March 15 | 2022
CFA News
CFA Annual Meeting
The CFA Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet will be held June 23-26, 2022 at The Galt House Hotel in Louisville, KY.

Complete information about the meeting, banquet reservations, breed council meetings, and reservations for other associated events will continue to be updated on the Annual's website

Cat Talk
Teresa Keiger, Editor
April Issue of Cat Talk
Wrapping Up
Will be the last print issue and the
first digital issue.

April is always our "Kitten Issue" and we have some great articles about raising kittens! AND stories of several memorable "oops!" breedings involving a couple of different breeds.
Many people have asked about how they will access their digital subscription. Easy! Subscribers will receive a link to their account as soon as each issue is released. Click on the link, and there you are! You will be able to also view previous issues that you had a digital subscription to as well.

Want to subscribe? That's easy too! Use this direct link to sign up and pay: https://simplecirc.com/subscriber_login/cat-talk. Remember, digital subscriptions are now only $20 and we are looking forward to welcoming both old and new readers from all over the world!
CFA Program News
Legislation - What's Hot...
Kelly S. Crouch, CFA Legislative Information Liaison
Sharon Coleman, CFA Legislative Legal Analyst
Maryland's Noneconomic Damages Legislation
and Missouri's Pet Breeders Week Bill

The Maryland Legislature is considering a couple of bills that would authorize emotion-based, also known as noneconomic damages, to compensate pet owners for emotional distress and pain and suffering caused by pets being injured or killed by the wrongful act of another. This would benefit very few pet owners to the detriment of all by increasing the cost of pet ownership. Breeders may suffer a greater impact due to the additional costs of participating in their hobby.

In other news, Missouri Senator Elaine Gannon (R) has sponsored a bill celebrating responsible pet breeders by designating a week in March as "Pet Breeders Week."


Recent CFA Legislative Group Blog Posts:
What's Hot………… Norway's Unethical Breeding Case and the Revision of Animal Ordinances in Houston, Texas
Please report legislation happenings in your area to the Legislative Group – legislation@cfa.org  Visit the CFALegislativeNews Facebook page and the CFA Legislative Group Blog to see the current legislative news.
EveryCat Health Foundation
submitted by Virginia Rud
A list of our honored donors for the month of January is available here
Remember to Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for Health Breakthroughs for Every Cat: FIP and Beyond!

EveryCat Health Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine is hosting a feline-specific health symposium July 8th and 9th, 2022 at the University of Florida, Gainesville.
Vanguard topics, including FIP updates, will be presented and discussed. RACE credits, pending approval, will be available to veterinary professionals. Presented as a hybrid event, this event will also be open to the public, and include opportunities to engage with speakers, researchers, and other prominent veterinary professionals in the world of feline medicine. In-person enrollment will be limited to 150, on a first come, first served basis.
Registration is expected to open later this month. Follow us on social media or keep an eye on our website!

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, contact Virginia at vrud@everycat.org

Free Webinar!

Join EveryCat Health Foundation for “The Ringer in Treating Ringworm” with Dr. Jennifer Lopez on March 30th, at 1:00 pm EDT. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of dermatophytosis in our veterinary patients. We will discuss the etiology and pathophysiology of the many species of dermatophytes. We will discuss the multitude of treatment and disinfectant options, both successful and the less efficacious ones. The use of systemic vs topical treatments will be highlighted, as well as how to approach exposed animals from rescue groups, shelter or in hoarding situations. Register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/806569166335724045

Tax Tips with George Eigenhauser

THANK YOU to everyone who donated to the EveryCat Health Foundation in 2021. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and are used to help benefit cats everywhere. As you prepare your 2021 tax returns, don’t forget that you may be able to deduct your donation as a charitable contribution. Through the end of 2021 taxpayers who itemize may deduct gifts to public charities up to 100% of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income (up from a previous maximum of 50%). Corporate taxpayers may be able to deduct gifts of cash to public charities up to 25% of their taxable income (up from the previous maximum of 10%).

However, individual taxpayers do NOT need to itemize their deductions [on Schedule A] to claim a tax benefit. People taking the standard deduction for 2021 may still claim an “above the line” adjustment to income for charitable donations. For 2021 the amount available is up to $300 per taxpayer ($600 for a married couple) in charitable contributions. The amount of the charitable donation, up to the dollar limit, is subtracted from gross income so it reduces their taxable income without the need to itemize deductions.
Corporate Affiliates
Our friends at Motel 6 would like CFA to continue to receive the 10% discount at participating locations by using the new updated reservation code of CPOAPHHT. There is a dedicated reservation site for CFA at www.motel6.com/en/cp/cfa.html or you may call 800-466-8356.
Discount Code # CPOAPHHT
Code: 1000026977
or call 877-999-3223 and ask for the discount code CFA CAT FANCIERS ASSOCIATION
Discount Code # 526223
Budget Car Rental
Discount Code # #U285933
Link to Avis
Discount Code # Z926291
click for info
CFA Regional News
Region 1
Sharon Roy, Regional Director
Congratulations to National Norwegian Forest Cats on another successful show.
Interesting, every accepted LH breed in CFA was represented at the show.
A big congratulations to Sue Robbins as a first time show manager!

