REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH - 1894

1894 HENLEY SHOW

HENLEY. POULTRY, AND PIGEON SHOW. Reading Mercury, 13th January 1894
The first poultry. pigeon, bird, and cat show ever held in Henley, took place on Thursday and Friday in St. Mary's Hall. There were over 500 entries, including some very fine birds.

HENLEY PIGEON AND POULTRY SHOW Henley Advertiser, 20th January 1894
The first annual show of pigeons and poultry and rabbits and cage birds and cats by the Henley Ornithological Society was held on Thursday and Friday last week
CATS. 42.-Cat, long hair (open) small class; 1st, H Miller, Walthamstow; 2nd, Mrs Micholay, Iver, Bucks; 3rd, ditto.
43.-Short hair (open); 1st, Miss Pratt, Woodstock: 2nd, J Adams, Maidenhead; 3rd, Pound Bros, Leicester,
44.-Long hair (local); 1st, W Sanders; 2nd, Miss E Wright; 3rd, W Saunders; vhc, R Barefield, Miss Toovey, G Chitty; hc, E Fox, W Bunce, W F Mott.
45.-Short hair (local), 1st and special for the best cat, open to 6 miles. 1st, A V Aberdeen, fit for open show; 2nd, H Fathers; 3rd, W Wiltshire; 4th, Mrs Jackson; vhc, H Foster.

1894 BATH CAT SHOW

BATH CAT SHOW Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 1st February 1894
To those interested in the welfare of poor puss" the announcement that the second Bath Cat Show is to be held on March 14 and 15 will be received with pleasure. The success of last year's exhibition has stimulated the promoters largely to increase the classification, and thirty-three classes will be provided for cats of ail descriptions:-long or short-haired male, female, or neuter, tabbies, blue, silver, and even Siamese and other distinguished foreign cats will have classes to themselves. The show will be under National Cat Club rules, and in consideration of the Patronage so bountifully bestowed upon it last year the executive have secured the co-operation of the following ladies, who have kindly granted their patronage and are taking an active interest in the arrangements for the exhibition of the felis domesticus, viz., the Marchioness of Bath, Lady Weymouth, Lady Blaine, Hon. Mrs. Digby Walsh, Hon. Miss Montagu, Mrs. Wyndham Murray, Mrs. E.R. Wodehouse, Mrs. G. Woodiwiss, Miss Haigh, Mrs. Lansdown Daubeny, Mrs. Percy Learoyd, and others. The large Brock-street Hall has been again secured, which will be furnished and prettily decorated with trees, plants, etc. Intending exhibitors should obtain a schedule and make entries at once.

BATH CAT SHOW Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 8th February 1894
The treasurers of our local chanties should be on the alert. Not many years since the appearance of a cat was a veritable signal for cruelty, but times are altered, and, doubtless owing to the exertions of the National Cat Club, the welfare of pussy is looked after and its general status raised to the fullest extent. This is en evidence from the generous schedule now being issued by the Bath Cat Show Committee, for not only is liberal prize money given but nearly 40 valuable specials are offered in addition. Among the list we notice the names of Sir R. S. Blaine, Colonel Wyndham Murray, M.P., Mr. E. R. Wodehouse, M.P., and Mr. J. Emmott Barlow, M.P. Mr. George Woodiwiss, J.P, shows his interest in the novel exhibition by giving a handsome £5 5s. silver cup for the best cat in the show. We are pleased to learn that Louis Wain (the clever caricature artist of animals), has again given two of his pen and ink drawings, which are so much prized, and further will attend the coming Bath Show as a judge. Intending exhibitors should at once obtain a schedule and make early entry.

BATH CAT SHOW Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 15th February 1894
Anent the approaching Cat Show we may mention that the entries are coming in very favourably and that the "cream of the feline fancy" will be on view seems certain. The executive are to be congratulated on the liberal schedule sent out. In looking at the entry form we observe that the attention of exhibitors is drawn to the entry of their cats in the correct classes. On the last occasion many splendid specimens were disqualified by reason of their failure to do this. The live stock journals, in describing last year's show, were loud in their praises of the attention to feeding and bedding of poor puss, and those having valuable specimens need not fear to enter them Messrs. Spratt's patent cat pens will be used and this firm will also feed, whilst the services of Sanitas Limited have been secured to disinfect the show. The patronage is increasing, the Countess Temple having kindly promised to be present at this great cat carnival, while the Duchess of Bedford, who has for many years taken great interest in cats, is contributing to the special prize fund.

BATH CAT SHOW Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette , 1st March 1894
That the interest in the coming Bath Cat Show is daily increasing is evinced by the fact that the entries are coming in from all parts and some of the most novel and beautiful specimens of the "cat world" will be on exhibition. The foreign imports from Russia, India, Siberia, are very numerous, one lady who is in India having arranged to enter no less than sixteen specimens [Mrs. McLaren Morrison!], while the Secretary has received communication from Sir Henry Ponsonby on behalf of her Majesty the Queen with regard to the entry of cats from the Royal household. The fact of six local classes with very valuable specials given in addition to the prize money should induce most local residents who keep a "pussy" to enter it for this great Cat Carnival. Every care will be taken of the exhibits. Mr. F. Tonar, M.R.C.V.S.. will personally inspect each cat as it enters the show so to avoid any infection. The entries close next Saturday.

BATH CAT SHOW Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 8th March 1894
The arrangements for the Bath Cat Show which takes place next Wednesday and Thursday at the Brock-street Hall, are now concluded. From what we learn the show promises to be more attractive than usual; the entries are equal to the previous exhibition, whilst the exhibits are of exceptional merit, some having a lengthy pedigree. The chief attraction we understand will again be the Siamese; the famous animal imported from the Court of Siam and rejoicing in the name of "Kitty Kara," will be on view. This strange looking cat took first prize in Crystal Palace Show. Other wonderful specimens of all shades and colours from Russia, Thibet, Persia and Siberia are entered, whilst some of the exhibitors who invariably bring their valuable pets with them come from Scotland and even co. Down, Ireland. Most of the lady patronesses have signified their intention of being at the Show on the first day, when during the afternoon the National Cat Club will meet to still further the interests of "poor puss." Those anxious to avoid the crowd are advised to attend on the afternoon of the first day or the morning of the second. The local entry is said to be exceptionally heavy.

[BATH] CAT SHOW Bristol Times and Mirror, 15th March 1894
A cat show, the second of the kind that has been held at Bath, was opened yesterday, at the Brock-street hall. There was an entry of 300 cats, 85 of these being local entries. Several of the first prize takers at the Crystal Palace were entered, and there was a fine collection of Persian, Indian, and Russian cats. The arrangements were carried out by Messrs. F.W. Bascomb, W.C.O. Ellis, W. Sants, F.W. Palmer, O. Whitcombe, and E. Horton, who form the Executive Committee, Mr G.F. Burlington acting as secretary. The judges were Mr Louis Wain, President of the National Cat Club; Mr A.A. Clark, treasurer of the M.C.C; and Mr Geo. Billett, sen., of Southampton. Mr F. Tonar M.R.C.V.S., is the hon. vet. Surgeon, and the disinfecting process is thoroughly carried out by the Sanitas Company, Limited, of London.

BATH CAT SHOW Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 15th March 1894
The Cat Show which opened yesterday at the Brock-street Hall and will be continued today is the second that has been held Bath, but this far surpasses the last, both in the number and quality of exhibits. It is under the patronage of the Marchioness of Bath, the Countess of Cork, Lady Weymouth, Lady Blaine, Hon. Mrs. Digby Walsh, Hon. Miss Montagu. Mrs. E. B. Wodehouse, Mrs. Lansdowne Daubeny, Mrs. Wyndham Murray, Mrs. Percy Learoyd, Mrs. George Woodiwiss, Miss Haigh, Miss How. The arrangements have been admirably carried out by Messrs. F. W. Bascomb, W. C. O. Ellis, W. Sants, F. W. Palmer, O. Witcombe, and B. Horton, who form the Executive Committee; the indefatigable Mr. George F. J. Buvington is the secretary, as last year. There an entry of 300 cats, 85 of these being local entries. Several of the first prize-takers at the Crystal Palace are entered, and there is a fine collection of Persian, Indian and Russian cats. There is one specimen only of a Siamese cat, and that one is exceptionally good, being far superior to the specimen of last year. There are also two African tiger kittens, one almost full-grown. In the local entries the neuters exceed by a considerable number, there being 28 entries for that class, and the judges had to award extra prizes for these. The prize awarded for the best local cat in the show occasioned much difficulty to the judges as there are so many fine cats. The long-haired, self-coloured cats are very good, and there are some very fine specimens of tortoise-shell cats. The judges were Mr. A. A. Clark, Treasurer of the M.C.C.; Mr. B. Hooton, of Kingswood; and Mr. Geo. Billett. senr., of Southampton, Mr. F. Tonar, M.R.C.V.S., is the hon. vet. surgeon, and the disinfecting process is thoroughly carried out by the Sanitas Company, Limited, of London. We append the PRIZE LIST.
Short-Haired Cats.
Siamese - 1, Mrs Carew Cox. Saffron Walden
Tortoiseshell or Tortoiseshell and White - 1, Mrs McLaren. Morrison. Northallerton; 2, C Graves, Chesterfield; 3, T Welsby, Southport; 4, Mrs E Ogburn, Bath
Blue, Self-Colour, without White - 2, Mrs Pownall, Warrington; 3, H W Bullock; Bristol, 4, Mrs R Edwards, London
Black or White - 2. H W Bullock
Silver Tabby, without white - 1, H W Bullock; 2, S Woodiwiss, East Finchley; 3, J W Scott, Harrogate
Tabby, any other Colour, without white - 1, S Woodiwiss; 2, Pound Bros., Leicester; 4, Mrs H Rudd, Bristol
Any other Colour - 1, E S Woodiwiss, Essex;2, C H Lane, Bristol; 3, Mrs J O'Connor Parnell. Bristol
She Cats.
Blue, Self-Colour, without white - 1, W Marlow.New Cross; 2, G Reeks, Darlington; 3, Mrs A Kuhnell, Bradford;4. Mrs Carew Cox
Black or White - 1, Miss N Pilling, Rawenstall; 2. Mrs McLaren Morrison: 3, H.W. Bullock; 4. W Bettridge, Bath
Silver Tabby, without white - 1 and 3. A W Bullock; 2, S. Woodiwiss, 4, Mrs McLaren Morrison
Tabby, any other Colour, without White - 2, Mrs McLaren, Morrison; 3, W Bettridge; 4, S. Woodiwiss
Any other Colour - 2, Mrs Carew Cox; 3, W Coleman, Gloucestershire
Kittens - Best Single Kitten, under 6 months - 1, Mrs C Heslop;2, S Woodiwiss; 3, Mrs Pownall; 4. H W Bullock
Long Haired Cats
He Cats
Blue Self-colour, without White - 1, Mrs Marriott, Taunton; 2, Mrs McLaren Morrison; 3, Mrs Ellerten, Forest Hill
Black or White - 1, Mrs Lee, Kent; 2, Mrs Carew Cox; 3, Mrs McLaren Morrison
Tabby, any other Colour, without White - 1, Mrs J Herril; 2, B Horton, Bristol; 3, Mrs H B Thompson, Islington
Any other Colour - 1. Mrs E Davies, Isleworth;2, Mrs McLaren Morrison; 3, Mrs Vallance
She Cats
Blue Self-colour, without White - 3, Hon. Elizabeth Montagu, London; 3, Mrs McLaren Morrison
Black or White - 1, H W Bullock; 2, Mrs McLaren, Morrison; 3, Mrs H B Thompson
Tabby, any Colour, without White - 1, R T Babb. Surrey; 2. Mrs Lee; 3, Miss Pow, Warmley; 4. Miss Hussey-Freke, Wilts
Any other Colour - 1, Mrs Pearce, New Barnett; 2, Mrs Greenwood, Southampton; 3, Mrs Vallance, Sittingbourne; A Macpherson, Edinburgh
Best pair of Kittens, under 6 months - 1, Miss Foote, Bath 2, Miss D'Arcy, South Hampstead; 4, Miss A Bush, Bath
Best Single Kitten, Self-colour - 1, Mrs J Horril; 2, Mrs Foote; 3, Mrs Heslop; 4, Mrs H A Cartwright, Salisbury
Best Single Kitten, any Colour - 1, A Macpherson; 2, Mrs A Oman, Cheltenham; 3, Mrs E .Davies; 4, W Bullivant, Leamington

Neuter Cats - 1, H Targett, Clapham Junction; 2, C H Lane
Neuter Cats, Short-haired, any Colour - 1, Mrs H S Dickinson, Parkstone; 2, Miss B Dawson; 3, C H Lane
Long-haired Tabby, without White - 1. T Noad, Road; 3, Mrs Lansdowne Daubeney, Bath; 4, Mrs W Stone, London
Neuter Cats, Long-haired, any Colour - 1, Mrs S Dale, Torquay; 2, Miss K Sangster, Southsea; 3, Miss Moloney, Hayward's Heath 4, Mrs McLaren Morrison

Local Prizes.
Tabby without white, Short-Haired, Male or Female - 3, Miss R M Ellis, Combe Down; v.h.c. A E Pratt, Weston; c Mrs E A Plank, Old Bridge Tavern
Any other Colour, Male or Female - 1, Mrs F E Shum, 10 Darlington-place; 2, G Mariner. 19, Monmouth-place; 3. A Bartlett, 2, Burlington-place; h.c., F Montague, 21, St. Mark’s-place.
Tabby, without white, Long-Haired, Male or Female - 1, Mrs Cotton, Newbridge-road; 2, Mrs Wilton, Hampton Hall; v.h.c , Mrs E L Dudley, Circus; h.c.. A Pullen, 13, Morford-street
Any other Colour, Male or Female - 1, Miss Blanch Spackman, Great Bedford-street; 2,J Pollard, 55, Malvern-buildings; 3, A F Otto. 4. Malvern-terrace; 4, Mrs C Good, Avondale; h.c, S Williams, 12, Widcombe-parade; c., F Smith, Oldfield-park
Neuter, Long-Haired - Mrs W Wilcox, Hampton Hall; 2, Mrs Lawrence, 1, Lynwid-villas; 3, Miss Haigh, 103, Sydney-place; extra 3, C Good; v.h.c,, Mrs A Stewart, 1, Terrace-walk, and Miss Hardcastle, Montagu House; h.c, G Maidment, Sion-hill; c, Mr A Smith, Lyncombe, and J H Brown, 5, Hatfield-buildings.
Neuter. Short-Haired - 1, Mrs Mackechnie, 15, Catherine-place; 2 Miss A Hiett, 24, Brock-street; 3. Miss E Newth, 5, Queens-parade; 4, A W Thackway, 25, Southgate-street; v.h.c, J Woodrow, 5, Monmouth-place; h.c., Mrs T H Lawes. Widcombe-parade, and W Baker, 9, Ballance-street, c, J Morris, Bathampton
Kitten, Long or Short-Haired - 1, Mrs Kelly, Harrington Club; Mrs C Good;3. Miss E Crook, Cheap-street; 4, Miss A Symons. 8, Russell-street; v.h.c, Mrs Conybeare, Ellesmere; h.c., F Townsend, 27. New King-street

THE CAT SHOW BATH. Western Daily Press, 15th March 1894
The Bath Cat Show was opened at the Brook Street Hall yesterday afternoon. This is the second of the kind that has been held, and in point of entries was advance of its predecessor. There were 300 specimens of the feline tribe view, and the domestic pets attracted a large number of visitors. In the local entries the neuters exceeded by a considerable number. There were 23 entries for this class, and the judges had to award extra prizes. [list of patrons, committee, prize-winners]

BATH CAT SHOW Bristol Mercury, 15th March 1894
A cat show is not now a novelty for Bath, but it is undoubtedly a great attraction, as was shown by the large number which attended the exhibition yesterday at Brock Street Hall. The show is in many points superior to the one held last year; there is a larger number of classes, the quality benched shows at favourable improvement, and the entries have gone up with a bound. The prize money stands on a par with lost year, but the specials are more numerous and include a couple of original drawing by that clever caricature artist, Mr Louis Wain, who is also president of the National Cat Club. Mr Louis Wain was to have acted as one of the judges, but he wired his inability to come to Bath at the last moment, and the duties were shared by Mr A. A., Clarke, treasurer of the National Oat Club; Mr George Billett, sen,, of Southampton; and Mr B Hooton, of Kingswood, the latter judging the local classes, With an entry of close upon 300, the distribution of the exhibits over the hall proved no trifling task; the space was naturally taxed to its utmost capacity, but the benching arrangements by Messrs Spratt and Co. were again well carried out, and as much accommodation as possible was reserved for the general public. [Prize list etc]

BATH CAT SHOW Hull Daily Mail, 22nd March 1894
The great Cat Show held at Bath on the 14th and 15th was a grand show for quality, but in number some classes were only poorly filled. The entries numbered 271, in 31 classes. In the short-haired males or females, Mrs C. Cox secured the cup with Siamese (Kitra Kara); Mrs C. Heslop the cup for best single kitten, short-haired; and Miss Pilling took the cup for the best female with a lovely black specimen. The management was, I hear, of high order. – TORTOISESHELL, Thursday Morning.

1894 EDINBURGH DOG AND CAT SHOW

DOG AND CAT SHOW IN EDINBURGH Edinburgh Evening News, 24th May 1894
The Edinburgh Kennel Club, which now been in existence for two years, held their first show in the Waverley Market to-day, and will continue it tomorrow. [. . .] There was also a very good show of cats. The following the prize-list:
Cats. Long-haired males, self-colour - 1, Miss Black; 2, Hugh McLerie; 3, M. Clark. .
Long-haired females, self colour -1. H.M McLerie; 2 R.C. C Clark, 3, Sister Mary M. M. Brodie.
Long-haired males, any other colour - 1 and 2, R Clark; 3 Aitchison.
Long-haired females, any other colour - 1, R. Clark, 2, P. Chalmers; 3, Mrs Clark.
Long-haired geldings any colour - 1 Mrs Grieve; 2 Mrs Geo. Laurie; 3 Miss Jessie J. Linton.
Long-haired kittens, under six months - 1, R. Clark; 2, Mrs Herd; 3, Wardlaw and Macpherson.
Short haired males, any colour - 1. Chas. Shaw; 2 Miss Margaret Melrose.
Short haired females, any colour - 1, Miss M. Ruth Clark; 2, R Clark; 3, Jas. Martin.
Short haired geldings, any colour - 1, Mrs Herd; 2, H. Hunter; 3, Miss Beattie.
Short-haired kitten, under six months - 1, W. H. Smith; 2, Mrs. Herd; 3. Miss Mable Minto.
Litters under three months - 1, Miss Black; 2 Wardlaw and Maepherson; 3. Mrs. Clark.
Selling Class, any variety - 1, W. Aitchison; 2 and 3, Wardlaw and Macpherson.

DOG AND CAT SHOW IN EDINBURGH. Dundee Courier, 25th May 1894
The first show of the Edinburgh Kennel Club was held yesterday in the Waverley Market, Edinburgh. The display was quite a creditable one, the entries — numbering 900 — when classification, and prize money are taken into account, being Very good. [no mention of cats section]

LOCAL SUCCESSES AT THE EDINBURGH DOG AND CAT SHOW Fife Free Press, and Kirkcaldy Guardian, 2nd June 1894
Mrs Herd, St Clair House, was also a successful competitor in the Cat section, gaining one first and two second prizes.

