REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS (1885)
1885 ALBERT PALACE CAT SHOW
ALBERT PALACE, BATTERSEA, S.W. FIRST ANNUAL CAT SHOW. Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper, 6th, September 1885
Albert Palace, Battersea, S.W. First Annual Cat Show, September 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th. Entries close on Wednesday, September 9th. Special prizes for Working Men. Schedule of Prizes and Certificates of Entry will be forwarded on application to the Manager of the Show. J.S. Cooke.
CAT SHOW AT THE ALBERT PALACE. London Daily News, 18th September 1885
The Albert Palace first annual cat show will open on Tuesday next, and will continue for four days. The entries of are numerous (over 250), and include prize winners from all parts of the country. Mr. George Billet, the well-known naturalist, will act as judge. No extra charge is made for the show, the ordinary price of admission to the palace including everything.
CAT SHOW South London Press, 19th September 1885
Next Tuesday the Cat Show commences, and a glance the schedule shows that the entries are numerous and the prizes valuable; there is little doubt but that the show will prove a success.
CAT SHOW AT THE ALBERT PALACE. St James's Gazette, 23rd September 1885
The first annual cat show the Albert Palace, Battersea, was opened to the public yesterday, and was visited by a large number of persons, among whom ladies and children predominated. The entries were numerous, nearly the whole of the forty-three classes being well represented. Almost every variety of domestic cat is on exhibition, and the animals are in every case creditable specimens of their respective breeds. The show will remain open to day and the two following days.
CAT SHOW. Freeman's Journal, 23rd September 1885
The annual Cat Show at the Crystal Palace, which is fixed, for a month hence, has been anticipated this year by the directors of the new Albert Palace at Battersea, and with very tolerable success. At yesterday's show there were 252 exhibits, which the judges had divided for some occult reason into 43 classes. The first prize and a silver medal were awarded to Messrs F.G. Millar for a pure Siamese cat - an exceedingly rare species, and as beautiful as rare. In another pen might be seen a large English cat and three kittens – not a hair amongst the whole family that is not purest white. This excessive whiteness is not accompanied by the pink eyes and general resemblance to an Albino which distinguishes white rabbits. There are besides Persian cats, Russian cats; Turkish cats, Egyptian cats, and cats of various other species and races, and very pretty they looked in their finery and well-kept cages. But the most curious specimen of the feline race shown was exhibited by a working man, its distinctive feature being that it has thumbs and six toes on the hind feet.
A CAT SHOW. Globe, 23rd September 1885
With respect the cat show which is taking place at the Albert Palace, the Daily Chronicle remarks :- “The lamented elephant Jumbo, whose recent loss has been borne so heroically his devoted admirers, has suggested the name, apparently, which has been given to a prize cat who is always, according to his owner, kept chained up. He cannot be considered the most fortunate of his race, for, assuming him to have the instincts of his kind, he must miss those happy hunting grounds where the less appreciated members of his tribe roam in freedom. Some two hundred and fifty ‘exhibits’ compose the collection on view. Considering the enormous number of cats which must exist in London alone, the figures mentioned are really creditable to the modest estimation in which innumerable persons hold their domestic of this kind. It might have been expected, taking into account the vast fields cull from, that all the pens the Albert Palace could contain would not have sufficed for the number of ‘pretty creatures’ sent.”
CAT SHOW AT THE ALBERT PALACE. Morning Post, 23rd September 1885
Following the example of their longer-established competitors for public favour, the directors of the Albert Palace at Battersea-park yesterday opened an exhibition of cats, which is to remain open for four days. It would be absurd to expect that such a show, organised for the first time, should excel or even rival those at the Crystal Palace, forming part of a series which can boast of 17 years' uninterrupted success; but, nevertheless, its organisers may fairly take credit for the fact that as a first show it surpasses, both with regard to the numbers and to the quality of the exhibits any that has yet been undertaken. There are in all 252 entries, comprising some 300 cats; and for the purposes of judging they are divided into no fewer than 43 classes. In addition to the money prizes offered for each class, nine special silver medals were awarded; and these sufficed to bring into the competition many animals which had previously won honourable distinction elsewhere.
To the untrained eye one cat show differs but little from another in the general aspect, and it is only by the few special features which it comprises that it is remembered. The present show lacks that unique attraction which one at least of its predecessors elsewhere has presented - a real "tortoise-shell Tom." The only entry of this description was the winner of the first prize at the Crystal Palace last year; but for some reason or other Tom was not in his allotted place yesterday. His absence was, however, more than atoned for by the presence in Class 8 of a pure Siamese of great beauty, the property of Miss F. G. Millar, which secured for its owner a first prize and also a silver medal. Its body is of fawn colour with very dark markings on the ears, face, and paws; while the eyes are a blueish grey. A silver medal was awarded in the classes for she-cats to Mr. W. C. O. Ellis for his silver grey tabby, the winner of several first prizes at other shows. The special silver medal for the two best kittens, miscellaneous, was carried off by Miss H. King with a couple of silver-grey tabbies; while the Rev. W. K. Chafy-Chafy secured a similar distinction in his class with a Chinchilla Persian of rare beauty.
The other silver medals were awarded to Mr. E. J. Wright for a pure white long-haired she-cat; Miss F. Moore, for the two best long-haired kittens; Mr. H, Page, for the best short-haired cat, miscellaneous; Miss Browne, for a long-haired tabby; and to Mr. James Fox, in the class for cats exhibited by working men. The winner in this last class is one of the curiosities of the show, having thumbs and six toes on the hind feet. A tabby and white cat, entered by Mr. C. Mills, not for competition, has six monkey-shaped feet, while a pretty tortoiseshell kitten, five months old, is exhibited which has only two legs, the forelegs being represented by the merest rudiments, with claws attached. The heaviest cat in the show is Mr. Chandler's red tabby, weighing 21lb., but it failed to obtain the prize for weight, through having been wrongly entered. Taken as a whole, the show is a very interesting one, and judging from the number of visitors yesterday, it is likely to prove thoroughly successful.
1885 CAT SHOW AT THE ALBERT PALACE The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, October 3, 1885
CAT SHOW AT THE ALBERT PALACE. London Daily News, 23rd September 1885
The first of a series of cat shows, which will be held annually at the Albert Palace, Battersea Park, was opened yesterday, and, so far as could be judged from appearances, proved a complete success. About 300 cats are now on show, and will remain so until Friday, their caging occupying upwards of 500 feet in the North Gallery. The animals exhibited comprise amongst their number specimens which have taken part in almost every show within recent years throughout the country, and to lovers of their species from a most interesting and instructive exhibition. There are 42 classes, which are divided into nine groups, the members in each group being entitled to compete for a silver medal. At the same time each class in which there are a sufficient number of animals exhibited has form one to three ordinary prizes. In the long row of cages, each provided with its comfortable bed and food pan, are to be seen all sorts and conditions of cats – Manx cats without tails; Persian cats, which are apparently all hair; and, in fact, every class of cat which it is possible to domesticate. Among the curiosities of the exhibition is Miss F.G. Millar’s pure Siamese cat, solid of body and heavy of jaw, and reputed to possess no small share of natural ferocity; and J. M Pickering's Russian cat, whose colour is correctly enough described as mauve. Besides these there are to be seen a pair of kittens born and bred at the Zoological Gardens, who are a cross between the domestic and wild cat. Other oddities of nature have also been admitted to places in the show, including cat with no fore-legs and whose mode of progression is something like that of the kangaroo, and a two months' kitten, who possesses what the catalogue describes as "six monkey-shaped feet.” The whole of the management is undertaken by Mr. J.S. Cooke. The following is a list of the winners of silver medals: Miss F.G. Millar, Mr. W. Ellis, Miss H. king, the Rev. W.K. Chafy-Chafy, Mr. E.J. Wright, Miss F. Moore, Mr. H. Page, Miss E.J. Browne, and Mr. James Fox.
