REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS - 1886

[GREAT LONDON CAT SHOW] Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper, 19th September 1886
Mr. W. Holland, in a letter received last night, says: I announce the great London Cat show for October 5, 6, 7, and 8, and let me remind you that I am the originator of Cat shows.

CAT SHOW AT THE ALBERT PALACE Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 4th October 1886
At the Albert Palace Mr. W. Holland, the people’s caterer, is to hold a cat show. I hope that this is not the forerunner of a series of shows such as Mr. Holland promised when he ruled the destinies of North Woolwich Gardens. A cat show tolerable, but I do not think that either baby show or a barmaid show would be generally accepted.

CAT SHOW AT THE ALBERT PALACELondon Evening Standard, 6th October 1886
A four days' show was opened yesterday at the Albert Palace, Battersea, and although the exhibits were not very numerous, they were excellent of their kind. The show is held in the Connaught Hall, and the exhibits, which are divided into forty-two classes, number nearly; two hundred of the prettiest specimens of these domestic pets to be met with within easy access of London. Some of the cats are sent by their owners with the view of sale; but the majority are ticketed with such prohibitory prices as to show how highly they are prized by their actual owners, and to set at defiance the idea of public purchase.

The rarest exhibit in the show was Mr. J. Brennand's Tommy, of Siamese descent, aged 18 months, and resembling in his coat much more a pug dog than one of the feline family. He took the first prize as well as a silver medal, and, to the chagrin of his owner, was immediately secured by a purchaser for the sum of six guineas, at which price he was rated in the schedule. The pure tortoise-shell were well enough in their way, but not so distinctly marked as would have been desired. Not so with the tortoise-shell-and-white-coloured red, yellow, black and white, for which there were but five entries, all of rare excellence. Here Mr. T. A. Highton'a "Tilly" carried off the prize without dispute, as it had done during four years' exhibitions at the Crystal Palace, once at Brighton, and last year at the Albert Palace. Remarkable amongst the other exhibits is a cat the like of which is seldom to be met with out of Rome. There are Manx cats and Persian cats to be seen here by the score, and cats with families. Attention should be directed to the "Sir Thomas," of Mrs. Loveduck, aged twelve years and weighing 18lb. The prizes graduated in money value from £1 to 5s and the judges were Messrs. F. J. Guy, of Sudbury, Suffolk (one of the largest collectors of a private menagerie in England) and Mr. G . Weir.

CAT SHOW AT THE ALBERT PALACE South London Press, 9th October 1886
A very successful exhibition of cats was opened at the Albert Palace on Tuesday. The feline specimens, which include all breeds and all colours, are cooped up in cages in the Connaught Hall, where their caterwaulings are occasionally softened sounds of music from the grand organ, on which performances are given. There are 185 exhibits, divided into some 40 classes, the animals being owned by no fewer than 146 persons. There was a large number of money-prizes offered, and these were supplemented by nine silver medals presented by Mr. Holland. Among all this multitude of cats, two stand out for special mention. One is Mr. J. Scott’s “Cappa” [Coppa the Asian leopard Cat hybrid?] aged two years and two months, which, although apparently quite quiet and docile, has to be kept chained. It took a first prize. The finest cat in the show undoubtedly is Mr. J. Brennand’s “Tommy.” It is of the Siamese breed, and closely resembles, alike in colour as in other respects, pug-dog. It was much admired all round, and besides taking the first prize in its class, was awarded a special silver medal.

Other special prizes, in the shape of silver medals, were taken by Mr. Brennand’s Lady Siam ” (a very pretty creature); Mr. H. Page’s ‘‘Jack” and “Jess ”(a pair of beautifully-marked kittens); Mrs. A. Head’s tabby, “Jumbo;” Mrs. H. B. Thompson’s “Winks” (which, in its temporary confinement, fully justified its cognomen); Mr Thomas Weightman’s couple of very fine long-haired kittens ; Mrs. M. Harton’s best short-haired cat; and Mr. W. C. O. Ellis (for the best long-haired tabby). Singular to say, Mr. Mouser, a singularly appropriate name, took several prizes in the various classes. Owing to the keenness of the competition, the task of judging was rendered additionally difficult to Messrs. F. Guy and W. G. Weir, who officiated in this capacity, but they nevertheless appear to have given general satisfaction.

ALBERT PALACE The Era, 9th October 1886
On Tuesday nearly 200 cats of various descriptions figured at Mr William Holland's second annual Cat Show in the Connaught Hall. Arrangements were made for forty-two classes, and most of them were very respectably filled. Besides the money prizes for first, second, and third in each class, special prizes in the form of silver medals were offered by Mr Holland in several of the groups. In short-haired he-cats (Classes 1 to 9 inclusive) the silver medal was carried off by Mr J. Brennand with No. 30 (" Tommy," aged eighteen months), and in the she-cat classes the same gentleman was successful with No 56 ("Lady Siam," seventeen months), the medal for the two best kittens in the show being awarded to Mr H. Page's exhibit No. 67. For long-haired he-cats Mrs Head received the medal with No. 76. For she-cats, Mrs H. B. Thompson was considered to have earned the palm with No. 107, and Mr J. Weightman had the honours for the best two kittens with No. 114. The other medals were given to Mrs M. Horton (No. 142), Mr J. Hill (No. 160), and Mrs Lewis Clay (No. 172). During the day a large number of visitors attended the show, which remained open until Friday.

ALBERT PALACE Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper,10th October 1886
Four days of this week have been devoted to a cat show, an exhibition of which Mr. Holland, in his character of inventor, is very proud. [Note: Mr Holland and Mr Weir both claimed to have invented the cat show and use the newspapers to make claim and counter-claim of this.]

OUR LADIES COLUMNLeicester Chronicle, 16th October 1886
[. . .] and the possession of a pair of the most delectable little tabby bear Persian kittens, whose sweet ways have helped to confirm my feline attachments, induced me to visit the "Cat Show" last week at the Albert Palace, Battersea Park. I had never been there before, and it was with some curiosity that I saw the miniature Crystal Palace, which now belongs to Mr. William Holland, the time-honoured and always successful "People's Provider." The buildings cover two acres of ground, and the gardens and outposts extend over about nine acres.

There were 128 pussies of various classes, in separate cages, bearing their introduction to the public with wonderful equanimity, though some of them looked weary of so long a period of confinement for they had already been on view for twenty-four hours, and were not to return to their homes till late in the evening. Some very devoted mistresses lingered about in order to keep np the spirits of their pets, and probably to hear some of the complimentary things that were said of them. The prizes were awarded before the exhibition was opened, and I see that Mr. H. Weir, whose own drawings of cats are so life-like, was one of the judges. If anyone can discover the points of a beautiful cat, surely he can. There were all varieties of our domestic pets to be seen, tortoise shell, brown tabbies, blue and silver tabbies, tailless Manx cats, and pure white beauties. The kittens had a class to themselves. A special prize was offered for cats belonging to working-men, and there were some charming favourites amongst them.

In the class for weight only, there was a remarkable brown tabby, called " Sir Thomas," so enormous that he could not condescend to lower his majestic head to eat his bread and milk out of a saucer, but ladled it out with his paw, and fed himself thus in a very rapid and cleanly manner. The long-haired white kittens were mostly lovely, and I fancy a good many of them were purchased and taken off that night to new homes. One lovely white cat called "Hermione" was valued at £25, but she had carried off several prizes at other exhibitions. In one of the cages I saw a tame Lemur; with his long bushy tail and small head he excited great curiosity, and how he got passed and catalogued as a cat I cannot imagine. A nice tame feliow he was, but certainly not a cat, and even the keepers did not seem to know what he was, but I recognised him at once from my acquaintance with the "small carnivora" in the Zoological Gardens. I was surprised to find the atmosphere of the place so little tainted by the presence of so many animals, but I noticed that every cage and the passages between each were disinfected and kept pure by the use of " Jeyes ' perfect purifier," a deodoriser of which I had no previous experience, but which I mean to try whenever I require such a compound, instead of carbolic in any form, which always has a strong and unpleasantly suggestive odour. - PENELOPE.

