkins, 156, Woodland-road, Norwood.
Miss B. Hawkins, 156, Woodland-road, Norwood, vhc.
Mrs. Hitching, the Stables, Elmwood, Gipsy-hill.
Mr. W.S. Hodges, 8, Westow-street, Upper Norwood, vhc.
Mr. Hooper, 49, Sainsbury-road, Gipsy Hill.
Mr. J.P. Howard, 34, Woodland-hill, Norwood.
Mr. V. Howship, 9, Carbery-road, Upper Norwood, hc.
Mrs. Humphreys, Emsworth House, Old Penge-lane, vhc.
Mrs. W.M. Hunt, Amberley-road, Sydenham, vhc.
Miss F.Jayne, Alma Hotel, Church-road, Upper Norwood, hc.
Miss M. Jerome, 89 Woodland-road, Norwood.
Mr. F.A.M. Jennings, Bodowen, Honor Oak-road, c.
Mrs. E. Johnson, 43, Palace-road, Norwood, vhc.
Mrs. E. Keeping, Albert Yard, Westow-hill, Upper Norwood, vhc.
Miss Kinder, 23, Priory-villas, Sydenham.
Mr. A.H. Kinder, Woodmancote, Kinver-road North, Sydenham.
Miss Rosa Laurence, 22, Palace-road, Norwood.
Miss Leach, 20, Oakfield-road, Anerley, hc.
Miss. H. Leney, 38, Hawthorne-grove, Penge, vhc.
Mrs. Letts, 21, Spa-hill, Upper Norwood, vhc.
Mrs. Lewis, 92, Anerley-road.
Master F. Lewis, 92, Anerley-road, hc.
Mrs, Lockerby, 29, Camden Hill-road, Norwood.
Miss Lloyd, 4, Wood-vale, Forest Hill.
Mr. A.J. Lucas, 3, Whiteley-road, Gipsy-hill.
Miss M.M. Luff, 11, Rowland-grove, Sydenham.
Mr. E.H. Lulham, The Homestead, Sydenham, c.
Mr. A. Mansell, 57, Coombe-road, Sydenham, vhc.
Miss McLeod, Allandale, Jasper-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. Mercer, 11, Central-hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr J. Mercer, 11, Central-hill, Upper Norwood, c.
Miss Moore, 8, Dallas-road, Sydenham, hc.
Miss E. Morris, 93, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, vhc.
Mrs. Mutch, 27, Beckenham-road, Peng.
Mrs. Neeson, 58, Wells-road, Sydenham.
Miss M. Nunney, 63, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, hc.
Mr. D. Page, 47, Barnfield-road, Upper Norwood, hc.
Miss G. Palmer, 3, Anerley-road.
Mrs. C. Paul, Ellesmere House, Venner-road, Sydenham, c.
Mr. H.A. Payne, Summerleigh, Auckland-road, Upper Norwood.
Master F. Pettley, 40, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, hc.
Mrs. F. Pickering, 13, Woodland-road.
Mr.J. Pickering, same address, hc.
Mrs. Pieraceini, 16, Ewart-road, Forest-hill, c.
Mr. T. Poulter, Hollowcombe, West-hill, Sydenham, hc an c, class 47.
Mrs. Powell, Hawthorne-villas, Hawthorne-grove, Penge.
Mr. W.H. Powell, 58, High-street, Sydenham, vhc.
Mr. E.J. Puller, 78, Beulah-hill.
Miss Pymble, 140, Gipsy-hill.
Mr. F. Remnant, 116, Wood-vale, Honor Oak.
Miss Riley, Aberleigh, Trewsbury-road, Sydenham, hc.
Mr. W. Setford, 1, Longton-grove-cottages, Taylor’s-lane, Sydenham, hc.
Miss Seward, Pendennis, Venner-road, Sydenham.
Miss E.M. Shuff, 22, Beulah-hill, vhc.
Mrs. J. Slanden, 23,Stanton-square, Bell Green, hc.
Mr. G. Salter, The Stables, Castlebar, Sydenham-hill, hc.
Mr. W. Sparks, 6, Lordship-terrace, Lordship Lane, vhc.
Mr. F. Staig, 23,Oakfield-road, Penge, vhc.
Mr. A.M. Stead, 10, Auckland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. W. Stevenson, 31, Woodbine-grove, Penge, hc.
Miss Stilwell, 89, Ridsdale-road, Anerley, hc.
Miss Strang, 13, Queen Adelaide-road, Penge, vhc.
Master R. Surridge, 4, Bryden-grove, Sydenham.
Mr. A.T. Swinyard, 2, Woodland-hill, Upper Norwood, c.
Mr. A.T. Swinyard, 2, Woodland-hill, Upper Norwood.
Miss F. Tapp, Litchfield House, Lawrie-park, Sydenham, hc.
Master A. Tapp, Litchfield House, Lawrie-park.
Mrs. E. Tilbrook, 81, Maple-road, penge, hc.
Mr. L. Tompsett, 127, Anerley-road.
Mr. E. Trafford, 4, Russell-street, Sydenham, c.
Miss Weedon, 8, Dallas-road, Sydenham, vhc.
Mr. J.T. Weightman, 23, Brookbank-road, lewisham, vhc.
Miss Wells, 98, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, hc.
Miss White, 140, Gipsy-hill, vhc.
Mrs. Whiting, 61, Woodbine-grove, Penge, vhc.
Mr. G. Wills, 17, Queen’s-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. W. Winter, 148, Woodland-road, Gipsy-hill.
Mr. R. Winter, 114, St. Hughs-road, Anerley.
Miss H. Winter, 148, Woodland-road, Gipsy-hill.
Mr. Winslade, 37, Mount Ash-road, Sydenham-hill, hc.
Miss Wisby, Highfield House, 58, Crystal Palace Park-road, c.
Mrs. H. Wiseman, 19, Rockmount-road, Norwood, hc.
Miss M. Wood, 27, Woodland-hill, Norwood.
Miss J. Wright, 122, Anerley-road.
Master E.G. Young, 51, Bradford-road, Sydenham, hc.

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. IRISH WINNER. Belfast Weekly News, 24th October 1891
This year’s cat show at the Crystal Palace presents many interesting and somewhat novel features. The competitors come from Ireland, as well as from the rest of the United Kingdom. The animals on view numbered 603, most of the exhibitors being ladies. Although cats do not readily take to and feel comfortable in strange quarters, they, on the whole, seem disposed to make the best of their novel situation. [. . .] The winner of the four month old kitten competition is a pretty short-haired little animal and is owned by Miss Hill from County Down.

CATS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. Norwood News, 24th October 1891
The twenty-third annual show of cats, held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Crystal Palace, demonstrated that as a "fancy" animal, pussy continues to make progress in fashionable favour. First started upon a suggestion of Mr. Harrison Weir's, these shows have increased year by year in the number of entries and classes and have marked also a corresponding improvement in the beauty of the domestic pet, which previously to that time had no scientific standard of exhibition "points." These are to-day as clearly defined for the various varieties of the feline race as are those of dogs; and cats, now that they possess a distinct pedigree and market value, are reaping the benefit to themselves in an elevation from the kitchen to the drawing room. Last year's entries at the Crystal Palace numbered 550, sub-divided into fifty-four classes. This year there were 603 entries and two fresh classes.

Needless to say, among so large a number of Toms, tabbies, and kittens, every possible variety of cat was to be found. The longhaired Persians and Angoras were, of course, favoured pets before the Crystal Palace and provincial shows came into existence. The object, however, of the National Cat Club has been rather to encourage improvements in the humbler short-haired orders, which, it is averred with truth, are more intelligent and domesticated than their more delicate and fastidious cousins. One of the most distinguished animals in the show was Mrs. Herring's beautiful silver tabby "Jimmy," who added to a long list of previously-won honours the first prize of his class, a silver medal as the best cat in the first seven classes, and a special prize. The same lady's much exhibited and awarded "Roguey," a magnificent blue Persian, looking the quintessence of vanity with his becoming rose-coloured ribbons, was a leading prize-winner also. The rare tortoiseshell Tom was represented by Mr. W. Kershaw's "Toby," who won another first prize to add to his record of triumphs; and the pure red tabby female, which is almost as precious in the true cat fancier's eyes, also had a place in the exhibition. Black cats, popularly associated as they are with good lock, were very numerous; and white ones, of which Miss Boddington's snowy and superb "Ba Ba" was one of the best, were also well to the fore numerically. The Siamese cats, with their curious dark markings closely approximating to those of pug dog, had a class to themselves, in which the first prize was taken by Mrs. Lee's "Meo." In the section devoted to working men's cats, some really handsome specimens were shown, and in the class for tabbies they were of such even merit that nearly everyone was "highly commended."

