REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS 1921

1921 BLANDFORD DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY SHOW

SUCCESSFUL POULTRY SHOW. Western Gazette, 21st January 1921
On Wednesday afternoon, a highly successful two days' show of poultry, pigeons, cats, and rabbits was opened at the Corn Exchange, Blandford, under the auspices of Blandford District Horticultural Society . . .The three classes for cats made a strong appeal to the ladies. A fine tangerine cat belonging to Miss Drummond-Bird, of Bournemouth, gained the first prize in the local kitten class, and also the special for the best long-haired kitten in the show. A valuable Persian belonging to Miss Davidson also secured double honours.
Cats (open).- Blue, male or female – 1, Miss Davidson; 2 and 3, Misses Brown and Bayliss, Bournemouth; r., I Mrs. Kennaway.
Neuter, any variety – 1, P. Berry; 2, F. Eyers; 3, Mrs Harrington Browne, Charlton Barrow; vhc, Miss H. Woodhouse, Blandford; Mrs. H. Kenny, Stourpaine; Mrs. T. House, Wareham.
Cats (local). - Any variety, adult – 1, F. Eyers; 2, Mrs. Kennaway; 3, Mrs. T. House; r., Mrs. G. Kenny; vhc., ; Miss Gill, Blandford; Mrs. J. E. Notch. Spetisbury.
Any variety kitten – 1, Mrs. Drummond-Bird, Bournemouth; 2, Mrs. Kennaway; 3, Mrs. Courage, Stourpaine.
Any variety (cottagers' class) - 1, Mrs. E. Kerley, Spetisbury; 2 (equal), Mrs. G. Kenny and Mrs Hathaway, Spetisbury; 3 (equal), Mrs. Foster, Spetisbury, and W. Cookman; r. and vhc, W. Cookman; vhc, Alice Rose, Blandford.
Special prize, given by Mr. R. Gordon, for best eyes in blue - Miss Davidson.
Special prize for best L.H. kitten, D.N.C. (given by Mrs. Kennaway) - Miss Drummond-Bird.
Special prize for best cottagers' cat (given by Mrs. Kennaway) - Mrs. E. Kerley.

1921 SANDY SHOW

SANDY SHOW Biggleswade Chronicle, 5th August 1921
Sandy Show will be held on August 25th, and in reviewing the Schedule issued by this enterprising Society, we are pleased to note the wonderful variety of competitions. The beautiful surroundings of the Park of Sandye Place, where, by kind permission Mrs. Graves, the Show is held, adds much to the enjoyment of visitors. This wonderful Show has a unique record of successes, but all past exhibitions will be eclipsed this year by extended programme, increased prize money . . . this gigantic venture comprises . . . Cats, Poultry, Pigeons, Rabbits, etc. . .

SANDY SHOW Biggleswade Chronicle, 26th August 1921
[Show Secretary – Mr F.W. Western] The following are the figures representing the entries for 1920 and 1921. Cats, 1920 – 238; 1921 – 220.
Mrs. Western was again a most successful competitor with her cats, the successes including 3rd, vhc and hc fore red tabby, 1st tortoiseshell; 2nd, any colour except blue; 2nd and vhc, any colour breeders; 3rd and vhc any colour junior; 1st, any colour special limit; 1st reserve and vhc any colour limit; 1st, 2nd and 3rd, any colour open; 1st and 2nd, red tabby; 1st any colour breeders, 1st and r, any colour novice; 2nd, any colour special limit, 1st and r any colour limit; 1st and r, any colour open; 1st and 3rd grand challenge, kitten class; 1st, tortoiseshell; 1st, any colour novice; 1st and 2nd, any colour, special, limit; 1st and 2nd, any colour, open; 1st any colour, shorthair kitten; 1st ditto novice; 2nd, any variety, adult male; 2nd, 3rd and vhc for ditto female; 1st and 2nd any variety longhair kitten; 1st and 2nd, members’ class; longhair; 1st, longhair breeders; 1st and 2nd, longhair special limit; 1st and 2nd, any variety adult shorthair; 1st ditto kitten; 2nd, 3rd and r, any variety longhair Southern Counties class; 1st and 2nd longhair kitten; 1st, any variety shorthair kitten; 2nd, 3rd and r, longhair, Newbury Cat Club class; 2nd and r, for ditto shorthair; 1st and 3rd for ditto longhair kitten; 1st ditto for shorthair kitten.

