REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS - 1887

These are reports of the early British cat shows that I've collected from various newspapers and show catalogues. The earliest reports reflect the novelty of cat shows and describe only a few of the entrants.

SHOW OF CATS AT ALEXANDRA PALACE The Queen, 18th June 1887
SOMEHOW OR OTHER cat shows have never become absolutely popular la this country, though several have from time to time been held at the Alexandre and Crystal Palace, at Birmingham, and elsewhere. Pussy is a troublesome creature to confine in a cage; she cannot well be fastened by collar and chain like the dog, nor does she bear so well the several days' confinement on view as our equally popular pets. The grounds of the Alexandra Palace looked charming on Tuesday, when a show of cats of all varieties was opened to the public, and remained so up to and including Friday. The exhibits appear to be well cared for, and look quite dainty and comfortable reposing In their tastily arranged, red-cushioned pens These are placed near the West Entrance, as cool and airy a situation as can be found in the London suburbs this hot weather.

Upwards of forty-four classes were provided, which included cats of pretty nearly all nations and colours, all sorts and sizes. There was one enormous fellow who bears the reputation of being the biggest cat in England. This is Mr Gibson's Tom, who weighs over 22lb when not fat. This is an unusual site for the common cat to reach, but we recollect one in Edinburgh some pounds heavier than this, though a 16-pounder is far out of the common. Some of the long-haired Eastern cats are particularly handsome, one from Ispahan, shown by Mr Robinson and winning In its class, being in unusually fine coat. An almost pure tortoiseshell-coloured tom of Mrs Welburn's is another choice specimen . There were some pretty Siamese, cats, and the classes for tabbies of various shades, blacks, and other colours were particularly well filled. Mrs Lees' superb white Angora Hermione we considered one of the handsomest cats in the exhibition, but as a rule the long-haired specimens were more or less out of coat, as they are sure to be in summer. Miss Young's tortoiseshell and white cat, who won in her class, was cheap at the catalogued price of 3 guineas; but In other cases the prize winners were valued at higher sums or had placed upon them absolutely prohibitive prices. Some pretty kittens were on view, and a pleasing feature in the show was formed by the special prizes awarded to cats the property of bona fide working men. The judges were Mr G. Billett and Mr R.O. Edwards, and the management of the exhibition was intrusted to Mr Cooke.

1887 HAY CAT SHOW

GREAT SHOW HAY (YESTERDAY). DOG AND CAT SHOW, Brecon County Times, 9th September 1887
No one will dispute that the Wye-side Farmers' Association this year went in for a large thing, in the form of a most varied and attractive combination of exhibitions . . . The catalogue was also supplemented by a canine and feline exhibition, no less than 24 classes being devoted to dogs (excluding the sheepdog trials) and two to cats. gold and silver medals being offered to grimalkin. The competition in the dog and cat show was thrown open to the United Kingdom, the dog exhibition being conducted in accordance with the Kennel Club Rules.

GREAT SHOW AT HAY Brecon County Times, 16th September 1887
The show of cats was not large, the two classes open to “Pussy” only containing six exhibits. Miss Gertrude Cox’s “Yum Yum” (1st in Class 25) and Mr Greenwood’s “Tortoiseshell” (1st in Class 26) were remarkably fine cats.
Class 25. – Long haired cats. 1st, gold medal, Miss Gertrude Cox, Oakfield, Hay, “Yum Yum” (Persian cat); 2nd, silver medal, Mr William Davies, 7, Armoury Terrace, Ebbw Vale.
Class 26. – Any other variety. 1st, gold medal, Mr R.H. Greenwood, 18, Smith street, Rochdale; 2nd, silver medal, Mr R.H. Greenwood, Rochdale, Lancashire.

1887 CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. Morning Post - Wednesday 19 October 1887
Since their establishment 19 years ago, the annual cat shows at the Crystal Palace have experienced, in succession, a career of growing success, and that which was opened yesterday compares favourably, in all respects, with any that have gone before. Indeed, there has only been one occasion in the records of the Crystal Palace when the entries exceeded in number those of yesterday, and it is certainly the case that the quality of the animals now exhibited, taking them all round, has never been surpassed. But the show is again without that rarity - a tortoiseshell Tom, though there are two with coats of tortoiseshell intermixed with white, and the class for female tortoiseshells is well filled. The Persians, Siamese, and some other foreign varieties make a pretty display, and the classes for cats belonging to working men, besides being well filled, exhibit many specimens of handsome, well- tended animals. By far the heaviest cat exhibited is one aged 4 and a half years, owned by Mr. T. Gilson, of the Strand and weighing no less than 21 and a half lbs., while the second and third prize takers in the class for heavy cats, belonging to Mr. C. Guy and Mr. J.S. Twigg scale respectively 16 and a half lbs and 15 and a half lbs. The two principal prizes, consisting of silver five o’clock tea sugar basins and tongs, for respectively the best short-haired and long-haired cat in the show, are taken by Mr. J. Standen’s dark tabby and Mr. A. A. Clarke’s Persian. Messrs. Harrison Weir, J. Jenner Weir, and G. Billett were the judges, and the general arrangements, as in previous years, were in the hands of Mr. G. S. Venables. The show continues open to-day

THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. The Globe, 19th October 1887
The nineteenth annual cat show was opened in the galleries of the Crystal Palace yesterday. The exhibits number 429 animals from every part of the United Kingdom, and the show is more than usually interesting, from the fact that several unusual, if not unique, specimens are in evidence. Among the many anomalies which have long puzzled cat fanciers, is the curious fact that such thing as a tom tortoiseshell cat is practically unknown. That such an animal has been seen is beyond question, but only one specimen has been authenticated for many years past. In direct contrast to this peculiarity is the fact that sandy cats and tabbies are invariably toms. In the present show there is an exception to this rule which calls for special remark. The animal in question is Mr. Kenneth Hutchinson’s Minnie (183), a perfect specimen, aged 15 months, which deservedly takes the first prize in Class 30 for tabbies.

The award for the best long-haired cat the snow falls to Mr. A. D. Clarke’s white Persian Major, well-known competitor, which receives the first prize in Class 39; while the medal for the best short-haired animal is taken by Tibby, a dark tabby (411), owned by a working man. Among the tortoiseshells the first awards in the various classes are to Miss King’s Gem (20), Mr. Letts’s Joe (23), a good specimen of the red-stained tabby, and Mrs. H. Young’s Tip (36), a notable cat belonging to a feline family which has taken 14 prizes on various occasions. Mr. C. Burbery’s The Bard deservedly takes the first place in Class 7, for black and white, and Mr. Goodwill’s Snow (52), that in Class 9 for pure white. In the any variety class, Mr. G. Mowser’s Jumbo triumphs with the first prize and silver medal. This noble pussy is styled an Abyssinian, but to judge from the costume worn should be of Scotch extraction. In Class 20, for whites, Mr. Swinyard’s Tib (109), exhibited with two exceedingly pretty kittens, takes the first prize, the third going to Miss Wellman’s, Minnie, a pretty animal with exceedingly translucent eyes.