The following successes were obtained by local exhibitors:
Mrs. Amos, 82, St. Hugh's-road, Anerley, hc, class 55, for the best long-haired cat, any colour, tabby. " Tim."
Mr. R. T. Babb, 1, Laurel-grove, Penge, second prize, class 3, silver or blue tabby, spotted silver, "Jumbo"; second prize, class 12, red tabby or red tabby and white, red tabby, "May Queen"; second prize, class 11, silver or blue tabby, spotted silver, Tiddles," winner of many first prime; first prize, class 29, brown or red tabby with or without vrhite, brown tabby, "Queenie."
Mr. K Barber, 95, Whitehorse-road, Croydon, c, class 31, for the best shprt-haired single kitten under six months, any colour, black, aged four months.
Miss Barnes, 42, Furze-road, Thornton Heath, hc, class 49, for the best cat (male or female) of any colour not named in class 48. Mahout," (male), white.
Mrs. Bedward, Tudor House, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood; third prize, class 13, black or black and white she-cats. “Young Phrebe," by " Black Diamond," winner of many prizes.
Mr. B. Bedward, 12, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood; third prize, class 48, for the best black cat (male or female). “Phoebe," female, aged three years and six months.
Mr. J. Biddle, 58, Eagle-hill, New Town, Upper Norwood; vhc, class 45, for the best black and white cat (male or female) belonging to working men. Male, aged one year.
Mr. E. Billing, 18, Oxford-road, Upper Norwood; c, class 50, for the best two short-haired kittens under six months, any colour, belonging to working men.
Mrs. Binckes, Hillside, Overhill-road, Forest Hill; third prize, class 10, brown or dark grey tabby. Spotted tabby, "Jacobina.'
Mrs. Bird, 38, Hallett-terrace, Devonshire-road, West Croydon; hc, class 45, for the best black and white cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Jim," aged four years.
Mr. W. Blake, 76, Whitehorse-lane, South Norwood; second prize, class 30, for the best two short- haired kittens under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. Two silver tabbies.
Mr Bolland, 30, Dover-road, Central-hill, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 46, fur the best tabby and white cat (male or female), belonging to working men. Red tabby and white, "Dick."
Miss P. M. Bowling, 39, Central-hill, Upper Norwood, third prize, class 39, for the best short-haired gelded cat, black or black and white, "Smut."
Mrs. Bowyer, 1, Prospect-road, Upper Sydenham, vhc, class 48, for the best tabby and white cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Traddles," female.
Mr. W. Brimmer, 80, Laurel-grove, Penge, c, class 33, for the best long-haired cat (female), any colour, belonging to working men. "Beauty," aged six months.

