REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS - 1899

1899 BRIGHTON WINTER CAT SHOW

[BRIGHTON SHOW] Gentlewoman, 7th January 1899
At Brighton a section is devoted to cats, and the executive of the National Cat Club, bearing in mind the wintry season, have wisely excluded kitten classes, so that it will be simply a show of adult cats, who should at this time of year be clothed in the best of fur and well worth a visit to see.

LOCAL SUCCESS Hampshire Telegraph, 14th January 1899
At the Championship Cat Show held at Brighton on January 10th and 11th, Miss Kate Sangster, of Southsea, won the first prize in the open second in the limit and championship silver medal in the tortoiseshell class with her Persian cat, Royal Yum Yum.

1899 WESTMINSTER CAT SHOW

A NEW CAT CLUB. Sporting Life, 21st December 1898
Cats as show animals are almost as popular as dogs, thanks in great part to Lady Marcus Beresford, who founded the Cat Club, and is untiring in her efforts to improve the feline breed. The first show of the Cat Club will be held on January 19, at St. Stephen’s Hall, Westminster, when half the proceeds will be given to the Children’s Guild of the Deptford Fund.

WESTMINSTER CAT SHOW Gentlewoman, 7th January 1899
Talking of cat shows, the rival club [to the N.C.C.] called the Cat Club hold their first show at the St. Stephen’s Hall, Westminster, on the 19th, and Lady Marcus Beresford has obtained a wonderful array of specials for cat owners to win, so there is sure to be a large entry for the London show. It is strange, though, to see scheduled, after many assurances to the contrary, so many kitten classes, for, though popular, they are certainly death-traps during the winter months.

CAT CLUB SHOW Reading Mercury, 7th January 1899
Lady Marcus Beresford has obtained an excellent list of supporters for the Cat Club's forthcoming Show. A number of exceedingly valuable prizes are to be offered, and it is hoped that these will attract a large number of entries. This young branch of the National Club has made such progress that the annual show promises to become very shortly a competitor for public recognition, which at present the Crystal Palace Exhibition alone enjoys.

CAT CLUB SHOW Morning Post, 13th January 1899
The first annual Show of British and Foreign Cats held by the Cat Club will take place at St. Stephen's Hall, Westminster, on the 19th inst. The proceeds will be devoted to Viscountess Maitland's Children's Guild of the Deptford Fund.

CATS TO THE FORE Newcastle Courant, 14th January 1899
Next week the famous Cat Club, which has been started so successfully by Lady Marcus Beresford and other titled fanciers, holds its first show. The Westminster Aquarium has been chosen as the venue, and the schedule before us shows a liberal classification; while over and above the ordinary prizes there are 136 specials. Disease has too often followed cat exhibitions, but in the present case this go-a-head club has determined to baffle the enemy. The club, as all fanciers should know, has its own pens, the wood staging is to be new, while no cushions or draperies whatever are to be allowed. Under such favourable circumstances the show should be a success, and it is to be hoped that those who have worked so hard for the beloved feline will reap their reward. It is true that cats are advancing, yet they are still very far from being common; indeed, we wonder how many ordinary fanciers know anything of the Siamese, Russian, or other varieties.

[ROYAL AQUARIUM CAT SHOW] Jersey Evening Post, 19th January 1899
The promised Millenium will be formally inaugurated, to-day at the Royal Aquarium Cat Show, where one of the most active managers will be A. Sparrow.

|CAT SHOW AT THE WESTMINSTER AQUARIUM Sheffield Evening Telegraph, 19th January 1899
An exceptionally fine show of cats is likely to be forthcoming at the first exhibition of the Cat Club at the Westminster Aquarium today. Over 600 entries are registered, and something like 500 animals will probably be found on the stalls, the number embracing all the best known types. The longhaired classes are particularly well filled; in one alone there 97 competitors. Lady Marcus Beresford, who is known as one of the most successful fanciers in the country, has taken a very active interest in promoting the success of the display. She will be represented by some of her most famous pets.

CATS IN COMPETITION. A RECORD SHOW AT WESTMINSTER Globe, 20th January 1899
For a club whose members are devoted cat-lovers to be able within little more than a year of its inauguration to arrange such a show as that held in the St. Stephen's Hall, Royal Aquarium, yesterday, furnishes striking evidence of vitality. This first exhibition of the Cafe Club constitutes a record, for over 500 animals are on view, making up a display as pretty as it is unique in the neighbourhood of Westminster. One would imagine that cats would have the advantage over dogs in the matter of pampering, but there was an entire absence of “coddling” on the show bench such as one often observes in the case of pet dogs. No silk hangings, no embroidered coats and satin cushions, nothing but a little straw on the floor of their pens—such was the accommodation furnished—and the dainty creatures seemed to enjoy their particularly healthy surroundings.

Although the Cat Club is of itself popular with a large number owners of prize cats, no doubt the fact that the show was held in aid of the Children’s Guild of the Deptford Fund accounted for its remarkable success. However, the fixture will no doubt become an annual one, thanks to the efforts of Lady Marcus Beresford and Miss Marion Manley, the Hon. Secretary the Cat Club. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the exhibition was the number of blues on show, no less than 90 of these favourites being exhibited. To persons not acquainted with the mystery of the fancy it may be a matter of surprise that the old-fashioned short haired tabby is a much prized possession. Of course he is plentiful enough in varying degrees of excellence, but a perfectly marked tabby will still hold his own on a point of value with the coveted Siamese, although, perhaps, in another respect the foreigner would get the best of it, for like the French boxer, he is expert in using his legs, and in a fight the hind ones for preference. He also enjoys the advantage being unable to sheath his claws. There were some magnificent Siamese specimens in the St. Stephen’s Hall, and according to their owners they put the British cat to; shame in regard to intelligence. As to the British cat, it is worthy of note that the Manx specimen has, for the first time, assumed his proper place with the cats of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Hitherto the tailless visitor from the Isle of Man was classed, if not with the foreigner, certainly in the department known as “any other variety.”

In addition to the blues already mentioned, cream and orange coloured cats may be singled out as making exceptionally fine displays at the hall adjoining the Aquarium. Among the exhibitors were Lily Duchess of Marlborough, Viscountess Maitland, Lady Marcus Beresford, and other well-known ladies, but a feature of the show was the large number of cats contributed by quite humble folk, many of whom carried off prizes. One the gold medals for short-haired cats went to Mr. G Oakes’ Tom, and the other to the winner of the challenge cup for the finest British orange tabby was secured by Mr. G. Towlerton’s representative, priced at £1,000, and a similar trophy was secured by Mrs. Nicholay and Miss Rae’s Iver Blue Coat Boy. Special prizes were carried off by Mrs. Herring, Mr. St. G. Lowther, Mrs. C. Heslop, Miss J. Derby-Hyde, Mrs. Claud Alexander, Mrs. Page, Mr. A S Hodgkins, and Messrs. Ainsley and Graham, and the two gold medals in the long-haired section were carried off by Mrs. Greenwood’s Lord Southampton, a splendid self-silver, previously called Chinchilla.

CAT SHOW AT THE LONDON AQUARIUM Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, 20th January 1899
The first show organised by the Cat Club opened at the London Aquarium yesterday. There were over 500 cats entered, which with duplicate entries made up a total entry of over 600, thus coming very close to the record entry. All the arrangements for the show were under the immediate supervision of Lady Marcus Beresford, the president of the club. Cats of almost every clime and colour were on view. Winners of challenge cups and gold medals were Lady Marcus Bereeford, Mrs. Wallis, Mr. Towlerton (with Champion Perfection), Mr. Herring, Mr. Newland and Miss Simpson. An exhibit which attracted much attention was the very rare silver tabby Manx Champion Bonhaki, belonging to Mrs. H. C. Brooke.

WESTMINSTER CAT SHOW Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 20th January 1899
Of all the cat shows ever held in this country, not too much to say the one opened yesterday, by the Cat Club, at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, takes the palm. The proceeds of the show are to be devoted to the funds of the Children’s Guild pf the Deptford Fund for Poor Children. This is the initial venture of the Cat Club, and to Lady Marcus Beresford its success from an exhibit point of view is due. The blue long-haired cats were an unusually fine lot, embracing 100 animals in two classes. In the British section, the tortoiseshell and tabbies were fine collections. Lily, Duchess of Marlborough, exhibited a black and white long-hair cat, named Buff, which for size must have compared with any in the show. It had, however, to be content with third prize. Lady Marcus Beresford was a winner in several classes. To Yorkshire fell the great distinction of furnishing the best cat in the show. The exhibitor was Mr. G. Towlerton, of Flanshaw, near Wakefield, who, with Champion Perfection, the winner of over 70 first prizes, carried off first, two specials, a challenge cup, and gold and silver medals. Naturally the animal, an orange tabby, which looked in splendid condition, was much admired. Mr. Towlerton also won two second prizes with other exhibits in the British section. Mrs. Cockburn, Sutton Rock. Chesterfield, in a strong competition in any colour long-haired class, carried off not only the chief class prize, but two specials in addition with the same animal. Despite the charge of half a crown in the early part of the day, the show was well patronised by lovers of the feline tribe.

WESTMINSTER CAT SHOW Cambridge Daily News, 20th January 1899
Lady Marcus Beresford has fully justified the rupture in the National Cat Club for which she is understood to have been largely responsible, and which led to the formation of the separate organisation that held its first show yesterday. Lady Marcus belongs to that order of high feminine society noted for “views” and, withal, ability to carry them out. The first show of the Cat Club at the Westminster Aquarium is a really fine spectacle of its kind, and as it is to be repeated yearly, it will run the older club hard in point of social popularity. Lady Marcus brings a troop of noble dames, who are also cat fanciers, into her organisation. She is represented by three of her most famous pets. About five hundred animals are benched, embracing all the best known and also some of the rarer types. The classes are rather large, but that is a reassuring sign with a new club. Most of the exhibitors are ladies, not necessarily elderly; but to judge from all outward signs, they are a class, more timorous for the safety of their pets than are dog-fanciers. Some of the precautions taken to prevent escape or theft are not unamusing.

WESTMINSTER CAT SHOW Dundee Courier, 20th January 1899
Stephen's Hall was to-day the scene of a great cat gathering. The club which held its first exhibition there is supported by most of the influential lovers of cats in the south, and there is little doubt that in time the show of the Cat Club will rank as the premier one in the country. Lady Marcus Beresford is its founder, and its presidents are Lily, Duchess of Marlborough, the Duchess of Wellington, and Lord Marcus Beresford. Many of the British and foreign cats that were shown have won honours in all parts of the country. To persons not acquainted with the mystery of the fancy it may be a matter of surprise that the old-fashioned, short-haired tabby is a much-prized possession. A perfectly- marked one will hold its own on a point of value with the coveted Siamese. A point worthy of note as regards cat exhibitions is that the Manx specimen to-day for the first time assumed its proper place with the cats of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Hitherto the tailless visitor from the Isle of Man was classed, if not with the foreigner, certainly in the department, known as "any other variety." The show served to illustrate that improvement in breeding, and careful attention to the upbringing of the species, not to mention the affection lavished upon it, have evolved a very superior tabby.

CAT CLUB SHOW IN LONDON Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 20th January 1899
The Cat Club organised by Lady Marcus Beresford, assisted by the Duchess of Wellington and Lily Duchess of Marlborough, opened its first two days’ exhibition in St. Stephen’s Hall, London, yesterday. The seven judges expressed the opinion that this is the best show kind ever held, both in regard to number and quality. The sum of £500 was offered in prizes and there were numerous specials. The chief honours went to Yorkshire. Mr. G. Towlerton (Wakefield) carried all before him with his orange tabby Champion Perfection, which took the first prize in his class, the challenge cup for best cat in the show, two gold medals, and several specials. His Gold-finder was a good second, and in the brown tabby class his handsome Laddie was second. Mr, Woodhouse (Leeds) too second position in the any other colour variety with King Fisher, and Mrs. P. Robinson (Wakefield) third for male silver tabby. Mrs. C. Heslop and the Misses Beal (Darlington) were very successful. The first-named lady look premier honours in the any other variety of the short haired foreign section, and third in the tortoiseshell variety. Miss Mildred Beal was first in the orange section, and in cream or fawn Miss Winifred Beal won both first and second prizes, first for any other colour (female) and second with a handsome garnet kitten. For long-haired blue males Messrs. Drury Brothers (Curnsay Colliery, Durham) obtained the chief award with Blue Boy II, and also the challenge cup.

THE CAT CLUB'S SHOW. Morning Post, 20th January 1899
The founders of the newly-established Cat Club have every reason to congratulate themselves on the success of their first year's Show, which was held yesterday in St. Stephen's Hall, Westminster, and proved to be one of the largest and best of the kind that has ever taken place. No fewer than five hundred animals were shown, and, as these included nearly all the English exhibition cats of any note, visitors had every reason to be satisfied with the treat provided for them. The proceeds of the Show are to be handed over to the Children's Guild of the Deptford Fund, which, in view of the crowded state of the Hall during the greater part of the afternoon, will probably reap substantial benefit from the Club's liberality. Among those present in the course of the day were Lily Duchess of Marlborough and Lord Marcus Beresford, who are Presidents of the Club ; Lady Marcus Beresford, its Founder; Viscountess Maitland, Mrs. Hill, Lord W. Beresford, V.C, and Miss Marion A. Manley, Hon. Secretary. Mr. Arthur E. Sparrow acted as Secretary and Manager.