The Siamese are in but poor force, their total muster being two, but both are good specimens. They are, therefore, judged in the any variety class, in which the first prize falls to Mrs. Lee’s Meo (120), and the second to Mrs. Young’s Lady Siam (118), which is catalogued as imported direct from Siam. The third award in this interesting class goes to the same exhibitor for her self-colour blue Col, an old prize-taker, distinguishable by its pure yellow optics. The most interesting in this, as in last year’s, show is undoubtedly that for kittens, in which Mr. Ware’s pair, Sloper and Tootsie (126), receive the first prize and silver medal. In the long-haired kitten classes, the most noticeable objects are Mrs. Sutton’s Persians (203), Miss Moore’s silver Persians (226), remarkable for their perfect faces and very dark eyes, and Mr. F. J. Guy’s three short-haired Tabbies the last-mentioned being exceedingly pretty.

Among the longhaired cats the most remarkable is without doubt Mr. Hutchinson’s Minnie, already alluded to (184) - quite an exceptional cat. Mr. Clarke’s Persian Koko (133) well deserves the medal obtained, and Miss Leake’s silver tabby (144) is also a good sample what such a cat should be. In the same class, Mrs. Cocq’s Lucifer (145) is rather more noticeable for magnificence of the embroidered cushion on which he reclines than for any individual excellence. Among these strains is Mrs. Coulson’s black Persian Tim (267), first prize winner, which can become anybody’s property for the remarkable sum of £100 3s. 3-and-a-half pence, although possibly a slight reduction might be arranged for cash. Mr. Clarke’s Persian Bob (275) has already been referred to, and is possibly the finest cat ever exhibited at the Palace. There is as usual a fair number of pampered pussys at the Palace, and several of the animals are anxiously tended by their fond owners, who lovingly stand by the bars which keep them apart. The show is unquestionably a good one, and is further remarkable for the total lack of those “curiosities” and malformations which have of late years been so frequent. All the cats shown have the requisite number of legs, toes, etc. The judging was conducted by the veterans, Messrs. Harrison and J. J. Weir and Mr. G. Billett.

THE CAT SHOW At THE CRYSTAL PALACE Sydenham, Forest Hill & Penge Gazette, 22nd October 1887
The nineteenth National Cat Show was opened at the Crystal Palace on Tuesday. There were 429 entries this year, the largest number recorded, except the year before last, and in point of quality the exhibition could claim advantageous comparison with any of its predecessors. The cats were housed in zinc cages of uniform sizes in the south gallery, instead of in the nave as formerly. The main division of the classes, of which there were 52, was into short-haired, long-haired, and gelded cats, respectively, working men's cats had a group of classes to themselves, and there was an extra class for cats for sale. All colours were to be see in the cages - tortoiseshell, tabbies of blue and silver, red and white, and spotted, also pure black and pure white. Oriental cats were represented, notably the Siamese breed with a face like a pug-dog. It was remarkable that no entry was made in the class assigned to black short haired she cats, although this description of feline is as abundant as any, and another class of cats in which the exhibition was deficient was the tortoiseshell tom, an extremely rare specimen. There has been such a thing in the world as a tortoiseshell tom-cat but few are the individuals who have set eyes upon it, and fewer and more fortunate still those who possess a specimen. Mr. G. S, Venables, who has managed these annual cat shows for 17 years, and who may well be an authority on the subject of cats, has in his long experience known of only one cat of this description. Some years ago a bold attempt was made by an unprincipled person to deceive the judges at the show. A cat was entered as a tortoiseshell tom, which on examination was found to be a black and white cat, which had evidently been plunged into a vat of yellow or chrome dye. Instead of receiving a medal the fraudulent feline was installed in a cage labelled with large letters, “Badly dyed,” followed by the name and address of the exhibitor. In this present show then were one or two sham Manx cats, that is cats shorn of tails, not by Nature, but by the amputating knife; but it is not necessary to suppose that the exhibitors were aware of the fraud. The judging was done on Tuesday morning by Mr. Harrison Weir, the well-know portrayer of domestic animals, Mr. Jenner Weir, and Mr. George Billett.

CRYSTAL PALACE. The Illustrated London News, 22nd October 1887
The nineteenth annual show of cats at the Crystal Palace was held on Tuesday and Wednesday. It was the largest yet seen, comprising many varieties - short-haired, long-haired, tortoiseshells, brown, blue, red, silver, and spotted tabby, pure blacks and whites, Chinchillas, and Manxes - in all 429 entries, arranged in fifty-two classes. The judges - Mr. Harrison Weir, Mr. J. Jenner Weir, and Mr. George Billet - awarded the prizes, including sixteen extra special prizes presented by the Crystal Palace Company and Mrs. Charles Langton. Nine silver medals and two silver tea-services, besides many money prizes, were offered for competition. Mr. Standen’s Tibby, aged one year and three months, carried off the prize for the best short-haired cat, irrespective of class. Mr. A. A. Clarke’s snow-white Persian, Major, winner of the first prize at the Alexandra Palace this year, gained the prize in the group of long-haired cats. A silver medal was awarded for the pair of kittens - Chinchillas, or more properly Silver Persians - Chloe and Dinah, shown by Miss Florence Moore. These are pedigree kittens, their father being Mrs. Vallance's celebrated prize-winner, Fluffy II. The other special prizes fell to Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Goss, Mrs. Tongue, and Messrs. James Ware, K. Hutchinson. M. Young, and G. Mowser.

CRYSTAL PALACE. South London Press, 22nd October 1887
The Cat Show held the Crystal Palace this week is one of those annuals which attract exceptional kind of interest - although I may perhaps be permitted to take exception to the statement that it is a-mews-ing! Interesting describes it to a T - or, one might say, to cat. The cat as a gregarious animal is not a success. By itself, the domestic cat is caressible; in bulk - that is, in large numbers - it is otherwise. The cat doesn’t seem made for public exhibition. He or she seems to resent being made into a “spectacle,” evidently preferring the domestic hearth to the public “cage.” The attentions of strange visitors are not apparently appreciated by the felines; but the instant and gladsome recognition of their masters and mistresses was on Wednesday most marked. It was, perhaps, fortunate that the cats were in happy ignorance of how the prizes had been distributed, or something like internecine cat - scrimmage would undoubtedly have characterized the proceedings - that is, of course, assuming that they could have got at one another!

There was certainly a great variety of cats on view. Cats with tails and cats without tails: English cats and foreign cats; cats of nearly all colours, long-haired and short-haired cats; cats gentle and vicious; cats with formidable looking ruffs, and cats with a great diversity of tail. Oddly enough, no entry was made of black short-haired she-cats. Probably everybody thought that everybody would send one in, and so thought the game not worth the candle - or rather the entry, three and sixpence, not worth the venture! It will probably rain black cats at the next show. The tortoiseshell tom, too, was not well represented. This gentleman seems rather a rarity in catland. Mr. Venables, who has managed these Cat Shows for seventeen years, has only known, it is said, one tortoiseshell tom, and he belonged to a Mr. Hurry. An impostor once turned up, but he was soon found out, and, instead taking a prize, was labelled “Badly dyed,” and the name and address of the exhibitor duly published.