CAT SHOW AT THE ALBERT PALACE. South London Press, 26th September 1885
The first of a series of annual cat shows was opened at the Albert Palace Tuesday, and judging from the large number of visitors which has patronized it during the week, interest in cats must as general as it is ancient. Considering, however, how universal pet pussy is, the number of entries is certainly small. Between 200 and 300 exhibits, however, are placed in pens along the North Gallery, some of which must, through experience at other shows, have grown quite accustomed to this kind of thing, it is to be hoped the open-mouthed admiration of the crowd compensates our less feline fellow creatures, as someone designates them, for the pains and restrictions of their present captivity.
Miss Millar’s pure Siamese, two and a-half years of age, is the finest cat shown, and though it has not long left its native shores, has earned character for strength and ferocity certainly out of keeping with any prospect of becoming a domestic poe; hut it has gained the silver medal in the short-haired he-cat class, and for beauty could scarcely, we think, be surpassed. A chinchilla Persian cat, the property of the Rev. W. Chafy-Chafy, obtained the silver medal for the best he-cat of three classes colour, and certainly a beautiful specimen. A beautiful white cat, which was also the successful prize-winner at the Crystal Palace in 1883, won the silver medal for her master, Mr. E. Wright, the finest specimen of she-cat, either pure white, entirely black, tabby, tabby and white, Mr. Ellis’s “Champion Minnie,” a blue tabby, most interesting as the winner of two prizes at Portsmouth and another at the Crystal Palace, is again successful here, carries off the silver medal for short-haired she-cats.
A pair of very charming kittens, the property of Miss H. King, possessed of a pedigree, win the silver medal for two host-marked kittens of any colour, short-haired, under six months old. Two other pretty wee cats, Bogie and Daisy, belonging to Miss F. Moore, take the silver medal for long-haired kittens under six months old. Mr. E. J. Browne’s Punch,” with pedigree also, was successful in obtaining the silver medal for the best cat in three long-haired classes; and Mr. H. Page’s Bob, who, successful kitten at the Crystal Palace, now a full-grown cat five years, carries off the silver medal for the best cat in five classes, assigned to short-haired gelded cats.
These are the prize-winners; but no less interesting are some of the less fortunate exhibits. Among these are one or two specimens of so-called freaks of nature. An actual mouse-coloured cat, a two-legged pussy which hops about like kangaroo, one with “six monkey-shaped feet,” a stuffed little creature, said to have lived a few days, with two noses, two mouths, and one head. Another possessing chameleon characteristics, showing under its present black coat the brown tabby it rejoiced in to the age of five mouths. Mr. Mowser’s Jumbo,” obliged be to chained up by its owner, and a couple of kittens born of a domestic cat and the celebrated wild cat of the Zoological Gardens, are interesting as illustrations of the result of strange pairing. Mr. James Fox also wins silver medal for the best cat or pair of kittens, irrespective of sex, and his exhibit possess thumbs and six toes on their hind feet.
Mr. J. S. Cooke, from the Alexander Palaca, organized the management of this most successful show, abd Mr. George Billett was the officiating judge.
CAT SHOW AT THE ALBERT PALACE Tamworth Herald, 26th September 1885; Wrexham Advertiser, 26th September 1885
The first annual cat-show was opened on Tuesday morning in the gallery of the Albert Palace, Batter- sea Park. For a beginning, the number of entries may be considered highly satisfactory; and the 252 pens ranged in order by Mr. J. S. Cook, manager of the show, and judged by Mr. George Billett, afford on the whole an array of specimens such as would reflect credit on any of the older displays. As the first class in the catalogue is represented by only one animal, Mr. J. Hornsby's tortoiseshell, winner of the first prize at the Crystal Palace last year, no award is made. Silver medals are taken by Miss F. G. Miller, Mr. W. C. O. Ellis, Miss H. King, the Rev. W. K. Chafy-Chafy, Mr. E. J. Wright, Miss F. Moore, Mr. H. Page, Miss E. J. Browne, and Mr. James Fox. First prizes are won by Mr. J. E. Woodford, Mrs. Pounder, Mr. W. White, Mr. F. Lovelace, Miss Cassinello, Mr. R. H. Greenwood, Mr. F. A. Dorrington, Mr. H. Shorrock, Messrs. Terry, Mr. W. W. Strange, Mrs. C. Russell, Mr. H. B. Thompson, Dr. How, Miss Hinshaw, Mr. R. Wilmshurst, Mr. H. Swinyard, Mrs. W. Cramp ton, Mr. W. Maskelyn, Mr. C. G. Gessey, Mr. G. Hawkins. Mr. F. Gill, Mrs. Ward, and Mrs. Franks.
Mr. J. C. Colam, whose name is well known in connection with movements having for their object the protection of animals, is also winner of a first prize, which he gains by another of the prominently successful cats at the Sydenham show of 1884. There is a class for working men's cats, the first prize and silver medal going to Mr. James Fox for a curious specimen, having thumbs on the fore-paws and six toes on the hind feet. There is a class for weight, in which the winning animal turns the scale at sixteen pounds. But a larger and heavier cat is found in another division, the weight in this case being no less than twenty-one pounds. A third prize is awarded to the cat in question, which, had it been entered for weight, must infallibly have stood first.
EVESHAM. A PRIZE CAT. Worcestershire Chronicle, 26th September 1885
At the cat show at the Albert Palace on Tuesday, the Rev. W. K. W. Chafy-Chafy took a special silver medal in the long-haired class for magnificent Chinchilla Persian cat of great beauty, named Vezzosa."
WALTHAMSTOW. THE CAT SHOW. - Essex Herald, 28th September 1885
At the Cat Show at the Albert Palace last Tuesday, Mr. Brown of 2 Markhouse-villas, Mark-house road, Walthamstow, was awarded a third prize for a she-cat one and half years old.
CAT SHOW AT THE ALBERT PALACE Weekly Dispatch (London), 27th September 1885
The Cat Show at the Albert Palace, Battersea, has one division for pets from artisan homes, and it is pleasant to find that, in spite of the too common cruelty practised in our courts and alleys, there were some well-cared-for specimens on exhibition. The discomfort experienced by the animals during the continuance of the show was counterbalanced by the encouragement afforded to the owners of cats to treat them well, and it would have been well if all the urchins just learning the art of stoning could have been taken for an hour to Battersea. The cause of half the cruelty to cats and dogs in crowded cities is the mistaken view of kind-hearted people who object to killing the surplus population. Every cat that is not required for the hunting of rats and mice, or as a really valued household pet, should be painlessly dispatched from life, and thus we should clear our roofs from some of those midnight wanderers whose howls so exasperate light sleepers.
CAT SHOW. North London News, 3rd October 1885
Cat shows are popular institutions, notwithstanding the dislike to these beautiful specimens of the felidae commonly manifested by people who form and estimate of their worth from experience gained of them when engaged in making night hideous with their cries. The exhibition at the Albert Palace attracted large numbers of visitors to that establishment. It was specially gratifying to find that a section had been devoted to, and prizes given for, cats belonging to members of the humbler classes. The theory that these animals have a rough time of it in localities where working-men most do congregate was falsified in an emphatic way, since many of the finest cats exhibited came from the homes of the poor. Possibly when Puss comes to taxed, as some political economists suggest, in aid of the national income, it will be found that with diminished numbers further improvement will be effected in the breed.