Miss Brigden, Crown-hill, Norwood, S. E., second prize, class 28, pure white she-cats. “Flecca."
Mr. Brown, 15, Wordsworth-road, Penge, hc, class 48, for the best black cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Tim," aged one year.
Miss A. Brunker, 134, Gipsy-hill, second prise, class 13, black or black and white she-cats. "Tipps," black and white.
Miss Bullpitt, Whitley-house, Anerley-road, vhc, class 20, long-haired he-cats, pure white. "Jumbo," first prize Crystal Palace 1890 Show.
Mrs. J. Burgess, Southvale Stables, Central-hill, Upper Norwood, third prize, class 54, for the best short-haired gelded cat, any colour, belonging to working men. Dark tabby. No name.
Mrs. J. Butler, 5, Goose-green, Dulwich, c, class 7, short-haired he-cats, of any variety not included in classes 1 to 6. “Tiger," brown tabby.
Mrs. A. Byford, 7, Rowland-grove, Sydenham, c, class 46, for the best shorthaired tabby and white cat (male or female), belonging to working men.
Mrs. A. Cameron, Spencer house, Balham Park-road, c, class 24, long. haired he-cats, silver or blue tabby, with or without white. Persian, "Moco,” third prize 1890 show.
Mrs. Cannon, 104, Moffat-road, New Thornton Heath, hc, class 51, for the best short-haired single kitten, under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. "Jennie," female.
Mr. J. Carter, 8, Paddock-gardens, Upper Norwood, hc, class 45, for the best short-haired black-and-white cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Kitty," female.
Mr. D. L. Chinnyah, 6, Westow-street, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 48, for the best black short-haired cat (male or female). "Nime," female.
Mrs. Chuter, 28, Bonnie-road, West Norwood, vhc, class 54, for the best short-haired gelded cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Peter," tabby.
Mrs. Clarke, 35, Maple-road, Penge, second prize, class 45, for the best short-haired black-and-white cat (male or female), belonging to working men.
Mrs. Clements, 148, Anerley-road, c, class 3, short-haired he-cats, silver or blue tabby. "Tim," silver grey.
Mrs. Clifford, 15, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood, second prize, class 15, Manx she-cats, any colour. "Kathleen."
Mrs. D. Coomber, Brick Kiln Farm, Mitcham-road, Croydon, vhc, class 7, short-haired he-cats of any variety other than those named in classes 1 to 6. "Prince Taniboff," born in Russia.
Mr. R. W. Cornett, 50, Anerley-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 51, for the best short-haired single kitten under six months, any colour. belonging to working men, tabbies. No name.
Miss A. Coulson, Gwendore, Selhurst-road, South Norwood, second prize, class 41, for the best long haired cat, black or black and white. Persian, "Tim," winner of four Crystal Palace prizes.
Miss Cristall, Westholme, Thornton Heath, second prize, class 42. for the best long-haired white cat. “Shah," second prize Crystal Palace, first and special Croydon, 1890.
Miss Crockett, 47, Woodbine-grove, Penge. S.E., he for the best long-haired cat (female), any colour. "Tilby," Persian tabby.
Mr. E. Davidson, 18, Prospect-road, Wells-road, Upper Sydenham, hc, class 54, for the best short-haired gelded cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Toby," dark tabby.
Mr. C. Dickinson, 13, Calton-road, Dulwich, hc, class 50, for the best two short-haired kittens, under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. Two female tabbies. No names.
Mr. R. Dove, 73, High-street, West Norwood, second prize, class 40, for the best short-haired gelded cat of any variety other than those in classes 37 to 39. "Toby," tabby and white.
Mrs. Durman, 48, Clive-road, West Dulwich, hc, class 2, she-cats, silver or blue tabby. Silver-blue tabby, "Minnie."
Mrs. Eagle, 22, Palace-road, Norwood, hc, class 54, for the best short-haired cat (any colour) belonging to working men. “Ginger."
Mr. J. H. Edwards, 38, Rowland-grove, Wells-road, Sydenham, c, class 46, for the best short-haired tabby and white cat (male or female) belonging to working men. "Jumbo."
Mrs. Field, 154, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, vhc. class 47, for the best short-haired tabby cat (male or female) belonging to working men. "Jack," aged one year.
Mrs. Ford, Grangewood, South Norwood Hill, hc, class 49, for the beat short haired cat (male or female), any colour, not named in classes 45 to 48) belonging to working men. "Minnie," female.
Mr. F. W. Ford, Grangewood, South Norwood-hill, third prize, class 50, for the best two short-haired kittens under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. "Duke and Duchess," male and female.
Mrs. F. Fossett, 53, Hamilton road, West Norwood, first prize, class 48, for the best short-haired tabby and white cat (male or female) belonging to working men. " Silver," female.
Mr. T. Freeman, 7, Oaksford-avenue, Sydenham, vhc, class 47, for the best short-haired tabby cat (male or female) belonging to working men. "Mike," male.
Miss C. Freeman, 7, Oaksfnrd-avenue, Sydenham, vhc, class 47, for the best shorthaired tabby cat (male or female) belonging to working men. "Tibby." male.
Mrs. F. Gange, 38, High-street, South Norwood, vhc, class 18, for the two best marked kittens, short-haired, any colour, under six months old; two white males, unnamed. Also vhc, class 18, for the two best marked kittens, short-haired, any colour, under six months old. One each, white (male and female), unnamed.
Mrs. Gidney, 18, Camden-hill-road, Norwood, highly commended, class 18, for the two best marked kittens, short-haired, any colour, under six month. old. “Jumbo" and "Alice" (male and female), tabbies.
Miss E. Graham, Sundridge House, Grange-road, Norwood; first prize, class 30, she-cats, silver or blue tabby. with or without white. "Trance." silver tabby.
Mrs. Green, 90, Hamilton-road, West Norwood, c, class 46, for the best short-haired tabby and white cat (male or female), belonging to working-men. “Jumbo." male.
Mr. W. Gutteridge, 49, Dallas-road, Sydenham, c, class 54, for the best short-haired gelding cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Richard," dark tabby.
Miss Hammond, 2, Alma-place, Church-road, Norwood, first prize, class 47, for the best short-haired tabby cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Toni," brown tabby.
Mr. E. Hands, 14, Bradford-road, Sydenham, vhc, class 53, for the best long-haired female cat, any colour, belonging to working-men. "Floss."
Miss Hands, 14, Bradford-road, Sydenham, vhc, class 46, for the best short-haired tabby and white cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Toby," male.
Mr.. Hanlon, 53, Albert road, South Norwood, third prize, class 47, for the best short-haired tabby cat (male or female), belonging to working men "Oyster," male.
Miss S. Harvey, 9, Eagle-hill, Norwood, vhc, class 54, for the best short-haired cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Jumbo." brown tabby.
Miss R. Hawkins, 136, Woodland-road, Norwood, vhc, class 48, for the best black cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Smut." female.
Mrs. H. Hodges. 11, Norbury-road, Thornton Heath, hc, class 51, for the best short-haired single kitten, under six months, any colour. belonging to working men. "Ginger."
Mr. W. S. Hodges, 8, Westow-street, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 46, for the best tabby and white short-haired cat (male or female(, belonging to working men. “Tiny."
Mrs. W. G. Hodges. 2. Thornton-villas, Spa-road, New Thornton Heath, vhc, class 39, for the best gelded short-haired cat, black or black and white. "Prince," black.
Mr. H. G. Hooke, 56, Norbury-road, Thornton Heath, vhc, class 51, for the best short-haired single kitten, under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. "Nip."
Mr. W. Hollowell, 65, Woodland-road, Norwood, vhc, class 47, for the best shorthaired tabby cat (male or female), for working men. “Jerry," male.
Mrs. V. Howship, 9, Carberry-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 55, for the best long-haired gelded cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Ruffe," aged 7 years.
Mrs. Humphreys, Emsworth House, Old Penge-lane, vhc, class 54, for the best short-haired gelded cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Joe, “ brown tabby.
Mrs. W. M. Hunt, Amberly-road, Sydenham, vhc, class 22, for the best blue self-colour, long-haired he-cat, without white. “Glauvus."
Mrs. Hunt, 120, Hamilton-road, West Norwood, hc, class 48, for the best black short-haired cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Tiny," female.
Mrs. J. Hurst, Westow-street, Upper Norwood, third prize, class 4, red tabby or red tabby and white, "Tom "; hc, class 9, for the best tortoise-shell and white she-cat, "Minnie." First prize, class 18 for the two best marked short-haired kittens, under six months old, any colour. No Name. First prize, class 45, for the best black and white short-haired cat (male or female), belonging to working men; c, class 47, for the best short haired tabby cat (male or female), belonging to working men.
Miss F. Jayne, Alma Hotel, Church-road, Norwood, hc, class 35, for the two best long-haired kittens, between three and six months, any colour other than those named in class 34. "Daisy," tabbies.
Mr. E. Johnson, 43, Palace-road, Norwood, vhc, class 55, for the best short-haired gelded cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Sam."
Mr. Kelf, 23, Westow-hill, Norwood. third prize, class 17, any she-cat not named in classes 8 to 16 inclusive, "Kitty"; vhc, class 40, for best short-haired gelded cat, of any variety. not included in classes 37 to 39, "Dick.”
Mrs. E. Keeping, Albert-yard, Westow-hill, Norwood, vhc, class 54, for the best short-haired gelded cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Tom."
Mr. Keeping, Albert-yard, Westow-hill. Norwood, third prize, class 51, for the best short-haired single kitten, under six months, any colour. "Titums."
Mrs. King, 17, Anerley-vale, Norwood, first prize, class 49, for the best shorthair cat (male or female), any colour not named in classes 45 to 48, belonging to working men. "Alice."
Miss Leach, 20, Oakfield-road, Anerley, hc, class 52, for the best long-haired cat (male), any colour, belonging to working men. "Winkie."
Mr. J. Leech, 15 Carberry-road, Westow-street, Norwood, vhc, class 50, for the best two short-haired kittens, under six months, any colour, belonging to working men.
Mrs. H. Leney, 38, Hawthorne-grove, Penge, vhc, class 37, for the best shorthaired gelded cat, tabby, any colour, no white. "Tiger."
Mrs. Letts, 21, Spa-hil, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 9, for the best tortoise-shell-and white she-cat. "Smut."
Mr. W. Letts, The Stables, 3, Anerley-road, Norwood, first prize, class 4, for the best short-haired red tabby, or red tabby and white cat (male), "Jimmy”; vhc, class 5, for the best two short-haired kittens under six months, any colour, belonging to working men; no name.
Master F. Lewis, 92, Anerley-road, Norwood, hc, class 46, for the best tabby and white cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Firey."
Mrs. Locke, 37, Heath-road, Thornton Heath, third prize, class 52, for the best long-haired male cat, any colour, belonging to working men.
Mr. G. Long, 144, Romany-road, West Norwood, hc, class 15, Manx she-cats, any colour. "Kitty."
Mr. E. H. Lulham, The Homestead. Sydenham, c, class 11, for the best silver or blue tabby she-cat. "Silver Queen."
Mr. A. Mansell, 57, Coombe-road, Sydenham, vhc, class 45, for the best shorthaired black and white cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Ethel."
Miss Carrie Mayhew, Norhyrst, South Norwood Hill, vhc, class 4, for the best red tabby, or red tabby and white he-cat, "Sambo"; c, class 4, as above, "Kiddy"; hc, class 4, as above, "Minter"; first prize, class 12, for the best red tabby, or red tabby and white, she-cat. "Kitty."
Mr. J. Mercer, 11, Central-hill, Upper Norwood, c, class 54, for the best shorthaired gelded cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Tickles."
Miss Moore, 8, Dallas-road, Sydenham, class 52, for the best long-haired male cat, any colour, belonging to working men, no name; hc, class 53, for the best long-haired female cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Smut."
Miss K Morris, 93, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 48, for the best shorthaired cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Gipsy."
Miss Munday, 158, Romany-road, West Norwood, second prize, class 49, for the best short-haired cat (male or female), of any colour not included in classes 45 to 48, and belonging to working men. "Nimee."
Mrs. Neeson, 58, Wells-road, Sydenham, hc, class 46, for the best short-haired tabby and white cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Kitty."
Miss M. Nunney, 63, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 34, for the best gelded short-haired cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Tiddles."
Miss Orris, 7, Anerley-road, Norwood, third prize, class 37, for the best gelded short-haired tabby cat, any colour, no white. “Jumbo."
Mr. D. Page, 47, Barnfield-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 51, for the best short-haired single kitten, under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. "Joey."
Mr. H. Page, 39, Woodbine-grove, Penge, hc, class 54, for the best short-haired gelded cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Jack.”
Mrs. Clara Paul, Ellesmere-house, Venna-road, Sydenham, c, class 21, for the best long-haired brown or red tabby, with or without white (he-cat). "Toots."
Mr. Paul, Hillcroft, Silverdale, Sydenham, vhc, class 48, for the best short-haired black cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Peter."
Mr. W. Perrie, Tonia House Stables, Ross-road, South Norwood, vhc, class 34, for the best gelded short-haired cat, any colour, belonging to working men.
Master F. Pettley, 40, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 49, for the best short-haired cat (male or female), any colour not named in classes 45 to 48, belonging to working men. “Jummy."
Mr. J. Pickering, 130, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 5, for the best black or white short- haired he-cat. "Tommy."
Mrs. Pieraceini, 16, Ewart-road, Forest Hill, c, class 50, for the best two short-haired kittens, under six months, any colour, belonging to working men.
Miss Piggott, Lowood, Alley-road, West Dulwich, first prize, class 52, for the best longhaired male cat, any colour. "Tiger."
Mr. T. Poulter, Hollowcombe, West-hill, Sydenham, c, class 47, for the best short-haired tabby cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Tim"; hc, ditto, “Tom."
Mr. W. H. Powell, 58, High-street, Sydenham, vhc, class 51, for the best shorthaired kitten, under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. "Timmy."
Mr. A. Preddy, 50, Sainsbury-road, Gipsy Hill, second prize, class 47, for the best short-haired tabby cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Tim."
Mrs. G. Pretty, 143, Hamilton-road, West Norwood, first prize, class 48, for the best short-haired black cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Joe."
Miss Riley, Aberleigh, Trewsbury-road, Sydenham, hc, class 16, for the best Siamese eat, either sex. "Tom."
Mrs. A. Sadler, 8, Prospect-road, Sydenham, first prize, class 54, for the best short-haired, gelded cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Tibby."
Mrs. Sampson, Bramcote, Conyer, Streatham, vhc, class 30, for the best silver or blue tabby she-cat, with or without white. " Kitty Fell"
Mr. W. Setford, 1 Longton-grove Cottages, Taylor's-lane, Sydenham, hc, class 52, for the best long-haired male cat, any colour. "Bob."
Mr. A. Shambrook, 98, Woodcote-place, West Norwood, vhc, class 50, for the best two short-haired kittens, under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. "Roger and Floss."
Mrs. Shelley, 14, Grange-road, Upper Norwood, first prize, class 24, for the best silver or tabby cat (male or female), with or without white. "Abdul Zaphir."
Miss Shorter, Brightlands, Alleyn-park, West Dulwich, third prize, class 18, for the two best-marked kittens, short haired, any colour, under six months old. "Jack"and "Jill."
Miss E. M. Shuff, 22, Beulah-hill, Norwood, vhc class 47, for the best short haired tabby cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Flossie."
Mrs. J. Slandern, Stanton-square, Bell-green, Sydenham hc, class 34, for the best short-haired cat, any colour, belonging to working men.
Mr. G. Slater, Stables, Castlebar, Sydenham-hill, hc, class 48, for the best shorthaired black cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Smut."
Mr. W. Stevenson, 31, Woodbine-grove, Penge, hc, class 47, for the best short-haired tabby cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Jumbo."
Miss Stilwell, 89, Ridsdale-road, Anerley, hc, class 10, for best two short-haired kittens, under six months, any colour.
Mrs. Stilwell, 89, Ridsdale-road, Anerley, 2nd prize, class 48, for the best short-haired black cat (male or female) belonging to working men. "Sooty."
Miss Stuart, 54, Church-road, Upper Norwood, first prize, class 39, for the best short-haired gelded cat, black or black-and-white. "Tony."
Mrs. A. T. Swinyard, 2, Woodland-hill, Upper Norwood, c, class 2, the best brown or dark grey tabby male cat. "Dick."
Master A. Tapp, Litchfield House, Lawrie Park, Sydenham, hc, class, 46, for the best short-haired tabby and white cat (male or female) belonging to working men. "Tim."
Mr. P. Thomas, 176, Sydenham-road, Croydon, first prize, class 50, for the best two short-haired kittens, under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. “Demon" and "Brighteyes"; hc, class 51, for the best short-haired single kitten, under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. "Blackie”; vhc, ditto, “Whitie."
Mrs. Tongue, 154, Tennison-road, South Norwood, c, class 51, for the best short-haired single kitten, under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. “Nell.“
Mr. E. Trafford, 4, Russell-street, Sydenham, c. class 51, for the best short-haired single kitten, under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. "Joe.”
Mr. James Ware, 19, Oakleigh-villas, Thornton Heath, hc, class 2, brown or dark grey, tabby short-haired he-cats, "Sloper"; hc, class 50, for the best two short-haired kittens, under six months, any colour, belonging to working-men.
Mr. W. Waterman, 15, Sydenham-road, Sydenham, second prize, class 38, for the best short-haired gelded cat, tabby, any colour, no white. "Tom."
Miss Weedon, 8. Dallas-road, Sydenham, vhc, class 52, for the best long-haired male cat, any colour, belonging to working-men. "Tommy."
Miss M. Wells, 98, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 13, for the best short-haired, black and white cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Tabby."
Miss White, 140, Gipsy-hill, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 3, for tile best short-haired silver or blue tabby he-cat "Willie."
Mrs. Whiting, 61, Woodbine-grove, Penge, vhc, class 53, for the best long-haired female cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Smut."
Miss Wilcher, Lambeth Water Works, Sydenham-hill, third prize, class 46, for the best short-haired black and white cat (male or female), belonging to working men. "Traddles."
Mrs. Wilcher, Lambeth Water Works, Sydenham-hill, first prize, class 51, for the best short-haired single kitten under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. "Shylock."
Mr. Winslade, 37, Mount Ash-road, Sydenham-hill, hc, class 47, for the best tabby cat (male or female), belonging to workingmen. "Peter."
Miss Wisby, Highfield House, 58, Crystal Palace Park-road, c, class 54, for the best short haired gelded cat, any colour, belonging to working men. "Topsy.”
Mrs H. Wiseman, 19, Rockmount-road, Norwood, hc, class 42, for the best longhaired white cat. "Bob."
Mrs C. Wyeth, 143, Hamilton-road, West Norwood, third prize, class 45, for the best short-haired black and white cat (male or female), belonging to working men.
Master E. Young, 51, Bradford-road, Sydenham, hc, class 50, for the best two short-haired kittens under six months, any colour, belonging to working men. "Tib" and "Flo.”
Silver medal for the best two kittens is Class 18, won by Mrs. J. Horst.
Silver Medal for the best cat in classes 20 to 25 inclusive, won by Mrs. Shelley.
Silver medal for the best cat in class 37 to 40 inclusive, won by Mr. J. S. Barber.
Silver medal for the best cat in classes 45 to 53, classes 50 and 51 excepted, won by Miss Hammond.

