REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS - 1893
1893 BATH CAT SHOW
BATH CAT SHOW Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 26th January 1893
An attraction following the Bath Dog Show will be an exhibition of cats (open to all England), under the patronage of the National Cat Club, which will take place on an extensive scale on March 22 and 23. The arrangements are in the hands of well-known fanciers, Mr. H.W. Bullock, whose name in the cat world is a host it itself, has been elected president and Mr. George Woodiwiss has undertaken the duties of hon. Treasurer.
Bath Great Cat Show. March 22 and 23. Valuable Specials. All First Prizes £1 Judges - Louis Wain. A. A. Clarke, and Dr. Gordon Stables. R.N., CM. Entries positively close Saturday next. Intending Exhibitors should enter at once to Secretary, Cat Show Office, 14, Cheap Street.
THE COMING CAT SHOW Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 16th March 1893
The Congress of Mewers, which takes place the Marlborough Rooms, Brock-street, on next Wednesday and Thursday, promises to be a great success, and we learn that the entries will probably total to nearly 300 exhibits the feline race. Some of the classes have filled extremely well, especially in. the long-haired varieties, one class having no fewer than 36 cats entered. Of the Siamese (of which but few specimens have been imported into England), several are entered, and will certainly be a great attraction account of their peculiar colour and breed. Blue cats, both long and short haired, are well represented, whilst black, white, tabby, tortoiseshell and other colours are numerously entered in both male and female long and short-haired sections. The kitten classes are fairly well filled, some being of very tender age. Of neuter cats, which are invariably very fine specimens, nearly 100 are entered in the show. The three classes for working men's cats are, we are glad to learn, very full. The interest which the Bath public are taking in the exhibition is proved by the fact that 63 cats are entered by residents of our city. Some cats and even kittens are coming across the Irish Channel, whilst others are coming from the extreme North of Scotland. There will undoubtedly be some lovely specimens of prize-bred pussies on view, and we have every reason to believe that a large and fashionable company will be present on the first day, in the afternoon of which the National Cat Club hold a general meeting to still further advance the interests of poor puss. The large hall will be furnished tastefully and decorated with trees, plants, etc., whilst the Show will be thoroughly disinfected by a well-known firm. Those wishing to avoid the crowd are advised to patronise the Show during Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning. The attendance is expected to be great, as many ladies who would not visit a Poultry or Dog Show will welcome a Cat Show.
BATH CAT SHOW Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 16th March 1893
Most Interesting Show out of London. Bath Cat Show. Wednesday and Thursday, March 22 and 23. Marlborough Rooms, Brock Street. Hundreds of Prize-Bred Cats From all parts of England, Ireland and Scotland. Imports from Siam, India, China. Russia, etc . Admission - First Day: 12 to p.m., 2s.; 4 to 10, 1s. Second Day 10 to 1 p.m., 1s.; 1 to 9, 6d.
BATH CAT SHOW Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 23rd March 1893
“Every dog has his day" and a few weeks ago man's most faithful friend had an exhibition all to himself at the Drill Hall. Now that most domesticated of pets, the cat, is the attraction at an assembly of the race which was opened at the Marlborough Rooms, Brock-street - an old friend under a new name - yesterday, and will be continued to-day. Naturally there is not in a cat show that variety which makes a display of dogs so interesting, but the event under notice is sure to attract, as it well deserves, a large share of public patronage. It is quite a new fixture for Bath, no [National Cat Club] cat show ever having been held here before, in fact similar exhibitions have only been undertaken at the Crystal Palace and Brighton. For a first venture the promoters are to be congratulated on the success of the enterprise which will be appreciated by many in the city and especially by the gentler sex. Mr. W. H. Bullock, of Kingswood, and Mr. G. Woodiwiss, Bath, are responsible for the undertaking, and they have been supported by several friends, who undertake various duties appertaining to the show: they include Messrs. C. H. Lane, W. C. O. Ellis, B. Hooton, J. Burnham, J. Roulfe, F. W. Palmer, Walter Sants, O. Witcombe, F. W. Boscombe, and G. F. J. Buvington
The hall has been decorated with suitable plants by Messrs. G. Cooling and Sons, and pungent disinfecting fluid is copiously used. About 250 members of the feline family are caged, and a fourth of this number are inhabitants of Bath, while many come from distant parts of the kingdom. Before going the round of the hall it would be scarcely imagined there are so many different kinds of pussies - blue cats, long and short haired, black, white, tabby, tortoiseshell, sandy, red, silver grey, Persian, and several others. A novelty is a specimen of the Siamese cat which can be seen close to the entrance on the right hand. is a peculiarly tinted monkeyish looking little animal, but amiable and playful. These cats are very seldom seen in England, they do not thrive in its more chilly climate and the other example of the variety entered did not put in an appearance as it is suffering from a cold. The owners of the cats seem to set great store by their pets, for big prices are marked against them in the catalogue and some have not been forwarded for show, the weather being regarded as too cold to let them run the risk of a journey. It is satisfactory to know that there is a clean bill of health, one cat which showed symptoms of distemper early the morning having been promptly removed by the direction of the hon. veterinary surgeon, Mr. W. A. Welch.
A pair of fine Persian cats are begging for the Lost Dogs' Home in Sydney-place, and one of them has been awarded a prize its class. The judges were Messrs Louis Wain and A. A. Clarke, President and Treasurer respectively of the National Cat Club, and Mr. W. C. O. Ellis, of Bath, the last named gentleman taking the place (owing to his illness) of Dr. Gordon Stables, a Vice-President of the same Club which held a meeting in the Hall yesterday afternoon. Appended is the Prize List.
Short-Haired Cats.
Siamese - 1, Mrs Elliot Hill, Helen's Bay, co. Down
Tortoiseshell, or tortoiseshell and white - 1, Mrs Welsby, Southport; 2 and 3, Mrs Heslop, Darlington; vhc. J. Trousdale, Bristol, and C. Attwood, Lewisham; hc, Mrs Morrison, Northallerton
He Cats.
Blue, self colour, without white - 2. G. Woodiwiss, Bath; 3, Mrs Carew Cox, Saffron Walden; vhc, J. Trousdale
Black or white - 2, H. W. Bullock, Kingswood; 3, C. H. Lane, Downend; vhc, Mrs Morrison
Tabby, without white - 1, Mrs Cay, Gordon-terrace, Weston; 2, Mrs Heslop; 3, A. Monk, Kingswood; vhc, Mrs Fleming, Hull, and Mrs Heslop; hc, Mrs Walker, St. George's, and H. W. Bullock; c, J. Trousdale
Any other colour - 1, Mrs Morrison; 2 J. Trousdale
She Cats.
Blue, self, without white. - 2, Mrs Cox; 3, Miss Hedley, Newbridge-road; extra 3, Mrs Heslop; vhc, W. Marlow, New Cross
Black or White. - l, J. Trousdale; 2, H. Underwood, Hatfield; 3, Miss Pilling, Rawstenstall; vhc, C. H. Lane; hc. H. W. Bullock
Tabby, without white. - 1, Mrs Morrison;2, Mrs Tingard [?], London; 3. Mrs Ambrose, Clifton; vhc, W. Marlow and J. Wild, Stall-street; hc, R. T. Babb, Penge
Any Other Colour. - 3, Mrs Cox
Kittens.
Single, under six months. - 1, H. W. Bullock; 2, H. Fathers. Rugby; 3, Mrs Heslop; vhc, G. Monk, Kingswood, J. Trousdale, H. W. Bullock; hc. T. Marsh, Claremont; c, J. Roulfe, Twerton
Long Haired Cats.
He Cats.
Blue, self, without white - 1. Miss Cary Elwes. Northampton 2, Mrs Ellerton,; 3, A.Marshall, Lyncombehill hc, Mrs Morrison
Black or white - 1, R. C. Stephens, Christchurch; 2, Mrs Morrison 3, H, W. Warner, Edinburgh; vhc. Mrs Heslop: hc. Miss Symons, Teignmouth; c, H. W. Bullock
Tabby, without white - 1. Mrs Horril, Havant: 2, C H Lane; 3, J. Trousdale; vhc, Mrs. Morrison; c, Mrs Wilton Hampton-hall
Any other colour - 1, H. W. Bullock; 2. Mrs Vallance, Sittingbourne; vhc, Miss Henderson, Dunsford-place; hc, Mrs Ivan Hippisley, Box; c, Mrs Crook, Keynsham
She Cats.
Blue, self, without white - 1, H. W. Bullock; 3, A. S. Marshall; vhc, Hon Elizabeth Montagu, Farnham Royal; c, Mrs Morrison
Black or white - 1, vhc and c, Mrs Morrison; 2, 3 and c, H. W. Bullock; hc, Mrs E. Davies, Isleworth
Tabby, without white - 1, Mrs Cartwright, Wimborne; 2, R. Babb; 3, A. W. Allot, Oldham; c, Mrs Crook
Any other colour - 3, Mrs Morrison and Miss Williams, Northampton-street; c, Mrs J. Wigmore, Twerton
Kittens.
Best pair under six months - 1 and 2, Mrs Heslop; 3, Miss D'Arcy, South Hampstead; vhc, Miss Crook; hc. Miss F. A. Bush, Park-street
Best single, under six months - 1, H. Underwood; 2, Mrs Heslop; 3, Mrs Trumper, Taplow; vhc. Mrs Crook, and Mrs Sollis, Bridge-street; hc, Miss Tait. Tweedmouth, C. H, Lane, and Mrs Pownall, Sankey; c, Miss Sangster, Southsea
Neuters.
Short-haired - 1, Mrs Robinson, Cheltenham; 2, Mrs Dickinson, Parkstone; 3, W. Upstone, Steventon; vhc, Miss Burckhardt, Royal-crescent, and Mrs Cooper, London; hc, C. H. Lane, Mrs. Butler, Dulwich, and Mrs Mackechnie, Catherine-place
Long-haired - 1, Mrs Dale, Torquay; 2, A. F. Collis, Walcot-parade, and S. Houston, Bristol; 3, Miss Hardcastle, Grosvenor, Mrs Woodbridge, St. Stephens-road, Mrs A. Fisher, Widcombe-hill, and the Lost Dogs’ Home; vhc, Miss Lyon, Raby-place, Miss Laurence, Milsom-street, Mrs Keel, Rivers-street, Mrs H. C. Stone, Weston-road; Miss A. Jenkins, Bristol; Miss Lees, Wimborne. W. Tredgett, Betchworth; Mrs Daubeny, Shockerwick; Mrs E. Clarke. Beeding; Mrs Garraway, Bailbrook, and the Lot Dogs' Home; c. Miss Sangster; Miss Davies; E. White, Monmouth-place; Mrs Kelway, Prior-park-road; Mrs Raynes, Liverpool; Mrs Jackson, Basingstoke.
Working-Men's Cats.