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. London Evening Standard, 20th October 1886
The Crystal Palace is headquarters, as it were, of many "fancies'' and interests, whence the highest stamp of merit is issued. The Cat Show is one of its oldest exhibitions, perhaps its most famous, and the display this year is the largest ever brought together. There are not so many specimens which draw all the crowd, it may be, but the general average is excellent. Curious to mention is the absence of tortoisesheli toms, or tortoiseshell and white - not a single one appears. In Brown Tabby Toms, Mr. James Fox repeats his triumph of last year. Miss G. M. Gessey is victorious in the class of Blue or Silver Tabby, and Master C. Walker in the Red Tabby, with a very small cat. The prize for Red Tabby and White falls to Mr. W. W. and Mrs. Harris - the ownership divided with significant jealousy; but one does not feel any wild desire to share. To the critical stranger, Sandy appears but commonplace. Mr. J. Scott's spotted tabby Coppa took the first prize last year, and there, was little danger that he could be successfully challenged - a magnificent creature. The beauties of Mr. George Byrant's black and white tom is by no means so conspicuous, but he is remarkably neat. Mr. R. Pipes' Jet might have been convicted a witch in old times, so intensely black it is and so fiery of eye.

White cats are always less interesting, and the special charm ci Mrs. Murrell’s prize winner is not conspicuous. The Abyssinian breed of Mr. G. Mowser is coloured like a rabbit, but shorter of hair ; it seems to have been taking honours from birth. Mr. J. E. Woodford is successful among She Tortoise-shells with a fiery smutty little pet ; and in Tortoiseshell and White Mr. T. A. Highton's Tilly scores her seventh first prize. The silver tabby of Mr. W. Sparks has no such record, but she begins well with a first, a silver medal, and a special prize. Master G. Kitching's red tabby, on the other hand, has been highly distinguished here in times past, and, as it is vaguely put, "elsewhere” but her looks are not attractive. The black Beauty of Mrs. Fossett was little more than a conglomeration of sooty kittens when we beheld her. Miss A. Gibbens takes first prize for white females.

The Manx class has but two entries, first and second naturally. The collection of "any other variety not named above" is very pleasing. Mrs. Lee's Siamese, Mr. J. Bremand's Siamese, and Mrs. Handcock's blue American receive the prizes. There is no breed of cats to match against the Siamese in a painter's eye. Kittens, of course, are a fascinating display. Mr, J. E. Woodford stands first, and takes the silver medal. For Persians, Mrs. Hale and Mr. J. Smith are successful, the latter's unnamed, a beautiful wild-looking tabby. Miss E. Luck, however, would not have been beaten had she not entered her lovely grey, Victor, in the wrong class.

Mrs Vallance has no rival in Fluffy II, a perfect cat, recognised everywhere, and covered with dignities, though but six months and two weeks old. Its tail approaches a fox-brush. Mrs. R. Sheerman's blue Persian also is most beautiful - it receives a first prize and the silver medal. The second honours fall to Mrs. Christopher, with a special prize also, for a handsome grey with frowning looks. The biggest cat, probably, is Mrs. Willis's Toby, a huge mass of fat, not altogether unlike a glorified pig, but showing an honest, simple, stupid face, the guarantee of a heart without pride. The show is open to-day.

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. The Queen, 23rd October 1886
Speaking of the above show, the Evening Standard says, the show is the largest yet seen. [The report reprints the Evening Standard’s article]

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. Morning Post, 20th October 1886
The 18th National Cat Show opened yesterday at the Crystal Palace, and will be continued to-day. With one single exception in the annals of this successful exhibition the entries are larger than heretofore, but it is generally admitted by connoisseurs that the animals entered for competition are finer and more varied in character than on any previous occasion. Besides some valuable special prizes, money prizes to the value of nearly £100 in the several classes are offered, and the entries number nearly 500 cats and kittens of every recognised breed. The kittens, in particular, make a very fine show, while among the cats some of the heaviest animals, in point of weight, ever shown in public are to be seen. For instance, one veritable monster scales 23 lb., another is 21 lb. 12 oz., and there is a third weighing 19 lb. The first-named, which gained the first prize in its class, is between seven and eight years old, and is owned by Mrs. Willis, of Craven-terrace, Hyde-park.

The judges - Mr. Harrison Weir, Mr. J. Jenner Weir, and Mr. George Billett - completed their awards at an early hour, and at one o'clock the South Gallery, where the show is being held this year, was thrown open to the public, and was thronged with visitors during the afternoon and evening. By transferring the show to this part of the Palace an excellent change has been made, for the space is greater and a better view can be obtained of the animals, which are exhibited in new cages of ingenious construction, patented by Mr. Billett.

A silver tea service for the best short-haired cat in the exhibition, irrespective of class, was awarded to Tibby, belonging to Mrs. W. Sparks, of South Norwood, and this handsome silver tabby also carried off the silver medal for the best animal in the short-haired she-cat classes, besides gaining first prize in its special class for blue or silver tabbies. Another notable prize winner was Sylvie, a light grey Persian cat, owned by Mr. T. B. Christopher, of Hornsey-rise, which, in addition to taking a first-class prize, was awarded a silver tea service for the best long-haired cat in the show, and carried off the silver medal for the best long- haired she-cat. The silver medal for the best short-haired he-cat went to "Tib " - snow-white - belonging to Mrs. Murrell, of St. Thomas's Presbytery, Fulham, and that for the two best marked and short-haired kittens to Mr. J. E. Woodford, of Kidlington, Oxon. These were a very hand- some pair, a perfect match in point of size, shape, and colour, and remarkably well-grown for their age, five months. Mrs. Shelley, of East Sheen, with Pathan, took the silver medal for the best long-haired he-cat ; the silver medal for the two best long-haired kittens, under six months, was awarded to Mrs. Paisley, of Hexham on-Tyne, who exhibited a pair of charming little Persians ; and silver medals were also awarded to Mrs. W. Hills, of Lower Sydenham, for a perfectly-black, short-haired cat, Tiger ; to Mr. Lionel McMahon, of Oxford and Cambridge Mansions, for The Duke, a half-bred Persian ; and to Miss Kendell, of West Dulwich, for Snow, a six-months old black cat. The principal prizes open to the working classes were gained by Mr. W. H. Biilings (Upper Norwood), Mr. C. E. Gessey (West Norwood), Mr. Acot (Forest-hill), Mr. Beach (Croydon), ; Mrs. Tongue (West Dulwich), Mrs. Humphrey (Penge), Mr. G. Bryant (Upper Norwood), Mr. J. Fox (Northfleet), and Mr. H. Goodall (Slough). The arrangements of the show, which were carried out with great efficiency, were again entrusted to Mr. Venables.

CRYSTAL PALACE Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 21st October 1886
The great Kensington show has proved an ugly rival to other establishments of the kind. The shareholders of the Crystal Palace, I fancy, have felt its influence as seriously as anyone. The Exhibition at Sydenham is still the most attractive to people residing in the towns and hamlets of Surrey, but it is terribly handicapped in being so far from London. The fireworks Thursday nights and the illuminations on Saturdays continue to draw large crowds, but folk cannot be induced to go down to mere fruit allows and cat shows. London has been strong in the exhibition domestic pets these two days. At the Crystal Palace there is great array of toms and tabbies, and at the Aquarium there an exhibition of toy terriers of all sorts. Neither show, however, has proved at all attractive. It is hardly surprising that the Aquarium collection should have failed to fetch the people, for dog shows have rather been done to death late. There are some wonderful pugs and terriers to be seen, but the world evidently not anxious to see them.