The Show was divided into fifty-five classes, and there were a large number of challenge cups and special prizes offered for competition. A gold medal for the best long-haired cat, presented by Lady Marcus Beresford, was secured by Mrs. Greenwood's self-silver Lord Southampton, which also carried off a similar medal presented by the Cat Club and several other awards. Mr. G. Towlerton's orange tabby Champion Perfection won Lady Marcus Beresford's gold medal for the best British cat, while Mr. E. Newland's brown tabby Jim Shelley gained a similar medal presented by the Cat Club. The entries in the long-haired classes were much more numerous than in any others, and the greatest competition took place in the classes for "blue'"' cats. In that for males there were forty entries, while in that for females the entries numbered seventy-five. The first prize among the males in these popular classes went to Messrs. Drury Brothers' Blue Boy the Second, while among the females Mr. S. B. Wallis's Beauty Girl obtained the first, and Lady Marcus Beresford's Gentian the second prize. Mrs. F. Woodcock's tortoiseshell Springfield Psyche took the first prize in her class, and Mrs. James Pettit's tortoise-shell and white Dainty Doris the first in hers, besides three special prizes. Foreign cats were not numerously represented, only eight Siamese and eleven Russian being shown. Among the Siamese Mrs. M. Robinson's Wankee took the first prize, while in the Novice Class Mrs. Brodie's Phra secured premier honours.

WESTMINSTER CAT SHOW London Daily News, 20th January 1899
A club must have rules, and those of the Cat Club (Kit-Cat involuntarily suggests itself) are most precise as to the management of the first annual exhibition, which was held yesterday in St. Stephen's Hall, Westminster. This is none of your poor shilling entertainments, but a swell half-crown function, with plenty of real carriage folk amongst the devotees, and a generous bestowal of surplus takings to the Children's Guild of the Deptford Fund. Although the manager is of the ruder sex, the Presidents are a pair of Duchesses, with Lord Marcus Beresford added, and the honorary secretary is a lady, Miss Marion A. Manley. A cat show is in a vastly different category from that of the kindred opportunity for the promotion of dog culture; when the friend of man is in competition, the lady exhibitors are often seen armed with heavy whips, dragging a huge mastiff by a fearsome chain to the judgment ring. The show devoted to the friend of woman is, however, sweetly feminine in nearly all respects.

The exhibitors at yesterday's Show were, as a matter of course, ladies in the proportion of seven to eight, and some of them would seem to indulge their fancy for the friend of woman to a somewhat wholesale extent. Several exhibiters had ten or a dozen pet cats on show, and Lady Marcus Beresford headed the list with seventeen in her own name. The prizes were both ordinary and special, the latter alone running to 136, and of the Challenge Cups eleven were given by her ladyship. For purposes of judging, the cats were divided into long and short-haired, with sub-divisions for colours and breeds, male, female, and neuter. Then there were open classes, and classes for novices and kittens. With the solitary exception of Mrs.Marriott, the judges, curiously enough, were menfolk. Many of the "exhibits" were of hgh eminence in the cat world, one of, the gold medallists of the day, a regally magnificent orange tabby, having, in its career of four summers, won seventy first prizes. The cats, if the truth must be told, did not seem exuberantly happy in their wire cages, but the visitors, moving up and down the benches in a kind of subdued rapture, whispered them to bear up a little longer, as the Show was only for one day, and the ordeal would be over at nine o'clock. The champion prizes, if so they may be termed, were gold medals, two given by Lady Marcus Beresford, and two by the Cat Club. A wonderful he-cat, classified in the fancy as "Self-Silver, previously called Chinchilla," exhibited by Mrs. Greenwood, took two of these honours as the best of the long-hairs; and the medal for the best British cat in the Show was awarded to the splendid orange tabby before mentioned, an exhibit of Mr. G Towlerton.

WESTMINSTER CAT SHOW Leeds Mercury, 20th January 1899
More than once has the success of the Ladies' Kennel Club been recorded in this column. Now it is the Ladies' Cat Club that demands attention and respectful admiration. An exhibition opened to-day under its auspices, in the St. Stephen's Hall, Westminster Aquarium, is a revelation to these cynical members of the superior sex who have hitherto scoffed at the organising capacity of the “fussy female.” Over 500 feline wonders are view, including many of high reputation in what, I suppose, we must call the show ring. A gold medal was awarded this afternoon to a cat whose owner sets upon it a value that will make the uninitiated person start. Fancy a British orange tabby being worth a thousand pounds sterling! Cats there are of all kinds, home and foreign, long-haired and short-haired, light and dark, cats with tails and cats without tails. The homely British breeds are outshone in superficial graces and attractions by the handsome, bright-eyed products of Asia, while the malformed Manx specimens are quite out of court in the matter of beauty. But in each class the competition is keen, and I am informed (my personal knowledge of cats is contemptible) that the show, as a whole, is one of the finest ever seen. The profits are to go to the Children's Guild the Deptford Fund.

THE AQUARIUM CAT SHOW Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper, 22nd January 1899
Five hundred and one cats were exhibited, on Thursday, in St. Stephen's hall on the occasion of the annual show of the Cat club. This is a record number of entries, and in other ways the show has been a great success. Among those present during the day were the Duchess of Marlborough, Lady Marcua Beresford, and the Duchess of Wellington. The proceeds of the show go to the Children's Guild of the Deptford fund. Amongst the chief prize-winners –

a gold medal for the best long-haired cat, presented by Lady Marcus Beresford, was secured by Mrs. Greenwood's self silver Lord Southampton, which also carried off a similar medal presented by the Cat club, and several other awards. Mr. G. Towlerton’s orange tabby Champion Perfection won Lady Marcus Beresford's gold medal for the best British cat, while Mr. E. Newland's brown tabby Jim Shelley gained a similar medal presented by the Cat club. The entries in the long-haired classes were much more numerous, and the greatest competition took place in the classes for "blue cats." The first prize among the males went to Messrs. Drury Brothers' Blue Boy the Second, while among the females Mr. S. B. Wallis's Beauty Girl obtained the first.

LOCAL SUCCESS Oxford Journal, Saturday 28th January 1899
At the "Cat Club" Show held at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, last week Mrs. W. J. Hickie, of the "Plough and Anchor" Clarendon-street, was again successful with her Silver Persian cat " Silver Star," winning first prize and two specials in the silver tabby class. In addition the these prizes she obtained the highest honours in the section, by winning the club silver medal for the best long-haired female cat in the show. The long-haired tabbies numbered 160. This brings the number of wins for this cat up to seven firsts, six specials, and one silver medal.

CATS AT WESTMINSTER. The Gentlewoman, 28th January 1899
The first show of the newly formed Cat Club, which is under the presidency of Lily Duchess of Marlborough, the Duchess of Wellington, and Lord Marcus Beresford, took place under brilliant auspices on the 19th at St. Stephen's Hall, and with a record entry of 501 cats, many of them of immense money value.

The Bishopsgate catteries sent a large contingent, seventeen entries following Lady Marcus Beresford's name, all of the lovely long-haired variety, including the pure white Nada the Lily, half a dozen blue cats of both sexes, a lovely male silver tabby, Loretto, a grand orange, Life Guard, and fourteen entered in the novice class for long-haired cats, each one of them being worthy of special description did but space permit. Lily Duchess of Marlborough showed a lovely neuter cat, Muff, who took a third prize in a class of phenomenal strength, headed by Mr. Cockburn’s silvery The Villain, with Miss S. Meeson's enormous and magnificent Fluff Duvals coming second.

In the males Viscountess Maitland showed Nino, and in the corresponding class for females three, Amazon, Scilla, and Mayday; Messrs. Drury Bros. taking first honours in males with Blue Boy the Second, and Mrs. S. B. Walks in females with Beauty Girl. Both Lady Marcus Beresford and Viscountess Maitland were the premier prize winners in the class for silver or brown tabby kittens with Pailette and Ruffle respectively. The gold medals for the best long-haired cat in the show, as well as for the best orange tabby, were won by Mrs. Greenwood's well-known and lovely self-silver Lord Southampton and Mr. G. Towlerton's Champion Perfection, a magnificent golden tabby, a previous winner of over twenty firsts, who here added a championship, a silver medal, and other specials to his long list of wins. These two gold medals were presented by Lady Marcus Beresford.

Considering how rare are good cats of this breed, short-haired English tabbies were a capital show. Among these Silver Queen, a lovely little cat owned by Mr. Evelyn S. Fellows, took the gold medal and several other prizes. Foreign short-haired cats were by no means numerous, Mrs. M. Robinson's handsome Siamese, Wankee, Mrs W. R. Hawkins' Cuss (bred by Lady Marcus Beresford), and Mrs. Brodie's Minita being all big prizewinners. Mrs. Claude Alexander's Ballochmyle Bumpus took first honours in the lovely short-haired blue Russian cats. Among other prize-winners were Mrs. F. Woodcock's tortoiseshell Springfield Psyche, Mrs. James Pettitt's tortoiseshell-and-white Dainty Doris, Mr. E. Newland's brown tabby Jim Shelley, and Mrs. H. V. James' lovely black kitten Backwell Jip.

The show was divided into fifty classes, and never before at a cat show have I seen such a tempting array of prizes. Among the prize-givers were Lily Duchess of Marlborough, Lord and Lady Marcus Beresford, Countess Howe, Lady Elena Wickham, the Hon. Mrs. Brett, Mrs. Cochran and Miss Hester Cochran (the latter a big exhibitor and prize-winner), Mrs. Preston Whyte, Colonel Chaine, C.B., and many others. The general verdict was that this was the best arranged cat show that has ever been held. Miss Marion Manley, the hon. secretary of this youngest of the cat clubs, received on all sides congratulations, She was ably seconded by Mr. Arthur Sparrow. The proceeds were given to the Children's Guild of the Deptford Fund.

LOCAL SUCCESSES Hampshire Advertiser, 1st February 1899
Totton. Mrs. E. C. Drayton Coxwell was highly successful with her Persian cat, "Blue Eyes," at the show of the Cat Club, at St. Stephen's Hall, Westminster, on the 19th of January. It was a very large show, with a keen competition, and Mrs. Coxwell was awarded a first, second, and two special prizes for "Blue Eyes," which is a nice shaped cat, with good eyes and head, and was shown in the pink of con dition. Mrs. Coxwell is a well-known exhibitor with poultry, pigeons, etc., but this was her first attempt with the cat tribe, and she is to be congratulated on her success.

1899. CATS AND THEIR EXHIBITORS - The Westminster Budget, Friday, January 27, 1899, by a peripatetic correspondent I came with my fingers bleeding from the Cat Show in St Stephen's Hall last week. Most of the cats were amicable and sleepy, and by rubbing them on forehead or under the chin there was no difficulty in getting on remarkably good terms with them. But there was one Russian cat which, while it appeared as friendly as the others, was evidently in a very bad temper. And it came to pass, when I familiarly advanced my first finger and thumb through the bars of its cage with the idea of scratching its head, it uttered a growl and drew its claws through my flesh. And while I was feeling angry with it, who should come up but a very old lady whom some evil spirit was prompting to make a plaything of this dangerous beast. I hastened to explain to her the true character of the animal, and thus probably saved her from serious injury. The cat was a hypocrite. It assumed virtue till it had you in its claws. How much blood this insidious creature spilt I do not know, but any rate a great many nerves must have been shaken, and more than one handkerchief spoilt.

There was one very proud lady at the show. She was very proud of her cat. It had won three specials, two medals and a cup, or thereabouts, and so she marched up down in front of its cage, not like a sentinel, weary and listless, but looking people in the face, her eyes flashing. "Either my daughter or I must be here all the time," she said heroically to a friend. I did not ask her what good she imagined she was doing, but I suppose in case of a fire she thought she would be on the spot ready to ask some man if he knew how to open the cage.

This proud guardian of her prize cat was not on speaking terms with the owners of the cats next to hers. The former lady believed highly in her own animal, which, however, had been ignored by the judges, and was not even commended, either highly or otherwise. She had spent some time trying to show the triumphant woman beside her how badly she had been used; until at last they were mutually decided not to speak to each other again. And while I was watching them one of the authorities of the show came up with a prize ticket and tied it on to the cage of the hitherto unsuccessful cat. At this, the owner had a great difficulty in believing her eyes, whereas her neighbour pretended not to notice what had been done. Sad, however, to relate, the dispenser of the prize ticket, having re-examined her notebook, returned in a moment saying she had made a mistake, and put the ticket on the wrong cage. To her that hath shall be given, and from her that hath not shall be taken away, even that which she hath. The lady slowly untied the ticket, and soon it had gone to swell the number of those which already so covered up the front of the other cage as almost to hide its inmate from view.

I have met foolish people more than once; but there was one lady of sixteen stone at the show who in this respect was certainly unique. Apparently she had determined to address a remark to every cat in the show, and had only allowed herself a short time to do it in. She went down the rows of cats as quickly as she could, hardly pausing to examine them as she passed, but careful to say something to each. “Ah ! you dear thing ! Come and be nursed." I heard her say once, and then before it had time to consent, she had passed on. She was a brave woman and very hot before she was done. Altogether 501 cats Were shown in the building.