[CRYSTAL PALACE] A COLONY OF CATS Gentlewoman, 31st October 1891
The spirit of love and veneration that induced the Prophet Mahomet to mutilate his gorgeous Oriental garment rather than arouse his favourite cat from her slumbers, is manifested in this century by the admiring multitude which the annual Cat Show always attracts to the Crystal Palace. The temporary plantation of pussies this year is, in some respects, the best that has ever been collected. Never have the blue Persians mustered in such force, and the new class devoted to Siamese cats secured an unexpected number of entries, and a large proportion of the popular interest. Of the prize-winners, none have been so lucky as Mrs. Herring, who may be congratulated on the possession of a truly royal family of cats. A splendid silver tabby, called "Jimmy," belonging to this exhibitor has added both the gold and the silver medal to a long list of former triumphs. This cat was bred by Mrs. Herbert Young. "Roguey" is a fine blue Persian who has carried off a first prize. A sleek red tabby, belonging so Mr. W. Letts, is the best of Class 4. "Shiner's" striped bows were extremely becoming, and attracted admiring exclamations from the spectator. A first-prize winner is Mr. C. H. Lane's "Lord Remus," black but comely, and apparently in very high spirits. The Manx variety are more curious than beautiful, the first award falling to Mr. Dobson's "Sweet." On a lovely blue cushion a whole bevy of tiny tortoiseshell kittens were reposing, "Maria," a lovely mottled puss belonging to Mr. C. Graves, securing the first price in this class. Mrs. Lee's "Mao” is judged the best of the Siamese tribe, and the bearer of the silver medal. The value of this interesting breed may be guessed from the prices being, in several cases, £1,000. Another of Mrs. Herring's pussies - a blue Russian, "Bogey" by name - is the owner of a first, while of the two best marked kittens the prize fell to Mrs. J. Hurst's dear little tortoiseshell twins. A cheetah cat, exhibited by Miss Hill, carried off a first award, and looked more like a miniature zebra than anything else. Of the pure white, long-haired cats, the first prize was given to Mrs. Lee's "Masher," of which only a hugs expanse of furry back was visible. Very realistic is "Satan ", black as its namesake is supposed to be, reclining on a scarlet silk cushion, and the best of its class. Mr. W. Goodwill's "Smoke Jack," is an enormous blue pussy, also a first-prize winner. Another of Mrs. Herring's family, rejoicing in the romantic name of "Adolphe," is the first-prize winner of the brown Persians, a large and distinguished class. It gazed calmly at its admirers from the depths of a blue cushion. Abdul Zaphir" sounds an imposing title, but its owner is the tiniest of silver tabbies, adorned with a pretty red ribbon, and belonging to Mrs. Shelley. Mrs. Pottingers' "Beauty” lay fast asleep, unconscious of its silver medal for the best white she cat; " Queenie," belonging to Mrs. R. T. Babb, had a sweet brindled face. Five lively kittens occasioned much diversion, exhibited by Miss How, while the first prize for two long-haired kittens was carried off by Mrs. W. Wells. A wild, weird specimen is "Lilith," belonging to Mrs. Brydges. We expended our vocabulary on Mr. J. S. Barber's tabby "Dick," one of the largest cats ever seen; while another monster Tom, also called "Dick," mottled brown and white, belongs to Mrs. Barlow. "Peter" has added yet another first prize to about twenty former awards, and is a cat of which anyone should be proud. He is the property of Mr. T. Heayman. Miss Boddington's "Ba-ba,” and Miss Eva Chadwick's "Chummie are both the best of their kind. The working men's cats are a host in themselves. Space forbids me to name them, though many are a credit to their owners. The fact that there were over fifty more entries this year than last proves that the show is progressing and prospering, and ought to do much towards raising the social status of the feline tribe.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News , 31st October 1891
The National Cat Show was held at the Crystal Palace last week and attracted 603 entries, an increase upon last year. Messrs. A. Clarke and G. and G. H. Billett were the judges. The most successful animal in the show was Mrs. L. Herring's beautifully marked Silver tabby Jimmy, which was adjudged the best short-haired cat in the show, and was the winner of three special prizes, including a silver medal and the gold medal presented by the National Cat Club for the best cat in the entire show. Jimmy is only seventeen months old, and has already taken many prizes elsewhere. Mrs. G. Pottinger had also reason to be proud of her pure white long-haired Beauty, which was the best of her kind in the show, and won, besides special prizes, the Emu Egg Challenge Vase, presented by Mr. A. A. Clarke. The same donor gave other challenge vases and cups, which were respectively awarded to Mr. W. Goodwill, Mrs. Waine-Walker, and Mrs. W. Wells. Silver medals were taken by Mrs. Lee, Mrs. J. Hurst, Mrs. Shelley, Mr. W. Goodwill, Mr. I. S. Barber, Miss Boddington, and Miss Hammond. Of the exhibitors, perhaps the most enterprising has been Mrs. Warner, of Northallerton, and Mrs. Herring, of Lee, who each sent seventeen cats, amongst Mrs. Herring's being a splendid blue Persian. Two kittens have come all the way from county Down, but the neighbourhood of Norwood furnishes most of the competitors. Darlington seems, however, to be well off in the matter of cats, for several have journeyed from that town to the Crystal Palace.

A CATS' FIELD DAY. Preston Herald - Saturday 31 October 1891
Undoubtedly the cats of England have still their friends, even though at times their lot seems a hard one. Only last week the 23rd National Cat Show at the Crystal Palace was brought to a satisfactory close. At this show, which by this time is both well-known and popular, there were exhibited no less than 600 cats, all of which claimed to be above the average. Six hundred living cats! Shades of Whittington! What chance would a lad now have who came to win his fortune by the aid of tingle mouser? There, in that great house of glass, one wandered to and fro with cats on every side. There were short-haired cats, long-haired cats, cats with tails, cats without caudal appendages, Siameae cats, and cats from the kingdom of the Shah. Then to colour, one well might our ignorant eyes open in amazement, for there were tortoise-shell, brown, grey, tabby, silver, blue, red, red tabby, and white, black, black and white, pure white, yellow, and a whole host of the very strangest mixtures imaginable. There they sat in their show pens as comfortable as loving master or mistress could make them, the admired of an enthusiastic crowd of admirers, who came to pay them homage. Truly they were wonderful in their way, yet almost more marvellous were the strange names they bore. In future when we visit a lady friend who calls upon us to admire her lovely feline favourite that rubs so affectionately against our best garments, and plentifully bestows its objectionable loose hairs upon us, we shall not content ourselves with merely admiring Puss,” but shall talk wisely of such celebrities as Lord Remus, Shelley, Meo, Cheetah, Adolphe, Abdul-Zaphir, Dhurrie.