1885 CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW
CAT SHOW. Irish Times, 24th September, 1885
Some of us, I think, are more interested in the Cat Show at the Crystal Palace than in the issue of the revolt against the victim of adversity who used to be known as the malignant and turbaned Turk. Three hundred tabbies and two hundred toms make between them an attraction which seems to have drawn all the old maids in the metropolis to Paxton’s Palace of Glass. More remarkable by far than the petted and pampered beauties, purring on their satin cushions in their gilded cages was the sight seen this evening by visitors to Sydenham. Three-quarters of the concourse were spinsters of a more or less certain age. They wore the “pale unmarried look” of their kind. The love passages between these fair exhibitors, and their pets, were often pathetic, and indeed the Cat Show may be noted as an altogether special example of taste perverted out of its natural channel. The prize cats were as pretty animals of their species as we have seen here in England since the time of Richard Whittington.
CAT SHOW Gloucestershire Echo, 21st October 1885
The annual Cat Show at the Crystal Palace was opened yesterday. There were nearly 500 entries, which is 130 more than last year.
CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW Sporting Life, 21st October 1885
Surely there no company in England which is more fully alive to what will suit the tastes of its inhabitants than that of the Crystal Palace. From the days of Blondin and to the present, nothing and nobody likely to prove “a decided hit’’ has been omitted from the Palatian card their efforts to cater worthily for the public. Circuses, menageries. and even Arabian acrobats have had, and still have, their day Sydenham. For the cat show under notice there were upwards of 400 entries, and these were sub-divided into fifty-two clashes. By no means sinecure were the judges’ duties. it is more than probable that their decisions will be made the subject of comment - for it must be admitted that dissatisfaction was expressed, and with what appeared to much reason in one particular class - it is but fair to render them the credit having taken great pains in thankless work.
Possibly a finer selection of “pussies” have never before been exhibited. Beyond question Coppa, owned by Mr. J. Scott (Class 6), proved the Tiger the lot. With ears laid back, he appeared to be eager for the fray, either with mouse or biped. By the way, this son of an East Indian leopard cat is marked dangerous. However, several of the fair sex heeded it not, but attempted to stir him up - not with a long pole, certainly, but with the ferule of their umbrellas. Amongst the ’'he-cats” more commonly called “Toms” - Class 3, was especially noticeable, Jack, at ten months, well deserved his prize. So did Tommy, a beautiful silver tabby. Cucumber Pick, so named by reason of his great liking for cucumbers, was facile princeps beyond any question in Class 5 - red, tabby, and white. In Class 4, Joe deservedly gained first prize, and a real all black is Birdie, winner of the chief prize in Class 8. Of more than average merit were the kittens under 6 months. Two pure bred Siamese, Kalahom and Khromata. No wonder the hat went off for them. Fault-finders, though, were numerous. One lady owner in particular being well to the fore. Her bone of contention was that Siamese-bred kittens ought to have a class to themselves. “Fancy a fox terrier,” she remarked, “being shown amongst French poodles!”
Long-haired kittens were well represented. A very pretty pair the first prize winners, namely, Fairy and Princess Trixie. Mrs. Clay’s tabby, Tom, caught the judge’s eye first in Class 50. Still the whole family of the Mowsers - grandfather included - were quite satisfied with the good second their Tom ran. The tabby cats, male or female, were good as a class, Mr. J. Goddard worthily taking first prize with Tito. Well furred were the long-haired representatives. Among them, Jumbo was first, Duke and Albus treading closely on his paws. Mow (class 22), who was decorated in yellow and black colours, is built on capital lines before and behind. Washington would have run the winner closer had his legs been a trifle less “slantendicular.”
White, shorthaired cats were a fine class. Major, not unknown to fame as first best in 1883 and 1884, added his third winning Palace bracket to his name. Tit scored in class 46 - for the best black either male or female. It was a near, thing though between Rose and Pussy in that for “all white." In Class 11, for various cats, the first prize is awarded to Am Si (64), the property of Miss F. G. Millar, a pure Siamese. This cat is one the prettiest in the show, and is exquisitely marked and shaped, but its form is shown to considerable disadvantage, owing to the body clothing and gewgaws with which it is decorated. The second prize in this class is for a specimen of hair-marked Australian cat. It has none of those stripes on the legs which usually disfigure this breed [did the writer mean an Abyssinian cat?]. Class 13, for tortoiseshells, is chiefly noticeable for a very little cat with a perfect head, Dolly (61, . which would probably have stood fair chance for prize in the “various,” class, but being very grey, did not stand a chance as a tortoiseshell.
Among the exhibits is a most extraordinary “cuss.” It is Mrs. Heinrich’s Queen of Curiosity (134). This cat was born with only hind legs, and is now six months old, and as healthy and active as any of its four-footed chums. The two fore legs are in this case undeveloped, and the cat hops about a la young kangaroo. Cats without toes, or with more than the usual allowance, are also on view. Among them is Midge (56), with seven claws on each fore paw, and six on its hind feet, and Teetens (182), with thumbs on fore paws, and five toes hind feet; while Peat (375) boasts of having twenty-six toes. Another remarkable cat is Lilly (136), a Persian, having odd eyes, and being, on its owner's word, deaf. It is affirmed for Teb that he will shake hands and ring a bell for his dinner; Bob (300) who will roll over three times when told, and No. 307, who, his owner states, will notice any new parcel in the house, will stand on his hind legs mew three times for his dinner, will sit up, "say his prayers,” go to bed when told, fetch and carry, and has, moreover, a record of over 230 mice.
Altogether the Crystal Palace Company may be fairly he congratulated upon the success of their show, and their arrangements were certainly satisfactory- The exhibition will close at six o’clock, this (Wednesday) evening, when only those persons actually engaged will be allowed to remain in the show. The delivery of cats to their respective owners will commence about half an hour afterwards, but will close for the night at nine p.m.
BIG SHOW OF CATS Bradford Daily Telegraph, 21st October 1885
There is a big show of cats at the Crystal Palace to-day. It opened to the public yesterday afternoon, and I was surprised to see the amount of interest the tabbies, the tortoiseshells, and the Persians inspired. Your domestic cat takes a deal of knowing, and is not much respected away from home to judge from the way in which he is treated by our boys. But it looks as if these cat exhibitions were going to change all that; for certainly there is in the Crystal Palace show visitors a most kindly regard for poor puss. I never saw such a large proportion of ladies even at a flower show. Perhaps on the part of some of them there was a little excess of sentiment. This was shown too in the interior of the cages where silk-covered cushions were occasionally to be seen, and where even a bit of lace was occasionally not wanting. The cats shown came from all parts of the country, and the champion was shown by a Devonshire lady, who showed a pure Siamese of peculiar softness and beauty. I am told that at these shows a true tortoiseshell Tom is great rarity. Tortoiseshell and white or pure tortoiseshell she-cats are common enough, but the genuine tortoiseshell Tom is so uncommon that if anybody in your town has one he may send it to next cat show with confident expectation of taking a prize. The popular interest in animals seems to be greatly promoted by the shows of all kinds now so common. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, I should think, ought to recognise them as important agents in their cause.
CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. Morning Post, 21st October 1885
Of all the popular exhibitions which the directors of the Crystal Palace manage to crowd into their programme in each year, the cat show is by no means the least attractive. It was so yesterday when the 17th show, held as before in the south-eastern gallery, was opened. From the time when, the work of judging having been completed, the public was admitted to inspect the long lines of cages, until the hour for the closing of the palace, the gallery was thronged with an interested crowd of spectators of all ages and of both sexes. The entries this year are more numerous than in any of the 16 preceding shows, and 130 in excess of those of last year, which itself was a more successful exhibition than any of its predecessors. The long list of valuable prizes offered by the Crystal Palace Company included nine silver medals, a silver tea-pot for the best cat in the show, irrespective of class, and over 150 money prizes.
The quality of the animals is this year, in the opinion of all those competent to form an opinion, superior to anything which has ever been seen here before, so that the task of the judge was a more than usually difficult one. Perhaps it was because of this universal excellence that one class - the Persians - which used to be especially strong at this show, looked rather below the average. The falling off is only apparent, however, and not real, some of the specimens sent for show being as handsome as any ever seen. The hero of the 600 odd animals shown is a pure-bred Siamese, named " Duen Nagi," and aged eight months, exhibited by Miss Lilian Gerill, and priced at the modest sum of £100. This fortunate animal gained for its owner the first prize of its class, a silver medal for the best cat in classes 12 to 22 inclusive, and the silver teapot before mentioned. It is fair to say, however, that the opinion of the ladies who formed a cluster round cage number 137 all the afternoon and evening by no means appeared to agree with that of the judges (Mr. Harrison Weir and Mr. Jenner Weir) as to the superiority of the cat over every other exhibited. But, then, all the ladies considered was good looks, and "Duen Nagi " was certainly not handsome when compared, for instance, with some of the Persians and Angolas, or even with some of the ordinary English tabbies. This latter class of ordinary short-haired cats, such as London residents are accustomed to see and to hear, is finer than at any previous show. The heaviest cat is a good deal heavier this year than at most of the previous exhibitions, the average weight [at the 3 preceding shows] being 20 lb., 21 lb., and 21 and a half lb., whereas yesterday's prize winner turns the scale at 22 lb. The show is only of two days' duration, and closes this evening
CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW London Evening Standard, 21st October 1885
Year by year the National Cat Show becomes more important and more interesting. As owners grow better acquainted with the rules that guide the activities in judging, the number of doubtful animals lessens, whilst the serious vale of the prizes to be won up and down the country encourages the possessor of a good strain. Thus the seventeenth annual exhibition contains 484 cats, divided into 50 classes. In such an array, covering 200 yards probably if the cases were all set end to end, only the objects of greatest interest can be named. Mr. H. Martin took first prize for “tortoise-shell tom” with only two competitors as usual. In class 3, every animal on show receives either a prize, a “high,” or “very high” commendation. Miss Wilkinson, in class 5, recalls to the attention of the judge that her “Cucumber Pick,” so-called from his great liking for cucumbers, remarkable for his amiable disposition, a winner of many prizes – was specially mention in ‘The Standard,” 1884. We are glas to remark that out observation is justified once more, and Cucumber Pick receives the first prize. In the next pen dwells a cat obtrusively affectionate, which takes no honour, whilst “Coppa,” a half-bred East Indian leopard cat, wins a first prize, though conspicuously labelled as “dangerous.” Mr W. R. Wood’s “Mina” (50) is not consoled by the distinction granted her, but mews and whines and performs such gymnastics in the effort to escape as really threaten to maim her. The beautiful Siamese belonging to Miss F.G. Millar (64) has been exhibited several times. In the taste of its graceful colouring, the softness of its skin, the strange contrast of its blue eyes in a soky visage, “Am-Li,” is a prettier creature than Miss Lilian Gould’s “Duen Nagi.” But we would question the justice of the decision which has graced the latter the first prize in its class, a silver medal, the special prize, and the solid silver teapot – four distinctions at one swoop, a success never equalled probably. There is a thoroughbred air about Miss Gould’s from the Queen’s apartments in Siam, as legend says. The same lady shows two pure-bred Siamese kittens aged two months, for which the moderate sum of five guineas apiece is asked. At present they do not show such quaint prettiness as might have been expected; but the silkiness and the delicate snow clouding will appear in good time.
No doubt one of the most “storied” animals in the exhibition is Master H. Shorrock’s “Toby,” who adds yet another item to the long list of his distinctions. Miss Leveson’s Persian tabby (210) is thoughtfully provided with its name in the Russian tongue and in the Russian characters, in case any wondering Muscovite should pass by and intelligently survey the precious creature. “Minx” (232), Mr. Rapier’s grey Persian, well deserves a reward. Its hair is longer, its manner more boisterously engaging, its eyes wider and of a more startling copper in a face more comically smutted than any competitor can rival. The best long-haired kittens are pro???? To be those of Mrs. Wilson (244), which gained the silver medal.
Among winners of a first prize are: Mrs. Leveson, Mr. W. Collier, Mr. R. Rutherford, Miss W. Hull, Mr. H.W. Sexton, Mrs. Geo. H???, Mrs. W. Sumner, Mr. G. Harris Jayes, Lady?Clementine, Mr. W. Billings. Mrs E. Batley, Mr. J. Goddard, Mrs. E. Edwards. It is saddening to mention that Mr. LouisWain receives not a sign of acknowledgement or a mention from the judges for the excellence of his cat to which are appended no fewer than fourteen lines of enthusiastic description, telling [indecipherable] cat’s ancestry, of parts and virtues that should be recognised if moral worth was a consideration.
CAT SHOW Irish Times, 22nd October 1885
The social event of the hour is the Cat Show at the Crystal Palace, where five hundred specimens of the harmless necessary beast were on exhibit this afternoon. Tortoiseshell, tabby, spotted tabby, the Manx, the variegated, the Siamese, Chinese, the American blue cat, the Tartar, the Persian, and divers other tribes and classes of the feline race make up a congregation and chorus of five hundred cats and voices. The chief prize winner is valued at a couple of hundred pounds or so, and the smallest price set upon any of the furred beauties would pay the fine and coats for beating a bailiff. Among the exhibits are several phenomena [this repeats other reports word for word]. The show is furnished with the usual ridiculous fancies by the owners of feline pets in the shape of embroidered cushions, lace embroidery, etc., though this absurdity seems to be on the wane.
AN EDUCATED CAT. Edinburgh Evening News, 22nd October 1885
In the cat show which is being held at the Crystal Palace just now, accompanying one entry is the following description : "This cat will notice any new parcel or vase, etc., that is put in any of the rooms; will stand on his hind legs and mew three times for his dinner; will sit with his forepaws together in front of him and mew - i.e., saying his prayers; will go to bed when told; if a cork or fish's tail is thrown across the room will, if told to, fetch and carry it back to his master's feet; has known record of over 230 mice caught, which he brings upstairs to be praised for; and will play hide-and-seek with children."
[CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW] Greenwich and Deptford Observer, 23rd October 1885
Mrs. Willson, of Lee, was one of the prize winners at the Crystal Palace Cat Show this week, gaining a medal for her cat “The Fairy.”
CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. Various, 24th October 1885
Last year's annual exhibition was considered the best that had been held at the Crystal Palace to that time, but there is a distinct advance, both as regards numbers and quality, in the collection of cats on view at Sydenham on Tuesday and Wednesday. There are 484 cats, 130 more than in 1884, which are divided into short-haired and longhaired groups, each containing many classes, the total being fifty-two. According to Mr. Harrison Weir, who, together with Mr. J. J. Weir, acted as judge, cats are more intelligent than dogs, and have individually strongly-marked dispositions, with a general tendency to jealousy. This quality was not especially apparent on Tuesday; and there was only one cage which had to be labelled "This cat is dangerous." But this drawback was explained to be due to the parentage the occupant, "Coppa," as it is called, being [a cross] between a Bengal wild cat and an English tabby. It is the only specimen that has been exhibited of late years, and to it is awarded the first prize in its class - spotted tabby tom - and also a silver medal, it being the best in the he-cat classes. To No. 137 - Miss L. Gould's "Duen Nagi - has fallen many honours - first prize in the "any other variety" class, the silver medal for the best short-haired female, the extra prize given by Mrs. Langton, and the silver teapot awarded to the best cat in the exhibition irrespective of class. No. 137 is a pure-bred Siamese, aged eight months, and said to be the handsomest of the kind ever shown in this country. In the "any other variety" he-cat class a Siamese is again first, and among the pairs of short-haired kittens - a very numerous and popular class - it is a couple of pure-bred Siamese, also owned by Miss Gould, which secures the blue ribbon and also takes the medal.
The weight class, although numerically ill-supported, includes a tabby, Sir Thomas, scaling 22 lb., which is unprecedented, and, of course, secures him first prize. His competitors weigh respectively 16lb, 15lb, 13and a half lb, and 12 and a half lb. An average cat does not exceed 9lb, but it is seldom that a full-grown puss is so light as 4 and a half lb, which is the weight of Jumbo, styled by Miss Harris, its exhibitor, as half-bred Persian dwarf. There are other extraordinary cats which may be singled out for mention.
The rarity of a tortoiseshell tom is well-known, but the first prize winner in that class is a remarkable example of tortoiseshell and white the colours being clear and pure, not raggedly mingled, as is usually the case. Towards " Queen o' Curiosity, which was born with two hind legs only, a good deal of sympathy was expressed, but this six-months-old kitten is both healthy and active, and makes the best use of its extremely rudimentary fore paws, or rather claws, and sits up like a kangaroo upon its hind feet. Two or three cats have an abnormal number of toes, among them Miss M. Bentley's light brown tabby torn, "Midge," aged seven months, which has seven claws on each fore paw and six on each hind foot, There is no sign of malformation. "Midge "is of playful and affectionate disposition, and he is stated to have been the only male born in his family for a period of 13 and a half years. Taken as a whole the pure white long-haired she-cats form a very good class, and to Mr. Wright's Persian, "Hermione," is awarded first prize and a medal. “Jim," the best long-haired cat in addition to the first prize in its class, was awarded a silver medal, and also an extra prize.
[CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW]Sporting Gazette, 24th October 1885
[This is a more satirical view of the cat show in a men’s sporting journal.]
One of the attractions of the week has been the Cat Show at the Crystal Palace. Troops of ladies went down from Victoria to admire the tabs and Toms at Sydenham. I am not partial to cats, unless they are exceedingly well cooked and served, but the description of some of the animals that were exhibited there almost tempted me to pay a visit to the Crystal Palace. Perhaps, if it had been an exhibition of stuffed cats, I should have made it a point of being there to rejoice in the fall of so many of the enemies of mankind.
There was a pretty scene at the termination of the Cat Show at the Palace of Crystal. Exhibitors, when they came to claim their animals, found everything in confusion. After waiting hours many a lady received someone else’s Tabitha instead of her own Tom. They were naturally indignant, and it is not surprising that they threatened to send complaints to the Postmaster-General, or the Vigilance Committee, or the National League for Purity Society. The scene seems to have been remarkably like that at the Waterloo Station when the passengers are battling for their luggage on the arrival of a main line train.
LOCAL HONOURS AT THE CAT SHOW Herts Advertiser, 24th October 1885
Mr. King, of The Brewery, St Albans, secured a first prize at the cat show, held at Crystal Palace, on Tuesday and Wednesday, in the class for Manx cats.
CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW Ross-shire Journal, 30th October 1885
We are glad to notice in this year’s catalogue of the National Cat Show held at the Crystal Palace, London, that “Mac,” No 283, the splendid black and dark grey tabby of Mr. H.R. Macdonald, late of Tain, secured third prize.
[CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW] Empire News & The Umpire, 25th October 1885
The milk dealers of Sydenham would be glad if a cat show were held at the Crystal Palace every week, for their business has gone up wonderfully during the last few days. Whether the milk supplied to ordinary dealers has been thinner than usual during the run upon the milk-walks, I am not able to say. One of the fortunate exhibitors of grimalkins was Miss Lilian Gould, of Bovey Tracey, South Devon, whose pure-bred Siamese, with "cloudy grey fur, smoke-coloured ears, and dark tail," will enable her to take back a silver teapot for the admiration of the Bovey Traceyans. Among other curiosities in the show were a cat with only two legs–the hind ones, and another cat that "says his prayers." Whether he also says grace before devouring a mouse is not stated. The biggest cat in the show scaled 22 lbs.
CAT SHOW - CRYSTAL PALACE, LONDON Invergordon Times and General Advertiser, 28th October 1885
We are glad to observe from the catalogue of the Crystal Palace National Cat Show, held last week, that Mr. H.R. Macdonald, late of Tain, has secured third prize for “Mac” – a splendid specimen of black and dark-grey striped tabby.
1885 BRIGHTON AQUARIUM CAT SHOW
1885 GUERNSEY CAT SHOW
POULTRY AND CAT SHOW. The [Guernsey] Star, 8th December 1885
The arrangements for this show, to be held at the Market Hall to-morrow, are so far advanced that we are enabled to give an outline of what may be expected. The entries are 750 in number, and the Judge, Mr. C. F. Copeman, of Birmingham, arrived from England this morning. The lower hall, which will be occupied by the large fowls, geese, turkeys and rabbits, and also 150 pens of bantams, will be brilliantly lighted, a new arrangement of the gas burners having been made by the Gas Company to prevent the occupants of the pens being cast in the shadow. The South room will contain the cats, arranged entirely around the room, with game fowls and pigeons in the centre. The north room will be devoted to large game birds, pigeons and cage birds. The entries are so numerous that every available space has had to be occupied, the pens being in most cases in two tiers. In addition to the pens owned by the Society, Mr. G. Billet, of Southampton, has supplied the remainder, and fixed the whole in a most convenient style. There are thirty-six entries from Jersey, and the number of cats is in excess of last year.
POULTRY AND CAT SHOW. The [Guernsey] Star - Thursday 10 December 1885
This annual show which, since its removal from the Arsenal, has become one of the most important events of the year in the work of the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society, opened at the New Market Halls on Wednesday, and was in every respect a most decided success. The additional space now provided was found barely sufficient to accommodate the entries, which on this occasion numbered about 750, but with consummate skill Mr. Billet, of Southampton, who provided the pens, beyond those owned by the Society, availed himself of every accessible space [. . .] In the south room upstairs, the cats were the prominent feature occupying comfortable quarters entirely surrounding the room. [. . .] Mr. Billet, jun., of Southampton, was judge of the rabbits, cats and cage birds. The list of awards given below will convey a good idea of the extent of the show.