1894 WOODSTOCK AGRICULTURAL SHOW

[AGRICULTURAL SHOW, WOODSTOCK] Oxfordshire Weekly News, 22nd August 1894
The National Cat Club give their patronage and a couple of medals. There are eight classes for cats, which should bring together a fine collection of “mousers.”

WOODSTOCK AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL SHOW AT BLENHEIM PARK. Banbury Guardian, 13th September 1894
One of the most successful shows ever held in connection with the above society was that which took place on Tuesday . . . the schedule of prizes appeals to all sorts and conditions of men – and women too, for cats have a place in it. [Cat judge Mr G.H. Billett, steward Mr Edge] [Some exhibitor details gathered from other papers.]
Long-haired cat, male – 1, Rev. E. Whittington, Fringford; 2, Miss Jay; 3, Hon. Miss Dillon.
Long-haired, female – 1 and highly commended, Mrs Pearce, New Barnet; 2, Mr F.J. Lawton; 3, Miss Grace, Steeple Ashton; very highly commended, Mrs Foote, Tunbridge Wells.
Short-haired cat, male – 1, Mrs Carew Cox, Saffron Walden; 2, Mr A. Cocks, Steeple Aston; 3, Mr H. Heyhoe, Woodstock.
Short-haired cat, female – 1, Mrs Carew Cxo; 2, Miss F. Pratt; 3, Mr Harry Hicks, Lambourne; highly commended Mr J.H. Sage, Eastville.
Long-haired kittens – 1, Miss Jay; 2, Mrs Paisley, Billingham; 3, Miss Grace; highly commended, Mrs Foote; Mrs Watts, Oxford; Mrs F.V. Slatter, Souldern; and Mrs Kennaway, East Harling.
Short-haired kittens – 1, Miss Fanny Pratt, Woodstock; 2, Mrs Carew Cox; 3, Mr Harry Hicks; highly commended, Mrs Kuhnel, Bradford.
Neuter cat, any variety – 1, Mr J. Buckle; 2, Mr A.V. Aberdeen, Henley-on-Thames; 3, Mr A. Hopcraft, Deddington; very highly commended, Mr E.S. Edwards, Charlbury; highly commended, Miss Sheppard, Miss F.V. Slatter.
Selling, any variety – 1, Mr Buckle, highly commended Miss Jay and Mr J. Hill.

SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR Henley & South Oxford Standard, 14th September 1894
At Woodstock Agricultural and Fanciers’ Show, held at Blenheim Park, on September 11th, Mr A.. Aberdeen’s smoke-blue cat “Mousie” gained second prize.

WOODSTOCK AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION Oxford Journal - Saturday 15 September 1894
Not the least interesting feature of the show were the cats, and this department was under the patronage of the National Cat Club. A really wonderful cat was sent by Mrs Carew Cox, of Saffron Walden, a Siamese with a splendid coat, which was awarded first and four specials, and was undeniably the best cat in the show. The first prize long-haired cat, which also took special, was a good white, and would have run close in the competition for the best cat in the show, but it was a bit out in coat. The prize for the long-haired females went to a beautiful silver tabby, well-marked and with a good coat. Amongst the long-haired kittens, a nice pair of beautiful blue Persians were first, and a pair of blues occupied a similar position in the class for short-haired kittens. Taken as a whole it was a better show of cats than has been seen at an Oxfordshire show for some time.

WOODSTOCK AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SHOW Oxfordshire Weekly News, 19th September 1894
Cats, of which there were seven well filled classes, were under the patronage of the National Cat Club, whose two medals went to Mrs. Carew Cox's Siamese cat, "King Kesho," a very beautiful specimen which also was awarded two other specials. The first prize and special long-haired cat was a very rood white, and would have run hard for the best cat in the show, except for the fact that he was a bit out in coat. For long-haired female cats the first card was credited to a beautiful silver tabby, well marked, with a good coat, shown by Mrs. Pearce. In long-haired kittens the premier honour went to a pretty pair of Persians, shown in good form. The prize for short-haired kittens went to a nice pair of blues.

1894 WEST OF ENGLAND (BRISTOL) CAT SHOW

WEST OF ENGLAND GREAT CAT SHOW Bristol Mercury, 18th August 1894
This show is to be held on September 19th and 20th, at the Victoria Rooms, Clifton. From the schedule being issued it will be seen that classes are being provided for every description of cat, from the aristocratic blue to the commonest specimen. The prizes offered are liberal, whilst in addition special prizes are given, including a £10 10s silver cup by Mr Sam Woodiwiss and £7 7s silver prize by Mr H. W. Bullock. The management is in good hands, and all who possess a good feline specimen should lose no time in obtaining a schedule and making an entry.

[ WEST OF ENGLAND CAT SHOW] Bristol Times and Mirror, 18th August 1894
One of the most novel exhibitions advertised is a monster cat show, to take place on September 19th and 20th, at the Victoria-rooms, Clifton. Fifty classes are provided for every description of cat, and a most liberal schedule is offered to all lovers of “poor puss.” Every shade, colour, and description of cat will be represented, and all who possess a feline specimen should lose no time in obtaining a schedule and making early entry.

GREAT CAT SHOW Nottinghamshire Guardia, 25th August 1894
We hear that a great cat show is to be held next September in Clifton. Something like sixty classes are provided, including trays, brace, novice, and champion. The show is supported by the Duchess of Bradford and other ladies. Amongst the numerous prizes is a £10 10s cup given by tht- keen dog fancier, Mr. Sam Woodiwiss. [I don’t know what a “trays” class is]

THE COMING CLIFTON CAT SHOW Bristol Mercury, 29th August 1894
Sir - As I notice that Clifton is to be honoured by a great feline exhibition, I crave your kind permission to insert a few lines in favour of the show and to express my pleasure that such an interest is being taken in the welfare of poor puss. In bygone days a cat, whilst appreciated as a good mouser, was a signal for cruelty when it appeared, but now that such men as Harrison Weir, Gordon Stables, and Louis Wain have come forward In their defence we find more attention is given to the various breeds of cats, and thanks to the National Cat Club we have its general status raised, and the welfare of pussy looked after; and by means of cat shows the many varieties of breeds, English and foreign, are brought prominently before the public. Those gentlemen to whose exertions we are indebted for cat shows must now feel satisfied with their labour of love. Had other members of the animal world been so neglected for ages as the cat, i.e., allowed to mate how and where it pleased, what would our horses, cattle, and dogs have degenerated into? I sincerely trust all those who possess a cat or kitten will obtain a schedule, and enter it for competition, and that the public of Bristol will take advantage of this opportunity of patronising one of the novelties of the year, viz., an exhibition of hundreds of the best specimens of the cat tribe ever seen in this part of England. Never shall I forget my visit last year to the Crystal Palace cat show. The interest taken in our miniature tiger by the ladies was tremendous, and as for getting near the kittens it was next to impossible. Thanking you in anticipation, Believe me. A Lover of Cats. Clifton, August 27th.

WEST OF ENGLAND GREAT CAT SHOW Bristol Times and Mirror, 30th August 1894
If genuine interest and distinguished patronage can ensure success, the coming feline exhibition ought to prove one of the most successful shows ever held. The executive are most earnest and enthusiastic in their efforts, and nothing will be left undone on their part that can possibly be done to further the arrangements for the comfort of poor puss. All who possess a cat or kitten are invited to obtain a schedule and enter at once, Amongst the ladies taking an active interest in the exhibition who have granted their patronage and sent donations, are Lady Edward Somerset and the Mayoress of Bristol.

CLIFTON CAT SHOW Various, 19th September, 1894
Victoria Rooms, Clifton, This Day (Wednesday) and To-Morrow (Thursday). The Prettiest Show in the World. The West of England Great Cat Show. Hundreds of Prize-Bred Cats. Imports from Japan, Russia, India, China, and Persia. Special Entry of Wild Tiger Cats from the Interior of Africa. Admission: First Day, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 2s 6d.; 6 to 10 p.m. 1s. Second Day, 10 to 6 p.m. 1s; 6 to 9 p.m. 6d.

[WEST OF ENGLAND CAT SHOW] Clifton Society, 20th September 1894
The West of England Cat Show, which was opened at the Victoria Rooms yesterday, is the largest show yet held in the provinces, and I strongly advise none of my readers to omit visiting it. The entries total over five hundred, comprising no fewer than three hundred cats. The quality of the exhibits is in many of the classes is of an exceptionally high order. In the champion class, for instance, there are no fewer than ten entries, comprising the noted winners from all the principal shows held under the National Cat Club rules. The premier prize, that for the best cat in the Show, a silver cup value ten guineas given by Mr. S. Woodiwiss, was awarded to Mr. H. A. Cartwright, of Salisbury, for Toby, a magnificent specimen of the long-haired tribe. It should be noted, however, that this trophy was actually won by the donor himself, so far as merit was concerned, with his champion Xnephon, but he was debarred from taking it by one of the rules, and so it was awarded as I have said. For the best short-haired cat in the show. Xnephon took the silver cup given by the President, Mr. Bullock.

Mr. Bullock himself was one of the principal exhibitors in the short-haired section, and Mrs. Charles Heslop, from Darlington, sent some magnificent specimens of silver tabby and blue cats. Mrs. Herring, a lady whose name is well-known in the cat world, had no fewer than seventeen entries, but even that was outdone by another exhibitor Mrs. Maclaren Morrison, who entered two dozen. Another well-known exhibitor was Mrs. Buller, of Englefield, who sent some exceedingly good specimens. In the local classes Mr. J. Trusdale, of the London Hotel, was a large exhibitor, and secured first and special prizes, in addition to others, for the best short-haired cat in these classes, the successful animal being Jim, a silver tabby.

Mr. Lane, of Downend, the Vice-President of the Committee, was a strong supporter of the exhibition, and deservedly secured many valuable prizes for his feline pets. Mr. Harold V. James, whose address was given in the schedule as York-place. Clifton, was awarded the premier prize in the local class for smoke colour cats with a handsome male smoke Persian, Jubilee, but an objection was lodged against the exhibitor on the ground that he did not reside within the local radius of five miles. Mr. Frank Leigh, of Westbury-on-Trym, who was placed second in this class, will of course take first prize should the objection be upheld.

All sorts of cats and cats of all ages are to be seen in the show, from the kitten of a few weeks old to the quarter of a century old Topsy, exhibited by Mr. Hodges, Park-street, who, in the short-haired black neuter division, was awarded the first prize. Mr. J. G. Hayman, of Redland, secured second honours with his tabby, "Jim" ; Mr. W. F. Spratt, 10, West-mall, Clifton, taking third with a neuter Chinchilla grey cat, named Manx. The class was a meritorious one all through, and many of the exhibits were commended. In the long haired neuter class Miss Maude Barnett, of 35. Apsley-road, Clifton, secured first with her exceedingly well marked tabby, Fluff. It is an interesting fact that this beautiful specimen was painted a few years since by a noted artist, whose picture had the honour of being hung at the Royal Academy. Mrs. Kendall, of White Ladies'-road, was second with a very taking black Persian, Tib. The principal prize for the best kitten in the local class was awarded to Mr. R. Monk, of Kingswood, for Punch.

There were numerous other local exhibitors, and judging from the large attendance yesterday afternoon, the venture seems to have aroused genuine interest among Cliftonians. The management of the Show is in good hands, and there is a highly influential list of patrons, indeed they include all the principal members of the National Cat Club.

CAT SHOW AT CLIFTON. FIRST DAY Bristol Times and Mirror, 20th September 1894
Yesterday a two days’ cat show opened at the Victoria-rooms, Clifton, and, apart from the novelty of such an exhibition in the neighbourhood of Bristol, there are many reasons which should quite justify the complete success of the venture. The exhibition is under the patronage of the National Cat Club, an organisation entitled to the greatest credit for its exertions to do for household pets what the Kennel Club has so well done for the various breeds of doggydom. The show will prove quite a revelation to many who have arrived at their ideas of pussy from the common or housetop-back-garden variety. To walk into the large hall, and see the number of wired pens arranged in the most convenient of forms is itself a bit of a staggerer, and, further, the visitor is agreeably disappointed to find an entire absence of the “caterwaul” and the high crescendo notes which make the feline midnight concert so hideous to the suddenly-awakened sleeper. The cats behave themselves with such marked propriety that it dawns upon many, and possibly for the first time, how it is that these creatures are so much loved by ladies, and again it comes quite as a revelation to those outside the region of the higher development of felines that the enthusiasts number quite as many gentlemen as ladies. In the matter of deportment, certain it is that cats on view can give points to dogs and poultry doing similar duty; for exhibitions confined to the two latter are just as noisy as the former is quiet – it might also be added, refined.

Entering the hall as the judging was being done, the quietness was broken by the voice of one cat lifted in lamentation. The other cats by their expression clearly conveyed what they would have said has they the power of speech – “Of course, that wasn’t me.” Going in the direction o the sound the offender was - no he wasn’t “spotted,” but turned out to be a fine Siamese cat, endowed either with a superlative quantity of vanity or a strong dislike to be left without human company, for directly anyone came to his cage with friendly speech and an affectionate rub of his fur he immediately subsided and purred his gratitude. There were only two specimens of Siamese, and, being very short-haired, they present a very unusual appearance, but grow in favour if an interview is prolonged or repeated. The exhibition is under distinguished patronage, the list including the following:- The Marchioness of Bath, Lady Edward Somerset, Col. Sir E.S. Hill, K.C.H., M.P., and Sir J. Weston, M.P., Lady Weston, Lady Hill, the Mayoress of Bristol, Mr Edward Colston, M.P., and the principal members of the National Cat Club. The actual management is in the hands of the following:- Mr H.W. Bullock (president), Mr C.H. Lane (vice-president), Mr Burlington (hon. sec.), and Mr Geo, Woodiwiss, J.P. (hon treasurer.) Mr Frank Leigh is t veterinary adviser of the committee. Mr E.T. Parker (secretary Bristol Home for Lost and Starving Dogs and Cats) superintended the bedding and feeding arrangements, whilst Mr Bertram Hooton filled very ably the position of general supervisor.

The collection of cats is, in the judgment of experts, the finest and most comprehensive ever got together in the provinces, and, if succeeding years should see a maintenance of the high quality which marks the opening venture, honours gained at Bristol will become a coveted distinction. The present show boasts of more champion entries tan achieved by any other exhibition in the country. The number of breeds and colours shown is proof of the variety existing in the cat kingdom, whilst the different characteristics are observable to even an unskilled person. The pure Manx breed is possibly the only one not well represented. The value of some of the entries, if the catalogue prices are to be relied on, is astounding, one or two being returned at three figures. There is also a healthy and vigorous specimen of the wild cat of the African forests on view, and amongst the rarer sorts is a white cat with blue eyes. It is impossible to go into details of the various classes, but it is sufficient to say that there are numbers of really pretty cats; indeed, the ladies will find this adjective much too weak to adequately describe the charms of their furry little friends. Besides the ordinary prizes there were no fewer than fifty-six specials, including a silver cup, value £10 10s., presented by Mr S. Woodiwiss, of Sedgemere, for the best cat in the show, and cup worth £7 7s., also for the best cat in the show, given by Mr H.W. Bullock, of Kingswood (vice president of the National Cat Club). The conditions of these were that if the first-names was won by a long-haired cat the second should go to a short-haired. The best cat of the show was Mr Woodiwiss’ Champion Xnephon, a two-year-old brown tabby, but, inasmuch as the rules provided that donors of special prizes could not compete for them, the £10 10s., cup was awarded to Mr H.A. Cartwright’s (Salisbury) Toby, a magnificent blue. Xnephon, however, was awarded the £7 7s., cup. The special prizes also included six of the silver medals of the National Cat Club. The exhibition is a great success, and is well worth a visit. The following officiated as judges:- Mr. Louis Wain (president N.C.C.), Mr F. Gresham, and Mr H. Carew Cox. The following is the prize list:-

SHORT-HAIRED CATS
Siamese – 1, Miss Herring – Queen Rhea; 2, Miss Carew-Cox – King Kesho.
Tortoise-shell, or tortoise-shell and white – 1, Mrs R. Kuhnell – Owl; 2, Thos. Welsby – Nell of Southport; 3 and silver medal, Mrs McLaren Morrison – Tricoleus; extra 3, F.H. Gray – Brum; 4, C. Gray – Maria, and Mrs S. Pearson – Duchess; v.h.c., Mrs C. Heslop – Swale; h.c. Mrs C. Heslop – Otter; c Mrs C. Heslop – Faith.
He cats, blue colour, without white – 1, W. Richardson – Blue Gown; 2, Mrs Pownall – Jim; 3, w. Marlow – Tammy.
He cats, white – 1, Mrs S. Pearson – Zar; 2, C.H. lane – Ben of Kingswood.
He cats, black – 1, G.H. Taylor – Pom-pon; 2, Mrs Geo. Ford – Jim; 3, T. Thatcher – Jack.
He cats, silver tabby, without white – 1, Mrs Herring – Jummy; 2, C.H. Lane – Champion Prince Victor of Kingswood; 3, C.H. Lane – Tiddles of Kingswood; 4, J. Trousdale – Jim; v.h.c., J. Trousdale – Tiger.
He cats, tabby, any other colour, without white – 1 an special and silver medal, Sam Woodiwiss – Champion Xnephon; 2, Mrs Keeble – Prince Tom; 3, Mrs McLaren Morrison – Golden Guinea; 4, Stephen Downs – Orange Boy; v.h.c., R. Naylor – Wharfedale Sam.
He cats, any other colour – 2, Miss herring – Prince George; 3, Miss Southam – Smokie.
She-cats, blue colour without white – 1, Mrs F.E. Shum – Donna; 3, Mrs Carew-Cox – Olga; 4, Mrs C. Heslop – Indigo; h.c., Mrs Pownall – Tibby.
White – 3, C,H. Lane – Snowflake of Kingswood; 4, Mrs mcLaren Morriosn – Obi.
Black – 1, Miss Nora Pilling – Black Bess; 2, Mrs McLaren Morrison – Pekin; v.h.c., C.H. Lane – Lady Black Bess; h.c. R. Naylor -Black Bess.
Silver tabby, without white – 1 and silver medal, C.H. Lane – Champion Shelley of Kingswood; 2, Mrs McLaren Morrison – Silver Queen; 3, Mrs Herring – Lady Olivia; 4, Sam Woodiwiss – Sedgemere Daisy; v.h.c. W.C. Martin – Floss.
Tabby, any other colour, without white – 2, Mrs J.H. Sage; v.h.c., Miss Hawkins – Chummy; h.c. Sam Woodiwiss – Sedgemere Brunette;c, Sam Woodiwiss – Sedgemere Bess.
Any other colour – 2, G. Mariner – Floss; 4, Miss Hawkins – Neptis.
Single kitten, self colour – 1, Mrs C. Heslop – Muker; 2, Mrs G. Mariner – Bobby; 3, Mrs C. heslop – Barton Marvel; h.c. Mrs F.K. Shum – Dou.
Single kitten, any other colour – 1, T.E. Pollett – Bob; 2, Mrs T. Griffiths – Prince Bladud; 3, Mrs J.W. Hedges – Queenie; 4, C. Graves – Topsey; v.h.c., Miss May Dalton – Tib; v.h.c., C.H. Lane – Loby; h.c. Mrs Herring; h.c., Mrs S. pearson – peter Pearson; c., Mrs Louise Stamp – Zephyr; c., R. Naylor – Red Rover; c., J. Pollard.

