REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS - 1888

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.

1888 RICHMOND DOG AND POULTRY (AND PET) SHOW

PULBOROUGH. CAT, RABBIT, AND GUINEA PIG SHOW West Sussex County Times, 26th May 1888
Mr G. H. Nutt and Miss Nutt are responsible for having got together at the Corn Exchange at Pulborough a large and representative exhibition of domestic pets, the first show being held on Whit Monday and Tuesday. The "fancy" was more than usually numerous, for cats large, cats small, rabbits and "cavies" filled the room, and delighted the numerous spectators by the variety of their species and the excellent characteristics which were seen in all parts of the room. Several novelties in an exhibition of this kind were also shown. In a cage there was a good sized badger with a couple of young, which had been captured by Mr Charles Shepherd, of Petworth, in Farm Wood, Sutton. Mr Nutt showed. among other things, a racoon, and a splendidly marked wild cat, whose gleaming black eyes betokened the class to which she belonged. Another cat, also Mr Nutt's, had but two legs, and looked like a tabby Kangaroo more than an ordinary domestic pet. In the exhibition there were kinds to suit all tastes, and these were admired greatly during the time the show was open. The entries for all classes numbered 293. The judges were Cats, Mr Harrison Weir. F. R. H. S. . . . The interest taken in the show augers well for the future success of Mr and Miss Nutt's venture. The following is the prize list, the prizes in all classes being first 15s.; second, 10s.; third 5s.
Wild cats, Mr G. H. Nutt.
Short-haired cats - the silver medal given by the National cat club, for best cat in this class was taken by Mrs H. Young, Harrogate, Yorkshire. with Lady Siam.
Class 1. For cats that have never won two firsts, male or female, any colour - 1, J. Mottershead's Joe, also a special prize for best in Classes 1 and 7; 2, G. Fowler jun.’s King of the J Fancy.
Class 2. Males. 1, Mrs Rowell; 2, J. Childes with Bob.
Class 3. Females. 1, Mrs H. Young's Lady Siam, also a special prize for best in 2 and 3, given by Mrs Hawkins; 2, J. Childes’ Millie; 3, J. Mottershead's Floss; commended, Mrs Harton’s Topsy.
Class 4. Males, tabby. 1. Mrs H. Young's Jumbo; 2. J. Harris; 3, A. Shambrook's Boss; highly commended, G. Fowler's Spotted Leopard.
Class 5. Females, tabby. 1, J. Fox's Queen, also special for best in 4 and 5, given by Mr Payne; 2, S. Brigden's Topsy; 3, F. Winser's Cleopatra.
Class 4. Male or female tortoiseshell. 1, Miss Henty’s Browny, also a special prize given by a fancier; 2, Miss Henty’s Laura; 3, Mrs Olive's Puss.
Class 7. Long haired cats. For cats that have never won two firsts, male or female, any colour. 1,.E. Krog, jun. (1st prize People's Palace); 2, F. Winser (1st prise People's Palace and 1st Crawley).
Class 8. Males. 1, Miss Kinchart's Banjo; 2, Miss Moore's Jem; 3, Mrs Harton's Bobby.
Class 9. Females. 1, Miss E. Shawn's Jet, also took the N.C.C. medal for best long-haired cat, and a special prize given by a fancier for best in 8 and 9; 2, J. S. Newman 's Cato; 3, Miss Gresham's Princess Bamba. Mr B. A. Harris Lady Violet (1st prize Alexandra Palace) arrived too late for competition.
Class 10. Males. Tabby. 1, T. Fry, a splendid animal, took also the Duchess of Abercorn's prize for the best in the show, and a special given by a fancier for best in 10 and 11; 2, Miss Gresham's Kahman; 3, Miss C. Herring's Dolly; Mrs Harton's Toby very highly commended.
Class 11. Females, tabby. 1, Miss F. Moore's Chloe, a beautiful animal, which has taken three firsts. viz., Crystal Palace, Brighton Aquarium, and Bexley; 2, Mrs Kinchart's Bluetta; 3, Mrs N. Bray; Miss Moore's Judy (first Alexandra Palace) was very highly commended; Mrs Harton's Impel (first Albert Palace, second Crystal Palace, second Alexandra Palace) was highly commended; Miss Moore's Daisy (first and medal Albert Palace) highly commended; Miss S. A. Leake also secured highly commended.
Class 12. Two best kittens, under six months. 1, Miss Gresham 's Babil and Bijou, also special prize, given by Mr E. Durrant; 2, J. Fox's Rough and Ready; 3, J.S. Newman. Mrs Harton secured highly commended; Mrs B. A. Harris's Snowdrop and Daisy, two lovely kittens, were too late for competition.
Class 13. For heaviest cat. 1, Miss Olliver’s Prince, also special given by licensed victuallers' wives of Pulborough; 2, W. Seaton's Mamie; 3, A.L. Ward's Jumbo.
Class 14. Cottagers' Class. Male or female, short-haired. 1, Mrs J. Hampshire, also special given by the Hon. Mrs Bourke; 2, W. Rowe; 3. A. L. Ward's Tom; highly commended, Master A. Ray's Town Razor and Miss Henley's Tottie.
Class 15. Cottagers' Class. Male or female, long-haired. 1, W. Holden's Tigress, also special, given by Mr. J.W. Biddulph; 2, Mrs. Brackett's Tom; 3, S. Stanford's Jessie (2nd prize People's Palace).

PULBOROUGH. CAT, RABBIT, AND GUINEA PIG SHOW. Horsham, Petworth, Midhurst and Steyning Express, 29th May 1888
A show, which it is proposed to make annual, of cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs (“cavies”), was held in the Corn Exchange, on Whit-Monday and Tuesday. The exhibition, we believe, originated with Mr G.H. Nutt, and with him and Miss Nutt as joint secretaries and managers, was brought to a successful issue. The entries numbered close upon 300, the judges being, for cats, Mr Harrison Weir, F.R.H.S . . ... Space will not allow us to publish a full prize list, but the following are the first awards in their classes:-

For wild cats, Mr Nutt took the palm, and also a special prize given by himself for the best specimen in this class. In the champion classes for short-haired cats, Mr J. Mottershead, Mrs Rowell, Mrs H. Young, Mrs H. Young,, Mr J. Fox, and Miss Henly carried off the first awards in classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively, while Mr J. Fox, Miss Henly, and Mrs Young also gained special prizes for their exhibits. In the classes for long-haired cats the National Cat Club’s medal, for the best cat belonging to a member of the club, went to Miss Shawe, her animal also getting first prize in its class (9 females). Mr E. Krog, jun., was successful in the champion class for the same animals, while Miss E. Kinchart’s cat took a first and a special prize in the open classes for males, any colour. For males (tabby), Mr T. Fry’s gained the coveted honour, and was also judged to be the best cat in the show, for which the Dowager Duchess of Abercorn gave a special prize, but there being some little dispute in the case, the prize was withheld. In Class 11, for tabby females of any colour, Miss F. Moore took first prize. Miss Gresham’s two kittens, in class 12, were held to be th best, and gained the foremost position; while the heaviest cat of any variety was found in Mrs Ollive’s Prince. In the cottagers’ classes Mrs J. Hampshire gained distinction. Special prizes were also taken by several of the winners.

During Monday afternoon . . . the attendance was moderate. In the evening however, there was a continual flow of people in and out the Exchange. The judges’ “findings” seemed to give general satisfaction, and the exhibits in all classes were good, coming from a widely distributed rea. Selections of vocal and instrumental music agreeably diversified the proceedings on each afternoon and evening.

SWINDON DOG AND CAT SHOW. Western Daily Press , 23rd August 1888
The fifth annual show of the Swindon Dog and Cat Association was hold yesterday, under Kennel Club rules, the spacious premises of the V.W.II Horse Repository, lent for the purpose by Mr T. H. Deacon. The entries far exceeded in number those of any previous year, the total being upwards of 500. [. . .] List of judges: - Cats - Mr T. Latter, New Swindon.
CATS. Long-haired – 1 and 2, Miss E. Nutt; 3, Mrs Bridges.
Short haired, open - 1, J. Cowley; 2, Miss. E. Nutt; 3, W. Chapman.
Short-haired - 3, H. Blunsdon.

SWINDON DOG AND CAT SHOW. EXHIBITION AT THE V.W.H. REPOSITORY. Swindon Advertiser and North Wilts Chronicle, 25th August 1888
Such an event as a dog and cat show at Swindon had almost become thing of the past. There was a time within the memories of most of our readers when an exhibition of cats and a variety of other animals, as well as birds, was held annually at the Drill Hall, New Swindon, but for some reason or other this was dispensed with. An exhibition of dogs, however, was indeed unique in the town of Swindon, and this may appear the more strange when we have so many owners in the immediate neighbourhood of excellent specimens of the canine breed. Besides this, too, there is in Swindon, we believe, the largest rabbit coursing club in England [. . .] where there is a coursing club there must be dogs. It was decided recently to make an endeavour to hold a show of dogs at Swindon, and also to include therein exhibition of cats. Without a doubt, the thought of getting up such an affair first came from the coursing club already alluded to. [. . .] The show which, it is to be hoped, will be the first of an annual event - was held on Wednesday last, at the V.W.H Repository (kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by Mr. T. H. Deacon), and proved a success in every sense of the word. [. . .] A pleasing feature of the show was the large number of local entries, clearly evincing that the people are anxious to support an exhibition of this description, besides having a desire to test the advantages of their own particular dog or cat. By the way, the cats were not a numerous entry, nor were there any amongst the number exhibited that were scarcely worthy of special mention. It to be hoped that should another show be held next year - and have no doubt but what there will be - the owners of these domestic animals will enter their property for competition. We heard more than one person remark that they had a better cat at home themselves than what was to be seen in this department; well, such an idea as that ought alone to induce them to enter their pets into the show upon future occasion.
Class 45 - Long-haired. 1st prize, 12s 6d; 2nd, 7s 6d; 3rd 5s. - Miss E. Nutt’s Silver (Pulborough, Sussex) 1; Miss E. Nutt’s Tabby, 2; Mrs. Bridges’ Phyllis (Cheltenham) 3; Mrs. Scrives v.h.c; Miss E. Nutt’s Sandy h.c.; Miss E. Nutt’s Snowdrop and Lily c; Mrs. A. Webb c.
Class 46 - Short-haired (Open). 1st prize, 12s 6d; 2nd, 7s 6d; 3rd 5s. – 1st Mr. J. Cowley (Swindon) and Miss. E. Nutt’s The Queen; 3rd Mr. W. Chapman; h.c. Miss E. Nutt’s Salisbury and Silver and Browny.
Local Class 48 - Short-haired. 1st prize, 12s 6d; 2nd, 7s 6d; 3rd 5s. – 3rd, Mr. H. Blunsdon (Gorse Hill); h.c. Mr. J. Pagiston (Swindon), and Miss Doris Brown (Swindon).
Class 49 – For Cats Under 6 Months Old [on] The Day of Show. 1st prize, 12s 6d; 2nd, 7s 6d; 3rd 5s. – Miss Baden (Coate) and Miss Strange (Mannington), h.c.