[WESTMINSTER SHOW] Middlesex & Surrey Express, 4th February 1899
Ealing cat fanciers were well represented at the first great cat show of the Cat Club, held at St Stephen’s Hall, Westminster, recently. Mrs Austin, of Weymouth Lodge, sent a beautiful Manx, which was highly commended. Miss Fiddean, Florence-road, was commended for her handsome rough tabby an d white. Mrs Fleetwood, Ranelagh-road, obtained a reserve and highly commended with her Persians. Mrs Spearman, of Grange-road, could only send one of the three cats entered, as two caught cold before the day. The on sent obtained the reserve mark. Mr J.R. Whittle, veterinary surgeon near the Common, sent four cats, and received third prize for tortoiseshell, “Reserve” for red tabbies, and “Commended” for a very fine tabby in the class for neuters. The show was a big success, the total number of cats entered being 501.

THE FIRST SHOW OF THE CAT CLUB The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, February 27, 1899
The first show of the Cat Club, which took place in the St. Stephen’s Hall of the Royal Aquarium at Westminster, is a significant indication of the rapidly growing popularity among women of pussy as a pet. The Cat Club owes its existence to Lady Marcus Beresford, whose energetic labors caused the show to be popularly talked of as Lady Marcus Beresford’s cat show. Nearly 600 cats were entered, almost all the exhibitors wore ladies, and almost every species of cat, from the tailless Manxman to the bushy tailed chinchilla, was represented in goodly numbers. The exhibitors included Lady Marcus herself, who was represented by no less than twenty-five glorified specimens of the domestic mouser; Viscountess Maitland, Miss Willoughby, Miss Anderson Leake, Mrs. Mackenzie Steward and Lily, Duchess of Marlborough. The prizes, which were valued at nearly £500, were given away by Viscountess Maitland, assisted by her husband, among the crowded gathering being Lily, Duchess of Marlborough, and her husband, Lord William Beresford. The proceeds of the show, which amounted, after the payment of all expenses, to over £50, were handed to the Children’s Guild of the Deptford Fund, a charity founded by the Duchess of Albany.—Mainly About People.

1899 LIVERPOOL DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON AND CAT SHOW

LIVERPOOL DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON, AND CAT SHOW Various, January 1899
Liverpool Dog, poultry, Pigeon, and Cat Show, North Haymarket, January 24, 25 and 26. 652 classed, 306 cups and specials. Entries posted on Saturday to arrive on Monday morning will be accepted. A McKenzie, Hon. Sec., 8, great Charlotte-street.

LIVERPOOL DOG AND POULTRY SHOW. Aberdeen Evening Express, 23rd January 1899
The nineteenth annual exhibition of the Liverpool Dog, Poultry, Pigeon, and Cat Show opens at 10 a.m. tomorrow. The number of entries in all classes exceeds by several hundreds the record of any previous show [. . .] about 200 cats.

[LIVERPOOL SHOW] LOCAL PRIZE WINNERS Rochdale Times, 28th January 1899
[6 classes for Cats; 64 entries.] At the Liverpool Dog, Poultry, Pigeon, and Cat Show, held at the Haymarket, Liverpool, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week . . . Mr. John Mills, Fullers’ Arms Hotel, Ending, took first prize with one of his kittens.

1899 FALKIRK CAT SHOW

FALKIRK AND DISTRICT CANINE CLUB. ANNUAL SHOW. Falkirk Herald, 11th February 1899
The fourth annual cat and dog show and exhibition of sporting and other dogs, under the auspices of the Falkirk and District Canine Club, was held the Town Hall Wednesday, and during the day and evening was visited by large crowds from town and country. The entries, which numbered about 560, were slightly under those of last year, but in point of quality the exhibits were to the usual standard. The judges were : - Cats—Mrs D. Baillie, Stirling.
Cats. Open long hair male variety – 1 Alick V D Rintoul; 2 John Roy.
Open long hair female variety – 1 John Page, Dunblane; 2 Jos Taylor, Dundee; 3 Miss Aikman; 4 Miss Srathearn, South Alloa.
Open gelding, and variety – 1 Mrs A D Crawford, Glasgow; 2 Mrs John Crawford, Glasgow; 3 Miss A Simpson, Falkirk.
Open male or female, short hair, any colour – 1 Gavin Bell, Alexandria; 2 John Grieve, Edinburgh; 3 Mrs A Scott, Newton Mearns.
Open male or female, any variety, under six months – 1 Thos Hardie, Lauriston; 2 and 3 A Morton, Falkirk.
Cat, any variety, local – 1 Hugh C Millar; 2 John Day; 3 David Webster, Falkirk.

Special Prizes. Cats.
Best short-hair cat – Gavin Bell.
Open gelding cat – Mrs A D Crawford.
Best long-haired local kitten – Thos Hardie.
Second best gelding in show – Mrs John Crawford.
Best long-hair male cat – Alick V D Rintoul.
Best long-haired female cat – John Page.
Best local female cat – Thos Hardie.
Silver medal for best cat, any variety, local – H C Millar.
Best local gelding, any variety – Miss A Simpson.
Best kitten bred by exhibitor, confined to members – A Morton.

1899 DUNDEE CAT SHOW

DUNDEE DOG AND CAT SHOW Dundee Evening Telegraph, 4th April 1899
Doubtless due to the fact that the Committee of the Dundee Dog and Cat Show have a flank movement got round the Kennel Club, and that they are holding the show this year under its rules, the entries for the exhibition which opens to-morrow are very large. All classes of dogs are to be forward.

DUNDEE DOG (AND CAT) SHOW. Dundee Courier, 6th April 1899
The Dundee Canine Club opened their sixth annual exhibition of dogs, cats, and cavies in the Kinnaird Hall yesterday. This year's show in point of numbers was a distinct advance on former years, there being 720 entries. There were altogether 325 dogs staged. Last year when the exhibition was held in the Gymnasium, grave complaints were beard as to accommodation, and though the Kinnaird Hall is better suited in this respect, there was still a lack of room for judging. [. . .] Some pretty specimens of cats were penned in the gallery, and these, along with the cavies, were a source of attraction to visitors. The judges were: cats, Mr John Page.
CATS.— Toms, long-haired— 1 Miss Isa Wilson, Galashiels; 2 Mrs James Winton, Dundee; 3 R W. Rodger, Dundee
Tibbies, long-haired— 1 Mrs Jessie Alexander, Dundee: 2 Mrs John Anderson, Dundee; 3 Mrs Forrest, Dundee
Toms and Tibbies, short-haired- 1 Elizabeth Mitchell, Dundee; 2 John Spankie. Dundee; 3 Isa Wilson.
Geldings, any variety —1 Isa Wilson; 2 A. D. Crawford, Glasgow; 3 Miss Jennie Walton, Dundee.
Kittens, any variety, under 6 months— 1 Mrs James Winton, Dundee ; 2 Miss Hutcheon, Arbroath; 3 "Empress Hygienic," Dundee.
Any Variety Toms or Tibbies (novice) - 1 Miss Isa Wilson; 2 Mrs Jessie Alex ander; 3 R. W.Rodger.

1899 EDINBURGH CAT SHOW

SHOW Glasgow Herald, 9th May 1899
The Edinburgh Kennel Club’s Sixth Annual Show of Dogs will be held in the Waverley Market, Wednesday, May 17. A Great Cat Show will also be held on Thursday, may 18 (Queen’s Birthday). In Waverley Market. Entry Forms and all Particulars from the Secretaries, Messrs McIlwrick and Garrow, 12 Queen Street, Edinburgh.

CAT SHOW IN WAVERLEY MARKET Edinburgh Evening News , 18th May 1899
A departure was made this year in devoting a separate day to the exhibition of cats, instead of extending the show of both dogs and cats over two days as hitherto The committee, however, decided that the eat show would not be a sufficient "draw," and Dr. Guthrie's Brass and Pipe Bands were engaged to play selections throughout the evening. The space occupied by the cats is very small, the westmost part the building being alone occupied, so that the show tonight will resemble a promenade concert. The prize-money offered amounts to about £50, and the entries are far in excess of those of last year, there being 35 classes and over 200 exhibits. An interesting feature of the show is the exhibition of the "champion Xenophon,” shown by Miss Gertrude Willoughby, Fulmer Hall, Slough. This cat is said to be the best short-haired cat living, and has won six championships, the Rotherham challenge bowl, 10 guinea N.C.C. smooth challenge cups, winning that trophy every time it was offered, and 22 first prizes and 66 specials. The champion is now seven years old. The wretched weather was hailed by the committee with anything but disappointment, as they expected to catch many people who were unable to leave the city on account of the rain. Judging began shortly before 11 o’clock, and proceeded very slowly.

The following are the principal prize winners: [the print is very faded so names/street may be misspelled]
Long Haired Black, Male or Female – 1, Miss Ruth Hamilton, “?? Trilby”
Long Haired White, Male or Female – 1, Miss Clark, Grand Hotel, Leith.
Short Haired English Tabby or Tabby and White, Male – 1, Mrs Mackenzie Stewart, Irvine; 2, John Grieve, 44 Daley Road, Edinburgh.
Short Haired English Self, Male – 1 and 2, Miss Ruth Clark, Grand Hotel, Pilrig.
Short Haired English Self, Female – 1, Miss Ruth Clark; 2, James Reith, Blackhill.
Short haired Tortoiseshell – 1, J H Young, 52 Broughton Street, Edinburgh; 2, Wm Davie, Dunfermline.
Short Haired Kitten under six months – 1, Mrs Herd, Pattishead; 2, Miss R Clark.
Long Haired Smoke, Male or Female – 1, Wm Congleton, 1 Barclay Place, Edinburgh; 2, A V D Rintoul, 43 Dick Place, Edinburgh.
Long Haired AOV, Male or Female – 1, Winifred Beale, Darlington; 2, A V D Rintoul.
Long Haired Chinchilla, Male or Female – 1, James Whitly(?), Yorks; 2, A V D Rintoul.
Long Haired Chinchilla Kitten – 1, Miss R Clark; 2, A V D Rintoul.
Long Haired Brown or Golden Tabby – 1, Jas Garrow, 41, East London Street, 2, George Mar, 12 Spittal Street, Edinburgh.
Long Haired Tabby (any other variety) – 1, Rose Watt, Stockbridge; 2, Alex Boyes, Ratho.
Long Haired Gelding, Any Colour – 1, Jas Dick, 12, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh; 2, Mrs A D Crawford, Glasgow.
Long Haired Pairs of Kittens – 1, Thos Blews, Dairy Road, Edinburgh; 2, Agnes Gairns, 11, Leith Street Terrace.
Long Haired Litter – 1, Jas Winton; 2, Miss Ruth Claark.
Long Haired Novice, any variety, never having won a prize - 1, Jas Whitley; 2, A V D Rintoul, 43 Dick Place, Edinburgh.
[Long Haired] Brace – Miss Isa Wilson, Gala street.
[Long Haired] Team – Miss Isa Wilson.
Short Haired [?Russian] Blue , Male – 1 and 2, C Forsyth, 3, Stanwell Street, Leith. Female – 1 and 2, C Forsyth. Kitten – 1, Miss Agnes Sim, 123, Leith Street, Edinburgh; 2, C Forsyth.
Any other variety, male or female – 1, Miss M Anderson, Hamilton; 2, R Ruhnell.
Selling Class any variety, not over £5 – 1, Miss M Gresham, Stirling; 2, John Page, Dunblane
Selling Class under 50s 1, R Ruhnell.
Long haired Blue, Male – 1, J Grieve; 2, Isa Wilson. Female 1, Miss Winifred Beal; 2, Mrs M A White, 11, Grenday Street, Edinburgh.
Short Haired Litter – 1, H Reval, Leeswade; 2, Jean Wilson, Leith Walk, Leith.
Gelding, Any Variety – 1, Master L A Henderson, 30 Tidderdane Road; 2, Geo Smith, 44, Glover Street, Leith.
Long Haired Blue Kitten – 1, J Page, Dunblane; 2, A Brvaen, Edinburgh.
Short haired Novice, any variety, never having won a prize – 1, C Forsyth, 3 Stanwell Street, Leith; 2, Mr James, Rose Street, Edinburgh.
Short Haired Brace – C Forsyth.
Short haired Team – Miss Ruth Clark.

THE CAT SHOW IN EDINBURGH Mid-Lothian Journal, 19th May 1899
The cat show in Edinburgh yesterday was a big success. £50 of prize-money brought together a lot of contestants from far and near, several animals having been sent from England. Particularly interesting was the exhibition of what is considered to be the finest short-haired cat in existence. Its name is "Xenophon," and is the property of Miss Gertrude Willoughby, Fulmer Hall, Slough. It has won six championships, a number of challenge bowls, 22 first prizes, and 68 specials. The wretched weather drove crowds "to the cats." A promenade concert was given in the evening.

1899 REGENT'S PARK CAT SHOW

NATIONAL CAT CLUB SUMMER SHOW Nottingham Journal - Thursday 29th June 1899
The annual summer show of the National Cat Club will be held in the Royal Botanic gardens, Regent’s Park, today and on Friday and Saturday. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York has graciously promised to open the exhibition.