Visitors began to arrive early yesterday afternoon, and a continuous stream followed up to five o'clock, the cats, game bantam, and pigeon classes being perfectly besieged. In the evening the building was again thronged in every part so as to make locomotion for a time almost impossible, but with a little patient forbearance the difficulty was got over, and the public appeared to thoroughly enjoy the sight. The exhibition remains open this evening, when we have no doubt there will be again another large attendance, testifying to the great popularity of this show. The silver cups given by the Society and other individuals as extra prizes, were on view at the entrance of the Hall, and were greatly admired. Jersey exhibitors carried off some of the principal prizes. The following are the awards of the Judges : -
Cats. Class 95. - Tabby English. - 1. Q Le Pelley, St. Andrew's (2 years). 2. Thomas Aldridge, St. Julian's Avenue (2 years). The winner was a fine specimen, well marked. The second was wrongly entered.
Class 96. - Tabby and White English.- 1. T. Girling, London Brewery. 2. Charles De Havilland, (Mousse, 5 months). The winner was a tabby and white Tom the finest exhibit in the Show. The second was equally well marked, but not quite so large. No. 14 was entered in the wrong class, it should have been with the black and whites.
Class 97. - Black. 1. J. Gardner, Old Government House. 2. J. Sherwill Vrangue (1885). Both winners deserved their honours. Nos. 18 and 26 should have been with the black and whites.
Class 98. - Black and white. 1. W. Martin, High-street (15 months.) 2. Col. Bell, Swissville (light of other days).
Class 100. - Tortoiseshell and white. - 1 and 2. Col. Bell, Swissville (Daisy), (Bute and family, 2 years). Both in 99 were placed in Class 100 and No. 41 should have been with Tabby and whites.
Class 102. - Foreign tabby and white 1. R. L. Snell, Esplanade. No. 42 should have been in Tabby Class 95.
Class 103. - Any other variety. 1. D. F. Ogier, Duveaux (white Persian Turk, 15 months). 2. T. De Mouilpied, St. Martin's (Persian).
Class 104. - Kittens under six months, English, any colour. 1. J. B. Randell Allez-street (Timothy, 5 months). 2. W. Hamon, Rohais (4 months). A clear win, with a good tabby kitten.
Class 105. - Kittens under six months, Foreign, any colour. 1. James Burpitt, Forest (Persian). Only one entry, but a good specimen.
Class 106. - Gelded cats, any variety, any age. 1. J. O. Brady, Esplanade. 2. Mrs Allen, Springfield Cottage (19 months).
1885 FROME CAT SHOW
FROME POULTRY. PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW. Frome Times, 9th December 1885
The committee of the Poultry end Show of last year has this year very wisely added an exhibition of Rabbits and Cats to their show. Although the attractions the show have thereby been much increased, the entries are not so numerous, proportionately, as last year; but this may probably be accounted for by the fact that this year there are some eight shows being held the same date. The entries last year were 1021, in 63 classes, giving in rough numbers the remarkably large average of 16; this year they are 1533 in 127 classes [average 12], whilst the entries this year in the Poultry and Pigeon classes number 1327, so that the deficit is in the Rabbit and Cat classes. [. . .] The judges were: Cats - Mr. J Jennings. The show was disinfected by Jeye’s patent purifier, and the pens erected by Spratts patent, the exhibits being fed on their patent meat. The staging was erected by Mr. John Vallis, and the hall partitioned off by Mr. Wm. Coombs.
Coming next the new department in the show - the Rabbits and Cats - one cannot fail to be struck, although perhaps not surprised, the fancy prices placed upon some of the representatives of the feline race. One cat in the open classes - “ Tiger 1st" - is valued at £1,000; whilst the same sum is placed upon “Toudle" in the local class. There are animals modestly valued at £100 in abundance, whilst in comparison with these may be mentioned an animal which may be purchased for 10s 6d. [. . .] The competition for Cats has produced some really grand specimens, the long-haired Persians being especially worthy of notice. Although less noticeable than their long-haired relatives, the short-haired cats are in strong force, while there are seven entries for the litter of kittens.
FROME POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW Western Daily Press, 9th December 1885
An exhibition of poultry, pigeons, rabbits, and cats was held in the Market Hall, Frome, yesterday. This was the second show of the kind held, but since last year the promoters have extended the number and the variety of the classes; and the new features now noticeable were the addition of turkeys and geese, rabbits and cats. This of course increased the size and the interest of the exhibition, and in the classes which corresponded with those of last year there were more entries, and the competition was as keen in them as in the added classes. [. . .] The show of rabbits was particularly creditable for a first exhibition, and the inspection of these, as well as of the cats - and among these latter there were animals of enormous size and beautiful growth - afforded considerable interest. The show as a whole had many strong points, and the fact that the society had become pretty well known was evidenced by the exhibits that were sent from all parts of the country. The judges were - rabbits and cats, Mr J. Jennings. [. . .] The following is the Prize List.
CATS (Any Age). Long-haired. - Any colour, cat or gelding - 1st, Mrs R. M. King; 2nd, Mrs Valiance; 3rd, W. G. Lush; 4th, Miss L. Bousie; sth, R. Thorne.
Short-haired. - Tabby or tabby and white, cat or gelding - 1st, R. Thompson; 2nd, A. W. Sims; 3rd, J. G. Parfitt; 4th, W. C. O. Ellis; 5th, Miss Annie Hughes.
Black or black and white, cat or gelding - 1st, Miss Kate A. Dripe; 2nd, Mrs L. Harvey; 3rd, J. Sendell; 4th, R. Williams.
Any other colour, cat or gelding - 1st, W. C. O. Ellis; 2nd, G. Mowser; 3rd, H. Foot; 4th, Mrs T. Chick; 5th, F. Ovens.
Litter of kittens, any variety or number. - 1st, Mrs R. Moss King; 2nd, Miss Helen Olive; 3rd, Mrs H. B. Thompson; 4th and 5th, W. C. O. Ellis.
LOCAL CLASSES. Cats. - Any variety or colour, cat or gelding - 1st and 2nd, Dr. F. Parsons; 3rd, Mrs. Tranter; 4th, Miss Nora Ellen Moon; 5th, J. Butler.
1885 OTHER REGIONAL CAT SHOWS
THE LIVERPOOL DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW. Liverpool Mercury, 2nd January 1885
The Liverpool Dog, Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit and Cat Show will be held in the North Haymarket, Great Homer-street, on the 28th and 29th instant. Over £700 in prizes. Entries close on Monday next, the 5th instant. For schedules apply to A. McKenzie, Secretary, 8, Great Charlotte-street, Liverpool.
[And on 26th January: Over 900 dog entries, 1110 poultry, 1150 pigeons, and 100 rabbits and cats. Admission: First day – ten a.m. to three p.m., 2s 6d; three p.m. to seven p.m. 1s; seven p.m. to ten p.m. 6d. Second day – ten a.m. to five p.m., 1s; five p.m. to half-past seven p.m. 6d.. No extra charge to witness the judging.]
DOG AND POULTRY SHOW LIVERPOOL. Liverpool Daily Post, 29th January 1885
Yesterday, Liverpool Dog, Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Show opened, by permission of the City Council, their fifth annual exhibition in the North Haymarket, Great Homer-street. The exhibition will extend over to-day . . . three classes to cats . . . the cats are broadly divided into long-haired and short classes. [Cat judge – Mr. E. Hutton.]
LIVERPOOL CAT SHOW. Fife Free Press, & Kirkcaldy Guardian, 31st January 1885
At the Liverpool Cat Show held on Wednesday and Thursday this week, Mrs Frew, Sinclairtown, won first prize with her favourite cat Toby.