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. London Evening Standard, 24th October 1888
The twentieth annual show of the National Cat Club was opened yesterday at the Crystal Palace. The entries number considerably over five hundred, divided into fifty-two classes, and amongst them are many remarkably fine specimens. Besides the encouragement given by the offer of a large sum in money prizes, there are several special prizes at the disposal of the judges, including three gold and nine silver medals, and several cups and other objects of art. Some of the classes presented a large number of entries, and some as few as one only. The First Class, for tortoiseshells or tortoiseshell and white, was one of the latter, and it seems clear that the breed of tortoiseshells, or, at any rate, the male specimens, are growing less common than formerly. But although the single entry in Class 1, a beautiful tortoiseshell and white, belonging to Mr. J. Harston, had no competitor, he was adjudged worthy of a first prize. In the next class, a fine brown tabby, "Tiger," took a first for its owner, Mr. Harris, and Mr. Fowler's "King of the Fancy," a beautifully marked silver tabby, was awarded a first and silver medal in the class for cats of that kind. Although this animal is only a year and eleven months old, it had already taken over 20 gold and silver medals and first prizes. The heroine of the show was Mr. A. A. Clarke's “Miss Whitey,” a pure white Persian with a marvellous length of coat and size of ruff and a superb brush. To the owner of this animal were awarded a first prize, a gold medal, a silver medal, and two special prizes, five in all, so that she was naturally the object of much curiosity. Mr. Clarke also took a gold medal in the class for short-haired cats. The judges were Mr. Harrison Weir, Mr. J. Jenner Weir, and Mr. G. Billett.

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. London Daily News, 24th October 1888
The 20th National Cat Show was opened yesterday at the Crystal Palace, and, whether with regard to the number of entries or the attendance of visitors was fully equal to any of its predecessors. The cats were exhibited in neat cages conveniently arranged in the South Gallery. There were no less than 524 entries, divided into 22 classes, and these include many beautiful specimens of " tabby " of different varieties. Two of the classes were set apart for cats belonging to working men. A silver-mounted Wedgwood-ware tea-set, presented by the Crystal Palace Company, was won by Mrs. Lee, with a Siamese named “Meo,” and a similar special prize was awarded to Mr, A. A. Clarke, who exhibited a lovely specimen of the pure white cat. This gentleman also won the club’s gold medal and the Emu Egg Challenge Vase, presented by himself for the best long-haired cat. Mr. J. A. Ellerton obtained a gold medal with a long-haired tabby called “Hector,” and silver medals were awarded to Mr. G. Fowler, jun., Miss Vyvyan (for the best two kittens), Mr. E. B. G. Langford, Miss Gresham, Mrs. Carr, Mr. H. F. Breeden, and Mrs. Tanner. The show remains open today.

THE CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. Pall Mall Gazette, 25th October 1888
Five hundred and twenty-four cats, some of them with charming and lively young families, and all of them claiming to belong to the aristocracy of the feline race, have for the last two days lived and moved (as far as their position behind iron bars would allow them to move) and had their being in one of the upper galleries of the Crystal Palace. Throngs of friends and admirers have been crowding around them at the show, for which Mr. Venables, the superintendent for the last seventeen years of the cat and bird shows at the Palace, claims the honour of its being the largest assembly of civilized cats which the world has ever seen. The music of their voices, which in some cases was a really fine and unique performance, resounded through the wide halls, forming a sure guide for all visitors, who, right at the entrance of the gallery, were confronted by a charming specimen of catdom in one "Jimmy," whose tortoise-shell and white fur have secured for him one of the fifty-two first prizes gained by various members of the assembly for different virtues. "Jimmy" looks sweetly complacent from above his pink necktie, for he is "not for sale," a distinction which he shares with a limited number of his brethren and sisters, while the rest are all in the market, at prices running up to £2,000.

The two-thousand pounder, by the way, rejoices in the name of Tibby, and is a big, black "belled" cat, calmly sleeping away his time of imprisonment, as do most of the "old stagers " which have graced many an exhibition by their presence, and which, when once again they appear on the scene of their former triumphs, are taken out of their baskets with some such greetings from the powers that he as, " Hallo, old man, are you here again, too ? " Those cats are best off at the exhibition which, having by reason of their superior "make," habitually to submit to being exhibited, accept the situation with the calmness befitting the descendants of the whilom Egyptian deity. And some of them, alas! pay the price of their liberty for the honour of being prize cats, as, for instance, a beautiful tabby, with proud eagle eyes, which wastes its great strength, formerly so valiantly used against any neighbouring cats that, in the district where it lived, cats had vanished for a short time entirely from the scene, in a cage, or lowly chained to a piece of furniture. Others are not quite so unfortunate as "Jumbo," in whom the warlike spirit predominates over every other feeling, but the majority of the exhibition cats have in some way to learn the lesson that "il faut souffrir pour etre belle," (it’s necessary to suffer to be beautiful) or, it might be added, for being in any other way distinguished.

This is more particularly the case with the "fancy" cats - such as, for instance, the white, long-haired beauties from the land of the Shah; the "blue" cats; those which can boast of a thumb; the graceful Siamese of pearly- grey, who belong to the cats which certainly may look at a King, since in Siam they are only to be had in the harem at the King's Palace, whence several of the specimens exhibited have been directly imported. To keep these and other "foreigners” alive and in good health under our grey skies and through our winter frosts and fogs, is by no means an easy thing, and one lady, while putting a choice little morsel of tender meat before her Siamese friend, complained yesterday that she had lost no less than £30 in a twelve- month through kittens of this breed dying of ailments contracted in this climate. £50 is no uncommon price for a pure-bred Siamese cat, whose pedigree is as carefully kept as that of the most valuable race-horse.

But much admired as these distinguished foreigners were, they were not the chief objects of interest at the show, and even the giant among the cats, a big grey creature not unlike a prize pig, and with the same aversion to any unnecessary physical exertion, and the scores of graceful kittens, had to stand back before one little creature sitting shyly in a corner of its cage, before which a crowd of spectators was constantly consulting as to the nature of the mysterious being with the sharp black nose, the cold, clear eyes, and the long brown tail, wound round the neck. Someone said it was an Indian mongoose, and somebody else talked of a kangaroo, but in reality the uncanny thing was one of those strange solitary animals which never mate, and which are known under the name of the Lemur or Madagascar cat, and are only found at Madagascar. Poor little "Jock " did not look happy at all, but submitted with dogged and somewhat pathetic patience to all demands made on him to show the light of his countenance and the length of his nose.

But worse off than even little "Jock” were those cats - and their number was considerable among the five hundred and twenty-four-which were new comers at a show and of an independent spirit. Having hitherto been accustomed only to promenade on roofs and disport themselves under the bushes of private gardens, there to play the troubadour and the knight errant, they howled and yelled and appealed with heartrending shrieks to the visitor, till, pacified by an abundant supply of good things for the inner cat, they subsided, and philosophically slept themselves through the two exhibition days.

And behind the scenes, where the public was not admitted, in the back premises of the Palace grounds, boiled a great caldron full of tripe and other dainties over a bright fire under the blue glad autumn sky, while inside a "private" room two men were all day busy with cutting up the meat into small pieces, and in turning a sausage machine for the benefit of the kittens, while big cans of fresh, creamy milk represented the cup that cheers but not inebriates. The show was, on the whole, a very great success, and if only the public would have abstained from opening the cages, or teasing the cats in other ways, one of the chief difficulties against which the authorities have to contend would have been removed.

Here, in conclusion, is a little true cat story which ought to stand as a solemn warning to those who put their faith in and lavish their affections upon cats. A gentleman was the happy owner of a magnificent cat, which charmed everybody, both by its beautiful colour and perfect shape, and by its soft, caressing manners. Every day it received from its master's own table its dainty little meals, and never had it known what it was to take its meals anywhere but by its master's side, while the latter was having his meals. One day some distinguished visitors arrived, and at luncheon the master for once forgot, or neglected, his favourite. After the guests had left he lay down or a couch, for his habitual afternoon nap, and the cat watched him from the distance with gleaming eyes. Shortly after the servants were summoned to the room by loud groans, and on entering found their master with a deep wound in his throat, which after a few days proved fatal. The cat had waited till he was asleep and then had pounced upon him and furiously bitten his throat. But this cat was not at the Crystal Palace show.

CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. The Queen, 27th October, 1888
THE twentieth annual Crystal Palace Cat Show was held on Tuesday and Wednesday last. The schedule of prizes exhaustive, including no less than fifty-seven distinct classes. The old-fashioned short-haired he cats came first, having nine classes for their accommodation. The first was for tortoiseshell or tortoiseshell and white. A few years since there was a tortoiseshell tom cat that won innumerable prizes, but he has passed away. In the present show there was only one entry and that was an animal that was a mongrel mixture of tabby, black, yellow, and white. In the following classes the various tabbies were well shown. In those classes for short-haired she cats there were several very good tortoiseshells, and also tortoiseshell and white. Tabbies were also very good. Siamese cats mustered strongly in the short-haired classes, but they should be separated from the common varieties, with which they cannot well be judged. This singular breed is characterised by the black extremities – feet, ears, and muzzle. The long-haired cats, of various colours – white, black, tabby, blue, &c. – were superb in length and softness of the pelage. We have never seen so good a collection.