LONG-HAIRED CATS.
He cats, blue, self colour, without white – 1 and special and silver medal, Mrs H.A. Cartwright – Toby; 2, Mrs Buller – Zulu; 3, G. Grandage – Champion Peter Lyn; 4, Mrs McLaren Morrison – Monarch; v.h.c., Mrs C.Heslop – Halkyn; h.c. Mrs C. Heslop – Blue Prince.
White or black – 1, Mrs J.B. Cole – Max; 2, R.C. Stephens – Mousie; 3, Mrs McLaren Morrison – Satan-up-to-Date; 4, Miss Maud Micklewait – Barney.
Tabby, any other colour, without white – 1, Miss Southam – Ruffie; 2, J. Trousdale – Tiger; 3, J. Trousdale – Lion; 4, Mrs Buller – Friar; v.h.c. Mrs Herring – Breamore; h.c. Mrs McLaren Morrison – Cetewayo; c., Mrs J. Spackman – Puff.
Smoke – 1, Harold V. James – Jubilee; 4, Mrs Foote – Bogie.
Any other colour – 1, Mrs E. Davis – Wei-Hai-Wei; 2, Mrs Herring – King Harry.
She cats, blue, self colour, without white – 1, Miss F. Ward – Fay.
White or black – 1 and silver medal, Mrs E. Davies – Gwen; 2, Mrs E. Davies – Lyangus; 3, R.C. Stephens – Naomi; h.c., mrs E. Meade-King – Daddy; h.c., J. Trousdale – Countess.
Silver tabby, without white – 1, Mrs F. Leigh – Tootie; 4, J. Trousdale – Daisy; h.c., Mrs E. Elmes.
Tabby, any other colour, without white – 2, W.R. Hawkins – Puff; 3, Mrs Foote – Mousie.
Smoke – 1, Mrs Helen Bluhm – Smuttie; 2, Miss D’Oyly – Chilton Cigarette; 3, Mrs Mclaren Morrison – Bayadere; 4, Mrs Horrill – Dora.
Any other colour – 1, C.H. Lane – Lulu; 2, F.W. Lawton – Sea Foam; 3, Miss Davies – Tib; 4, Charles Cockell – Pitsy; h.c. (2), W.R. Jermyn – Bacchus and Venus.
Kittens – Pair of kittens, self colour – 1, Miss Jebb; 2, Miss C. Heslop – Jimmy and Rasp; 3, Mrs H.A. Cartwright; 4, R.C. Stephens – Lobengula and Total Eclipse; v.h.c., R.C. Stephen – Primrose Adam and Primrose Eve; John Tudhall; Wardlaw and Macpherson – Lotian Laird and Lothian Lady; and Mrs C. Heslop – Pop and Tet; h.c. Miss F.A. Bush – Darby and Joanie; and J. Trousdale – Punch and Judy; c., J. Fellows – Peter and Minnie.
Pair of kittens, any other colour – 1, Mrs Buller; 2, Mrs C.L. Kennaway – Leonore and Psyche; 3, Mrs C. Heslop – Hawk and Owl; 4, J.B. Cole – Tommy and Fluff; v.h.c. Mrs Bridges – Karl and Elsa; and Mrs C. Heslop – Scurf and Trout; h.c., Mrs J. Spackman; Mrs Foote – Bunhee and Pacha; Miss E.M. Micklewait; and Mrs Trumper – Khus and Mus.
Single kitten, self colour – 1, Mrs Buller – Jessie; 2, Miss E. Coppard – Triie; 3, Miss Winifred Neal – Darkie; 4, Mrs J. Borough; v.h.c., Miss Coke – Hawthorne Zee; Miss E.R. Bagster – Milverton Stella; R. Taylor – Gipsy; and Mrs Herring; h.c., Mrs Deana – Bumble Bee; Miss A.M. Symons – Rosetta; Miss J. Eagle – Major; Wardlaw and Macpherson – Iris; Mrs H. Salter-Dickinson – Squash; Mrs Forden – Cyrus; Mrs H.A. Cartwright; and F.A. Batters – Ladas.
Single kitten, any other colour – 1 and 2, mrs Foote; 3, Mrs Whitley; 4, Mrs Greenwood – Lord Southampton; v.h.c., Mrs Robinson – Daphne; Mrs Greenwood – Lady of Southampton; Wardlaw and Macpherson – The Bells of Auld Reekie; and F.A. Batters – St. Valentine; h.c. (2), Miss gardiner – Melanyl and Mitse; and Mrs C. Heslop – Falcon.

NEUTER CATS.
Short-haired, self-colour – 1, A.V. Aberdeen; 2, T. Barnes – Smut; 3, S.E.J. Belstein – Dan; 4, C.H. Lane – Leonidas.
Short-haired, any other colour – 1, Mrs H. Salter-Dickinson – Beemar; 2 and silver medal, C.H. Lane – Lord Rufus; 3, Mrs J.G. Hayman -Jim; 4, Mr F. Spratt – Manx; v.h.c., S. Carey – Putsom; v.h.c. Mrs Mclaren Morriosn – Tiger of Kepwick; c., Fred China – Gustavius Adolphus.
Long-haired, self-colour – 1, Miss Peel Floyd – Dusky; 4, Miss Kate Sangster – Champion Southsea Hector.
Long-haired, any other colour – 1, Mrs J. Borough – Selim; 2, Mrs E.M. Ford – Raggles; Miss Kate Sangster – Roya Bogie Man; extra 3, A.R. Childe; 4, Miss M.P.Parnall – Disraeli; v.h.c., G.Maidment – Jack; v.h.c. and c., Mrs McLaren Morrison – Shiras and Joe; v.h.c., Mrs G.Heslop – Lion; h.c. A.M. Lawrence – Tom; h.c. Mrs G. Bright – Rufus.

LOCAL PRIZES
Offered to exhibitors residing within 5 miles of the Guildhall, Bristol.
Short-haired, any colour, male or female – 1, J. Trousdale – Jim; 2, C.H. Lane – Tiddles of Kingswood; Mrs E.T. Parker – Canecourt Warbler; 4, S.E.J. Belstein – Dan.
Long-haired, any colour, male or female – 1, Harold V. James – Jubilee; 2, Mrs F. Leigh – Tootie; 3, J.B. Cole – Max; 4, Mrs Fuggle – Poppy; v.h.c., Charles Cordy – Cupid; v.h.c., C.H. Lane – Luise; v.h.c., Henry Cole – Fluff; v.h.c., Mrs E. Meade-King – Daddy; h.c., Miss Davies – Tib; h.c., Miss Aldridge – Joe Aldridge.
Short-haired – 1, Mrs Hodges – Topsy; 2, Mrs J.G. Hayman – Jim; W.S. Spratt – Billy; 4, Mrs Eades – Beauty; v.h.c., S. Carey – Putsom; v.h.c., Mrs Richards – Tom; v.h.c., E.S. Smith – Tim; h.c., R.P. King – Ashy; h.c., A. Williams – Persia; c., Miss H.F. Rose – Jim; c. Mrs J. White – Tib; c., Mres Smith – Tibby.
Long-haired – 1, Miss Blanche Barnett – Fluff; 2, Mrs Kendall – Tib; 3, Miss Peel Floyd – Dusky; 4, Miss M.P. Parnall – Disraeli; v.h.c., Mrs E.M. Ford – Raggles; v.h.c., Mrs Webb – Jere; v.h.c., H. Cole – Tim; h.c., W. Preston – Tittle; c, A.M. Lawrence -Tom.
Kitten, short-haired – 1, R.Monk – Punch; 4, C.H. Lane – Loby.
Kitten, long-haired – 1, A.E. Pratt; 2, Charles Cordy – Aglaia Lambkin; 3, J. Trousdale – jenny; 4, Miss Killin – Puck.

CHAMPION CLASSES.
Long-haired cats – 1, George Grandage – Champion Peter Lyn; 4, Miss Kate Sangster – Champion Southsea Victor.
Short-haired cats – 1, Sam Woodiwiss – Champion Xnephon; 2, Mrs herring – Jimmy; 3, C.H. Lane – Champions Shelley of Kingswood; 4, C.H. Lance – Champion Prince Victor of Kingswood; v.h.c., Mrs Herring – Snip.

TEAM CLASSES.
Long-haired cats, teams of three – 1, Mrs E. Davies – Wei-Hai-Wei, Gwen, and Lyangus; r., J. Trousdale – Lion, Tiger, and Countess.
Short-haired cats, teams of three – 1, C.H. Lane – Champion Prince Victor of Kingswood, Tiddls of Kingswood, and Champion Shelley of Kingswood; 2, Mrs C. Heslop – Indigo, Muker, and Barton Marvel; 3, Mrs Herring – Jummy [&??]; 4, Sam Woodiwiss – Champion Xnephon, Sedgemere Bess and Sedgemere Brunette; v.h.c., Mr J. Trousdale – Tiger, Jim, and Jim; h.c., Mrs S. Pearson – Zar, Duchess, and Peter Pearson.

BRACE CLASSES.
Long-haired cats – 1, Mrs E. Davies – Gwen and Lyangus.
Short-haired cats – 1, Mrs Herring – Queen Rhea and Snip.

NOVICE CLASSES.
Long-haired cats – 1, Mrs H.A. Cartwright -Toby; 2, J.B. Cole – Max; 3, Mrs Buller – Zulu; 4, Miss E. Coppard – Trixie; v.h.c., R.C. Stephens – Naomi; Miss K. Sangster – Royal Bogie Man; Miss Maud Micklethwait – Barney.
Short-haired and self-coloured novice – 1, C.H. Taylor – Pompon; 2, S.E.G. Belstein – Dan; 3, T. Thatcher.

[BRISTOL CAT SHOW] Express and Echo, 20th September 1894
At Bristol Cat Show, Miss A.M. Symons, of Teignmouth, was highly commended in the class for single kittens, self-colour, for her smoke coloured cat, Rosette.

THE CAT SHOW, BRISTOL, WEDNESDAY NIGHT Western Morning News, 20th September 1894
The great hall at the Victoria Rooms has been invaded to-day by a horde of cats, sent for exhibition at a great West of England Cat Show, held under the auspices of the National Cat Club. A visitor to the show is immediately struck by its silence. The yelping and baying which deafen one at a dog show are here replaced by a hushed quiet, and it is only occasionally that the plaintiff “meow” strikes the ear. The solitary exceptions to the rule are a couple of fawn-coloured Siamese, with chocolate points, which seem to be in a constant state of excitement. Much interest centred around a wild tiger cat from the interior of Africa, grandly marked with yellow and black, which maintained a semi-seclusion within a wooden box inside its cage, and snarled and glared at every passer-by. This cat has proved absolutely untameable. One of the handsomest cats in the show is that sent by Mr William Richardson, of Middlesborough. It is a magnificent blue Russian male, perfect in form and fur, and is priced at £126. It secured the first prize in the class for blue short-haired male cats. A handsome silver cup offered for the best cat in the show was won by Mrs H.A. Cartwright, of Salisbury, with a fine blue self-coloured cat. The second silver cup was awarded to Mr Sam Woodiwiss, of East Finchley, for his famous brown tabby champion Xenophon. This cat was really adjudged the best in the show, but as Mr Woodiwiss had given the first cup he was naturally precluded from winning his own gift.

There were several Devon exhibitors, including Miss E. Coppard, of Plympton, who won second in the class for best single kitten, self-colour, with her white kitten, “Trixie.” Mrs L. Stamp, of Plympton, was commended in the class for best single kitten, any other colour, with her silver and blue Zephyr. Miss A.M. Symons, of Teignmouth, was highly commended in the class for best single kitten, self-colour, for her smoke-coloured cat Rosetta. There were a large number of local exhibitors, and the show is one of the largest of the kind held in England.

CAT SHOW AT THE VICTORIA ROOMS Western Daily Press, 20th September 1894
There are more attractions about cat show than would at first seem apparent. The [indecipherable] of one who is not "one of the fancy” looks upon the visit with feelings akin dread. He knows that at the dog show he is driven to distraction by the baying of loud-mouthed hounds and the yelping of terriers and he thinks that at a show of cats his ears will be assaulted by a persistent squalling. His first visit results in an agreeable surprise. The show has about it a sense of quietness which speedily convinces him that his anticipations were wrong. The silence is unbroken except for an occasional plaintive “Me-o-o-w.” The cats exhibit the decorum which befits denizens of the drawing room and lie grave and inscrutable within their cages. It is only the kittens which are at all lively and they behave with a skittishness that makes up for the dignified airs of their older brethren. After all, cats which have their names in the National Stud Book and can boast an elaborate pedigree, may perhaps be excused for haughtily ignoring strangers.

This important show which opened yesterday at the Victoria Rooms, Clifton, under the patronage of the National Cat Club, has many other points about it which interest those who are novices on the subject of cats. Ignorant persons often believe that there are only two kinds of cats, the kind which is chiefly responsible for nocturnal serenades, and the kind which is ardently addicted to breaking the best flowers in the garden. A visit to this show reveals the fact that there are many other varieties. One would never imagine such a stately patriarch as Mrs E M Ford’s [???] with any deprecations in flower-beds, nor could it be easily believed that Mrs j Borough’s “Selim,” a large and sedate brown tabby, would ever be guilty of brawling on a wall at midnight. The other cats too, which had attained to the proud distinction of inclusion to the National Stud Book, would obviously not demean themselves by joining in the unhallowed chorus with which common or garden cats make night hideous.

People who are accustomed to sub-divide cats into the classes of black, white, tabby and tortoiseshell will see with interest the Siamese cats which are included in the show. These singular creatures are extremely short-haired, and have a peculiar fawn colour and chocolate points. The most casual observer will detect their foreign origin, for they lack the [???] which marks every self-respecting English cat with any reasonable pride birth. One of the finest cats in the show is Mr W Richardson’s “Blue Gown,” a male blue Russian which takes first prize in the third class, and it is perfect in form and fur. Unfortunately “Blue Gown” appears to have a tinge of Russian moroseness, and sits sulkily apart, as if contemplating the price of £126 which is set upon him. The most cordial advances fail to elicit from him any more than a vicious snap. Mr C H Lane shows a handsome white cat with the clumsy name of “Champion Freak of Nature of Kingswood.” The Kingswood is in the habit of producing freaks of nature as well as boots and shoes will be news to many, and the peculiar points of this particular freak are not easily discovered by amateurs, though cat connoisseurs will speedily detect that the animal has pretty blue eyes, a rarity in white cats.

The silver cup, value 10 guineas, offered by Mr S Woodiwiss for the best cat in the show, is awarded to Mrs H A Cartwright, of Salisbury, for her male long-haired cat, “Toby,” a fine specimen with blue fur. Why cats of the peculiar hue of “Toby” should be called blue passeth the wit of the ordinary man to understand. It is a colour totally unlike any other shade of blue and should be noted by manufacturers of dress material. A “cat-blue” dress would be a novelty eclipsing “crushed strawberry” or “cockatoo yellow.”

The second silver cup, value seven guineas, presented by Mr H W Bullock, vice president of the National Cat Club, is awarded to Mr Woodiwiss for his famous champion “Xenophon,” a short-haired brown tabby with splendid and regular markings. This cat was also selected by judges as the best in the show, but the first cup could naturally not be awarded to the donor, Mr Woodiwiss had to take second place. Mrs A F Lane [?] of Westbury-on-Trym, gained a first prize with a pretty silver tabby of the Persian variety. The chinchilla kittens, with their long, soft hair, were one of the best features of the show, and the pair shown by Mrs G. Wood were a very charming couple. The [??] smoke coloured cats were very interesting, and one of the best cats of this hue was that exhibited by Mr A V Aberdeen, which took first prize in class 33.

The notices put up by the owners on some of the cages were rather singular. One black Persian, which bore the [??] name of “Royal Bogie Man” had affixed to its cage a paper bearing the words “Please do not give this cat anything to eat or drink.” Possibly the owner thought that a “bogie” might reasonably be expected to live on air. Among the chief attractions of the show is a wild cat from the interior of Africa, which resisted all efforts to dislodge him from a box inside his cage. He stayed there all day in semi-darkness and obstinately refused to come forth, either when tempted with met or when stirred up with a walking stick. In the recesses of his box his green eyes could be seen glaring at the passers-by, and he snarled sullenly at everyone who came near him. The beast, which is evidently untamable, had a gaudy coat of yellow and [??] stripes.

The local classes were excellently filled, and the champion classes were the largest ever seen at any show in England. In fact, the whole show is one of the biggest which has yet been held in this country. There were no fewer than 56 special prizes offered, in addition of the ordinary prizes in each class. The president of the show is Mr H W Bullock, of Kingswood; while Mr C H Lane, or Downend, is the president; Mr G Woodiwiss is hon. treasurer, and Mr Buvington, of Bath, is hon. secretary. The judges are Mr Louis Wain (president of the National Cat Club), Mr F Gresham, and Mr H Carew Cox; and the hon. veterinary surgeon is Mr Frank Leigh. Mr E T Parker, secretary of the Bristol Home for Lost and Starving Dogs and Cats, is superintendent of feeding and bedding; and the whole of the arrangements of the show are under the supervision of Mr B Hooton. The show is to remain open to-day. [Prize list]

CAT SHOW IN BRISTOL Bristol Mercury, 20th September 1894
The West of England Great Cat Show, which opened yesterday at the Victoria Rlooms, is a decided co novelty so far as Bristol is concerned; but now that the first step has been taken to secure a fixture of this kind there ought to be no difficulty about holding one annually, for the exhibition is full of interest, and the fine collection of cats brought together from all parts of the United Kingdom, well repays a visit. The wonder is that there has not been a show before. Surely the domestic pet is mor9 popular with the general sightseer than examples of the canine species; and perhaps one reason why this is so lies in the fact that pussy as a rule does not object to little attentions and endearments from those who are inspecting the pens, while dogs are in many cases very quick to resent familiarities. But, whatever the reason, a cat show seems to be invested with much that is attractive to all, and with the fair sex their franchise would at once be obtained in favour of the feline display.

The present exhibition, which is under the patronage of the National Cat Club, has been arranged and carried out with great efficiency, and though a first attempt, the endeavour to obtain a big representative entry has proved remarkably successful. Liberal cash prizes and a long list, of special awards make it worth the while of many at a distance to send their favourites, and in this way entries have been received from some of the best known owners. The number of champions entered – cats registered in the N.C.C. stud book as champions – is the largest obtained by any show this season; and the introduction of so many first-class animals rendered the judges’ labour more than usually arduous. Altogether there are over 500 entries, divided into exactly 54 classes, so that the average strength f each class is sufficient to produce ample competition. With the exception of a few, which are confined to exhibitors living within, five miles of the Guildhall, all the classes are open, and those for teams (three), braces, and novices are particularly well filled. The cages are ranged in rows running the whole length of the large hall, and a complete inspection of the show will prove perhaps to many a revelation of the beautiful species that are bred.