With respect to the prize-takers, full justice was doubt meted out - cat-meted out; but to the uninitiated, the "points” are somewhat difficult to understand. The name of Mr. Harrison Weir, who acted as judge, places the distribution of the prizes beyond suspicion, although possibly he might have a sneaking regard for the weird ones; and some, it must confessed, looked weird, fitful, and even savage, not relishing, perhaps, the “coop.” If these and similar shows of animals serve no other good purpose, they bring Mr. Harrison Weir to London, and that is a great gain: for since he became a newspaper proprietor and editor at Tunbridge Wells, his appearances in London have not been so frequent as his friends could wish. Next to the popular judge, the principal prize-taker, Mr. A. A. Clarke, of the Churchill Arms, Silver-street, Kensington, was the object of much public attention. This gentleman took the prize for the best cat in the show, and all sorts of class prizes. His Major,” a white Persian cat, sketched by the artist, is indeed a splendid specimen of a cat. His Ko-ko,” a long-haired tom, took a medal, as did a gelded tom owned by him, and, in addition, he received a silver “five-o’clock tea" sugar basin and tongs, given by the Crystal Palace Company. Mr. Clarke evidently goes in for cats, and his Caterie at Kensington should be worth a visit. A man who can get five guineas for kittens would seem to have solved that great domestic problem - what to do with our kittens. The general solution - drown them - finds no favour with Mr. Clarke, for he would as soon think of lighting his pipe with five-pound note - and that is a rather rare amusement nowadays!

”Major" is what may be termed a superb cat - majestic in appearance, aa though fully conscious of its lofty position in cat-land It positively bristles with “points” - at least so it was whispered. Its - pure white colour, length of coat, majesty of tail, ear and toe tufts, and its large frill, or “ruff,” were all in its favour and together made irresistible claim to the first prize. “Major” is about one year and eight months old, and when about fifteen months old took the first prize at the Alexandra Palace. Formerly, people used to keep cats to catch mice, but it would seem as if we are about to change all that, and keep them as sources of income. Anxious to convert all my cat-keeping readers into future prize-winners, I inquired of Mr. Clarke the secret of his success, and found it attributable mainly to careful dieting. Cool boiled milk for breakfast and tea, and a substantial meal in the middle of the day, is the regimen carried out at the Kensington Caterie. Mr.Clarke makes a strong point of regularity, and the one substantial meal per diem. The dinner may be varied occasionally, but the staple article food is that animal we all unconsciously enjoy occasionally at London restaurants - the horse!

The best short-haired cat was held to be Mr. Standen’s “Tibby” - a dark tabby two years old - a very handsome cat of its kind. Mr. Standen is a working man, and much gratification was given by his success. It is well known that the cat is quite an article of furniture in the homes of the working classes, and on that account alone, Mr. Standen’s success is welcome. He takes a five o’clock basin and tongs equally with Mr. Clarke, the owner of "Major,” the white Persian swell.

After witnessing the great show of cats at Sydenham, I am not surprised to hear that a Cat Club has this year been called into existence, with Mr. Harrison Weir as president, and Mr. A. A. Clarke as treasurer. It is not, of course, a political club - and it is well that it is not; for were cats to become united on any common political platform, they would carry all before them. Fancy a meeting of one hundred thousand cats in Hyde Park, to say nothing of the hundreds of thousands which could be brought from the provinces! Why, “Robert,” even if mounted, would have to beat a retreat before such an enemy! The Cat Club is formed, I believe, to promote the culture and education generally of cats - especially the suburban cat; and candour compels me to admit that there is an enormous field of operations open to the officials of the club, be they called inspectors of cats or inspectors of nuisances! At the monthly meetings of the club, reports will of course be read as to the conduct of cats during the month, and it is to be hoped that the reports from the South London suburbs will be satisfactory. At any rate, there is at present plenty of room for improvement. May the Cat Club be the means of ushering in a grand cat-reformation, and so bring rest of body and peace of mind within the reach of every suburban resident! [He refers to the problems of serenading un-gelded tomcats]