The kittens were the most lovely little creatures imaginable, and attracted crowds around the cages of the winners. Cats for weight followed these classes. The first prize weighed 25lb., the second 23lb., and the third 20lb. Numerous classes for cats and kittens belonging to working men and women, and others for gelded cats, followed. Altogether there were considerably more than 500 cages of cats, shown by nearly 400 different exhibitors. Truly the cat fancy is looking up, for although the prices put against the animals were high, many changed owners at very considerable sums. £5 was not an uncommon price paid for a winner, and higher sums were reached. The show, which was held in the gallery, was well arranged, well ventilated, and wholesomely sweet. The pens or cages were the best we have ever seen for cats. The attendance on the animals was good, and the visitors were even inconveniently numerous. To the courtesy of Mr Jenner Weir, one of the judges, we are indebted for much information, and are happy to announce that the show must be considered a great success.

THE CAT SHOW AT THE PALACE. LIST OF LOCAL PRIZE TAKERS AND EXHIBITORS. Sydenham, Forest Hill & Penge Gazette, 27th October 1888
The 20th National Cat Show was opened on Tuesday at the Crystal Palace, and, whether with regard to the number of entries or the attendance of visitors, was fully equal to any of its predecessors. The cats were exhibited in neat cages conveniently arranged in the South Gallery. There were no less than 524 entries, divided into 52 classes, and these included many beautiful specimens of “tabby" of different varieties. Two of the classes were set apart for cats belonging to working men. The Crystal Palace band played a selection of music at intervals during the day. The show remained open on Wednesday. Amongst the prize takers were the following from this neighbourhood:
Mr. R. Babb, 1 Laurel-grove, Penge, second prise, class 47, v h c and h c in other classes.
Mrs. Bedward, Tudor House, 12, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood, third, class 7.
Mrs. Binckes, Hillside, Overhill-road, Lordship-lane, second, class 15.
Mr. A. Brill, Brunswick Hotel, Anerley-road, second, class 36.
Miss C. C. Brooks, Brooks Leigh, Beckenham, second, class 35.
Miss A. Brinker, Grosvenor Lodge, Colby-road, Upper Norwood, second, class 16.
Mr. Burbery, 95, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, second, class 6.
Mrs. Burgess, Roswyn, Beulah-hill, Upper Norwood, first, class 36.
Mrs. Carr, 5, Trewsbury-road, first, class 37.
Mrs. J. R. Cocq, The Chestnuts, Longton-grove, Sydenham, first, class 23.
Miss A. Coulson, Enfield, Anerley-road, third, class 38.
Mr. R. W. Cornutt, 50, Anerley-road, second, 51, for cats belonging to working man.
Mr. G. Davison, 49, Dallas-road, Upper Sydenham, first, class 46, for cats belonging to working men.
Miss C. Freeman, 7, Oaksford-avenue, Wells-road, Sydenham, first, class 43, for cats belonging to working men.
Mr. T. French, Gipsy Hill Dairy, Upper Norwood, first, class 4.
Miss E. M. Gessey, 4, Central-hill, Upper Norwood, third, class 3.
Mr. C. E. Gamey, 6, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, second, class 43, for belonging to working men.
Miss Gresham, The Lodge, Penge, first prize and medal, class 31.
Mr. W. Gutteridge, 8, Dallas-road, Sydenham, second, 50, for cats belonging to working men.
Mn. Howship, 9, Carbery-road, Westow-street, Upper Norwood, first, class 51.
Miss Maud Martin, 10, Palace-road, Upper Norwood, second, class 2.
Miss F. Moore Oakwood, Beckenham, second, class 13, first, class 24, third, class 29.
Mr. W. A. Nelson, Campion House, Sydenham, second, class 30.
Mrs. Nye, 10, St. Hughes-road, Anerley, first, class 45.
Mr. Pearl, Sylvan-road, Upper Norwood, second, class 38.
Mrs T. Stanton, 35, Camden Hill-road, Upper Norwood, second, class 45.
Mrs. F. Stanton, 11, Woodland-hill, Upper Norwood, second, class 17.
Mrs. D. H. Sutton, 1, Apsley-villa, Trewsbury-road, Sydenham, first, class 7.
Mrs. W. Tanner, 21, Ivy-cottage, Hawthorne-grove, Penge, first and medal, 44.
Mr. R. Winter, junr., 29, Castledine-road, Anerley, first, class 44.

Among the exhibitors who were not successful in gaining prizes, the following appear:
Mt. T. H. Ades, 14, Elsie-road, East Dulwich.
Mr. H. G. Ackerman, 17, Thesiger-road, Penge.
Mrs. Amos, 19, St. Hugh’s-road, Anerley, h c.
Mrs. E. Bacon, 1, Woodland-hill, Upper Norwood.
Miss M.C. Baily, Fern Bank, Sydenham-hill, v h c.
Mrs. C. E. Baldwin, 41, Woodbine-grove, Penge.
Mr. C. B. Baldwin, 41, Woodbine-grove, Penge, v h c.
Miss B. G. Barnes, 2, Laurel-villas, Upland-road, East Dulwich.
Mr. Bedward, Tudor House, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. W. Belton, 49, Colby-road, Upper Norwood, c.
Master T. Belton, 1, Barnfield-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. W. H. Billings, 2, Comfort-cottages, New Town, Upper Norwood.
Miss S. Blower, Geavle Villa, Gipsy-hill, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. S. G. Bradley, Post Office, Lower Sydenham.
Miss N. Brain, 7, Camden Hill-road. Upper Norwood.
Miss E. Brebner, 29, Camden Hill-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. C.C. Brooks, Brooks Leigh, Beckenham.
Mr. Bunn, 88, Sainsbury-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. J. Butler, 2, Beechview-villas, South Penge Park.
Mr. J. Callard, 155, Beckenham-road, Penge.
Mrs. Carter, 80, Woodland-hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. J. Carter, 9, Paddock-gardens, Upper Norwood, v h c.
Mr. A. Chadwell, The Stables, Central Park, Upper Norwood, v h c.
Mr. A.C. Clark, 39, Davids-road, Forest Hill, v h c.
Mr. A. Collens, 4, Tennyson-road, Penge, v h c.
Mr. T. Cosham, 17, Prospect-road, Sydenham.
Mr. E. Davidson, 10, Prospect-road, Sydenham, c.
Miss Davis, Laundry, Refreshment Department, Crystal Palace, v h c.
Mr. W. Dicker, 156, Woodland-hill, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. Dray, The Recreation Ground, Penge, h c.
Mrs. R. A. Dunk, 60 Oakfield-road, Penge.
Mrs. Durman, 13, Woodland-hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. E. Durman, 13, Woodland-hill, Upper Norwood c.
Mr. Eagle, 22, Palace-road, Upper Norwood, v h c in two classes.
Mrs. Edwards, 15, Woodland-hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. H. B. Emmitt, Telegraph Office, Crystal Palace.
Mrs. W. Glass, Meadow View, Venner-road, Sydenham, v h c.
Mrs. E. Groom, Fire Station, Crystal Palace Parade, v h c.
Mrs. Gwynn, St. George's Lodge, Catford, h c.
Miss A. Hands, 14, Bradford road, Sydenham.
Mr. E. Hands, 14, Bradford-road, Sydenham.
Mr. R. Harrow, 6, Coombe-road, Upper Sydenham.
Mrs. Harvey, Waltham, Cator-road, Sydenham.
Mrs. Henton, 8, Claremont-villas, Byne-road, Sydenham.
Mrs. Lovell Hodge, Rockbourne, Fox Hill, Upper Norwood, h c.
Miss Lovell Hodge, Rookbourne, Fox Hill, Upper Norwood.
Miss Hopwood, 17, Thesiger-road, Penge.
Mrs. H. Hughes, 96, High-street, Sydenham.
Mrs. W. M. Hunt, Berwyn, Amberley-road, Sydenham.
Miss M. Hyde. Walton Honor Oak Park.
Miss Jerome, 87, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. Joiner, 27, George-street, Upper Norwood.
Mr. Joiner, 27, George-street, Upper Norwood, v h c.
Miss Maude Keogh, Maybank, Colby-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. W.G. Leadbetter, 22, Laurel-grove, Penge, v h c.
Mrs. Lewis, 92, Anerley-road.
Mrs. W. Little, 91, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. J. L. Manzie, 43, Trenholme-road, Anerley.
Mr. A. Martin, 10. Palace-road, Upper Norwood, v h c.
Mrs. Henry Mason, Droxfield-villas, Underhill-road, East Dulwich.
Miss Moore, 8, Dallas-road, Sydenham.
Mrs. Mumford, 40, Palace-square, Upper Norwood.
Mr. W. Munday, 3, Kelvin-grove, Sydenham.
Mr. W. H. Nelson, 88, High-street, Sydenham.
Mrs. Page, "The General Jackson," Oakfield-road, Penge.
Mr. Page, "The General Jackson, Oakfield-road, Penge."
Mr. H. Page, 89, Woodbine-grove, Penge.
Mr. G. Payne, The Glen, Avenue-road, Anerley,
Mrs. M. A. Plant, 13, Paddock Gardens, Upper Norwood.
Mr. J. Plater, "Crown and Anchor," Lower Sydenham.
Miss L. Rivers, 82, Woodbine-grove, Penge.
Mrs. E. Robinson, Brookville, Forest Hill.
Miss A. Rhyls, Hythe Villa, Upper Norwood.
Miss Shearman, Sydney Lodge, Park-road, Forest Hill.
Mrs. Shelley, Tunbridge House, Grange-road, Upper Norwood, v h c.
Mr. F. Sinclair, 3, Cornish Grove. Penge, v h c.
Miss E. Smith, 34, London-grove, Sydenham.
Mrs. J. Standen, 104, Ewart-road, Forest Hill, v h c.
Mrs. A. M. Stead, Summerleigh, Auckland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. Strohmenger, 86, Westow-hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. W. Sweeting, 18, Hanover-street, Sydenham.
Mrs. H. Theinlot, 44, Woodland-hill, Upper Norwood, v h c.
Mrs. Thody, 57, Hawthorne-grove, Penge, h c.
Mr. J. Trusson, Refreshment Department, Crystal Palace, v h c.
Miss M.E. Tupper, 2, Palace-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. Tyler, 1, Pembroke-terrace, Trinity-road, Penge, v h c.
Mr. Uzzell, Alexander Hall, Penge.
Mr. H. Virgo, 38, Coombe-road, Sydenham.
Mr. C. Vyse, 64, Prospect-road, Sydeham, c.
Miss Weedon, 8, Dallas-road, Sydenham, c.
Mr. R. Whitmill, 86, Central-hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. G. Wilson, Messrs. Bertram's Laundry, Crystal Palace.
Mr. A.F. Winter, 26, Thicket-road, Anerley.
Miss J. Wood, 14, Essex-grove, Central Hill, Upper Norwood, v h c.
Mr. G. Young, 61, Bradford-road, Sydenham.
Mr. G. Young, 128, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. M. Young, 2, Kincardine-villas, Kelvin-grove, Upper Sydenham. v h c.