LADIES’ KENNEL ASSOCIATION IN LONDON. Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 30th June 1899
The fifth summer show of dogs and cats, held by the Kennel Association and the Ladies’ Cat Club, was opened yesterday, in the Botanic Gardens, Regent’s Park, London. The weather was beautifully fine. [. . .] In the Cat Show, Mrs. G. Towlerton, of Flanshaw, near Wakefield, won two firsts, two seconds, and a third for exhibits the shorthaired varieties.

1899 WITHERNSEA HORSE, FOAL, DOG AND CAT SHOW

WITHERNSEA HORSE, FOAL, DOG AND CAT SHOW Hull Daily Mail, 1st June 1899
Everything points to the Horse, Foal, Dog and Cat Show beating the record. “Combine business with pleasure, and have a day at the seaside," is the alluring invitation on the schedule. Leaving out the "pleasure" aspect, the prizes offered should be a sufficient inducement to attract a large number of entries. Apart from the ordinary prizes, there is an exceptionally large number of "specials."

FANCIERS NOTES - WITHERNSEA SHOW Hull Daily Mail, 2nd June 1899
A schedule of the Dog and Cat Show, held in conjunction with the Horse Show at Withernsea in July has reached me. There is no lack of variety about it, in fact, for town the size of Withernsea, the programme is decidedly ambitious. The champion cups should be the means securing a good entry. All the specials at this show are won outright.

WITHERNSEA HORSE, FOAL, DOG AND CAT SHOW Hull Daily Mail, 27th June 1899
Withernsea Horse, Foal, Dog and Cat Show – Entries for Dogs and Cats very short. Fifty Special Prizes. Six Silver Cups to be won right out. Hull Fanciers please help with your exhibits. Entries posted on Saturday, July 1st, 1899, will be accepted. Show Day, Thursday, 6th July, 1899. Write for Schedule at once to E. Roberts, Hon. Sec. Withernsea.

ANNUAL SHOW AT WITHERNSEA. A SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITION East Riding Telegraph, 8th July 1899
The Annual Foal, Dog. and Cat Show was held at Withernsea on Thursday last, and was a great success. The present is the tenth year of existence of the Horse Show and the third of the Dog Show, while the cat department was an innovation. [Cat judge - Mr Enoch Welburn, The Kennels, Beverley.]
Smooth cat, open. - 1 and special, Mrs J. A. Howson, York; 2, H. Lax, Hull.
Rough cat, open. - 1 and special, Mrs J. Robinson, Hull; 2, Mrs A. Knight, London; 3, Mrs J. Westerdale, Withernsea.
Smooth cat, local. - 1 and special, Mrs H. Johnson, Withernsea; 2 and special, Master O. Cheverton-Brown, Withernsea; 3 and special, Mrs Coe, Withernsea; special, Miss D. Myers, Withernsea.
Rough cat, local. - 1 and special, W. Theaker, Withernsea; 2. Miss B, Greensides, Withernsea.

1899 BATH CAT SHOW

ST JAMES’S (BATH) FLOWER AND CAT SHOW Western Daily Press, 1st July 1899
At the memorial Hall, Lower Borough Wells, yesterday, a flower and cat show was held under the auspices of St James’s Band of Hope. [. . .] The cat show was open, and children had special facilities for competing.

ST. JAMES'S FLOWER SHOW. Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 6th July 1899
On Friday, under the auspices of St. James's Band of Hope, a small Flower Show was held at the Memorial Hall. Lower Borough Walls, and with it, providing additional attraction, was an excellent Cat Show. [. . .] About fifty eats put in an appearance, and were well handled by the judge, Mr. W. C. O. Ellis, of Bath, and we can fully endorse his awards. To Mr. Mariner belongs the credit of the success of the Show, the Committee having entrusted the management to him, and he carried out everything in a satisfactory manner. The winning long hair cat was a grand specimen and, being in fine trim, deserved its place of honour as best exhibit in the Show. We were also very much struck with Miss Pearce's winning long hair kitten. Although very young—about ten weeks—it has good future before it. Mr. Mariner had his cats on view not for competition, and the young blue female referred to in our Fanciers' Column a month or two back is certainly a beauty and is bound to render a good account of herself at the coming Show. It was much admired, having a sweet expression, lovely eyes, a good coat, and is altogether a most pleasing exhibit. The owner is to be congratulated on breeding such a perfect specimen. Though only five months old, had it been in competition it would easily have taken the special for best in the Show.
Class 1. Long Hair. -1st and special, best cat in the show, Hudson; grand cat, lovely frill, good expression. 2nd, Miss Pearce, a lovely orange tabby cat, but beaten in frill, last year's winner, 3rd, C. Smith; brown tabby, too heavy markings. Extra 3rd, Mrs. Mariner; a blue and white, sweet expression, good eye. V.h.c.. Fellows, Curtis, and Robbins. Hc, Mrs. James and Tice.
Class 2: Long Hair Kitten.—1st, Miss Pearce; lovely kitten, very promising. 2nd. Miss Dutch; very young, but deserved its place. 3, Miss Dutch; tabby and white, only fair. V.h.c., Miss Dutch and Paisey.
Class 3: Short Hair.—1st, J Woodrow: a grand shaped cat, lovely head and eyes, but has white spots. 2nd, Waite; a silver tabby, rather cloudy. 3rd, G. Worrell; red tabby, good colour and markings. V.h.c., Hudson; a good tortoise-shell, and Oatley. H.c, Newton and McCoombes. C, Beasant.
Class 4 Short Hair Kitten.—No first award, in accordance with rules (there being under six in the class). 2nd, Urch; a silver tabby, lovely markings, but long in head. Equal 3rd, Reynolds, a baby blue, but a good one, and Lyons, brown tabby, fair markings, white on chest. V.h.c., W. Jones.

1899 CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW Gentlewoman, 21st October 1899
The National Cat Club gives its seventh Grand Championship Show next week at the Crystal Palace, and its entry beats the record by some two hundred more than last year. One of the novelties of the show will be the Ring class. It is the custom to judge cats in their pens only, but as an experiment the N.C.C. have given one class where cats will be taken on the lead into the ring, in the same way that dogs are taken and judged on the lead. If it succeeds there will be much education going on in various catteries for next year's show, when perhaps every class will be a "ring" class. Will the muzzle follow the chain and collar, I wonder?

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. Hackney and Kingsland Gazette, 25th October 1899
Of all household pets none have a stronger claim to gentle and humane treatment than the cat. While the dog is admittedly her formidable rival, “Pussie” possesses habits of domesticity which give her pre-eminence as an indoor favourite. No home is complete that does not maintain a cat, which has long since come to be regarded as part and parcel of the family. She is both companionable and useful, keeping our dwellings free from offensive intruders. Evidence of the care and attention bestowed upon them was strongly marked at the show of the National Cat Club which was opened yesterday afternoon at the Crystal Palace. Indeed, these domestic pats are as comfortably housed at Sydenham as they are when slumbering by the fireside of their households.

This is the seventh championship exhibition promoted by the Club and in point of numbers and quality is a record show. The entries number 986, against 702 last year, and included among them are some of the best show cats in the country. They are divided into 89 classes, for which some rare and fine specimens are entered, among the long-haired animals being black, white, blue smoke, orange or cream, tortoiseshell, chinchilla, manx, foreign, and brown, grey, and blue and silver tabbies, while in the short-haired classes are some good red, grey, and brown tabbies, litters and tortoiseshells. The long-haired animals are particularly good all round, while the Siamese, though not as strong in number, are excellent in quality. The kitten classes are unusually large, one class alone comprising no fewer than 51 entries. A special and attractive feature of the show is the exhibition of animals belonging to working men entered for competition. Prizes ranging from 10s to 2s 6d are given, and the experiment, which owes its inception to the Duchess of Bedford, the President of the Club, was attended with such satisfactory results last year that it has been again repeated. [Note: such classes were a feature of the early shows prior to National Cat Club taking over the shows.]

CAT AND BIRD SHOWS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. Eastern Evening News, 25th October 1899
Two interesting events attracted a large number of visitors to the Palace yesterday, the two days' exhibition (seventh) of the National Cat Club, and the three days’ show (fourteenth) of the London and Provincial Ornithological Society. The National Cat Show is of very great interest, such a grand collection of the tabby order not having been seen before in this country. Nearly all the champion cats in Great Britain are on view. A number of classes are set apart for the domestic pets (cats and kittens) of working men and women who have largely responded to the invitation of the club, exhibits in some numbering sixteen or seventeen. The entries number 986, representing 600 cats and kittens, which constitutes a “record show,” the entries last year numbering 702, or 480 animals. The challenge trophies (including the club’s cup for the best short-haired cat in the show and the cup for the best long-haired cat), championships, and other special prizes number 156, the most extensive schedule ever issued. The Duchess of Bedford offers special prim foe the best English cat in the show, for the best long-haired neuter, and for the best English cat belonging to a working-man; special prizes are also offered by Lady Alexander, of Ballochmyle, who is a great exhibitor, and the Crystal Palace Company. Other Scottish exhibitors are well to the front. Among other prominent exhibitors may be mentioned Viscountess Maitland, Miss Gertrude Willoughby, Mr. Louis Wain, the well-known cat artist, who shows a splendid lot of Abyssinians; Dr. Roper, Mrs. Herring, of Lee, Kent (twenty-two); Mrs. Heslop and Mr. Fowlerton, great Yorkshire fanciers, with large teams; Miss Derby-Hyde and the Hon. Mrs. Green Wilkinson (big entries); and Miss Mortivals, who sends a nice team. Both cats and kittens are the pink of condition, some of the former being nearly as large as young lion cubs.

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. London Daily News, 25th October 1899
It is not always that the promoters of a show can claim with such unquestionable authority that an exhibition they have got together is the best of its kind ever held, as the members of the National Cat Club can claim with respect to that now being held at the Crystal Palace. Mrs. A. Stennard. Robinson, the honorary secretary, and those who have so willingly worked for the promotion of this year's championship display, are to be congratulated on the unqualified success that has attended their effort. It is the third they have brought together in the Glass Palace on the Hill, and is far and away superior to either of its predecessors. A distinct advance is marked not only in the number of cats penned, but in the aggregate of entries. The introduction of a system similar to that which obtains in dog shows as to novice and limit classes has brought the number of animals submitted to the inspection of the judges to 700, an the number of entries to a thousand.

Two novelties have been introduced. As to the one, there can be no doubt that it will meet with general approval - a table has been provided so that when two exhibits run each other close they can be brought together in actual propinquity for comparison. The other is admittedly an experiment, upon the result of which not the warmest lover of cats would dare to hazard an opinion until practical trial has been made. Certain of the cats will today be taken with collar and led into a promenade ring; the uncertainty is to whether puss will patiently submit or demonstrate her tree-climbing qualities through nervousness up the bodies of the ladies parading them. From the point of view of number and quality, the Chinchillas are the surprise of the show. Smooth English cats are seen to great advantage, though they are not, of course so numerous as the roughs. Manx specimens make a brave assembly, and no higher praise can be bestowed upon the blues than to state that they hold their own. Almost every championship cat is present. It is in short, a splendid display

CAT AND BIRD SHOWS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. LOCAL SUCCESSES. Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 25th October 1899
It is seldom that birds and cats are on show in the same building, but shcu is the case at the Crustal Palace at the present moment. [. . .] The seventh championship show of the National Cat Club attracted over 600 animals as compared with 480 in 1898. Mrs. Gregory, of Skellingthorpe Vicarage, Lincoln, carried off one first, two seconds, and one third prize, whilst there were several other local successes.

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW Morning Post, 26th October 1899
The National Cat Club, which is rapidly growing in favour and greatly increasing its membership, held its third championship show at the Crystal Palace yesterday and on Tuesday. The show was a record one, and surpassed in the numbers of the animals shown its two predecessors. There were 1,000 entries - an increase of 300 on last year - and close on 600 cats were penned. There was an increase in every class and variety, but the greatest was in Chinchillas, hitherto very rare. A year ago there were not more than five or six of these beautiful cats to be seen at the show, but now in one class alone 31 competed. In Class 13 -an open class - orange or cream, male - were to be found two superb cats exhibited by Miss Winifred Beal. They are the winners of many prizes, and are known to the frequenters of these shows as "The Heavenly Twins." The old English cat, the tabby, the black, grey, and blue, etc., seem to be coming into favour, and many excellent specimens of our domestic pets were exhibited. Foreign cats were well represented, the Angora and Persian especially, and a few Siamese cats attracted much attention. Two novelties were introduced at this show, viz., the wheeling chair, in which two cats were penned, the object being to enable the judges the better to see the points of the competitors; and a ring class, in which all the cats competing, 25 in number, were taken into the ring in collar and lead. There were a great many prizes - challenge trophies, championships, and money prizes. The Duchess of Bedford, who is President of the Club, contributed liberally to the prize list. The names of the Vice-Presidents and of the Committee show the great progress which the Society has made socially and in general popularity during the past year. The club owes no small part of its success to its able hon. secretary and hon. treasurer, Mrs. A. Stennard Robinson.

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. Staffordshire Advertiser, 28th October 1899
Since the formation of the National Cat Club, the show annually held at the Crystal has vastly improved, and in every section the exhibition held on Tuesday and Wednesday created a record. The aggregate entry was 986 – over 200 more than last year - no fewer than 550 cats being penned. That there is a future for the fancy admits of no doubt. Mrs Stannard Robinson has secured the Duchess of Bedford as president, and among this year’s vice-presidents may be mentioned the Princess Alexia Dolgorouki, the Countess of Warwick, Lady Willoughby, and the Hon. Mrs Baillie of Dochfour. As was the case last year, the exhibits were penned under a huge tent erected in the north nave, and as a novelty a ring class was reserved for the first day, the exhibits being taken into the ring and led, as is the case with dogs. There is no reason why cats should not be judged more frequently in this way, for their good or bad points can be far better defined thus than by the present method, which is not altogether satisfactory.

