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It’s March and it is time to begin the business of ending the season and preparing for the Annual. If eligible, the club secretaries have been emailed delegate information for this year’s Annual Meeting being held on Friday, June 23 in Tucson.
Delegate Information regarding eligibility and deadlines may be found by using the following link:
https://ecat.cfa.org/Reports/ClubStatus.aspx
In addition, if you would like to have your cats and kittens showcased in the next yearbook the time to get photos is now. There is a great deal of work to be done at the end of the season. Your Regional Director and the Central Office are there to support the process. Working together works.
Speaking of working together, I would like to share a story with a happy ending.
At one of CFA’s recent shows, a cat got loose. The show had a great count, so there were many exhibitors. There was a great deal of advertising using social media for the show, so there was a very large number of spectators. After searching, the cat was nowhere to be found. There were hundreds of people moving around the show hall. One can only imagine the anxiety felt by the owner. Then one of the club members made an announcement asking everyone in the hall to stand still and be quiet. Everyone, spectators, exhibitors, and judges, alike stopped moving and the room grew quiet. The club member then asked exhibitors to kneel down and look on the floor space around their benching area, while still remaining quiet and look for the cat. The entire room followed instructions and miraculously the cat was found!
Once the cat was back in a safe place, the club member announced that the cat was found. Everyone cheered. The announcer thanked everyone and said, “See what can happen when we work together”.
So very true…
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Our featured cat for March is GC, NW 2-CHE'S DRACONIC, a blue classic tabby-white bi-color Persian male kitten who was CFA's Fourth Best Kitten. | |
March 15, 2023: Declarations for Director-at-Large must be submitted by this date.
April 17, 2023: Proposed Amendments & Resolutions must be RECEIVED in CO by this date.
View Requirements for Formatting Delegate Proposals
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CFA’s Show Calendar
Publicize details regarding your show for FREE on CFA’s show calendar. Include information such as hours open to spectators, admission prices, contests, photographer, parking details, etc. such as the example below.
| Use the link at the top of the show calendar page to send us your show flyer, breed summary and any other information you want to advertise, or use this direct link: https://cfa.org/submit-show-information/ | | |
Important Show Rule Changes Affecting Show Entries | |
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There are a few new show rules in effect May 1, 2023, which may affect how and when you enter shows in regions 1-7. These changes apply ONLY to shows held in regions 1-7.
Online Show Entries
New show rule 6.36 b. states: “For all shows in Regions 1-7, all entries must be received through the CFA online entry form portal on the CFA website. All entries will be time-stamped and the online form will be disabled for each show when that show is closed to entries.” Every show listed on the show calendar includes an icon link to enter the show online.
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Clicking on the icon will take you to the online entry portal, https://entries.cfa.org/onlineEntry.php
Show entries should all be entered through the online portal, however, if an entry must be emailed, faxed or mailed to the entry clerk, the entry clerk is required to enter the data into the online entry portal. Please help your entry clerk and use the online portal, https://entries.cfa.org/onlineEntry.php
Mandatory Closing Time
New show rule 6.36 a. states “For all shows in regions 1-7, excluding Hawaii, all shows must close to entries no later than 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the Monday before the opening of the show. Shows may close to entries prior to that time.” It’s important to note a club/show can choose to close earlier than Monday at 11:59 p.m. ET. The only requirement is that entries close no later than Monday at 11:59 p.m. ET before the opening day of the show.
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CFA Special Investigations | |
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The Special Investigations Committee was created by the CFA Board of Directors at the June, 2022 board meeting, to investigate allegations of count manipulation and related unsportsmanlike conduct, outside of the protest process. The committee has developed guidelines for those requesting such investigations:
- Requests for the committee to initiate an investigation must be sent to a dedicated email address - investigations@cfa.org - and must be signed. Anonymous requests will not be addressed. If necessary, CO may be contacted to verify the complainant’s connection to CFA, without revealing the nature of the complaint. These requests must provide sufficient detail to enable investigation, such as specific dates and shows where incidents may have occurred. They must include information as to who is alleged to have committed the infractions, and what cat(s) they intended to benefit.
- If an initial review indicates that an infraction may have occurred, the accused will be contacted and given ten (10) days to submit evidence and/or exhibits in their defense.
- If, based on the available information, the committee determines that the infraction is likely to have occurred, the accused party will be notified. No action will be taken at this time, but they will be informed that, given the result of the initial investigation, if another similar accusation is made the matter may be referred to either the Protest Committee or the board for further action.