A FELINE MEDALLIST Chelmsford Chronicle, 22nd October 1886
At the National Cat Show, at the Crystal Palace, a very beautiful blue Persian cat, exhibited by Mrs. R. Sheerman, of Moulsham, Chelmsford, received a first prize and silver medal.

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE Sydenham, Forest Hill & Penge Gazette, 23rd October 1886
The eighteenth national cat show, which was opened at the Crystal Palace on Tuesday, may be pronounced a good exhibition of feline excellence. The entries exceeded 400, extending over as many as 50 different classes, and represented almost every variety of long-haired avid short-haired cats and playful kittens. These household pets were exhibited in the southern gallery, and most of them, with cushions to repose on, must have found their temporary quarters in the warm building the reverse of unpleasant, albeit, perhaps, irksome to cats used to "the run of the house.“ Among the many sleek, well-fed cats at the Crystal Palace it was curious to observe that there was not a single tortoise-shell or tortoise-shell and white tom. As a matter of fact the pure tortoise-shell tom is a great rarity, and in the history of these shows there has only been one specimen exhibited. The tortoise-shell and white tom is, however, less rare, though evidently scarce. Of tortoise-shell and tortoise-shell and white cats of the other sex there were plenty of entries. Besides the ordinary awards, two special champion prizes and a number of silver medals were added to the prize list by the Crystal Palace Company. A sterling silver sugar basin and tongs for the best short-haired cat in the exhibition irrespective of class were awarded to Mrs. W. Sparks's Tibby, and a similar prize for the best long-haired cat in the show was gained by a Persian animal belonging to Mrs. T. B. Christopher. Silver medals for the best cats and kittens in different classes were awarded to animals exhibited by Mrs. Murrell, Mr. J. E Woodford, Mrs. Shelley, Mrs, Paisley, Mrs W. Hills, Mr. Lionel McMahon, and Miss Rendell.

The visitors to the show fondled many of the cats through the wires of the cages but they were warned against one cat by a card hung up announcing "This cat is dangerous.” The animal in question, which looked quiet enough, was a spotted tabby bred from an East Indian leopard cat and an English tabby, and it took first prize in its class. There was, as usual, a class in which the cats entered, of any variety or colour, were judged by weight only, and the heaviest cat weighed 23 lb. In one of the classes there was a white cat which had one blue eye and one green eye. Special classes were formed for cats belonging to working men. There was in one of these classes a cat described as having thumbs and six toes on the hind feet, and that this animal was not without general merit is shown by the fact that it got the first prize in its class. The following is a list of local prize takers and exhibitors
PRIZE TAKERS
Class 44, the best tabby cat, male or female.–First prize, Mr. Ascot, 1, Cook's-place, Forest Hill.
Class 31. - Miss Berry. Southwood, Lawrie Park, Sydenham, third.
Class 2. - Mr. R. R. Cannon, 15. Anerley-road, Anerley, third.
Class 50, for the best short-haired cat, any colour.–Mrs. Lewis Clay, 46. Diliwyn-road, Lower Sydenham, third.
Class 29, black cats –Mrs. Gresham, The Lodge, Beckenham-road, Penge, third.
Class 36, best short-hair cat, black or black and white.–Mrs. W. Hills, Bellgreen, Lower Sydenham, first.
Class 48, for the best long haired cat, male or female (any colour). - Mrs. Humphrey, Emsworth House, Penge-lane, first.
Class 6, spotted tabby.–Mr W. E. Leadbetter. 22, Lawrie-grove, Penge, second; also second in Class 17, spotted tabbies.
Class 4, red tabby.–Mr. W. Letts, Trenholme-road, Anerley, third.
Class 8, black.–Mr, R. Pipe, 2, Hadlow-place, Anerley, first.
Class 2 .- Miss Shearman, Sydenham Lodge, Park-road, Forest Hill, second.
Class 51, for best long-haired cat (any colour). –Miss E. Smith, 34, Longton-grove, Svdenham, third.
Class 14.–Dr. W. D. Strange, 13, Queen Adelaide-road, Penge, first.
Class 5. Mr and Mies Wilkinson, 31,Versailles-rd, Anerley, second; also second in Class 16.
Class 6.–Miss Wilton, Lichfield House, Lawrie-park, Sydenham, third.

The following also exhibited . –
Mrs. C E. Baldwin, 41, Woodbine-grove. Penge (C)
Mr C. E. Baldwin, 41, Woodbine-grove, Penge
Miss J. Barnes, 124, St. Hughes-road, Anerley
Mr. E. L. Cox, 25, High-street, Sydenham
Mn W. Crampton, 54, Longton-grove, Sydenham
Mr. E. Davidson, 10, Prospect-road, Wells-road, Sydenham
Mr. Davison, 49, Dallas-road, Sydenham
Miss S. Fowkes, Ougham-cottage,. Kingswood-road, Penge
Mr. J. Goddwarcl. 53, Kingswood-road, Penge
Miss E. Gooch, Havelock-street, Forest Hill
Mrs. N. C. Gould, 6. Grandacre-terrace, Croydon-road,. Anerley (c)
Miss Greenfield, 66, Crystal Palace Park-road, Sydenham
Miss Gresham, The Lodge, Beckenham-road (v.h.c)
Miss B. Gresham, The Lodge, Beckenham-road
Mr. W. Grist, Lordship-lane, East Dulwich
Mr. W. Gutteridge, 41, Prospect-road, Sydenham (c)
Mrs. King, 8, Hadlow-place, Anerley-road (c)
Mr. R Leadbetter, 22, Laurel-grove, Penge (v.h c)
Miss Levick. 29, West-hill, Sydenham
Mr. W. B. Lucas, 94, High-street, Sydenham (c)
H. M. Newton, 162, Devonshire-road, Forest Hill
Mr. T. Newton, 16, Chaplin-street, Forest Hill
Mr. F. H. Porter, 9, Coombe-road, Wells-road. Sydenham (c.)
Mr. C. C. Scowan, 19, Montrave-road, Penge.
Miss Shearman, Sydney Lodge, Park-road, Forest Hill
Mr Simmons, 178, Beckenham-road, Penge
Miss K. E. Simpson, 5, Malcolm-road, Penge
Mrs. Standon, 54, Wastdale-road, Forest Hill
Miss Strang, 13, Queen Adelaide-road, Penge (h.c.)
Mrs. Terry, 17, Castledine-road, Anerley
Miss Wallace, 48 Dillwyn-road, Lower Sydenham
Mrs E. Warrington, Cranleigh, Longton-avenue. Sydenham Hill
Miss E. Webb. . 2, Highbury-road, Forest Hill
Mrs. Wiggins, 8, Willow-walk, Sydenham (v.h.c.)
Mrs Wright, 8, Rosamond-street, Sydenham (c.)
Mr. G. Young 51, Bradford-road, Wells- road, Sydenham

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE Langport & Somerton Herald, 23rd October 1886
That the popularity of these annual shows gives no sign of declining was evinced on Tuesday, when the eighteenth consecutive exhibition was opened. In the present competition there are 52 classes and 403 exhibitors, the number of cats shown being of course in excess of the latter number, as in many cases one exhibit comprises a family. As usual there is no Tom tortoiseshell; and, in fact, only one specimen of this rare animal has made an appearance at the palace during the whole eighteen years [actually 15 years]. The class, however, is still kept open for him in the hope that he may be induced once more to present himself and prove that he is not extinct. The other species are very well represented, and the show may be taken to compare not unfavourably with its predecessors. The custom among the exhibitors of naming absurd fancy prices for their favourites still flourishes, though in a good many cases the more common-sense practice of marking them “Not for sale” is coming into fashion. As an instance of the degree to which the former notion is carried out, one lady, in her anxiety to preserve possession of an animal which had no particular claim to value other than that of a sentimental character, ticketed it at £24,000. On the other hand, one of the champion cats, a beautiful silver tabby which had won for its owner, Mrs. W. Sparks, a first prize of £1, a silver medal, and a silver milk jug and sugar basin, was put up at the comparatively modest figure of £5. The other champion of the show, Mrs. T.B. Christopher’s Persian “Sylvie,” was marked “Not for sale.” A number of classes were open to working men and their families alone, and though there was an evident desire to do business in this department, and especially in regard to kittens, the prices for which averaged about 10s. a piece, yet there were plenty of instances of prohibitive prices, some going as high as £1,000.