The homeless “common or garden” variety whose melancholy caterwaulings make the night hideous, seems quite serene and happy when enclosed in a square pen and the same comfortable look also appears on the faces of the many other kinds, from, the ordinary household pet to the most blue-blooded and haughty Persian of chronicled lineage. All sorts, all sizes, all ages, and all colours afford scope for everyone to fix on a special favourite; yet the playful kittens always get the most attention. The majority are ornamented with a piece of bright coloured ribbon tied round the neck, often with quite an effective bow; and this little embellishment adds greatly to the beauty of the wearers. In a few instances the owner has considerately provided a cushion for pussy's comfort, but, either through shyness or an objection to be treated better than its neighbour, the occupant nearly always retires to the back of the cage, as if shrinking from the notice of visitors. Some of the cats are lethargic and somnolent, others, full of friendliness, purr their approval of any bit of attention, and as for the kittens, as their playfulness and vivacity make them doubly interesting.

The honour of possessing the best long-haired specimen in the show belongs to Mrs H A Cartwright, of Salisbury, pussy also securing first prize in his class, thanks to his lovely blue fur and perfect development; and the silver cup for the best short haired variety went to the donor of the other cup, Mr Sam Woodiwiss, of East Finchley, for his the male brown two-year-old tabby. In class 3 the premier award went to a handsome imported blue Russian specimen belonging to a Middlesbrough gentleman, and in the next class, Mr C H Lane, of Downend showed a couple of whites, one being a curiosity in its way, for its eyes were blue instead of yellow. Some very big cats were admired on account of their great size, and a red tabby, entered by Mrs J. Spackman, of Bath, was commended, and Mrs E M Ford, a Clifton exhibitor, had a massive long-haired neuter tabby, which won a second prize. A long-haired orange-coloured pussy with her very young kittens in class 28 presented a happy family appearance, which at once received notice and a long-haired red tabby kitten, faithfully attended by its foster mother, obtained the principal prize in class 12, the owner living at Two Mile hill. A pair of Angora kittens, belonging to Miss F. A . Bush, of Bath, in Class 29, were chiefly remarkable for the unusual smallness of their faces and two other animals in the kitten division, which looked a picture of feline beauty, were a couple of Persian Chinchillas shown in class 32, one, which took a fourth prize, having the prettiest, light-blue eyes imaginable, and the other, looking as it lay curled up in the front of its cage a pretty ball of fluffy white.

In the local classes firsts were awarded to Mr J Trousdale, of the London hotel; Mrs Harold V. James, of York place, Clifton; Mrs Hodges, of Park street; Miss Burnett, of Apsley road, and Mrs R. Monk, Kingswood. In addition to the cats competing, a wild tiger cat from the African interior was shown, and as this is credited with untameable ferocity, a good deal of attention was directed towards its cage, where it crouched with a fierce look and gleaming eye, occasionally uttering a rumbling snarl which in very slight measure resembled the roar of the King of the Forest.

The 21 principal officers connected with the show are - President, Mr H. W. Bullock; vice-president, Mr C. H Lane; hon treasurer Mr George Woodiwiss; and hon sec Mr Buvington (Bath); and the arrangements were under the personal supervision of Mr Bertram Hooton. Messrs Parker and Sons, St. Michael's Hill Nursery, supplied plants and shrubs displayed in various parts of the hall; and the bare appearance of the rows of cages was removed by branches of green stuff being laid on the lower ledge, thus producing a bright and decorative effect. Victor, the faithful collector of the Dogs’ Home, rested under a canopy in the entrance lobby, and mutely appealed for subscriptions – an appeal which was often and generously answered. The judges, Messrs Louis Wain, President of the N.C.C., F. Gresham, and H. Carew Cox, made their awards as under [note: I have combined the lists from several papers]:-

SHORT-HAIRED CATS
Male or female – Siamese – 1st, Mrs Herring, Lee, Kent; 2nd Mrs Carew Cox, Saffron Walden, Essex.
Tortoiseshell or Tortoiseshell and White – 1st Mrs R Kuhnell, Bradford, Yorks; 2nd Thos Welsby, Southport; 3rd F H Gray, Bath; extra 3rd and special Mrs McLaren Morrison, Northallerton; 4th C Graves, Chesterfield and Mrs S Pearson; hc and c Mr C Heslop.

HE CATS. Blue Colour without White – 1st, W Richardson, Middlesborough; 2nd Mrs Pownall, Sankey, Near Warrington; 3rd, W Marlow, Hatcham, London.
White – 1st Mrs S Pearson, Hull; 2nd and special C H Lane, Kingswood.
Black – 1st G H Taylor, Knaresborough; 2nd Mrs Geo. Ford Queen Charlton, Keynsham; 3rd T Thatcher, Bristol.
Silver tabby without White – 1st Mrs Herring; 2nd and 3rd, C H Lane; 4th and vhc J Trousdale, Bristol
Tabby, any other Colour without White – 1st and specials Sam Woodiwiss; 2nd Mrs Keble, Grimsby; 3rd Mrs McLaren Morrison; 4th Stephen Down Stockton-on-Teess; vhc R Naylor, Burley-in-Wharfedale
Any other Colour – 2nd Mrs Herring; 3rd Miss Southam, Birkdale, Lancashire

SHE CATS. Blue Colour without White – 1st Mrs F E Shum, Bath; 3rd Mrs Carew Cox; 4th Mrs C Heslop; hc Mrs Pownall
White – 3rd C H Lane; 4th Mrs McLaren Morrison
Black – 1st ; Miss Nora Pilling, Rawtenstall; 2nd Mrs McLaren Morrison; vhc C H Lane; hc R Naylor
Silver tabby without White – 1st and special C H Lane; 2nd Mrs McLaren Morrison; 3rd Mrs Herring; 4th Sam Woodiwiss; vhc W C Martin, Bath
Tabby, any other Colour without White – 2nd Mrs J H Saye; vhc Mrs Hawkins; hc and c Sam Woodiwiss
Any other colour – 2nd G Mariner; 4th Miss Hawkins

KITTENS Single kitten, self colour – 1st and 3rd Mrs C Heslop; 2nd Mrs G Mariner, Bath; hc Mrs F E Shum
Single kitten, any other colour – 1st T E Pollett, Nuneaten; 2nd Mrs T Griffith, Oldfield Park, Bristols; 3rd Mrs J W Hodges; 4th C Graves; vhc Miss May Dalton, Redland, Bristol and C H Lane; hc Mrs Herring and Mrs S Pearson; c J Pollard

LONG-HAIRED CATS
HE CATS Blue self-colour without white – 1st and specials, Mrs H A Cartwright, Handley, Salisbury; 2nd Mrs Bulle, Englefield Green, Surreyr; 3rd G Grandage, Bradford; 4th Mrs McLaren Morrison; vhc and hc Mrs C Heslop
White or Black – 1st Mrs J B Cole, Stoke Bishop; 2nd R C Stephens, Christchurch; 3rd Mrs McLaren Morrison; 4th Miss Maud Micklewait, Chepstow
Tabby, any other colour without white – 1st Miss Southam; 2nd and 3rd J Trousdale; 4th Mrs Buller; vhc Mrs Herring; hc Mrs McLaren Morrison; c Miss J Spackman, Bath
Smoke – 1st Harold V James, Clifton; 4th Mrs Foote, Kensington, London
Any other colour – 1st Mrs E Davies, Isleworth; 2nd Mrs Herring

SHE CATS Blue self-colour without white – 1st F Ward, Barrow-in-Furness
White or Black – 1st, Special and 2nd E Davies; 3rd R C Stephens; hc Mrs E Meade King, Clifton; hc J Trousdale
Silver tabby without white – 1st Mrs F Leigh, Westbury-on-Trym; 4th J Trousdale; hc Mrs E Elmes
Tabby, any other colour, without white – 1st W R Hawkins, Upper Norwood, London; 3rd Mrs Foote
Smoke – 1st Mrs Helen Bluhm, Kersal, Manchester; 2nd Miss D’Oyly, Bridgewater; 3rd Mrs McLaren Morrison; 4th Mrs Horrill, Havant, hants
Any other colour – 1st C H Lane; 2nd F J Lawton; 3rd Miss Davies, Bristol; 4th Chas Cockell, Bedminster; hc W R Jermyn, Clifton (2)

KITTENS Best pair of kittens, self-colour – 1st Miss Jobb, Rotherham; 2nd Mrs C Heslop; 3rd Mrs H A Cartwright; 4th R C Stephens; vhc R C Stephens, John Tadball, Durdham Down, Bristol, Wardlaw & Macpherson, Lasswade, Midlothian, Mrs C Heslop; hc Miss F A Bush, Bath, J Trousdale; c Mrs J Fellows junr, Pirtheaston
Best Pair of Kittens, any other colour – 1st Mrs Buller; 2nd Mrs C L Kennaway, East Harling, Norfolk; 3rd Mrs C Heslop; 4th J B Cole, Stoke Bishop; vhc Mrs Bridges, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Mrs C Heslop; hc Mrs J Spackman, Mrs Foote, Miss E M Micklewait, Mrs Trumper
Best single kitten, self colour – 1st Mrs Buller; 2nd Miss E Coppard, Plymouth, Devon; 3rd Miss Winifred Beal, Darlington; 4th Mrs J Borough, Newport, Shropshire; vhc Miss Coke, Marlfield Woodhouse, notts, Miss E R Bagster, Leamington Spa, R Taylor, Darlington, Mrs Herring; hc Mrs Deane, Miss A M Symons, Miss J Eagle, East Twerton, Wardlaw & Macpherson, Mrs H Salter-Dickinson; hc Mrs Forden, Mrs H A Cartwright, F A Batters, Bath.
Best single kitten, any other colour – 1st and 2nd Mrs Foote; 3rd Miss Whitley, Burgley; 4th Mrs Greenwood; vhc Mrs Robinson, Cheltenham, Mrs Greenwood, Southampton, Wardlaw & Macpherson, Mrs C Heslop; hc Miss Gardiner, Bath (2), J Trousdale

NEUTER CATS. Short-haired, self-colour - 1st A, V., Aberdeen, Henley-on-Thames; 2nd T. Barnes, St Philips, Bristol; 3rd S. E. J. Belstein; 4th C H Lane
Short-haired, any other colour – 1st Mrs H Salter-Dickinson, Parkstone, Dorset; 2nd and special C H Lane; 3rd Mrs J G Hayman, Redland, Bristol; 4th F Spratt; vhc S Carey, Frenchay, and Mrs McLaren Morrison; c Fred China, Bath
Long-haired self-colour – 1st Mrs Peel Floyd, Clifton; 4th Miss Kate Sangster, Southsea
Long-haired, any other colour – 1st Mrs J Borough; 2nd Mrs E M Ford, Queen Charloton, Keynsham; 3rd Miss Kate Sangster; extra 3rd R Childe; 4th Miss M P Parnall, Clifton; vhc G Maidment, Mrs McLaren Morrison and Mrs C Heslop; hc A M Lawrence, Eastville, Bristol and Mrs G Bright; c Mrs McLaren Morrison

LOCAL PRIZES.
(Offered for cats belonging to exhibitors residing within five miles of the Guildhall, Bristol)
Short-haired, any colour, male or female – 1st J Trousdale; 2nd C H Lane; 3rd Mrs E T Parker; 4th S E J Belstein
Long-haired, any colour, male or female – 1st H V James; 2nd Mrs F Leigh; 3rd J B Cole; 4th Mrs Fuggle; vhc C Cordy, C H Lane, H Cole, Mrs E Meade-King; hc Miss Davies and Miss Aldridge
Short-haired – 1st Mrs Hodges; 2nd Mrs J G Hayman; 3rd W S Spratt; 4th Mrs Eades; vhc S Carey, Mrs Richards and E S Smith; hc R P King and A Williams; c Miss H F Rose, Mrs J White and Mrs Smith
Long-haired – 1st Mrs Blanche Barnett; 2nd Mrs Kendall; 3rd Miss Peel Floyd; 4th Miss M P Parnall; vhc Mrs E M Ford, Mrs Webb and H Cole; hc Miss Ethel Jones and W Preston
Kitten, Short-haired – 1st R Monk; 4th C H Lane
Kitten, Long-haired – 1st A E Pratt; 2nd Cordy; 3rd J Trousdale; 4th Miss Killin

CHAMPION CLASSES
Long-haired cats - 1st G Grandage; 4th Miss Kate Sangster.
Short-haired cats – 1st Sam Woodiwiss; 2nd and vhc Mrs Herring; 3rd C H Lane

TEAM CLASSES.
Long-haired cats, teams of three cats – 1st Mrs E Davies; r. J Trousdale
Short-haired cats, teams of three cats – 1st C H Lane; 2nd Mrs C Heslop; 3rd Mrs Herring; 4th Sam Woodiwiss; vhc J Trousdale; hc Mrs S Pearson

BRACE CLASSES
Long-haired cats – 1st Mrs E Davies
Short-haired cats – 1st Mrs Herring.

NOVICE CLASSES.
Long-haired cats – 1st Mrs H A Cartwright; 2nd J E Cole; 3rd Mrs Buller; 4th Miss E Coppard; vhc R C Stephens, Miss K Sangster, and Miss Maud Mickleworth.
Short-haired self-colour novices – 1st G H Taylor; 2nd S E G Belstein; 3rd E Thatcher.

THE BRISTOL CAT SHOW Bristol Mercury, 21st September 1894
The attendance at the Cat Show at the Victoria Rooms yesterday was very large, and the exhibition proved equally as interesting as on the previous day, the five hundred or so animals forming the collection coming in for plenty of attention. The following is a complete list of the special prizes which were given in addition to prize money:
Silver cup for best cat in show: Mrs H A Cartwright
Silver cup for best short-haired cat in show: S Woodiwiss
Silver medal presented by the National Cat Club for best in classes 1 and 2 entered in stud book: Mrs McL Morrison
Silver medal, by National Cat Club, for best in classes 3 to 8 entered in stud book: S Woodiwiss
Silver medal, by National Cat Club, for best in classes 9 to 14 entered in stud book: C H Lane
Silver medal, by National Cat Club, for best in classes 17 to 22 entered in stud book: Mrs H A Cartwright
Silver medal, by National Cat Club, for best in classes 23 to 28 entered in stud book: Mrs E Davies
Silver medal, by National Cat Club, for best in classes 37 to 42 entered in stud book: C H Lane
Presented by Mr Louis Wain, president of N.C.C. for best in Class 1 – Mrs Herring
By Mrs Buller for best tortoiseshell in Class 2 – Mrs R Kuhnell
By Mr W Cole, Perry toad, Bristol, for best in classes 8 and 9 – W. Richardson
By Mrs Foote, Kensington, for best in class 4 – Mrs S Pearson
By Miss Parnell, Royal promenade, Clifton, for best in class 5 – G H Taylor
By Mrs Foote, Kensington, for best in class 6 and 12 – Mrs Herring
By editor of “Answers” for best in classes 7 and 13 – Mrs J H Sawe
By Mrs E T Parker, Redland, Bristol, for best in classes 8 and 14 – G mariner
By Capt. Post Floyd, of Bath, for best in class 9 – Mrs F E Shum.
By Spratt’s Patent, Bermondsey, for best in class 10 – C H Lane
By editor of “Tit Bits” for best in class 11 – Miss Nora Pilling
By the Sanitas Co. Limited, Bethnal Green, for best in class 15 – Mrs C Heslop
By Mr J J Peters, College green, Bristol, for best in class 16 – Thos. E Pollett
By Spratt’s Patent, Bermondsey, for best in 17 and 23 – Miss F Ward
By Mr E Meede King, Clifton, for best white in classes 18 and 21 – Mrs E Davies
By Mr W Reed, Clare street, Bristol, for best black in class 18 – R O Stephens
By Mr R Insall, Gotham, for best in classes 20 and 26 – Miss Southam
By Chas Cruft, Holloway, London, for best in classes 21 and 27 – Harold V James
By Mr Thos. Thatcher, College green, for best in classes 22 and 28 – C H Lane
By editor of “Answers” for best cat in class 21 – Mrs E Davie
By Mrs Robinson, Cheltenham, for best in class 25 – Mrs F Leigh
Ny Mr C Miller, Pexlr street, for orange or red tabby in class 26 – W R Hawkins
By Lever bros, Port Sunlight, for best pair of kittens in classes 29 and 30 – Miss Jebb
By Mrs E M Williams, of Bitton, for best self kitten in classes 31 and 32 – Mrs Foote
By E T Parker, Redland, for best neuter in classes 33 and 34 – A V Aberdeen
By Mrs C H Lane, Downend, for best in class 35 – Miss Peel Floyd
By Miss Kate Sangster, Southsea, for best in class 36 – Mr j Borough
By Mrs H Somerson, Wandsworth, for best light blue long-haired cat – Mrs Buller
By Mrs A Deedes, Frenchay Manor, for best brown tabby long-haired cat – Miss Southam
By Mrs McLaren Morrison, Kepwick park, for best long-haired female tortoisesell or tortoiseshell and white – C H Lane
By Mr Vaughan, Stokes Croft, for best short-haired red tabby – Stephen Downs.
By Miss Dora B Gresham, of Penge, for best long-haired chinchilla – F J Lawton
By Mrs Marriott, Curry Rivel, for best long-haired red or orange tabby male cat – Mrs J Spackman
By Miss Rosa Bebb, Eastville, for the best female in class 41 – C H Lane
By Mrs C H Lane, Downend, for best in class 45 – S Woodiwiss
By Mr Gath, North street, Bristol, for best in class 46 – Mrs E Davies
My Messrs Kepple, Clare street, for best in class 47 – C H Lane
By Mrs Cunningham, Downend, for best in class 42 – Mrs herrng
By Lady Hill, for best local cat in class 37 – J Trousdale
By Mr Louis Wain (president N.C.C.) for best in class 38 – H V James
By editor of “Pearson’s Weekly,” for best in class 39 – C H Lane
By editor of “Tt Bits,” for best in class 40 – Miss Blanche Barnett.
By Mr Thomas Thatcher, College green, for best local kitten in classes 41 and 42 – A E Pratt
By Mr Frank Leigh F.R.C.V.S., for best cat exhibited by an exhibitor residing within three miles of the Guildhall, Bristol – H V James
By M W Kemp (Medallist to the show) for best cat in the show belonging to an exhibitor eligible for the local classes – C H Lane
By Mr H W Bullock, Kingswood – Geo. Grandage
By the Duchess of Bedford – S Woodiwiss

THE CAT SHOW Western Daily Press, 22nd September 1894
We are asked by Mr. E. T. Parker, secretary of the Dogs' Home, to tender his sincere thanks to the large number contributors who assisted in making up the sumog £5 16s 6d and 3 farthings on behalf of the starving cats at the Home. The celebrated Siamese cat “Queen Rhea,” the property of Mrs Herring, of Kent, collected £3 15s 5d made up of 439 coins.

CAT SHOW Totnes Weekly Times, 29th September 1894
Miss A M Symons, of Teignmouth, was highly commended in the class for best single kitten, self colour, for her smoke-coloured cat Rosetta, at Bristol Cat Show.