1921 NEWBURY CAT CLUB (READING) CAT SHOW

GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP CAT SHOW Reading Observer, 24th September 1921
Grand Championship Cat Show will be held on the Corn Exchange, Reading. On November 2nd, 1921 under the auspices of the Newbury Cat Club. Special classes for local cats, entries close October 20th. All persons interested in cats are invited to write to Mrs Fosbery, Non. Sec., Black Nest, Brimpton, who will supply entry form and full particulars.

SHOW SUCCESSES Biggleswade Chronicle, 4th November 1921
At the Newbury Club Championship Cat Show held at Reading last Wednesday, Mrs. F. W. Western, of Holme Grove, sent eight exhibits and in very good competition was awarded seven first prizes, four championships, and cups for best kitten in show, and cups for best short hair in show, with "Holme Chintz Lady," a home-bred Tricolour kitten, who was first shown with conspicuous success at Sandy. She is declared by the experts to be the best Tricolour ever seen in this country.

200 CATS IN THE CORN EXCHANGE. Reading Observer, 5th November 1921
Over two hundred cats were entered for the successful Championship Cat Show which was held, under the auspices of the Newbury Cat Club, at the Reading Corn Exchange on Wednesday. The Cat Club are to be heartily congratulated on having most creditably produced their largest show since the war. Great credit was also due to the energetic Hon. Sec. of the Club, Mrs. Fosbery, of Brimpton, who, invaluable aided by the rest of the committee, was mainly responsible for the success of the show. Several local cat fanciers were successful with their various entries, but the majority of the prizes went to fanciers from London and provincial towns. The finest class of cats exhibited were undoubtedly the "blues," although some very beautiful "whites" were also shown. The judges included:- Miss Simpson, Mr. Billett, Mrs. and Miss Adlam and Mrs. Forsyth-Forrest.

1921 CROYDON CAT CLUB CAT SHOW

MORE SUCCESSES FOR MRS. WESTERN. Biggleswade Chronicle, 25th November 1921
At Croydon Championship Cat Show Wednesday, with over 600 entries, Mrs. F. W. Western won the champion of champions class with Champion Holme Victorine, whilst her daughter, Holme Chintz Lady, followed up her Sandy and Reading successes by again winning cups for best short-hair kitten in the show.

CROYDON CAT SHOW. OVER 300 EXHIBITS AT THE CROYDON BATHS HALL. Croydon Times, 26th November 1921
There were over three hundred cats at the champions show of the Croydon Cat Club, which was held on Wednesday at the Baths Hall, Scarbrook Hill, Croydon. This is the largest show the club have held for the past twenty years, and the judges had a difficult task in many instances in giving their final decision.

The best long hair cat in the show was that exhibited by Miss Langston, while the same owner also secured the honour of champion of champions with a fine animal. Miss H. Shore [Hill Shaw] took first prize in the Manx cat class; Mrs. Yates secured premier honours in the Blue female class, and Mrs. Langston first in the male section of the same breed. The prize for the best brace of cats was won by Miss Aubrey. There were also some fine exhibits in the classes for black, white, red, tortoiseshell, cream, chinchilla, silver, smoke, and brown cats. Mrs. Carew Cox won the prize for the best short hair cat in the show, while Miss Perkins, Thornton Heath, obtained first in the class for chinchilla kittens and also won special prizes.

The officials were: Chairman, Miss Lea; Committee, Mrs Carew Cox, Miss Adams, Hill Shaw, Fisher, M. Perkins, Langston and C. Norton; hon. sec. Miss H. Hill Shaw; hon. treasurer, Miss Perkins; judges, Mrs. Stephens, Misses Lea, Simpson, Mr. S. Woodiwiss, Miss Adams and Morton.