When Cyril Yeates died suddenly in 1950, his collection of cat literature was passed on to Mr P M Soderberg for use in his writing on “catty” matters. This included a collection of show catalogues dating back as far as 1888, and with an uninterrupted run of show catalogues between 1900 to the end of 1949 (shortly before his death). Rather than split these catalogues up between the various cat clubs who ran the shows, Soderberg contacted the Reading Room of the British Museum, and donated the catalogues to the National Library so that they “may be read by all who are prepared 'to take the trouble to obtain permission to enter the Reading Room.”

In “Our Cats” of May 1950, Soderberg reproduced items from the catalogue of the National Cat Show held at the Crystal Palace on 23rd and 24th October, 1888. That catalogue had once belonged to Frances Simpson, whom Soderberg described as founder and first President of the Blue Persian Cat Society, and who, throughout her long life as a fancier firmly refused to join any other club (I believe Soderberg may have been in error as Simpson was listed as President of the Brighton and Hove cat club in the posthumously published 4th Edition of “Cats for Pleasure and Profit” – or maybe she died before taking up the planned post).

One of the judges at this National Cat Show in 1888 was Harrison Weir, founder of cat shows in Britain. Indeed, Frances Simpson dedicated " The Book of the Cat," (1903) to him. There were a surprising number of cat shows up and down the country in 1888. The catalogue stated that the 1888 Palace Show was the twentieth in the series and mentioned shows in 1880 at Pulborough, Alexandra Palace, Bath, Brighton, Bexley, The Albert Palace, Halifax, Crawley, The People's Palace and Maidstone. Sadly there were no catalogues for any of those shows in Yeates’ collection.

The classification was limited to Longhaired cats (White, Black, Brown or Red Tabby, and Blue or Silver Tabby). The Shorthairs classes had more colour divisions and there were two classes for Manx, which attracted a total entry of twelve cats. The Siamese did not have a class to themselves as they had only been in the country for about four years, so it was quite an achievement that there were ten Siamese entered in the two classes. One was " imported direct from the King's Palace," and one named of Fatima (exhibited by Mr. Nutt) had apparently “come straight from the harem” though she only achieved a Commended card. Mrs. Herbert Young was showing a female by the name of Lady Siam, which was said to be the Only Chocolate in Europe. This would likely have been a solid brown cat, since Chocolate Pointed Siamese wasn’t known till at least ten years later and only the Seal Point or “Royal” Siamese was accepted as a point colour in 1888.

There were three cats in that show described as “thumb cats,” two of which were kittens with six toes. Tortie and Tortie-and-White Shorthairs were popular and well represented. One named Tilly must have been an outstanding specimen as she won a first at the Palace for seven successive years, the first being in 1882. There were one or two cats entered as Blue Persians, these being rare at the time. The Abyssinian and Russian Blue, also very rare so early on, were mentioned by name. The name Angora (a breed that declined due to the preference for cobby Persians) was also still used at the time for some of the longhaired cats.

The twentieth Crystal Palace show was held in 1888, meaning there must have been 2 years between 1871-1888 in which two shows were held at the Palace. Descriptions and sketches of the prize winners for the years 1885-1900 (and possible a little later) appeared in the "Ladies Pictorial" of the time

TAKING HOME THE CATS. The Globe, 25th October 1888
One could hardly form a just estimate of the high popularity of the “harmless necessary” without being present at the Crystal Palace – which by lamplight looks a huge and gloomy cavern – and hour before the closing of the exhibition. It needed a walk round the narrow corridor where the long rows of cages are placed to realise the extent to which their pets are held sacred by the women of England. For the cat is pre-eminently the property of the feminine portion of the household, though strangely enough its most famous bard belonged to the sterner sex, and no lady’s pen has ever portrayed it more prettily:-
“Her conscious tail her joy declared,
The fair round face, the snowy beard,
The velvet of her paws.
Her coat that with the tortoise vies,
Her ears of jet and emerald eyes;
She saw and purred applause.”
But Gray’s verses, like the well-known story of Mahomet cutting off the sleeve of his gown rather than disturb his favourite, proves no more than that the masculine heart on rare occasions goes out to pussy.

At a moderate calculation, the number of ladies assembled yesterday to see the breaking up of the great cat congress was in the proportion of about 27 to every man. And they did not seem to be all old maids. On the contrary, the British matron was present in force, her comfortable, good-humoured face conspicuous before the cage doors. Here and there, however, an austere spinster might be seen keeping a jealous watch by her favourite, and plainly suspicious of its admirers. And she was not without good grounds for her care. A cat show is like no other. When dogs are on view, for instance, the spectators pass along the rows at a respectful distance, and it only an occasional voice that can be heard uttering a kindly “poor fellow.” In a general way people are careful not to be too familiar with a dog all at once, and prudent mothers are at pains to keep their offspring away from them.

But there is a kind of freemasonry between women and cats, and the visitors talked to the animals as if they had known them for years. The mothers were condoled with on their imprisonment, and wherever a kitten was in a playful mood it had group of sympathetic friends round it. One did hear occasional remarks about points and markings, but the rarest specimens - not even the peak-nose creatures, looking more like weasels than cats - failed to attract as much attention as those, whatever their breeding might be, which evinced a hearty love of fun and frolic. The only exception to this rule was in the case of the black ones. They were obviously not popular. On their innocent heads appeared to have accumulated all the prejudice born of cat folk-lore. It must have been into black cats that witches transformed themselves, and the animals must have been of this colour in whose brains Dioscorides discovered such malignities; while in an illustrated edition of Grimm’s “Kinder-und Hausmarchen,” now lying before us, as matter of course, the unfortunate beast that sat on the wayside and made a face wie drei Tage Regenwetter, is coloured in the darkest hue. The tortoise-shell is still the favourite, though it run hard by its pathetic-looking white relative.

There is one pleasant feature of the solicitude shown by cat-owners for their property. It proves that they were real pets. Almost all other shows are too professional in character. The prizes given for dogs, for instance, and the prestige which the possession of a winner confers, have caused breeding to be taken up as regular profession. Not very long ago a fancy dog was purchased for a thousand pounds as a purely business speculation, the buyer calculating, doubt, to make his profit by prize-money and the sale of progeny. But this line of business is not likely to be developed the lady-owners of cats. They like them too well to systematically confine and train them like prize pigeons, dogs, and other regular visitors to the show-room. Besides, astonishing as is the variety of cats in the eyes of anyone not accustomed to give much attention to any but his own domestic mouser, the species are comparatively few in number. There are as many kinds of terriers as cats. So tabby is not in any immediate danger of being transferred from her traditional place on the hearth to a cage, where she would be placed under the discipline of regulated exercise and regimen. And that in all probability will be a comforting reflection to the boys who were conspicuously absent from the show, though their sisters thronged round every cage; for the average school-boy never likes a cat better than in a state of freedom, not that feels sentimental on the point, but he likes to have convenient object for his missiles.

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. Kent & Sussex Courier, 26th October 1888
At the 20th National Cat Show at the Crystal Palace on Tuesday last, Mrs Lee, of Penshurst, was awarded the special prize for the best shorthaired cat in the show, named “Meo.” Meo is a Siamese, and coloured like well-bred pug dog, with black snout, and is noted for its rarity and essential characteristics. There were altogether 527 cats on view, divided into 52 classes. The number of entries was much larger than on any previous occasion, and better in point of quality.

CAT SHOW IN LONDON. South Wales Echo, 26th October 1888
The cat show, which has drawn crowds to the Crystal Palace, may be quoted as proof of the willingness of fashion to be amused. The show has attracted spectators almost as numerous as those who attended the Handel Festival. Cats of all kinds, with placards announcing their moral as well as their physical qualities, occupied a long gallery, each cat in his own private dwelling; and the visitor was free to put to the test the virtues announced on the headboard - thus, the generous cat," who always shares with her comrades the morsels allotted to her, the “faithful cat," who returned home after having been conveyed miles away, attracted great became the object of much caressing.