FORFAR POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW. Aberdeen Free Press, 2nd January 1885
The Forfar Poultry and Pigeon Association opened their annual show and competition in the Reid Hall yesterday. This year there are 800 entries, or about 200 more than last year, and as prizes £110 is offered. [. . .] The committee have added a new feature this year in the shape of a cat show, for which the entries numbered forty. It, however, is local.
FORFAR POULTRY, PIGEON AND CAT SHOW. Dundee Evening Telegraph, 2nd January 1885
In addition to the poultry and pigeons there it exhibited today a large number of cats, which prove a great attraction. There are many beautiful specimens among them, and several are very well marked. The first end special, which belongs to Mr Robert Strang, barber, is a tiger-cat, and is much admired by all. The tabbies are also very pretty. The show continues to be largely patronised, and the Baxter Band, which is in attendance, plays a selection of excellent throughout the day.
GRAND ALMANAC, FOLDING SCREEN AND CAT SHOW Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 13th January 1885
Grand Almanac, Folding Screen and Cat Show at Guisborough, February 4th. £6 in prizes. For full particulars send stamped addressed envelope to J.T. Harker, Station Hotel.
ALMANAC, SCREEN AND CAT SHOW Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 5th February 1885
On Wednesday afternoon a . highly successful exhibition of cats, screens, una picture almanaca was held in the Guis- borougb Temperance Hall. The show was promoted by Mr J. T. Harker, of tbe Station Hotel, who secured an entry of 300 almanacs, 20 folding screens, and 50 cats. There was a capital attendance of visitors at the exhibition.
The judges were —for cats, Messrs John Best. J. Bourne, and H. E. Lowe. The judges’ awards were as follows : — Rough cat [i.e. longhair]: 1, Master Herbert Pease, second son of Mr Arthur Pease, M.P., Marske ; 2, Miss J. Ruddock, Yearby. Smooth cat [i.e. shorthair]: 1, Mr Clarke, Hutton; 2, Mr C. Ableson, Guisborough.
[DOVER] PINDER’S GRAND CIRCUS Dover Chronicle, 7th February 1885
[This was basically a variety show] The novelty introduced at the Circus on Monday evening brought together a large audience . . . a cat, belonging to an Artilleryman, obtained first prize in the cat show.
TONDU AND ABERKENFIG FLOWER, VEGETABLE AND CAT SHOW various, February & March 1885
Notwithstanding the depression in trade, &c. The Tondu and Aberkenfig Flower, Vegetable and Cat Show, Will be held the latter end of July or beginning of August, when increased prizes will be given; also several Special Prizes, which will be announced on bills and Schedules. W. H. Hitchings & J. H. Bond – Hon. Secs.
TONDU & ABERKENFIG COTTAGERS' FLOWER AND CAT SHOW. Central Glamorgan Gazette, 27th March 1885
Tondu & Aberkenfig Cottagers' Flower and Cat Show. THE Committee beg to inform intending Exhibitors that the above Show will he held on Monday, August 3rd, 1885 (Bank Holiday). Schedules will shortly be ready, and may be had on application to the Hon Secretaries.
MIDDLETON ST. GEORGE DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, CAT SHOW North Star (Darlington), 16th May 1885
Middleton St. George Dog, Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, Cat, and Industrial Show, July 18th. Entries close July 10th.
LOCAL WINNERS AT THE FLEETWOOD DOG AND CAT SHOW. Preston Herald, 10th June 1885
At the annual dog and cat show, held at Fleetwood, the following local awards were made:- best cat, 1st, Mr. J. H. Fisher’s “Timothy," 2nd, Mr. J. H. Fisher’s “Punch."
An exhibit of dogs and cats took place in the yard of the Crown Hotel, Fleetwood, on Saturday. The show of dogs was capital, but the cats, with the exception of prize takers, were not a remarkably good class. The judges were Mr. F. Duckworth, Fleetwood, and Mr. Helliwell, Sheffield.
Cats, any variety, 1 and 2, J.H. Fisher, Preston; 3, Captain Alexander, Fleetwood; 4, J. Lofthouse, Fleetwood.
DOG AND CAT SHOW AT FLEETWOOD Blackpool Gazette & Herald, 12th June 1885
On Saturday last a show of the above description was held in the court yard of the Crown Hotel, the promoters being Messrs. F. Duckworth, G. Litchfield, M. Ramsay, S. Vanderpump, and E. S. Foster.
Cat, any variety. – 1, J.H. Fisher, Preston, “Timothy;” 2, J.H. Fisher,” Punch;” 3, Captain Alexander, Fleetwood, “Wish;” 4, J. Lofthouse, Fleetwood, Nutmeg;” v.h.c., R. Carter, Fleetwood, “Tom;” h.c., R. Carter, Fleetwood, “Frisky;” c., R. Jones, Fleetwood, “Topsy.”
ROYAL CORNWALL AGRICULTURAL SHOW, PENZANCE. Western Morning News, 18th June 1885
The cat show was small but very interesting, and the two classes were well contested. Mr. W. C. O. Ellis took the first prize in both. All the exhibits were very good, and attracted much attention. The judges were Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Montgomery. The committee and secretaries were the same as in the dog section. Long-haired varieties – 1, W.C.O. Ellis; 2, Miss K. M. Smith. Short-haired varieties - 1 and 3, W.C.O. Ellis; 2, Robert J. Kneebone.
COTTAGERS' SHOW AT NEWBURY. Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser, 25th June 1885
The Cottagers' Show, which has now become an annual fixture in St. Nicolas' parish, was held yesterday in the Rectory Grounds. . . . A novelty was introduced in the shape of a cat show, which brought forth seventeen entries.
Best cat. – 1st, 5s., “Tommy,” Caroline Powers; 2nd, 3s., “N*gger,” Charlotte Prior; 3rd, 2s., “Topsy,” Mrs. Wickens, jun.; extra prize, 1s., “Sam,” Miss E. Smith; and a special prize for cats and kittens, 2s., given by the Rev. J.M. Bacon, “Flossy,” Mr. Copas, sen.
THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW, DERRY. Dublin Daily Express, 1st July 1885
The Royal Agricultural Society’s annual Cat Show, to be opened here tomorrow, promises to be more successful, especially with regard to the quality of the exhibits, than many of its predecessors. Both her Majesty the Queen and his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will be among the exhibitors. The Marquis of Hamilton, president of the society the present year, has evinced a lively interest in the arrangements so far, and owing in a great measure to his efforts, the show will be creditable to society and worthy of Ulster.
LINTHORPE DOG AND CAT SHOW Daily Gazette for Middlesborough, 2nd July 1885
Linthorpe Dog and Cat Show – open to all. Saturday, July 11th. Upwards of £30 in prizes. For schedules etc apply to Mr. Jos. Fish, Albert Park hotel, Linthorpe. Judges; G. Ogden, Esq., and A. Graham, Esq.
DOG AND CAT SHOW AT LINTHORPE North Star (Darlington), 13th July 1885
On Saturday ad dog and cat show, promoted by Mr J. Fish, of the Albert Park Hotel, was held in the Gymnasium Hall, Linthorpe. The prizes offered amounted in value to £30. In classes where there were less than six entries, first prize was withheld. There was a good entry of dogs, but small of cats.
Cats, English – 1, C Pearson, Linthorpe.
Best kitten – Mrs Marjoram, Fever Hospital, Linthorpe.
CAT SHOW. Leeds Times, 15th August 1885
There was an attendance of fully 2,000 people at the Third Annual Athletic Festival of the Idle C. and F.C. on Saturday. [. . .] In connection with this year’s festival the committee tried a new venture – the holding of a poultry, pigeon and cat show, and in this they met with much success.