OUR CAT SHOW West Sussex Gazette, 1st December 1921
Over 300 cats from all over the country were exhibited at the Croydon Cat Club’s show which was claimed to have been the largest held in the past 20 years. There were 635 entries, and Persians were a leading feature. At the same time the household pet classes ensured that the common, ordinary garden cat – the mascot of so many English households – had a due place. Among the long-haired blues Miss Layton’s "Woggs" headed the males, and Mrs Yeates’ "Morning" was the best of the females. However, the premier cat in the show was Mrs Carew Cox’s "Rara Ora," from Addiscombe, an Abyssinian. Three firsts, two seconds and seven specials went to this star feline. Everyone at the show made a point of seeing a cat nursing two kittens and two Pekingese pups, and a tabby weighing 20 pounds found many admirers. Siamese cats – the kind supposed to possess souls of the Siamese departs – were quite a fine lot.

[CROYDON CAT SHOW] Hendon & Finchley Times, 2nd December 1921
Exhibits by Mrs. Campbell Fraser, of The Approach, Hendon, and Miss Langton, of "Ravmead," Hendon, won first prizes at the Croydon Cat Show. Mrs. Fraser’s awards were in the classes for Blue Persian kittens, and Miss Langton exhibited a fine blue Persian cat.

1921 CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW

NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW. Westminster Gazette, 1st December 1921
Lovers of domestic pets will have an opportunity of seeing the championship breeds of cats at the Crystal Palace on 7 and 8 December. They may also be able to secure cats and kittens of the finest breeds. The National Cat Club, under the presidency of Louis Wain. is holding its 32nd Championship Show on these dates. There are more than 600 entries.

PRIZE CATS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE Croydon Times, 3rd December 1921
Lovers of domestic pets will have an opportunity of seeing the championship breeds of cats at the Crystal Palace on December 7th and 8th next. They may also be able to secure cats and kittens of the finest breeds at quite reasonable prices. The National Cat Club, under the presidency of Louis Wain, is holding its 32nd championship show on these dates, opening at 1.30 on the Wednesday, and competition for the numerous valuable challenge cups and prizes will be keen, as there are more than six hundred entries. Admission to the Crystal Palace and Cat Show on both days will be 2s., plus tax.

ANAESTHETICS FOR CATS. Daily Mirror, 5th December 1921
Lovers of cats who attend the National Cat Club Show at the Crystal Palace, which opens on Wednesday, are probably unaware of a recent change in the law affecting cats. Up till nine months ago it was possible for veterinary surgeons to operate upon [castrate] kittens and cats without administering any anaesthetic. Consequently much unnecessary agony was suffered, but the law has rightly been changed.

NATIONAL CAT CLUB ANNUAL SHOW Dundee Courier, 7th December 1921
NO MEN JUDGES. Judging at the National Cat Club Annual Show that comes off at the Crystal Palace to-day and to-morrow is to be entirely entrusted to women. Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle is one judge, and Miss Frances Simpson, the well-known authority on cats, another.

ARISTOCRATS OF CAT-LAND Daily Herald, 8th December 1921
There was a pussies' beauty competition yesterday at the Crystal Palace, when the 32nd annual championship show, promoted by the National Cat Club, was held. But surely never before have competitors seemed more indifferent to their lot. My Lord Tom and Lady Pussie, reclining on their cushions, calmly surveyed their admirers, and not even the approach of the judges provoked surreptitious face lick.

Of course, to many of the blase beauties, being on show is an everyday occurrence. There were haughty Sultans like "Barry Bluejohn" and "Azure of Hadley," who have carried off many championships and are fathers of whole families of prize-winners. Even the advent of dinner caused no excitement. A dainty nibble of meat, a contemptuous glance at the water, and they again curled up on their cushions.

The novices were not so aloof. There was one moment of excitement. The belle of the show, "Dulcie," with long silvery, silken fur and great blue eyes, was asked to pose for photographers and for a sketch by Mr. Louis Wain, who is president of the Cat Club. But she did not give her consent, and her tail waved an angry protest as her mistress held her on a cushion. Then, with her fur standing erect, Dulcie made a leap for freedom and was only captured after a chase.