1886 CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW The Illustrated London News, 30th October, 1886

At the recent cat show in London, there was exhibited a nine-months-old short-haired puss the value of which was set by its owner at one thousand pounds. Very likely this was a bit of a joke by the exhibitor, although not so treated by some of the reporters. – Marion Record, December 3rd, 1886 [in fact £1000 would be the claiming price – a high price prevented the cat from being claimed by (i.e. sold to) a visitor.]

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE South London Press, 23rd October 1886
The eighteenth National Cat Show was held at the Crystal Palace on Tuesday and Wednesday. The animals were exhibited in the galleries the southern end of the Palace. There were 403 entries, which were divided into no less than 52 classes, including specimens of almost every known variety and the majority them looked very comfortable in their cages, a great number being provided with cushions. There was not a single tortoiseshell tom in the show, these animals being very scarce. One white cat had one eye green and the other blue. The show attracted a goodly number of visitors on both days. The judges were Mr. Harrison Weir F.R.H.S., Mr. J. Jenner Weir, F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S., and Mr. G. Billett. Appended is a complete list of local prize winners.

Short Haired He-Cats
Class 2 – Brown Tabby, or Brown tabby and White. 1st, Mr. J. Fox, Board School, Webb-street, Bermondsey New-road; 2nd, Mr. Strohmenger, Westow Hill, Upper Norwood; 3rd, Mr J. Green, Westow-street, Upper Norwood.
Class 3 – Blue or Silver Tabby. c1st, Miss E.M. Gessey, 12c Oak Terrace, Hamilton-road, West Norwood; 2nd, Mrs. H. Bennett, 425, Norwood-road, West Norwood.
Class 4 – Red Tabby. 1st, Master C. Walker, 11, Derwent Terrace, Grove Vale, East Dulwich; 2nd, Mr. T. French, Gipsy Hill; 3rd, Mr. W. Letts, 26, Tremholme-road, Anerley.
Class 5 – Red Tabby and White. 2nd, Mrs. And Miss Wilkinson, 31, Versailles-road, Anerley.
Class 6 – Spotted Tabby. 2nd, Mr. W.E. Leadbetter, 22, Laurel Grove, Penge; 3rd, Miss Wilton, Lichfield House, Laurie Park, Sydenham.
Class 7 – Black and White. 1st, Mr. G. Byrant, 3, Truscott Terrace, New Town, Upper Norwood; 2nd, Mr. C. Burbary, Westow-street, Upper Norwood.
Class 8 – Black. 1st, Mr. R. Pipe, 2, Hadlow-place, Anerley-road; 2nd, Mr. Lewcock, 10, Ashburnham Terrace, Barnfield-road, Upper Norwood; 3rd, Miss S. blower, Geale Villa, Gipsy Hill.
Class 9 – White. 2nd, Miss Pagdin, Queen’s hotel, Upper Norwood.
Class 10. 2nd, Mrs. Terry, 31 Westow Hill, Upper Norwood.
Class 11 – Any other variety not named above. 1st, Mr. G. Mowser, 25, Furze-road, Thornton Heath; 2nd, Miss Shearman, Sydney Lodge, Park-road, Forest Hill; 3rd, Mr. R.R. Cannon, 15 Anerley-road.

She-Cats.
Class 12 – Tortoiseshell. 2nd, Mr. W.W. Strange, 40, Westow Hill, upper Norwood; very highly commended, Mr. G. Mowser, 25, Furze-road, Thornton Heath; commended, Mr. G. Lunn, Streatham Lodge, Lower Streatham.
Class 13 – Tortoiseshell and White. 2nd, Miss E.B. Hunter, 22, Pilkington-road, Peckham; 3rd, Miss M. Martin, 10, Palace-road, Upper Norwood; commended, Mrs. E. Davis, Braemar House, West Dulwich; commended, Mr. A.B. Green, 22 Gillett-road, Thornton Heath.
Class 14 – Brown Tabby, or brown tabby and White. 1st, Dr. W.D. Strang, 13 Queen Adelaide-road, Penge; 2nd, Mr. J. Ware, 2 Livingstone Villas, Livingstone-road, Thornton Heath; 3rd, Mrs. Hallum, Upper Norwood; commended, Mrs. J. Challis, 21 Laurie Grove, New Cross.
Class 15 – Blue or Silver Tabby. 1st, Mrs. W. Sparks, The Lodge, South Norwood Hill; 2nd, Mrs. Durman, 13, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood; very highly commended, Mrs. Hallum, Upper Norwood; commended, Mrs. M.C. Gould, 6, Grandacre Terrace, Croydon-road, Anerley.
Class 16 – Red Tabby, or Red- Tabby-and-White. 2nd, Mrs. And Miss Wilkinson, 31, Versailles-road, Anerely.
Class 17 – Spotted Tabby. 1st, Mr. J.A. Willmott, 200, Brockley-road, Brockley; 2nd, Mr. W.E. Leadbetter, 22, Laurel Grove, penge.
Class 18 – Black and White. 2nd, Mr. G. Bryant, 2, Truscott Terrace, New Town, Upper Norwood; 3rd, Mr. A.T. Swinyard, 28 Whiteley-road, Upper Norwood.
Class 19 – Black. 1st, Mrs. Fossett, Sylverton Villa, Hamilton-road, West Norwood’ 3rd, Mrs. Thies, Kings head, High-street, West Norwood; very highly commended, Mr. T.J. Wellman, 38, Oakley-street, Waterloo-road; commended, Mrs. C.E. Baldwin, 41, Woodbine Grove, Penge.
Class 20 – White. 1st, Miss A. Gibbens, York House, Norwood-road, Herne Hill; 2nd, Miss M.A. Wellman, 38, Oakley-street, Waterloo-road; 3rd, Mr. H. Swinyard, 21, Romnay-road, West Norwood.
Class 21 – Manx (any colour). 1st, Mr. W.R. Woods, 211, Vauxhall Bridge-road; 2nd, Mr. R. Keevill, 110, Chatham-road, Wandsworth Common.
Class 22 – Any other variety not named above. 2nd, Mr. J. Brennand, 10 Devonshire-road, Balham.
Class 23 – For the best marked Kittens (short-haired, any colour, under six months). 2nd, Mr. Johnson, 47, Colby-road, Gipsy Hill; very highly commended, Miss M. Strange, 40, Westow Hill, upper Norwood; very highly commended, Mr. J. Ware, jun., 4, Livingstone Villas, Livingstone-road, Thornton Heath.

Long-Haired He-Cats
Class 24 – Pure White. 1st, Mrs. Hale, Malvern House, belvedere-road, Upper Norwood; commended, Miss N. Crofts, 117, Albert-road, Peckham.
Class 26 – Tabby, or Tabby and White. 2nd, Mrs. Hallum, Upper Norwood; very highly commended, Miss Gresham, The Lodge, Beckenham-road.
Class 27 – Any other variety. Mrs. H. Mayhew, Holmesdale House, Holmesdale-road, South Norwood.