Of the two great sections, the one set apart for the long-haired species was the stronger, there being several very fine classes. In whites, Miss R. A. Packham and Mr E. Smith, both of London, secured leading honours; but in blues, the largest classes in the division, Mrs. Gregory, of Southampton, and Miss Jay, of Richmond, were to the front, the former lady's “Patrick” being well-nigh perfect in density of coat and shadings and true to type in eye and ear, whilst Miss Jay's “Mighty Atom” proved the pick of the juniors. Chinchillas retained their popularity, and once more Miss Gertrude Willoughby’s “Fulmer Zaida,” won in her class, she having won the championship no fewer than six times. In the orange or cream class, Miss Winifred Beal, of Darlington, brought out “Ronald Kirk Midshipmite," and again was successful, whilst the Staffordshire exhibitor, Miss Gertrude A. Southam, met with great success with her charming young tabby “Master Ruffie,'' a winner in the kitten class two years ago.

The junior section was so well supported that the class for Chinchillas was divided, Mrs Barnes (Colchester) winning in males with “Nour Mahae,” and Mrs. B. Martin in females with the “General,” the latter, with the “Colonel,” afterwards winning in braces, another very large class. In the same division, another local success was that of Mrs. E. Mackenzie (Daisy Bank, Cheadle), with ”Castor” and ”Pollux " in the tabby class. The feature in the short-haired part of the show was the appearance of Mrs. Mary Robinson’s (London) "Wankee,” a Siamese of wonderful quality, his shadings of coat, fur, and body stamping him as the best specimen of the variety penned. Mrs. Pownall (Warrington) won leading honours the tortoiseshell class with “Snow,” a notable winner at the show in the Botanic Gardens, Manchester, last July, whilst a very charming red tabby is Mr. R Fowler Wilkinson's (Gargrave) “Gold finder," who, with ” Craven Prince,” secured several awards.

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW.– The Church Weekly, November 3rd, 1899
This show, the third of the series fostered by the National Cat Club, is rapidly becoming an annual event of some importance, as evinced by the increase in members belonging to the Club, and by the growth of the entries in every class of cats exhibited. This year’s show comprised 1,000 entries, as compared with 700 for last year’s, and 600 animals were penned. The Chinchillas, a hitherto poorly represented variety, numbered 31 in one class, whereas last year the show only contained six of these pretty creatures. The two superb cats known as “The Heavenly Twins,” and exhibited by Miss Winifred Beal, were again the winners of prizes. From the large number of old-fashioned English tabby cats, black, grey, blue, &c, exhibited it may be gathered that these animals are again coming into favour. Angora, Persian, and Siamese cats were well represented, and attracted much attention. The Duchess of Bedford is president of the Club, and is always a liberal contributor to the prize list.

THE CATS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. The Queen, 4th November 1899
THE passion for rearing fancy cats shows no sign of abatement. At the cat show held at the Crystal Palace last week, no less than 300 individuals, almost exclusively ladies, exhibited in competition for prizes no less than some 600 cats and kittens of all the various breeds that have been called into existence by the demands of the fancy. These were entered in no less than ninety distinct classes, which, it is needless to say, gave every desired opportunity for exhibiting every known breed in every possible variety of colour and marking, sex, and age.

Our artist has selected for representation Miss R. A. Packham's white long-haired cat Scotland's Prince, which has won several prizes at various shows. Below is shown the head of Miss Jay's splendid blue Holmwood Mighty Atom, the winner of three first prizes. The centre of the page is occupied by the figure of Miss Gertrude Willoughby's champion Fulmer Zaida, a beautiful female that has won numerous championships and cups. The mother and her three kittens shown at the lower part of our engraving is the property of Miss K. Carnall. All these specimens are long-haired animals, which originally . came to us from Angora, and were known by that name, or as Persians; but they are now reared most successfully in this country, and, from the care taken in the breeding, have been reared with increased beauty and length of fur. Some of these beautiful creatures are white with blue eyes; such are usually deaf, the organisation of the eyes and ears being both arrested before arriving at due perfection. At the top of the picture we have the heads of three Siamese kittens belonging to Miss V. Willard. These show very distinctly the distinguishing characteristic, of the breed, as far, at least, as the faces are concerned, namely the black muzzle and ears. In the original specimens which were brought from Siam some few years since all the extremities were black and the body colour light and very pale. Such a singular arrangement attracted much notice, and the Siamese breed came into general favour, but they have not succeeded in displacing the beautiful long-haired Angoras from the highest position.

It is needless to say that these prize cats are so highly valued as never to be allowed free range, but are kept in many cases in specially erected buildings or eateries. The necessity for such arrangements will appear evident when it is stated that one lady alone exhibited no less than twenty-two cats at the Palace show. The value placed on those specimens that are sufficiently perfect in fancy points to win prizes, would astonish the uninitiated in the feline fancy.

THE NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW. Gentlewoman, 4th November 1899
The seventh championship Show, held at the Crystal Palace on Tuesday and Wednesday last, of the National Cat Club far and away eclipsed its predecessors, not only by reason of its enormous entry of 1,000 and the 600 exhibits penned, but also for the quality and variety of the cats which entered the various competitions. The National Cat Club has made very steady progress since its reconstruction by Mrs. Stennard Robinson in 1896, when the club for the first time held a show of its own and began its career in earnest as the Kennel Club for Cats. Its summer show at the Botanic Gardens in June last was honoured by the visit of Royalty, and at Bagshot Bazaar Her Majesty the Queen very graciously accepted a kitten from the club, and Her Royal Highness Princess Christian expressed her thanks to Miss Willoughby, who represented the N.C.C., for the co-operation of the National Cat Club in the work of the Bazaar, which it assisted to the extent of some £30. Such signal marks of distinction to the N.C.C. from our Queen and Princesses have naturally resulted in the patronage and support of many members of the aristocracy, among whom are the popular Princess Alexis Dolgorouki, the Dowager Countess de la Warr, the Viscountess Maitland, the Hon. Lady Rivers-Wilson, Lady Walter Lennox, Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle, Lady John Hay, Lord Decies, and some twenty or thirty other new members, bringing the total membership somewhere near one hundred and fifty.

The marvellous accession of influence and social strength to the club naturally reflected itself in the great feline event of the year, the Crystal Palace annual October Show of Cats, and it is not too much to say that the exhibition was perfectly planned and as perfectly carried out, thanks to the hearty co-operation of Mr. Gillman, managing director of the Palace, with the hon. secretary and committee of the National Cat Club.

The champion cats of England gathered in great force. There was the incomparable Zaida, a chinchilla of such purity of colour that, up to date, Miss Willoughby has held an unbeaten record with her, and had the satisfaction of winning every prize of value offered for chinchilla cats; indeed, the task of beating Zaida is considered so hopeless that exhibitors are clamouring to debar champion cats from competing in any class but that given for champions. Miss Beal's peerless cream-coloured cat Ronaldkirk Midshipmite is another longhaired champion impossible to beat, while among other champion cats who have added to their brilliant past on this occasion one is pleased to include Miss Jay's Holmwood Mighty Atom, a blue of handsome proportions, and a still finer coat. The smooth English champion Xenophon, who had changed ownership during the year, not only repeated his victories, but won the challenge cup for best cat in show, short or long haired, and Mrs. Herrings's well-known silver tabby Champion Jimmy, looking as well as ever, met no cat of equally high characteristics in the silver tabbied classes.

While recording the renewed wins of old champions it is, nevertheless, very gratifying to see that in other varieties new cats of excellence and new owners received the coveted distinctions of championship last week at the Palace. Mr. Ernest Smith was a winner with Chiswick Snowflake, Dr. Roper with the tortoiseshell Dainty Diana, Miss Derby Hyde in silver longhairs with Thames Valley Silver King, and Miss G. Southam in brown tabbies with Master Ruffle, and in blacks Mr. John Sage with Black Professor, and Princess Flavia, owned by Miss Shapcott, accounted for the tortoiseshell and white championship.

In the short-haired division Miss E. Harper won in whites with Prince Chat Blanc; in blacks, Mr. Robert Burtill's Norwood Prince; in blues, Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle, with Ballochmyle Blue King. Mrs. Herring took championship with King Saul, a tortoiseshell; Mrs. Pownal with a tortoiseshell and white, unsuitably named Snow; Mrs. Robinson, in Siamese, with Biba; and Mrs. H. C. Brookes in Manx, of which there was a better class than usual, with Katzenjammer. In red tabbied cats, Mrs. Towles Wilkinson took the coveted honour with Goldfinder. The Ladies' Kennel Association premierships were won by Miss Jay's Holmwood Mighty Atom, Miss Willoughby's Ch. Fulmer Xenophon, Lady Alexander's Ballochmyle Blue King, Mrs. Herrings Ch. Don Quixote and also Dolly Varden, Mrs. H. C. Brookes' Katzenjammer, and Miss H. E. Cartwright the Siamese with Prince Caugiad.

The Duchess of Bedford, who is president of the N.C.C., with her usual generosity provided three handsome silver prizes, which were won outright as follows: —Mrs. Herring's Champion Jimmy, for the best short-haired cat that has never won a prize, given by the Duchess of Bedford. The silver candlesticks were won by the neuter cat Beauty Bag Junior, owned by Mrs. Egerton. The silver saucer for the best cat owned by a working man fell to Mr. C. Emmett, Pue Pue 2nd. Miss Stisted's challenge bowl for the best long-haired cat in the show was won by Miss Jay, and the similar challenge given by Mr. Rotherham for best Englishc,at in show was awarded to Xenophon.

The ring class was most successful, and the experiment has shown that it is quite possible to have cats judged on a collar and lead, for some twenty-four cats were ranged in the ring, and conducted themselves so quietly that no sensation occurred; and there is no denying the fact that the coat and proportions were displayed in a way quite impossible in a pen. The ring class has evidently been introduced to stay.

NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW The Gentlewoman, 9th December 1899
The [Ladies' Kennel] Journal is full of many things interesting to doggy women, not forgetting the pictures. A long article on "Felis Domestica" should attract attention. The same company has introduced a new weekly journal under the title of Our Cats. In the first number a very full report is given of the National Cat Club Show. Several illustrations of well-known cats are painted.

1899 HANLEY CAT SHOW

HANLEY DOG AND CAT SHOW Staffordshire Advertiser, 28th October 1899
Annual Dog and Cat Show at Hanley, under K.C.L., on Tuesday, the 7th November, 1899. One day only. Reduced entry fees. Entries positively close Monday, October 30. Send at once for Schedule to S.B. Smith, 56 George-street, Hanley.

HANLEY DOG AND CAT SHOW. Staffordshire Advertiser, 11th November 1899
The annual dog show of the North Staffordshire Fanciers’ Association was held in the Hanley Covered Market on Tuesday, to which upon this occasion a nice little show of cats was added. [Cat judge Mr. L.P.C. Astley] .

The cats, accommodated in a corner by themselves and judged by Mr. Astley, though a new feature of the show, proved a great attraction. In the open class for males of any rough variety there were seven entries, first going to the handsome Persian tabby, "Joe,” second to the immense “Sirdar,” also a Persian, and third to “Tom,” a fine cat of the same variety; the reserve was a taking silver. In the corresponding class for females the charming red-tabby kitten, “Brunette,” was a capital selection, and to her the special for best in show was awarded. The very pretty “Carmen Sylvia,” a silver Persian kitten from the same cattery, was second; Miss Green’s silver tabby, a very big, fine cat, but scarcely in coat, was reserve; the same owner’s “Pearl,” another silver tabby, was third, and her smoky blue v.h.c. In the any variety open class, smooth males, a handsome silver won, with a good black second. “Cora,” a very quaint-looking, though charming Siamese, took first in the corresponding female class, with “Countess,” a particularly clear coloured silver tabby, second. There was a large local class. The Persian “Brunette” again won in this with his sister kitten, “Carmen Sylvia,” second, and “Joe,” winner in the rough males, third. “The Sirdar” was reserve. Among others we liked were Mr. Johnson’s tortoiseshell v.h.c.; Mr. Lightfoot’s English tabby, c.; Mrs. Shaw’s “Puss,” a black-and-white, c.; Mr. Ward’s “Tom,” a tiger cat, h.c.; Mrs. Jackson’s “Sam,” a fine tabby, h.c.; Mrs. Bennett’s Persian, v.h.c; Mrs. Ray’s large grey “Tom;” and Mr. Adam’s very heavy old-fashioned red “Tom.”
CATS. Judge - Mr L. P. C. Astley.
Any variety Rough, male (open), 1 Dr T Nixon, Leveson House, Tunstall, “Joe;” 2 Mrs John Birchall, Bryan street, Hanley, “The Sirdar;” 3 A Simpson, Bedford-street, Shelton, “Tom;” r. Mrs Mabel E Earwaker, Buxton, “Buxton Cloud.”
Any variety Rough, female (open), 1 and special A H Moore, Little Hales, Leek, “Brunette;” 2 Mrs A H Moore, “Carmen Sylva;” 3 Miss Green, Market Drayton, “Pearl;” r. Miss Green, “Pink of Perfection;” v.h.c., Miss Green, “Princess Ruby.”
Any variety, smooth male (open), 1 J Taylor, Highfield Cottage, Chorley; 2 Mrs E Roberts, George-street, Hanley, “Smithfield Rambler.”
Any variety, smooth female (open), 1 Miss R AArmitage, Chaseley Field, Pendleton, “Cora;” 2 J Taylor, “Countess.”
Any variety, rough or smooth, male or female (local), 1 A H Moore, “Brunette;” 2 Mrs A H Moore, “Carmen Sylva;” 3 Dr T Nixon, “Joe;” r. Mrs John Birchall, “The Sirdar;” v.h.c. R Johnson, normacot, “Topsy;” Mrs Bennett, Shelton New-road, Newcastle, “Rough;” h.c. G Bentley, Hanley, “Tom;” T Cartwright, Etruria, “Tom;” G T Holland, Shelton, “Tiger;” Mrs Jackson, Tunstall, “Sam;” Mrs Clarke, Kidsgrove, “Tib;” W E Ward, Fenton, “Tom;” Mrs E Roberts, “Smithfield Rambler.”