- The complainant will be notified of the outcome of the investigation.
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Teresa Keiger, Editor
CFA Annual Fashion
Faux Paws
The CFA Annual awards banquet in Tuscon is coming soon, and we’re sure that folks are making plans.
Every big event has underlying stories that may or may not have gone unnoticed. For example: we’re sure that attendees are already thinking about what to wear to this gala event. But what happens when the best-sewn plans of banquet attendees go awry?
- Lost a dress when that bag went missing and had to improvise?
- Come close to having a “wardrobe malfunction” just as you’re about to walk onstage?
- Forgot a very important piece of your outfit – now what?
WE WANT TO KNOW!
For the June issue of Cat Talk, we’re doing a feature on awards banquet faux-pas and we want YOUR story! (and high res photos should you happen to have one). Please send your stories to Candilee Jackson at pawdancercattery@gmail.com. But hurry – deadline is April 1.
What Does YOUR Cattery Name Mean?
in 2013, Cat Talk ran a series of articles exploring the stories behind breeders' cattery names. There were SO many great stories and some very clever names.
Well, it's been 10 years and new catteries have been registered in the meantime. Do you have an interesting story about your cattery name AND it was registered since 2014? We'd love to hear it! Please send it to Nancy Kerr at nakerr68@outlook.com. We can't wait to read your stories!
And don't forget: Cat Talk makes a great gift for friends near and far - or yourself! Order and gift a subscription at https://cfa.org/cattalk-almanac/
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Kelly Crouch, CFA Legislative Information Liaison
Sharon Coleman, CFA Legislative Legal Analyst
A Dog and Cat Bill of Rights and Commercial Pet Breeder Reporting Requirements Legislation Introduced in Oklahoma Legislature.
Oklahoma is considering a bill rejected twice by the California legislature – the Dog and Cat Bill of Rights. Like the earlier California bills, House Bill 1992 has a simple mandate. All animal control, animal shelters, and rescue groups would be required to conspicuously post a copy of the Dog and Cat Bill of Rights as specified in the bill. These rights range from being free from cruelty to the right to mental stimulation, sterilization to prevent unwanted litters, and veterinary care. The bill would cause an unnecessary burden as humane organizations already know to educate and screen potential adopters while existing anti-cruelty laws are critical for intentional malfeasance.
House Bill 1992, introduced by Rep. Micky Dollens (D-93), is a near match to California's AB 1881 from 2022. Five amendments, including substituting "deserve" for "has a right to," failed to save it. In 2021, the concept was a failed cut-and-paste amendment to the California bill AB 702.
Oklahoma is also considering SB 349 , which would repeal the annual reporting requirements of Commercial Pet Breeders (4 Okl.St.Ann. §30.11). It passed the Senate in a 45:2 vote and is now in the House.
In other news, Texas Representative Brian Harrison (R, District 10) has introduced HB 3081 that would repeal the Dog and Cat Breeder Law. The Sunset Advisory Commission recommended eliminating the Licensed Breeder Program in 2020. However, proponents of the law seek to increase the number of licensees with three identical bills: HB 274 , HB 876 , and HB 2238 .
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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.
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EveryCat Health Foundation | |
submitted by Virginia Rud | |
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A list of our honored donors for the month of February is available here
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Save the Date!
If you’ve ever wanted to write and submit a research grant to EveryCat Health Foundation, but weren’t sure what to do, we can help!
EveryCat will be hosting a webinar, “Grant Writing 101”, on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023. More information will be coming, so keep an eye on our website and social media for details and registration information.
EveryCat Health Foundation hosting an information booth and roundtable discussions at the 2023 Animal Care Expo April 3rd-6th, in New Orleans. For more information, visit https://humanepro.org/expo
Tax Tips with George Eigenhauser
Distributions from a traditional IRA are often taxable. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is a nontaxable gift made from your IRA directly to a qualified charity. Taxpayers can use a QCD to donate to charitable organizations, avoid taxes on the distribution, and reduce the size of their estate. A QCD won’t be part of your taxable income, so you DO NOT need to itemize your taxes to take advantage of the rule. After a certain age, you must make a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA each year or be subject to penalties. By having your IRA trustee transfer funds directly from an IRA to an eligible charity the amounts transferred count toward your RMD but are not subject to taxation. The “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023,” includes “SECURE 2.0 Act”. SECURE 2.0 raises the RMD age to 73 for those turning 73 in 2023 and will rise again to age 75 in 2033. Up to $100,000 a year per taxpayer may be transferred tax-free from your IRA directly to charitable organizations without tax on the distribution, whether you itemize or not. Starting in 2024 there will be annual inflation adjustments of the QCD limit. For more information, please see IRS Publication 590 B or consult your tax advisor.
