Vicki Nye, co-chair



Applicants for Consideration at the February 2024 Board Meeting:

Kadri Koppel

Longhair First Specialty

Murfreesboro, TN USA

Issariya Rattanaweerawong

Shorthair First Specialty

Nonthaburi, Thailand

Information concerning the moral character, temperament and ethics, and the spectrum of experience concerning the breeding and showing (and agenting) of cats would be helpful to the CFA Executive Board in the evaluation of applicants to the Judging Program. The manner in which an applicant's cats are housed and cared for is also pertinent. See Judging Program Rules, Section 6.1, 6.7 and 6.8, as well as the Judges' Code of Ethics for more information on what the Board of Directors will require in an excellent candidate.

Recommendations or concerns are encouraged so that the Judging Program Committee and ultimately the CFA Board of Directors may make an informed decision regarding the acceptance or rejection of any individual making an application to the CFA Judging Program. All letters require a signature. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. Negative letters must be documented and substantiated. All negative letters will be shared with the applicant to offer the opportunity for rebuttal. All letters and responses, if any, will accompany the application.

Please send letters by email or snail mail to the Applications Administrator (see below) by the deadline indicated:

Letters due by December 15, 2023

Letters of recommendation, or copies thereof, must not be sent to the applicant, nor may the applicant ask for any preview of recommendations. Multiple recommendations stemming from one source will be treated as a single recommendation. Please send letters to:

Leslie Carr — Region 1-9 Applicants

13224 Wellington Hills Dr

Riverview, FL 33579

813-230-6153

elseas@aol.com

Jodell Raymond — International Division Applicants

70 Beekman Place

Rochester, NY 14620

585-233-0368 cell

585-442-8237 home

Jodell1@rochester.rr.com

CFA Breed Awareness and Orientation School (BAOS) – International Show 

October 12-15, 2023 – Cleveland, OH

Barbara Jaeger, BAOS Coordinator

The first CFA Breed Awareness and Orientation School held in the United States since Covid, was in conjunction with the International Show, October 12 – 15, 2023

There were 11 full participants and six handling only participants signed up for the class. Those attendees that took the on-line BAOS within the last two years were permitted to get their handling only done at the school.  We also had one All Breed Judge taking the class for Continuing Education points.

Attendees included individuals from China, Finland, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and the United States. We were able to have active discussions during the class and we believe that those individuals that participated found the information shared valuable.  

We were also able to use the new condensed Breed Slides for the presentations. At the conclusion of the BAOS, we found we are only missing a few of the presentation slides and will continue to finish the work. I would personally like to thank Annette Wilson, Chair of the Breeds and Standards Committee and all the Committee Members for all their hard work to add consistency to the new presentation materials.

The instructors for this class were Barbara Jaeger, Vicki Nye, Nancy Dodds, Anne Mathis and Kathy Black. On Thursday and Friday, the classroom portion was held at the Radison Conference Hotel and the handling portion was held in the Show Hall on Saturday and Sunday. CFA Judge, Jennifer Reding participated in the capacity of a wrangler, making sure the participants had plenty of examples of all the breeds that were in attendance at the Show.

The next BAOS is tentatively scheduled for February 2024 in Belgium. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Barbara Jaeger, BAOS Coordinator at barbara.jaeger911@gmail.com or 602-692-6852.

Jenny Wickle, chair

The 2023 CFA International Gold Show that was held in Cleveland, Ohio had 45 Household Pets entered. 37 of those Household Pets competed and there was at least one representative from each of the seven regions within the continental United States shown.  

Congratulations to the following top 3 Best Household Pets in Show:

3rd Best Household Pet was Mr. Alton Brown, a brown spotted tabby neuter.

2nd Best Household Pet was Archie Whiskers Blu, a blue and white neuter.

Best Household Pet was Johnny, a red mackerel tabby and white neuter.

CFA BAP/Rescue

Charlene Campbell, Program Chair

Our group will now be offering monthly columns to the CFA Newsletter. We hope this will be a good venue to answering questions you might have, offering tips on various topics and letting you know what we are doing in the rescue community. Please realize that specific information is STRICTLY CONFIDENTAL. 

If you have a question, comment, idea or topic you would like to see addressed, please send your query or idea to Ginger Meeker glm.cfa@gmail.com or Charlene Campbell jcampb4244@aol.com . While we are busy being “boots on the ground”, Ginger will put together the columns and we’ll review them before publication. 

Periodically, we attend classes offered to the rescue/assist community to help with an on-going issue. One attended recently by a BAP member was the topic of “How to Sell Kittens in a Depressed Economy.” The BAP member took a UF Shelter Medicine class on a shelter needs for moving cats out for adoption. As this information could also benefit CFA breeders, there is a plan to create a presentation class for the benefit of breeders. If you would be interested in this information, please let Ginger know and we will notify you when the presentation is available.