She-Cats
Class 28 – Pure White. 1st, Mrs. Field, 6, Norbury Terrace, New Thornton Heath.
Class 29 – Black. 2nd, Rev. H.J.D. Astley, 94, Gipsy Hill; 3rd, Mr. G.R. Kelf, 25, Westow Hill, Upper Norwood.
Class 30 – Tabby, or Tabby and White. 1st, Miss May Mason, 4, Goodwin Villas, Upland-road; 3rd, Mrs. Gresham, The Lodge, Beckenham-road; very highly commended, Mrs. Hallum, Upper Norwood; very highly commended, Miss F. Moore, Oakwood, Beckenham; highly commended, Miss Berry, Southwood, Laurie Park, Sydenham.
Class 31 – Any other variety. 2nd, Mrs. Weightman, 32, Embleton-street, Loampit Vale, Lewisham; Miss Berry, Southwood, Laurie Park, Sydenham.
Class 33 – For the two best long-haire Kittens (under six months, any colour). 2nd, miss Simpson, St. Peter’s Vicarage, Eltham Road, Lee [this is Frances Simpson, later a cat judge and author of “The Book of the Cat]; 3rd, Mrs. Hallum, Upper Norwood; very highly commended, Mrs. C. Hamilton, 78, Algernon-road, Lewisham; highly commended, Miss Strang, 13, Queen Adelaide-road, Penge.

Short-haired Gelded Cats
Class 34 – For the best short-haired Tabby, any colour (no white). 3rd, Mr. W. Sparks, The Lodge, South Norwood; very highly commended, Mr. W. Collier, Ely Villa, Albert-road, Peckham; highly commended, Mr. Wilmshurst, 64, Hartington-road, South Lambeth.
Class 35 – For the best short-haired cat (white). 2nd, Miss E. Brooks, brooks Leigh, Beckenham; 3rd, Mr. H Swinyard, 21, Romnay-raod, West Norwood.
Class 36 – For the best short-haired cat (black, or black and white). 1st, Mrs. Hills, Bell Green, Lower Sydenham; 2nd, Mrs. L. Wheeler, 5, Church Terrace, Queen’s-road, Battersea; 3rd, Mr. J.C. Collins, 18, Southwark Bridge-road; highly commended, Mrs. M. Willmott, 209, Brockley-road, Brockley; highly commended, Miss Baldwin, 18, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood.
Class 37 – For the best short-haired cat, any other variety not named above. 1st, Mr. G.R. Kelf, 23 Westow Hill, Upper Norwood; 2nd, Mrs. M.B. Butler, 5, Southville Park Villas, East Dulwich Grove; highly commended, Mr. H.W. Sexton, 100, Commercial-road, Peckham; highly commended, Mrs. M. Horton, 6, Heath-road, Thornton Heath; commended, Mr. W.H. Howard, 8, Landor-road, Clapham-road.

Long Haired
Class 38 – For the best long-haired cat (black, or black and white). 2nd, Mrs. M. Pontifex, 40, the Avenue, Gipsy Hill.
Class 39 – For the best long-haired cat (white). 2nd, Mrs. J. Challis, 21, Laurie Grove, New Cross; very highly commended, Mrs. Hatfield, 78, Arlingford-road, Tulse Hill.
Class 41 – For the best long-haired cat, any other variety not named above. 1st Mr. R.S. Grant, Lanark House, Church-road, Upper Norwood; 3rd, Mrs H. Mayhew, Holmesdale House, Holmesdale-road, South Norwood.

Prizes Offered for Short-haired Cats Belonging to Working Men
Class 42 – For the best Black and White cat, male or female. 1st, Mr. W.H. Billings, Post Office, Upper Norwood; 2nd, Mr. G. Becker, 16 Palace-road, Upper Norwood; commended, mr. W.H.E. Fisher, 4, Ada Villas, George-street, Gipsy Hill.
Class 43 – For the best Tabby and White cat, male or female. 1st, Mr. C.E. Gessery, 12, Oak Terrace, Hamilton-road, West Norwood; 2nd, Mr. W. Johnson, Crystal Palace Stables, Upper Norwood; very highly commended, Miss Smith, Kingslyn, Grange-road, Upper Norwood; commended, Mrs. Wright, 8 Rosamond-road, Sydenham.
Class 44 – For the best Tabby cat, male or female. 1st, Mr. Acot, 1, Cook’s-place, Forest Hill; 2nd, Mr. Durman, 65,Gloucester Terrace, Hamilton-road, West Norwood; highly commended, Mrs. Griffiths, 25, Clive-road, West Dulwich.
Class 45 – For the best White cat, male or female. 1st, Mr. Beach, 2, Yew Cottages, Cromwell-road, Croydon; highly commended, Mr. W. Smith, Angel Cottage, Loampit Hill, Lewisham.
Class 46 – For the best Black cat, male or female. 1st, Miss Rendell, 48, Clive-road, West Dulwich; 2d, Mr. J. Boultwood, Waiting Rooms, Crystal Palace; very highly commended, Mr. W. Stratton, 175 Wellfield-road, Streatham; very highly commended, Mr. R. Leadbetter, 22, Laurel Grove, Penge; highly commended, Mrs. S. Wilmshurst, 64, Hartington-road, South Lambeth; commended, Mrs. King, 8, Hadlow-place, Anerley-road.
Class 47 – For the best cat, male or female, not named above. 1st, Mrs. Tongue, 48, Clive-road, West Dulwich; 2nd, Mrs. Snell, 15, Grosvenor-road, South Norwood – also very highly commended for a second cat; commended, Mr. G. Slater, 2, Beulah Cottages, Spa Hill, Upper Norwood; commended, Mr. J. Chandler, The Grange, Grange Hill, Upper Norwood.
Class 48 – For the best long-haired cat, male or female, any colour. 1st, Mrs. Humphrey, Ensworth House, Penge-lance; 2nd, Mr. H. Hobbs, 2, Western Cottages, Moffatt-road, Thornton Heath.
Class 49 – For the best two Kittens, any colour. 1st, Mr. G. Bryant, 3, Truscott Terrace, New Town, Upper Norwood; 2nd, Master F.W. Ford, Grangewood, South Norwood Hill; 3rd, Mrs. Small, Grosvenor-road, South Norwood; very highly commended, Mr. Williams, 2, Market-place, Livingstone-road, Thornton Heath; very highly commended, Miss A. Bryant, New Town, and Mr. H. Babb, Bird Stall, Crystal Palace; commended, Mr. W. B. Lucas, 94, High-street, Sydenham; commended, Mrs. J.W. Fisher, 4, Ada Villas, George-street, Gipsy Hill.

Gelded Cats Belonging to Working Men
Class 50 – For the best short-haired cat, any colour. 1st, Mr. J. Fox, , Board School, Webb-street, Bermondsey New-road; 2nd, Mrs. J. Mowser, 25, Furze-road, Thornton Heath; 3rd, Mrs. L. Clay, 46, Dillyan-road, Lower Sydenham; very highly commended, Mrs. Stanton, 11, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood; very highly commended, Miss Harding, 35, Elmira-street, Lewisham; very highly commended, Mrs. Wiggins, 8, Willow Walk, Sydenham; very highly commended, Mrs. H. Freeman, St. Aubyn’s-road, Upper Norwood; highly commended, Mr. W. Blake, Aquarium, Crystal Palace; commended, Mr. F. H. Porter, 9, Coombe-road, Sydenham; commended, Mr. Lamberth, 2, Market-place, Livingstone-road, Thornton Heath; commended, Mr. W. Gutteridge, 41 prospect-road, Sydenham.
Class 51 – For the best long-haired cat, any colour. 2nd, Mrs. Howship, Mordon, the Avenue, Gipsy Hill; 3rd, Mrs. E. Smith, 34, Longton Grove, Sydenham.

Special Prizes
A sterling silver five-o’clock-tea sugar basin and tongs for the best short-haired cat in the Exhibition (irrespective of Class) – Won by Mrs. W. Sparks, The Lodge, South Norwood Hill.
A silver medal for the best Cat in Classes 12 to 22 inclusive – Won by Mrs. W. Sparks, The Lodge, South Norwood Hill.
A silver medal for the best Cat in Classes 34 to 37 inclusive – Won by Mrs. W. Hills, Bell green, Lower Sydenham.
A silver medal for the best Cat in Classes 342o 51, Class 49 excepted - Won by Miss Rendell, 48, Clive-road, West Norwood.
Mrs. Charles Langton presents an extra prize of 10s. for the best pair of Kittens in Class 49 – Won by Mr. G. Bryant, 3, Truscott Terrace, New Town, Upper Norwood.