Long-haired, any variety or sex - 1, A. Ambrose, Stoke Bishop, Bristol; 2, Mrs Clare, Upper Weston; 3, E. Greyson, Darlington vhc, H. Kipling, Rugby; T. Young, 5, Holloway; Hugh McLerie, Largs, Ayrshire; B. Hooton. Kingswood, Bristol; hc, F. H. Grant, 7, Union-terrace; c, Mrs Rudd, Bristol
Short-haired, any variety or sex - 1, W. Marlow; 2, F. Montagu, 21, St. Marks-place; 3, E. Greyson; extra 3 Samuel Pearson, Hull; vhc, J. Woodrow, Monmouth-street; J. Stokes, Fulteney-road; T. Marsh, Claremont; W. Bush, Kingswood-hill; J. Major, Kingswood; A. Ambrose; hc Henry Rudd, Bristol; c. J. Major
Neuter. Long or short-haired, any variety - 1, E. Greyson; 2, John Monk, Morford-street, and J. H. Brown, 5, Hatfield-buildings; 3, W. C. Martin, Twerton, and Henry Young, Westbury-on-Trym; vhc, John Bainton, Twerton, Mrs J. Roser, Kingsmead-square, S. Horwood, Kingswood, Mrs Caseley, 12 Sydney-buildings, T. G. Horrell, 1, Railway-place, and R. Summers, Bristol; hc, S. J. Stockden, 4, Trim-street, W. E Flexen, Beacon-hill, George Coaffee, Hedgmead, F. W. Smith, Upper Weston, Miss Brown, Hetling-court, and Miss Jackman, Alfred-street; c, - Harvey, St. James's-parade
BATH GREAT CAT SHOW Hull Daily Mail, 24th March 1893
Success of Local Exhibitors. - Mrs B. Fleming, of Bright-street. Hull, has won v.h.c. with her beautiful red tabby Peter the Great. He also won 2nd at Crystal Palace, 1st at Newcastle, and several other prizes. That old and respected exhibitor, Samuel Pearson, of Durham-street, Hull, also won extra third and special with his grey tiger-marked tabby Tommy, in a big class of 19 cats. Tommy is also a big winner. All the very best cats in the country turned up at Bath, and it must have proved a great success. Some were big classes. In one was counted 39 oats, and very grand they looked, decked out in various coloured neckties, with numbered medals attached. It was really a treat to see how the ladies attended to poor puss.
THE RECENT CAT SHOW Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 30th March 1893
We are informed that the total attendance at the Cat Show held in Bath, last week, was 3,600 and that the gross amount of the takings was £127 4s. 6d. The whole money was paid on the second day the show, and all the exhibits (with one local exception) were safely returned to their owners.
We have been asked to say that the two prize Persian cats who at the Bath Cat Show begged on behalf of the lost and starving dogs of this city desire to express their grateful thanks to those kind friends who, in response to their appeal, contributed the sum of £2 13s. 6d to the funds of Miss Haigh's Bath Lost Dogs' Home.
BATH CAT SHOW. Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 27th April 1893
Bath Cat Show.—We are pleased to learn that the promoters of this novel and successful show have sent £5 to the R.U. Hospital as a slight recognition of the patronage which the Bath public bestowed upon their first venture. The substantial balance which the subject of the undertaking will be carried forward the next show which will take place about the middle of March next, with extended classification and many classes for local residents' cats will be arranged. It has also been decided to form a Bath Cat Show Society (under National Cat Club Rules). Mr. H. W. Bullock has been elected president, whilst the duties of hon. treasurer have again been kindly undertaken by Mr. George Woodiwiss, J.P. The committee, to whose exertions the success of the late show was undoubtedly due ,have been re-elected viz.: Messrs F. W. Palmer, W. Sants, O. Witcombe, W. C. O. Ellis, B. Hooton, and F. W, Bascomb.
A PRIZE CAT. Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 22nd June 1893
Poultry [a fanciers’ magazine] of this week gives as its full first page illustration, a portrait the grey tabby cat “Peter," belonging to Mrs. Cay, of Lower Weston, which was awarded first prize and special as the best local cat at the late Bath Cat Show. “Peter" was exhibited at the Crystal Palace Show last October, where it scored second prize, and was there purchased by Mr. George Woodiwiss, J.P. (in company with Mr. G. F. J. Buvington, the energetic secretary of the Bath Club), who afterwards presented it to Mrs. Cay. Mr. A. A. Clarke saw "Peter" at the age of six weeks, and was struck with its colour and markings, predicting for it a brilliant future, which it has so far fulfilled by winning the first prize the Bath show last December, as well the prizes above mentioned, the only times it has been exhibited. Mr. Ellis, who judged "Peter" in March last, describes him as “the most evenly marked tabby he has ever seen," and the ‘Poultry’ [magazine] specialist at the Show reports him as “a very good specimen, well marked and distinct."
1893 NORWICH AND NORFOLK CAT SHOW
NORFOLK AND NORWICH KENNEL CLUB Norfolk Chronicle, 18th March 1893
The fifth annual Dog and Cat Show, organised by the Norfolk and Norwich Kennel Club, and limited to residents in the county, is to take place on Easter Monday and Tuesday at St. Giles'-hall (formerly the Skating Rink). It bids fair to eclipse all previous exhibitions held by the club.
DOG AND CAT SHOW IN NORWICH. Norwich Mercury, 5th April 1893
The fifth exhibition of dogs and cats, a show held annually under the auspices of the Norfolk and Norwich Kennel Club, opened on Monday morning - and will close 10 o’clock this (Tuesday) evening - in St. Giles’ Hall, Norwich, formerly known as the Skating Rink. The building was eminently suitable for the purposes required, and the opinion was that the management had done well in changing their locale from the Corn Hall. The old Rink presented quite a festive appearance, the balconies being draped with material variegated in colour, and the walls and supports embellished with flags, banners, and other decorations. The space set apart for members of the feline race was in the centre gallery and here were to be seen groups of ladies admiring and descanting upon the specimens of “pussy" shown.
CATS. Class 42.—Any variety of Rough-haired – 1st, 10s and special Lady Bullard, Tiger ; 2nd, 5s, Miss J. Bump. Snow ; 3rd, 3s 6d, Miss 0rams, Fluff, Persian; reserved, Miss Gertrude Bullard, the Boyle Man ; very highly commended, Miss Ella Gray, Soah, Persian; highly commended Miss C Simpson, Tiger; commended, Mrs C Horn, Smoker, Persian.
Class 43.—Any variety of Smooth-haired – 1st, 10s 6d, Mr Newton, Blue ; 2nd, 5s and special, Mr E Mitchell, Peter; 3rd, 3s 6d, Mr W Harbord, Tiger; reserved, Mrs. Hines, Tom ; very highly commended, Mr Neeve, Tiger (Cyprus); highly commended, Miss A Pumfrey, Bennie.
Class 44—Any variety of Klttens, not exceeding three months on first day of show—Prize 6s., Mr E H Corbyn.
1893 DALKEITH SHOW
DALKEITH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Scotsman, 14th June 1893
The Annual Show of Stock and Dairy Produce will be held on Saturday, the 24th June, in Woodburn Park, Dalkeith. [. . .] The Open Dog and Cat Show, under the auspices of the society will be held on the same day. 45 classes. Joseph Wallace, Secy. Harrow Hotel, Dalkeith.
DALKEITH AGRICULTURAL SHOW Scottish Leader, 26th June 1893
The fifty- seventh annual show of the Dalkeith Agricultural Society was held on Saturday in Woodburn Park, Dalkeith. [Cat judge – Mr. J.Kidd]
Male cat, long haired, any colour or variety – 1, Alex Macpherson, Eskgrove Cottage, Laswade; 3, John Tait, 14 Randolph Lane, Edinburgh; 3, R. Clark, Grand Hotel, Leith Walk, Leish.
Female cat, long haired, any colour or variety – 1, Mrs John Grieve, 44 Dairy Road, Edinburgh; 2, R. Clark; 3, J.R. McCall.
Male of female cat, short haired, any colour or variety – 1, John Stewart, Durham Bank, Bonnyrigg; 3, Alex. D. Wallace, Harrow Hotel, Dalkeith.
Gelding, long or short haired, any colour or variety – 1, James Scott; 2, R. Clark, jun., Grand Hotel, Leith Walk, Leith; 3, H.W.H. Warner, 3 Viiolet Terrace, Edinburgh.
Single kitten, long or short haired, any colour or variety, under six months – 1, Andrew Bruce,Swan Inn, Falkirk; 2, Miss Herd.
Special prizes:
Best long haired male cat, bred and owned by a lady – Mrs Herd.
Best sort haired cat, owned by a residenter in Dalkeith – A.D. Wallace.
Best single kitten, any colour or variety – Andrew Bruce.
Best female cat in show – Mrs Jean Grieve.
1893 SALISBURY FANCIERS SHOW
SALISBURY FANCIERS ASSOCIATION. ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SHOW. The Salisbury Times, 29th September 1893
The annual Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, Cat, Cavy, and Cage Bird Show, under the auspices of the Salisbury and District Fanciers’ Association, was held in the Market House on Wednesday and Thursday. [. . .] The quality of most of the specimens in all the departments was extremely good, and with respect to one or two of the classes for cats the judge said he had never seen a better lot of animals, that being especially true of the class for long-haired she-cats. Indeed, the Salisbury Fanciers’ Show promises to become one of the most important fixtures in the West of England. [. . . ] There was a wonderfully good show of rabbits, making the finest collection eve seen at the show. This also applies to cats, of which the number of entries was extraordinary. The show was held under the rules of the National Cat Club, and was one of six-classification. It is the best of that classification which Mr. A.A. Clarke (of Hastings), the judge, has attended up to the present this year. The winner of the silver medal for a long-haired he-cat, any age or colour, was a blue Persian belonging to Mrs. George Grandage. The bronze medal given by the National Cat Club for best cat exhibited by members of the club went to Miss Jay’s 11 months old blue, which was also the winner of the judge’s special prize as the best self-coloured long-haired cat or kitten. The special prize given by Rev. J.G. Gardner for best short-hair brown tabby cat was secured by Mrs. Herring’s “Snip,” which is the winner of many first prizes, medals, and specials at the Crystal Palace, Brighton, etc. This cat was born at Singapore and has not been in England long, but it has won the first place at every show at which it has been exhibited. It is indeed a magnificent animal and was very greatly admired.
Cats – Under the patronage of the National Cat Club. Judge, Mr. A.A. Clarke, Hastings. First prize, 15s; second, 10s; third, 5s.
Short hair he cat, any age or colour – 1 and Mr. Gardner’s special, Mrs. Herring, Lee, Kent; 2 H.W. Bullock, Bristol.
Short hair she cat, any age or colour – a and 2 Mrs McLaren-Morrison, North Allerton; 3 H.W. Bullock.
Long hair he cat, any age or colour – 1, special and silver medal Mrs. Geo Graudage, Bradford; 2 Mrs McLaren-Morrison; 3 Mrs. Herring.
Long hair she cat, any age or colour - 1, special and bronze medal Miss Jay, London; 2 Miss Freeland, Montissfont; 3 Mrs. Brydges, Cheltenham.