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Breeding Cat Coverage
Now Available!
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Protect your breeding cat with Felix:
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Enter breeding cat’s info to Get a Quote
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Select the optional add-on for Breeding Coverage*
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Click on Checkout to complete enrollment
Click here
to get started or call 1-866-FELIX-09 (1-866-335-4909).
*Coverage for accidents, illnesses and complications relating to or caused by breeding, pregnancy, whelping or nursing. Conditions and limitations apply.
Felix Cat Insurance is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.
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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.
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Code: 1000026977
or call 877-999-3223 and ask for the discount code CFA CAT FANCIERS ASSOCIATION
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Click logo for information | |
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Sharon Roy - Regional Director
Ramapo and National Norwegian both had great shows in February!
Hosting at the York Fairgrounds, Ramapo had a fabulous show.
National Norwegian welcomed Jane Barletta back to the the show hall and the club she started. Jane worked very hard for the Wegie and was instrumental in their acceptance.
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Traci Whittenberg, Regional Secretary
Region 3 took to the road and landed in Arkansas for the ARKANSAS FELINE FANCIERS Cat show.
Pam Bassett reports that, “Ya'll showed us you love our Southern hospitality by giving us the biggest entry of the weekend - #1 show of 4 in the US, with all shows having great count which is a feather in the cap of CFA coming back after COVID!” There was great attendance by spectators and they loved the Educational Display. Kathy Black was the celebrity Judge hosting the costume contest. The crowd around the ring was huge for this exciting event! Pam Bassett and Alvin Green can't thank you enough for their support of the Arkansas Feline Fanciers Cat Show. Feeling like a BIG HAPPY CFA FAMILY again!
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above: Tribute to Jean Bassett
below: Emily and her first CFA Grand
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Co-show managers Alvin Green and Pam Bassett | |
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John Colilla, Regional Director
Genesee Cat Fanciers, March 4-5 2023
by Carmen Johnson-Lawrence
Genesee Cat Fanciers hosted their 70th annual Platinum Jubilee show on March 4 & 5 in Brockport NY. While the Friday night into Saturday weather forecast may have made us a little apprehensive…this is nothing new for Upstate NY and the show must go on! An already scheduled late start on Saturday of 10am helped many, thus our absentee rate was still minimal. Our entry was enough in the Championship class to award Top 15! Friends from all over the US joined us in snowy Brockport and we were graced with trainee Chate from Thailand on both days. Come to learn, Chate has some local ties, having attended Cornell University and spent most of his time at the ag experiment station in Geneva, NY - not far from Carmen’s home!
The cats entered were all lovely with many judges commenting they wished they could have awarded Top 15 in all classes! Visitors to our show increased again over 2020 when we last had spectators! Nearly 1000 came to visit the show and the cats! Our guests were able to meet with two different rescues as well as spend time with Ambassador Cats and the vendors! We had Smudge, Dora, Bruno and Wiggles on hand for our guests who needed extra kitty snuggles!
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Pre-show press included two TV spots (one prerecorded and one live) one of which also ran again during the weekend. Dawn (of Smudge the Mustache Cat) also was featured on a local small reach public radio station. Additional TV stations ran info about the show over the weekend as well. Post show a large local radio station caught wind of our show and discussed it during one of their afternoon talk shows. Carmen has since been invited to chat with them some more and will be building a relationship for spots in the future! YES sending press releases and pitch letters to your local media helps! And if you are wondering, all paid advertising was via Facebook!
We made sure everyone felt like royalty during our Platinum Jubilee!
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Mike Shelton, Regional Director
The Malibu Cat Club show was scheduled for Feb 25. However, intense weather hit the entire west coast leading up to that weekend. The club therefore made the difficult decision to cancel the show, as there was a good likelihood that several of the judges would not be able to attend, and travel could be potentially dangerous for exhibitors. Despite the cancellation, many entrants donated their entry fees to the club to help defray the losses stemming from the unfortunate circumstances. The donated fees totaled over $1000! Malibu would like to thank all of these exhibitors for their generosity and understanding.