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. South London Press, 22nd October 1887
The nineteenth annual exhibition of cats was held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Crystal Palace. The feline pets were exhibited in the galleries, and drew a large attendance of visitors, especially ladies. There were no less than 52 classes, in which were 429 entries. Every variety of the species seemed to find a place in the show, and the exhibition, on the whole, was very fine one. 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. George Billett. The following is a complete list of successful South London exhibitors:
Mrs. Amos, 19, St. Hugh's-road, Anerley.
Rev. H. J. D. Astley. M, Gipsy Hill.
Mr. R. T. Babb. Bird Stall. Crystal Palace.
Miss M. C. Baily, Fernbank, Sydenham Hill.
Mrs. Barnes, 47. Furze-road, Thornton Heath.
Mr. G. F. Barnes. 8, The HazeIs, Beulah-road, Thornton Heath.
Mr. W. Belton, 49, Colby-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. W. Bennett. 18, Peckham Rye.
Mrs. P. Berlyn, Elm House, Brixton-road.
Mr. W. H. Billings, 3, Alfred Terrace, Barnfield-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. Binches, Hillside, Overhill-road, Forest Hill.
Miss H. B. Biss. Connaught House, Central Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. W. E. Bissett, Elgin House, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Miss Blower, Geale Villa, Gipsy Hill.
Miss Booth, Rondebosch, Rosendale-road, West Dulwich.
Miss Brackenbury, 25, Furze-road, Thornton Heath.
Miss M. Brigden, Crown Hill, West Norwood.
Miss Brooks, Brooks Leigh, Beckenham.
Miss A. Brunker, Grosvenor Lodge, Colby-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. C. Burbery, 95, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. Burgess, Roswyn, Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. George Bryant, Fine Art Department, Crystal Palace.
Miss Bryant, 3, Truscott Terrace, New Town, Upper Norwood.
Mr. W. J. Cameron, 51, Raleigh-road, Penge.
Madame Cassinello, Elston Lodge, Forest Hill.
Mr. Chadwell, Cintra Park, Upper Norwood.
Mr. J. Childs, Blackheath.
Mr. A. Clarke, 6, Pearcefield Terrace, David's-road, Forest Hill.
Mrs. J. R. Cocq, The Chestnuts, Grove, Sydenham.
Miss Cooper, 19, Beckenham-road, Penge.
Miss Coulson, Woodlands, Farquhar-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. E. Davidson, 10, Prospect-road, Wells-road, Sydenham.
Mr. G. Davison, 49, Dallas-road, Upper Sydenham.
Mr. Dawson, 47, Buxton House, Church-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. Diver, Clive-road, West Dulwich.
Mrs. Dodd, Jessamine Villas, White Horse-road, Croydon.
Mrs. Dorman, 13, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. E. Damian, 13, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. R. Eagle, 22, Palace-Road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. E. Edwards, 15, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. Fielder, 150, Loampit Vale, Lewisham.
Mr. P. W. Ford, Grangewood, South Norwood Hill.
Mr. T. French, Gipsy Hill Dairy, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. Gay, 238, Romany-road, West Norwood.
Miss E. M. Gessy, 5, Central Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. C. E. Gessey, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. J. Goddard, 53. Kingswood-road, Penge.
Mr. B. Gower, Finch’s Stables, Westow Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. G. Green, 2, Oak Cottages, Hamllton-road, West Norwood.
Mr. J. Green, Westow-street, Upper Norwood.
Miss Gresham, The Lodge, Beckenham-road.
Miss D. B. Gresham, The Lodge, Beckenham-road.
Miss Griffiths, Crescent-road, Thornton Heath.
Mrs. E. Groom, Fire Station, Crystal Palace Parade.
Mr. W. Gutteridge, 8, Dallas-road, Sydenham.
Mr. C. Guy, White Hart, Blackheath.
Mrs. Hale, Malvern House, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood,
Mrs. Hallam, 6, Beardell-strcer, Camden Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. E. Hands, Bradford-road. Sydenham.
Mr. H. Hare, 53, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. Harrow, 6, Coombe-road, Sydenham.
Mrs. Harvey, Waltham, Cator-road, Sydenbam.
Miss Harvey, Laurel Cottage, New Town, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. L. Herring, Lestock House, Leyland-road, Lee.
Mrs. W. Hills, Bell Green, Lower Sydenham.
Mr. H. Hobbs, 3, Weston Cottages, Moffatt-road, Thornton Heath.
Miss A. Hobbs, “Westwood,” Birchanger-road, South Norwood.
Mrs. M. Horton, 5 Heath-road, Thornton Heath.
Mrs. Horwood, 16, Tennyson-road, Penge.
Mrs. Howship, 9, Carbery-road, Westow-street, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. Humphrey, Emsworth House, Old Penge-lane,
Mrs. W. M. Hunt, Woodville, Eltham-road, Lee.
Mrs. J. A. Hunt. Oakfield-road, Anerley.
Mrs. A. H. Jackson, Mayfield, Beulah Hill.
Mr. O. H. Jayes, Rose and Crown. Bromley, Kent.
Miss M. Jerome, 87, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. Joiner. 27, George-street, Upper Norwood.
Miss E. Jones, 21, Wood!and-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. J. Jones, 9, Gresham-road, South Norwood.
Dr. A. Lloyd Jones, Norman Lodge, Brockley.
Mr. G. K. Kelf, Queen's Arms, Westow Hill, Upper Norwood.
Miss M. Keogh. Maybank, Colby-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. W. Lacey, jun.. 117. Alexandra Cottage, Penge.
Mr. W. E. Leadbetter, 22, Laurel Grove, Penge.
Miss S. A. Leake, Summerfield, Forest Hill.
Mr. W. Lett, 26, Trenholme-road, Anerley.
Mr W. B. Lucas, 94, High-street, Upper Sydenham.
Miss E. Luck, 24, Guildford-road, Greenwich.
Mr. Manzie, 46, Trenholme-road, Anerley.
Miss Marshall, 10, Oriel Villas, Newlands Park, Sydenham.
Mrs, W. G. Mather, 99, Clive- road, West Dulwich.
Miss May, 5, Laurel Grove, Penge.
Mrs. H. Mayhew, Holmesdale House, Holmesdale-road. South Norwood.
Miss F. M. de Mey, 10, Westwood Park, Forest Hill.
Miss P. Moore, Oakwood, Beckenham, Kent.
Mrs. J. Mowser, 25, Furze-road, Thornton Heath.
Mr G. Mowser, 25, Furze-road, Thornton Heath.
Mrs. Norrish, Hawley House, Tudor-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. Nye, 10, St. Hugh's-road, Anerley.
Miss Pagdin, Queen’s Hotel, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. H. Page, 20, Woodbine Grove, Penge.
Mr. H. Page, 39, Woodbine Grove, Penge.
Mr. Perrie, The Stables, Oaklands, Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. T. Phillips, 1, Laurel Grove, Penge.
Mrs. Porteous, The Firs, Sidcup, Kent.
Mrs. G. Pretty, 143, Hamilton-road, West Norwood.
Mr. and Mrs. Reed, 3, Chepstow Terrace, Peckham-road.
Mrs. A. G. Rogers, 1, Market-place, Gipsy-road, West Norwood.
Mr. J. Scott, Alma Hotel, Upper Norwood,
Mr. A. Shambrook, 26,Woodcote place, West Norwood.
Mrs. Sharman, 116, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. Shaw, Waltham, Cator-road. Sydenham.
Miss Simpson, St. Peter’s Vicarage, Eltham-road, Lee.
Mr. P. Sinclair, 3, Cornish Grove, Penge.
Mr. H.G. Small, 15, Grosvenor-road, South Norwood.
Mrs. S. H. Smith, 609, Wandsworth-road, Clapham.
Mrs. South, 144, Hamilton-read, West Norwood.
Mrs. W. Sparks, 9, Mount Pleasant-road, Lewisham.
Mr. Standen, 13, Prospect-road, Wells-road, Sydenham.
Mr. Stanley, The Knowle, Leigham Court-road, Streatham.
Mrs. Stanton, 11, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood.
Miss M. Strange, 40, Westow Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. W. Strange, 40 Westow Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. J. Sturmer, Bedford House, Selhurst-road, South Norwood.
Mrs. Sutton, 1, Apsley Villas, Trewsbury-road, Sydenham.
Mr. A. T. Swinyard, 26,Whiteley-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. H. Swinyard, 21, Romany-road, West Norwood.
Mrs. Terry, 31, Westow Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. H. Theinlot, 44, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. A. Tomkins, 1, Havelock-road. Addiscombe.
Mrs. Tongue, 48, Clive-road, West Dulwich.
Mrs. Treadaway, 43, Gillett-road, Thornton Heath.
Mr. J. Trusson, Refreshment Department, Crystal Palace.
Mr. C. Vyse, 54, Prospect-road, Sydenham.
Miss Walker, 50 Westow Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. C. C. Walker, 11, Derwent Terrace, Champion Hill, Dulwich.
Mrs. Ward, 13, Havelock Terrace, Zion-road, Thornton Heath.
Mrs. Ward, 24, Railway-road, Thornton Heath.
Mr. Warner, 111, Wells-road, Sydenham.
Mr. James Ware, Conservative Club, Thornton Heath.
Mr. George Watt, 13, Grosvenor-road, South Norwood.
Miss M. A. Wellman, 38, Oakley-street, Waterloo-road, Lambeth.
Miss Wells, 50, Westow Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mrs, M Wells, 7, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. Wheeler,4, Beaconsfleld Villas, Balham Park-road.
Mr. W. White, Gillett-rood, New Thornton Heath.
Mr. E. L. W. Williams, The Limes, Venner-road, Sydenham.
Mrs. Wilkinson, 31, Versailles-road, Anerley.
Mr. J. A. Willmott, Oakley House, Brockley-road, Brockley.
Mr. E. Winter, Jun., 10, Trenholme-road, Anerley Park.
Mrs. Wiseman, Broughton Lodge, Lordship-lane Station.
Mr. J, Wood, 18. Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. H. Woods, 211, Vauxhall Bridge-road.
Mr. M. Young, 4, Kelvin Terrace, Sydenham Hill-road, Sydenham.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. The Queen, 22nd October 1887
WEDNESDAY was quite a jubilee day at the Crystal palace; indeed the fine building looked quite charming with its adornment here and there of beds of some exceedingly fine chrysanthemums. There was an unusual number of visitors too; and the gallery was thronged by elegantly dressed ladies and children intent on viewing the wonderful collection of cats there on exhibition. And how cats shows have improved of late; pretty pussy is made as cosy and comfortable as possible, and the free use of disinfectants keeps from the cages all unpleasantness in the way of odours. The show itself, which had opened on the Tuesday, is said to be about the best on record, though not quite the largest, there being about four hundred and thirty entries. These were divided into two great divisions, viz., for cats kept by any person, and for others the property of a working man. These were again sub-divided into sections, which included pretty nearly all the varieties known in this country and many from foreign lands likewise.