Gelded cat, any age or colour – 1 Mrs. Herring; 2 Mrs. McLaren-Morrison; 3 E.E. Lermitte, Bishopstoke.
Kitten, under six months, any variety – 1 Mrs. Pearce, new Barnet; 2 Mrs. Robinson, Cheltenham; 3 C.E. Silk, Emsworth.
1893 CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW
NATIONAL CAT SHOW Hull Daily Mail, 29th September 1893
The national Cat Show will be held at the Crystal Palace on October 17th and 18th. Short-haired he cats have six classes, short-haired she cats 11, long-haired he cats seven, long-haired she cats 13 ; gelded cats, three for short-haired and three for long-haired; 11 classes are provided for cats the property of the working classes. The prizes are 20s, 10s, and 5s; entry fee 3s 6d, except the classes provided for the working classes. The prizes are 10s, 5s, and 2s 6d; entry fee, 1s 6d. A good list of specials are given, in addition to the prize money. Judges; Messrs Wain, Clarke, Billett, sen., and Billett, jun. Entries close October 4th. For schedule and entry form, apply to the Manager, Crystal Palace Company, London.
NATIONAL CAT CLUB AND CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 30th September 1893
This exhibition, started some five-and-twenty years ago [no it wasn’t, it began in 1871, but the first 3 years had 2 shows per year], has ever since been gradually increasing in number of entries and successfully results, and this year bids fair to be more popular than ever. In 1887 the National Cat Club was originated and has warmly seconded the efforts of the Palace authorities to make the show a success. This year there are no less than fifty four classes. The Cat Club offer their gold medal for best cat in show open to all comers, and four silver medals for cats entered on N.C.C. stud book. The Crystal Palace offer a piece of plate for best long-hair, and a smaller piece tor short hair, and besides no less than nine silver medals, her Grace the Duchess of Bedford most kindly presents the handsome folio edition of Madame Ronner's work on the cat to the owner of best specimen of the Royal cat of Siam. Mr. Louis Wain, president N.C.C., gives one of his humorous cat pictures, Mr. A. A. Clark challenge vases, and besides these several other specials of more or less value are offered to open competition. For the uninitiated we may state a self-coloured cat should be an animal of one colour only without a particle of white or any trace of darker markings. There is a special class for the Royal cat of Siam but one class only, and males, females, neuters, and kittens will be shown together. Another novelty, we believe, this year is the recognition of Smokes - but these cats will be divided into two classes, male and female, and the kittens may compete in the kitten classes. Smokes should not be confounded with Blues, for while the Blue should be one colour the Smokes may have two or three colours or shades, and the coat turned the wrong way is lighter underneath than on the surface. Exhibitors should study the schedule they can procure from the secretary, Crystal Palace, as every year really good specimens have been disqualified because entered in the wrong class. A very little care on the part of those who know least about the subject would prevent this error being committed, and it is always a matter of regret to a judge to be obliged to mark ‘wrong class.’
ANNUAL CAT SHOW Birmingham Daily Post, 18th October 1893
The number of entries for the Crystal Palace Company's twenty-fifth annual cat show, which opened to-day at Sydenham, compares very favourably with previous years. The classes have been rearranged since last October, and the various breeds are well represented. In the class for silver, blue, or red tabbies Miss E. Dumble, of Walthamrstow, has gained the first prize. Mr. W. Waine Walker, of Warwick, has contributed a fine Russian cat to the class for blue or self-colour, without white. A first prize is awarded to Mrs. Lack for the best short-haired black cat, while Miss D. Page has secured the first prize in the section for long-haired cats with a two-year-old. Mrs. J. Bennett represents your city with a silver Persian and a "red ribbon" in the kitten class. The show will close to-morrow evening. The greater portion of the exhibits are for sale, and many of the best cats have already been bought, some at high figures.
CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW Hull Daily Mail, 18th October 1893
The only novelty in the cat show, now being held at the Crystal Palace, is in cat names. How do you like it – “Satan Up to Date.”
CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW Derby Daily Telegraph - Wednesday 18 October 1893
The London householder has no great love for cats. He remembers too many grievous nocturnal disturbances that have broken his rest. But were anyone to doubt the beauty of the cat, he would be easily convinced by a sight of some of the prize-winners at the Crystal Palace Cat Show yesterday. Even the judges declared that never within their experience had they seen so perfect a type of loveliness in cats as Trixie, exhibited by Miss Jay, of Putney Hill. It is a blue Persian, without defect. In this one show alone she took six prizes, including one gold and two silver medals. There was never such triumph in the history of cats. Even Louis Wain, artist and lover of animals he is, was intoxicated with the effects of the wonderful yellow-tinted eyes against the coat of perfect fur. Mr. Wain was one of the judges, and thoroughly enjoyed his pleasant task. He is, of course, a great authority as president of the National Cat Club.
CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW Nottingham Evening Post, 18th October 1893
Yesterday at the Crystal Palace there was opened the 25th National Cat Show. It proved as fine as the best of its predecessors. There were many as 596 entries. The cats and the kittens came from all parts of the country, but most them from the vicinity of the metropolis.
THE FOREIGNER AGAIN. Yorkshire Evening Post, 18th October 1893
The Cat Show is as great an attraction as ever. A contemporary confesses to a feeling of regret that the highest prize should have gone to a foreigner, a blue Persian named Trixie. It is described as small and long-haired, with beautiful eyes, and with other points too numerous to mention. That may be all very well, but is it death on rats, or even on mice? Many a hard working British cat, which has to hunt before it can dine, will look with contempt on this interloper.
CATS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE London Daily News, 18th October 1893
Yesterday at the Crystal Palace there was opened the twenty-fifth Natlonal Cat Show. It proved as successful as the best of its predecessors. There were as many as 596 entries. The cats and the kittens came from all parts of the country, but most of them from the vicinity of the metropolis. The Countess of Aberdeen had intended to exhibit a black cat -"Darkie" - but it did not reach the Palace. The animals were of great variety and in many instances of singular beauty. There were short-haired and long-haired competitors, white and black cats, cats from Siam and cats from the Isle of Man, and rare specimens of the Persian breed. In fact the gold medal presented by the National Cat Club for the best cat in the exhibition was awarded to Miss Jay for a blue Persian named "Trixie." It is a small animal, long-haired, with beautiful eyes, splendid shape, and with points so numerous as to be almost faultless. It not only won the gold medal, but several special prizes, including a piece of plate given by the Crystal Palace Company and a handsome mounted challenge Vase presented by the National Cat Club. Miss Walker, with "Kitty Kara," aged nine months, received a special prize from the Duchess of Bedford for the best specimen of the Royal cat of Siam. Silver medals presented by the Crystal Palace Company for the best cat or kittens in various classes were won by Miss C. Heslop, Miss F. Walker, Mr. E. Hill, Miss R. Bray, Mrs. Robinson, Miss Sangster, and Mrs. Hodges. A number of prizes were offered for cats belonging to the working classes, who sent nearly two hundred, and one of these exhibitors -Mrs. Hodges - was awarded a silver medal for a tom named Sam, eleven months old. The judges were Mr. L. Wain, president of the Cat Club, Mr. A. A. Clarke, treasurer of the Club, and Mr. George Billett and Mr. G. H. Billett, both members of the same society. There was so much excellence amongst the 596 cats and kittens that the judges frequently had difficulty in giving the preference. The show was well attended, chiefly by ladies, and it was at times impossible to get a glimpse of the winner of the gold medal as she reposed with dignity in her cage, The exhibition will be continued today.
CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. London Evening Standard, 18th October 1893
Twenty-five years ago [actually 22 years ago] Mr. Fred. Wilson had the happy idea of organising a Cat Show at the Crystal Palace. In this early exhibition only sixty-five animals were shown; but such was the novelty that immediate popularity was attained, and from that day to this the Show, under the auspices of the Crystal Palace Company and the National Cat Club, has gone on increasing, until yesterday about six hundred of these domestic pets were ranged before the judges for inspection. It has, indeed, been found necessary to amalgamate several classes, and to put certain checks upon the entries, in order that the work of judging might be brought within reasonable limits. The Show this year, both on account of the condition and the quality of the animals, is decidedly the best of the series, the valuable prizes offered naturally inducing breeders from all parts of the kingdom to enter into competition. Chief amongst the rewards offered is the National Cat Club's gold medal, given for the best cat in the exhibition. This year the medal is taken by a remarkable animal belonging to Miss Jay, of Holmwood, Putney-hill. “ Trixie," as this cat is named, is a superb blue Persian, 13 months old, which is as near as possible perfection, with a coat of splendid quality, beautiful brush [tail], short nose, eyes of a deep golden colour, small ears, and graceful shape. But Trixie's honours do not end with the gold medal. She takes a piece of plate as the best long-haired cat in the Show, two silver medals, and two mounted emu egg challenge vases, both of which have to be won three times before becoming the property of the winner. The animal is therefore to be credited with six of the most valuable prizes in the exhibition.
Another beautiful animal is "Kitty Kara," sent by Miss F.Walker, Old Charlton. "Kitty" is a nine months old Siamese, and would be almost perfect were her face of a uniform colour. As it was, the choice of the judges, Messrs. Louis Wain, President N.C.C., A. A. Clarke, treasurer, G. Biilett, and G. Billett, jun., lay between her and the cat to which the gold medal was eventually awarded. She took a silver medal, and other silver medallists were the cats shown by Mrs. C. Heslop, Darlington, in the class for brown or dark grey tabbies; Mr. E. Hill, county Down, short-haired kittens under six months old; Miss R. Bray, Shere, blue, "self- colour," without white; Mrs. Robinson, Cheltenham, long-haired kittens between three and six months, any whole colour without marking; Miss R. Bray, blue Persian long-haired kitten under six months; Miss K. Sangster, Southsea, blue Persian long-haired cat ; Mrs. Hodges, Thornton-heath, best tabby cat class ; Mrs. Herring, Lee, silver, blue or red tabby — her exhibit " Jimmy" being a notable prize-winner ; and Mrs. J. Home, Havant, in the class for brown, dark grey, or red tabbies, without white.
Other prizes were a water-colour drawing of Windsor Castle, taken by Mrs. Pearson, Hull, in the class for the tortoiseshells ; Miss K. Sangster, humorous drawing of cats by Mr. Louis Wain, for best long-haired gelded cats ; Mrs. Robinson, emu egg spirit barrel, best pair of self- coloured long-haired kittens ; Mrs. Hodges, Thornton- heath, several books on cats, for best short-haired brown tabby ; Mrs. Lee, Penshurst, silver tankard for best smoke cat ; Miss Freeland, Romsey, old silver cream jug, best silver tabby ; and Mrs. C. Heslop, silver-plated salt-cellars and spoons for best short-haired kitten under six months, any colour. Besides the awards mentioned there are first, second, and third money prizes in each of the 53 classes into which the Show is divided, and almost without exception it may be said that the winners were thoroughly worthy of the honours they received. The exhibition will remain open till this evening.