CAT -SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. South London Press, 27th October 1888
The twentieth National Gat Show was held at the Crystal Palace Tuesday and Wednesday, exciting much interest, there being a large attendance of visitors on each day, especially of ladies, who are naturally fond of the household pets. The cats were exhibited in cages in the gallery at the south end of the Palace under the large clock, there being no less than 524 entries, divided into 52 classes, comprising almost every variety of the feline tribe. 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 South London exhibitors, with the awards gained by them.
Mr. T.H. Ades, 14, Elsie-road, East Dulwich.
Mr T. Akerman, 17, Thesiger-road, Penge.
Miss K. Aldrich, Keston Lodge, Tavistock-road, Croydon, 3rd Prize, Class 32.
Miss L. Angier, Blenheim Lodge, Eltham-road, Lee.
Miss C.A. Angier, Blenheim Lodge, Eltham-road, Lee.
Mrs. Armitage, 45, Green-street, Kennington Oval, very highly commended, Class 34.
Mrs. Armstrong, 11, Rommany-road, West Norwood.
Mrs. Astley, 94, Gipsy Hill.
Rev. H.J.D. Astley, 94, Gipsy Hill, very highly commended, Class 27.
Mr. R. Babb, 1, Laurel Grove, Penge, highly commended, Class 28; very highly commended, Class 41; 2nd, Class 47.
Mrs. E. Babbage, 196, Rommany-road, West Norwood
Mrs. E. Bacon, 1, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood.
Miss Badham,. 28, Vanbrugh Park, Blackheath.
Miss M. C. Baily, Fernbank, Sydenham Hill, very highly commended, Class 2.
Mrs. C.E. Baldwin, 41, Woodbine Grove, Penge.
Mrs. C.E. Baldwin, 41, Woodbine Grove, Penge, very highly commended, Class 36.
Miss B.G. Barnes, 2 Laurel Villas, Upland-road, East Dulwich.
Mrs. M. Barnes, 47, Furze-road, Thornton Heath, very highly commended, Class 31.
Mr. E. Bartlett, 4, Livingstone Villas, Livingstone-road, Thornton heath, very highly commended, Class 44.
Mrs. Bedward, Tudor House, 12, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood, 3rd Class 7.
Mr. Bedward, Tudor House, 12, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. Bell, 12, Neale Villas, Livingstone-road, Thornton Heath.
Mr. W. Belton, Colby-road, Upper Norwood, commended, Class 44.
Master T. Belton, Barnfiold-road, Upper Norwood.
Miss Bignall, 5, Kendall Villas, Thurlow Park-road, West Dulwich.
Mr. W.H. Billings, 2, Comfort Cottages, New Town, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. Binckes, Hillside, Overhill-road, Forest Hill, 2nd, Class 15.
Master P. Bird, 32, new Croxted-road, West Dulwich.
Miss S. Blower, Geale Villas, Gipsy Hill, upper Norwood.
Miss Booth, Rondebosch, Rosendale-road, West Dulwich, very highly commended, Class 3.
Mr. C. Bowthroe, 153, High-street, West Norwood, 2nd, Class 2.
Mrs. M.J. Boyles, 25, Furze-road, Thornton Heath, very highly commended, Class 43.
Mrs. E. Brackenbury, 25, Furze-road, Thornton Heath, very highly commended, Class 44.
Mrs. G.B. Bradley, Post Office, Sydenham.
Miss N. Brain, 7, Camden Hill-road, Upper Norwood.
Miss Brebner, 98, Camden-Hill-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. H. F. Breeden, 21, Freke-road, Lavender Hill, 1st, Class 41.
Miss A. Brigden, Crown Hill, Norwood.
Miss M. Brigden, Crown Hill, Norwood.
Mr. A. Brill, Brunswick Hotel, Anerley-road, 2nd, Class 36.
Miss E.C. Brooks, Brooks Leigh, Beckenham, 2nd, Class 38.
Mr. C. C. Brooks, Brooks, Brooks Leigh, Beckenham.
Miss A. Brunker, Grosvenor Lodge, Colby-road, Upper Norwood, 2nd, Class 16.
Mr. Bunn, 28, Sainsbury-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. C. Burbery, 95, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, 2nd, Class 6.
Mrs. Burgess, Roswyn, Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, 1st, Class 36.
Mrs. J. Butler, 2, Beechview Villas, South Penge Park.
Mrs. C. Caddington, 401. Norwood-road, West Norwood, very highly commended, Class 7.
Mr. J. Callard, 155, Beckenham-road, Penge.
Mrs. Carter, 30, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. J. Carter, 9, Paddock Gardens, Upper Norwood, very highly commended, Class 42.
Mrs. Carr, 5, Trewsbury-road, Sydenham, 1st, Class37.
Mr. A. Chadwell, The Stables, Cintra Park, Upper Norwood, very highly commended, Claass 8.
Mr. J. Childes, Blackheath, 1st, Class 8’ commended, Class 18.
Mrs. Chuter, 28, Rommany-road, West Norwood.
Miss S. Clarke, 25, . Clive-road, West Dulwich.
Mr. A. C. Clark, 39, David’s-row, Forest Hill, very highly commended, Class 51.
Mr. W. Cobley, Commercial Hotel, Herne Hill.
Mrs. J.R. Cocq, The Chestnuts, Loughton Grove, Sydenham, 1st, Class 23.
Mr. Collens, 4, Tennyson-coad, Penge, very highly commended, Class 29.
Mr. T. Cosham, 47, prospect-road, Sydenham.
Miss A. Coulson, Enfield, Anerley-road, Anerley, 3rd, Class 38.
Mr. R.W. Cornutt, 50 Anerley-road, Upper Norwood, 2nd, Class 51.
Mr. E. Davidson, 10, Prospect-road, Sydenham, commended, Class 34.
Mrs. Read Davies, Braemar, Curzon-road, West Dulwich, highly commended, Class 4.
Miss Davis, Laundry, Refreshment Department, Crystal Palace, very highly commended, Class 42.
Mr. G. Davison, 49, Dallas-road, Upper Sydenham, 1st, Class 46.
Mrs. W.E. Dawes 72, Denmark Hill.
Mr. W. Dickar, 156, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood.
Miss F. Doudney, Compton House, Alleyn Park, West Dulwich.
Mrs. Dray, The Recreation Ground, Penge, highly commended, Class 42.
Mrs. Drudge, Change-place, West Norwood.
Mrs. B.A. Dunk, 00, Oakfield-road, Penge.
Mr. C. Durman, 65, Gloucester terrace, Hamilton-road, West Norwood.
Mrs. Durman, 13, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. E. Durman, 13, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood, commended, Class 41.
Mr. Eagle, 22, Palace-road, Upper Norwood, very highly commended, Class 48; very highly commended, Class 50.
Mrs. Edwards, 15, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr. H.B. Emmitt, Telegraph Office, Crystal Palace.
Mr. F.W. Ford, Frangewood, South Norwood Hill, 1st, Class 47.
Miss. C. Freeman, 7, Oaksford Avenue, Wells-road, Sydenham, 1st, Class 43.
Mr. T. French, Gipsy Hill Dairy, Upper Norwood, 1st, Class 4.
Miss E.M. Gessey, 4, Central Hill, Upper Norwood, 3rd, Class 3.
Mr. C.E. Gessey, 68, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, 2nd, Class 43.
Mrs. W. Glass, Meadow View, Venner-road, Sydenham, very highly commended, Class 34.
Mrs. Green, 12, Oak Terrace, Paxton Yard, Hamilton-road, West Norwood.
Mr. William Green, 12, Oak Terrace, Paxton Yard, Hamilton-road, West Norwood.
Miss Gresham, The Lodge, Penge, 1st and medal, Class 31.
Mrs. Griffiths, 25, Clive-road, West Dulwich, very highly commended, Class 43.
Mrs. E. Groom, Fire Station, Crystal Palace Parade, very highly commended, Class 44.
Mr. William Gutteridge, 8, Dallas-road, Sydenham, 2nd, Class 50.****
Mrs. Gwynn, St. George’s lodge, Catford, highly commended, Class 38.
Miss Hands, 14, Bradford-road, Wells-road, Sydenham.
Mr. Hands, 14, Bradford-road, Wells-road, Sydenham.
Mr. R. Harrow, 6, Coombe-road, Upper Sydenham.
Mrs. M. Hart, Courland, Wandswortb-road.
Mrs. Harvey, Waltham, Cator-road, Sydenham. .
Miss A. Harvey, Laurel Cottage, new Town, Norwood, very highly commended, Class 31.
Mrs. C. Harvey, 26, Rommany-road, West Norwood.
Mrs. T. Harvey, 2. Bernard's Cottages, New Town, Norwood.
Mrs. Haskins, Grange Hotel, Thornton Heath, commended, Class7.
Mr. A. Head, 26A, Wingford-road, Bruton Hill, 2nd, Class 23. _
Mrs. Hedges, 102, High-street, West Norwood.
Miss S. Henderson, Adon Mount, Dulwich.
Mrs. Henton, Claremont Villas, Byne-road, Sydenham.
Mrs. L. Herring, Lestock House, Leyland-road, Lee, commended. Class 20.
Mr. H. Hobbs, 2, Westgate Villas, Moffatt-road, Thornton Heath, 2nd, Class 48.
Mrs. Lovell Hodge, “Rockbourne,” Fox Hill, Upper Norwood, highly commended. Class 27.
Miss Lovell Hodge, “Rockbourne,” Fox Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mrs.M. A. Hodges, 2, Rose Cottage, Norbury-toad, Thornton Heath.
Miss Hopwood, 17, Thesiger-road, Penge.
Mrs. M. Horton, 6, Heath-road, Thornton Heath, very highly commended, Class37.
Mr. W. Howard, 8, London-road, Clapham-road. 3rd, Class 37.
Mrs. V. Howship, 9, Carbery-road, Westow-street, Upper Norwood, 1st Class 51.
Mrs. H. Hughes, 96, High-street, Sydenham.
Mrs. Hunt, 120, Hamilton-road, West Norwood.
Miss Hunt, 42 Cambria-road, Denmark Bill, commended, Class 37.
Mrs. W. Hunt, “Berwyn,” Amberley-road, Sydenham.
Miss m. Hyde, “Walton,” Honor Oak Park.
Miss M. Jerome, 87, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, commended, Class 47.
Mr. E. Johnson, 28 Strode Villas, Holmesdale-road, South Norwood.
Mrs. Joiner, 27, George-street, Upper Norwood.
Mr. Joiner, 27, George-street, Upper Norwood, very highly commended, Class 47.
Dr. A. Lloyd Jones, Norman Lodge, Brockley.
Miss. M. Keogh, Maybank, Colby-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. C. Korch, 207, Brockley Road, 3rd, Class 2.
Mr. W. G. Lead better, 22, Laurel Grove, Penge, very highly commended, Class 12 and Class 15.
Mr. W. Letts, 4, Tillbrook Terrace, Livingstone-road, Thornton Heath,
Mrs. Lewis, 92, Anerley-road.
Mrs. W. Little, 91, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. Lockwood, 37, Percy Terrace, Addison-road, South Norwood, very highly commended, Class 46.
Miss E. Luck, 24, Guildford-road, Greenwich, 3rd, Class 41.
Mrs. J. L. Manzie, 43. Trenholme-road, Anerley.
Mrs. W. Martin, 165, Hamilton-road, West Norwood, very highly commended, Class 47.
Miss Maud Martin, 10, Palace-road, Upper Norwood, 2nd, Class 11.
Mr. A. Martin, 10, Palace-road, Upper Norwood, very highly commended, Class 43.
Mrs. Henry Mason, Broxfield Villas, Underhill-road, Dulwich.
Mrs.Mather, 99, Clive-road, West Dulwich, 2nd, Class 42.
Mrs. Mayhew, Holmesdale House, South Norwood, highly commended, Class-30.
Mrs. Moody, 18, Denmark-road, Camberwell, 1st, Class 33.
Miss Moore, 8, Dallas-road, Wells-road, Sydenham.
Miss Florence Moore, Oakwood, Beckenham, 2nd, Class 3; 1st Class 21; 3rd, Class 29.
Mr. W. Morris, Pond-road Lodge, Blackheath Park.
Miss J.Morton, Rook Villa, Croydon Grove.
Mrs. Mowser, 25, Furze-road, Thornton Heath, 2nd, Class 38.
Mr. G. Mowser, 25, Furze-road, Thornton Heath, highly commended, Class 9.
Mrs. James Mowser, 1, Brighton Terrace, Moffatt-road, Thornton Heath.
Mrs. Mumford, 40, Palace-square. Upper Norwood.
Mr. W. Munday, 3, Kelvln Grove, Sydenham Hill.
Mr. W. H. Nalson, 38, High-street, Sydenham.
Mr. W. A. Nelson, Campion House, Sydenham, 2nd, Class 30.
Mr. W. Newham, 40, Rotherhithe-street, Rotherhithe.
Miss E. Northfield, 2, Rose Cottages, Norbury-road, Thornton Heath.
Mrs. Nye, 10, St. Hugh-road, Anerley, 1st, Class 45.
Mrs, Ockenden, 63, Pawsons-road, Croydon.
Miss A. Orbell, 40, Farley-road, South Norwood, very highly commended, Class 44.
Mrs. Orriss, 4, Park-place, Crown Hill, Norwood, commended, Class 36.
Mrs. Page, the General Jackson, Oakfield-road, Penge,
Mr. Page, the General Jackson, Oakfield-road, Penge.
Mr. H. Page, 38, Woodbine Grove, Penge.
Mrs. Palmer, 6, Court-road, West Norwood, very highly commended, Class 20,
Mm. C. Parker, 20, Wisbeach-road, Holmesdale-road, Croydon.
Mr. R. Paterson, Reform Tavern, 1, Osborne-road, Thornton Heath.
Mr. G. Payne, The Glen, Avenue-road, Anerley.
Mr. Pearl, Fairoak, Sylvan-road, Upper Norwood, 2nd, Class 38.
Mrs. M.A. Plant, 15, Paddock Gardens, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. J. Plater, Crown and Anchor, Lower Sydenham.
Mrs Marshall Pontifex,40, The Avenue, Gipsy Hill, very highly commended Class 28; very highly commended Class 41.
Mrs. Pretty, 143, Hamilton-road, West Norwood, 1st, Class 42.
Miss Pymble, 140, Gipsy Hill, 1st, Class 13.
Miss L. Rivers, 82, Woodbine Grove, Penge.
Mrs E. Robinson, Brookvllle, Forest Hill.
Mrs. A. G. Rodgers, 1, Market-place, Gipsy-road, West Norwood.
Miss A Rhyla, Hythe Villa, Upper Norwood.
Mr. N. Schauchieff, 156, Woodland-road, Gipsy Hill.
Mr. A. Shawbrook, 26, Woodcote-place, West Norwood, very highly commended, Class4.
Miss Shearman, Sydney Lodge, Park-road, Forest Hill.
Mrs Shelley, Tundbridge House, Grange-road, Upper Norwood, very highly commended, Class 32.
Miss Shorter, Brightlands, Alleyn park, West Dulwich.
Mr. H. Sibley, 7, King William-street, Greenwich, 1st, Class 50.
Miss Simpson, St. Peter’s Vicarage, Eltham-road, Lee, 2nd, Class 28.
Mr. F. Sinclair, 3, Cornish Grove, Penge, very highly commended, Class 45.
Mr. W. Skinner, 33, Barnfield-road, Gipsy Hill.
Mr. H. G. Small, 15, Grosvenor-road, South Norwood, commended, Class 2.
Mrs. Smith, Fern Bank, Hyde Vale-road, Balham, 2nd, Class 7.
Mrs. A. Smith, Hill House, Crown-lane, Streatham Common, commended, Class 2.
Miss E. Smith, 34, Longton Grove, Sydenham.
Mr. F. Smith, 146, Hamiiton-road, West Norwood, 2nd, Class 44.
Master G. Smith, 1 Beeching Villas, Moffat-road, Thornton Heath.
Mr. H. Smith, 57, Mitcham-road, Croydon, 1st, Class 48.
Mr. W. South, Hamilton-road, West Norwood.
Mr. Sparks, 5, Dagmar Villas, Gipsy-road, 3rd, Class 8.
Mrs. Spear, “Marlow," Lewin-road, Streatham, highly commended, Class 33.
Mrs. J. Standen, 104, Ewart-road, Forest Hill, very highly commended, Class 50.
Mrs. F. Stanton, 21, Woodland Hill, Upper Norwood, 2nd, Class 17.
Mrs. T. Stanton, 35, Camden Hill-road, Upper Norwood, 2nd, Class 45.
Mrs. A.M. Stead, Summerleigh, Auckland-raod, Upper Norwood.
Mr. Strohmenger, 66, Westow Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mrs. D. H. Sutton, 1, Apsley Villa, Trewsbury-road, 1st, Class 7.
Miss M. A. Sutton, Ashleigh, Tankerville-road, Streatham Common.
Mr. W. Sweeting, 18, Hanover-street, Sydenham.
Mr. H. Swinyand, 21 and 23, Rommany-road, West Norwood, 3rd, Class 17; 3rd, Class 35.
Mrs. Tanner, 21, Ivy Cottage, Hawthorne Grove, Penge, 1st and medal, Class 44.
Mr. H. Teverson, 66, St. James’s-road, Croydon, very highly commended, Class 41.
Mrs. H. Themlot, 44. Woodland Hill, Upper.Norwood, very highly commended, Class 50.
Mrs. Thody, 57, Hawthorne Grove, Penge, highly commended, Class 11.
Mr- and Mrs. Thomas, The Bazaar, Sydenham-road, Croydon, 3rd, Class 23.
Mr. H. Thompson, 120, High-street, West Norwood.
Mrs. Tongue, 48, Clive-road, West Dulwich.
Mrs. C. A. Trangmar, 18, St. James s-road, Hatcham, very highly commended, Class 41.
Mrs. Treadaway, 42, Gillett-road, Thornton heath.
Mr. J. Trusson, Refreshment Department, Crystal Palace, very highly commended, Class 20.
Miss M.E. Tupper, 2, Palace-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. G. Tyler, 1, Pembroke Terrace, Trinity-road, Penge, very highly commended, Class 45.
Mr. Uzzell, Alexandra Hall, Penge.
Mr. H. Virgo, 38, Coombe-road, Sydenham.
Mr. C. Vyse, 54. Prospect-road, Sydenham, commended, Class 43.
Master C. C, Walker, Ryde Villas, Vant-road, Tooting.
Mrs. Ward, 24, Railway-road, Thornton Heath, 1st, Class 5.
Mr. J. Ware, Conservative Club, Parchmore-road, Thornton Heath, 2nd, Class 12.
Miss Weeden, 8, Dallas-read, Wells-road, Sydenham, commended, Class 47.
Mr. J. Weightman, 32, Embleton-street, Lewisham, 3rd, Class 51.
Miss M. A. Wellman, 38, Oakley-street, Waterloo-road, Lambeth.
Mrs. L. Wheeler, “Beaconsfleld,” Balham Park-road, Balham, 3rd, Class 36.
Mr. A, White, 62. Clive-road, West Norwood.
Mr W. White, 7, Gillett-road, Thornton Heath.
Mr W A. White, 6, Gillett-road, Thornton Meath.
Miss M. Williams, Railway Bell, Gipsy Hill.
Mrs .M. Willmott, Oakley House, 209, Brockley-road, Brockley, 3rd, Class 15.
Miss G. Wilson, 22, Clive-road, West Dulwich.
Mr. a, Wilson, Messrs. Bertram’s Laundry, Crystal Palace.
Mr. B. Windmill, 86, Central Hill, Upper Norwood.
Mr A. F. Winter, 26, Thicket-road, Anerley.
Miss H. Winter, 148, Woodland-road, Gipsy Hill, 3rd, Class 11.
Mr. R. Winter, jun., 29, Castledine-road, Anerley, 1st, Class 49.
Mrs. H. Wiseman, 43, Colby-road, Gipsy Hill, 2nd, Class 39.
Mrs. M.A. Wood, Prospect House, East Hill, Wandsworth, very highly commended, Class 41.
Miss J. Wood, 14, Essex Grove, Central Hill, Upper Norwood, very highly commended, Class 11.
Master S. Wood, 23, Falcon Grove, Clapham Junction.
Mr. W.R. Woods, 211, Vauxhall Bridge-road, 2nd, Class 6; 2nd, Class 18.
Mr. T. S. Wright, 45, Furze-road, Thornton Heath.
Mr. G. Young, 51, Bradford-road, Sydenham.
Mr. G. Young, 128. Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr. M. Young, 2. Kincardlne Villas, Kelvin Grove, Upper Sydenham, very highly commended, Class 50.