1899 BRIGHTON CAT SHOW

BRIGHTON AQUARIUM CAT SHOW Brighton Gazette, 28th October 1899
Brighton Aquarium. Annual Cat Show, November 15th and 16th. Schedules on application.

THE AQUARIUM CAT SHOW Brighton Gazette, 16th November 1899
Two hundred and twelve cats, sleek and trim, in cosy cages, have found a temporary home at the Aquarium. They took up their residence yesterday, and remain over today for the purpose of receiving the admiration and caresses of the people of Brighton. It is the fifteenth occasion on which similar shown have been held, and the Cat Club may be congratulated upon having secured so noble a collection for the present exhibition. Practically all the classes are well filled, so that every variety of cat is represented; and the quality is eloquently indicated by the fact that the judges attached flattering comments to their awards in two of the biggest classes. All the best known breeders in the country have sent in cats, and a good many of the animals came with high credentials from the Crystal Palace Show. Amongst the exhibitors is the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland, whose Gordon, in class 24, was highly commended. Mrs Herring, one of the most successful breeders, carries off the palm with a whole list of prizes. Her cats have enviable prize-taking records. The show is much the same as usual, except for a slight rearrangement of the classes and a falling-off in the Siamese class. Otherwise, the traditions of the Aquarium show are fully upheld. One curiosity calls for notice – a cat with double paws on every leg, a singular freak with gives the animal the appearance of wearing boxing gloves. Some of the owners are up to date with their feline christenings, one puss being registered as “The Absent-minded beggar.” The judges of the show are Miss Frances Simpson, Mr A A Clarke, and Mr G h Billett. The following is the complete prize list.
LONGHAIRED CATS
Male or Female.
Class 1 – Black or White. 1 Mrs Champion; 2 Miss R A Packahm; 3 Mrs herring’s Madame Freda; r Mr E Smith’s Chiswick Snowflake; vhc Mrs J Pettit’s Prince of Pearls; hc Mrs M Baxter’s Arundel brownie; c Mrs O Westlake’ Dorne.
Class 2 – Smokes. 1 Miss O J M Rose’s Judge Bruin; 2 Mrs H U James’s Blackwell Tograh; 3 Miss Snell’s Duckie; hc Mr A C Coleman’s Madcap Violet; c Mrs H E Thompson’s King of the Silvers.
Male Cats
Class 3 – Blue, self colour, without white. 1 Mrs W Wells’s Blue Noble; 2 Mrs Herring’s King David; 3 mrs W Hope Johnstone’s The King; r. Miss m B Hooper’s Yani; vhc Mrs A Floods-young’s Blue Jacket; Mrs E H Barker’s Friar Tuck, and Mrs S B Wallis; hc Mrs C L Kennaway’s Criquet.
Class 4 – Tabby, any colour, without white. 1 Mrs Nicholay’s Iver Pop; 2 Mrs Herring’s Prince Adolpho; 3 Miss Derby-Hyde’s Thames Valley Silver King.
Class 5 – Chinchilla. 1 Mrs Champion; 2 Miss Snell’s Iver Starlight; 3 Mrs A Campbell’s Tintagel; vhc Mrs E Smyth’s Mowgli; hc Mrs Runnel Ferry’s Silver Planet.
Class 6 – Any variety not mentioned above. 1 Miss Winifred beal’s Ronald Kirk Admiral; 2 Mrs L Taylor’s Bataba; 3 Mr E Davies’s Lord Trevor; r Mr B Allport; c Mrs G E Muller’s lord Thomas, and the Misses N and V Vickers’ Kitty.
Female Cats
Class 7 – Blue, self colour, without white. 1 Mrs G A Jay’s Homwood Mighty Atom; 2 miss O J M Rose’s Gatito; 3 Mrs Nicholay’s Iver Patrice; r. Miss Hilda Patterson’s Sussex True Blue, and Mrs Vernon Neihl’s Neroine; vhc Mrs Anna Doyle’s Moser, and Mrs Simon’s O Mimosa San; hc Mr James Doyle’s Minou.
Class 8 – Tabby, any colour, without white. 1 Mrs Herring’s Florianna; 2 Mrs Champion’s Argent Dainty; 3 Mrs Herring’s Bangle; r. Mrs W J Hickie’s Silver Star; vhc Mrs E Davies’ Susan; c. Mrs E Davies’ Wyandote.
Class 9 – Chinchilla. 1 Mrs Wellbye’s Silver Lotus; 2 Miss R A Packham; 3 Miss R A Packham; r. Mrs Wellbye’s Silver Veronica; vhc Mrs G Tyrwhitt-Drake’s Musa; hc Mrs Robt Little’s Lady Argentina.
Class 10 – Any variety not mentioned above. 1 Mrs Wellbye’s Crème D’Or; 2 Mrs Herring’s Lady Rosina; 3 Miss Kate Sangster’s Royal Yum Yum; r. Miss Winifred Beal’s Ronaldkirk Garnet; vhc Miss B K Taylor’s Lavira; c Mrs C E Muller’s Lady betty.
Kittens, Long-Haired.
Class 11 – Best single kitten, any colour tabby, without white. 1 Mrs Herring’s Duchess Lestock; 2 Mrs E Davies’ Taffy; 3 Miss Kate Sangster’s Royal Regina; r. Miss Long’s Toddie; hc Mrs Welwyn’s Joey.
Class 12 – Best single kitten, Chinchilla. 1 Mrs E Davies’ Lord Hampden; 2 Mr Herbert Thomas’ Edie; 3 Mrs Herbert Macleod’s The Colonel.
Class 13 – Best single kitten, any colour not mentioned above. 1 Miss Hilda Patterson’s Sussex Boy; 2 Mrs Oliver Westlake’s Rufus; 3 Mr A J Mackintosh’s Silver King; extra 3rds Mrs Welwyn’s Snowflake, and Miss Snell’s Absent-Minded beggar; r. Miss Hilda Patterson’s Sussex Bob; vhc Mr Heslop’s Olsen; hc Mrs E Davies’ Cinder.
Class 14 – best pair of kittens, any colour. 1 Mrs E E Baxter’s Arundel Czar and Arundel Czarina; 2 Mrs Nicholay’s Iver Tony and Iver Tina; 3 Miss m Savery’s Riggles and Butler; extra 3rd Miss C Gilbertson and Mrs Ervine’s Irolt and Hagen, Mrs j Clements’ Bundle II and Beauty, and Mrs J M Stead’s Little Bob and Little Miss Nobody; hc Mr C Heslop, two pairs, and Mr F Collinson’s Red Pip and Patience; c. Mrs E Davies’ Darby and Joan.
Short-haired Cats
Male, Female, or Neuter
Class 15 – Siamese. 1 Miss Sutherland’s Niatini Kum; 2 Mrs W R Hawkins’ Cass; 3rd, Mrs Carew Cox’s Lido; vhc Miss Sutherland’s Yum; hc Miss Derby-Hyde’s Thomas Valley Missis.
Class 16 – Tortoiseshell or tortoiseshell and white. 1 Mrs Herring’s King Saul; 2 Miss L Brown’s Pickles; 3 Mrs F Walker’s Skittles; hc Mr Whittle’s Kitty.
Kittens.
Class 17 – Best single kitten, any colour. 1 Mrs Herring’s Victor; 2 Mr R Naylor’s Magpie; 3 Miss Meilan-Wilkinson’s Joey; vhc Mrs C Mellor Bonny’s Heathen Sable Lady, and Mr George Mariner’s Bobby II; hc Mr H Robinson, Mrs C Emmett’s Pue Pue II,Miss Hughes’ Judy, Mrs Ellis’s Dinah.
Male or Female
Class 18 – Blue, self, colour, without white. 1 Mr F J Cole’s Muff; 2 MrsCarew Cox’s Bayard; 3 Mrs E Willingworth’s Acton Warrior; vhc Mr G A Stapleton’s Blue Queenie, and Mrs Illingworth’s Acton Prince; hc Miss Derby-Hyde’s Thames Valley Fiona, and Mr g Mariner’s Roberts.
Male Cats
Class 19 – Tabby, any colour without white. 1 Mrs Herring’s Champion Jimmy; 2 Mrs G Oakes’s Tom; vhc, Mrs Blunden’s Tim.
Class 20 – Any variety not mentioned. 3 Mrs Herring’s Sir Brownie; vhc Miss H Hash’s Tommer.
Female Cats
Class 21 – Tabby, any colour, without white. 1 Mrs Herring’s Dolly Varden; 2 Master Blackett’s Silver Queen; 3 Mrs Herring’s Queen Sylvia; vhc Mrs C Meller Bonny’s Heather Olga, and Mr C Heslop; hc Mr A Park’s Brown Bess.
Class 22 – Any variety not mentioned. 1 Mrs Carew Cox’s Glencoe; 2 mr R P Hughes’ Queen Amber; 3 Mrs Bedward’s Tudor Darky; vhc Miss H Harper’s Mouston White Queen and Mr C Heslop’s Gondor.
Neuter Cats
Class 28 – Any colour or variety not mentioned. 1, Mrs Herring’s Rufus; 2 Master Nigel C Tritton’s Jubilee; 3 Mrs J M Stead’s Taffy; vhc Miss Alice Baxter’s Jim, Miss E M Cope’s Gentleman Gyp, Miss E O Saunders’ Pince, Mrs F Walker’s Pres, and Mr F C Evershed’s Tom; hc Mr F C Evershed’s Jack.
Neuter Cats, long-haired
Class 24 – Any colour or variety not mentioned. 1 Mrs T Taylor’s Diamond; 2 Mrs Claire Forde’s Mist; 3 Mrs Skinner’s Wiggles; extra 3rd Miss Kate Sangster’s Royal Bogie Man; vhc Mrs H Adams’s Nigger, Mrs H Oatley’s Lilly Tip, Miss D Farley’s Tibby, and Mr R R Cannon’s Jeddah; hc the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland’s Gordon, Mrs Chas Litchfield’s Toddles, Mrs H Macleod’s Little Billie, and Mrs E Smyth’s Jumbo.
Special Prizes.
Presented by the Cat Club – Silver medal for best male long-haired cat, Mrs Champion. Bronze medal for best female long-haired cat, Mrs herring’s Dolly Varden.
Presented by the Aquarium Company – Silver medal for two best kittens, long-haired, Mrs Baxter’s Arundel Czar and Czarina. Silver medal for best single kitten, long-haired, Miss H Patterson’s Sussex Boy,
Presented by Mr A A Clarke – Handsome mounted emu egg challenge vase, for best self-colour long-hair cat or kitten, mrs jay’s Homwood Mighty Atom. Handsome mounted emu egg cup, for best long-hair white cat with blue eyes in Class 1, Mrs Champion.
Presented by Lady Marcus Beresford – Special for best Siamese male cat, Miss Sutherland’s Niatini Kum. Special for best blue male cat, Mrs W Wells’ Blue Noble.
Presented by Miss Frances Simpson. – Special for best blue female cat, Mrs Jay’s Holmwood Mighty Atom.
Presented by Viscountess Maitland – Special for best blue male under eight months old, Miss H Patterson’s Sussex Boy.
Presented by Miss Pell Ffloyd – 5s for best male Siamese kitten, Mrs Carew Cox’s Lido.
Presented by Mrs C Hill – 10s 6d for best Chinchilla cat or kitten, Mrs Wellbye’s Silver Lotus. 10s 6d for best in class 17, Mrs Herring’s Victor.
Presented by Mrs Carew Cox – Special for best white short-haired male cat with blue eyes, Mrs Carew Cox.
Presented by Miss Rosamund Whitney – Silver spoon for best sable or brown long-hair tabby, Mrs Herring’s Prince Adolpho.
Presented by Messrs Lever Bros – case of carvers for best in class 24, Mrs T Taylor’s Diamond.
Presented by Mrs Herring – 5s for largest white neuter cat, Miss E Harper’s Monkton White.
Presented by Mr A Cook – Two-compartment cat basket to the most successful exhibitor, Mrs Herring.
Presented by the Misses Shepscotts – Special for best smoke in Class 2, Miss O J M Rose’s Judge Bruin.