The judges were Mr Harrison Weir, Mr Jenner Weir, and Mr George Billett, and in some of their decisions they quite upset our ideas as to what a fine “pussy cat” really is. For instance, in the divisions for black and whites, the prizes, a a rule, went to fine black animals which had a little white about them, the handsomer and bona fide black-and-whites receiving quite minor honours. The tortoiseshells were by poor classes, and the males of that variety were, of course, distinguished by having a considerable degree of white markings. In other classes, a great many animals had been entered wrongly, and thus were debarred from winning. Tis was specially noted in the blue or silver tabby division, where a specially fine specimen, miss King’s Gem, won, though he was but eleven months old. This was one of the best groups in the show. The Manx cats, too, were excellent, the black and white of Mme. Casaniello’s, that had but V.H.C., being unusually good, better, indeed, than the winner; a brown tabby won first in the male class, and a black one second.

Perhaps the most interesting groups were those for foreign cats, the Abyssinian Jumbo, a great winner, being remarkably rich in colour, which resembled that of a hare; whilst Jumbo, jun., who was second to him, resembled more a rabbit in shade. The Mrs Lee’s Siamese, Meo, the most lovely creature in the exhibition, is of a pug fawn in colour, which, however, is not quite free from admixture of dark hairs, whilst its muzzle and points are black. Mrs Young’s lady Siam, another choice specimen, had a second prize, and this is almost the colour of an ordinary monkey, though two or three degrees richer in hue. The coats of these very remarkable foreign cats are smooth, but of excellent quality, and the animals themselves are of a fair size.

The long-haired cats – Angoras, Persians – of all colours and degrees of shading from white to black, seemed extremely popular, the best being the prize winners, Mr Langford’s Masher, Miss May’s Shah, Miss Leake’s Topso, Mrs Kinsant’s Banjo, Mrs Jackson’s Dusty, claimed for 2 guineas, and cheap at the money, and Miss Laurence’s Whitey. Mr Steven’s Minnie should have had a card, and Mrs Thompson’s Winks, with third prize, was not liberally treated. The kittens were very popular, and a rare sale was done amongst them, any of the long-haired variety with the least pretensions to pure breeding being claimed at prices ranging from 10s. to 30s. Some remarkably fine specimens were exhibited in neuter divisions, whilst those from the working men were, in some instances, of sufficient merit to take a prize in open competition. The largest cat in the show was an enormous four and a half year old tabby, Mr Gilson’s Billy, that scaled 21 and-a-half lb. he has previously won first prizes. Next to him in the weight class was Mr C. Guy’s Chappie, a red and white tabby, seven years old, and 16 and-a-half lb weight; whilst Mr J. Twigg’s Jim, just one pound lighter, had third honours. As we have already said, the show was a pleasant one in every way, and pussy appeared well supplied with rich milk and other delicacies.

[THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW.] The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, October 29, 1887

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW Penrith Observer, 25th October 1887
The Crystal Palace Cat Show opened on Tuesday, with over 400 animals. They were divided into fifty-two classes, including short-haired, long-haired, tortoiseshelle, varieties of brown, blue, red, silver, and spotted tabby, pure blacks and whites, Chinchillas, tailless Manxes, but not tortoiseshelle Tom. SO high has interest in cats run that a “Cat Club” has been started.

CRYSTAL PALACE Penny Illustrated Paper, 29th October 1887
In publishing the portraits of the most attractive prize-winning cats and kittens exhibited at the Crystal Palace Cat Show on the 18th and 19th inst., we may take the opportunity to suggest that the promoters should in future offer more substantial prizes than the insignificant sums they have hitherto presented. It was a fine Cat Show. The 430 entries comprised all varieties. The judges were gentlemen whose fitness for their task none would be likely to dispute - namely, Mr. Harrison Weir, Mr. J. Jenner Weir, and Mr. George Billett, the general management of the show having been entrusted to Mr. Venables, whose duties kept him very actively employed. Among a large attendance of visitors were many leading amateurs in the study of the domestic favourite. Every cat had before it an abundant supply of milk, and the majority were objects of continual petting and interest. “Whitey,” Miss Lawrence’s beautiful longhaired cat, the winner of a first prize, leads off the cluster of feline favourites delineated above. Mrs. Lee’s fine Siamese cat, “Moo,” was also the winner of a first prize. Very pretty and amusing were Mrs. Dawson’s tabby kittens, highly commended. Remarkably fine specimens were Miss Harvey’s tabby kittens, rewarded with first prize. A conspicuous place is also given to Mr. Young’s tabby, “Tom,” gainer of a first prize and medal. Next comes Mr. J. R. Cocq’s Persian tabby, “Lucifer,” to which a third prize was awarded. Mr. Clarke’s white Persian was the best long-haired cat in the Show, and won a sugar-basin. But wouldn’t this attractive Persian have preferred a milk-saucer? We have only to add that Miss Amy Brunker’s fine black and white cat won a first prize, and was deservedly admired.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 29th October 1887
The nineteenth annual National Cat Show at the Crystal Palace was held last week, and held its own for general good quality when compared with the competitions of previous years. Our artist has sketched some of the animals which attracted most notice, and their portraits will doubtless speak for themselves. Among the exceptional features of the occasion was a mouse-coloured cat, remarkable not so much for its size as for its colour. The owner informed us that he had sold this cat to a lady, who was obliged to ask him to buy it back. So savage was its nature that more than feminine courage was needed to enter a room when it was in possession. He is an Abyssinian, and a capital specimen, notwithstanding his ferocity. The tortoise-shell cats were well represented, but there would seem to be much difference of opinion us to what constitute the points in this variety, some persons supposing colour and others regularity in marking. One of the prettiest cats exhibited was a blue Persian. The Siamese were very good. The judging apparently gave all necessary satisfaction. The show was well attended. The interest seems to be on the increase, perhaps because now the working men's competition is so large.

The Crystal Palace Company and Mrs. Langton gave several special prizes. As the outcome of the recent exhibition it is stated that a Cat Club is to be formed. 1. Mr. R. Rutherford, white cat, Major, winner of five first prizes. 2. Mr. A. A. Clarke, white Persian, Ko Ko, silver medal and first prize. 3. Mr. J. E. Woodford, tortoise-shell, Topsy, two first prizes. 4. Mrs. W.M.. Hunt, blue Persian, Fanny, first prize. 5. Mr. Herbert Young, tortoise-shell, Tib, winner every time shown, and silver plate. 6. Mrs. Lee, Siamese, Meo, silver medal, extra prize, and first. 7. Mrs. Hobbs, prize kittens. 8. Mr. T. Gibson, heaviest cat in the show, 21 lb, winner of four prizes. 2. Mr. G. Mowser, Jumbo, winner of second prize, Crystal Palace, Alexandra Palace, Albert Palace, Somerset, Worthing, Ryde, Bedford, and Brighton, and silver medal extra and first prize this year at Crystal Palace.

At the National Cat Show recently held at the Crystal Palace, near London, the prize for weight was taken by a puss of twenty-three pounds. Another gifted feline had white fur, and one blue and one hazel eye. – various, October 1887.

BRIGHTON SHOW. Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper, 2nd October 1887
The third annual Cat show is to take place at the Brighton aquarium on November 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Entries must be made before the 15th of October.

CAT SHOW, BRIGHTON. Mid Sussex Times, 8th November 1887
The third Annual Cat Show was held at Brighton Aquarium on Tuesday, the number of entries amounting to 162. The collection of feline pets was a capital one, and showed a distinct advance in quality on former years.