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. Northern Whig, 27th October 1888
The promoters of the National Cat Show are now holding their twentieth gathering at the Crystal Palace, and, to judge from the description of the prize-takers and their competitors, it must be assumed for the future that the feline tribe is to be accorded a place of honour not generally granted to it. It may interest our readers to know that the new colour approved by the authorities is “blue,” and there is a speedy prospect of cat culture ranking both as a science and a fine art. The present collection is said to be the largest ever brought together, and affords an excellent opportunity for studying cat “points,” such as frills, tufts, brushes, etc. The winner of the special prize for the best short haired cat in the exhibition is an animal of Siamese extraction, coloured like a well-bred pug-dog, with black snout. The most beautiful cat in the show is the winner of the gold medal for the best specimen in the long-haired section. Beauty, however, is not a necessary point, many of the prize animals being remarkable for their extreme ugliness - this quality being prized because of its rarity or preservation of essential characteristics. We need hardly say that the owners of many of the cats at the Crystal Palace Show are ladies, with the prefix “Miss” to their names. Should cat fancying become popular, it is evident that it can only be practised by a select few. As “grooming” is an important part of the culture necessary towards training a cat for the National Show, we doubt if this attention could be adequately disposed on the common domestic specimen, which, unless it be a special favourite, prefers its own paws for ablutionary and other operations.