The Siamese cats were the only noisy ones. Many of them had travelled long distances - from Wales and from Devonshire, and a few had come from the North of Scotland. The most costly exhibits were two great white Persians, priced at £100 and £80.

YORKSHIRE AWARDS AT NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW. Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 8th December 1921
At the 32nd annual championship show of the National Cat Club, held at the Crystal Palace yesterday. the following awards were made to Yorkshire exhibitors:
LONGHAIR CLASSES.
Tortoiseshell and white - 1 and special, Mrs. Slingsby, Tickton Hall, Beverley.
Any other colour, male or female – 1, the Hon. Mrs- Behrens, Swinton Grange, Malton.
Any colour, breeder, except blue - 2. Mrs. Slingsby.
Any colour, novice – 2, Mrs. Slingsby.
Any colour, limit - 1. Mrs. Slingsby.
Blue cream and blue tortoiseshell, male or female, cat or kitten - 1 the Hon. Mrs. Behrens.

SHORTHAIR
Adults - Red tabby, male or female – 2, Mr. R. NayJor, York View Farm, Burley-in-Wharfedale; 3, Mrs. Cotton Ashfold, Meltham, Huddersfield.
Tortoiseshell or tortoise and white - 1 and special, Mrs. Slingsby.
Any variety, male or female, breeders - 1, Mrs. Slingsby.
Any variety, male or female, novice – 2, Mrs. Slingsby; res., Mr. R. Naylor.
Shorthaired kittens - Tortoiseshell – 1, Mr. R. Naylor.

NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW The Scotsman, 8th December 1921
Nearly 250 cats were penned at the Crystal Palace, London, yesterday, on the occasion of the 32nd annual Championship Show promoted by the National Cat Club. The most striking variety exhibited was the Siamese. It was formerly a difficult variety to breed, and it is only after years of study and experience that it has been found possible to rear it in this country. There were not so many entries as in the past for the old English tabby class; people have given more attention to the fancy drawing-room cat.

The National Cat Club Challenge Cup for the best long-haired cat in the Show was won by the female chinchilla, Dulcibel of Allington,'' belonging to Miss E. Langston, of Priory Road, Hampstead. It won first prizes in several classes and many other special prizes, securing the Victory Challenge Cup, the Welburn Memorial Bowl, the Zaida Cup, and the silver medal. The Rotherham Challenge Bowl for the best short-haired cat in the Show was won by a Siamese male, "Burnham Abbott," the property of Mr Shakespeare, Holly Lodge, Burnham, Bucks, which won four firsts and several special prizes . The Wilson (Ltd.) Challenge Cup for the best kitten in the Show was won by a red tabby known as "Red Leader," belonging to Mrs Neate, Broad Lane Farm, Newdigate, Surrey.
SCOTTISH AWARDS. The following were the Scottish prize-winners AT THE Show:-
LONG-HAIRED CLASSES.
Blue Female – 2, Mr Chas Mitchell, New Row, Rigside, Douglas Water.
Bue Breeders (Male and Female) – 2, Mr C. Mitchell.
LONG-HAIRED KITTENS
Blue Male (6 to 9 months) – 2, Mrs Bowman, North Park Avenue, Newton-on-Ayr.
Blue Breeders (3 to 9 months) – 2, Mrs Bowman; reserve, Mr C. Mitchell.

A CURE FOR CATS’ NERVES. Pall Mall Gazette, 8th December 1921
It is cheering to know that cat shows are good for cats, although they may not enjoy them. I learnt this from Mr. Louis Wain at the National Cat Club Show at the Crystal Palace yesterday. "Cats are highly sensitive and nervous." said Mr. Wain, "and it is good for them to be in a show and get used to seeing a lot people round them. Some breeds are nearly extinct owing purely to nerves."

There were over one hundred exhibitors, and the judges were Lady Alexander, Mrs. Stephen. Miss Simpson, and Miss Savery. Sir Claud Alexander, I saw, was also going round with the judges. The Hon. Mrs. MacLaren Morrison’s Sambo, a beautiful black puss, was a first prize-winner, and Mr. Dillon’s white male, who rejoices the name of Minley Guiding Star, was another. He, by the way, was sitting with his back to the public, and didn’t seem to think much of the nerve cure!

NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW. SIAMESE THAT BLEATS LIKE A LAMB Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 8th December 1921
The Siamese cat was the centre of attraction in more than one respect at the Champion Show of the Crystal palace yesterday/ Long-haired blue Persians, white cats with Wedgwood blue yes, red cats with flashing agate eyes, and tortoiseshell cats the shade of the newest dressing table sets received only a comparatively small share of interest. The Siamese cats, which are brown ad cream, short-haired, and not unlike pug dogs, made an incessant noise like the bleating of lambs. It was the only sound in the show; the aristocrats were on their dignity and declined to compete.

Directly the judging was over the cat owners brought out coloured ribbons and smart little cage curtains and carpets. White cats were decorated with blue velvet that brightened the colour of their eyes, tabbies had pale green, blue and grey cats looked regal against mauve and crimson backgrounds, and black cats were surrounded with daffodil yellow. Not one owner made a mistake in her choice of colour selection for a cat.
LOCAL PRIZE WINNERS. The following were local prize winners:-
LONG-HAIRED CLASSES
Blue Novice – 3, Mrs Dodds, Promontory Terrace, Whitley Bay.
Red Tabby, Female – 3, Messrs Brown and Wilson, Hampstead Road, Newcastle.
Any Colour Novice – Reserve, Messrs Brown and Wilson.
LONG-HAIRED KITTENS - Blue Female, 6 to 9 months – Reserve, Mrs Higginbottom, Westfield Avenue, Gosforth.
Siamese Neuter – 3, Mrs C.F. Dixon, Raventhorpe, Darlington.
Selling Sort-hair – 3, Mrs C.F. Dixon.

PUSSIES AT THE SHOW, POINTS ABOUT THE SACRED CAT OF SIAM. Sheffield Independent, 8th December 1921
[. . .] The most striking variety exhibited was the Siamese which in the words of an admirer, "are very nice, but terribly noisy." It was formerly a very difficult variety to breed, and it is only after years of study and experience that it has been found possible to rear it this country. At one time it was the most intelligent of all cats and was known as "The Sacred cat Siam.," The National Cat Club Challenge Cup for the best long-haired cat in the show was won by the female Chinchilla, "Dulcibel of Allington," belonging Miss E. Langston, of Hampstead, and the Rotherham Challenge Bowl for the best short-haired cat in the show was secured by a Siamese male, "Burnham Abbott," the property of Mr. Shakespear, Holly Lodge. Burnham. The Wilson, Limited, Challenge Cup for the best kitten in the show was won by a red tabby, known as Red Leader, belonging to Mrs Neate of Newdigate, Surrey.

SACRED CATS ON SHOW, TABBY, THE BIGGEST OF 250 ANIMALS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. Daily Mirror, 8th December 1921
Including several specimens of "the sacred cats of Siam," nearly 250 pedigree cats were penned at the Crystal Palace yesterday for the annual championships of the National Cat Club. The Siamese cats are not only sacred, but the noisiest cats in the world, and it is a little consoling to know that they are difficult to breed There were not so many English tabbies as in the past, but to make up for this the biggest cat in the show is named Tabby. It belongs to Mrs. Thompson, of South Norwood. In spite of the fashion for fancy drawing-room cats, Mr. Louis Wain, the club's president, gave a testimonial to the tabby yesterday. "They are most intelligent and easier to teach," he said. "If they are not knocked about, they quickly learn."

NEWDIGATE. LOCAL SUCCESSES Surrey Mirror, 9th December 1921
At the recent championship show of the Croydon Cat Club, Mrs. Francis Neate's Persian kitten, Red Leader," secured the challenge cup for best long-haired kitten in the show, and his litter brother, "Cream Conqueror," won first prize in the class for cream kittens. In the opinion of the judge, Miss Frances Simpson (authoress of the book of the "Cat "), "Red Leader" is the best of his variety ever exhibited. His sire is champion "Swinbow Dinna Forget, the property of the Hon. Mrs. Clive Behrens, and his dam, Mrs Neate’s "Leading Lady."