EGGLESTONE POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW North Star (Darlington), 29th August 1885
Egglestone Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit and Cat Show, September 19th, 1885. Hon. Secs K. Hutchinson, H. Coates – Egglestone, near Darlington.
[DORCHESTER] POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW Bridport, Beaminster, and Lyme Regis Telegram, 9th October 1885
We would remind our readers that the entries for the Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Show close on the 10th inst. To Mr. C. Parsons, Cornhill, Dorshester, from whom full particulars can be obtained.
WORTHING CAT SHOW Portsmouth Evening News, 30th October 1885
At the cat show, which took place at Worthing on Wednesday, the handsome long-haired Persian cat, the property of Mr. Fulljames, of Landport, was awarded the second prize. The same cat has also been awarded two other prizes at Portsmouth and Ryde.
WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE. CAT SHOW AND SALE OF WORK. Western Daily Press, 30th October 1885
The annual effort to augment the fund for the support of a curate in the parish was made on Wednesday, and addition to the customary sale of work, which was held this year in the basement of the Church Mill, an exhibition of domestic cats was arranged by the Misses Tait, and proved a great attraction. There were about 50 entries, some of them fine specimens, three being sent by the Duchess of Beaufort. Mr A. H. Chanter, Mr W. S. Clarke, and Mr Kensington also sent specimens. The Rev. J. B. Clutterbuck (Leighterton) was awarded first prize, and Mr Maurice Kichings second, Miss Ramsey obtaining first for a kitten. Mrs Bartlett exhibited a very fine cat, and Miss Edge, of Cromhall, sent a fine mouse-colour specimen. The cats were arranged in boxes, with wire fronts, round a part of the large room used for the Church Institute, on the second floor.
THE POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW. Frome Times, 4th November 1885
The schedule of prizes for this exhibition (open to amateurs only) which will be held the Market-hall Dec. 8th and 9th has been issued. Prizes to the amount of nearly £250 will be offered including several silver cups. There are 51 classes for poultry, 49 for pigeons, 10 for rabbits, 5 for cats, besides 11 for local classes. The last day of entry is Nov. 25th.
BRIGHTON CAT SHOW Portsmouth Evening News, 5th November 1885
The Persian cat belonging to Mr Fulljames, of Landport, which took the second prize at the cat show at Worthing last week, has again been successful in taking the first prize at the cat show at the Brighton Aquarium on Tuesday last.
THE PONTYPRIDD AND RHONDDA VALLEY DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON, CAGE BIRD, AND CAT SHOW. South Wales Daily News, 18th September 1885
President - L. W. Morgan. Esq., M.D., J.P., Hafod. Under very distinguished Patronage. The First Grand Annual Exhibition Will be held at the New Market Hall, Pontypridd, on Thursday, the 5th November, 1885. Over £150 will Be Given In Prizes, In addition to some valuable specials. All specials and cups will be given in addition to prize money. [. . .] Full particulars in schedules, which may be had upon application to the Hon. Sec., William Morgan, Auctioneer and Accountant, Pontypridd.
PONTYPRIDD DOG, POULTRY, AND CAT SHOW. South Wales Daily News, 6th November 1885
The first annual exhibition in connection with the Pontypridd and Rhondda Valley Dog, Poultry, Pigeon, Cage Bird, and Cat Show took place on Thursday, at the Market-house. There was a thronged attendance, and the show was in every sense a success. The following is the Prize List:
Cats. – Long haired – 1 and 2, Mrs E.S. Vachell.
Any other variety – 1, A. Gordon McLucas; 2, Miss J. Davies; 3, Madox Evans.
PONTYPRIDD DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON, AND CAT SHOW. Western Mail, 6th November 1885
The first annual show of this kind at Pontypridd took place on Thursday, in the Market Building, and was attended with success far beyond the anticipations of the committee. There were upwards of 1,500 entries, and, partly owing to the fact that such numbers of splendid exhibits were shown, two sets of first and second prizes were given in several classes. The judges were:- [. . .]all other breeds, Mr. J. O, Martin, Worcester. The visitors during the day wore numerous, and had to put up with some inconvenience owing to the crowded state of the show. Mr. W. H. Key, Pontypridd, had a stall in the show, and exhibited, as agent for the Messrs. Baker, some dog biscuits and medicine. The following is the list of prize winners: [only winners in dog classes were listed]
ABERGAVENNY DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON, CAGE BIRD, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW. South Wales Daily News, 2nd October 1885
Abergevenny Dog, Poultry, Pigeon, Cage Bird, Rabbit and Cat Show will take place on Thursday the 19th November 1885. Schedules are in preparation. Entries close 10th November. Secretary, Mr. James Straker, Abergevenny.
DOG SHOW AT ABERGAVENNY. South Wales Daily News, 21st November 1885
The second annual exhibition of the Abergavenny poultry, pigeon, cage-bird, dog, rabbit, and cat show was held on Thursday in the Market Hall, Abergavenny, and was in every way a marked success. A great deal of interest was attached to the dog and cat portion of the exhibition owing to its being the first of its kind held in Abergavenny. There was a fair number of visitors in attendance; conspicuous amongst whom were Mr John Allan Rolls and Mr Thos. Phillips Price, the Conservative and Liberal candidates for the northern division of Monmouthshire. The judges were - cats: Mr W. B. Tegetmeier (346, Strand, London) . . Appended is a list of their awards -
CATS. - Long-haired cats-1 and 2, Mrs E. S. Vachell. Any other variety - 1, Miss Tacker 2, John Howe 3 Miss Hilda Edwards.
[DARLINGTON] RABBIT, PIGEON, CAT, & DOG SHOW North Star (Darlington), 24th December 1885
Rabbit, Pigeon, Cat, & Dog Show, North-End Club Room, Darlington, December 26th. The prizes for dogs are 10s. and 5s. all entries 1s. Close on Friday. C.B. Johnson, Secretary.
POULTRY, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW AT SOMERCOTES. Sheffield Independent, 29th December 1885
The committee and members of the Somercotes Institute held their first exhibition of poultry, pigeons, song birds, rabbits and cats, yesterday, in the Infant School of the village. With a view to encourage local competition, and yet at the same time secure more than a local show, the exhibition was arranged in two divisions, tbe first being open to the United Kingdom, and the second confined to exhibitors residing in Somercotes, Alfreton, South Normanton, Pinxton, Pye Bridge, and neighbouring villages. This arrangement succeeded in securing 281 entries. Four beautiful cups were given by gentlemen of the district, ten silver medals, a teapot, and two sums of money as special prizes. [. . .] The special prize in the two classes for cats was awarded to Miss Hutt, of Littleover, Derby, for a grand specimen shown in the Persian class. The judges were: - Poultry and cats: Mr.G. A. Crewe, Derby,
POULTRY, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW AT SOMERCOTES [1885]. Belper & Alfreton Chronicle, 2nd January 1886
[. . .] The exhibition embraces poultry, pigeons, cagebirds, rabbits and cats.
Class 43 – Persian – 1 and special, Miss Hart (Angora Male); 2 Miss Hurt (Female); 3, Miss Murray, Thurlston; v.h.c. Miss Grant, Melton Mowbray (“Frisky”); h.c. Mrs. Fielden.
Class 44 – English, any variety – 1, Wm. Beebe, Bakewell; 2, James Woolley, Bakewell; 3, John Wildgoose; v.h.c. Miss Jordan; h.c. John Redfern and Wm. Bailey.