CAT SHOW. Sussex Agricultural Express, 17th November 1899
The fifteenth annual cat show at the Brighton aquarium was opened on Wednesday. All the best known breeders sent their animals and most of the prize winners were already the proud owners of Crystal Palace awards. The classes catered for every variety, from the kingly Persian to the meekest of kittens. The only notable curiosity in the show was a cat with double paws on each leg - a remark freak, which course attracted lot of attention The show, which remained open Thursday, was under the patronage of the Cat Club, which has Liiy, Duchess of Marlborough, the Duchess Wellington, and Lord Marcus president.

[BRIGHTON CAT SHOW] Northern Weekly Gazette, 2nd December 1899
The annual cat show at the Brighton Aquarium was a great success from a show point of view. The entries totalled well, averaging nearly ten per class, whilst many beautiful exhibits put in an appearance. The Aquarium is a capital place for holding a cat show, and the arrangements for the exhibits, under the care of Mr Andrews, the popular secretary, left nothing to be desired. It is to be hoped that the show my be a financial success, so that the fixture will still be carried on for many years to come.

1899 SCOTTISH CAT CLUB SHOW (EDINBURGH)

SCOTTISH CAT CLUB SHOW Edinburgh Evening News, 27th December 1899
The third annual show of the Scottish Cat Club was held in the Central Hall, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, today. The show was more largely patronised by exhibitors this year, entries being 230, as compared with 183 last. Most of the principal feline fanciers, among whom ladies, of course, are in the majority, were represented by their cats. The "blues" and "chinchillas" were shown in good numbers, and kittens were a numerous entry, but the smooth classes were not well represented. During the judging there was fair attendance. The prizes were awarded as follows:
Chinchilla or silver grey male – 1 J F Dewar, 2, St Patrick Square, Edinburgh; 2 Mrs Monteith, Selkirk; 3 Mrs Grieve, 44 dairy Road, Edinburgh.
Chinchilla or silver grey female – 1 Mann & Wilson, 23 Haddington Place, Edinburgh; 2 Mrs Waldner, 3 Mayfield terrace, Edinburgh; 3 J F Dewar.
Smokes, male or female – 1 Miss M Campbell, Lochgliphead; 2 Mrs Donalsdon, Corstorphine; 3 miss Kemp, Craigteith Poorhouse, Edinburgh.
Foreign short-haired male or female – 1 C F Forsyth, 3, Stanwell Street, Leith; 2 Miss R Clark, Grand Hotel, Leith.
Black or White female – 1 Mrs Tyndal, Broughty Ferry; J F Dewar; 3 Miss Mary Hunt, Bothwell.
Any other self colour, male or female – 1 and 2 Mis W Beal, Darlington.
Blue female – 1 Miss Beal; 2 Mrs Mckenzie Stewart, Irvine; 3 Mrs James Murray, Murrayfield.
Blue male – 1 Mrs H Ransome, Altrincham; 2 Mrs McKenzie Stewart, Irvine; 3 mrs Menzies, Coupar-Angus. This was a particularly difficult class to judge, so many fine cats were shown

EDINBURGH CAT SHOW Dundee Courier, 28th December 1899
The third annual show of the Scottish Cat Club was held in Edinburgh yesterday. The following are the principal prize winners: -
Blue male - Mrs H. Ransome, Altrincham. Blue female - Mrs .W. Beal. Darlington.
Black or white male - A. Boyes, Bridge of Allan. Black or white female - Mrs Tindal, Broughty Ferry.
Any other self colour- Miss Beal.
Chinchilla male - J. F. Dewar, Edinburgh; female— Mann and Wilson.
Smoke.-. Miss Campbell.
Any other colour, males - Mrs Trickett; females - Miss Isa Blackmore, Wemyss Bay.
Geldings - J. Coglin.
Kitten - P. Green.
Litters - Mann & Wilson. Brace - Mrs Mackenzie Stewart, Irvine. Team of three Miss Beal.
Special Class for Members - J. Coglin.
English self- colour male - Miss Ruth Clark. Female - A. Gairn.
English (any other colour, male) W. H. Tweedale. Manchester. Female - W . Y. Bryson.
Short-haired gelding – Frame & Campbell, Larkhall.
Short-haired litters - James Drummond.
Brace - Miss Clark. Team - Miss Clark.

SCOTTISH CAT CLUB SHOW Dundee Advertiser, 28th December 1899
The third annual show of the Scottish Cat Club was held in the Central Hall, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, yesterday. The show was more largely patronised by exhibitors this year, the entries being 230, compared with 183 last year. Most of the principal feline fanciers, among whom ladies, of course, are in the majority, were represented by their pets. The “blues” and “chinchillas” were shown in good numbers, and kittens were a numerous entry, but the smooth classes were not so well represented. Among the prize-winners were Mrs Menzies, Coupar Angus (second for a blue male), and Mrs Tyndal, Broughty Ferry (first fora black or white female).

[ SCOTTISH CAT CLUB SHOW] Mid-Lothian Journal, 29th December 1899
The third annual show of the Scottish Cat Club was held in Edinburgh on Wednesday. There were 230 entries, being about 50 more than last year. There were several beautiful animals on view, and altogether the show compares well with those of previous years. Mr Mason, Bradford, acted as judge, and he awarded the first prize for foreign short-haired cats to Mr C. Forsyth. Leith. Mr Park. Liverpool, was first for short-haired kittens. Among the other principal prize-winners were:-
Blue male -Mrs H. Ransome, Altrincham.
Blue female- Miss W. Beal, Darlington.
Black or white males- A. Boyce, Bridge of Allan.
Black or white female - Mrs Tyndal, Broughty Ferry.
Any other self colour -Miss Beal.
Chinchilla - male-J. F. Dewar, Edinburgh; female-Mann & Wilson.
Smokes-Miss Campbell.
Any other colour - males-Mrs Trickett; females-Miss Isa Blackmore, Wemyss Bay.
Geldings -J. Coglin.
Kitten-P. Green.

1899 REGIONAL CAT SHOWS

POULTRY, PIGEON, CAGE BIRD, CAT AND DOG SHOW AT WARMINSTER Western Daily Press, 13th January 1899
The second show of poultry, pigeons, cage birds, cats, dogs, and rabbits was held in the Warminster Corn Market on Wednesday, and was attended with great success, the exhibitors including most of the best fanciers in the West of England. The entries were 250 more than year and the exhibits were of great merit. [. . .] There was a large attendance the public, and considerable interest was shown the show, which was a good one, the judges commending the high quality of the exhibits. The judges were:—Poultry. F. Jackson; pigeons, cage birds, cats, and rabbits, Mr B. Tope.
Cats. Any variety, either sex – 1 Rev W Hickman, Warminster; 2 E Cooke, Trowbridge; 3 Mrs Billinger, Warminster; hc C Manuel.
Local Classes Cats.—Any variety, either sex. 1 Miss Neat; 2 T. Humphreys: 3 E. Barber; vhc Mrs Mitchelmore, Miss Wise, and Mrs W. S. Everett; c. Miss Townsend and Mrs F. Parsons.

POULTRY &C., SHOW Pulman's Weekly News and Advertiser, 17th January 1899
The second open and third members’ show held in connection with the Sidmouth and District Poultry, Pigeon, Cage Bird, Rabbit, and Cat Show at the Manor Hall on Wednesday and Thursday proved a greater success than ever . . . The cat department was not quite so well patronised as formerly. The prize for the best cat in the show was awarded to Mr. R. Bray.

NEWTON ABBOT FANCIERS’ SHOW East & South Devon Advertiser, 4th February 1899
The eighth annual members show of the Newton Abbot and district Fanciers’ Society, took place in the Public Rooms, on Saturday last, and was well patronized by fanciers and the general public. [Cat judge – Mr. E. Chapple, of Newton Abbot]
Cats. – Long or short hair – 1, W. Merryfield; 2, Mrs. Locke.

ELGINSHIRE 4TH ANNUAL SHOW Various, Scotland, 2nd March 1899
Elginshire Canine Society. 4th Annual Dog and Cat Show, To Be Held In The Elgin Market Green Auction Co., Ltd., Mart, Wednesday, 15th March 1899. Entries close Tuesday, 7th March. Schedules from John Watt, Secretary, Batchen Street. Elgin. Judge—Geo. Rapek, Esq. Prize Money Guaranteed.

[INTERNATIONAL CAT SHOW] Halifax Comet, 11th March 1899
Few of the members of our Royal Family appear to care for cats, but nevertheless pussy is decidedly in favour in the fashionable world. At the recent International Cat Show nearly a thousand felines of every breed and nationality were exhibited, the gem of the collection, imported from France, being valued at £1,000.

DOG AND CAT SHOW Sporting Life, 22nd March 1899
Messrs W Haymes and W Frankland’s Second Annual Cat and Dog Show (under Kennel Club licence) will be held on Easter Monday, April 3, at Lucas’s Repository, Hotham street, off London Road, Liverpool. Nineteen prizes are on offer and we are pleased to hear that there is likely to be a record entrance in all classes.

DOG AND CAT SHOW Eastern Daily Press, 30th March 1899
Tuesday Next (one day only) – Great Dog and Cat Show at the Corn Hall, Norwich. 300 specimens on view, including Championship prize Winners at Crystal Palace, London; Birmingham; Derby; and other large All England Shows. Admission – From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1/- ; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., 6d. G. Cooper, Secretary.

PORTMADOC HORSE, DOG, POULTRY AND CAT SHOWNorth Wales Chronicle, 1st April 1899
Portmadoc Horse, Dog, Pooultry and Cat Show, May 15th, 1899. New Open and Local Classes. The Dog Show under Kennel Club licence. All particulars from R.G. Humphreys, Secretary.

SOUTH CARNARVONSHIRE LIVESTOCK SHOW Liverpool Mercury, 5th April 1899
The weather, though very threatening in the morning, proved very pleasant on Easter Monday, when the South Carnarvonshire Horse, Dog, Poultry, and Cat Show was held at Nevin. The judges were [. . .] Mr. L.P.C. Astley, Liverpool (dogs, poultry, and cats).
Cats: Cat, Any breed: 1, R.R. Willians, Penygross; 2, H.C. Lloyd, Morfa Nevin.

GRAND DOG AND CAT SHOW Hull Daily Mail, 19th April 1899
Grand Dog and Cat Show,, Rifle Barracks, Londesborough- Street, Hull, Thursday, April 20th. Open at 10. In the 61 several Champions are showing, including [. . .] Several well-known Prize-winners appear in the Cat Classes. Admission— 10 to 3, 1s.; 3 to 9.30, 6d.

RHYL DOG AND CAT SHOW Aberdeen Evening Express , 22nd May 1899
This morning broke with heavy rain, but by ten o'clock the sky had cleared, and there were promises of a fine day overhead. A large number of visitors and excursionists arrived at an early hour, the annual dog and cat show at the Palace Theatre and the Oddfellows sports being the principal attractions.

RHYL AND DOG SHOWRhyl Record and Advertiser, 27th May 1899
A Cat and Dog Show promoted by Mr T Welsby was held at the Palace Theatre during the day and was visited by a large number of people.

RADCLIVE RECTORY FETE Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press - Saturday 17 June 1899
We should like to call the attention of our readers to the bazaar and garden fete to be held at Radclive Rectory, next Thursday afternoon, from 3 to 6.30. It is to help in raising the £800 required for the restoration of the Parish Church [. . .] a variety entertainment, and a cat show and jumble sale, Aunt Sally, and Watts’ piano will add to the amusements of the day.

RADCLIVE RECTORY FETE Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, 24th June 1899
A special novelty for this district was a cat show, and the wire dens contained a number of very handsome specimens of the domestic pets, and the majority bore cards of meritorious award. Later in the afternoon the weather cleared and the attendance of visitors improved

BARNSTAPLE FETE North Devon Journal, 22nd June 1899
Next Tuesday a grand Bazaar and Fete will be opened Holy Trinity Vicarage Field (approached from Victoria-road) in aid of Holy Trinity Church funds. The Mayoress will open the Bazaar, which will be continued on Wednesday. There will be a great variety of attractions, including the novelty of a Cat Show.

BARNSTAPLE FETE North Devon Journal, 29th June 1899
Another item was Cat Show, which produced numerous entries. First and special for long-haired cats went to Mr. T. Harkin, and second to Mr. H. Day, Mr. W. Comer winning first for kittens. In the "ordinary" cats class Mrs. Newcombe's exhibit was placed first, and in the "any other variety" class Mrs. T. Webster's. The judges were Miss G. C. Davie and Miss Bull.

NORTHLEACH DOG, POULTRY, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW Gloucestershire Echo, 10th July 1899
Northleach Dog, Poultry, Rabbit, and Cat Show (under Kennel Club Licence) will be held in the Vicarage grounds, under canvas on July 19th, 1899. “The pleasant and jolly country show.” —Stockkeeper. Judge: L. P. C. Astley, Esq. Splendid classification. Schedules now ready. Hon. Sec. Barry Burge, Northleach. Entries very short will taken up to Wednesday, July I2th.