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. Isle of Wight Observer, 27th October 1888
Mr. W. Merwood, of Ryde, exhibited his long-haired silver tabby cat, at the National Cat Show, held at the Crystal Palace, On Tuesday, and was so fortunate as to be awarded third prize.

HIGH PRICE FOR A CAT Liverpool Weekly Courier, 27th April 1889
Not only do dogs go across the Atlantic at long prices, but now cats are following in the same way. The “Fanciers’ Gazette” this week records that the celebrated white Persian cat Miss Whitey, which at the last Crystal Palace Cat Show carried everything before her, has been sold for the high figure (for a cat) of £20 to an American purchaser. Miss Whitey was bought in 1888 for £2, and at the last show won the silver medal for he best long-haired she-cat in the show, the silver-mounted tea service for the best long-haired cat, and the challenge cup for the best cat in the show, as well as several other prizes. Unfortunately she has never been bred from and leaves no descendants on this side.

POULTRY AND CAT SHOW. The [Guernsey] Star, 8th December 1888
Thursday terminated this year's exhibition, which has been visited by an unprecedented number of persons. The takings at the turn-stiles, amounted for both days to over £100, and a similar amount was received for entries. In our previous notice, and owing to pressure on our spaces we withheld the name of competitors who obtained certificates, and also the Cat class, all of which we publish to-day. The judges were Messrs. O. E. Cresswell and J. W. Fowler.
CATS. Class 125 - For winners of first prizes at previous shows. (Champion Class). 1, John Gardner; v.h.c. J. B. Randall; h.c., T. de Mouilpied.
Class 126 -Tabby English. 1 Peter Priaulx. v.h.c. J. B. Marquand.
Class 127 - Tabby and white, English. 1 N. Tardif. 2 R.H. Payne.
Class 128 - Black. 1 Herbert Bichard. h.c. H. Ogier.
Class 129 - Black and white. 1 A. Sher will.
Class 130 - Tortoiseshell. 1 F. A. Bichard. 2 J. Tostevin. h.c. W. Cruickshanks.
Class 131 - Tortoiseshell and white. 1 W. Cruickshanks. 2 N.De M. Tardif.
Class 134 - Any other variety, Special, 1 E. Trouteaud. 2 W. W. Marshall. 3 W. Martel. h.c..Miss Ellen Talbot; T. de Mouilpied, and E. W. Bachmann.
Class 135 - Kittens, under six months, English, any colour. 1 John Tardif. 2 W. Anderson. 3 - Peters, h.c. Mrs. James Carre and W. Cruickshanks.
Class 136 - Gelded Cats, any variety any age. 1 F. A. Adams. v.h.c. F. P. Oilivier h.c. - De Putron.

POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, CAGE BIRD, AND CAT SHOW. Driffield Times, 8th November 1888
The promoters of this show, which is to be held in the Assembly Rooms, on Wednesday, Dec. 5th, have issued their schedule of prizes, and heartily congratulate them upon their programme. In addition to over £30 offered in money prizes, the tradesmen of the town have given their co-operation to the committee, and in almost every class valuable special prizes are offered. With such a list of prizes venture to predict that committee will have their hopes realised that exhibitors will avail themselves of this chance of competition, and thus assist in making the exhibition an annual one.

DRIFFIELD POULTRY, PIGEON, BIRD, AND CAT SHOW. Driffield Times, 8th December 1888
The first venture for some years of a proposed annual exhibition took place on Wednesday, and in every way was a decided success. [. . .] The exhibition was held in the Assembly Rooms [. . .] , The judges - E. Hatton, Esq., of Pudsey, and H. Geater, Esq., of York - entered upon their duties early in the morning, and had to work hard to get through before the time for opening, owing not merely the large number of entries, but also the super-excellence of the exhibits, which included poultry, birds, rabbits, and cats which had won prizes at some of the principal shows in the country. The public were admitted at 1.30, and in a very short time there was quite a gathering of ladies and gentlemen. The following is a complete list of the awards
CATS. - MaIe or Female.
Foreign or Manx Cat (12 entries) - 1 and special, R C Horsley, Norton; 2, H B Newmarsh, Beverley; 3, Miss M Boynton, Burton Agnes; c, seven.
Black, or Black and White Cat (18 entries) - T W C Stork, Hunmanby; 2, W Kitson, Driffield; 3, G Smith, Flambro' Station; c, seven.
English Tortoiseshell or Chintz Cat (11 entries) - R C Horsley; 2, H Holmes; 3, Mrs Hartas, Sunderlandwick; extra, J Miller, Driffield; c, seven.
English Tiger-Marked Cat (16 entries) - R Beevers, Cowick Hall, Selby; 2, F Auckland, Goole; 3. T Fisher; c, eight.
English Mixed-Colours Cat (10 entries) - G Walker, Sunderlandwick; 2, C E Lundy. Driffield; 3, T Allison, sen,; c, all others.
Kitten, under sis months old, any variety (25 entries) - W Lovel, North Dalton, Hull; 2. H Hopper, Driffield; 3. H B Newmarsh; extra, G Jordan, Nafferton; all others commended.

BRIGHTON CAT SHOW. St James's Gazette, 20th October 1888
The Aquarium Company have applied for and obtained from the Brighton magistrates a theatrical licence for a term of four weeks from Monday next. The Company announce that the fourth annual cat show will be held on November 6, 7, and 8. The last day for entries is the 29th inst. Mr. Harrison Weir will officiate as judge.

BRIGHTON AQUARIUM. FOURTH ANNUAL CAT SHOW. The Referee, 28th October 1888
Brighton Aquarium. Fourth Annual Cat Show. November 6, 7, 8. Thirty-three classes, Judge, Harrison Weir, Esq., President National Cat Club. Entries close October 29, Schedules &c., on application to J. Wilkinson, Manager and Secretary.

BRIGHTON AQUARIUM CAT SHOW Kensington News and West London Times, 17th November 1888
The Kensington caterie is having almost unprecedented success just now, as we hear Mr. A.A. Clarke was awarded first and silver medal at Brighton Aquarium Cat Show, with Miss Whitey first, and cup for the best cat in the show at Trowbridge with “Zoo,” the same cat taking first and special at Southampton.

CAT SHOWS Kentish Mercury, 23rd November 1888
Mrs. Louisa Herring, of Leystock house, Leyland-road, Lee, got three prizes at the Brighton Cat Show, and two second, one third, and special prizes at the Maidstone Rabbit and Cat Show last week.

RABBIT, CAVY, AND CAT SHOW IN MAIDSTONE. Kent Times, 17th November 1888
Under the auspices of the Maidstone and Kent County Rabbit, Cary, and Cat Society, a show was held at the Bull Hotel, on Tuesday and Wednesday, when 300 exhibit, were staged, with the result that the exhibition was a very good one . . . Some very handsome cats were exhibited, but the number was not large.
Cats. Long-hair – 1st, Mr. T. Heayman, Bromley; 2nd and special, Mrs. L. Herring, Lee; 3rd, Mrs. Vallance, Sittingbourne; 4th, Mr. E.B.G. Lankford.
Short-hair – 1st, Marchioness of Ely’ 2nd and special, and 3rd, Mrs. L. Herring; 4th, Mr. J. Cole, Lewisham.
Kittens – 1st, Mr. A. Wynn.

PONTYPRIDD AND RHONDDA VALLEY DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON, CAGE BIRD AND CAT SHOW. South Wales Daily News, 6th February 1888
Pontypridd and Rhondda Valley Dog, Poultry, Pigeon, Cage Bird and Cat Show. The above show ill be held at the Town Hall and Market Hall, Pontypridd on Thursday 15th March, 1888. 32 Classes for Dogs, 47 for Poultry, 7 for Pigeons, 14 for Cage Birds, and 2 for Cats. Several Silver Cups and Special Prizes will be awarded in addition to First Prizes. For Schedules apply to James E. Spickett / R.A. Lewis, Hons Secs.

EBBW VALE DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON, CAGE BIRD AND CAT SHOW. South Wales Daily News - Tuesday 17 January 1888
Ebbw Vale Dog, Poultry, Pigeon, Cage Bird and Cat Show. President – C.B. Holland, Esq., J.P., Victoria. 2nd Annual Exhibition, Feb 2nd, 18888. Dogs under K.C. Rules. Most liberal schedule, small entry fees, valuable specials. Judges – Messrs. J.A. Doyle, G. Halliwell, and J. Martin. Entries close January 17, 1888. For particulars apply Hon. Sec., Ebbw Vale.