NATIONAL CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 30th October 1886
THIS, the eighteenth annual cat show, was held on the 19th and 20th of October. In respect to numbers it was one of the largest, there being 403 exhibits, most of which seemed to come from the more immediate neighbourhood, though some came from a long distance. Taking the show as a whole it was very successful, and some very fine animals were shown. Of course, it is a most difficult task to judge in some classes, such as the white, black, etc.; but they and the other colours are still judged on rules such as those first laid down by Mr. Harrison Weir, who instituted the first cat show at the Palace, and who also drew up the schedule of prizes, and we are glad the show is still found to be most successful and remunerative.

In some of the kitten classes the prizes were awarded, in our belief, to those who bore unmistakable signs of being beyond the age of six months though this was not apparent in those that came under the criticism of Mr. Harrison Weir, who examined the dentition, and passed all those that had lost their kitten teeth, thus throwing out several that had been awarded prizes at the last Albert Palace Show.

We are well aware that the cat is much disliked by some, on account of its marauding propensities but were it not for this very useful animal our houses would be unendurable from the quantity of rats and mice, and it is a fact not generally known that the Government make certain allowances annually for cats to be kept at their different offices, dockyards, etc. No animal not even the dog is more useful, and not often more affectionate than the cat under certain conditions. It is somewhat surprising, then, that more care is not taken to breed the cat up to a higher standard of beauty and yet, on looking round the show, one cannot but be struck with the great variety of form and colour, some of the red tabbies being of the most brilliant hue, while the blue tabbies, with their large black markings, made a most excellent foil, as did also the blue (so called) Americans, which were originally shown as archangels, and also the beautiful cats of Siam -pug dog like, though not pugnacious.

In the way of prizes, there were two silver sugar basins of a pretty pattern, with tongs to match, also nine silver medals, besides the usual money prizes. On looking over the catalogue, it was interesting to observe how many of the prize winners had taken similar honours at other places under different judges, thus proving that there are rules for judging cats, and that they are now adopted as standards to judge by. With regard to our illustrations, No. 67 was a beautiful blue tabby, finely marked with broad black bands, and deservedly won the sugar basin as the best short-haired cat. Cats of this character and colour are now very scarps; The winner of the other sugar basin was also a blue, but long haired. No. 255 was an immense long-haired white, and had won in his time two firsts, two silver medals, and two second prizes. No. 94, Mrs. Leo's Siamese, was a very good specimen, though this variety is not so rare as it used to be. The others wore of the usual types, and most had won at other places.

The judges were Mr. Harrison Weir-, F.R.H.S. Mr. Jenner Weir, F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S. and Mr. George Billet. We were glad to observe that the attendance was unusually large, and the visitors seemed to take much interest in the show, a goodly number of both cats and kittens changing owners. Taking into consideration the number of prizes won by some of the exhibits, a good cat seems to be a profitable investment a sort of annuity, ornamental, and useful as well if a good mouser.

DOVER DOG AND CAT SHOW Dover Chronicle, 23rd October 1886
The Dog and Cat show for which there were such extensive preparations for several days, was opened in the Market Hall on Tuesday morning and remained on view until Wednesday night. An unusual interest seemed to attach to the Exhibition this year, and this was evidently brough about after a great deal of work and consideration on the part of the committee and its energetic secretary.
Cats. Tabby. – Miss E. Flashman, black tabby, Harold, 1st; Mr. G. Young, mottled tabby, Jumbo, 2nd; Master W.C. Walker, May, 3rd; Mr. E. Court, Mottled tabby, Tabby, and Miss Marsh, Minnie, highly commended.
White. – Madame Goujon Lemon, white Angora, Bibi, 1st; Mr. G. Lichtenstein, white Persian, Prince, 2nd; Mr. E. Court, Jimmy, very highly commended; Mr. E. Court, Bob, commended.
Any other colour. – Mr. C. Batterbee, Persian or Angora, Cherub, 1st; Mrs. E.H. Reyner, Chinchilla Persian, Flossie, 2nd; Mrs. E. H. Reyner, Chinchilla Persian, Pickles, 3rd; Mr. F.W. Johnson, Persian tabby, Karl, very highly commended; Mr. H. Saven, black cat, Tik, highly commended.
Gelded Cats. – Miss M. Jeken, Floss, 1st; Miss F. Brown, black cat, 2nd; Sir Richard Dickeson, half-bred Manx, Stable Cat Tom, very highly commended; Miss Stanfield, Alexander I., and Mr. H. Tomlin, English tabby, Karl, 8 months old, highly commended.
A Cup, value £1 1s. for the best cat in the show – Mr. M.C. Batterbee.

BRIGHTON AQUARIUM SHOW Western Daily Press, 18th November 1886
The annual cat show was opened on Tuesday at the Brighton Aquarium, the entries numbering nearly 200. The exhibition generally was inferior to last year’s.

BRIGHTON AQUARIUM SHOW Kent & Sussex Courier, 19th November 1886
Mr Harrison Weir was one of the judges at the Brighton Cat Show, on Tuesday last, held at the Aquarium.

CAT SHOW AT THE BRIGHTON AQUARIUM > The Queen, 27th November 1886
Last week an excellent cat show was held at the above institution, which was very well attended. The entries, 178, were in excess of those at the last year’s exhibition, which was the first annual cat show held at the Aquarium. The pussies, gaily be-ribboned with blue, red, pink brown, or yellow ribbons, according to the fancy of their owners, were comfortably benched in the entrance hall, each cat being furnished with a red cushion to sit on, the arrangements being very thoroughly carried out by Mr Everarde, Mr Harrison Weir, F.R.H.S., sitting as judge, with the assistance of Mr Isaac Wilkinson (manager of the Aquarium). The cats were of all kinds, long-coated and short-haired, black, white, black and white, tortoiseshell, tabbies, brown blue or silver, grey, and red; Persian, Egyptian, Abyssinian, and Manx cats were there. Kittens were especially well represented, and one cat – a cat with a history - held quite a look. This animal, being during the last year’s show in the Aquarium and reared by a dog this year, succeeded in being a prize winner – Uncle looked quite proud of the attention he excited. Prince, a splendid brown tabby, owned by Mr T. Fox, carried off the first prize in the six first classes, and well deserved his honours/ Mr George Mowser’s Jumbo II, a finely marked Abyssinian cat, was a first prize winner, as was Mr H.B. Thompson’s blue Persian Winks, which took a first prize and a silver medal. In the weight class, Mr T.C. Gibson’s Billy was the most successful – a huge creature, weighing 21-and-a-half lb. The class for working men’s cats was a good one, the entries being more numerous than those of last year, the animals bearing evidence, in their glossy coats and well-nourished condition, of great attention. The long-haired kittens came in for a large share of admiration and adoration from feminine and childish visitors. This class was strongly represented, Miss Lucas taking the first prize with some black kittens. A cat show gives more pleasure in visiting than a dog show. As animals they are not noisy, and they bear their temporary confinement with much greater equanimity. Where a dog frets and expresses its dislike to the whole proceeding by violent protest, a cat accepts the situation, and, calmly resigning itself to the inevitable, submits to be petted and made much of by young and old.

