Cat fancy is a niche interest that has been around for centuries, with evidence of cat breeding dating back to ancient Egypt. The modern cat fancy movement began in the 19th century in Europe and the United States.
Cat shows have been a staple of the cat fancy scene since the first show was held in London in 1871. This marked the beginning of a formalized competition system where breeders could showcase their cats' unique characteristics.
The first cat breed standard was written in 1887, and it described the British Shorthair breed. The standard has since been updated numerous times to reflect changes in the breed's physical characteristics.
Cat fanciers, or enthusiasts, can choose from over 70 recognized cat breeds, each with its own distinct appearance and personality.
Cat Fancy Basics
Cat fancy is a hobby that involves breeding, showing, and caring for cats, with a focus on their physical characteristics and behavior.
The first cat show was held in London in 1871, and it was a huge success, with over 200 cats on display.
To participate in cat fancy, you'll need to choose a breed that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
The British Shorthair is a popular breed known for its sturdy build and short, easy-to-maintain coat.
Cat fancy involves evaluating cats based on their physical characteristics, such as coat length, color, and body type.
The International Cat Association recognizes over 70 breeds, each with its own unique characteristics.
If you're new to cat fancy, it's a good idea to start by learning about the basics of cat care and behavior.
Cat fancy is not just about showing cats, but also about promoting responsible cat ownership and welfare.
Regulations and Standards
Cat breed standards can vary between countries and governing bodies, so it's essential to get the relevant information if you're planning to register or show a cat.
Each Cat Fancy organization has its own list of recognized breeds and published breed standards, which can change over time as preferences for cat body type, head shape, coat color, and other characteristics evolve.
The modern Siamese, for example, has a sleek and lean body and a wedge-shaped head, whereas the traditional Siamese, also known as Apple-headed Siamese or Opal cats, has a thicker body and a rounder face.
As breed standards change, it's crucial to stay up-to-date with the requirements, which can include new colors becoming acceptable or the registration of new breeds.
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Governing Bodies
The National Cat Club was established in 1887 in Britain, and most clubs followed their rules when running shows.
The first stud book was published in 1895, and a year later another club appeared on the scene.
In 1910, the National Cat Club merged with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), which then ran all things cat in Britain.
The GCCF has no testing process, but provides instead for experienced breeders to be nominated and approved by a Council meeting to become probationary judges.
The Cat Association of Britain (CA) was established in 1983, marking a change in the governing bodies of the cat fancy.
The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) is the largest cat organization in the US, recognizing 42 pedigreed breeds for championship class and 2 in the miscellaneous class.
The CFA was founded in 1906 and held its first cat shows in Buffalo, New York, and Detroit that same year.
The International Cat Association (TICA), American Cat Council (ACC), Cat Fanciers' Federation (CFF), United Cat Federation (UCA), the American Association of Cat Enthusiasts (AACE), and the Canadian Cat Association (CCA) are other governing bodies in the cat fancy.
FIFe, the largest and most powerful feline association in the world, has thousands of members and is affiliated with the CA and many US organizations.
In Europe, countries often have two or more cat bodies, with one organization typically affiliated with the Federation International Feline (FIFe).
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Breed Standards
Breed standards can be a bit confusing, but essentially, each governing body has its own list of recognized cat breeds with published breed standards.
These standards may vary between countries and even between governing bodies, so it's essential to get the relevant information if you're planning on registering or showing a cat.
Breed standards are amended over the years as preferences for cat body type, head shape, coat color, and other characteristics change.
The modern Siamese has a sleek and lean body and a wedge-shaped head, whereas the traditional Siamese, also known as Apple-headed Siamese or Opal cats, has a thicker body and a rounder face.
These traditional Siamese cats are making a comeback, and I must say, I really like their look and personalities.
Make sure to check the breed standards for the specific governing body you're working with, as they can change over time.
New breeds are being registered and approved all the time, and breeders need to understand the requirements to ensure their cats meet the breed standards.
Understanding breed standards is crucial if you're planning on registering or showing a cat, and it's always a good idea to double-check with the governing body for the most up-to-date information.
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Breeding and Development
Cat fancy organizations have been governing the development of new cat breeds for over a century.
The first modern cat show was held at London's Crystal Palace in 1871, and it was organized by Harrison Weir, an animal lover and artist.
To be recognized as a new breed, a cat must be distinctly different from existing breeds in some way.
Breeders need to demonstrate that the new breed is consistent and breeds true for a minimum number of generations.
Most new breeds are based on existing breeds or breed types, and they often arise from natural genetic mutations.
For example, the Balinese cat is a natural genetic long-haired mutation of the Siamese.
Breeders can also perpetuate these mutations, such as long-hair versus short hair, to develop a new breed.
The California Spangled cat was developed from a variety of breeds, and it showcases the creativity of breeders.
To ensure healthy cats, breeders will weed out imperfections, bloodline-specific diseases, and breed-specific weaknesses.
Responsible breeders register a cat's pedigree to track its bloodlines and make informed breeding decisions.
In contrast, irresponsible backyard breeders often don't screen for illness or defects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Cat Fancy?
Cat Fancy magazine was rebranded as Catster magazine and transitioned to a bimonthly publication in 2015. It was later acquired by Belvoir Media Group in 2017.
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