THE WEST OF ENGLAND CAT SHOW. The Queen, 29th September 1894
HELD at the Victoria Rooms, Clifton, Bristol, on Sept. 19 and 20, this unique show had all the advantages of fine position, perfect sanitation, and of being held in the best hall in the city; therefore it is small wonder that the result, both financially and in general favour, should have exceeded expectations. The exhibits were probably more representative of the actual work done in advancing the breeding of good cats than of any previous show, and, as has been the case at previous shows in the West of England, one can chronicle the exhibition of a cat of phenomenal quality, the cat in question being a brown shorthaired tabby, belonging to Mr S. Woodiwiss, who was awarded the challenge cup offered for the best cat in the show. As the cup was presented for competition by Mr S. Woodiwiss himself, he was precluded from accepting his own trophy, consequently he had to rest satisfied with a smaller cup. By the bye, a Bristol reporter to the West of England press suggests, as a becoming colour in up-to-date fashions, a "cat blue." These so-called blue cats should be seen to be believed, as the suggestion is one that might be immensely popular if carried out.

Among our sketches will be found:
1. Mrs J. Barough's Selim, a brown tabby, first prize and special.
2. J. Troudale's Jim, first prize and special, silver tabby.
3. Mrs E. Davis'. Gwen, first prize and two specials, white Persian.
4. Mrs J. B. Coles's Max, first, second, and third prizes in different classes, white Persian.
5. Mr Sam Woodiwiss's champion Xenophon, two firsts and challenge cup and National Cat Club's medal.
6. Mrs H. James's Jubilee, two firsts and two specials, longhaired smoke.
7. Mrs S. Pearson's Zar. white short haired, first and special.
8. Mr W. Richardson’s Blue Gown, first prize, blue short-haired.
9. Mrs McLaren Morrison's Silver Queen, second prize, short-haired blue tabby.
10. Mr C. H. Lawes's Snowflake of Kingswood, special and third prize, short-haired white.
The show was held under the distinguished patronage of the Marchioness of Bath, Lady Edward Somerset, Sir Joseph Weston, M.P., Lady Weston, Lady Hill, the Mayoress of Bristol, Col. Sir E. Hill, M.P., Mr Sam Woodiwiss, Mrs Buller, Mrs Carew Cox, Mrs McLaren Morrison, Mrs Foote, Mr George Woodiwiss, J.P., and the National Cat Club.

1894 CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW Morning Post, 19th September 1894
Tuesday and Wednesday, October 16 and 17. 28 Special Prizes, consisting of Gold and Silver Medals. Plate, etc. Schedule of Prizes post free on application to Manager, Crystal Palace, S.E. Entries close October 3.

NOTES FROM 1894 CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW CATALOGUE

1894 was the twenty-sixth National Cat Show. The judges that year were all men. There were 568 entries at the National in 1894, one more entry than Crufts attracted that same year. The classes of that time all stated "with or without white" as breeders had not then eradicated white spotting. The adverts in cat show catalogues give an interesting insight into cat ownership at the time. A chemist called Mr. James of The Promenade, Cheltenham bravely advertised a list of "infallible remedies for all the diseases to which the cat is liable." These remedies were a variety of powders that could be bought in boxes of several sizes up to five shillings. Twelve different powders covered everything from "out of sorts to rheumatism" and cost 2d for postage. Many of those powers were herbal remedies and some would have contained minerals and vitamins that supplemented their often poor diet. The catalogue prominently states that "telegrams or letters asking for the result of judging cannot be answered." At that time cats could be sent to shows unaccompanied. Telegrams were the email of that age and absent owners would have to wait for their cat to be returned with any prizes it had won, or for results to be published, and not expect the judges to sent a telegram telling them how their cat had fared the moment judging finished.

In the Shorthair classes, Tortoisehell (with or without white) attracted the highest entries with 26 cats listed. The best Shorthair was Mr. Sam Woodiwiss's Brown Tabby, Champion Xnephon (a typo for Xenophon). Woodiwiss would later become associated with the Manx breed. In the Longhaired Smoke classes there were 13 entries. Longhair Blues were rising in popularity and there were 30 cats (15 male, 15 female) entered in one of the two Longhair Blues classes. A Longhair Blue male took Best in Show that year, this being Mrs. Horril's Locksley which had also won a First and an NCC medal at Bath earlier that year. Locksley was only 11 months and 2 weeks old when exhibited at the National. Famous Chinchilla sire Silver Lambkin was also on display that year.

THE LONDON CAT SHOW (April 1894) The Atlanta Constitution, April 7, 1894
There is a great movement in England just at present to promote the breeding of cats – not the midnight yowlers who make things hideous on the back fence, but soft, silky-haired pets, which are things of beauty as well as good mousers. A big cat show is now in progress in London. This is a very appropriate place for a cat show. We have all seen Maltese cats and know how beautiful and intelligent they are. But there are many other beautiful breeds, such as the Persian, the Angora and other varieties. All these cats have soft, silky fur and bring prices ranging from $5 up. We give some pictures of some of the finest cats now to be seen at the London show as it was In London that Dick Whittington's cat lived. There are some beautiful cats at the London cat show, but none of them are is wonderful as Dick Whittington's cat.

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOWYorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 17th October 1894
Puss, writes our London Correspondent, is once more in full possession of the Crystal Palace. The National Cat Show, which opened yesterday, brought together some 700 of the most popular domestic pets, the entries embracing animals of all known varieties. Here, side by side with the smooth-haired tabby and other familiar indigenous types, were long silky-coated Persians, strange-looking Russian and Siamese importations, an Iceland cat of a curious mouse-colour, and an Indian fishing cat. This latter was dabbed "Sedgemere Hateful," and to remove all doubt as to its true character was further labelled dangerous. A tierce looking animal, with wild, restless eyes and dangerous-looking claws, it was interesting enough a curiosity, but it was certainly not a cat which the ordinary maiden aunt would care to admit to the privileges of bed and board. Altogether the show is an extremely interesting one, and not the less because of the extreme solicitude displayed by the mostly fair [female] owners in the preparation of their pets for the public ordeal they had to undergo, evidenced by such luxuries as silk and lace drapings, satin cushions, and other like adornments of the cages.

CATS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE London Daily News, 17th October 1894
The mere man cannot imagine the enthusiasm aroused by the Cat Show which opened at the Crystal Palace yesterday, and is to remain on view today. It is veritable worship, approaching a revival of the ancient Egyptian cult of pussy. If the male intruder can catch a glimpse of the exhibits, in spite of the dense crowd of ladies, and can keep cool while soft voices all around exclaim rapturously, “What a dear.” “Isn’t it sweet?” he may note that the happy animals in the cages are treated like princes – silk, velvet, and satin cushions to lie on; curtains of lace and rich stuff to their dwellings; dangling ribbons round their necks. One has his portrait, life-size, hunt to his pen, and all the world may see that the photographer has worked conscientiously, as the dignity of the subject demanded. “Blue Jack,” it seems, is a cat of fame. His proud possessor, Mrs. Herring, had promised to send him; but failing at the last moment, and knowing the public would be inconsolable, she forwarded the precious creature’s coloured portrait, which was hung in the cage he ought to have occupied. During yesterday another laurel was added to his collection, a notice on the empty pen proclaiming him the father of the best cat in the show. Looking eagerly for the new star, one found him close at hand, rejoicing in the possession of a ticket declaring that he had won the gold medal presented by the National Cat Club. His happy owner, Mrs. J Horil, calls him “Lockesley” and refuses to sell him. Entered among long-haired cats as “blue, self-colour, without white,” he is a pretty animal of moderate size, but neither stately of form, nor brilliant of colour. This however, is the criticism of an ignorant man.

Among the curiosities of the show are Syrian, Japanese, Iceland, Abyssinian, Indian, Siberian, and wild cats. The Syrian remained provokingly curled up, so that it was impossible to see anything, but a small cinder-coloured ball. There were two Japanese tailless, quite white, and with mild eyes discrediting the idea that they had come to learn European tactics for the purpose of thrashing the cats of China. The visitor from Iceland, another blue, or rather cinder-coloured animal, also refused to show his points. The Abyssinian cat slept so soundly that the severest prodding had no effect on him. One noted, however, that he was a grand animal, without stripes on his dull-tawny fur. As for the Siberian, he was graceful but not striking, a description by no means applicable to the Indian Fishing cat. That creature, of rather stronger build than the domestic pussy, and imprisoned in a solid cage marked “Dangerous” has an uncanny look, as, lying on the shelf of his dwelling, a hind leg before his long muzzle, like a finger against a nose, he watches the visitors with big but not round eyes. Hard by is another dangerous beast, one simply described as “wild,” a large handsome animal, spotted just like the leopard.

Altogether there are 642 entries, the show being the largest ever held. There is a sale office in it, and within two hours 22 animals had changed hands, the highest price being four guineas. Nobody had offered to buy the cat with 10,000/- against its name.

SOCIAL EVOLUTION OF THE CAT IN ENGLAND The Globe, 17th October 1894
The historian of the nineteenth century will have plenty to do. [. . .] in the Telegraph a writer on the Crystal Palace Cat Show states that when in the year 2094 the history is published, the first chapter that he, a poor ghost the banks of the Styx, will turn to will be that on the “Social Evolution of the Cat in England.”

[CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW] Northern Whig 19th October 1894
The annual cat show the Crystal Palace was finer than any of Its predecessors, and there was an exceptionally large gathering of self-coloured specimens-that is, of cats all black, white, or grey, &c.; only the tortoiseshell proved unable to muster a representative entirely of that colour. The cultivation of the self-coloured animal is due to the belief that white in a cat's coat is an indication weakness unless the cat is pure white. All the cats shown at the Palace were not of the harmless domestic kind. Some of them had to be labelled “dangerous,” but those were colonial or foreign. There is plenty of attraction to these exhibitions in the way of prizes, and the National Cat Club, who promote them, are always glad to welcome subscribers.

CATS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE Westminster Budget, October 19, 1894
As usual, the National Cat Show at the Crystal Palace was well worth seeing. Somervile (was it not?) once wrote of “the thousand families of hounds,” and the varieties of the cat tribe are scarcely less numerous. With such an entry as this year’s exhibition has had — 639 — all sorts and conditions of cats were represented, from a weird “Indian fishing cat,” and some other creature that one would have expected to see in the Zoo, to the kitten which only the other day committed its first cacophonic offence in some East-ender’s kitchen. Kittens were much to the fore this year. A latter-day poet, in some prose fancy on spring, makes much of the tender emotion excited by the sight of baby pigs with their teeming mother. He would not have so beggared his vocabulary of superlatives applicable to young life had he but been to a cat show at this drearier, period of the year. Had the Chancellor of the Exchequer been at Sydenham on this occasion, with thoughts intent on a cat-tax, how the prolificacy of the tribe would have delighted him! Many an old favourite is on show. If the catalogue prices be any guide, how dear some must be to their mistresses, for one lady has valued her pet at the fancy figure of £1,200. But the promise of the rising generation, if one may judge from a far too cursory survey, is remarkable. At the risk of invidiousness a word must be said to direct the attention of visitors to Mrs. Carew Fox’s [sic] Moscow and Kola, importations from Russia, and King Kesho, an extremely fine Siamese. Miss W. Robbins won the first prize for the best short-haired single kittie under six months, colour immaterial, with a Siamese baby. What can be quainter than this little animal, with its drab skin, and smut face, ears, feet, and tail, and provoking blue eyes ? There is, of course, a big muster of the more ordinary kinds, and the prizes offered for cats belonging to the working-classes attract some admirable animals. Mr. S. Woodewiss, whose name is associated with dogs rather than cats, exhibits the wild beasts already mentioned.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW various 17th – 20th October 1894
The annual exhibition of cats, inaugurated 26 [actually 23!] years ago by the Crystal Palace Company, was opened yesterday, when the attendance was greater than any previous occasion. The Institution of the National Cat Club, which has been founded some seven years, and its co-operation with the Crystal Palace management have doubtless added to the importance and practical value of the show. Yesterday's exhibits, though they were in large proportion from the neighbourhood of London, included many from the extreme Northern and Southern and Midland counties. Divided into 56 classes, there were 639 pens. There were long-haired and short-haired cats and kittens - Manx, Siamese, blue Russian, Japanese, blues, blacks, whites, smokes, tortoiseshells, tabbies, reds, greys, silvers, and other varieties; and among them were many really beautiful creatures. The money prizes numbered 168, and in addition there were presented by the Crystal Palace Company two pieces of plate and nine silver medals, while the National Cat Club gave one gold and four silver medals, and there were a dozen special prizes from private donors. The gelded cats formed a magnificent class, and very noteworthy was a fine frilled red, belonging to Mr. Barton, to which, besides a first prize, was awarded a special prize and medal. The most wonderful prize-winner was Mrs. J. Horil's Locksley. which, besides taking the first prize in its own class (long haired he-cats - blue, self colour without white), was deemed worthy of no fewer than seven other prizes, including the Crystal Palace Company's prize for the best long-haired cat in the exhibition, and the National Cat Club's medal for best cat in the show. There were separate classes for cats of working people. The judges were:- Messrs. Louis Wain, president of the N.C.C., A. A. Clarke, G. Billett. and G. H. Billett.

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE London Evening Standard, 17th October 1894
Year by year the popularity of the cat as a domestic pet increases, and the exhibitions at which the animal is shown vie in interest with those which are devoted to dogs. There are amateurs who will not admit that the cat is inferior to the dog, and some indeed, who claim for it even a higher intelligence. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most interesting members of the animal creation, and with the care which is now bestowed upon its breeding by the National Cat Club, whose twenty-sixth annual Exhibition opened at the Crystal Palace yesterday, it is no wonder that the event becomes increasingly interesting. The aim of the club, in the words of Mr. Louis Wain, its president, is to prove that by the careful breeding of cats, not only will any weakness of constitution by eliminated, but a greater certainty of temperament in out feline domestic pets will be produced. Everybody who has studied cats, says Mr. Wain, must know what an “intense" animal it is, and how fully charged with electricity, but few people are yet aware that it is seriously contended that rubbing the fur on a cat's back has a beneficial effect upon persons in bad health, and the stronger the cat the better the influence for good which can be derived from this gentle friction. It is believed that the presence of white in the colouring of cat, except in the case of a pure white, is a sign of weakness. Whether that is the case or not, the National Cat Club seems to adopt this view, because it encourages the production of whole or “self-coloured” cats, and it has succeeded in every variety except the tortoiseshell tom.

In its endeavours to make the Show a success – and it is the most successful of the whole series – both in quality and numbers – the Club is most efficiently aided by the Crystal Palace Company, who give two pieces of place and nine silver medals as prizes. The club itself gives a gold and four silver medals; Mr Wain, Mr A.A. Clarke, the treasurer, and many others offer special prizes; and several hundreds of pounds are at the disposal of the judges for merit in the various classes. They are Mr Wain, Mr Clarke, Mr G Billett and Mr G H Billett, and their task, though naturally pleasant to such enthusiastic amateurs, is more or less toilsome and thankless – thankless because every owner of a cat is firmly convinced that his or her property is the finest of its class, and should to a certainty receive a prize. As it is not quite feasible to award monetary certificates of merit to each of nearly 650 entries, a great deal of grumbling has to be endured.

The Show contains some novelties, notable amongst them is and “Indian Fishing Cat” (Felis viverrina) shown by Mr. S. Woodiwiss, a decidedly formidable animal called “Sedgemere hateful.” One is puzzled to assign the proper name to this “fishing cat,” which seems really to be a diminutive ocelot. Mr Woodiwiss shows also another animal, also to be labelled “dangerous,” called “Sedgemere Spiteful,” and vaguely denominated “Foreign.” The owner declares these brutes to be reasonably good-tempered. Mr W Symons sends an Iceland cat, of the colour which fanciers call blue, probably for the Hibernian reason that the fur is what is most widely known as mouse-colour. Japanese, Abyssinian, Persian, Chinchillas and half-a-dozen other foreign varieties are represented, but of course, the strength of the Show lies in the familiar English breeds of cat, and, as we have before indicated, no better Exhibition, in every respect, has ever been brought together. The Show will remain open till this evening.

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE Northern Whig, 19th October 1894
The annual cat show the Crystal Palace was finer than any of its predecessors, and there was an exceptionally large gathering of self-coloured specimens - that is, of cats all black, white, or grey, etc; only the tortoiseshell proved unable to muster a representative entirely of that colour. The cultivation of the self-coloured animal is due to the belief that white in the cat's coat is an indication of weakness unless the cat is pure white. All the cats shown at the Palace were not of the harmless domestic kind. Some of them had to be labelled “dangerous,” but these were colonial or foreign. There is plenty of attraction to these exhibitions in the way of prizes, and the National Cat Club, who promote them, are always glad to welcome subscribers.

CATS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE Kentish Mercury, 19th October 1894
The Crystal Palace Cat Show has already become a formidable rival of the exhibition devoted to canine pets, and year by year the competition grows keener. As a consequence, the standard of quality is continually being raised. Cats of all sizes and breeds, from the commonest of the species to the rarest of the tribe, were gathered together beneath the vast dome of the Sydenham palace on Tuesday and Wednesday, and attracted lovers of the feline race from all quarters of England. The National Cat Club, under whose patronage the show is held, was founded, w« learn, in 1887, and since that time has been steadily growing in influence and usefulness. Now-a-days the big fortune amassed by Whittington’s Cat does not seem so far off realisation when we see the long prices obtained by the prize “puss.” Amongst the local winners of important prizes we notice: Miss Mayhew, of South Norwood-hill, who took first prize with “James,” red tabby. This noted animal has now gained this distinction at the Palace Show for the third time. Miss Austin Carwardine, of West-hill, Sydenham, took the first prize in class 5 with a fine black; Mr. F. Wood, of Millpond Cottage, Dulwich Common, out-distanced competitors with “Mimicry,” a tortoise-shell and white; Miss Radcliffe-Hall, Oakfield-road, Anerley, carried off a first with “Duchess,” a brown tabby; Miss Florence Moore, of Oakwood, Beckenham, was successful with “ Jenny,” silver tabby: Mrs. Herring, of Lestock House, Leyland-road, Lee, again entered a large number of her well-known animals, and carried off a first prize for “Lady Agnes,” a blue cheetah [spotted tabby?] of singular merit; “Abdul Zaphir,” a silver tabby, by Mrs. Shelley, of Sunridge House, Grange, road, Upper Norwood, was also a prize winner. All competitors are former winners at the Palace.

[Other winners included Mr. C. Heslop for two blue Russian kittens and a four month old tortoiseshell he-cat, Mrs Carew Cox for King Kesko (Siamese) and Moscow (blue and white Russian), Mr T Stocker, Miss ?? for a smoke-blue tiger]

LOCAL WINNER - CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW Leigh Chronicle and Weekly District Advertiser - Friday 19 October 1894
At the 26th National Cat Show at the Crystal Palace this week, Mr. B. Heap, of Brideoak-street, Leigh, won the second prize with his red Persian tabby, Prince Charlie.”

LOCAL WINNER - CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW Chelmsford Chronicle, 19th October 1894
Mrs. Carew Cox won first prizes for a fine Siamese cat [King Kesko] and a blue and white Russian [Moscow] at the National Cat Show.