NORTHLEACH DOG, POULTRY, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW Gloucestershire Echo, 21st July 1899
The third dog, poultry, rabbit, and cat show was held under favourable conditions in the vicarage grounds on Wednesday last. The exhibits, which exceeded three hundred, were comfortably “staged” in an immense tent and were under the personal supervision of Mr .Barry Burge, a well-known fancier, who, with the assistance of Mr A, Miles, discharged the secretarial duties. The judge was Mr L. P. Ashley, whose opinion of the show was excellent. The attendance was somewhat thin during the afternoon, but towards evening it increased.
Cats. Long-haired – 1, Mrs W Gardner, Northleach; 2, Miss F Blowfield, Cirencester; 3, E C Green, Cirencester.
Short-haired – 1, C T Walker, Cirencester; 2, T Wyatt, Northleach; 3, Miss May Cole, Northleach.

[BAZAAR, BAGSHOT] London Daily Telegraph & Courier, 20th July 1899
Miss Gertrude Willoughby, on behalf of the National Cat Club, presented a beautiful little blue Persian kitten, entered in its books as Zaida II. The pretty creature was taken from its basket and placed on her Majesty’s knee, but, somewhat alarmed perhaps at its unwonted surroundings, did not show the appreciation it should have done of its unique honours, and mewed pathetically in spite of the Queen’s gentle stroking and kind words. The National Cat Club had, it should be stated, sent a number of well-bred kittens for sale on behalf of the bazaar, and one fetched fifteen guineas.

BAZAAR AT BAGSHOT PARK Northern Whig - Tuesday 25 July 1899
There was the great bazaar at Bagshot Park, got up by the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, for the restoration fund of their parish church [. . .] The Persian kittens, sent in as the contribution from the National Cat Show, on the second day, were the most beautiful little things imaginable. The little black basket kennels had scarcely been put down when a lady bought one of the thoroughbred blue Persians for fifteen guineas. Another was presented to her Majesty, who fondled it with evident satisfaction. The Queen spent two hours or more at Bagshot on Wednesday.

THE COMING MALTON GALA. York Herald, 28th July 1899
A special meeting of the Gala Committee has been held to consider the question of postponing the gala from the 9th August, the date originally fixed, consequent on other attractions in the district on that day, but, by a good majority the Council, wisely, we think, decided to adhere to their first fixture. [. . .] the committee are also adhering to their poultry and dog and cat show, in which many special premiums are offered.

PICKERING GALA AND DOG (AND CAT) SHOWYorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer , 3rd August 1899
The twenty-fifth annual exhibition of the Pickering Industrial Pigeon, Rabbit, Cat, and Dog Show Society took place yesterday. For the first time in the history of the Society there was this year no section for poultry, the prize list having been curtailed after the reverse suffered last year through unfavourable weather. The judges were:- Rabbits and Cats - Mr. J. H. Roberts, Leeds. [. . .] the entries in the live stock departments totalled 639, made up as follows: Dogs 146; pigeons 280; rabbits 190; cats 23 [Cat results not given]

CASTLE DONINGTON AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Leicester Chronicle, 12th August 1899
The eighth annual exhibition of flowers, fruits, vegetables, poultry, rabbits, cage birds, dressed game, butter, etc., in connection with this society was held at Castle Donington on Wednesday. [. . .] The cat show was very popular with the visitors, and the first prize was awarded to a beautiful short -haired, evenly-marked yellow tabby, and the record to a blue Persian. A lovely dark yellow tabby Persian, kitten was also awarded a prize.

KNIGHTON FLORAL FETE Wellington Journal - Saturday 12 August 1899
Knighton Floral Fete, Wednesday, August 30th, 1899 Military Tournament, Polo, Pony Gymkhana, Horse Leaping, Horse Show, Dog Show, Poultry Show, Cat Show, Bicycle Handicap, Grand Procession Of All Nations On Horseback (dresses buy Burkenshaw of Liverpool). Excellent band. Honey exhibition, Industrial Exhibition. Willis and Walter’s celebrated performances on 3 horizontal bars. 1s, tickets for 9d. previous to date of show. For schedules, entry forms, and all particulars, apply, F. L. Green and Joseph Blower, Hon Secs.

PERTH CAT SHOW Dundee Advertiser, 14th August 1899
The annual show of dogs, cats, rabbits, and mice, under the auspices of the Perth and District Association, took place in the South Inch Kennels on Saturday, and was visited very large number of people. There was a decided improvement, both in the number of entries and quality exhibited. [. . .] The judges were:—Dogs and Cats—Mr Macdonald, Dundee.
Kittens—1 D McLaren, 2 J. Porter.
Smooth Haired Cats-1 Haliburton Brothers, 2 C. Fenwick, 3 Stratton.
Rough- Haired Cats—1 Stratton, 2 McQuhae.

BISHOP’S LYDEARD AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AND COTTAGERS’ SHOW. SUCCESSFUL SHOW AT COTHELSTONE HOUSE. West Somerset Free Press, 19th August 1899
The tenth annual show of the above society was held on Tuesday last in the beautiful grounds of Cothelstone House, by kind permission of Mr. C. E. J. Esdaile, the president of the society. [. . .] Besides the flower show there was cat show, prizes being given by Mr. W. Esdaile for cottagers’ cats. The entries were ten in number, and the animals looked very pretty and comfortable in their cages placed under the welcome shade of a large copper beech tree. The prizes were allotted as follows:-
1, William Bryant (a fine black Persian) j 2. Mrs. Seymour (a tabby cat with kitten).

FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL SHOW AND FETE AT KNIGHTON Hereford Times, 2nd September 1899
[This was a major event with a military tournament, costume processions, bicycle races and all the competitions associated with a country show; this was its ninth year.]
CAT SHOW. A new feature is added to the programme almost every year, and this year it took the shape of a cat show. Altogether there were 20 entries, while the quality was exceptionally good, especially among the short-haired variety, and the new venture must be styled a success. The stewards were Messrs A. B. Knight, R. M. Butler, and P. H. Baynes. The judge was Mr J. Coleman, and his awards were as follows:-
Long-Hair Cats – 1, 10s, Mrs Davies, Adley Moor, Bucknell; 2, 5s. Miss Ellen, Penrhoe, Knighton; 3, 2s 6d, Mrs William Morris, The Hollies, Knighton; r, Mrs Whitaker, Grove Villa, Knighton , vhc and hc, Mr Richard Bumford, Station-road, Knighton.
Short-Haired Cats.- 1, 10s, Miss M. Powell, The Cottage, Knighton ; 2, 5s, Mr B. Dobson ; 3, 2s 6d. Miss L. Harris, Norton Arms Hotel, Knighton, r, Miss Olive Green, Weir Cottage, Knighton; hc, Mr J. Langford, Knighton, and (two) Mr Henry Verdon, High-street, Knighton;. c, Mrs Butler, Knighton.

CHELTENHAM GREAT OPEN SHOW OF POULTRY, PIGEONS, RABBITS, CATS, CAVIES, CAGE BIRDS, AND MICE, Gloucester Citizen, 18th October 1899
Cheltenham Great Open Show Of Poultry, Pigeons, Rabbits. Cats, Cavies, Cage Birds, and Mice, Winter Gardens, November 8th and 9th, 1839. Upwards of 100 Special Prizes, Cups, and Medals in addition to prize money. Cottagers' Classes in each Section. Schedules now ready. Entries close Oct. 26th. J. O. Lloyd And J. H. Evans, The Ivies, St. Mark's.

AN IMPORTANT BAZAAR AT PONTYPRIDD Glamorgan Free Press, 21st October 1899
The good people of Zion Congregational Church, Pontypridd, [. . .], decided upon holding a grand bazaar and fancy fair with a view to securing a substantial sum for the erection of a new building. The bazaar, which is held in the Lesser Town Hall, Pontypridd, was opened on Thursday by Mr E. H. Davies, J.P., Pentre. In addition to the large number of handsomely decorated stalls, other attractions are provided, such as a cat show, [. . .] The bazaar will be continued to-day (Friday) and Saturday, the opening ceremony taking place at 2.30 p.m.

EXETER AND DEVON GRAND OPEN SHOW POULTRY, PIGEONS, CAGE BIRDS, RABBITS, CAVIES AND CATS Western Times, 27th October 1899
Exeter And Devon Poultry, Etc. Society. Grand Open Show Poultry, Pigeons, Cage Birds, Rabbits, Cavies and Cats, Lower Market, Exeter, on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 31st and November 1st. The Biggest Exhibition of its kind ever held in the City.

DOG CAT SHOW AT NORWICH. Eastern Daily Press, 18th November 1899
In connection with the annual show of Norwich croppers, a show of toy dogs, fox terriers, and cats was held yesterday at the Assembly-room of the Museum Hotel. The show, which was open to Norfolk and Suffolk, was held under kennel club license. [. . .] In all classes the competition was keen, both cats and dogs being of a first class character. The judging was in the hands of Mr C C Lawrence of Cambridge.

The show of cats, which was small, was excellent in all classes. Mr B Mallett secured first prize and a special for Fluff, which proved a very nice cat. The second prize was to Mr R G Pape for Walsoken Shah, a grand specimen of the Cyprus breed. In the class for smooth coats Mr H Cuthbert was awarded first prize and special honours.
Rough coat, any variety, 1 and special B Mallett, Fluff; 2 R G Pape, Walsoken Shah; 3 Mrs M Brighton, Boy Spot.
Smooth coat, any variety, 1 and special, H Cuthbert, Blue Cat.

POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW Southern Reporter, 16th November 1899
Notice. Be sure and visit The Great Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, And Cat Show, to be held Thursday (To-Day), November 16th in Volunteer Hall, Selkirk. Admission—From Twelve Till Two, 1s; From Two Till Nine, 6d. Every visitor to the show will receive a ticket from the doorkeeper, giving them a chance ok obtaining one of the numerous prizes to be given, embracing a large number of hares, rabbits, and table fowls.

SHREWTON CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW Wiltshire Times and Trowbridge Advertiser, 25th November 1899
The second annual show of chrysanthemums was held in the schoolroom Thursday evening in last week, and was a great success.
In the class room there was a cat show, arranged by Mrs. Goddard. Awards :
Long haired cats, 1, Mrs. Elisa Young; 2. Mr. Pope ; 3, Mr. A. E Gunning.
Short haired cat, 1, Mr Ben Levitt; 2, Miss Roberts; 3. Mr. F. Dann.
White cat, 1, Mrs. Cox.
“Bunny" cats, 1, Mrs Goddard: 2, Mrs. B. Kilford.
Champion cat, Mr. B. Levitt.
Mr. A. E. Gunning and L. Collins judged the cats.

PORTSMOUTH CAT SHOW Kentish Mercury, 1st December 1899
Mrs. Charles Herring, of House, Leyland-road, Lee, was awarded at the Portsmouth Cat Show two firsts and special for the best cat with “Duchess " and her Lestock champion “Jimmy” won the short-hair special. At the Brighton show seven firsts, four seconds, and four thirds were won, besides the medal for the best short-haired female and two specials.

GLASGOW DOG AND CAT SHOW Glasgow Herald, 11th November 1899
Glasgow Dog and Cat Show, 13th and 14th December, 1899. A class will be provided for Dogs collecting sums in aid of the British Soldiers’ Wives and Families. Particulars from A.G. Dippie, 58, Renfield Street.

GLASGOW DOG AND CAT SHOW The Scotsman, 11th December 1899
Wanted – 1000 dogs and 500 cats to enter now for the Glasgow Dog and Cat Show, Grand National Halls (next door to Princess Theatre), Wednesday and Thursday next. Admission 10 to 1, 2s 6d; 1 till 10 1s. Thursday 10 till 1, 1s. A G Dippie, Sec. 58 Renfield Street, Glasgow.

GLASGOW DOG AND CAT SHOW Edinburgh Evening News, 13th December 1899
The annual Glasgow Dog and Cat Show was opened this forenoon in the Grand National Halls, Glasgow. For the first time the exhibition was held under Kennel Club rules [. . .] About 150 cats are entered. Edinburgh exhibitors are very largely represented, both in dogs and cats.

[GLASGOW DOG AND CAT SHOW] SUCCESSFUL COMPETITOR Devon Valley Tribune, 19th December 1899
At Glasgow Dog and Cat Show on Wednesday last, Mr. Stewart, Erskine Street, gained 1st and 4th for common cat and Persian female respectively; and at Crieff Show he was 2nd for Persian female.

WEST HULL SHOW Hull Daily Mail, 29th December 1899
Cats did not find favour, five classes bringing out about a score of exhibits only.

CRIEFF AND DISTRICT CAGE-BIRD, BANTAM, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW Strathearn Herald, 23rd December 1899
The fourth annual exhibition of the Crieff an District Cage-Bird, Bantam, rabbit, and Cavy Society was held in the Portous Hall, Crieff, last Saturday. The show was a very good one all over, although the entries were not so numerous as last year . . . this year cats were shown for the first time at the exhibition, of which there was a fair display, confined to one of the side rooms. [Cat judge – James Garrow, Edinburgh.]
Longhaired Cat, Male – 1, A. Bryson, Edinburgh; 2, Mrs. D. McLean, South Street, Perth.
Longhaired Cat, Female – 1, John Page, Dunblane; 2, John Stewart, Alva.
Shorthaired Cat, Male or Female – 1, J. Winton, Dundee; 2, F. Thomson, Crieff.
Kitten, any Variety, under 6 Months – 1 and 3, J. Winton, Dundee; 2, D. Bruce, Post Office Buildings, Dunblane.