DOG AND CAT SHOWS AT BRIGHTON. THE Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 12th November 1887
The weather last week at Brighton was deplorable, and although both these shows were held under favourable conditions in other respects, the attendance was, as may be expected under the circumstances, very poor indeed. [. . .] The Cat Show at the Aquarium was representative. The entries totalled the very creditable number of 160. The points of cat excellence need to be more definitely settled than they appear to be at present, but if good marking, good coats, and good looks are the features which influence the judges, all of those were present. There was nothing very exceptional in the collection, except, perhaps, a two-legged cat, which was more curious to look upon than it was attractive. This malformed animal is, however, described as a wonderful mouser, which is the more remarkable because one usually supposes the fore feet, which are absent in this case, essential to mice- hunting. Our picture includes, in the dog show (1) Mrs. Collis's Blenheim spaniel, Pompey P) Mr. S. Boddington's Pomeranian, Charlie (3) Mrs. E. A. Home's Blenheim spaniel bitch, Diva (4) Mr. A. A. Baines's litter of fox- terrier pups (5) Mr. S. Boddington s collie, Sir James (6) Mr. H. Kemble Cook's Dandy Dinmont, My Mary (7) Mr. C. T. Fauntleroy's English setter, Prince of Wilts (8) Mr. E. Brough's bloodhound bitch, Barbette, (9) Mr. J. E. Jessop's Irish terrier bitch, Emeraldine; (10) Sir. F. W. North's black and tan terrier, Little Swell (11) Mr. E. Nichols's bloodhound, Invincible. We give, from the cat show (12) Mrs. H. Young's tortoiseshell and white, Tib; (13) Miss F. Moore's silver Persian kitten (14) Mr. A. J. Hutton's kittens (15) Mrs. C. Herring's short-haired tabby, China (16) Mrs. M. Morton's Abyssinian, Minifer.

POULTRY AND CAT SHOW. The [Guernsey] Star, 19th November 1887
This annual show which will be held in the New Market Hall and Annexe on Wednesday and Thursday the 7th and 8th Dec. will, it is expected, be an improvement on former years as the list of prizes has been materially increased, and now amounts to £112 in addition to a number of cups and extra prizes for new classes. The entries close to-day and from what we have heard they will be largely in excess of last year.

THE POULTRY AND CAT SHOW. The [Guernsey] Star, 3rd December 1887
Arrangements for this show which opens on Wednesday next, are now in progress, and as the entries amount to 1,194 there is a considerable amount of preparation to be made. The Market Committee have granted the use of the whole length of the Vegetable Market in addition to the entire new Market Hall, which will be required for the pens. The extra prizes are now on view in the shop window of Mr. Guerin, Stationer, High Street. The show as far as entries are concerned will far exceed any of its predecessors.

THE POULTRY AND CAT SHOW. The [Guernsey] Star, 8th December 1887
The finest show which has ever been held in Guernsey for the exhibition of poultry and cats, was that which has taken place during the past two days, under the auspices of the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society, in the new Market Halls and annexe. The entries numbered 1,194, and within a very few all came up to the show. When it became known that the entries were so far in excess of previous years, it was found that the spacious accommodation of the new Market Halls would not be near sufficient, and so the Society decided to apply to the Market Committee for further space, and this was at once graciously conceded by permitting the whole of the vegetable market to be used for the purpose, a careful calculation showing that this would be absolutely necessary, arrangements having been made for the temporary accommodation of the vegetable vendors in the Fish Market, the vast space thus at their disposal was placed in the hands of the Committee of the Society, but owing to the miscarriage of the pens on the railway journey, they did not arrive until Tuesday morning, and as the show was appointed to open on Wednesday, there was little enough time to make the necessary arrangements. However, the order had been placed in the hands of Spratt and Co. (Limited), and that firm with their great resources, were quite equal to the occasion, the pens were all fixed, and the majority of the exhibits were safely penned by Tuesday evening, the judging was commenced and the herculean task was completed soon after the hour appointed for the opening on Wednesday. [[. . .] Cats were also a fair show, being confined to 9 classes and about 40 entries. The following were the awards of the Chief Prizes, the published official list giving the Judges awards we satisfy ourselves with the following.
Cats. Class 129. - Tabby, English. - 1, Marquand, E. M., George Place; 2, Priaulx, P., St. Andrew's; 3, Hamon, W., Rohais.
Class 130. - Tabby and White. - 1, Kingsford, R., Rohais.
Class 131. - Black. - 1, Torode, H. J. V., Fosse Andre; 2, Bichard, T. B., Clifton Terrace.
Class 134. - Tortoiseshell and White. - 1, Priaulx, Miss, Vale; 2, Toms, W., Longstore; 3, Spencer, R., Glatney.
Class 137. - Any other variety. - 1, j Hutchesson, F., Queen's Road: 2, Robert, John T., St. Sampson's.
Class 138. - Kittens, under 6 months. - 1, Bichard, F. A., Country Hospital; 2, Sherwill, Albert; 3, Arscott, Julius.
Class 139. - Kittens under 6 months, any colour. - 1, Naftel J., Amherst; 2, De Mouilpied, T.
Class 140 - Gelded Cats. - 1, Gardner, J., Old Government House; 2, Cluett, Mrs., Fountain Street.

THE POULTRY AND CAT SHOW. The [Guernsey] Star, 19th December 1887
Although the weather proved very unfavourable for the closing hours of this great show, which in every respect far exceeded any of its predecessors, we are happy to learn that the receipts have exceeded those of last year, which had been the most successful hitherto held by the Society. In addition to the full prize list which appeared in our last issue, the following was the handsome record of extra prizes which Colonel Bell presented to the winners who were present on Thursday afternoon. Such liberal encouragement deserves appreciation another year: Extra prizes:
22. - Piece of Plate for the finest Cat, J. Gardner, Old Government House.
23. - Piece of Plate for the second best Cat, F. Hutchesson, Queen's Road.

FANCY RABBIT AND CAT SHOW . Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette, 3rd January 1887
On New Year's Day, under the auspices of the West End and District Fancy Rabbit and Cat Society, a show was held in the Central Coffee Tavern, High-street West, which was the first open one the society has held, and in all respects a good one, the number of entries and the quality of the exhibits having exceeded the most sanguine expectations. The classes for Belgian hares and silver buck or doe had each 23 entries, and the judge, Roberts, of Bramlev, had good deal difficulty allotting the prizes. The secretary (Mr W. T. Tullock) is deserving of word of praise for his exertions to make the show what it undoubtedly was, a great success. The prize list was follows : -

English Cats (Open) Class 8: Best male – H. Younge, 1; M.D. Knowles, 2; W.B. Gascoigne, 3.
Class 9: best Female – R. Pyle, 1; R.H. Greenwood (Empress), 2; H. Young, 3.

LOCAL PRIZE-WINNERS WISBEACH. Oxford Times, 15th January 1887
At the Wisbeach poultry, rabbit, and cat show, Mr. J. Hill, Warborough Villa, Grandpont, was awarded first prize for his long-haired cat, and second for a young short-haired tabby: also very highly commended for two Angora rabbits, and very highly commended for Himalayan [rabbit].