LOCAL WINNER - CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW Hull Daily Mail, 19th October 1894
At the Crystal Palace National Cat Show, held on Tuesday last, Mrs Pearson, Durham-street, beat her own previous record winning two firsts and one second with her team of smooth English cats. A record which any exhibitor might be proud of. In connection with Mrs Pearson's cats an unfortunate occurrence happened. Two of her best kittens did not get penned at the Palace, and were returned before the show was over. Had they been judged she feels confident they would have won another first. [Note: they probably failed the vet examination]

LOCAL WINNER - NATIONAL PALACE SHOW Dartmouth & South Hams chronicle, 19th October 1894
At this annual Show, held at the Crystal Palace Oct and 17th, Mr Sidney O. Butteris’s “Smoke Tabby” won first prize and silver medal for the best cat in classes 46 to 54.

SIX HUNDRED AND ODD CATS. POPULARITY OF TWO DANGEROUS ANIMALS Pall Mall Gazette, 20th October 1894
There was a time when cats and old maids were supposed to run in couples. In that age wearers of trousers never showed any interest in cats, except when an opportunity presented itself to kick one down stairs, or maim it with a bootjack, or brick, or anything else that was heavy and handy. The boy who would, during the period in question, show any kindness to a cat was looked upon with suspicion by his fellows, and had more or less of a rocky road to travel. The cat was then considered a purely feminine appendage, and the man who would set a dog on one was not universally execrated, in fact was only supposed to possess a sort of humour that was common to male humanity. Cats were then forced to do the best they could, and a bed in the coal-cellar and a generally precarious existence was not thought to be wholly undeserved or worthy of even passing consideration. Times have changed. Of course, if woman had been satisfied to remain in her own sphere the cat would to-day he engaged in the same old claw-to-claw fight for existence; but as woman - that is, some of her - saw fit to make a new departure, the cat naturally followed in her wake. There are many parts of the world in which the cat today is in no more affluent circumstances than she was yesterday, but in London this is not the case. There are, of course, in London many cats whose lots are no happier than they were in the last century; for which, personally, I am grateful.

There are some cats who do not take kindly to the new order of things. Their fathers and their grandfathers were roysterers and the old leaven is too strong to permit them to go to bed at ten o'clock in the evening, and remain there until awakened by the weird cry of the milkman. To these a Persian rug and the genial warmth generated from a coal fire does not compare with a chorus on the housetops and the excitement connected with the dodging of missiles hurled by an enraged and profane community. They do not object to milk and cats meat, but to have it doled out every day at the same hour, and in exact proportions, is insufferably dull; they like to steal their grub, and if in stealing it they destroy any household utensils that can only be replaced with money and difficulty, they feel that they have not lived in vain, and they notify their success to their confreres at the most unholy hours in tones that will penetrate any of the structures reared by man, that will dis-locate sleep, that will send ordinarily reputable citizens into profane spasms, and make them wonder if there is not one feature of London life that is beyond the interference of the County Council. The latter is probably unaware that there are more than a million cats in London. It may not have occurred to the honourable body that there is money in cats. They know that there is money in dogs, but the revenue that is derived front dogs is simply not worth mentioning in comparison with the financial assistance that might be rendered by cats. Every household in London does not possess a dog, but where can a household so poor, or so lost to all sense of propriety, be found in which a cat, or several cats, cannot be found? It is only a question of time where one cat is that there will not be more. The mainstay of the house might object to be assessed for a cat, but where cats are concerned the petticoat is nickel-plated steel.

How many years ago the Crystal Palace Company inaugurated :at shows I do not remember, but the twenty-sixth Annual Cat Show has now come to a close. The entries numbered more than six hundred. The show was held in the galleries at one end of the Palace. There was no machinery or patent medicines or overgrown vegetables at the show, as is usually the case at other shows; there was nothing but cats and dog biscuits. Of course there were people and the sort of people that visit cat shows are different from the people who visit any other kind of show. It might be supposed that the visitors at a cat show would be constituted wholly of women. This would be a mistake. There was a very large sprinkling of young men at the cat show that just closed. They were not the sort of young men that one meets in brigades in Piccadilly or Bond-street of an afternoon or an evening. These young men do not go to the Empire.

I picked out a specimen member, and he will do for the cat. He was above the average height. He was eighteen inches across the shoulders, and his chest measurement was slightly in excess of that of a debutante's waist. He wore a loosely fitting top-coat that would have slid to his feet had it not been buttoned at the neck. A 6 and a quarter top-hat sat upon a head that was covered with lanky black hair. His right hand played nervously with a moustache that seemed to apologize for coming out. He looked delicate, and his voice was as thin as an aluminium paper-knife. He was damp-looking, and he purred. He was with a companion. She wore a protecting air, and such other garments as the law, but not fashion, makes obligatory. She also wore a pince-nez, and a Scotch-granite expression. She looked at the cats with the air of a connoisseur, and expressed her opinions of them in a voice that might have passed among unmusical folk for a robust tenor, but was really a baritone. The oldish men were in dozens. The young girls were in hands. The old maids were in brigades. Matrons there were, but you could tell at a glance that their children were cats. Little girls with plaits hanging down their backs were numerous. Of boys there was only a scattering, and they were a philistine lot. They were always to be found opposite the cages occupied by Manx cats, and two particularly strong cages which bore placards containing the word "Dangerous."

I was standing in front of one of these cages when a lady, pointing to the occupant, said to me, "is that a cat?" I said that, according to the catalogue, it was marked, "Foreign. Sedgemere Spiteful." This animal lay on a shelf in its cage, and it devoted its time to licking its paws and glaring at the spectators. It was spotted like a leopard and looked in every way like a leopard in miniature. It was "not for sale.” It was a centre of attraction. “Isn't it lovely!" said a small girl, who wore a pigtail and thick-soled boots. "Is it a cat?" asked one woman of another. "Of course," said the other. "I don't think it's a cat," said the first. "It licks itself like a leopard." "But it looks like a Cat," said the other. "Yes," was the reply, "but it also looks like a leopard, and I’m glad it's not for sale." Dangerous Number Two was also owned by Mr. S. Woodiwiss, who has a penchant for bulldogs. It was called an 'Indian fishing-cat." "I'd like to see a bulldog tackle that cat," said a man evidently of vitiated taste. The man was evidently a journalist employed on a sporting paper. I felt that I would not object to witness such an encounter, though if it came off I would want a seat near the roof, and which would be out of the way of even ordinary cats.

The small boy made very little out of the Manx cats. These were all sitting or lying down, and they were always pointed head on. It may be imagination, but it looked as if they were not proud of their periods [full stops]. The boys tried tickling them with straws, but to no purpose; the cats were evidently trained not to turn their backs upon spectators during a show, or else had a deeply-rooted objection to satisfy common curiosity.

All the cages had a bed of straw in them. This was good enough for only a kw. The majority lay on silken cushions. Some of the cages had silk curtains; others had lace curtains. Black cats wore yellow and scarlet ribbons. White and grey cats were blue ribbons. In cat colour blue is grey. During the show a band played. This would have caused a riot at the dog show. At a cat show it is absolutely without effect upon the animals. They do not seem to pay the slightest attention to the music, though this may be affectation. Their appetite during the show was normal. They consumed eighty gallons of milk per day, and all the cat's meat that was offered to them. The cats ranged from a guinea to £1,000 apiece. The latter price, It may be assumed, was manufactured for effect. At any rate, no cats changed hands at the price. No cats died during the show. A cat show is "lacking" in elements which prove fatal to longevity. Were it otherwise, there would be !ewer of them. It is not an exciting show. Even cats turn up their whiskers at it, but still do not object to it, as they are just as full of vanity as they are of guile.

A CAT SHOW Smethwick Telephone, 20th October 1894
The twenty-sixth National Cat Show opened on Tuesday at the Crystal Palace brought together a fine collection of pets of hearth and home from all parts of the country. Cosily caged, many with soft cushions to repose upon, several hundred cats and playful kittens, formed an attractive exhibition. Nearly all, whether longhaired or short, are beautifully coated, testifying to their good condition, and no less excellent were their temperaments, as they submitted to be patted and stroked by the visitors, especially the ladies. The entries were more numerous than last year, and a new class was added for Chinchilla cat, a handsome long-haired variety. The show, as previously, was broadly divided into short-haired and long-haired cats. For beauty of appearance the long, silken-coated animals may be said to bear the palm, and among these was found the best cat in the whole show, according to the decision of the judges. This is a beautiful blue cat, named Locksley, barely a year old, belonging to Mrs J. Horril, of Havant. The best short-haired cat exhibited was a brow tabby, Champion Xnephon, shown by Mr Sam Woodiwiss, East Finchley. The class for tortoiseshell of tortoiseshell and wite toms was as usual a limited one, with two entries. Only one of these is that rarity, a tortoiseshell tom, and in this case he specimen, though only four months old, is valued at £1,000 by his owner, Mr C. Heslop, or Darlington. The classes for pure black, or white, blue, or self colour, introduced a number of splendid cats, especially Persians, in the long-haired division. The kittens, shown in pairs, were of every variety, and there were also classes for gelded cats, and prizes offered for cats belonging to the working classes, to use the catalogue phrase. The idea embodied in the latter feature is an excellent on, being to give working men a chance of prize distinction for their domestic pets, which, though good and useful enough, are not always of the sort to enter with any fair prospect of success in a high-class competition.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW Sydenham, Forest Hill & Penge Gazette, 20th October 1894
The twenty-sixth National Cat Show was held at the Crystal Palace on Tuesday and Wednesday last. The entries were more numerous than last year, and a new class was added for Chinchilla cat, a handsome long-haired variety. The show, as previously, was broadly divided into short-haired and long-haired cats. For beauty of appearance the long, silken-coated animals may be said to bear the palm. For beauty of appearance the long, silken-coated animals may be said to bear the palm, and among these was found the best cat in the whole show, according to the decision of the judges. Appended is a list of local prize winners and exhibitors:-
Mr R T Babb, 1 Laurel-grove, Penge, third prize, class 31, sable tabby; hc, class 21 and class 44.
Mrs Bale, 20 Hamlet-road, Norwood.
Mr Barton, Brynterion, Thurlow-park-road, Dulwich, first prize, class 44, long-haired red tabby.
Mrs M Bedward, 12, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood, third prize, class 9, she tortoiseshell.
Mrs B Bedward, 12, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood, third prize, class 51, kittens; hc, class 48.
Mr A J Boxall, Melita, Woolstone-road, Catford.
Mr H Bowman, 50, Oakfield-road, Penge, hc, class 41.
Mr Bowyer, 8, South-vale, Central-hill, Upper Norwood, hc, class 5.
Miss E, Brebner, 58, West Bank Villa, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, c, class 32; hc, class 39.
Miss Bretherton, Sherwood, Westgate-road, Beckenham, extra third, class 34, tortoiseshell.
Miss A Brigden, Crown-hill, Norwood.
Miss G Burbery, 95, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 46.
Mrs J Butler, 4, St John’s Villas, East Dulwich Green, 1st prize, class 41, red tabby.
Mrs M Butler, 4, St John’s Villas, East Dulwich Green.
Mrs Camplin, 20, Trenholme-road, Anerley.
Miss A Carwardine, 41, West-hill, Sydenham, 1st prize, class 5, black.
Miss E Champness, 140, Gipsy-hill.
Mrs Clarke, Fern Cottage, 40, maple-road, Penge.
Mrs F Clements, 148, Anerley-road, vhc, class 54.
Mr T Coleman, 113, Wells-road, Sydenham, 3rd prize, class 49, black.
Mrs Collins, 9, Anerley-vale, hc, class 50.
Mr R Collins, 79, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 47.
Mr W Davis, 140, Gipsy-hill, 1st prize, class 14, black.
Mrs Dempster, 96, Anerley-road, 1st prize, class 53, black.
Mrs Doggett, Norfolk Villa, Rockbourne-road, Forest Hill, hc, class 28.
Miss Doggett, Norfolk Villa, Rockbourne-road, Forest Hill, hc, class 20.
Mr Doggett, Norfolk Villa, Rockbourne-road, Forest Hill, hc, class 14.
Mrs E E Ellerton, 54, London-road, Forest Hill, vhc, class 23.
Mr W Wmms, Fairlawn Stables, Honor Oak-road, hc, class 54.
Mrs M Fagg, 53, Westow-hill, Upper Norwood.
Miss M Ford, Fairwood, Sydenham-hill, vhc, class 8.
Mrs T French, Gipsy Hill Dairy, Gipsy Hill.
Miss R Fuller, 13, Queen Adelaide-road, Penge, c, class 32.
Mrs E Gaved, 33, Mount Ash-road, Sydenham, hc, class 48.
Miss N Goldfinch, 5, Oakfield-road, Anerley, vhc, class 53.
Mrs J Gomery, 23, Castledine-road, Anerley.
Mrs A Hallett, Melbourne Mews, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 39.
Miss C Radcliffe Hall, 102, Oakfield-road, Anerley, first, class 11, brown tabby.
Mrs H Harrow, 13, Hanover-street, Sydenham, second prize, class 50, tortoiseshell; c, class 54.
Mrs W R Hawkins, 7, Auckland-road, Upper Norwood, first prize, class 31, dark tabby.
Miss B Hawkins, 156, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs Hemmings, 11, Thicket Wood Chambers, Anerley, first prize, class 52, dark tabby.
Miss E Hill, 49, Maple-road, Penge, hc, class 45.
Mr J Hill, 5, Trenholme-road, Anerley.
Mr P Hilton, 97, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 46.
Mrs E Hodges, 254, Brockley-road, first prize, class 42, tabby.
Mrs W M Hunt, Linden Dean, Woolstone-road, Catford, third prize, class 28, Persian.
Mr A Huxley, 22, Laurel-grove, Penge.
Miss Jackson, Rosetta Cottage, Church-road, Upper Norwood.
Miss M Jerome, 89, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 50.
Mr C Johnson, 6, Colby-road, upper Norwood, hc, class 48.
Mrs King, 17, Anerley-vale, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 50.
Mrs J Lacey, Loyterton, Beckenham, vhc, class 39.
Mrs Lanaway, Springfield Cottage, Beulah-hill, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 46.
Master F A Lanaway, Springfield Cottage, Beulah-hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr W E Leadbetter, 32, Laurel-grove, Penge.
Mr J Leech, 15, Carberry-road, Westow-street, Upper Norwood.
Mrs Leney, 38, Hawthorne-grove, Penge, second prize, class 41, spotted tabby.
Mr C Leux, 12, Beaucamp-road, Upper Norwood, h, class 51.
Mr Lewcock, 19, Barnfield-road, Gipsy-hill, third prize, class 48, silver tabby; first, class 49, black.
Miss M M Luff, 11, Rowland-grove, Wells-road, Sydenham.
Mr E H Lulham, The Homestead, Sydenham, hc, class 10.
Miss K Mackrell, 89, Devonshire-road, Forest Hill, vhc, class 41.
Mr Maddams, 25, Mount Ash-road, Sydenham, c, class 41.
Mrs J C Manzie, 29, Station-road, Anerley.
Miss IdaMarshall, 48, Woodland-hill, Upper Norwood, hc, class 48.
Mrs L J Marsland, Maycroft, 159, Devonshire-road, Forest Hill.
Miss Matthews, 6, Palace-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs Mercer, 11, Central-hill, Upper Norwood, second prize, class 40, black.
Miss Florence Moore, Oakwood, Beckenham, first prize, class 12, silver tabby; second, class 45, smoke Persian.
Miss O Morriss, 93, Woodland-road, Gipsy Hill, vhc, class 48.
Mrs Monday, 57, Devonshire-road, Forest Hill, third prize, class 40, black.
Mr G Page, “The General Jackson,” Oakfield-road, Penge, hc, class 20.
Mr D Page, 47, Barnfield-road, Gipsy Hill, vhc, class 50.
Mrs Parry, 65, Crystal Palace Park-road, Sydenham, c, class 14.
Mr C E Pedder, 16a, Versailles-road, Anerley, first prize, class 39, grey tabby.
Mrs Perks, 4, High-street, Sydenham, second prize, class 54, tabby and white.
Mrs Pessell, 11, Farquhar-road, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 52.
Mr George Pickerden, 47, Barnfield-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr P Poulter, Hollowcombe, Sydenham, hc, class 48.
Master Poulter, Hollowcombe, Sydenham.
Mrs R W Pounce, Felsted, Lordship-lane, c, class 41.
Mr GPretty, Stables, North End, Crystal Palace, hc, class 37.
Miss M A Pymble, 140, Gipsy Hill.
Mrs Quinnell, 3, Warwick-terrace, Taylor’s-lane, Sydenham, hc, class 46.
Mr W Raemera, Ivy Cottage, Windso-road, West Norwood.
Mrs E Robinson, Brookville, Forest Hill, hc, class 32, extra third,class 37, light-chinchilla, vhc, class 44.
Miss S Rowland, 86, Anerley-road. Upper Norwood, hc, class 40.
Mrs Russ, Chesterfield Lodge, Sydenham, hc, class 26; c, class 37.
Mr B Saunders, 41, Trinity-road, Penge, c, class 53.
Mrs Schweitzer, Franklin Cottage, Central-hill, Norwood.
Miss Schweitzer, Franklin Cottage, Central-hill, Norwood.
Mrs Shelley, Sunbridge House, Grange-road, Upper Norwood, first, class 25, silver tabby; vhc, class 32; vhc, class 37.
Mrs C Smyth, 54, London-road, Forest Hill, S E, hc, class 36; vhc, class 42; c,class 44.
Mr H Southam, 6, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 50.
Miss Sprague, Rhine Villa, Anerley-grove.
Mrs Stanley, 6b, South-vale, Central-hill, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 50.
Miss Stisted, Grazeley, Gipsy-hill, S E, hc, class 22.
Miss S A Strang, 13, Queen Adelaide-road, Penge, hc, class 17.
Mr W Street, no 40 Counter, Crystal Palace, vhc, class 46.
Mr A E Telfer, “Montrose,” 30, Anerley-road, hc, class 42.
Mrs Tillett, 96, Anerley-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs Thody, 57, Westow-hill, Upper Norwood.
Mrs Turney, Pine Cottage, Hawthorne-grove, Penge, third prize, class 47, tabby and white.
Mr Waddington, 41, Fenwick-road, East Dulwich, vhc, class 20.
Miss M Waghorn, 13, Queen Adelaide-road, Penge, first prize, class 29, black Persian.
Mr J T Walton, 55, Palace-road, Upper Norwood, extra tird, class 19, red tabby kittens.
Miss Watson, 105, Gipsy Hill, vhc, class 30.
Mr J Webb, 82, High-street, Upper Sydenham, vhc, class 3.
Mr H West, Algoa Lodge Stables, Brackley-road, Beckenham.
Mr S G Williams, 163, Maple-road, Penge.
Mrs W Williamson, 58, Prospect-road, Upper Sydenham.
Miss H Wilcher, Water Works, Sydenham-hill, first prize, class 47, silver and grey white.
Mrs Wilcher, Water Works, Sydenham-hill.
Miss Wilshere, Inversnaid, Farquhar-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr G Winstone, 22, Hawthorne-grove, Anerley.
Mr F Wood, 9, Millpond Cottage, Dulwich Common, first prize, class 10, tortoiseshell and white; vhc, class 49.
Mr D Woods, 2, Crystal-terrace, New Town, Upper Norwood, hc, class 53.