THE CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE St James's Gazette, 18th October 1893
The Cat Show at the Crystal Palace has now become a hardy annual; and the National Cat Club, under whose auspices it is held, is blossoming forth into possession of a real programme. The principal feature of this seems to be the attention paid to colour. All cat-breeders must strive to produce a tortoiseshell Tom, there is not one in the Show; but if only a tortoiseshell Tom can be bred by next year, he seems likely to bear the palm away even from the long-haired blue variety which is now first favourite. Cat breeders might take a hint from Mr. E. B. Poulton, the distinguished Oxford naturalist, who has succeeded in colouring caterpillars by breeding them in cages of the required tint. Meanwhile the Cat Show may give us cats of every possible hue, but will it give us better mousers? It seems too likely that the cats will go the way of the bulldogs, and lose their utility in the search for “fancy.” What if the Cat Club introduced some mouse-coursing for the cats at the Crystal Palace?
CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. The Times, October 18, 1893
The 25th national cat show, held under the auspices of the Crystal Palace Company, was opened yesterday in one of the galleries of the palace. =The honours of the show were borne off by a beautiful blue Persian named “Trixie,” belonging to Miss Jay, Holmwood, Putney-hill, which gained the Cat Club’s gold medal, two silver medals, first prize in its class, and four special prizes. The other leading prize winners were “Xnephone,” belonging to Mrs. C. Heslop, Darlington, which was awarded first prize in its class, a silver medal, and a special prize ; “Jimmy,” shown by Mrs. Herring, Lee, Kent, which gained first prize in its class and a silver medal; “The Duchess,” sent by Mrs. Pearson, Hull, first prize and a silver medal; “Kitty Kara,” belonging to Mrs. P. Walker, Old Charlton, first prize, two silver medals, and three special prizes; “Siamese King,” shown by Mr. E. Hill, county Down, Ireland, first prize and silver medal; a blue Russian, sent by Mrs. Heslop, which took a first and a special; “Syrlin” and “Fumosa,” two kittens, shown by Ms. Robinson, Cheltenham, to which were awarded first prize and a silver medal; “Southsea Hector,” belonging to Miss K. Sangster, Southsea, which took first prize, a silver medal, and a special prize; “Sam,” Mrs. Hodges, Thornton-heath, first prize, a silver medal, and a special prize; “Rose,” Mr. W. J. Smith, West Norwood, first and special prizes.
[CRYSTAL PALACE] "SATAN UP TO DATE." Edinburgh Evening Dispatch, 19th October 1893
There is now a cat show at the Crystal Palace. One lady shows twenty-one cats, and another tops this by three more. The names by which many of the exhibits are distinguished are decidedly queer. One pussy, for example, bears the mildly suggestion designation of "Satan up Date.” Some of the cats were valued rather highly. There were bargains to be had at sums varying from £2000 downwards. Appropriately enough there was a Mrs Mouser among the exhibitors. The Countess of had intended to exhibit a black cat – “Darkie” - but it did not reach the Palace. A number of prizes were offered for cats belonging to the working classes, who sent nearly 200, and one of these exhibitors - Mrs Hodges – was awarded a silver medal for a tom named "Sam,” eleven months old. The show was well attended, chiefly by ladies.
NATIONAL CAT SHOW. Morning Post, 19th October 1893
The 25th annual Cat Show at the Crystal Palace was, on the whole, quite as attractive as former shows in the same building, the number of cats staged, 596, being equal to last year, and their quality as good. The feature of the show was to be found in the long-haired classes, both male and female, and in the Siamese cats. The judges were Mr. Louis Wain, President of the National Cat Club, Mr. A. A. Clarke (treasurer), and Messrs. G. Billett and G. H. Billett, members. The Crystal Palace Company presented a number of special prizes, as did the National Cat Club, among other donors being the Duchess of Bedford, Mrs. Herring, Mr. Louis Wain, the Rev. J. G. Gardner, and Mrs. D. McL. Morrison. The most notable exhibit was undoubtedly Miss Jay's blue Persian she cat, Trixie, 13 months old, which had already received first and special prizes at Sahsbury and Slough. It now carried off the National Cat Club's gold medal for the best cat in the exhibition, a silver medal as the best cat in Classes 25 to 31 on the Stud-book, another silver medal presented by the Crystal Palace, and four special prizes. Among other prize winners were Mrs. Herring, Mrs. Hyslop [Heslop], Mrs. Champneys, Miss M. Ford, Mr. Bullock, Mrs. Pearson, Miss Mayhew, Miss Dumble, Miss F. Walker. Mrs. Carew-Cox, Mrs. T. Sugden, Mr. Hill, Mr. Stephens, Mrs. McL. Morrison, Miss Bray, Mrs. Horril, Mrs. Shelley, Mrs. Doggett, Miss Brigden, Miss Freeland, Miss Strang, and Mrs. Robinson.
<25th NATIONAL CAT SHOW Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 19th October 1893
Yesterday and the day before the great gallery at the Crystal Palace was given up to the 25th National Cat Show. One is reminded strongly of the kinship of the domestic cat to the great cats of the Zoo, but lovers of poor puss will put up with that for the sake of seeing so fine a collection. A cat show is a great contrast to a dog show ; meows are not half so penetrating as yelps. Some exhibitors - more than half of the gross number are ladies - have hung eucalyptus tablets on the cages, and decked them with pretty ribands. There are nearly 600 cats in all, and a good proportion are kittens. In some cages are proud mothers and foster-mothers, adding much to the interest of the show with their offspring and nurslings.
[CRYSTAL PALACE] CAT SHOW Scottish Leader, 20th October 1893
As usual. there are some exceedingly handsome cats to be seen at the National Cat Show at the Crystal Palace. Nearly six hundred cages are populated with pussies young and pussies old, and the most delightful-looking kittens. Tailless Manx cats and Siam cats with cream-coloured short hair and dark brown markings are decidedly uncommon, but handsome tabbies, Persian, and Angoras are quite plentiful, some having already quite a record of medals and honours. A charming-looking puss with flecked breast is a two-year-old exhibited by Lady Aberdeen. It is unkind to suggest that these pampered feline friends are the faithful companions of maiden ladies, for though many more are sent in from lady owners than from gentlemen, the former are by no means in a state of single blessedness. Mrs McL Morrison exhibits twenty-four cats, and is closely followed by Mrs Herring, with than twenty-one four-footed favourites. The sight of these sleek. handsome animals with beautiful coats, some reposing in the most luxuriously-fitted cages, and engaging little kittens romping about, must be a sight for all animal lovers.
[CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW] Greenwich and Deptford Observer, 20th October 1893
Miss F. Walker, of Old Charlton, took a silver medal at this week's cat show at the Crystal Palace, for a nine months' old Siamese cat, 'Kitty Kara," which is described “as being almost perfect,” except that her face was not of a uniform colour. The choice lay between her and the cat to which the gold medal was eventually awarded.
A CROWD OF CATS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. The Westminster Budget, October 20, 1893
On Wednesday the great gallery at the Crystal Palace was given up to the 25th National Cat Show. A cat show's a great contrast to a dog show ; meows are not half so penetrating as yelps. Some exhibitors — more than half of the gross number are ladies — have hung eucalyptus tablets on the cages, and decked them with pretty ribands. There are nearly 600 cats in all, and a good proportion are kittens. In some cages are proud mothers and foster-mothers adding much to the interest of the show with their offspring and nurslings. Space will only permit of our mentioning a few of the principal prize-winners. Beginning with the short-haired animals, Mr. C. H. Lane shows a beautiful tortoiseshell and white, and Mrs. Herring, a well-known member of the N.C.C., sends a silver tabby, one of the best cats on the benches. No one should miss the two "blue" cats in Class 5 ; Mr. W. H. Bullock takes a well-deserved first for blue "Peter." Mrs. Pearson secures the highest honours for a tortoiseshell, and Miss Mayhew for a tortoiseshell and white, a very lively, well-conditioned animal. Mrs. Carew-Cox sends a lovely blue and white Russian. The most remarkable cat at the Palace is Miss Walker's young Siamese tom — No. 97. Its brown and fawn coat is beautiful, and its eyes — real "cat's eyes" — are the wickedest and wonderfullest imaginable. Two Siamese twins — kittens just two months old — with bright blue eyes, shown by Mr. E. Hill (115), are unapproached except by Mrs. Foote's blue long-haired youngsters with green eyes -(286.) The champion long-haired Persians are Mrs. McL. Morrison's white and Mr. R. C. Stephens's black. Miss Bray's blue Persian is magnificent. Mrs. Shelley's silver cat — (184) — is also splendid. Mr. C. Coleman exhibits a fine red and white or "sandy" tabby. Miss Jay's blue Persian, Trixie, is one of the loveliest things on view — an "Oriental dusky beauty." Mrs. Herring takes a first prize with a fine brown Persian. Miss Brigden's cat should not be overlooked among the " smokes." The gelded cats are the sleekest looking, and some are of enormous size and very ferocious appearance — such as Mr. Target's Jem. Mrs. Maddams' tom cat is a fine specimen, and so is Miss D. Page's long-haired white. A number of prizes are offered for cats belonging to the working-classes, who send some 150 animals in all. Mr. Winfield's " Judy " among these is best described as a " dream."
A LOCAL EXHIBITOR’S SUCCESS Northern Echo, 20th October 1893
Mrs C. Heslop, of 24, Bondgate, Darlington, was a very successful exhibitor at the Crystal Palace Cat Show on Tuesday and Wednesday last, obtaining two first prizes and one second, the National Cat Club’s silver medal for best cat in classes 1 to 6, also the Crystal Palace Company’s silver medal for best cat in 1 to 9, together with Mrs Herring’s valuable special prize for best animal in classes 2 to 9. This last animal took another special prize, the Rev J.G. Gardner’s presented for the best brown tabby in the show. The special prize – Mr H. Johnson’s – for best kitten in class 134, was also taken by Mrs Heslop.
[CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW] Sporting Gazette, 21st October 1893
Cats of all kinds, species, and ages have been seen at the Crystal Palace this week. My word, what a show there was to be sure! Miss Jay had the honour of carrying off not only the gold medal, but the Crystal Palace medal, the National Cat Club medal, a piece of plate, a cat's-eye ring, two challenge vases, and a class prize. A very fair amount for one cat, but then this cat was the cat of the show, the animal being a beautiful blue Persian named Trixie which is only thirteen months old. Mr. George Billett and Mr. G. H.Billett were chief among the judges.