EBBW VALE DOG, POULTRY AND CAT SHOW. South Wales Daily News, 21st January 1887
The first annual exhibition of dogs, poultry, and cats was held at Ebbw Vale on Thursday, at the Market Hall, a building admirably suited to the purpose. The show was held under distinguished patronage, and a strong committee, having at its head Mr C. B. Holland, had done everything to make the affair a success. Dr. E. S. Vachell, of Victoria, acted as secretary to the committee. The entries were far in excess of the capacities of the hall, and a large tent had, therefore, to be erected adjoining the building. The exhibition contained some of the best animals in the United Kingdom. Fox terriers were numerous, whilst the St. Bernards, although not large in number, were of splendid quality. A sad incident unfortunately occurred. One dog - a large and very valuable St. Bernard, and named “Colonel Burnaby," belonging to a gentleman residing at Cheltenham was found on its arrival at the railway station to have died on the journey from suffocation. Refreshments were provided in the hall, and a public luncheon was provided at the County Hotel, adjoining the hall. The show at times was rather inconveniently crowded. The judging gave much satisfaction. The judges were - Dogs, Mr George Halliwell, Sheffield; birds, poultry, cats, etc,, Mr. J. Martin, Worcester. The entries were - birds etc. 427; dogs, 247; total, 674. The awards were as follows: - .

CATS – Long-haired - 1, W. B. Barnett; 2, Lazarus; 3, Mrs E.S. Vachell.
Short-haired - 1, John Watkins; 2, T, Danaker 3, Mrs J. Light.

EBBW VALE DOG AND POULTRY Merthyr Express, 29th January 1887
Never before in the annals of Ebbw Vale has a venture been undertaken with such success as the dog, poultry, pigeon, cage bird, and cat show held at the Market Hall of this town on Thursday, January 20th. That day will be a red-letter day in the history of Ebbw Vale, and will not fade from the memory of the most thoughtless . . . Perhaps the only class lacking merit and number, comparatively, was the cats, but there, as in every other class, a substratum of superiority was perceptible.
CATS – Long-haired - 1, W. B. Barnett; 2, Lazarus; 3, Mrs E.S. Vachell.
Short-haired - 1, John Watkins; 2, T, Danaker 3, Mrs J. Light; h.c. W. Davies, T. Williams, Miss Jane Davies, J. Reynolds.

ALMANAC, RABBIT, PIGEON AND CAT SHOW. Yorkshire Evening Press, 26th January 1887
Yesterday, the fifth annual show promoted by Mr. j. Clarke, of the Chaloner Hotel, took place in the Chaloner hall. There was a capital entry in the whole of the classes, with the exception of folding screens, for which there were no entries. The judges were Messrs. Sanders and R. Gardiner, of Guisbro’, for almanacs; Mr. R. Lightfoot, Middlesbro’, for rabbits and cats; and Mr. C. Haswell, Guisbro’, for pigeons.

The entries in the department for cats were numerous, and some fine specimens of the feline tribe were exhibited. Mr. F. Freeman took first honours, Mr H.P. Pease second, and Mrs I. Fry third. (Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 26th January 1887)

GUISBOROUGH ALMANAC, RABBIT, PIGEON, AND CAT SHOW North Star (Darlington), 26th January 1887
The fifth annual show promoted by Mr. J. Clarke, of the Chaloner Hotel, Guisborough, took place in the Chaloner Hall.
Best rough cat – 1, F. Freeman; 2, H.P. Pease; 3, Mrs. T. Fry.
Best smooth cat – 1, R. Clough.

[THORNE] RABBIT, CAGE-BIRD, AND CAT SHOW Howdenshire Gazette, 25th February 1887
On Tuesday an exhibition of the above was held in the Temperance Hall, under the auspices of the Thorne Fanciers’ Society. [15 cats entered.] The pens for the rabbits and cats were lent by the Thorne Agricultural Society.

[MIDDLESBOROUGH] RABBIT, GUINEA PIG, AND CAT SHOW North Star (Darlington), 22nd March 1887
Rabbit, Guinea Pig, and Cat Show, Nag’s Head Hotel, Middlesborough, Saturday, April 2nd, 1887. For Schedules &c., apply J.W. Lightfoot, Secretary.

[MIDDLESBOROUGH] RABBIT, GUINEA PIG, AND CAT SHOW North Star (Darlington), 4th April 1887
On Saturday a rabbit, guinea pig, and cat show was held at the Nag’s Head Hotel. Mr. J. Williamson, Monckton-terrace, Leeds, officiated as judge . . . Best cat – Mr. Freeman, of Guisborough.

[MIDDLESBOROUGH] RABBIT, GUINEA PIG, AND CAT SHOW. York Herald, 9th April 1887
On Saturday afternoon an exhibition in which considerable interest was evinced was held at the Nag's Head Hotel, West-street, Middlesbro'. The exhibition was promoted by Mr. J. W. Lightfoot, who secured a good entry, and some capital exhibits from a distance, Mr. J. Williamson, of Leeds, was judge, and made the following awards : Cats - 1, F. Freeman, Guisbro', 2 and 3, H. Young, Harrogate.

COOKE’S ROYAL CIRCUS, NETHERGATE, DUNDEE. Dundee Courier, 4th May, 1887
To-night – horse Show, pony Show, Cat Show, Dog Show etc. Valuable Handsome Prizes for each class. Plan and Booking, Methven, Simpson and Co.

THE SHOW. The Cornish Telegraph, 12th May 1887
The usual dog, poultry, rabbit, and cat show, was held in the Market House. An unusually large number of exhibitors had been attracted this year, and the show, both as regards the number of entries and the quality of birds and animals exhibited, surpasses any that has yet been given.
Cats: Class 1 – Long-hair, any colour: 1, 6s, and 2, 4s, Rev. J.A. kempe, Bodmin; 3, 2s, J.M. Carne, Falmouth.
Class 2 – Any breed or colour not before mentioned: 1, 6s, Henry Cowling, Camborne; 2, 4s, James Oliver, Wendron; 3, 2s, M.J. Marshall, Helston.

[STOCKTON CAT SHOW] North Star (Darlington), 31st May 1887
Whitsuntide was spent very quietly in Stockton yesterday . . . a speciality in the shape of a cat show added to Mr. Alderson’s usual Whitsuntide gala in the Mill-lane Grounds.

SHOW. Berkshire Chronicle, 18th June 1887
Nineteenth year of the Bagshot and Windlesham Musical and Horticultural Fete, Rose, poultry, Dog and Cat Show will take place in Bagshot Park (Entrances – opposite the Railway Station and Lodge on London-road), by kind permission of H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, on Tuesday, June 28th, 1887. Grand exhibitions of cut roses, flower, poultry, dog and cat show. [. . .] On Wednesday, June 29th, 1887, the Flower, poultry, Dog and Cat Show will be held conjointly with the Grand Rural Fete of Court “Pride of the Heath,” No. 2837, Ancient Order of Foresters.

BAGSHOT AND WINDLESHAM HORTICULTURAL, POULTRY, AND PIGEON SHOW West Surrey Times, 22nd January 1887
The Bagshot and Windlesham Horticultural, Poultry, and Pigeon Show is fixed for the 28th June, in Bagshot Park . . . in addition there will be a dog and cat show, and several valuable cups will be offered for competition, in addition to money prizes.

BAGSHOT EXHIBITION West Surrey Times, 2nd July 1887
Still another new feature was to have been introduced in the character of a cat show. There were, however, no entries, so the plan, unfortunately, had to be abandoned.