CandyLand!!
June 18
The North Atlantic Regional Awards Banquet and Celebration will be in Springfield MA at the Sheraton Monarch Place.
Region 2
Terri Zittel, Regional Secretary
no report this month
Region 3
Paula Noble, Regional Secretary

February was a very busy month in Region 3. Beginning with the Wichita Cat Fancy, Inc. show the first weekend of the month in Wichita, KS and ending with the Wildcatters Cat Club/Brazos Valley Cat Club show the last weekend of the month in Orange, TX.
Training a new steward for the Wildcatters/Brazos Valley Cat Clubs show.
Chef Harry getting the kitchen ready for AWESOME lunches!! (Wildcatters/Brazos Valley Cat Clubs show)
In between both of those was a return of a club to the show circuit after a 19-year hiatus. Arkansas Feline Fanciers with the help of Mid-South Cat Fanciers held a wonderful show in Little Rock, AR. The facility was spacious enough to have a roomy shopping  mall for exhibitors and visitors to shop for their kitties. (below) There was also Feline Agility at this show. The judges were terrific and the cats were outstanding.
The Jean Bassett Award was given to judge’s choice in each category. I heard many exhibitors say they were looking forward to having this Little Rock show back on the show map!! I also heard many visitors comment on how nice it was to have a cat show back in Little Rock!!

Everyone, stay safe and healthy!!
Region 4
John Colilla, Regional Director
 Great Lakes Fund Raiser Show February 12-13, 2022

Written by Staci Taylor

Love was definitely in the air February 12-13 at the Great Lakes Region Fundraiser show in Columbus, Ohio!
What speaks love and support more than a full show? Well for starters, the show was decorated beautifully with a Valentine's Day theme, we met our ring sponsorship goal and raised money from our 50/50.
We also had an amazing raffle table due to the contributions of all who supported the show. We had super yummy goodies to choose from, lovingly baked by Lily Newcomb.
We had Georg-ous Wands there selling their beautiful cat wands and custom cage bling! Hitting monetary goals is just one thing that made this show great, but what else makes a show a good one?
Support of newcomers! Back when Covid hit hard, our New Bee program had to be put on hold, however it was back in full swing this weekend with the help of Mariane Toth and Nicole Turk.
All new exhibitors were welcomed with open arms, and given information on how to show their furry friends. Each new exhibitor even got a beautifully made NewBee rosette to take home!
What a great way to make new exhibitors feel welcomed and safe.
We also had a super fun cage decorating contest, where the 2 best cages won a gift card. Huge congrats to Sandi Douglass and Kimberly and Shirley Graham for taking the time to decorate your cages and join in the fun.
Also a huge congrats to Joy Dey for winning the 50/50, and for giving back to the region.
This was Jennifer Deel's first time being an entry clerk and she did a wonderful job, so thank you!!
We also want to take a moment to acknowledge the loss of two of our beloved CFA family members, Joel Chaney and Dawn Skupin. They will greatly missed.
When they say, "it takes a village", those words ring very true. Without the help and support of our exhibitors and those who helped put on an a fun and successful show, saying "thank you" just doesn't seem enough, but we will continue to say it over and over again, thank you so much!
Genesee Cat Fanciers Match 5-6, 2022

Written by Carmen Marie Johnson Lawerence

Genesee Cat Fanciers came back to Brockport after taking 2021 off due to the pandemic. Our 2020 show which hit near record entry and had near record spectators was one of the last shows that season. This year, we faced the challenges many clubs are currently with low entries and the decision to be closed to the public. But the club wasn't about to be down about challenges and instead looked to the blessings and positives within.
The entry was 97 and after absentees we fell under 90 cats present. The lower count and spectator limit allowed our judges to work efficiently so that everyone could leave the show hall at a reasonable hour both Saturday and Sunday. Exhibitors had time to spend catching up with their friends, some who hadn't been seen in two years - as our entry and master clerk Nancy Grandison made the trip down from Canada. It was very exciting having some of our Canadian family back in the show halls here in the US.
This show was held in memory of club member Diane Mason of Marleau Cattery who had passed from ovarian cancer in early 2021. Our show hall was decorated in pink and teal, the colors for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. As Diane most recently bred Exotics, there was recognition for the Exotics in show. Beautiful teal rosettes donated by Joan Daily were presented to the Best Exotic in Championship and Best Exotic in Premiership (there were no Exotic kittens entered.) Diane's husband Glen was on hand Sunday to present these awards. The club will be making a donation to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester in memory of Diane as well.
It might've been small, but the show was definitely mighty. The club thanks all those who came out to Brockport to support the show.
Jennifer Burnett receiving Best Exotic in Championship
Carmen Johnson-Lawrence receiving Best Exotic in Premiership
Region 5
Howard Webster, Regional Director

The Malibu Cat club had their show on February 26th. It was the second biggest show in the country. It was large enough to have a top 15 in Championship with 83 present! Who says there can't be 4 shows in a weekend?