The People, 21st October 1894
The annual exhibition of cats, inaugurated 26 years ago by the Crystal Palace Company, was opened on Tuesday, when the attendance was greater than on any previous occasion. The institution of the National Cat Club, which has been founded some seven years, and its co-operation with the Crystal Palace management, have doubtless added to the importance and practical value of the show. Tuesday's exhibits, though they were in large proportion from the neighbourhood of London, included many from the extreme Northern and Southern and the Midland counties. Divided into 56 classes, there were 639 pens. There were long-haired and shorthaired cat and kittens - Manx, Siamese, blue Russian, Japanese, chinchillas, blues, blacks, whites, smokes, tortoiseshells, tabbies, reds, greys, silvers, and other varieties; and among them were many really beautiful creatures. The money prizes numbered 168, and in addition there were presented by the Crystal Palace Company two pieces of plate and nine silver medals. while the National Cat Club gave one gold and four silver medals, and there were a dozen special prizes from private donors.

THE CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. London Weekly Dispatch, 21st October 1894
The Cat Show held at the Sydenham Palace this week naturally attracted enthusiastic crowds of admirers of the feline tribe. There were no less than 639 entries, an unprecedented number, and in the numerous cages were to be found cats of high and low degree, cats of various nationalities and breeds, and cats of reputable and of disreputable characters. Some of them were sad eyed and unhappy, others looked bored and cynical - these were mostly of the Thomas cat persuasion - while others posed prettily, and mutely demanded admiration. It is unnecessary to observe that the last named were of the feminine gender. The names of the exhibitors brought the fact out clearly that tits love of the cat is not confined to any particular class of society. Lord Dufferin, on the one hand, sent in a white Persian known as Fluffy, while, on the other, an honest coster beamed with smiles because his favourite had been fortunate enough to secure a prize. The kittens were really a delightful study, and whether they were prize-winners not won endless admiration from the visitors. A most ferocious looking specimen of the feline race was an Indian fishing cat who had the distinction of being labelled "Dangerous.” This beast resembled the leopard rather than the domestic feline, and judging from his appearance he would not be a pleasant companion. Some of the exhibitors marked their pets "not for sale," others valued their favourites at fabulous sums. Mr. C. Heslop's tortoiseshell kitten, Samson, for instance, was labelled £1,000, but this figure was eclipsed by Mr. Butler, who put the price of his famous red tabby, Colonel, the winner of fifteen prizes at various shows, at £10,000. A £10,000 cat would probably have too much self-respect to indulge in music on the tiles in the small hours of the morning. If, however, he fell away from grace and were slain by an indignant householder for his pains, we tremble to think of the consequences. In all there were no less than 168 prizes given at the Palace Show, the most noteworthy winner being Mrs. Horril’s Locksley, who took the prize for the best cat in the show, as well as seven others in different classes. Considering the highly interesting nature of the exhibition, it is a pity that ii was only open for a couple of days.

CRYSTAL PALACE The Sketch, 24th October 1894
Mewings, scratchings, and purrings precede the cats' dinner hour with great vigour these days during the progress of the show, which was opened on Tuesday at the Crystal Palace. Six hundred and forty entries are capable of making a very respectable noise when the inner cat begins to make itself felt. Mr. Louis Wain, as President of the National Cat Club, has been in great request among exhibitors, all eager to display the points of their respective treasures to this well-known authority. Only two tortoise-shell Toms were shown, and one of these, a particularly fine specimen, took first prize. Miss Mayhew's James is becoming quite a well-known character at Palace shows, this being the third time he has walked off with a first prize. All sorts and varieties of cats are well in evidence Cheetahs [spotted tabbies?], Russians, Siamese, and what not. And the present show, besides being more representative than any previous ones, is also the largest ever held at Sydenham, which would possibly argue an increase of the domestic influences, notwithstanding the onslaughts of New Womanhood on such puerilities as the fireside and the family.

[CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW] Burton Chronicle, 25th October 1894
At the great National Cat Show, held at the Crystal Palace on the 16th ad 17th inst., Mr E Sharratt, of St. Paul’s Street West, was again successful with his cat “Tiger,” winning third prize in a very strong class. The same cat also won the premier ward at Bradford a few weeks back.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. The Queen, 27th October 1894
ON TUESDAY last week plaintive mewings struck the ears of privileged visitors as they made their way at an early hour into the space reserved in the Crystal Palace for the pens of the exhibits of the day. That the gentle creatures missed the care and petting to which they were accustomed was evident, though everything had been done to render their time of exile from their mistresses as pleasant to them as possible. The arrangements were indeed excellent, and all honour is due to those who had the management of the show. The class of animals was good throughout, the kittens especially being of a kind to delight the hearts of all who take an interest in the future of cat breeding.

But to come to particulars, and as my business is with the ladies' exhibits, first and foremost let me mention Locksley, the winner of the gold medal for the best cat in the show. This little hero is the property of Mrs Horril, and was bred by Miss G. M. Taylor, and he is the most perfect specimen of a blue Persian I have ever seen. Besides the crowning honour of the gold medal, he took first prize in his class, two silver medals and four specials. Locksley's great beauty can be judged by the excellent sketch we give of him, and many may be interested to know that he is an animal of great intelligence and most endearing ways. He has a funny way of making his wants known, and if he wishes to have a door opened, he will stand and mew softly, while he glances alternately from the door handle to the face of anyone present who can help him, and should no notice be taken of his appeal, he will spring up and cling to the handle.

And now as I am a great admirer of the Siamese, I must hasten to speak of two in this class that specially took my fancy. Mrs Carew-Cox 's King Kesho, of which we give a sketch, was arranged in the most dainty way on a cushion of the same deep blue as his eyes, and made the very prettiest of pictures. King Kesho took first prize, and is the winner of many previous honours. His parents were imported, and though these cats are as a rule delicate, he seems an exception, and, so far, has shown himself to be remarkable strong. King Kesho, like most of his kind, has a great objection to being alone, and he "talks" by the hour together. Juan II., the property of Mrs F. Blackwood, secured second place in this class, and is another lovely specimen of the Royal Cat of Siam. This ca t has a quaint way of answering with a "mieou" when spoken to, and his great delight is to sit in the rookery, at Norton Court, and watch the rooks; he is devotedly attached to his mistress, but, alas! he has his faults, and there is nothing Juan enjoys more than a real good fight. Only the night before the show he had a royal contest with Lord Dufferin's white Persian Fluffy, in which the latter suffered severely. Fluffy, which is at present in the care of Mrs BIacwood, is a beautiful and gentle creature, and was entered by mistake, during Mrs Blackwood's illness, by his pet name instead of by his more appropriate proper title of Ambassador.

A great centre of attraction throughout the day was Mr Heslop's Samson, one of that much-coveted class - a tortoiseshell tom. He naturally took first prize, and so did Mr Woodiwiss's brown tabby Champion Xnephon, both of which have been sketched by our artist. Among the red tabbies an old favourite, James, belonging to Miss Mayhew, secured first place; while Miss Austin Carwardine was successful with a very fine black named Jack. In the variety class for short-haired cats, Miss Southam's smoke-blue tiger Birkdale Smokie came first. This little creature, which is not yet quite 8 months old, is known in his home as "the pugs' cat," from the great affection he shows to these other favourites of his mistress. A very beautifully marked silver tabby was Miss Moore's Jenny, a direct descendant of the much-admired King of the Fancy, whom she much resembles; and in the class for blues, Mrs Herring secured first honours with her blue Cheetah Lady Agnes. In the latter class a very fine Iceland cat, Quita, appears in our sketches.

To turn once more to the Siamese, Mrs Herring's lovely fawn Queen Rhea added to her already long list of honours, while for the best kitten under six months old Miss W. Robbins came first with Prince Damrong. This beautiful kitten is the grandson of the much-travelled Toto, which visited Pekin and Japan, and was well-known in his time in Hongkong. It was a pity that Mrs Shelley's silver tabby Abdul Zaphir did not this year meet his little lady rival the Princess Ranee, for they are two of the most beautiful cats of their kind, and each took first prize in its own class. While Abdul Zaphir is a pattern father, and a cat of the mast exemplary manners, the Princess Ranee possesses varied accomplishments, and she dies for her country, begs, and shakes hands in approved style. A cat with an eventful history in his short life of seven months is Sir Tom, a fascinating smoke belonging to Miss Rogers. The judges awarded him first prize, though the class in which he was shown was a strong one. Mrs Bullard was successful with a dark tabby and white named Shah, and Miss Waghorn with the pure-bred Persian Topsy, while Miss Elwes won with Buttons in the class for the blue ladies, Lalla Rookh, of which we give a sketch, was very a beautiful true Persian, belonging to Miss Norman, and received a good deal of admiration.

The first prize in the class for long-haired kittens under six months went to two exquisite little creatures, Jet and Velvet, belonging to Mrs Walton, and two of not the least fascinating tots in another class were Mrs Davies's Joan and Iffor, which have caught the attention of our artist. The kitten classes were, however, so good throughout that it is not possible to give even the names of those in the front rank, and, indeed, I feel it is wiser not to attempt to decide on their rival merits. - TRANT

THE TWENTY-SIXTH NATIONAL CAT SHOW. Black & White, 27th October 1894
At the twenty-sixth annual cat show, which was held at the Crystal Palace last week, there were over six hundred cats. They attracted many thousands of visitors, and they bore the infliction with a dignity befitting a race that had by their own and others' exertions risen from abject poverty to dazzling affluence. There are as many different races of cats as there are of men. There are more fashions in cats than there are in men. Tortoiseshell cats were at one time all the rage. Reds are now in the ascendant. A red tabby named "James," was marked in the catalogue at £1,000. The price seemed to have a depressing effect upon "James." The animal did not change hands. Other reds could have been purchased for £1 10s. Manx cats ranged between ten shillings and ten pounds. Siamese cats, probably on account of the attitude of the French, came high, from £25 to £30, but the only Indian fishing-cat at the show was not for sale. Of course there were prizes for all kinds, including a new variety, which was described in the catalogue as "Cats belonging to the working classes." As the animal specialist of Black and White, I examined these cats closely, and I am bound to confess that I could see no marked difference between them and the cats of the aristocracy. That such distinctions are observed at cat shows will, by some, be accepted as evidence that liberal ideas have not yet invaded the domain of the National Cat Club, no matter how prevalent they may be among cats and the great body of cat owners.

THE NATIONAL CAT SHOW.– The Gentlewoman, 27th October 1894
On Tuesday and Wednesday of last week a large portion of the Crystal Palace was reserved for the exhibits of the twenty-sixth National Cat Show. Nearly six hundred and forty proud pussies were brought together for the inspection of the judges, these comprising handsome specimens, including a tortoiseshell male belonging to Mr. Heslop. A beautiful self-coloured blue (Mrs. Horvil's "Locksley") carried all before him, winning first in his class, the gold medal, two silver medals, and four specials. Mrs. Peason's "Minnie" won premier honours in the class for red female tabbies. Other owners of prize-takers ware Mrs. Carew-Cox„ Miss Mayhew, Miss F Morse, Mrs. Herring, Mrs. E. Davis, Mrs. Sheller, Miss C. Elwes, Mrs. H. B. Thompson, Miss Freeland, Miss Robins. Mrs. R. Little, Mrs. Walton, Miss Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Foote, Mrs. O'Brien Clarke, Mrs. E. Rae, Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. C. J. Bagster, Mrs. W. Wills. Miss Bray, and Miss E. M. Waitley. Miss Jay's beautiful "Nellie" took first and special for the best long-haired self-coloured kitten.

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, October 27, 1894
The twenty-sixth annual cat show at the Crystal Palace was held last week, when no less that 629 exhibits were attracted. The fifty-six classes were fairly filled, and embraced the usual varieties of the English breeds, besides a long list of foreign specimens – Japanese, Siamese, Russian, Abyssinian, Persian, Chinchillas, etc, etc. Among the prize winners were quite the customary proportion of old favourites. But special interest was felt in the appearance of Mr. Heslop’s “Samson” – a tortoiseshell tom, a rarity for which so many others have so often sighed in vain; and in Mrs. Horil’s beautiful blue Persian “Locksley,” which took no less than eight prizes. The gelded cats were a very fine display, and the kittens were a grand collection. A fierce looking creature, shown by Mr. Woodiwiss, and described as a fishing cat, caused considerable sensation, but the animal (Felis viverrina) was not accepted as a cat proper. The judges were – Messrs. L. Wain. A.A. Clarke, G. Billett, and G.H. Billett. The penning was done by Spratt’s Patent.

THE LONDON CAT SHOW The Atlanta Constitution, November 3, 1894.
London is always having a cat show. Year by year the popularity of the feline race increases and its intelligence in proportion, for the more notice man takes of an animal the more it improves in those qualities for which it is esteemed and loved. Everybody who has studied cats, according to the president of -the National Cat Club, knows what an “intense” animal it is, how fully charged with electricity, but few people are aware that it is seriously contended that rubbing the fur on a cat’s back has a beneficial effect on persons in bad health, and the stronger the cat the better influence for good which can be derived from the gentle friction. It is belied, says the reliable source, that the presence of white in the coloring of a cat, except in the case of pure white, is a sign of weakness. At the show now on in London this is evidently thought to be true, for the club encourages the production of whole or “self-colored” cats, and the present entries are many of them exceptionally lovely specimens. The cat show numbered 650 “idols of the family,” and 'the rank and fashion of the town went to this exhibition.

AMONG OTHER EVENTS DURING THE LAST WEEK The Scranton Tribune, November 5, 1894
there has been a pussy-cat show at the Crystal Palace, and standing among them one is tempted to alter the sentence uttered by the old parrot at a bird exhibition "Oh cocky! what a d—d lot of parrots!” The writer of these notes has up to the present imagined that the majority of feline creation assembled of an evening beneath his lattice window (fourth floor back) where they nightly repeat their too well known uproar — I mean opera! But he is wrong! for at the Palace there are “Cats to the right of one, cats to the left of one, clawing and purring,” cats with tails and cats without, cats of all colors and of varied beauty. The fee for entry is three shilling six pence to the ordinary individual and one shilling six pence to the “down-trodden” working man, and 80 gallons of milk and mountains of cat-meat are in daily requirement. The pussies look very comfortable and draw large and appreciative audiences.

1894 BRIGHTON CAT SHOW

NOTES FROM 1894 BRIGHTON SHOW CATALOGUE
The two-day 1894 cat show at the Aquarium at Brighton was a smaller show than Crystal palace, but regularly attracted more than 200 exhibits. The catalogue carried an advert for the Cats' Home (for stray and starving cats), a voluntary organisation run by Miss Harper, requesting donations. She helped her fundraising by advertising "for hire" (i.e. stud services) an "Imported Silver-Grey Stud Cat." This cat's offspring are noted elsewhere as Longhairs. Silver-grey was a term often used to describe Chinchillas. In 1894 it attracted 257 entries in 33 classes. The classes were all small apart for the "Kitten Pairs" class. There was no Best in Show award, but the best Longhair was Silver Tabby "Queen of the May" aged 6 and three-quarter months. The best Shorthair was also a Silver Tabby, this one called "Laurel Queen". Laurel Queen had earlier borne the name "Shelley of Kingswood" - in those days a cat's name was not fixed at registration, but could be changed, especially when it was sold on. Although not a winner at Brighton, a cat called "Topsy Glym" was evidently very well-travelled in 1893 and 1894; being shown at Witney, Worcester, Henley, Northampton, Abingdon, Uxbridge, Woodstock and Kidlington (those latter two being villages not far from Oxford).

CAT SHOW AT BRIGHTON Leigh Chronicle and Weekly District Advertiser, 16th November 1894
At the 10th annual cat stow, held at the Brighton Aquarium this week, Mr R. Heap, of Brideoak-street, Leigh, won the third prize with his cat, Prince Charlie.

LOCAL SUCCESSES AT THE BRIGHTON AQUARIUM CAT SHOW Kentish Mercury - Friday 16 November 1894
Mrs. Herring, of Lestock House, Leyland-road, Lee, was again prominent amongst the prize winners at the Cat Show held at the Brighton Aquarium Wednesday and Thursday. Other local successful exhibitors were Mr. Bedward, 12, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood; Miss Bretherton, Beckenham : Mr. S. G- Butteris, Myrtle-terrace, Dunstan’s-road. East Dulwich ; Mrs. Byford, Cranfield-villas, West Norwood ; Mr. G. Cousins, West Norwood; Mrs. Hunt, Woolstone-road, Catford; Mr. E. H. Lulham, The Homestead, Sydenham; Mr. W. Marlow, St. James's, Hatcham: Miss F. Moore, Beckenham; Miss Rogers, St. John’s-park, Blackheath; Mrs. E. Smyth, London-road, Forest Hill; Mr. A. S. Swinyard, Gipsy-road, West Norwood; Mrs. Tomkins, Rosendale-road, Dulwich; Miss M. Waghorn, Queen Adelaide-road, Penge; Mr. P. Wood, Millpond Cottage, Dulwich Common ; and Mrs. F. Yeoman, Bexley.

BRIGHTON CAT SHOWMid Sussex Times, 20th November 1894
Lindfield. At Brighton Cat Show on Wednesday Miss Molony, of this place, gained a second prize with her he-cat “Lindfield Bogie” (Smoke) and a highly commended notice for her she-cat “Silver Ruff.”

[BRIGHTON] SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITORS Tunbridge Wells Journal, 22nd November 1894
In the classes for kittens at the Brighton Aquarium Cat Show on Wednesday, Mrs Carvill, of High street, Lewes, gained a third prize, and Mr W.A. Penfold, of Chapel hill, was highly commended.

1894 CHELTENHAM SHOW

POULTRY, PIGEON, &c., SHOW AT CHELTENHAM. Gloucester Citizen, 29th November 1894
The annual show of the Cheltenham Poultry, Pigeon, and Cage Bird Association was opened Wednesday at the Winter Gardens, and includes poultry, pigeons, cage birds, British birds, foreign birds, rabbits, cats, cavies, and fancy mice, the whole forming about the largest show the Association has ever held . . . one of its features was the show of cats, which was the largest collection ever seen in Cheltenham. . . . The cat show was under the patronage the National Cat Club, who had sent down their judge, Mr. Clark. had told him of a new species of cats, known as "blackies " and "smokies," and [the mayor] supposed the principle of evolution applied to them as to other animals.