[TEIGNMOUTH SUCCESSES] Western Times, 9th December 1921
Two Teignmouth ladies were among the successful exhibitors at the National Cat Club Show at the Crystal Palace, their awards being aa follows:
Siamese, female - 1 and special, Miss Cooke; 2 and 3 Miss C. Fisher.
Breeders' adult – 2, Miss Cooke.
Limit adult – 2, Miss Cooke; 3 and reserve, Miss C. Fisher.
Novice adult - 2, Miss Cooke; 3. Miss C. Fisher.
Kitten – 2 and 3, Miss Cooke.
Brace – 1, Miss Cooke.
Team - 1, Miss Cooke.

[CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW] Norwood News, 9th December 1921
There was just a sprinkling of local exhibitors at the cat show this week at the Crystal Palace. Moss greenwood, 76 Thurlow Park-road, was highly commended for "Cata" (Class 5, long-haired cats); Miss Morrison, West-hill, took three prizes; Miss Parkins, Brigstock-road, Thornton Heath, a first for "Silva"; and Miss Sibley, Longton-grove, a third.

CAT EXHIBITOR’S FEAR OF CATASTROPHE. Dundee Evening Telegraph, 12th December 1921
There was an exciting moment in a Crystal Palace train (writes a London correspondent) on the first evening of the cat show. One of the exhibitors, a charming lady, was returning home to Croydon beaming with hope that her blue Persian would win a prize, when her self-complacency was cut short. Standing up in the carriage with look of distress on her face, she exclaimed, " Oh! what have done?" and dropped back in the seat wringing her hands. Sympathetic passengers demanded to know what had happened. "I have left a bottle of poison underneath pussy's cage, and if anybody drinks it ten drops will kill them." The passengers tried to calm her assuring her that nobody would be likely to drink out of a bottle labelled poison. "But it wasn't labelled poison," she shrieked, "it was labelled port."

1921 REGIONAL SHOWS

NORTHUMBERLAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY Berwickshire News and General Advertiser, 5th July 1921
Northumberland Agricultural Society Great Three Days’ Show at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 13th, 14th and 15th July, 1921 . . . Pigeons, Rabbits, Cavies and Cats on Wednesday & Thursday 13th and 14th July.

SUCCESSFUL SHOW AT CHUDLEIGH
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 6th August 1921 Despite the threatening weather, a good number visited the Chudleigh flower and poultry show which was held at Rocklands (by kind permission of Col. Ellicombe, and Mr Endacott).
Cats – Any variety – 1, H. Ralph; 3, Miss M. Southwood.

AGRICULTURAL SHOW AT WELLS. Western Daily Press, 11th August 1921
The second annual show of the Wells Agricultural, Horticultural, Fanciers', and Sports Association yesterday was an encouraging improvement on last year in respect of entries, numbers and quality being much better. [Cat judge - Mr Geo H. Billett.] There was a satisfactory entry of poultry, pigeons, rabbits, and cats . . . Captain L. A. Forden, Ashcott, was prominent in the cat classes.

BINGLEY SHOW Shipley Times and Express, 19th August 1921
Forty-ninth annual show of the Airedale Agricultural Society, Bingley, on Wednesday . . the three classes in the section for cats merited and received considerable admiration. [No results given for cat classes]

AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE COMBINE AT ECCLESALL. Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 19th August 1921
The sections for poultry, rabbits, cavies, and cats attracted considerable attention, and the exhibits were quite good.

LOSTWITHIEL SHOW Western Morning News, 27th August 1921
Lostwithiel. Wednesday September 7th, 1921. Poultry, Pigeons, Cage Birds, Rabbits, Cavies and Cats Show . . . Entries close September 2nd.

SOUTH SHIELDS HORTICULTURAL SHOW Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 5th September 1921
. . . entries from all parts of the North of England for the flower and horticultural show held at South Shields on Saturday. In addition to sections for plants, flowers and fruit, prizes were also given for exhibits of . . . poultry, pigeons, rabbits, cats, cavies . . .