CATS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE - The Graphic, 21 October 1893
THE twenty-fifth of the Crystal Palace Company's National Cat Shows was held this week. It proved to be as successful as any of its predecessors, there being nearly 600 entries. The fixture appears to be becoming exceedingly popular, and it promises to become a useful institution, for it has already led to the vestablishment and formation of a cat stud-book. According to Mr. L. Wain, the President of the National Cat Club, the careful breeding of cats in the future will not only tend to the elimination of weakness of constitution, but will also produce a greater certainty of temperament in our feline domestic pets. Everybody who has a cat knows what an " intense " animal it is, and how fully charged it is with electricity, but few know that it is seriously contended that rubbing the fur on a cat's back has a beneficial effect upon persons in bad health, and the stronger the cat the better the influence for good which can be derived from this gentle friction. The present fashionable colour for cats is blue, and long-haired cats are preferred to short. The club recognises no distinction between Persian, Angora, French, or Russian cats - they are all classed as long- haired. We append the names of a few prize-winners, ant we may say that the honours of the show were borne off by a beautiful blue Persian named " Trixie," belonging to Miss Jay, Holmwood, Putney Hill, which gained the Cat Club's GoId medal, two silver medals, first prize in its class, and four special prizes. The other leading prize-winners w ere "Xnephone," belonging to Mrs. C. Heslop, Darlington, which was awarded first prize in its class, a silver-medal, and a special prize; “Jimmy,” shown by Mrs. Herring, Lee, Kent, which gained first prize in its class and a silver-medal ; “The Duchess," sent by Mrs. Pearson, Hull, first prize and a silver-medal ; “Kitta Kara," belonging to Miss F. Walker, Old Charlton, first prize, two silver-medals and three special prizes; Siamese King," shown by Mr. Hill, County Down, Ireland, first prize and silver medal ; a blue Russian, sent by Mrs. Heslop, which took a first and a special; “Syrlin " and “Fumosa," two kittens, shown by Mrs. Robinson, Cheltenham, to which were awarded first prize and a silver medal; "Southsea Hector," belonging to Miss K. Sangster, Southsea, which took first prize, a silver medal, and a special prize; “Sam,” Mrs. Hodges, Thornton Heath, first prize, a silver medal, and a special prize; " Ruse," Mr. W. J. Smith, West Norwood, first and special prizes.
[CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW] Wallington & Carshalton Herald, 21st October 1893
At the Cat Show which was opened at the Crystal Palace, on Tuesday, Miss D. Page, of Southborough, Brighton-road, as awarded a first prize for a long-haired cat named “Fluff.” The competition was very keen.
CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW Sydenham, Forest Hill & Penge Gazette, 21st October 1893
The Crystal Palace Company’s twenty-fifth National Cat Show was held on Tuesday and Wednesday last. The show numbered nearly 600 cats, arranged in fifty-four classes. Three prizes were offered in each class by the Crystal Palace Company, and there were also a number of medals and special prizes presented for competition by the promoters of the exhibition, the National Cat Club, the Duchess of Bedford, and others. Twelve of the classes were composed of cats belonging to the working classes, the entries in connection with which were received at a reduced fee. The majority of the cats were offered for sale at curiously varying prices, and in this connection a good deal of business was done. The cat which was pronounced by the judges (four members of the National Cat Club) to be the best in the exhibition was priced at £100; but there were not wanting cases where the extravagant sums of £1,000 and £2,000 were asked.
As in former years a large proportion of the cats came from the immediate neighbourhood of the Palace. Appended is a list of local prize winners and exhibitors:-
Mrs Adams, 6, West-hill-villas, Taylor’s-lane, Sydenham, third, class 26,black cats.
Miss M.J. Arthur, 55, Coombe-road, Sydenham, hc, class 50.
Mrs C. Attwood, 8, Albion-terrace, Lewisham-road, Lewisham, vhc, class 3.
Mr R.T. Babb, Bird Stall, Crystal Palace,vhc, class 10.
Mrs D.L. Bartholomew, 10, Victoria-road, Gipsy-hill.
Mr J. Barton, Bryntirion, Thurlow-park-road, West Dulwich, second, class 42, long-haired cats.
Mrs M. Bedward, Tudor House, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood, c, class 3.
Mrs B. Bedward, Tudor House, Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood, c, class 8.
Miss L. Berridge, 50, Ondine-road, East Dulwich, third, class 41, long-haired cats.
Miss P.M. Bowling, 39, Central-hill, Upper Norwood, hc, class 38.
Mrs Bowyer, 8, South-vale, Central-hill, upper Norwood, hc, class 48.
Mr G. Bowyer, 1, Prospect-road, Upper Sydenham, vhc, class 50.
Mrs Boxell, Melita, Woolstone-road, Catford, c, class 42.
Mrs Brackpool, 153, Manor-road, Brockley.
Mr C. Bradley, 22, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Miss M. Brigden, Crown-hill, Upper Norwood, first, class 23, “smokes.”
Miss A. Brunker, 134, Gipsy-hill, third, class 13, black.
Mrs J. Butler, 5, St. John’s-villas, East Dulwich, third, class 39, short-haired red tabby.
Mr J. Carlin, 82, Anerley-road, third, class 47, black cats,
Mrs Champness, 140, Gipsy-hill, first, class 4, black tom.
Mrs Clarke, Queen’s-road, Forest Hill, vhc, class 32.
Mrs Coles, 6, Beardell-street, Westow-hill, Upper Norwood.
Mrs Coleman, 28, Bweckenham-road, Penge.
Mr T. Coleman, 113, Wells-road, Sydenham, vhc, class 47.
Mrs Collins, 9, Anerley-vale, Upper Norwood, hc, class 48.
Mrs H.G. Cook, 54,Thurlow-hill, West Dulwich, c, class 35.
Mr W.H. Cunliffe, 33, Harcourt-road, Brockley, second, class 2, grey tabby.
Mr C. Dickinson, 13, Calton-road, Dulwich, vhc, class 49.
Mr George Ditch, 29, Camden Hill-road, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 40.
Mrs Doggett, 4, Rockbourne-road, Forest Hill, first, class 25, pure white.
Mrs Duckling, 93, Ridsdale-road, Anerley.
Mrs B.A. Dunk, 25, Station-road, Anerley, hc, class 50.
Mrs S.C. Dunk, 99, Anerley-road, vhc, class 21.
Mrs Durman, 48, Clive-road, West Dulwich, hc, class 48.
Mrs Eggliton, 3, Barnsfield-road, Upper Norwood, first, class 48.
Mr Eggliton, 3, Barnsfield-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs E.E. Ellerton, 54, London-toad, Forest Hill, first, class 26, black.
Mr W. Emms, Fairlawn Stables, Honor Oak, vhc, class 32; c, class 33; hc, class 52.
Miss R. Farrant, 18, Castledine-road, Anerley, hc, class 15.
Miss M. Ford, Fairwood, Sydenham-hill, first, class 6, silver grey and white tabby.
Mr Foster, 134 Gipsy-hill, hc, class 53.
Mr T. Freeman, 7, Oaksford-avenue, Wells-road, Sydenham, vhc, class 46.
Mr W. Gaskell, 13, Forest Hill-road, Honor Oak, secod, class 43, long-hiared cats.
Mrs Godwin, 64 Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mrs Hardwick, 43, Cintra Park, Upper Norwood.
Mrs Hardy, Ryhope, Highland-road, Upper Norwood.
Miss M.L. Harris, 5, Peak Hill-avenue, Sydenham, vhc, class 25.
Mrs Harrow, 15, Hanover-street, Sydenham, third, class 48, tortoiseshell; c, class 52.
Mr B. Hart, 4, Silverdale-buildings, Sydenham.
Mrs A. Harvey, 7, Farquhar-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 13.
Mrs W.R. Hawkins, Shalimar, 7, Auckland-road, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 29.
Miss B. Hawkins, 156, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 49.
Miss C. Hilton, 97, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, third, class 44, black and white.
Mrs Hitchcock, 5, Barnfield-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 45.
Miss K. Hockham, 27, Beauchamp-road, Upper Norwood, second, class 51, Persian.
Mrs W.V. Howship, 9, Carberry-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 46.
Mrs J. Hurst, 23, Westow-hill, Upper Norwood, second, class 9, dark brown; first, class 44, black and white tom; hc, class 9; hc, class 47; hc, class 49; hc, class 50.
Mrs Jackson, Rosetta Cottage, Church-road, Upper Norwood, c, class 51.
Miss F. Jayne, 57, Westow-hill, Upper Norwood, third, class 28, Persian tabby.
Mr F.A.M. Jennings, Fairlawn, Honor Oak-road, Forest Hill.
Miss M. Jerome, 89, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr E. Johnson, 43, Palace-road, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 53.
Mrs Kemp, 3, Thicket Wood Chambers, Anerley, vhc, class 47.
Mrs King, 17, Anerley-vale, Upper Norwood, hc, class 48; vhc, class 49.
Miss T. Kipps, Rocklands, Wickham-road, Beckenham.
Mrs Knight, 11, St. Aubyns-road, Upper Norwood.
Mr W.E. Leadbetter, 22, Laurel Grove, Penge, hc, class 49.
Mr R. Leadbetter, 5, Kingswood-road, Penge, hc, class 45.
Miss A. Leech, 15, Carberry-road, upper Norwood, vhc, class 49.
Mr J. Leech, 15, Carberry-road, upper Norwood, hc, class 46.
Mrs Leney, 38, Hawthorne Grove, Penge, vhc, class 39.
Mrs Letts, 21, Spa Hill, Upper Norwood, hc, class 49.
Mr W. Letts, 5, Anerley-road, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 3.
Mr Lewcock, 19, Barnfield-road, Gipsy-hill, first, class 45, silver tabby and white.
Miss Luff, 17, Albemarle-road, Beckenham, vhc, class 26.
Mr C. Luff, 25, Ravenscroft-road, Beckenham, vhc, class 53.
Miss K. Mackrell, 89, Devonshire-road, Forest-hill.
Mrs Maddams, 3, High-street, Sydenham, first, short-haired grey tom.
Mrs J.L. Manzie, 27, Station-road, Anerley, vhc, class 53.
Miss Massey, 46, Westow-street, Upper Norwood.
Mrs Mercer, 11, Central-hill, Upper Norwood, third, class 38, short-haired cats.
The Misses R. and E. Miles, 31, Acacia-road, Dulwich, second, class 29, short-haired dark grey.
Mr T.C. Milner, 40, High-street, Sydenham, c, class 39.
Miss Moore, 8, Dallas-road, Sydenham, c, class 52.
Miss Nunes, 4, Beardell-street, Norwood.
Mr D. Page, 47, Banfield-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 46, hc, class 53.
Mrs Pattison, 49, Palace-road, Upper Norwood, c, class 40.
Mr T. Poulter, Hollowcombe, West-hill, Sydenham.
Mr B. Poulter, Hollowcombe, West-hill, Sydenham, vhc, class 49.
Mrs Powell, 7a, South-vale, Upper Norwood.
Mr G. Pretty, Stables, North-end, Crystal Palace, second, class 44, short-haired black and white.
Mrs F. Prosser, 31, George-street, Gipsy-hill, hc, class 47.
Miss Pymble, 140, Gipsy-hill, first, class 54, silver grey.
Mrs Quilter, 145, Lewisham High-road, vhc. Class 4.
Mr J. Ranson, Bricklayer’s Arms, High-street, Sydenham, vhc, class 47.