GUERNSEY ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. POULTRY, CAT, ETC., SHOW. The [Guernsey] Star, 9th December 1886
This annual show opened at the new Market Hall yesterday (Wednesday), and both in numbers and quality far exceeded any of its predecessors. The two upper rooms were tilled with game classes, pigeons and fancy birds, while the lower market was devoted to the larger poultry, rabbits, etc, and the annexe, a large slice taken off the Vegetable Market, was given up to the ducks and cats. The arrangements were complete in every respect, the wire cages being supplied and fixed by Mr. G. Billett, of Southampton, who rendered great assistance in economizing the space at the command of the Society. A new fastening, introduced by this gentleman, for securing the cats cages, is a capital invention. The pens were so well arranged in the various rooms, that visitors on entering by the main gate opposite the Church, passed through the whole show without having to leave the building.
Cats.— 1st prize, 10s. ; 2nd prize, 55. ; 3rd prize, 2s. 6d.
Class 132 Tabby English. 1. Robinson, J. F., St. Martin's ; 2. Marquand, J. B., George Place ; 3. Roussel, James, St. Andrews.
Class 133. Tabby and white English. 1, De Havilland, Charles, St. Jacques ; 2, Edwards, A., Court Place.
Class 134. Black. 1, Shirwell, James ; 2, Bachmann, E. W., Trinity Square.
Class 137. Tortoise shell and white. 1, Cruikshank, W., Rohais ; 2, Spencer, R. L., Glatney ; 3 and h.c., Bell, Colonel W., Swissville.
Class 140. Any other variety. 1, Fraser, Mrs., Queen's Road ; 2, Burpitt J., Forest ; 3, Moullin. Henry H., Vallet.
Class 141. Kittens under 6 months, English, any colour. 1, Colonel Bell; 2, Marquis, Isaac, Varendes ; 3, Tostevin, H., Arcade.
Class 142. Kittens under 6 months, Foreign, any colour. 1, MacCulloch, Mrs. W. Mansell, Touillets, Persian. 2, Noyon, John, L'Ancresse.
Class 143. Gelded cats, any variety, any age. 1 and cup, Gardner, J., Old Government House; 2, and h.c. Brady, J. O., C.I. Hotel ; 3, Grace, Henry, St. John's.
Specials: 15. Silver Tea Spoons for the finest cat. J Gardner.

Open Classes.—Short-haired (tabby or tabby and white, either sex).—v.h.c., G. Jarvis, Taunton; Mrs. M. Coleman. Staplegrove ; h.c., J. Govier, Taunton.
Shorthaired (black or white, either sex)—2nd, Miss K. Dupe, Evercreech ; v.h.c.. Miss K. Maynard, Taunton.
Long-haired (black white, either sex)- v.h.c., G. How, Taunton (2); Mrs. R. Moss-King, Ashcott; h.c., Miss Matt- Dicks, Taunton,
Long-haired, any other variety—1st and special, Miss Kinglake, Taunton; 2nd, Mrs. Carslake, Bridgwater ; v.h.c. Mrs. H. Thompson, Chard; A. P. Standley, Taunton ; Mrs. R. M. M. King; T. Wightman; h.e., E. H. Evans, llchester ; Miss A. Manning, Taunton.
Long haired, two kittens (any colour, under six months)—v.h.c,. Mrs. H. B. Thompson, Chard.
Local Class.—Any variety (either sex)—1st, Miss Kinglake 2nd, Mrs. R. M. King ; 3rd. Mrs. Du Sautoy, Taunton ; v.h.c., E. Hardwell: Mrs. Tucker; Mrs. C. Watson, Taunton ; G. Dennett; h.c., T. Richards; Miss Nellie Coles, Taunton ; E. Hardwell; Miss Mayes. Bishop's Hull.

CAT SHOW, IDLE CRICKET AND FOOTBALL CLUB Shipley Times and Express, 16th January 1886
The [Idle C. and F.C.] committee did not consider that the first trial justified a repetition of the cat show, though they believed that the estimates by the fanciers were given in good faith.

A BAZAAR NOVELTY. CAT SHOW, CHIPPING SODBURY Bristol Mercury, 5th February 1886
A bazaar which took the form of a gipsy encampment was held in the Town hall on Wednesday, for the purpose of raising funds to re-hang the church bells. [. . .] Other attractions were a cat show, pre sided over by the Rev James Dumas (Grammar School) and Mr R. W. Arnold [. . .] Prizes were offered for the three handsomest cats and one of the heaviest, The latter was won by Peter (12 lbs.), exhibited by Mrs Davis of Charfield rectory who was also winner of the third prize, the 1st being taken by Joseph (11 and a half lbs.), a fine Persian, exhibited by Mrs Boothby, of Hawkesbury rectory. The 2nd Tommy (11 and a quarter lbs.), was exhibited by Miss Burges, the Ridge.

SHOW, ELY Cambridge Independent Press, 20th February 1886
Corn Exchange, Ely, Cambs. Poultry, Bird, Dog and Cat Show to be held at Ely on Feb. 23rd and 24th, 1886

HANTS AND BERKS SHOW, PORTSMOUTH Portsmouth Evening News, 13th March 1886
The Secretary (Mr A White) reported he had been with the Council at Basingstoke with reference to the proposed dog and cat show, and while the Council were willing to provide a marquee they would undertake no other expense nor any of the prizes. The Committee found that the undertaking would incur an expense of £100 or £150 and the Dog Fanciers' Association in London refused to assist unless they could ensure a gain of £25 to £30 to the funds of their own association. The Basingstoke council deprecated any charge to anything inside show yard, and, after discussion, it was determined to postpone the consideration of the dog show until the next meeting.

TYNEMOUTH AQUARIUM Shields Daily Gazette, 19th April 1886
The Tynemouth Aquarium is to be opened once more at Easter. This time there will be no pretence about it. It will be frankly conducted as a place of ordinary entertainment, the intention of the management being to cater for the great bulk of the visitors to Tynemouth rather than for the select few. There will be occasional exhibitions of the popular sort, the first of which will be a dog and cat show.

DARLINGTON RABBIT, PIGEON AND CAT SHOW North Star (Darlington), 14th June 1886
Darlington Rabbit, Pigeon and Cat Show. Entries close this day. C.R. Johnson, Secretary.

BERRY CASTLE SHOW Totnes Weekly Times, 17th July 1886
On Thursday, July 29th, the annual rural fete will be held in the Berry Castle grounds, and amongst the numerous entertainments are [. . .] an interesting cat show.

BEDFORD AND BEDFORDSHIRE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Northampton Mercury , 17th July 1886
The third annual show of the Bedford and Bedfordshire Horticultural Society was held on Wednesday in a field on the Goldington-road. [. . .] A novel feature, so far as Bedford is concerned, was A cat show, held in a tent in the same field, for which there was a good number of entries.

LOCAL SUCCESS AT A CAT SHOW Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 22nd July 1886
Mr. W. C O Ellis, of Combe Down, took several prizes at a cat show held Bedford last week. He was awarded first for short-haired male cats, and first for a female cat of same species; second prize for kittens under nine months; and first for cat and kittens.

FETE AND BAZAAR AT BERRY POMEROY CASTLE Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 31st July 1886
A wild beast show was managed Mr. B. Mortimore and Mr. Mules, and a cat show by Mr. G. F. Kellock and Mr. P. Mortimore. There were 30 entries, and Mrs. St. Maur acted as judge.

RYHOPE FLOWER SHOW Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 3rd August 1886
The principal attraction of the August Bank Holiday in Sunderland and district for many years has been the annual show of the Ryhope Horticultural and Poultry Society . . . The cat show which was also an adjunct of the exhibition was also exceedingly interesting, the tortoise-shell variety comprising some excellent specimens.