THE CATS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.The Queen, 31st October 1891
CAT SHOWS at the Crystal Palace have been established nearly a quarter of a century. The first one was a sensation, and was said by the stall-keepers to have attracted more carriage visitors, with spare cash to expend, than almost any other show in their recollection. It was, however, of very limited extent; there were only twenty-five classes, in four of which there were no entries, and the number of cats exhibited was only about a hundred. At the show just held, which is the twenty-third, there were over 600 entries made by upwards of 400 exhibitors, the majority of whom were ladies, and the number of animals shown, as many of the classes contained two in each cage, and in others the cats were shown with families of kittens, must have approached nearly to 1000.

Like all animals that have long been domesticated by man, the cat exhibits a great variety in form, size, colour, and marking. For most of these variations prizes were given at the last Palace Show. Setting aside those offered for the cats belonging to working men, there were no less than forty-four classes for the different breeds, which were arranged in two groups - namely, the short-haired cats and the long-haired cats. The short-haired cats came first on the list; they had nineteen classes. The first class in the show was for tortoiseshell, or tortoiseshell and white, male cats. In this there was only one entry, a tortoiseshell and white, which took a second prize. Formerly prizes were offered for tortoiseshell male cats separately, but during the years that the Palace Show has been established so few specimens have been exhibited that the prize has been withdrawn, and it is doubtful at the present moment whether there is a true tortoiseshell male cat, without white, in existence. On one occasion at the Crystal Palate an animal was sent in which looked like a perfect specimen of this peculiar and rare coloured marking, but careful examination showed that it had been artistically dyed. It is a singular circumstance that female cats of tortoiseshell colour, in which the red and the black are mottled together, are by no means uncommon. There was a distinct class for them at the Palace Shows; no less than eleven good specimens were exhibited, but it seems at present almost impracticable to breed a male of this colour without the presence of white.

Amongst the most popular markings in the fancy cats are those spoken of as tabbies, with dark stripes on a lighter ground. Those at the show were arranged in three classes, spoken of as brown, silver, and red tabbies respectively. One of the most beautiful cats of this kind in the exhibition was Mrs Herring's first prize silver tabby, whose portrait we reproduce. This cat was also awarded the gold medal for the best cat in the exhibition. Another was Mrs Sugden’s silver tabby, a well-marked animals with a good clear ground colour, which took the first prize in its class, whilst the third was Miss Mayhew’s red tabby, which also secured a first prize.

Among the most singular cats which have been introduced into Europe of late years are those known as the Siamese. They are coming into favour, and half a dozen old cats and several young ones in the kitten classes were exhibited at the show. We have reproduced Miss Hill’s “Cheetah,” as showing the peculiar markings more distinctly than any other animal exhibited. The ground colour of this cat is a pale cream, becoming slightly darker on the hind quarters, the colour of the extremities, that is to say, the muzzle, ears, and tail, and the four feet, being a very dark chocolate, approaching black. This singular variety of cat differs in shape, as may be seen from our sketch, from our ordinary species, and probably was derived from a wild feline distinct from that which produced the ordinary domestic cat. This latter, as is well-known to naturalists, was first domesticated by the Egyptians, who regarded it as a sacred animals, and idealised it into the Goddess Pasht, who is figured with a cat’s head, and was venerated all over Egypt. Professor Conway maintains that Pasht was the Lady of Love and corresponded in a crude sort of way to that much nobler conception, the Aphrodite of the Greeks. Pasht was always represented as a woman with a cat’s head, and the festivals to her honour were fully described by Herodotus. The sacred cats were always mummified in Egypt, and three years ago an enormous find of cats’ mummies was made at Beni Hasan, a place a hundred miles south of Cairo, and well known for its wonderful tombs cut into the rocks. For three or four thousand years these mummified cats remained undisturbed. At last it was discovered that their remains made good manure, and the whole were dug up, exported from Egypt, received at Liverpool, and ground into manure to encourage the growth of turnips for the English people.

The cat which was domesticated by the Egyptians was a North African species known to naturalists as Felis maniculata, a totally distinct animal from the wild cat of Europe, which apparently has never been converted into a domestic animal. However that may be, the domestic cat, which has been carried to all parts of the world habitable by man, has allied itself to the smaller wild cats of the different countries, and thus we have variable animals in different parts of the world. It is in this way in all probability that the Siamese cat may have been produced, because the wild original is unknown. In Persian, on the other hand, there is a race of long-haired cats which, when kept in good condition, are particularly beautiful and attractive. These cats are also known as Angoras. They partake of the colour of the short-haired breeds, with which they readily amalgamate. The white are particularly beautiful, but require a great amount of care to keep them clean and in show condition. Mrs Pottinger’s “Beauty” was a long-haired white, worthy of her name.

We reproduce the portrait of a tabby that took a first prize, as it gives the distribution of the colours in its striped long hair, and shows the long coat in a very satisfactory manner. The ladies, who constituted the largest number of the exhibitors, are to be congratulated on taking the greater portion of the prizes, and deservedly so, as no animals could be shown in finer condition than those of Mrs Herring, Mrs Pottinger, Mrs Walker, Mrs Wells, Mrs Lee, Mrs J. Hurst, Mrs Shelley, Miss Boddington, Miss Hammond, and other ladies, who succeeded in carrying off no less than thirteen out of sixteen of the special prizes, consisting of silver plates, vases, and medals, awarded at the show.

[CRYSTAL PALACE] LOCAL SUCCESSES Trowbridge Chronicle, 31st October 1891
At the Great International Cat Show, Crystal Palace, last week, Mrs. Davis was awarded 2nd prize for two white Persian kittens under three months old, and 2nd prize for two others, same breed, under six months. Mr. Happerfield was awarded 2nd prize in the Short Hair Gelded class, for his "tabby," cat "Tiger.” This cat has also taken 3rd Glastonbury, 2nd Brighton, 3rd Gravesend, 1st Downend.

[CRYSTAL PALACE] LOCAL SUCCESSES Somerset Standard, 31st October 1891
At the Crystal Palace Cat Show, held last week, in which there were 603 entries, Mrs. J. H. Davis, of Clifford Farm, was successful in winning two prizes, viz., 2nd prize for two pure white Persian kittens, under six months old, and the same for two under three months. Three out of the four were claimed at catalogue price namely, one of the first lot at 50s. and the two latter for 30s. and 25s. respectively. It Is only lately that this lady has gone in for cat-breeding, but since doing so we hear she has been very successful, and quite recently some of her stock was bought to go to France. Mr. Happerfield was awarded 2nd prize in the short-hair gelded class for his tabby cat "Tiger.” This cat has also taken 3rd at Glastonbury, 2nd at Brighton, 2nd at Gravesend, and 1st at Downend.

THE CAT AND DOG AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE Black & White, 7th November 1891
Since the institution of shows for cats and dogs - the first show for cats was held, we believe, some twenty years ago; while dog shows were held as far back as 1861 - these exhibitions have annually grown in number and importance. The infinite variety of dogs, useful or ornamental, to be seen at the Shows is astonishing when we recollect that they have only within comparatively recent times become intimately domesticated. The animal was not thought worth the protection of the law until 1770. The cat, with less reason, had been an animal of consideration for many generations, without counting Egyptian days; feline pets realising high prices even in the Middle Ages. The National Cat Show, which we illustrate, was the twenty-third of the series that has been held at the Crystal Palace. It was certainly one of the most successful, the entries numbering over six hundred, divided into fifty-six classes. The throng of visitors attested the popularity of these exhibitions; there were the professional fancier evidently not imposed upon by the proverbial hypocrisy of Grimalkin, the ardent lady devotees gliding from stand to stand in gushing admiration, and a sprinkling of scoffers quoting derogatory remarks from Mr. G. A. Henty's clever book, "Those Other Animals." Many of the cats looked decidedly sulky and unhappy in their confinement, although every attention is paid to them, and the injunctions of anxious owners scrupulously observed as to diet and so on. Miss Herring's beautiful silver tabby "Jemmy," was the champion of the show. Though only seventeen months old he has had a triumphant career, taking a second prize at the Palace last year, a first prize and medal subsequently at Brighton, a second at Bagshot, and a first at Maidenhead; and this year he has taken a first prize, a silver medal, one of the Crystal Palace Company's special prizes, and, greatest triumph of all, the gold medal offered for the best cat in the show. Mrs. Pottinger's "Beauty," the winner of one of the challenge vases and other prizes, was also a point of great attraction. It is pure white animal, nearly three years of age, and received the special prize as the best long-haired cat in the Show. Mr. Dobson's Manx, "Sweet," Miss Hill's Siamese “Cheetah," were also prize-winners in their respective classes. Miss Eva Chadwick's blue tabby "Chummie” took first prize in the class for long-haired tabbies, of any colour but white.

[CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW.] Herne Bay Press, 7th November 1891
Last week was held at the Crystal Palace the 23rd annual show of our chief domestic pet. Over 600 exhibits were registered, and a large number of visitors chiefly ladies passed through the turnstiles. Almost each year some new specimen is sent for exhibition. The Siamese cats, which of late have been rapidly growing in favour, drew a large number of admirers, their shape is slightly different to the ordinary puss. But the real old English Tabbie, of which there were some lovely creatures, surpassed all others for gentleness and beautiful.

CRYSTAL PALACE. Isle of Man Times, 11th November 1891
Black and White, in its last issue, publishes a portrait of a Manx cat, Mr Dobson s "Sweet," a winner of a first prize at the Crystal Palace Cat Show.

CRYSTAL PALACE. The Weekly Wisconsin, December 12th, 189
There were nearly 1,000 pussies on exhibition at the cat show recently held in London. The majority of the entries were made by ladies. The breeds were divided into two class, the short-haired, and the long-haired. Tortoiseshell cats, tabby cats, Siamese cats, Angora cats, and a number of others were well represented. The Siamese puss, who took a first prize, is a pale cream color with dark chocolate feet, muzzle, ears and tail.1

HAPPY CATS. Famous Felines And Their Distinguished Owners. The Chicago Tribune (and others), November 1891
The Excellences Of The Blue Ribbon Winners In The Crystal Palace Cat Show In London — Short-Haired Tabbies And Long-Furred Persian Pets — Curious Siamese Specimens — Origin And Antecedents.

Whatever triumphs America may achieve In the matter of horse shows and flower shows, England certainly exceeds in in the glory of her cat shows. The cat shows at the Crystal Palace have been established nearly a quarter of a century. The first one was a sensation, and was said by the stall-keepers to have attracted more carriage-visitors, with spare cash to expend, than almost any other show in their recollection. It was, however, of very limited extent; there were only twenty-five classes, in four of which there were no entries, and the number of cats exhibited was only about a hundred. At the show just held, which is the twenty-third, there were over 600 entries made by upwards for 400 exhibitors, the majority of whom were women, and the number of animals shown, as many of the classes contained two in each cage, and in others the cats were shown with families of kittens, must have approached nearly 1000.

Like all animals that have long been domesticated, the cat exhibits a great variety in form, size, color and markings. For most of these variations prizes were given at the last Palace show. Setting aside those offered for the cats belonging to working-men, there were no less than forty-four classes for the different breeds, which were arranged in two groups – namely the short-haired cats and the long-haired cats. The short-haired cats came first on the list; they had nineteen classes. The first class in the show was for tortoise-shell or tortoise-shell and white, male cats. In this there was only one entry, a tortoise-shell and white, which took a second prize. Formerly prizes were offered for tortoise-shell male cats separately, but during the years that the Palace show has been established so few specimens have been established that the prize has been withdrawn, and it is doubtful at the present moment whether there is a true tortoise-shell male cat in existence. On one occasion at the Crystal Palace, an animal was sent in which looked like a perfect specimen of this peculiar and rare-colored marking, but careful examination showed that it had been artistically dyed. It is a singular circumstance that female cats of tortoise-shell color. In which the red and the black are mottled together, are by no means uncommon. But it seems at present almost impossible to breed a male of this color without the presence of white.

Amongst the most popular markings in the fancy cats are those spoken of as tabbies, with dark stripes on a lighter ground. These at the show were arranged in three classes spoken of as brown, silver, and red tabbies respectively. One of the most beautiful cats of this kind in the exhibition was Mrs. Herring’s first prize silver tabby. This cat was also awarded the gold medal for the best cat in the exhibition.

Among the most singular cats which have been introduced into England of late years are those known as the Siamese, which look like a cross between a cat and a pug dog. They are coming into favor, and half a dozen of the old cats and several young ones in the kitten classes wore exhibited at the show. Miss Hill's “Cheetah” showed the peculiar markings more distinctly than any other animal exhibited. The ground color of this cat is a pale cream, becoming slightly darker on the hind quarters, the color of the extremities — that is to say, the muzzle, ears and tail and the four feet — being a very dark chocolate, approaching black. This singular variety of cat differs in shape from ordinary species, and was probably derived from a wild feline distinct from that which produced the ordinary domestic cat. This latter, as is well known to naturalists, was first domesticated by the Egyptians, who regarded it as a sacred animal, and idealized it into the Goddess Pasht, who is figured with a cats head, and was venerated all over Egypt. Prof. Conway maintained that Pasht was the Lady of Love, and corresponded in a crude sort of way to that much nobler conception, the Aphrodite of the Greeks. Pasht was always represented as a woman with a cat’s head, and the festivals to her honor wore fully described by Herodotus. The sacred cats were all mummified in Egypt, and three years ago an enormous find of cats’ mummies was made at Beni Hassan, a place a hundred miles south of Cairo, and well known for its wonderful tombs cut into the rocks. For three or four thousand years these mummified cats remained undisturbed. At last it was discovered that their remains made good manure, and the whole were dug up, exported from Egypt, received at Liverpool and ground into manure to encourage the growth of turnips for the English people.

The cat which was domesticated by the Egyptians was a north African species known to naturalists as felis maniculata, a totally distinct animal from the wild cat of Europe, which apparently has never been converted into a domestic animal. However that may be, the domestic cat, which has been carried to all parts of the world habitable by man, has allied itself to the smaller wild cats of the different countries, and thus we have variable animals in different parts of the world. It is in this way in all probability that the Siamese cat may have been produced, because the wild original of it is unknown.

In Persia, on the other band, there is a race of long-haired cats, which, when kept in good condition, are particularly beautiful and attractive. These cats are also known as Angoras. They partake of the color of the short-haired breeds, with which they readily amalgamate. The white are particularly beautiful, but require a great amount of care to keep them clean and in show condition. Mrs. Pottinger's “Beauty" was a long-haired white, worthy of her name. Scarcely 3 years old and born in India, she has taken the first prize at the Palace three years in succession, besides a number of other prizes and medals at provincial shows.

A beautiful black cat, belonging to Mrs. J. H. B. Warner, took the first prize for the second time. His name is, very appropriately, Satan, and he is a big fellow with a jet black coat in the best condition possible — a cat in which the innocent souls of the Salem witches would have delighted. Three other cats in this wonderful exhibition deserve mention, among them being Miss Kate Sangster's “Hector,” a longhaired blue, which has not yet attained its full size, and Miss Simpson’s bright-eyed Persian kittens. Taken all together, this group of highbred cats, whose portraits, as drawn by Mr. Louis Wain, are reproduced in the cuts, are enough to turn the head of a true lover of domestic pets.

BEDFORDSHIRE FANCIERS' ASSOCIATION. Bedfordshire Times and Independent, 3rd October 1891
Aided sand strengthened by the experience gained by their last year’s effort, the Bedfordshire Fanciers’ Association held the second annual show [. . . ] Wednesday and Thursday. Last year the Show was held under the auspices of the Bedford and beds. Ornithological Society but [. . .] it was not a correct name, because such things as rabbits and guinea-pigs, which are not usually classed in the sub-kingdom of the Aves are scarcely ornithological objects. [. . . ] There were no less than 2 [special prizes] for cats. [. . .] Cavies and cats were an interesting feature, the former numbering 46, and the latter 74, both showing a considerable increase. Of the cats there is little to say, except that some were enormously large, and others were prettily coloured or marked. The Judges were: Cats, Mr. J. Townshend, Hon. Secretary National Cat Club.
He-cat (long hair), 1, 2 sp, E. E. B. Parsons; 2, H. W. H. Warner: 3, vhc, G. Taylor.
She-cat (long hair), 1, R. T. Babb: 2, E. E. B. Parsons; 3, F. Winser.
He-cat (short hair), 1, W. Marlow; 2, Mrs. J. Gray; 3, R. T. Babb; vhc, S. Pearson.
She-cat (short hair). 1, vhc, Mrs. S. Sugrden; 2, R. T. Babb; 3, Mrs. Welsby.
Gelded cat (long hair), 1, J. Cooper; 2, Miss E. C. Pym; 3. Mrs. Crichton; v c, Mrs. Paulin.
Gelded cat (short hair). 1, H. Evans; 2, E. Buah: 3, Miss J. Apps; vhc, Mrs. Rattenbury.
Manx cat, 1, J. Harris; 2 G. Johnson.
Any variety, 1, Mrs. H. B. Thompson; 2, Mrs. Welsby 3, Mrs. F. J. Thring; extra 3, H. W. H. Warner; vhc, G. Eaton.
Members’ Class: Any variety, 1, F.Kingston; 2, C. L. Sharratt; 3, Miss Collett; vhc, Batterbee and Harris.

The Brighton show held on 26th and 27th November 1891 described itself as "Under the Patronage of the National Cat Club," and inside the catalogue was a statement of the aims and objects of this Club, which had been founded a few years earlier. The Hon. Secretary at the time was Mr. J. W. Townsend. The show itself was a great success for a provincial show; attracting nearly 150 exhibitors and 250 cats. Frances Simpson judged cats for the first time at this show. The two judges who had been appointed were George Billett and A. A. Clarke (Treasurer of the National Cat Club), but George Billett was ill on the days of the show and Frances Simpson was asked to take his place. This was an important milestone in her "catty" career.