Mast B. Rawlings, 27, Sainsbury-road, Gipsy-hill, vhc, class 46.
Mr F. Remnant, 116, Wood-vale, Honor Oak, hc, class 7.
Mrs E. Robinson, Brookville, Forest Hill, vhc, class 29.
Mrs A. Sadler, 8, Prospect-road, Upper Sydenham, third, class 53, short-haired cats.
Mrs Schweitzer, 5, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, hc, class 48.
Miss E.A. Schweitzer, 5, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, extra third, class 53.
Miss N. Senior, 9, Crystal-terrace, Central-hill, vhc, class 45.
Mrs Sharp, 133, Upland-road, Dulwich, c, class 37.
Mrs Shelley, 14, Grange-road, Upper Norwood, first, class 22, silver tabby; second, class 29.
Miss Shorter, Brightlands, Alleyn Park, West Dulwich, vhc, class 13, silver tabby.
Miss E.E. Slee, Kingswood Lawn, Alleyn Park, West Dulwich, vhc, class 38.
Mrs Eastlake Smith, Weston Lea, Crystal Palace, Park-road, hc, class 23; vhc, class 37.
Mrs J. Smith, 24, Station-road, Anerley, hc, class 45.
Miss Stisted, 107, Gipsy-hill, third, class 20, hc, class 25.
Miss Strang, 13, Queen Adelaide-road, Penge, first, class 33, for two best long haired kittens.
Miss Stringer, 9, Bradford-road, Sydenham, c, class 53.
Mrs Tomkins, 135, Croxted-road, Dulwich, second, class 18, pure white.
Mr J. Walton, 53, Palace-road, Upper Norwood, third, class 6, red tabby and white.
Miss Weedon, 8, Dallas-road, Sydenham, vhc, class 45.
Mr J. Weightman, 32, Embleton-street, Lewisham, vhcm class 41.
Mrs West, 152, Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, c, class 45.
Miss White, 144, Gipsy-hill.
Mrs Wiggins, 8, Willow-walk, Sydenham, second, class 53, shorthaired cats.
Mrs R. Winter, 23, Castledine-road, Anerley, vhc, class 50.
Mr R. Winter, jun, 23, Castledine-road, Anerley, hc, class 49.
Mrs H. Wiseman, 19, Rockmount, Upper Norwood, vhc, class 16.
Miss Wilcher, Waterworks, Sydenham-hill, second, class 45, tabby and white.
Mr L.G. Williams, 163, Maple-road, Penge, extra third, class 50, shorthaired kittens.
Mrs W. Williamson, 58, Prospect-place, Upper Sydenham, vhc, class 53.
Mr F. Wood, 9, Millpond Cottage, Dulwich Common, third, class 8, tortoiseshell and white.
Mr J.M. Young, 99, Catford-hill, hc, class 50.
Master E.G. Young, 45, Wells-road, Sydenham, hc, class 49.
CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOWGrantham Journal, 21st October 1893
The autumn season has been remarkable for the number and variety of exhibitions in London. To crown the list, there was opened at the Crystal Palace on Tuesday, a Cat Show, possessing all the attractions that have hitherto marked exhibitions of this kind. About six hundred cats were on view, forwarded from all parts of the kingdom. The pets were in most cases under the charge of ladies. Prizes were awarded to a great number, and thirteen silver medals, as well a gold one, were bestowed upon fortunate owners. The best cat in the show was Miss Jay's blue Persian Trixie, which secured the gold and two silver medals, besides three special awards. Another Persian belonging to Mrs. J. Horril, a dark tabby without a spot of fatal white, gained a first prize and silver medal, the same owner's Golden Locks, a pretty Persian with a little white bib, being second in another class. In addition to the main awards, there were first, second, and third money prizes in each of the fifty-three classes into which the show was divided. A number of prizes were offered for cats belonging to the working-classes, who sent some one hundred and fifty animals all.
CRYSTAL PALACE CATS. Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper, 22nd October 1893
The Crystal Palace company's 25th cat show on Tuesday and Wednesday, brought together nearly 600 cats (the exact number, according to the catalogue, being 562), arranged in no less than 54 classes. The chief award of the exhibition, the gold medal of the National Cat Club (for the best animal on view), was secured by Miss Jay's blue Persian cat Trixie, which also obtained two silver medals and two prizes. A silver medal and two special prizes were taken by Mrs. Herring's Siamese Prince Chang; and silver medals by Mr. E. Hill's pair of kittens Siamese King and Siamese Queen, Miss R. Bray's blue Persian Tomato, Miss R. Bray's blue Persian Endymion, Miss K. Sangster's blue Persian Southsea Hector, and also to Mrs. Hodge for her tabby Sam. The cat pronounced by the judges (four members of the National Cat club) to be the best in the exhibition was priced at £100; but there were not wanting cases where the extravagant sums of £1,000 and £2,000 were asked.
CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. The People, 22nd October 1893
The 25th national cat show, held under the auspices of the Crystal Palace Company, was opened on Tuesday in one of the galleries of the palace. The honours of the show were borne off by a beautiful blue Persian named Trixie, belonging to Miss Jay, Holmwood, Putney Hill, which gained the Cat Club's gold medal, two silver medals, first prize is its class, and four special prizes. The other leading prize winners ware Xnephone, belonging to Mrs. C. Heslop, Darlington, which was awarded first prize in its class, a silver medal, and a special prize; Jimmy, shows by Mrs. Herring, Lee, Kent, which mused first prize in its class and a silver medal; The Duchess, sent by Mrs. Pearson, Hull, first prize and a silver medal; Kitty Kara. belonging to Mrs. F. Walker, Old Charlton, first prize, two silver medals, and three special prizes; Siamese King. shown by Mr. E. Hill, county Down, Ireland, first prize and silver medal; a blue Russian, sent by Mrs. Heslop, which took a first and a special; Syrlin and Fumosa, two kittens, shown by Mrs. Robinson, Cheltenham, to which were awarded first prize and a silver medal; Southsea Hector, belonging to Miss K. Sangster, Southsea, which took first prize, a silver medal, and a special prize; Sam, Mrs. Hodges, Thornton Heath, first: prize, a silver medal, and a special prize; Ruse, Mr. W. J. Smith, West Norwood, first and special prizes.
MRS MCLAREN MORRISON AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOWThe Cornish Telegraph, 26th October 1893
Baron Henry de Worms has no son, but has three daughters. The eldest, Mrs. David McLaren-Morrison, was formerly the wife of Mr. J. H. B. Warner, who left her the life use of Kepwich Park, a magnificent place near Northallerton, filled with curios from all parts the world which were collected by the late Mr. Warner. Mr. David McLaren-Morrison is a well known merchant in Calcutta. His wife is a great cat and dog fancier. She has at Kepwich Park a wonderful collection of these animals, and shows no fewer than twenty-four cats at the present Crystal Palace Cat Show. A prize of a cats-eye ring was presented by her to the owner of the cat which the judges considered the prize cat at the Palace Show.
[CRYSTAL PALACE] A PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY Black & White, 28th October 1893
We give an illustration of a cat who has made her mark in the feline world as no cat has ever done before. To judge by the sweet expression of "Trixie's" expressive countenance, she is as agreeable a companion as she is good as a show cat and prize winner. Never before has a cat taken such high and so many honours. She is a small animal of the blue Persian breed, with long silky hair and has not only won the gold medal at the Crystal Palace Cat Show, but as many as eight other prizes, including a piece of plate given by the Crystal Palace Company and a handsome challenge vase presented by the National Cat Club. We know that every dog has his day, and now, since the Annual Cat Show has become a feature of the Crystal Palace year, every cat may have her afternoon. “Trixie” held a triumphant reception last Thursday and Friday at the Crystal Palace Cat Show. Crowds struggled to see the champion cat of the year, and when at last they did get in front of the cage, it must he confessed the heroine of the hour was at no pains to show them any particular politeness. She reposed, a downy ball of soft, dark fur, at the back of her cage. Sometimes she stretched a paw, sometimes she smothered a yawn. There was no heartiness or anxiety to make friends with humble admirers, but this dignity must not be confounded with pride. There is no more "nasty pride" about a really well-bred cat than there is about a well-bred man or woman, but there is certainly more deportment about some nice cats than most nice people. Cats show a sense of their own value which we of the human race cannot even attempt to display in this democratic age. We congratulate Miss Jay on the possession of this beautiful animal.
THE CAT CLUB SHOW Gentlewoman, 28th October 1893
THE CAT CLUB SHOW. Although the cat can boast of quite a respectable antiquity, and has long been in favour as a domestic appanage and a slayer of sundry rats and mice, it is only of quite recent years that it has been elevated to the dignity of the show bench, and has had a club all to itself. Some people say that since this event occurred there has been a perceptible increase of pride among the grimalkins, many of whom have become too indolent to earn their own living. Be this as it may, there is no doubt that the club is doing much to improve the beauty of the many varieties. At the twenty-fifth Great National Cat Show, held at the Crystal Palace last week, nearly six hundred pussies passed under the inspection of the judges, the merit of the exhibits reaching a high standard. "Trixie," a beautiful blue Persian, as near perfect as it is possible to be, owned by Miss Jay, was awarded the Cat Club's gold medal for the best cat in the show, and about seven specials a wonderful achievement, but fully justified. “Trixie" is an aristocrat of high degree, a shapely animal, with splendid coat. A special prize given by the Duchess of Bedford for a specimen of the Royal cat of Siam was won by Miss Walker's "Kitty Kara."
Among the other prize-winners were the following ladies:- Mrs. C. Heslop, Mrs. Herring, Mrs. Pearson Mrs. T. Sugden, Miss E. Smith, Mrs. Champney, Mrs. Carew-Cox, Miss M. Ford, Miss C. Mayhew, Miss E. Dumble, Miss N. Pilling, Miss A. Brunker, Mrs. Mouser, Mrs. McL. Morrison, Miss R. Bray, Miss Stisted, Mrs. J. Hovril, Mrs. Shelley, Mrs Haigh, Miss M. Brigden, Mrs. Foote, Mrs. C. Coleman, Mrs. Doggett, Miss F. W. Greenwood, Mrs. E. E. Ellerton, Mrs. F. Yeoman, Miss Freeland, Mrs. Brydges, Mrs. Lee, Mrs. H. B. Thompson, Mrs. A. Clarke, Mrs. Pearce, Mrs. Lack, Mrs. Maddams, Misses R. and E. Miles, Mrs. J. Butler Miss D. Page, Mrs. S. Dale, Mrs. J. Borough, Mrs. J. Sangster, Mrs. J. Hurst, Miss Wilcher, Mrs. Hodges, Miss A. H. McCrae, Mrs. Eggliton, Mrs. Harrow, &c.
CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. The Illustrated London News, October 28, 1893
At the twenty-fifth annual cat show, opened at the Crystal Palace on Oct 17, the highest honours were gained by a beautiful blue Persian named "Trixie,"belonging to Miss Jay, Holmwood, Putney Hill, which gained the Cat Club's gold medal, two silver medals, first prize in its class and four special prizes. Other leading prize-winners were "Xenophone," belonging to Mrs C Heslop, Darlington, which was awarded first prize in its class, a silver medal, and a special prize; "Jimmy," shown by Mrs Herring, Lee, Kent, which gained first prize in its class and a silver medal; "The Duchess," sent by Mrs Pearson, Hull, first prize and a silver medal, "Kitty Kara," belonging to Mrs F Walker, Old Charlton, first prize, two silver medals, and three special prizes; "Siamese King," shown by Mr E Hill, County Down, Ireland, first prize and a silver medal; a blue Russian, sent by Mrs Heslop, which took a first and a special; "Syrlin," and "Fumosa," two kittens, shown by Mrs Robinson, Cheltenham, to which were awarded first prize and a silver medal.
A GREAT CAT SHOW. various, November 1893
London, Nov. 8. — The first annual national cat show, under the auspices of the National Cat Club, closed last night, and this morning six hundred felines that bare been on exhibition are being returned to their homes. The sum of ten thousand dollars was asked for the blue Persian cat Trixie, owned by Miss Angelina Jay, and which captured the gold medal of the national club, two silver medals, and two money prizes, but there were no takers. Five hundred dollars was offered and refused for Mrs. William Herring’s Siamese Prince Chang, which took a silver medal and two special prizes, while Mr. E. Hill’s two Persian kittens brought $125 each. “Tabby Sam,” owned by Mrs. Hodges; and which tips the beam at seventeen pounds [given as “seventy” in some versions!], secured the prize for the heaviest feline on exhibition. The next show will be international, although the number of felines entered for competition will be limited to five thousand.
[CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE] Trowbridge Chronicle, 4th November 1893
At the recent Cat Show at the Crystal Palace a superb specimen of the feline race won as a prize the curiously appropriate precious stone called a "cat's-eye.' It is only within a recent period that the beauty of this stone been fully recognised.
ENGLAND’S CATS ON EXHIBITION – Chicago Daily Tribune, November 18, 1893
Tabbies of Rare Pedigree Mewed and Purred for Prizes In Luxurious Cages.
A wonderful cat show, the climax of a quarter of a century of other cat shows, has just been held at the Crystal Palace in London. A noble six hundred of pedigreed tabbies alternately mewed and purred in their handsome cages, or, as they are sometimes called, catteries. It was the time of all times when, in very truth, a cat could look at a king, since the high and mighty of the land filed daily by their cages. Twenty-five years ago, at the original feline competition, the problem was how to get enough cats together to even fill the classes, and it was a still greater task to get people to look at the collection seriously. This is scarcely to be wondered at since a large number of the animals shown were the every-day mousers who were kept about the building for use rather than ornament. Indeed, a certain thrifty pigeon fancier used to relate with great glee that he borrowed without permission a neighbor’s quondam white cat, washed her, very much against her will, and won a prize with her at the show. Small and dubious as the exhibition was, it was a great success, and the cat show at once became an annual feature of the Crystal Palace program. From the few entries for the first competition the number has increased to the present showing of over 600 animals.
Of all these noble tabbies not one is mentioned as belonging to a man. The women go into feline cultivation with energy and enthusiasm, as is shown by the fact that one woman exhibited no fewer than twenty-one animals, while another displayed a round two dozen. Imagine the delights of living in the same house with twenty-four prize cats and their respective families. The cages in which the tabbies were shown were of a superior kind. Some of them were hung with dainty curtains looped with ribbons and otherwise fitted up for the pampering of their occupants. The latter were supplied with new milk, fresh meat, and dean straw, and were properly disinfected. The classes in which the cats were arranged were over fifty in number. One of the particularly beautiful animals, a silver tabby called Jimmy, has won almost innumerable prizes and medals. In this variety the dark stripes rest on a light silver ground. Among the long-haired cats, Mrs. Shelley’s silver tabby Abdul Zaphir, a much be-prized cat, took a medal. Another silver tabby, Princess Ranee, is entered in the stud book, her pedigree being fully given. A blue long-haired eat, also entered in the stud book, was prized at £1,000.
1893 MANSFIELD POULTRY SOCIETY SHOW
1893: A POULTRY SHOW AND A LOST CAT. Mansfield Reporter, 3rd November 1922
The season has arrived when the local Press is frequently called upon to report on poultry, bird and rabbit shows, and a few notes on the exhibitions in Mansfield thirty years ago may be of interest. I have before me the minute book of the original Poultry Society, from which I find that many leading people of the town and district took a lively interest in the fancy. The first meeting was held in October, 1888. . . the biggest venture the society ever made was 29 years ago, in November 1893. It was decided to hold a show open to all England, in a marquee to be erected in the Westgate market on Statutes day. . .
" But what," you ask," has this to do with a lost cat?"
I'll tell you. The committee offered prizes for cats, which were a distinct draw, but a source of anxiety. A fine cat was sent from Cavendish Lodge, which the owner backed to win. but on the way it did not like its quarters and managed to escape, and at judging time was comfortably stretched on its native hearth. But that is not the lost cat referred to above.
Amongst the feline specimens was a fine blue Persian, hailing from Matlock. Mr. Charles Hare was the cat steward, and on packing up for sending home he found the blue Persian's pen empty. Now, this cat had a long pedigree, was a great favourite, and a winner to boot, and, naturally, the committee were anxious to find. The loss was advertised, and a reward offered, which caused the boys in Westgate and Clumber Street district to organise cat hunts. Any poor cat which the most elastic imagination could call blue was chased and several brought to Mr. Hare and the writer for identification. Women took up the matter and seized various cats and applied for the reward. But the climax was reached when three women invaded the "Reporter" Office with a large blue Thomas cat, but which was not a Persian. They would not be convinced that it was the wrong cat, and demanded the reward and their waggonette fares from Pleasleay Hill, and insisted on leaving puss. To my relief Mr. Hare got on the track of the right one, and it was captured in Clumber Street and returned to its owner in the Derbyshire Hills.
1893 BRIGHTON CAT SHOW
BRIGHTON AQUARIUM CAT SHOW Sussex Agricultural Express, 24th November 1893
The annual winter cat show at the Aquarium was opened on Wednesday. There were some 30 classes and upwards of 250 animals were shown. The National Cat Club’s gold medal for the best cat in the exhibition belonging to a member of the Club is taken by Mr. C. Hill, Tovil, Kent. The Aquarium Company’s silver medals have been awarded to Mrs. Elliott Hill, Helms Bay, Down, Ireland; Mr. C. Hill; Mrs. Borough, Newport, Salop; and Mrs. Heslop, Darlington. The show remained open yesterday.
BRIGHTON CAT SHOW Mid Sussex Times , 28th November 1893
Brighton Cat Show, under the patronage of the National Cat Club, was held on Wednesday and Thursday at the Pavilion, and attended by much success, about 250 pussies being exhibited in 30 classes. The National Cat Club gold medal for the best cat in the exhibition belonging to a member of the club was awarded to Mr. C. Hill, Tovil. Kent. The Aquarium Company’s four silver medals went to Ireland, Kent, Shropshire, and Durham, and the Mid-Sussex prize-winners were Miss S. Moloney, Lindfield (for a long-haired he cat), and Mrs. Burtonshaw, Cuckheld (for a tabby he cat).
[BRIGHTON] LOCAL EXHIBIT Tunbridge Wells Journal, 30th November 1893
At the ninth annual cat show held in the Brighton Aquarium on Wednesday and Thursday last, Mr M. Penfold’s short-haired cat, “Snug,” was commended in Class 3 for cats of any sex.
THE CAT SHOW AT BRIGHTON Tunbridge Wells Journal, 30th November 1893
THE Cat Show at Brighton last week was a very interesting and successful exhibition. There were not many exhibitors from the county. The value which some of the exhibitors set on their pets were very large, some figuring in the catalogue at £1,000 and £1,500, while in more than one case £2,000 was asked for, and in others neither love nor money could buy the treasured pets sent for exhibition. The National Cat Club’s gold medal for the best cat in the competition was won by Mrs C. Hills, of Tovil, Kent, a well-known cat fancier, with a very handsome longhaired male cat called "Blue Ruin."
BRIGHTON CAT SHOW Hull Daily Mail, 1st December 1893
At the Brighton Cat Show, held on the 22nd, Mrs. S. Pearson’s noted tortoiseshell Duchess secured 3rd prize.
1893 REGIONAL CAT SHOWS
1893 BURNLEY RABBIT AND CAT SHOW Burnley Express, 31st December 1892
DATES FOR 1893. August 27 – Rabbit and Cat Show at Burnley.
FORFAR POULTRY, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW Forfar Herald, 6th January 1893
This old established poultry show was held on Monday and Tuesday in the Reid Hall, Forfar . . . 30 cats . . . On Tuesday the show was given an additional interest by a keen competitive exhibition in cats. In Tom cats Mrs Ramsay, 4 Bell Place, was first and first special, and George Crichton, Chapel Street, was first and second special in tabbies [i.e. females]. Messrs W. Hastings and G. Cable were judges.
BROTTON POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 20th January 1893
Look out for Brotton Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Show, February 1st. Entries Close January 28th. Schedules ready. Judge, Mr J. Dixon, Bradford. Secretary, Ed. Hanson, Brotton, R. S. G.
POULTRY, RABBIT, CAGE BIRD, AND CAT SHOW. Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, 26th January 1893
The annual show, in connection with the Canterbury Ornithological and Rabbit Society was held in the Music Hall, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. In the classes for cats, again the entries were not so numerous as in previous years, this being due no doubt to the fact that the area open to entries had been considerably diminished. [Judges and winners in cat classes not given]
RISHTON SHOW. Preston Herald, 22nd April 1893
Rishton Agricultural Society – the first Annual Show will be held on Saturday, May 6th, 1893. Good classification for Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Pigs, Butter, Eggs, Oatcakes, Poultry, Pigeons, Dogs, Rabbits and Cats. Show Ground close to the Rishton Railway Station. Entries close Saturday April 29th. Hon. Secretary, Mr. W.M. Davis. Secretary, Mr. J.E. Diggle, 20, Hermitage-street, Rishton, near Blackburn.
DARWEN SHOW. Preston Herald, 22nd April 1893
Darwen and District Agricultural Association – third annual show, Saturday, May 13th, 1893 at Darwen. Horses, Turnouts, Jumpers, Cattle, Goats etc. Dogs, Poultry, Pigeons, Rabbits, Cavies, and Cats. Entries close may 2nd. Prize lists may be had from J. Ainsworth, Secretary, 32, Railway-road, Darwen.
KEYNSHAM HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION CAT SHOW. Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 1st June 1893
The Keynsham Horticultural Association have decided to hold their annual flower show on the 16th August, and in connection with the same, another poultry, cage bird, pigeon, and cat show.
CALDER VALLEY CATTLE [ETC] SHOW Todmorden Advertiser and Hebden Bridge Newsletter, 9th June 1893
[. . . ] Forthcoming show, to be held on August 26th ad 28th . . . The exhibition of cats, at this year’s show, will be under the patronage of the National Cat Club, who are giving special prizes.