SOUTH PETHERTON HORTICULTURAL AND POULTRY SHOW. Western Gazette, 6th August 1886
Rabbits were good, and the cat show was a most interesting part of the exhibition. [. . .]
Cats. Class 28. - Tabbiea - 1st and special. W. C. O. Ellis; 2nd. M. Salter : 3rd, Mrs. Newman; v.h.c , W. J, Batstone; h.c., W C. O. Ellis, Mrs. J. P. Billing, Norman Masters c.. Miss K. Parkhouse, Fred Rock.
Class 29 Any other variety- 1st and 2nd, F Ovens ; 3rd. W. O. Ellis; v.h.c. James Giles, George Bridge h.c., Mrs. J. P. Billing. H. Butt; c.. Master A. V. Rugg. [Judge: Mr Billett]

SOUTH PETHERTON HORTICULTURAL AND POULTRY SHOW. Pulman's Weekly News and Advertiser, 10th August 1886
Never since the establishment of the South Petherton Horticultural Society has it had an exhibition equal to that which took place on Wednesday, that being the day fixed for the annual show of fruits, flowers, vegetables, poultry, birds, cats, rabbits, farm produce, &c. . . . the cat show was a most interesting part of the exhibition.
Class 28. – Tabbies – 1st and special, W.C.O. Ellis; 2nd, M. Salter; 3rd, Mrs. Newman; v.h.c. W.J. Batstone; h.c. W.C.O. Ellis, Mrs. J.P. Billing, Norman Masters; c., Miss E. Parkhouse, Fred Rock.
Class 29. – Any other variety – 1st and 2nd, F. Ovens; 3rd, W.C.O. Ellis; v.h.c. James Giles, George Bridge; h.c. Mrs. J.P. Billing, H. Butt; c., Master A.V. Rugg.

CAT SHOW (GALA DAY AT HADDO HOUSE). Aberdeen Free Press, 13th August 1886
This was a new feature of the gala day, the principal prizes being offered by the Countess of Aberdeen, Lord Haddo, and Lady Marjorie Gordon. It was open to members of the Band of Mercy who reside on the Haddo House estate. The chief prizes were taken by Susan Pirie, Mains, Haddo House; Mary A. Duncan, Arnybogs; Miss Helen Jane Dey, Tarves (for best-looking tom-cat); Mary Rennie, Tarves (for best kitten); and by Bella Jane Kilgour. [. . .]The judges were – for cats – Mr Milne, Gateside.

COLDASH COTTAGERS’ SHOW. Berkshire Chronicle, 14th August 1886
The annual cottagers’ show was held on Wednesday in the grounds adjoining Sunnyside, the residence of the Rev. J. M. Bacon. [. . .] The bee tent and the cat show again were attractive adjuncts to the horticultural exhibition. [. . .] Prizes. Cats - W. Collins. 3d; G. Godwin, 2s; Fisher, 1s.

TROWBRIDGE FLOWER AND POULTRY SHOW Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette, 19th August 1886
Thousands of visitors flocked into Trowbridge by road and rail yesterday, on the occasion of the annual horticultural exhibition, with which has now been associated for several years the annual show of poultry and pets. [. . .] T he poultry, pigeon, rabbit, cage bird, and cat show - which formed a distinct feature - was quite a department in itself; and when we say that the entries exceeded that of any other show in the West, it proves that the promoters of the undertaking spared no effort to maintain the attractions of their exhibition. We append the names of the winners of the local classes: Cats. - Any variety long or short hair - 1st, E Orchard; 2nd, J Gale ; 3rd, Miss N Evans ; 4th, B Garlick.

TROWBRIDGE FLOWER AND POULTRY SHOW Bristol Times and Mirror, 19th August 1886
Cats, Open Classes:
Long-haired – 1st, W.C.O. Ellis; 2nd, J. Hill.
Short-haired – 1st, W.C.O. Ellis; 2nd, J.E. Woodford; 3rd, F. Ovens; 4th, George Mouser.
Litter of Kittens – 1st, S.A. Crook; 2nd, J.E. Woodford.

SHILDON SHOW Shields Daily News, 23rd August 1886
The eightieth annual exhibition and musical fete of this prosperous society was held in close proximity to the Vicarage Grounds on Saturday, and, notwithstanding the adverse weather, the attendance of the general public was enormous. The society embraces floral and horticultural products, poultry, pigeon, rabbit and cat show [no list of animal winners].

EGGLESTONE POULTRY PIGEON RABBIT & CAT SHOW North Star (Darlington), 8th September 1886
Egglestone Poultry Pigeon Rabbit and Cat Show, September 18th. Entries close September 11th. Secs K. Hutchinson, H. Coates, Egglestone, near Darlington.

MELFORD HORTICULTURAL, DOG, POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW Bury Free Press , 25th September 1886
We now give farther particulars of this annual exhibition, which we were only able to report briefly last week, as having been held on Tuesday, the pleasant grounds of the old Hall being again put at the disposal of the Committee by Sir Wm. Parker. [. . .] The cat show does not call for any special notice.
Class 36. - Cats, rough coated. - 1st, Mr J. Church, Melford; 2nd, Mrs. J. George, Sudbury; 3rd, Mrs. Ayton, Melford; h.c. Mr J Gross, Sudbury. Six entries.
Class 37. - Cats, smooth coated. - 1st, Miss F. Bixby, Melford; 2nd , Mr C. Spilling. Three entries Class 38. - Cat and kittens. - 1st, Mr W. J. Longdon. Three entries.

GREAT PIGEON, RABBIT, CAGE BIRD AND CAT SHOW Yorkshire Gazette, 16th October 1886
Great Pigeon, Rabbit, Cage Bird and Cat Show in the Corn Exchange, York. Tuesday and Wednesday, October 19th and 20th. The largest exhibition of its kind ever held in York. The proceeds are to be handed over to the York County Hospital. Admission, First Day from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., 1s; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., 6d. Second Day, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., 6d.

COOKE’S ROYAL CIRCUS [CAT SHOW] Ayr Observer, 16th November 1886
Cooke’s Royal Circus, Cattle Show Field, Townhead, Ayr . . . tonight – a cat show. Prizes will be given for the Best Cat and Kittens – the Best She Cat – the Best Tom Cat.

MANCHESTER DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW. Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, 11th December 1886
Manchester Dog, Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Show. St. James's Hall, Oxford-street, December 14 and 15. 3,000 ENTRIES. Admission on Tuesday to witness the judging from 10 a.m. to p.m., 2s. 6d.; from 2 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. 1s., Wednesday, all day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., 1s. A. E. WARD, Hon. Sec.

DOG, POULTRY, AND PIGEON SHOW IN MANCHESTER. Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, 15th December 1886
A two-days' show of dogs, poultry, pigeons, rabbits, and cats was opened yesterday morning in the St. James's Hall, Oxford-street, Manchester. Fanciers in this district have long thought that Manchester was behind Liverpool, Birmingham, and other large towns in the matter of a show of this kind, and a short time ago a committee was formed to take the necessary steps for holding one. They drew up an attractive schedule of prizes, amounting to £800[. . .] the catalogue chronicles over 3,713 exhibits of the very best character, including 653 dogs, 2,837 poultry, and 218 rabbits and cats. This is in fact, the largest entry of any dog and poultry show ever held in the North of England, and in the quality of exhibits the show will challenge the world. [. . .] The following gentlemen were the judges : —Rabbits and cats Mr. J. H. Roberts and Mr. H. F. Wilson. [Only dog and poultry winners were listed]

WISBECH POULTRY, PIGEON, CAGE-BIRD, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW Lynn News & County Press, 11th December 1886
Wisbech Poultry, Pigeon, Cage-Bird, Rabbit and Cat Show will be held on January 5th and 6th, 1887. Schedules are now ready and may be had on application to the Secretaries.

WHITBY DISTRICT CHRISTMAS POULTRY, PIGEON. RABBIT AND CAT SHOW Whitby Gazette, 11th December 1886
The Whitby District Christmas Poultry, Pigeon. Rabbit and Cat Show will be held in the Temperance Hall, on Thursday, December 30th, 1886. Entries close December 24th. For Schedule of Prizes and any information apply to W. BURN, Golden Lion Bank, or W. W. WARD, Baxtergate (Hon. Secs.)