One tip from the class is LESS IS MORE! When using your sale resources, limit the selection of kittens so pet folks can stay focused and choose a kitten. If you have multiple colors, display only one of each color. Purchasers get confused and end up not making a choice. Once a person is seriously interested in a kitten and makes contact, you can follow up with additional pictures to set the sale.

Please welcome Ginger Meeker. Help us help you! Contact Ginger at glm.cfa@gmail.com. Keep her busy!!

CFA BAP-BRP wants to thank everyone that has been helping us; your donations and your generosity is greatly appreciated! We have had a lot cases and your support means EVERYTHING to those kitties in need!  

If you know of someone in need, suggest our program or let us confidentially contact them to offer our helping hand and tell them about our program! We do not want any of our kitties going hungry! 

Thank you!! on behalf of the CFA BAP-BRP Team, Charlene Campbell

For Donations please see https://breedersassist-rescue.cfa.org/

Or mail: 

CFA Breeders Assistance and Breed Rescue Program:  Put in Memo on line or Check what you want your funds to go ie: Ukraine, Hawaii, Israel, Hurricane/disaster Relief, Region #, Specific Rescue, or General fund etc.  Thank you!!!

c/o Cynthia Byrd, Treasurer

1392 Robert Court

Brea, CA 92821

CFA Legislative

Kelly Crouch

Gadsden, Alabama: Commercial Breeder Permits and more

The City Council of Gadsden, Alabama, made owning an intact cat or dog more expensive to address the "unchecked reproduction" of animals in the city. On October 10, 2023, officials adopted an amendment to its animal ordinance that included a threefold plan: registration, licensing, and "commercial" breeder permits. 

City registration for any cat and dog older than six months is now required. Owners, or the people in charge of the animal, must provide Information about the cat or dog, the owner, and valid proof of rabies vaccination to register it. They shall also obtain an annual or lifetime license (for sterilized animals only). Again, proof of rabies vaccination is required. An exception exists for a cat or dog "registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or similar registry recognized by the Division" that has been actively shown and competed in an event hosted by AKC within the past year. Other exemptions exist as well, such as if the animal's health contraindicates sterilization. License fees range from $5.00 to $50.00.

Annual commercial breeder permits are also required for each unsterilized cat or dog over six months of age kept for commercial breeding in addition to the breeder's regular business license. Anyone that "breeds one or more domestic cat(s) or dog(s) or offers one or more domestic cat(s) or dog(s) for breeding or stud purposes, producing three or more litters per year, or offers kittens or puppies that are a result of such breeding for sale" is a commercial breeder. The permits cost $200.00.

Gadsden is a small city of almost 34,000 people located about 60 miles northeast of Birmingham. It is the county seat of Etowah County.

EveryCat Health Foundation

submitted by Virginia Rud

A list of our honored donors for the month of October is   available here

Tax Tips with George Eigenhauser

“Swedish Death Cleaning” is a popular method for decluttering and simplifying your life, with a focus on reducing the possessions you leave behind when you pass away. It encourages people, particularly seniors, to organize and downsize their personal belongings before their death. By decluttering your living space and personal possessions, you can focus on what truly matters and brings you joy. It may make the process of distributing your effects after your death more straightforward for your loved ones. Treasured heirlooms or sentimental possessions can be gifted to your beneficiaries, family members, or friends now, while you are still alive, enabling you to share in their happiness. By making gifts while you are alive and able to explain your intentions it can help avoid potential conflicts or hurt feelings over your estate after your passing. Items that have no particular importance to you or your heirs can be sold, discarded, or donated to charities, providing a sense of purpose, and benefiting others. You can find numerous resources online that provide guidance on how to go about the process. Swedish Death Cleaning should complement proper estate planning but is not meant to address complex legal and financial matters, such as wills, trusts, and other legal arrangements. Please consult with your attorney to determine the legal implications for your estate plan. 

Upcoming Webinars in November and December!

A list of upcoming webinars is available here.

Giving Tuesday

This Giving Tuesday, November 28th, join EveryCat Health Foundation in giving a 

HIGH FIVE for FELINE HEALTH!

Make a donation starting with the number five!

Whether it’s $5, $50, $500, or $5,000, all donations will pave the way for healthier, happier lives for every cat, every day, everywhere. 

Together we create a brighter future in feline health.

*You can give early! *

Reminder:

EveryCat Information and Swag available for cat shows

If you’d like to share EveryCat information and swag at your upcoming cat show, show organizers can request items to share with exhibitors and/or attendees!

Send your request to vrud@everycat.org

Include the following information:

Date(s) of show;

Expected number of exhibitors and attendees;

Contact person email and physical mailing address;

“Required by” date;

Please send requests at least 3 weeks in advance of “required by” date!

Items available include: EveryCat brochures, printed Research Updates, can lids, Save Our Cat window clings, fun stickers for kids! 

Breeding Cat Coverage

Now Available!

