Golden Flash, red tabby Persian female

This red tabby Persian, GOLDEN FLASH, was born December 31, 1901 (Robin x Beauty). She is registered (#696) in the Studbook of the Beresford Cat Club (Chicago, IL).

Bred by Miss Estelle Ward, and owned by Mrs. Charles Edwin Folsom.

Golden Flash won 1st and Special at the Boston show in 1903.

Photo from The Cat Journal, March 15, 1904.

Boston Cat Club Ribbons, early 1900's

The Feline Historical Museum in Alliance, Ohio, has a large collection of artifacts related to the early days of the Cat Fancy, such as these ribbons from Boston cat shows held in the early 1900's.  

The Feline Historical Museum is located at 260 East Main Street, Alliance, Ohio. It is open to the public 10am-4pm Tuesday-Friday, and 9am -noon on Saturday. Admission is free.

Featured Cat - Hiraja

HIRAJA
Seal point Siamese, male
born April 18, 1907

This story will give you a glimpse into the life of 'Hiraja", a seal-point Siamese male bred by Mrs. Chilcott, of Lovel Dene, near Windsor Park. This particular Siamese male was a son of Mrs. Norris' 'Champion Kew King of Siam' who at that time was one of the most well-used males in the United Kingdom. He was also a half-brother to 'Champion Sancho' (1906) who was another hallmark Siamese stud male of the second half of the first decade. 

The Siamese as a breed was still developing into its phenotype during this critical period between the turn of the 20th century and the First World War, so this gives us a glimpse into those pre-Great-War times.

Read all about Hiraja here: http://www.cat-o-pedia.org/hiraja.html

Duffy of Beverly-Serrano, shaded silver Persian male

CH DUFFY OF BEVERLY-SERRANO, a shaded silver male, was named Best in Show at the American Silver Fanciers Specialty show which was part of the Southern California Cat Club show held on January 14, 1945 in Los Angeles.

In this photo, Duffy is held by Miss Olive Borden, a silent film actress in the 1920's.

DUFFY was born October 7,1941 and was owned by Mrs. Jessie Hazlett.

Photo from the Los Angeles Times, January 15, 1945

Black Cats and Hallowe'en

BLACK CATS have been associated with Hallowe'en since the days of pilgrims, who thought witches could transform themselves into black cats, and back to human form again.

Of course, we all know that's impossible ... but the wariness of black cats on Halloween still exists to this day.

For the health and safety of your cat, it's wise and responsible for cat owners to be sure that their cats are indoors during Hallowe'en.

Maneki Neko

THE MANEKI NEKO is more easily recognizable as the "welcoming cat" in restaurants and shops. While the exact origins are uncertain, numerous interesting legends and folklore tales surround the Maneki Neko’s early days.

Today, the Maneki Neko  comes in a variety of colors and mediums, yet all retain the same philosophy ... welcoming good fortune, health, and wealth to their admirers.

The Feline Historical Museum in Alliance, Ohio, has a room dedicated to their collection of Maneki Nekos.

Read more about the Maneki Neko here:  http://felinehistoricalfoundation.org/article-maneki-neko.html

Richard H. Gebhardt

RICHARD H. GEBHARDT
(1931-2018)

Richard Gebhardt had a long and distinguished career with The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. (CFA).  He acquired his first cat at the age of 14, and by the age of 22 was elected President of the Garden State Cat Club of New Jersey, serving in that capacity from 1953 to 1967.

Learning from his mentors, his achievements in the show ring were many, including CFA's 1959 Best Cat (GC Vel-Vene VooDoo of Silva-Wyte, a black Persian male); an achievement he repeated in 1969 (GC Silva-Wyte Trafari of J.B, another black Persian male).

A prolific writer, Dick's articles and books shared his view of the cat fancy and the various breeds with breeders and exhibitors worldwide. His wonderful drawings of the Persian and the Siamese set the "ideal" standard for years to come.

As a CFA Judge (1953-2008), Dick firmly believed that the judging ring should be entertainment, not some clinical procedure. Following along with that line of thought, he became known for his stylish and colorful sports jackets when judging, and was the epitome of a "handler" in the judging ring.

As President of CFA (1968-1980), Dick contributed immensely to the cat fancy; his vision for the association was light years ahead of other people. 

You can read more about Dick's life and achievements here ... http://www.cat-o-pedia.org/people-RichardGebhardt.html