HULL FRIENDLY AND TRADES SOCIETIES’ SPORTS. Hull Daily Mail, 2nd August 1887
The Hull Amalgamated Friendly and Trades Societies held their sixt annual athletic sports, gala, and pigeon, rabbit, and cat show in aid of the local medical charities and Orphan House at the Botanic Gardens yesterday afternoon [. . .] In the pigeon, rabbit, and cat show the entries were as follows: - pigeons 233, rabbits 46, cats 11, total 290. [Cat judge was Mr. W. Lumb]
Cats: Male cat, any variety – 1, T. Grant; 2, T. Pocklington; 3, C.W. Storr; 4. W. Chester.
Female cat, any variety – 1, G. Giles; 2 and 3, T. Ward; 4, J.T. Owen.

TONDU AND ABERKENFIG FLOWER, BIRD, AND CAT SHOW Central Glamorgan Gazette, 5th August 1887
The above will be held in the Factory Field, on Wednesday, August 17th, 1887.

SOMERTON FLOWER, POULTRY, PIGEON, CAGE-BIRD, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW Langport & Somerton Herald, 6th August 1887
Somerton Flower, Poultry, Pigeon, Cage-Bird, Rabbit, and Cat Show, Wednesday, August 24th, 1887. The thirteenth show will be held in the Park at Somerton Erleigh (by kind permission of Colonel Pinney).

TROWBRIDGE & COUNTY OF WILTS POULTRY, PIGEON, CAGE BIRDS, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW. Trowbridge Chronicle, 13th August 1887
Trowbridge & County Of Wilts Poultry, Pigeon, Cage Birds, Rabbit, and Cat Show, August 18, 1887.

COOKE’S ROYAL CIRCUS, PERTH Perthshire Constitutional & Journal, 5th September 1887
Cooke’s Royal Circus, Ivy Bank, Victoria Street, Perth. Tomorrow (Tuesday) Night, a cat show. For the Best Tom Cat – Prize 5s., For the Best Tortoiseshell Cat – Prize 5s., For the Best Tabby Cat – Prize 5s., For the Best Cat and Kittens – Prize 5s., Special Prize for the Best-Decorated Basket containing the Animals.

SHAFTESBURY. POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW. Western Gazette, 28th October 1887
The Committee of the Yeovil Poultry Show will well to keep eye on the energetic Committee which guides the destinies of the above-named newly-formed exhibition, for the number of entries, their quality, and the names of their owners are sufficient guarantees that the Shaftesbury Show which was held on Wednesday and Thursday at the Market House, Shaftesbury, is not an opponent of small degree, but rather a formidable rival, is in its second year only, and can boast this year nearly 700 entries of the best specimens the country, prize winners hailing from such distant places as Buckingham, Maidstone, Woodbridge, Peterborough, Plymouth, Birmingham, Exeter, Bridgend, Pontypridd, and so on. It has an efficient secretary and a capital committee, nearly all of them knowing a good deal of poultry breeding and the fancies that pertain thereto and it boasts of a fine patronage, equal to anything the sort in the Western counties. It has nearly doubled its entries since its birth last year, and a better for the convenience the sight-seeing public could. hardly be conceived. So that, given sufficient funds, the Shaftesbury Show, notwithstanding its out-of-the-world locality, bids fair to become one of considerable importance.

Open Classes – Cats. Class 51 – Any variety, long-haired – 1st, Mr. Worthy, Shaftesbury; 2nd, J. Hill’ 3rd, E.H. Evans, Ilchester.
Class 52 – Any variety short-haired – 1st, Mrs. H. Young, Harrowgate; 2nd, Master Young, Shaftesbury; 3rd, G Prersley, Salisbury; h.c. Mr. Arnold, Motcombe; T. Webb, Salisbury; J. Dowding; J.E. Woodford, Kidlington.

CHARD POULTRY, PIGEON, CAGEBIRD, AND CAT SHOW. LOCAL PRIZE-WINNERS. Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 3rd November 1887
The animal exhibition in connexion with the Chord Poultry, Pigeon, Cage-bird, and Cat Association was held in the Corn Exchange, Chard, yesterday. The entries were very numerous, and the exhibits comprised some of the best specimens in the country. The Show, which will be continued to-day, was well patronised yesterday. We give below a list of the principal local prize-winners, with particulars of their awards: [poultry awards only]

THE CRAWLEY AND DISTRICT POULTRY AND CAT SHOW. Surrey Mirror, 5th November 1887
Wednesday and Thursday last was a red letter day among the inhabitants of Crawley and district, consequent on the first annual Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Show held in Crawley. The committee composed of the following gentlemen. Captain A.H. S. Fraser (Chairman), Messrs. R. A. Hall, C. Fraser, W. Hart, K. Winder, John Leach, S.C. Burgess, J. Ede and R. Cook, and J. Weedon and Wm. Leach as Hon. Secretaries, with Lord de Blaquiere as President of the Society, are to be congratulated on the complete success of the show, which was held at the Assembly Room, the George Hotel.

Cats. Prizes – First, 10s; Second, 5s; Third, 2s 6d.
Class 1. Short Hair. Any colour. – 1, H. Young; 2, J. Childes; 3, C.F. Beard; vhc, Harvey : hc, F. Winser, F. Stock, Harvey.
Class 2. Long Hair. Any colour. – 1, F. Winser; 2. E. Ede;. 3, A. Wood.

BISHOP AUCKLAND – POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW. York Herald, 17th November 1887
This exhibition, which was established in 1830, was held yesterday, and was attended with success. The show was held in the Town=hall, and both the large rooms and covered market were crowded with the exhibits, which numbered 961. Every department of the show was marked by excellence. [No cat results given]

DOVER DOG AND CAT SHOW. Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmers' Gazette, 3rd December 1887
The fourth annual Dog, Cat, Poultry, and Variety Show was held in the Market Hall, Dover, on Tuesday and yesterday. The show was good all round one. There were 480 entries in the 55 classes. [. . .] The judges were: - cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc., A. E. Enfield, Esq. Prize list.
Class 23 Tabby Cats - 1st, Bob, Mr. E. Court, Dover; 2nd, Master Howells, Dover; 3rd. Mr. Tapper, Ringwould.
Class 24, Black Cats - 1st, Mr. C. Batterbee, Dover; 2nd, Mrs F. Quier, Dover; 3rd, Master P. W. Katcliffe, Womenswould.
Class 25, White Cats – 1st, Madame Lemon; 2nd, Mr. Akhurst; 3rd, Mr. E. Court.
Class 26, Any other colours - 1st, Mr. G. Hicks; 2nd, Mr. J.J. Ralph; 3rd, Marchioness of Ely.
Class 27, Gelded Cats - 1st, Mr. W. G. Jones; 2nd, H. Groombridge: 3rd, G. W. Buckman.
[Class 28 not mentioned, presumably no entries]
Class 29, Kittens - Mr. F. W. Johnson.

RABBIT AND CAT SHOW. Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette, 19th December 1887
Tomorrow and on Wednesday the Sunderland West End and District Fancy Rabbit and Cat Society will hold their second annual open show at the Central Coffee Tavern, High Street, West. There are 235 entries.

CAT SHOW AT ASTLEY. Leigh Chronicle and Weekly District Advertiser, 23rd December 1887
On Monday evening cat show was held at the house of Mr. P. Brown, Star Inn, Astley. There were about 7 entries. The first prize was awarded to Mr. D. Hilton, and the second was carried off by Mr. T. Green.