ROYAL CORNWALL SHOW AT LISKEARD. THE GREAT ANNUAL EVENT. Cornishman, 15th June 1893
Liskeard has the privilege this year of attracting agriculturists and pleasure-seekers from all parts of the county to the Royal Cornwall exhibition, which was opened on Tuesday after a welcome thunder-shower had cleared the air. [. . .] . Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Show. Entries—158 dogs, 178 poultry, 161 pigeons, 31 rabbits, eight cats, 107 cage-birds.
MID- RHONDDA DOG, POULTRY, PIGEONS, CAGE BIRDS, RABBITS, AND CATS' SHOW. South Wales Daily News, 23rd June 1893
Mid- Rhondda First Annual Dog, Poultry, Pigeons, Cage Birds, Rabbits, and Cats' Show will be held on (The National Holiday) July 6th, 1893. Entries Extended t,) July 1st. Frederick Thomas, Secretary, Penygraig, Pontypridd.
SHERBORNE. GARDEN FETE AND CAFE Weymouth Telegram, 1st August 1893
On Thursday, a grand popular garden fete and café were held in the Digby Hotel gardens for the purpose of defraying the expense of refurnishing the Abbey church [. . .] There was a local cat show, Mr. R. Leach, of Yeovil, being the judge, and amongst those who obtained prizes were: 1sts, 6s each, Mr. Cox, Mr. J. Blake, and Mrs. Blanch; 2nds, 4s each, Mrs. Baker and Mr W. Took; 3rds, 2s each, Mrs Ffooks, Mr. J. Ashford, and Mrs. Gover.
GLAMIS FLOWER, POULTRY, DOG, AND CAT SHOW. Dundee Advertiser, 4th August 1893
The Glamis Flower, Poultry, Dog, and Cat Show will be held on Saturday 12th August next. A brass Band in attendance. Schedules Ready. W.R. Johnston, Secy.
MIDDLETON RABBIT, CAVY, AND CAT SHOW. Hull Daily Mail, 24th August 1893
This show, held in connection with the Agricultural Society, was opened this morning. The following - were the local awards. Cats —Any variety, 1st, Mrs Pearson, Hull.
EGGLESTONE POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW. Northern Echo, 8th September 1893
Egglestone Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit and Cat Show, September 16th, 1893. Schedules from Henry Coats, Secretary, Egglestone, via Darlington.
LIVERPOOL RABBIT, CAVY, AND CAT SHOW. Hull Daily Mail, 20th September 1893
[Special telegram] At this show, held to-day, there was a large entry and the quality excellent. The following are the local awards :— Cats.-2, Mr S Pearson.
WORCESTER SHOW Hull Daily Mail, 29th September 1893
The 15th annual show of poultry, pigeons, rabbits, cats, and cage birds, will be held in the Exhibition Buildings, Worcester, on October 11th and 12th. Rabbits, 16 classes; cage birds 19; prizes 10s, 5s, 2s 6d. Entry for cage birds, 1s 6d, rabbits, 2s. Cats, three prizes, 15s, 10s, 5s; entry fee, 2s 6d. Specials are given in all sections in addition to prize money. Judges: Rabbits and cats, Mr. J. Graham; and cage birds Mr. Bemrose. Entries close October 2nd, to Mr. E.G. Hughes, Rainbow-hill, Worcester.
SHOW, MANSFIELD Mansfield Reporter, 22nd September 1893
I HAVE seen a proof of the schedule proposed to be issued shortly by the Mansfield end District Fanciers' Association. It is by far the largest and most comprehensive that the society has ever adopted. Mr. Woods, of Fullerton Lodge, and Mr. W. Woods, junr., of Clipstone, are working hard for the success of the venture, and it is hoped that the tradesmen of Mansfield will provide a few special prizes to be competed for. The handsome cops given last year by the Mayor and Captain Tomasson will be again offered. A novelty is introduced, viz., a cat show.
SHOW, MANSFIELD Mansfield Reporter, 20th October 1893
The Committee of the Mansfield and District Poultry Society have decided to close the entries on Monday next. The show, which will be held on Statutes day, promises to be a success. The cat show will be one of the features.
PAISLEY DOG AND CAT SHOW Glasgow Evening Post, 2nd November 1893
The seventh annual show of and cats of the Paisley Kennel Club is taking place at the Drill Hall Paisley, today. The entries number 544, being an increase of 50 compared with last year. The animals appear to be of fine quality. There are a large number of special prizes in addition to money awards. The following are the judges: [. . .] other classes, Mr Samuel Cameron. The principal awards are : -
Tom cats, any variety – Hugh Mclerie, Largs.
Tabbies, any variety - Miss Black. Edinburgh.
Gelded cats, any variety - Hugh McLerie.
Kittens, any variety - R. Clark, Leith.
POULTRY AND CAT SHOWDaily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 23rd November 1893
Poultry and Cat Show held yesterday under the auspices of the South Bank Fur and Feather Society. [. . .] To large numbers of people, representing all classes, a show such as yesterday's is a very attractive feature in a dull time like the present. It is a credit to the district that the entries should have been so numerous, and perhaps a greater credit that the exhibits, in all classes, attained so high a standard of excellence. In all departments the premier positions were not won without keen competition, which is of itself a criterion of outstanding merit. From this, the second annual exhibition, a future of great and growing usefulness may be confidently expected. [No prize list provided]
CHELTENHAM FANCIERS’ SOCIETY Hull Daily Mail, 1st December 1893
The Cheltenham Fanciers’ Society will hold the great open show in the Assembly Rooms, on December 13th and 14th. Rabbits have 20 classes, cats three; the prizes are 10s, 5s, and 3s; entry fee 1s 6d [. . . cat judge is] Mr. Mason. Entries close December 2nd, to Mr. J. E. Ponting, Cheltenham.
CHICHESTER BIRD, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW Chichester Observer, 6th December 1893
The Chichester and District Fanciers’ Association held one of their most meritorious shows on Thursday and Friday last, in the Corn Exchange, Chichester. [Cat judge was] Mr. G.H. Billett.
[Local winners]
Cats – Any variety, long hair, male or female: 2 Mr. Charles Smith, Chichester; extra third Miss C.M. Buckle, Chichester; vhc Miss C.M. Buckle, Mr F. Horner, Chichester, Miss Atkey, Chichester, Mrs. Bockett, Chichester, Mrs. Bryce, Chichester; hc Mr. F. Gardner, Chichester.
Any variety, short hair, male or female: 1 Mr H King, Chichester; 2 Mr. H. Stewart; 3 Mrs. Flint, Chichester; vhc Miss Thirlwell, Emsworth; hc Mr. T. Bryce.
Any variety, kittens, age not to exceed six months, single or pairs: 1 Miss C.M. Buckle; 2 Mrs. Bryce; 3 Mrs. Flint; vhc Mr. W. Boulton, Chichester, and Mr. F.J. Neale, Bognor; hc Mr. H. King.
Any variety, male or female, or kittens: 1 Mr. H. King; 2 Mr. C. Petter, Chichester; 3 Mr. C. Barnes, Chichester; 4 Mr. Morgan; vhc Miss C.M. Buckle, Mrs. East, Chichester; Mrs. Lemmon, Chichester; Mr. J. Hobbs, Chichester; Mr. T.B. Johnson, Chichester; and Mr. W.H. Harding, Chichester; hc Miss Knibbs, Chichester; Mr. F. Portsmouth, Chichester; Mr. C. Petter; Mrs. Norton, Chichester and Mr. C. Smith.
BIRD, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW AT NEWPORT Southern Echo, 7th December 1893
The seventh annual show in connection with the Newport Fanciers’ Association was opened at the Drill Hall on Wednesday. [. . .] Nearly £100 was given in prizes, which was a large sum for a locality. [. . .] The cats included many noteworthy specimens. [Cat judge Mr. R.E. Enfield, prize winners not listed]
LOFTUS AND DISTRICT RABBIT AND CAT SHOWNorthern Echo, 18th December 1893
The second half-yearly show was held on Saturday in the Oddfellows’ Hall, and was well patronised. The entries were 30 more than the previous show. [Prize list] Cats: Mrs. J.M. Wright, Loftus; Mrs. Metcalfe, the Barnes, Upleatham; Miss Bainbridge, Loftus.
PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW AT SOUTH SHIELDS. Shields Daily Gazette, 23rd December 1893
The third annual show in connection with the Rabbit, Cat, Cavy, and Pigeon Society was opened yesterday in St. Thomas' Hall, Denmark Street, South Shields. The exhibition is far and away the best that has been held in the borough, both in point of variety, quality, and number. The cats are a particularly interesting feature, and include some rare species of the feline family. G. Hedwerth judged the rabbits, cats, and cavies. [. . .] G. Dennett carried off first honours in section 2, for cats of any variety, A: Thompson being second, and Mr Wetherall third. In the open show for cats of any variety, Mr G. Druery was placed first, Mr W. Mitchell, second, and Mrs C. R. Toomer, third W. Marshall, Miss J. Wetherall, and Miss M. Wetherall receiving high commendation.
RABBIT AND CAT SHOW IN LEICESTER. Leicester Chronicle, 30th December 1893
An attempt was made last year to establish a rabbit and cat show in Leicester, under the title of "Rutland Rink Show," but in consequence of it being open to all the world the show proved somewhat of an abortion, many of the working-men of Leicester not caring to compete under the circumstances. This year, however, under the auspices of the Leicester Spinney Hill Fancy Rabbit Society, on exhibition of rabbits and cats was opened at the Queen's Hotel, Rutland-street, on Tuesday, the entries being restricted to the residents of Leicester. The result has been most gratifying, the exhibits in the respective departments numbering over 120, and the quality being of a most meritorious character. [. . .] Amongst the feline tribe the pretty Persian specimen shown by Mrs. J. E. Driver deserved especial mention, as at the ago of only six months it has attained the proud position of securing the first prize at this show after some very commendatory recognitions on previous occasions. The following is the prize list-
Cats, any variety, 1 and s Mrs. J. B. Driver, 2 P. Pounds, 3 and s Mrs. W. Bell, vhc Mrs. L. A. Chappin (two), E. H. Muddimer, Mrs. Hutchinson, Mrs. Sharman, and Mrs. Davis ; hc and s Mr. Fisher, hc Mrs. Frisby, Mrs. Stephenson, and Mrs. H. J. Wakefield.
[ARBROATH SHOW] BITTEN BY A “HIGHLY COMMENDED” CAT.- St. Andrews Citizen, 30th December 1893
The third annual show of the Scottish Rabbit and Cat Club was held in Arbroath on Saturday. The judges were:-For rabbits Mr W. B. Duncan, Dunfermline; cats and cavies-Mr Jas. Garrow, Edinburgh. The latter was severely bitten on the back of the hand by a rather fierce-looking, rough-coated cat, which was one of the “highly-commended.”