THE BRIGHTON CAT SHOW. — Sussex Agricultural Express - 27th and 28th November 1891, Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser, 12th December 1891, Hastings and St Leonards Observer, 28th November 1891
At this show this week, Dr. F. Graveley, of Newick, was highly commended for a tortoiseshell feline species.
Amongst the prize winners at the Brighton cat show on Wednesday, we notice the name of Miss Olive, of Buxted, who took third in the “any colour” class.
Mrs. Burtenshaw, of Cuckfield, received the first prize (7s. 6d.) in the “tabby or any colour” class, the Brighton cat show on Wednesday.[for a cat called “Tim”]
Mr. T. Allcorn, of Tunbridge Wells. was highly commended for his specimen, at the Brighton cat show on Wednesday.
Mr. C. Minney, of Crawley, was highly recommended for a “tabby” feline specimen.
Miss E. L. Nutt won the third prize (5s.) in the tortoisehell class.
Mrs. I. Davis, of Henfield, received a highly commended award.
Mr. F. M. Huggett, of Lewes, carried off the first prize of 15s in the any colour class.
Mr. J. Harkell [Betchworth] was awarded a second prize of 5s in the class “tabby of any other colour,” in the exhibits open to working men.
In Class 6, for brown tabby and brown tabby and white cats, Miss S. P. Hawes, 36, Quarry-road, Hastings, took second prize with Brownie." The Show this year is a good one.

BRIGHTON (CAT SHOW). The Queen, 5th December 1891
The annual Brighton Cat Show was held at the Brighton Aquarium on the 25th and 26th ult., and, though the exhibits were not quite so numerous as those of last year's exhibition at the Aquarium, the domestic pets were far superior to any that have been shown before in Brighton, and included some of the chief prize-winners of the country. The entries were nearly 300. The principal prize-taker was Mrs Herring, of Lestock House, Lee, Kent. Jimmy, whom Mrs Herring purchased as a kitten at last year's Brighton show, took the first prize in Class 7, for the best orange, silver, or blue tabby, and also the silver medal given by the Aquarium Company for the best cat in Classes 1 to 14. Jimmy won the Brighton medal last year, and gained the gold champion at the Crystal Palace this year. Mrs Herring's Snip also gained prizes in several classes, and is the proud possessor of more than twenty first prizes, in addition to numerous medals. A great attraction at the show were a couple of white Persian kittens, which were most affectionately looked after by a tiny Skye terrier.

ERRATUM The Queen, 12th December 1891: At the Brighton Cat show, held last week, it was not Mrs herring, as stated, but Mrs J.H.B. Warner, who was fortunate enough to take the best prizes. Mrs herring, with eighteen cats, took four firsts, two seconds, and one third, and the silver medal with Jimmy (her golden medal cat) for the best cat in classes from 1 to 14. Mrs J.H.B. Warner, with fourteen cats, took five firsts, one second, and one third, and the two silver medals, one for the best long-haired tom (won by her Nizam), the other for the best long-haired female (won by her Snowball) in the show.

FORFAR POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW Forfar Herald, 2nd January 1891
To-Day. Forfar Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Show in Reid Hall, Forfar.

RUGBY POULTRY, BIRD, AND CAT SHOW. Northampton Mercury, 13th February 1891
Local Exhibitors were well the fore at the Rugby Poultry, Bird, and Cat Show. Mr. A. E. Coleman was first in the long-hair cat class, beating some of the principal winners in the country.

BIDEFORD FANCIERS’ SOCIETY. North Devon Gazette, 17th February 1891
At the first annual meeting of the Bideford and District Fanciers’ Society in the Market Hall last Wednesday, H. M. Bazeley, Esq., presiding, there was a large attendance of members. [. . .] Mr. Slee moved that dogs added to the fancies of the Society. There were a good many dogs of tine breed in the town. - Mr. Grant seconded - Mr. Perkin asked why cats could not be introduced as well as dogs. Gentlemen present explained that from former experience the Committee thought it undesirable to have a cat show.

GLASTONBURY FANCIERS' ASSOCIATION FIRST ANNUAL SHOW Taunton Courier, and Western Advertiser, 25th February 1891
Glastonbury Fanciers' Association The first annual show (open to the United Kingdom) of poultry, pigeons, rabbits, cats, cavies, cage birds, and dead poultry was held in the Assembly-rooms, Glastonbury, on Wednesday and Thursday, when prizes to the value of £150 were offered for competition, including a number of special prizes and a champion prize, the Poultry Club's silver medal for most, points gained in the poultry classes, and champion prize cup, value two guineas,, for most points in the pigeon classes. The show was held under Poultry and Pigeon Club rules. The whole of the classes, 122 in number, were well filled, exhibitors sending from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales [. . .] There was an excellent show of cats, the first prize the open class being won by a splendid animal belonging to Mr A Oately, of Wells; Mr AS Baily, Glastonbury, came second, and was very highly commended for another lot in the same class. For the short-haired class, any variety, the first prize was awarded to a handsome blue Russian cat, twenty months old, the property of Mr Roberts, of Bristol.

DOG AND CAT SHOW. Thetford & Watton Times and People's Weekly Journal, 28th February 1891
February 1891. Dog and cat show. Under the Patronage of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. Third annual exhibition of dogs and cats at the Norfolk and Norwich Kennel Club, Corn Hall, Norwich, On Easter Tuesday, March 31st, 1891. Numerous Specials, Extra Classes, and Increased Prise Money. Entries close March 17th. For schedules and particulars apply to Mr. W. C. Pitts. A Cedar Road, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich. Office: Davey Place Chambers.

DOG AND CAT SHOW. Diss Express, 3rd April 1891
Under the auspices of the Norfolk and Norwich Kennel Club the third annual exhibition of dogs and cats was opened the Corn Hall on Tuesday morning. The catalogue contained 342 entries, and there was an all round improvement in the quality of the exhibits as compared with last year.

POULTRY, DOG, AND CAT SHOW. Northampton Mercury, 17th April 1891
The next Poultry, Dog, and Cat Show will be held on the 9th and 10th of December.

WHALLEY AGRICULTURAL SHOW Nelson Chronicle, 7th August 1891
The annual show of the venerable Agricultural Association of Whalley took place on Monday, the show including cattle, horse, sheep, pigs, dogs, cats . . . [32 dogs and cat entries, cat judge Mr. W.F. Entwhistle, Caldergrove House, Wakefield.]. The dog and cat show was an attractive one [but results not listed].

FLOWER AND CAT SHOW. East Anglian Daily Times, 10th August 1891
The second annual Flower and Cat Show in connection with the Stutton Band of Hope took place in a meadow belonging to Mr. W. J. Graham, of Crepping Hall, on Thursday afternoon. The exhibits were more numerous and of better quality than last year. The cat show was very successful. As many as 50 of these useful “rat and mice exterminators” were caged, and their good and bad points discussed by a throng of spectators.

[MAIDENHEAD] THE POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW. Maidenhead Advertiser, 19th August 1891
The show of poultry, pigeons, rabbits, and cats, though not so large as last year, was remarkably good, and what it lacked in quantity was more than compensated for by quality. The exhibits were admirably staged, and were penned by the Windsor Pen Company; they occupied the two sides and centre of a large marquee, which was well-patronised throughout the afternoon and evening [. . .] The 17th Class - any variety of longhaired cats - did not fill, but the next class for short-haired specimens, drew seven pussies. Mrs. Herrin[g], of Lee, Kent, was deservedly awarded the premier prize, for a very handsome silver tabby named "Jimmy." This cat won the second prize at the Crystal Palace Show, and gained a medal at the Brighton Aquarium last year, while he took second prize at the Bagshot Show this year. "Jimmy" is the son of the well-known cat "King of the Fancy," which, by the way, he beat when only five months old. Mrs. Herrin[g] also secured the second prize with her "Sally," which had also won a prize at one of the Crystal Palace Shows, while Mr. Blackett, of Sunninghill, gained third prize with a very nice cat. Miss Sankey, of Holyport, showed an Opossum male cat; Mr. Marlow (Hatham) a short-haired Russian cat; and Mr. Martin, Sydenham, a shorthaired tortoise-shell cat (which gained second prize at the Peckham Show this year). All these were very highly commended. It is needless to add that considerable interest was taken in the cat show. A cat fancier expressed surprise that there should be so few entries, particularly in the local class, and assured us that in walking through the town she had seen cats that were well worthy of showing [. . .] There were three entries for the local cats’ class (36), any variety, but only a couple of cats were penned. Mr. Paxton, of Hitcham, showed a tabby Tom, and it gained first prize, while Mrs. Plum’s (Maidenhead) Persian cat of eleven months took second prize. [Cat judge: Mr. P. Hanson.]
[I don’t know what is meant by an “Opossum male cat” unless that was the cat’s name.]

COLD ASH ANNUAL COTTAGERS’ SHOW Reading Standard, 21st August 1891
The above show took place on Wednesday in the grounds of the Rev. J.M. Bacon [. . . ] Interest was also displayed in the cat show, some of our feline friends being ticketed, value £100, but we are sorry to say did not find customer.
[Note: shows traditionally displayed a “selling” price - the high price is to prevent the cat from being sold.]