POULTRY AND CAT SHOW. Dundee Courier, 4th January 1888
The annual exhibition of poultry, pigeons, and rabbits in connection with the Forfar Poultry and Pigeon Association was held in the Reid Hall on Monday and yesterday, and was well patronised. The entries for poultry were numerous - fully more than at last year's show [. . .] Yesterday an exhibition of cats took place, when there were about 30 entries, "Toms” and ''Tabbies” being both well represented. Mr Charles Greenhill took first for ''Toms," and Mr Graham Millar for “Tabbies." The judges were ex- Provost Reid and Mr John Watt.

SALISBURY PIGEON, RABBIT , AND CAT SHOW. The Salisbury Times, 4th February 1888
The promoters of the pigeon, rabbit and cat show held in the Market House on Wednesday may be heartily congratulated on the success which attended their efforts. [. . .]The exhibition of rabbits was also a capital one, and in the class for cats some fine animals were observed.

PIGEON, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW AT THE MARKET HOUSE . The Salisbury Times, 4th February 1888
Only few weeks ago a movement was set on foot in thin city for the purpose of getting a display of pigeons, etc., the Intention being to have the exhibition in that admirable building known as St. Thomas’s Hall, in Catherine Street, but with such heartiness was the scheme taken up and so numerous were the entries for the various prizes offered that was found that that hall would not be commodious enough, and the use of the Market House was arranged for. [. . .] The exhibition also comprised a department for cats (local) and this, too, was interesting one, the exhibits numbering between 20 and 30, some of which were striking specimens, including a very remarkable one described as half Persian, for which first prize was awarded. The judges were: pigeons, the Rev. W. P. Lumley; rabbits and cats, Mr. Jennings. The following is list of the awards:
CATS. First. 6s. Mrs. Wells, London Road, half-Persian; 2,4s Mrs. B. Bowles, Salisbury; 3, 2s., Mrs. Dorymead; 4, card. H. Walls; extra, Mrs. Betts. Salisbury; vhc, Mrs. Lindsey (Catherine Street), Mrs, Webb (Elm Grove), Mrs. Sutton (Culver Street), J. Tilly, jun. (Gas Lane), Mrs. Collison (Harcourt Terrace), Miss Matthews, Gostage (Salisbury); P. Sweet (Gigant Street), Musselwhite (High Street), Gaddard (Trinity Street); hc, Mrs. Preslee, (Abel Place), W. Whitehorn, Dorymead; c, Mrs. McGill (Bedwin Street).

THE LEEDS AND DISTRICT POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, DOG, AND CAT SHOW. Skyrack Courier, 3rd March 1888
[Date not shown]

LOCAL WINNERS AT THE LONDON CAT SHOW. Burnley Express, 11th April 1888
Amongst the list of winners the Cat Show held last week at the People’s Palace, London, we notice the name of Mr. William Armstrong, of Edge End, Nelson, who secured a second prize in the class for tortoise-shell or white cats, and also that of Mr. H. Faulkingham, who won third prize in the class for black or white cats.

STANTON FETE AND BAZAAR. Bury and Norwich Post, 10th July 1888
This long-looked-for event took place in the pleasant grounds of the rectory on Tuesday, July 3rd, its object being to raise a few pounds to cancel the debt on the organ. Much time and energy were spent by Messrs. H. E. and R. Dudding and Mr. Powell in providing such a varied programme of amusements. Unfortunately, the weather was very unsettled, which prevented many outsiders from attending. [. . .] We must not omit to mention the cat show, the specimens of which, though good, were rather scarce, puss evidently preferring to stay at home at her own fireside.

NEATH HORTICULTURAL, DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON, CAGE BIRD, AND CAT SHOW. South Wales Daily News, 26th July 1888
Neath Horticultural, Dog, Poultry, Pigeon, Cage Bird, and Cat Show. August 9, 1888. Prizes. £250. Dogs, 31 classes, with four cups and silver medals. Poultry, Pigeons, etc., 49 classes, six cups. Entries close August 2, 1883. All entries under cover . -W. Whittington and Matthew Whittington, Hon. Secs.

CHEADLE DOG AND CAT SHOW Northwich Guardian , 11th August 1888
The annual dog and cat show, promoted by Mr Thornton, of the White Hart Hotel, was held at Cheadle on Monday. The weather was unfavourable, and the attendance was not large. [. . .] The following is the list of awards [. . .] Of cats, there were 12 entries: Mrs. E.C. Buxton, of Ivy Cottage, Knutsford (nee Miss Sykes, of Edeley House), was awarded 1st prize; Mr. F.G. Sagrandi the second; and Mr. E. A. Gilbert, of 3, Palatine Buildings, Withington, the third.

EGGLESTONE POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOWvarious, September 1888
Egglestone Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Show, September 15th. Judge – B. Hutton, Esq. Entries close September 8th. Hon. Secs. K. Hutchinson, H. Coates, Egglestone, Darlington.

CHISWICK POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, CAGE-BIRD AND CAT SHOW Middlesex Independent, 19th September 1888
Chiswick Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, Cage-Bird and Cat Show, The Vestry Hall, Chiswick, October 24th and 25th. Silver Cups and Other Specials. Send at once for Schedule to Mr. Elton, 13, Alkerden Road, Chiswick.

[SOUTHAMPTON cat show] Hampshire Independent , 22nd September 1888
Encouraged by the great success of the first dog show at Southampton, some enthusiastic admirers of the feline race propose to institute a cat show and have applied to the Mayor for his patronage and support.

SECOND POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, CAVY, CAGE BIRD AND CAT SHOW. The Salisbury Times, 6th October 1888
The second Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, Cavy, Cage Bird and Cat show was held in the Market House on Wednesday and yesterday (Thursday). Although the inaugural display last year was an excellent one, the exhibition on this occasion was superior many respects; in fact the judges were unanimous in their opinion that it was a first class one. [. . .] The exhibition was conducted under the Rules of the Pigeon Club.
Class 56 – Cats, local – 1st, G. Presslee; 2nd, Miss Collison; 3rd, Meatyard; v.h.c. E.R. Jackson; c. J. Smith; c. Hon. Mrs. Powell.

GOOLE RABBIT AND CAT SHOW. York Herald, 26th October 1888
The first annual show of rabbits and cats, promoted by the Goole fanciers' Society, of which Col. Wright is the president, was held yesterday in the Public Rooms, Goole, under very favourable circumstances. The number of entries far exceeded the expectations of the committee, and in fact reached a higher figure than at any of a similar character held during the present year with the exception of the Crystal Palace Exhibition. The quality of the various classes was of a high order, and Mr. J. H. Roberts, of Bramley, upon whom the duty of judging the exhibits devolved had a task of extreme difficulty. [No results given.]

SHAFTESBURY POULTRY, PIGEON, CAGE BIRD, AND CAT SHOW. Western Gazette, 26th October 1888
Elaborate preparations were made during the past week for the holding, on Tuesday and Wednesday, in the Market House, of the third grand Poultry, Pigeon, Cage Bird, and Cat Show in connection with the Shaftesbury Poultry Club. A number of flags were suspended from the ceiling, and the walls were adorned with mottoes.
Cats. Class 60. - Any variety, long-haired - 1st, A. Blake, Old Windsor; 2nd, Mr. Cornelius, Somerton; 3rd, James Worthy, Semley.
Class 61. - Any variety, short-haired - 1st. W. C. O. Ellis, Bath; 2nd, G. Presslee, Salisbury; 3rd, John Tozer, Exmouth; v.h.c, Master Young, Shaftesbury; h.c., Mrs. Day, Manston.
Special Prizes (given in addition prize money). - A silver medal for the best cat in Classes 60 and 61.

MID AND EAST CALDER PIGEON, CANARY, AND CAT SHOW West Lothian Courier, 27th October 1888
Pigeon, Canary, and Cat Show, 1st and 2nd November– Entries received by first post on Monday morning will be accepted.

POULTRY, PIGEON, CAGE BIRD, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW. Gloucester Citizen, 7th November 1888
A large show under the auspices of the Cheltenham Ornithological Association (of which Captain Bond and Mr. G. A. Powell are the energetic secretaries) was opened on Tuesday at the Assembly Rooms, and from the number of exhibits, which exceed 1,170, and the excellent condition of the birds and animals shown compares favourably with any provincial show of similar character. Exhibitors hail from Manchester, Liverpool, Cardiff, Swansea, Norwich, Woolwich, Torquay, Crediton, and many intervening towns over the length and breadth of the country. T[. . .] Some fine rabbits and cats were on exhibition, as well as few guinea pigs. The exhibits are conveniently arranged in pens supplied by the Old Calabar Meat Biscuit Co. The judges were:- rabbits, cats, and guinea pigs, Mr. H. H. Gabb (Camp Hill).

SOUTHERN COUNTIES’ POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW Romsey Register and General News Gazette, 15th November 1888
At the Southern Counties’ Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Show held at the Victoria Skating Rink, Southampton, on the 8th and 9th inst., Mr. Buckell, of Park House, Palmerston-street, Romsey, obtained First Prize for the best long-haired cat (any colour).

THE FORTHCOMING EXHIBITION IN THE CORN EXCHANGE. Bury and Norwich Post, 4th December 1888
We would call our readers' special attention to the seventh annual exhibition which will open at the Corn Exchange on Friday next, and remain open till Saturday night. This year, for the first time, dogs, cats, and cavies (guinea pigs) have been added to the classification, and a very nice collection of terriers is expected to be the result, whilst the entries in the cat and cavy section are exceedingly numerous. The specimens shown will, we hear, include many of the prize-winners at the recent great National Show at the Crystal Palace, and also the Brighton Cat Show. [. . .] The entries have in- creased year by year, as will be seen from the following statement: - The number of entries in 1884 was 707; in 1885, 814; in 1886, 847; in 1887, 990; and this year, 1888, 1528.