The gate was amazing! It was wonderful to see Mark Campbell back in the kitchen. He made waffles for breakfast and lasagna for lunch! They had several new vendors present, and every one of them seemed to be busy with customers! It was a great time for all!

We look forward to seeing everyone in Palm Springs!
Region 6
Candilee Jackson, Regional Secretary
February into the first of April is a busy time for the Midwest Region, with shows nearly every weekend, scattered throughout the region.

Hawkeye Cat Club and Wild Rose Cat Club hosted a great two-day show in Des Moines, Iowa, February 12-13. The MWR welcomed a brand-new HHP exhibitor, Lindsey, who came to the show dressed to the nines in his suite and bow tie. He had a blast showing Maximus for the first time.
The county fairgrounds in St Charles, Illinois, outside Chicago, was the family venue for the Lincoln State Cat Club February 26-27. Much fun was had, including celebrating a birthday in style.

March 5-6 found the Illini Cat Club hosting their annual show in conjunction with the newly-formed Grassroots Cat Fanciers. Illini members mentored a counterpart in the Grassroots group to give them a sense of what it takes to put on a cat show. Jim Wuersch was the show manager for the Illini side and Jim Charles took the role of show manager for the Grassroots side. Illini held the show in Joliet, Illinois, because the club lost their venue in Champaign-Urbana and hopes to return to Champaign next year.
 The Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center served as the venue for the show. Sue Weitendorf, who showed a Scottish Fold at the show told how her father had donated the land and building to advance agricultural programs at Joliet Junior College. Many thought the building would be great for future shows in the region

 Mary Auth served as the judge for the stuffed animal contest that attracted 29 entries total over the two days. Each entrant had an opportunity to talk about their “pal” and how that stuffed friend played a part of their lives. One young girl shared how her unicorn granted wishes, another young lady explained how her stuff cat protected her at night. All contestants received a rosette and some received an exhibitor goodie bag.
Region 7
Kenny Currle, Regional Director

The past month has been busy here in the Southern Region!
The Cat Club of the Palm Beaches had a great two-day show in Sanford, FL. The local residents were thrilled to again have a show which they could attend. There were also a lot of new exhibitors (and exhibitor want-to-bes)
In keeping with their recent tradition of honoring one of the show's judges,, club members honored Darrell Newkirk.
photo courtesy Mary Kolencik
Saying Farewell....

On a sad note, the region just lost one of its brightest stars. Many will remember Joanne Hardeman as the show manager par excellance of Cotton States Cat Club's show for the past 21 years. Having fought uterine cancer early in the summer, she was back in the show hall for the annual show in November. Many will also remember her showing beautiful Exotics. She will fondly be remembered as a lady and one of the region's and CFA's great assets.
Region 8
Yukiko Hayata, Regional Director
It has been warming day by day recently. We can feel the early spring with soft and warm wind and bright sunshine.

We had two shows in February. One was in Tokyo and the other was in Kobe.
Infinity Cat Fanciers had show on February 19 at Asakusa, Tokyo. Show hall was pretty big and there were many vendors. The club prepared many wonderful presents for exhibitors: cat bed, Sturdi carry bag, and Royal Canin breeder pack food, etc.One of the new exhibitors who showed an American Shorthair was from a famous actor’s family. I hope they enjoyed show.
On February 26, in Kobe, Takarazuka Cat Fanciers had their 10th Anniversary show. This show hall was also very big. Exhibitors enjoyed a comfortable show hall and shopping at the vendors’ booths.
In front of gate, there were three beautiful potted orchid. It was very special orchid which got a first prize in the orchid show.

Now we have very sad news that people and animals in Ukraine
are in a very serious and terrible situation.
We pray they will have peace and happy days again.

Region 9
Pam DelaBar, Regional Director

April will be a very busy time for Region 9 with a show every weekend. We start in Lisbon, Portugal where we have not had a CFA show in many years. The second weekend is Chiuduno, Italy, followed by Orange, France the third weekend, and wrapping up our show season with an 8 ring show outside Brussels, Belgium.

Of course, not all is peaceful in our part of the world. We are working very hard to support our Ukrainian breeders and exhibitors who cannot evacuate to a neighboring country, plus supporting organizations working with feral and stray cats. Our colleagues in other associations are working with us to ensure we can get needed food and supplies in all areas of Ukraine. This is not going to be over soon - My sincere and heartfelt thank you for your prayers and donations to help our friends and fellow exhibitors in a country being torn apart by war.
International

No reports this month

Have a question or a comment about the CFA Newsletter? 
Feel free to contact me at  tkeiger@cfa.org
Thank you for being a subscriber! 

Teresa Keiger
CFA Newsletter Editor