EGGLESTONE POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW North Star (Darlington), 7th September 1891
Egglestone Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Show, Saturday, 19tht. Judge H. Beldon, Esq. Entries close September 12th. Judges:- D. Bragg, Esq., Poultry and Pigeons; H.J. Roberts, Esq., Rabbits and Cats. For Schedules apply to the Secretaries, K. Hutchinson, H. Coates – Egglestone, near Darlington.

STEWARTON FLOWER SHOW Irvine Times, 18th September 1891
The Horticultural, etc., Society’s annual show of flowers, fruits, vegetables, cats, rabbits . . . was held in the Institute Halls on Saturday, the 12th inst., and was patronised by a large number of visitors. . . Cats were a speciality as well as something of a novelty, and proved a source of great interest. The first prize, together with the bronze medal of the National Cat Club for the best cat in the show, was awarded to H.W.H. Warner of Edinburgh for Padershaw, a smoke coloured Persian – a very fine pussy, which gained 1st at Halifax and Sheffield, 2nd at Dundee, and, as a kitten, 3d at Ayr. Mrs Welsby’s Tortoise-shell, shewn in short-haired female class, was pronounced by the judge to be a typical cat – colours distinct and clear. This animal was also 1st at Keswick same week. As shewing the excellence of the section it may be stated that the 2nd for short-haired females was brought to this country on New Year’s Day from New York, where it gained 1st and a gold medal.
Long-haired Male Cat - 1, H.W.H. Warner, Edinburgh; 2, Mrs Paulin, Cumberland; 3, Miss K. Cochrane, Stewarton; v.h.c. and h.c. Mrs T.H.B. Warner, Northalerton; c., J. Cunninghame, Stewarton.
Long-haired Female Cat - 1, Miss K. Cochrane, Archd. Drummond, Edinburgh; 3, Miss K. Cochrane; v.h.c., Earnest E.B. Parsons, jr., Tunbridge Wells; h.c., Mrs T.H.B. Warner; c, Gavin B.Reid, Dykehead.
Short-haired Male Cat - 1, J. Dunlop; 2, Mrs Jas. McRae; h.c., Jas. Cunningham.
Short-haired Female Cat - 1, Mrs Welsby, Southport; 2, Miss Jessie Stevenson, Cankerton; 3, M. Allan, Lambroughton; v.h.c. and h.c., James Miller, Titwood; c., Miss Mary Smith, Stewarton.
Long-haired Kitten under six months - 1 and 2, Miss K. Cochrane; 3 and v.h.c. Mrs T.H.B. Warner.
Short-haired Kitten under six months - 1, Mrs Welsby; 3, R. Robertson, Stewarton.

GLASGOW KENNEL CLUB DOG AND CAT SHOW. Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 19th September 1891
The Glasgow Kennel Club Dog and Cat Show Friday evening last (September 11th), saw the close of the three days' most successful show of the Glasgow Kennel Club. Burnbank Drill Halls were the scene of the exhibition. Both the buildings and the locality are most suitable for such a purpose. The show, both in point of numbers and quality, was most encouraging to the gentlemen who have done so much to make the club an institution. [. . .] In the cat section of the show some very pretty exhibits were shown. A beautiful golden-brown long-haired Tom was shown by Mrs. T. S. Smith, which carried off second honours. The Misses Lang showed a long-haired Ardenvahr, which took first and special. Mr. Bennett's Minstrel Boy was a kitten of much promise both in form and colour. The show was well patronised and much enjoyed by both the classes and the masses, and reflects much credit on the [Glasgow Kennel] Club.

POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW IN NEWCASTLE Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 29th October 1891
Yesterday, the annual exhibition in connexion with the Newcastle National Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Society was opened in the Corn Exchange, Town Hall. This show increases yearly in importance, and now it is not only one of the in the country so far as regards the number of exhibits, but the general excellence of the stock yearly brought together in Newcastle . . . the cats were a thoroughly representative collection. The show, which was largely attended during the day, will remain open today. [Cat judge – Mr. T.B. Mason]

PAISLEY KENNEL CLUB DOG AND CAT SHOW. North British Daily Mail, 30th October 1891
At the Drill Hall, Paisley, yesterday, the Paisley Kennel Club held their fifth annual show. A novelty in the show was the section for cats, for which there were 25 entries, and which included some very fine specimens, winners ar the Crystal Palace and all the leading exhibitions. [Cat judges – Messrs J.D. Pottie, M.R.C.V.S., and John King, Smithhills.]
Tom cats, any variety – 1 and special, Miss Finlayson, Merchiston Castle, Johnstone; 2 and special, Hugh McLerie, Largs, Ayrshire.
Tabbies [i.e. she-cats], any variety – 1, A. Drummond, 8 King’s Stable Road, Edinburgh; 2nd James Kerr, Fullerton, Troon.
Kittens , any variety – 1, J. Dow, 3 Brown’s Place, Vennel, Edinburgh; 2nd H.W.H. Warner, Slateford Road, Edinburgh; 3rd Agnes McAllister, Paisley.

CHELTENHAM POULTRY, PIGEON, CAGE BIRD, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW. Gloucester Citizen, 5th November 1891
The Cheltenham Association has been eminently successful in producing grand show, which was opened on Wednesday at the Winter Gardens, by Ald. J. C. Griffith, in the unavoidable absence of the Mayor. [. . .]The judges were [. . .] British and foreign birds, rabbits, cats, and cavies, Mr. G. H. Billett, jun. LOCAL WINNERS. Cats:—Mrs. Robinson, Cheltenham ; Voyle, Cheltenham Leach, Leckhampton ; Mrs. J. Adams, Cheltenham ; A. W. Davis, Cheltenham ; J. C. Griffith, Cheltenham; Watkins, Cheltenham; Miss Marks, Cheltenham.

DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON, ETC. SHOW Norfolk News, 14th November 1891
Thursday and Friday week the third open exhibition of the local society for promoting such shows was held in the Corn Exchange, and proved highly successful one. The departments contained many fine specimens [. . .] the cat show was poor. The judges were –rabbits, cats and cavies – Mr. A.E.D. Enfield.

HAWICK SHOW. The Berwick Advertiser, 13th November 1891
At Hawick Bird and Cat Show on Friday, the prize takers included [cats were not listed].

SOUTH OF SCOTLAND [DUMFRIES] DOG SHOW AND CAT SHOWDumfries & Galloway Courier and Herald, 18th November 1891
South of Scotland Dog Show and Cat Show, December 16 and 17. £250 Prize Money. Large classification. Schedules ready shortly. Gifts of Special prizes requested. J.J. Clarke, Secretary.

THE GRAND POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW Whitby Gazette, 27th November 1891
The Grand Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit and Cat Show next Wednesday. One of the most interesting occasions prior to Christmas at Whitby has been now for the last few years the above show, to be again held in the Temperance Hall on Wednesday. For the present exhibition there is a very large entry – indeed, it might be termed an enormous one, and the various classes are exceedingly well filled, showing every prospect of it being a most successful show. [No follow up report with prize lists]

POULTRY AND BIRD SHOW AT CARDIFF Central Glamorgan Gazette, 11th December 1891
The wretched weather of Wednesday played havoc with the Cardiff Poultry, Bird, and Cat Show, and the attendance was small. There was a very numerous entry in the various classes, which included some fine exhibits, and the committee gave a good list of prizes. The repository where the show was held was not sufficiently large, and the exhibits suffered for want of space.

CANTERBURY POULTRY SHOW. Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmers' Gazette, 19th December 1891
The fifth annual exhibition in connection with the Canterbury Ornithological and Rabbit Society was opened Thursday, at tbs Kent County Pavilion, Canterbury, three-day show being arranged for . . . The cats were as particularly interesting collection. The exhibits of Mrs. Herring included "Roguery," a Russian tom. This had taken twenty first prizes, and several medals and special prizes. "Snip," silver spotted tabby, the property of the same lady, has also been a great prize-taker. Mrs. Herring also exhibited her white Persian cat, with china blue eyes, "Prince Rupert." Her "Queen Victoria," which took first prize in the variety class, is a splendid animal, and recently won a cup at the Maidstone Show.

GREAT AYTON POULTRY SHOW. York Herald 30th December 1891
The fifth annual show of poultry, pigeons, rabbits, cats, cavies, etc , in connection with the Great Ayton Poultry Society was held in the Village Hall and British Schools, Great Ayton, yesterday afternoon. For so young an institution the show was excellently patronised, the exhibits being viewed by a constant stream of fanciers throughout the whole of the afternoon. The entries numbered 733, which, as compared with last year, showed an increase of 24, and, as compared with the previous year, an increase of 59. The most noticeable increase was in the poultry and pigeon sections. The exhibition of cats showed a slight falling off., there being only 14 entries. [Judges] Rabbits, cats, aud cavies, Oscar Moses, Esq., Darlington.
Cats.— Pure English cat— Mrs Welsby ; 2, W Layfield, Great Ayton ; 3, P Heslop.
Best foreign cat, any variety. - 1 and special, C Heslop ; 2, C E Smith, Darlington ; 3, F Freeman, Pinchingthorpe.