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Candilee Jackson, Regional Secretary
The weekend of February 11-12 found the members of Hawkeye State Cat Club and the Wild Rose Cat Club hosting a terrific show at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, in Des Moines, Iowa. Iowa can be pretty darn chilly in February, but the show’s theme, A Flamingo Fiesta, was both a prayer and a warm way to welcome both exhibitors and spectators to their show. The show hall was awash in colorful décor featuring flamingos and Caribbean themes. The show featured a costume contest as well as cat agility, both visitor favorites. “We had a lovely show! We had a wonderful gate, beautiful decorations, and a very well-run show. And to top it off, we had a really, really good Iowa weather!” reported Show Manager, Lynn Staker.
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Lincoln State Cat Club hosted a spectacular cat show at their new, larger school hall at the Dupage Couinty Fairgrounds in Wheaton, Illinois, during the weekend of February 25-26. Managed by Jeremy Basterash, the show boasted an entry of 219 cats, and the spectator attendance reminded everyone of “the good ol’ days!” and the vendors enjoyed huge revenue increases not seen since prior to Covid-19 in 2022. Rescue kitties were the real big winners at this show: twelve cats from St Sophia’s were adopted, and four rescue organizations, CatNap, St Sophia’s, Gypsy Cats and Safe Harbor received large food donations generated by the $1 Off Admission Food Drive. The Girl Scouts also held a fundraising prior to the show and used the proceeds to provide cleaning supplies and canned food to the rescue organizations on top by stewarding. Wow! What a show! Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated!
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Grassroots Cat Fanciers joined with the Illini Cat Club to present “March Madness” on March 4-5, 2023 at the Marketplace Shopping Center in Champaign, Illinois. Show managers Jim Charles and Holly Mueller were thrilled with their wonderful show turnout, both with exhibitors and spectators. “The gate was more than the club had seen in Joliet in 2022 for just Saturday alone,” stated Holly. “5 Acre Farms Bacchus,” a Havana Brown, celebrated his grand championship with a huge cake which was shared by everyone.
“In terms of surprises, we saw a few veterinary groups from the University of Illinois visit the show. We had a large class come all the way from Saint Louis, MO come to the show in order to see some minority breeds. The largest spectacle was definitely the cat costume contest. We had such great and original costumes,” reported Holly. “We had a great team of club members on both sides that worked hard to make this possible. For being a show with the theme of March Madness, it was anything but madness.”
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Kenny Currle - Regional Director | |
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Photos! Photos! Photos!
It's never too early to submit your cats' photos for our regional awards banquet, and the team is ready to begin accepting them! So...get your cats' photos taken and send them in to photocentral@cfasouthern.org.
We're looking for:
High-res photos of our regional-winning cats, DMs, GODs (vertical format...or they will be cropped vertically)
Low res photos of breed winners in all three classes (kittens, championship, premiership)
Low res photos of your grands.
You will receive an automated reply when your image is submitted. If you do not, please send an email and ask about your photo...that is the ONLY way that we'll know that we did not receive a photo you submitted. We will have a list of received and missing photos up on the website as well when we receive final data.
More information about sponsorships, duplicate awards, and reservations coming soon to the regional website. But for now: get those photos taken and submitted.
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Takako Kojima, Regional Scretary | |
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On February 10-11 at Yokohama Sanbo Hall, we had a big Cat Lovers Festival by Lovely Pet Company.
There are several seminars for owners of cats “Care for long life,Care for healthy teeth and Care for kidney disease” by veterinary.
On Sunday, Japan Dancing Cat Club had CFA show in this big event hall. There were many shops of cat foods, and various and new goods for cats.
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Over 500 people came to this hall and enjoyed cat show and shopping. Main sponsor was so surprised that exhibitors were good customer in this big event. Club had over 100 entries and if they had more space they could have more many entries.
Spectators and exhibitors enjoyed this show so much!
Entry was not so many, so some judges tried to tell about CFA show and standard as far as they could. This show could be very nice advertisement of CFA Cat Show.
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Pam DelaBar, Regional Director
Europe is ramping up for the end of the show season with four more shows on the schedule. Something that some clubs have found to be successful in attracting local exhibitors are one day, 2 to 4 ring shows. It appears to be easier to make friends, offer a nice lunch with time off for both judges and exhibitors to enjoy and providing real rosettes appears to be an added incentive. Exhibitors will come back to subsequent shows to earn championship and earn grand points. Good luck for everyone!
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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
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