BIRD [ETC] SHOW IN CHELTENHAM Cheltenham Examiner, 5th December 1894
A special feature was on this occasion made of cats, and no less than 112 specimens of the feline species were secured, including many winners at the Crystal Palace . . . There was, as we have said, an unusually large and interesting show of cats. In the long-haired male class there were no less than 31 entries, and these included six different varieties, the Judge had some difficulty in making his awards. With such a large number of entries, classification according to colour or variety ought to have been made, and no doubt will be another year. Miss Stisted, or Norwood, with a self-coloured blue, “Sir Julius,” took first prize and three specials and the challenge vase; and Miss Jones Saltown, of Great Malvern, with a silver tabby, or chinchilla, was second with three specials. In the female class Mrs Brydges, with “Lorna,” was awarded first and two special prizes, Mrs Robinson being second with one special. For short-haired, C.H. Lane of Downend, Bristol, was first in both male and female classes with “Laurel King” and “Laurel Queen” respectively. For long-haired kittens Mrs Robinson, with a self-coloured blue, took first and two special prizes, and in the short-haired class Mrs King was first with a handsome pair of chinchillas. For long-haired neuters Miss Sangster took first and special with a handsome black “Royal Bogie Man,” second honours going to Mrs Block’s “Sambo,” a fine smoke. The heaviest cat in the show was seen in the short-haired class, and secured first prize for Mrs Barton, second going to Mrs Butler. In the cottagers’ class, equal firsts and specials were awarded to Mrs Arundel and Mr Fenn, second going to W. Thomas and third to A. Bedwell. [Judge – Mr A. Clark, of the National Cat Club.]

1894 REGIONAL CAT SHOWS

BANBURY POULTRY SHOW Banbury Guardian, 4th January 1894
The sixth annual show of poultry, rabbits, cats, and cage-birds will be held on the 30th and 31st inst. The show will be held this year in the Exchange Hall for the first time.

NEWTON FANCIERS’ EXHIBITION East & South Devon Advertiser, 27th January 1894
We regret to learn the Newton Fanciers’ exhibition which was held last week in the Market buildings was not such a success, in a financial sense, as could have been wished. This was not in any way due to mismanagement or laxity on the part of the Committee. They did their best to move “heaven and earth,” in order to make the two ends meet, but the attendance of visitors, and especially of local residents, was not nearly what it should have been. It seems almost incredible that a two days’ dog, poultry, pigeon, cage-bird, rabbit and cat show, of such magnitude as this was, in which there were over thousand exhibits from all parts of England could have been held in the centre of such a populous neighbourhood and yet only about £39 be taken at the doors.

DARLINGTON RABBIT, CAT, AND CAVY SHOW. THE LARGEST IN THE KINGDOM. North Star (Darlington), 1st February 1894
The Darlington Rabbit, Cat, and Cavy Society held their fourth annual exhibition in the Corn Exchange, Darlington, yesterday . . . Many of the rabbits and cats were valued very highly, a number being priced at £100 each . . . two foreign cats shown by Messrs Walton and Nicholson, of Crook, were each valued at [£1,000].
[The report didn’t distinguish which category the first prize winners were in, but the following names are cat fanciers: C. Heslop, Darlington; Mrs Pownall, Warrington; Miss Beal, Romaldkirk Rectory.]

DUMFRIES DOG SHOW AND CAT SHOW Dumfries & Galloway Courier and Herald, various dates, February 1894
Dumfries Dog Show and Cat Show under most distinguished patronage. Eighteenth Annual Exhibition, Wednesday a& Thursday (next week) in the Drill Hall. 100 classes. 60 specials. Record entry in certain breeds. Finest specimens in the world will be exhibited. Juging commences about 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
Admission, Wednesday, 10.30 a.m. till 3 p.m., 2s 6d; 3 p.m. till 7 p.m., 1s; 7 till 10 p.m., 6d. Thursday, 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., 1s; 2 p.m. till 7 p.m. 6d. J.J. Clark, Hon. Secy.

1894 MONTROSE POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SOCIETY SHOW Montrose Standard, 2nd February 1934
Under distinguished patronage the first annual exhibition of the Montrose Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Society is to take place to-morrow in the New Markets. There are a large number of entries in all the classes, and the show is therefore likely to be a very successful one. Mr. D.J. Thomson Gray, F.Z.S., Dundee is to be judge.

MONTROSE POULTRY PIGEON, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW, ABERDEEN Aberdeen Free Press, 5th February 1894
On Saturday an exhibition of poultry, pigeons, rabbits, and cats was held in the New Markets. As it was the first show of the kind which has taken place here for some time, a large number attended. Poultry and pigeons were good classes, while rabbits and cats, although somewhat few in numbers, were of excellent quality.

MONTROSE – POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW. Montrose, Arbroath and Brechin review; and Forfar and Kincardineshire Advertiser, 9th February 1894
The first annual show of the resuscitated Montrose Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Society was held in the New Markets on Saturday. At one time the Montrose show was one of the principal exhibitions in the north, but the entries gradually fell off, and the Society ceased to exist. Through the exertions of a few fanciers the Society was reformed, and with the show on Saturday made a good start in its new career. [. . .] Cats' were poor. In toms Mr Hunter, Caste Place was first with a grand cat, but shown in very bad order. Mr Smith took the prizes with nice tabbies. Mr D. J. J. Thomson Cray, Dundee, was judge. The show was well patronised during the day and evening. The following is the prize-list:
Cat. - Toms - 1, James Hunter Castle Place; 2, Miss Sutherland, Upper Craigo Street; 3. A. Scott, 70 Murray Street.
Tabbies-1 and 2, John Smith, Maude House; 3, D. B. Robbie, Bridge Street.
Special Prize for Members' Best Cat - J. Smith, Deeside House.

A GREAT CAT SHOW Sheffield Daily Telegraph , 13th February 1894
So successful was Mr. Cruft with his great dog show last week that he has decided to arrange a cat show on a similarly mammoth scale to take place at the Royal Aquarium early next month. The prize list includes a 25 guinea cup, some 20 or thirty other valuable prizes, and a long list of special private prizes. The show will be under the presidency of Lord Marcus Beresford and a brilliant list of lady patrons. [This is detailed in a separate web page.[

TREORKY DOG, CAT, POULTRY, CAGE-BIRD AND PIGEON SHOW South Wales Daily News, 15th February 1894
A Dog, Cat, Poultry, Cage-Bird and Pigeon Show will be held in the Fair Field, Treorky, on Thursday, March 15th. Good classification, liberal prizes, and numerous specials will be given. Entries close March 5th.

SHOW Peterhead Sentinel and General Advertiser for Buchan District, 20th February 1894
Woodside Canine Society. Aberdeen. - Dog Show, Cat Show, Sheep Dog Trial or Penning Competition on 10th March. Entries close 3rd March. Schedules on application. - A. Thom, Secretary.

DUNDEE DOG AND CAT SHOW Dundee Evening Telegraph, 16th April 1894
Dundee Dog and Cat Show, Kinnaird Hall, On Wednesday and Thursday, April 18th and 19th. Over 500 entries, finest show of dogs and cats ever held in Dundee, don’t fail to see it. Admission. - First Day (during Judging), till 2 o'Clock p.m., 2s 6d: 2 o'Clock p.m. till 6 p.m., 1s; from 6 p.m. till 10 p.m.,6d. Second Day - 6d all Day. Members Free both Days, but they must show their Tickets, which must bear their Signature, at the Entrance Door. The Show will be Open the First Day from 10 A.M. till 10 p.m.; on the Second Day the Doors will be Closed 9 P.M. punctually. All Inquiries will be received by the Secretary. David Ovens, Hon. Secy, and Treasurer.

DOG AND CAT SHOW IN DUNDEE. - Dundee Evening Telegraph, 18 April 1894
In the Kinnaird Hall to day is being held the first annual show under the auspices of the Dundee Canine Club. So far as numbers and quality are concerned, the show is pronounced by judges to be of a first-class order. In all 337. dogs are forward. These are divided into 42 classes, for which there are almost 500 entries. Cats are represented by 39 members of the feline tribe, some of them very pretty and graceful animals.

NORFOLK AND NORWICH DOG AND CAT SHOW Norwich Mercury, 28th March 1894
The Norfolk and Norwich Club is this day (Tuesday) holding its sixth exhibition of dogs and cats in the Corn Hall, Norwich” The entries, 325 in number, are 50 in advance upon these of any previous year, and this notwithstanding that there is a falling off in the entries in cat classes. Moreover, the general quality of entries in all classes are good, provoked by the good prizes presented by Sir Humphrey Trafford, Mr T. O. Springfield, and other gentlemen. The show keeps open till 10 p.m.

DALKEITH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY The Scotsman, 30th June 1894
The Annual Show of Stock and Dairy Produce will be held today in Woodburn Park, Dalkeith. 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Dog and cat Show under the auspices of the society. Dogs 265 entries; Cats 50 entries. John Watson, Secretary.

CAT SHOW AT RECTORY Norfolk Chronicle - Saturday 14 July 1894
Forncett St. Peter. A Bazaar & Sale of Work in the Rectory Grounds. On Monday, August 6th (Bank Holiday), and Tuesday, August 7th. [. . .] Howlett’s Band will be in attendance, and there will be frequent Concerts, Dramatic Entertainments, and a Cat Show on both days. The Proceedings closing with a Rummage Sale, Tuesday, August 7th, at which Mr. Robert Borratt has kindly consented to act as Auctioneer. The proceeds will be given to the fund tor enlarging the National School of Forncett St. Peter. Admission: Monday, August 6th, from 2 to 6 p.m. 6d. after 6 p.m., 3d.; Tuesday, August 7th, from 3 p.m. onwards 1d. Children Half-price on the first day only. Farther particulars will be announced shortly.

And from various local papers, 11th August 1894
A competitive cat show, in which there were numerous entries, attracted a good deal of attention.
The cat show was judged, at six p.m. by the Re. J.W. Corbould-Warren and Mr. Tyler.

HEADINGTON SHO Oxford Times, 21st July 1894
Horticultural, Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, Cavy, Cage Bird, Dog and Cat Show. Monday August 6th (Bank Holiday) at Mr. Fielden’s Pleasure Grounds, Headington.

ABERDEEN DOG SHOW ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL EXHIBITION. Aberdeen Evening Express, 25th July 1894
To-day the nineteenth animal exhibition connection with the Aberdeen Dog Show Association was opened in a large marquee on a space of ground opposite the show-yard of the Highland and Agricultural Society, and adjoining Urquhart Road. The show was excellent one for a summer exhibition. There were 250 entries in the dog classes, and 16 entries of cats. Hitherto the association have held their shows about New Year time, and the holding of it in the height of summer on this occasion is a new departure. Notwithstanding the season, the animals, generally speaking, were shown in good condition.
Cats. Toms, long-haired—3 W. R. Aitken ; no first or second prize.
She cats, long-haired—1 and silver medal for best cat in show—1 Wm. Mather ; 2 Mrs Frew.
Toms and she cats, short haired— 1 Mrs Frew; 3 Mr McAndrew ; no second.
Geldings, long or short-haired—1 Miss M. Alexander; 2 Mrs. Christina Campbell.
Kitten , any variety - 1 Mrs R. Frew ; 3 Miss Agnes Nicol; no second.

ABERDEEN DOG AND CAT SHOW, LOCAL WINNERS St. Andrews Citizen, 4th August 1894
CUPAR. Mr and Mrs Frew and daughters were, as usual, successful, at Aberdeen Dog and Cat Show last week, in carrying off a number of prizes.

CHULMLEIGH CATTLE AND PLEASURE FAIR. Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 26th July 1894
Fine weather favoured the Cattle and Pleasure I Fair held at Chulmleigh yesterday. [. . .] To-day athletic sports will be held and to-morrow a Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit and Cat Show. [. . .] The judge of the poultry, pigeons etc will be Mr. Harwood, of Tiverton.

CHULMLEIGH OLD FAIR. POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 26th July 1894
In connexion with the annual three days' Chulmleigh Old Fair, which opened on Wednesday, a Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Show was held yesterday. The exhibits were all penned the Girls' National Schoolroom. The judge was Mr. J. Harwood, of Tiverton. He gave general satisfaction, and was highly pleased with the nature of the exhibits. This is the first movement of its kind, and, judging from yesterday's result, is likely to become an annual fixture.
Cats.—Persian, open—1 and hc, Mrs Preston-Whyte, Chulmleigh; 2, J Webber, Chulmleigh; 3, W Knight, Chulmleigh; hc Miss C Littleworth, Eggesford; c, W Cann, Chulmleigh.
Cats, any variety, confined to Chulmleigh parish—1' F Lovell; 2. Miss M Wreford; 3 and hc Skinner ; vhc J Webber; hc, G Marshall.

BAZAAR AT MOVILLE Derry Journal, 29th August 1894
A young lady presented to the bazaar two fine Russian cats from Archangel, really remarkable and interesting specimens of the feline species, whose parents it was said obtained prizes at the late Crystal Palace cat show. They were to be raffled for.

LONG BUCKBY FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Northampton Mercury, 31st August 1894
The annual exhibition of the Long Buckby Floral and Horticultural Society, and poultry, rabbits, pigeons, and bees' produce, was held most successfully Tuesday, in the Vicarage Grounds, kindly lent by the Vicar ' (Rev. R. A. Parsons) and Mr. H. Howes. [. . .] The committee had for its energetic and courteous secretary Mr. W. Blackman; and Mr. Horace Green officiated in this capacity for the poultry, pigeon, rabbit, and cat show.
Cats.—Any variety, 1 Mrs. G. Tebbitt, 2 S. Mabbott, 3 G. Wilson.

KIDLINGTON HORTICULTURAL, POULTRY, PIGEON AND DOG SHOW Oxford Journal, 1st September 1894
[35th annual show] There was but one class each of cats and cavies, and in the former, Mr Buckle’s well-known silver Persian tabby was an easy winner.
Cats. Any variety. 1, Mr Buckle; 2, Mr Wilkins; 3, Mr W.R. Pratt; vhc and r, Mr Hopcraft; vhc, Mr J. Gardiner; hc, Mr Hicks, Beenham, Reading.

CAT SHOW, BLYTH Shields Daily Gazette, 10th September 1894
At a cat show at Blyth last week, Mr J.H. Soulsby, butcher, Cowpen Quay, was awarded first prize.

TROWBRIDGE, POULTRY, CAGE BIRD AND CAT SHOW Trowbridge Chronicle, 22nd September 1894
Trowbridge, Poultry, Cage Bird and Cat Show, November, 7th and 8th, 1894. Hon. Secs., S. Hiscock and V. Huntley, Trowbridge.

NORTH TYNE AND REDESDALE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 25th September 1894
The entries for this popular show, to be held at Bellingham to-morrow, have closed . . . a score of entries for cats show that this domestic pet is still as great a favourite as ever.

TROWBRIDGE POULTRY, CAGE-BIRD AND CAT SHOW. Wiltshire Times and Trowbridge Advertiser, 29th September 1894
Trowbridge Poultry, Cage-Bird and Cat Show – November 7 and 8, 1894. Hon. Secretaries Hiscock & Huntley, Trowbridge.

HALIFAX RABBIT, CAVY, AND CAT SHOW Halifax Guardian, 13th October 1894
The second annual open exhibition, promoted by the Halifax and District Rabbit, Cavy, and Cat Society took place on Saturday in the Stead-street Barracks and received its due patronage . . . Cats were not numerous, but in quality they were not deficient. The judges, messrs T.B. Mason, idle; and J.H. Roberts, Armley, made their awards as follows:-
Cats. Long-haired, 1 and 2 and best in show, Mrs M.E. Heald, Leeds; 3, R. Close, Bradford.
Short-haired, 1, Mrs R. Kinnel, Bradford; 2, Mrs D.A. Keeble, Grimsby; 3, Mrs J. Moorehouse, Otley-road, Bradford.
Kitten, any variety, under six months, Mrs M.E. Heald; Hy. Calvert, Ivy Villa, Kirby Overblow, near Leeds.

PORTSMOUTH POULTRY, PIGEON, AND CAGE BIRD SOCIETY. Portsmouth Evening News, 16th October 1894
Portsmouth Poultry, Pigeon, and Cage Bird Society. Eighth Grand Annual Show of Poultry, Pigeons, Cage Birds, Rabbits, Cats, Cavies, and Mice (Under Poultry Club, Pigeon, and Cat Club Rules), will be held in the Drill Hall, Alfred Road, Portsmouth, on Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday Oct. 30th & 31st, & Nov. 1st 1894. Specials in addition to prize money. Entries close Oct.16th, 1894. All communications to J. Woodhouse, Hon. Sec., 123, High-street, Portsmouth.

WORCESTER SHOW Worcester Journal, 20th October 1894
How did they get on with the cats at the Corn Exchange? Teddy the Treasurer tells with characteristic plainness and point the story of the person who engaged to convey feline exhibits from boxes to pens. He provided himself with a bottle of whiskey and went cheerfully to the task. It is well to get your hand in when work and pay are offered. This particular person did get his hand in, to grasp the cat. The intrusion was resented, and there was such severe clawing that the operation was speedily dropped, and the operator, sorrowfully regarding his injuries, declared that he would never be induced again to help the preparations for a cat show. There is a safer way of doing it: you place the box by the cage, stir up puissant pussy with something held in the hand, and cause him or her to bolt into or out of the cage. If you gently stroke a cat it is all right, but if you use rough and unguarded force it may be all wrong. The genus Felis cannot be trusted.

WILTS AND DISTRICT POULTRY, CAGE BIRD, AND CAT SHOW Wiltshire Times and Trowbridge Advertiser, 27th October 1894
Wilts and District Poultry, Cage Bird, and Cat Show, be held in the Market Hall, Trowbridge, on Wednesday Thursday, Nov. 77 and 8, 1894. [. . .] 6 classes cats. Local classes for poultry and cats open to a radius of three miles from Market Hall. Special prizes for most classes. Admission : first day, 2 till 6, 1s.; 6 till 9,6 d. second day ; 10 till 2, 6 d.; 2 till 8, 3d. Entries positively close October 31st. Schedules now ready. Apply Hiscock & Huntley, hon. secs., Trowbridge. [W.C.O. Ellis was cat judge]

CAT SHOW St. Andrews Citizen, 3rd November 1894
At a show of cats held at Montrose last Saturday, Mrs Frew, Barony Place, Cupar, won 1st prize and “special” with her silver grey Persian for best cat in the show.

POULTRY, CAGE BIRD AND CAT SHOW Warminster & Westbury Journal, and Wilts County Advertiser, 10th November 1894
On Wednesday the first exhibition in connection with the Wilts and District Poultry, Cage Bird, and Cat Show was held at the Market Hall, in most wretched weather. The operations of the society are confined within a fifty-mile radius of the town, the primary object being to encourage local exhibitors, which object was fully achieved. The entries numbered nearly 700, and as regards exhibits the show was an undoubted success. The competition in many of the poultry and the duck classes was exceptionally keen, while in every department some most meritorious specimens were exhibited, the cats and cage birds being features of the show. The arrangements were well carried out by the committee, with Messrs. Hiscock and Huntley as hon. secretaries. The judges were:-Poultry, Messrs. G. Payne and A. G. Pitts; cage birds, Mr. J. Gurney; cats, Mr. W. C. O. Ellis

POULTRY, PIGEON, AND CAT SHOW IN GLASGOW. Glasgow Herald, 20th December 1894
A poultry, pigeon, and cat show, under the auspices of the Scottish Minorca Club and the Scots Grey Club, was opened yesterday in the Waterloo Rooms. Glasgow. As no other shows had been arranged for yesterday, most of the prize- winners at recent exhibitions competed against each other. The entries, which numbered about 400, included 32 cats, which were shown on the platform, among them being some very fine specimens. The judges were :- cats - James Easson, Edinburgh.