Protect your breeding cat with Felix:

1. Enter breeding cat’s info to Get a Quote
2. Select the optional add-on for Breeding Coverage* 
3. 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.

Corporate Affiliates

Code: 1000026977

or call 877-999-3223 and ask for the discount code CFA CAT FANCIERS ASSOCIATION

Discount Code # 526223

Discount Code # #U28593

Discount Code # Z926291

Click logo for information

submitted by Gayle Hand

October brought us 2 shows in the NW Region - Poppy State Cat Club on the 7 & 8th in Woodland, CA and Emerald Cat Club/NW Region On the 21 & 22nd at a spacious venue in Ridgefield, WA. What a surprise when a power outage made the theme of the fundraiser, “Nightmare before Catmas”, more than just a fantasy for a couple of hours. The invited face painter was a big hit and as usual the costume contests were wild! 

Sadly, we send condolences to Dee Johnson. Long time NW Region exhibitor/breeder, Connie Roberts, passed on November 6th. Dee and Connie worked together for over 50 years. Their San-Toi cattery is known and highly regarded throughout the world - they have shared their bloodlines and love of cats generously. Connie will certainly be missed.

Traci Whittenberg, Regional Secretary

With the onset of Fall in Region 3, our thermostats are beginning to get some relief. Temperatures have begun to drop, providing a much-needed break for our utility bills. Alamo City Cat Club's "Veterans Day Parade" was held in Seguin, Texas on November 11. Alamo City is one of the oldest show-producing clubs in Region 3 and they put together a wonderful show for exhibitors and spectators to enjoy.

 Wishing a very Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family out there.  

Mike Shelton, Regional Director

The show schedule in the Southwest Region is starting to pick up. The Superstition Cat Fanciers held their traditional Halloween-themed show in Phoenix on October 21, and some of our CFA judges got into the holiday spirit! The show included the club's usual outstanding raffle table, along with All About Animals rescue, which found forever homes for several of their feline charges. This group has adoption events at several Arizona shows and events and always does a great job.

A couple of weeks later, Lucky Penny held their show in Ventura, CA, right on the ocean at the county fairgrounds at Seaside Park. This was the first show in Ventura in over ten years, and it was great to be back! The local residents turned out in force to see our lovely CFA cats. We also welcomed some new exhibitors from the area, and we're looking forward to seeing them again at future shows.

Candilee Jackson, Regional Secretary

The Indy Cat Club celebrated its 51st anniversary on October 28, 2023, at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds, in Danville, Indiana, and welcomed 186 beautiful felines. Under the guidance of Rick DeGolyer, show manager, the 6-ring show featured Black Cats in honor of Halloween. To celebrate the holiday, the club set up trick-or-treating stations throughout the show hall as well as conducting a Best Cat Costume contest for local children and a Cats In Costume for attending cats. Some families came to the show dressed as a group; in fact, one family came as The Ghost Busters!

In addition to a fabulous raffle table, there were a number of vendors at the ready for some great toys, tee shirts and other must-have cat paraphernalia. Using social media, the club posted raffle table teasers on the Indy Facebook page. Lunch was catered by the “Gather ‘Round BBQ” Food Truck, promising finger-lickin’ homemade foods.

The show was very special for Judge Pam DeGolyer: the Indy Club surprised Pam with a lovely cake to celebrate her advancement to All Breed Judge. To make the event even more special, Pam’s granddaughter, Olivia, was her steward for the show.

Mo-Kan Cat Club teamed up with Santa Fe Trails Shorthair Cat Club to host a show on November 4-5, 2023, at the Lenexa Community Center, Lenexa, Kansas. Under the guidance of co-show managers Jennie Batten and Jill Sullivan, the two-day event featured a cat costume contest each day to the delight of the spectators. Lunch was catered by a local food truck and a tasty lunch was enjoyed by everyone.

Kenny Currle - Regional Director

Cotton States Cat Club held their 85th annual show in Duluth, GA November 4-5 using the theme "Call of the Wild." Each ring was decorated with a wildlife theme and they were, of course, stunning. Club members work all year on this show and their efforts always show. 

The "Flamingo Ring" was easily the most popular ring in the show

The show featured a costume contest each day. The many visitors to the show will thrilled to see all of the beautiful cats and the rings. There were almost always cats running in the Agility ring (which delighted spectators even more!) This year, as with so many previous Cotton States' shows, demonstrated why this isn't just a cat show - it's an event. See more photos from the show here.

It was also a bittersweet show, as it will be the last one held at the Gas South Convention Center due to demands from the center. Not to worry though! Next year's show will move to the Dalton Convention Center in Dalton, GA.  

Pam DelaBar, Regional Director

The Region 9 Europe awards were held in Bilbao, Spain and it was such a magical night thanks to the hard work of Al Andalus Cat Club, and Club Felino Espanol - Teo, Oscar, and Raquel worked very hard to offer our winners a real class event to receive their wins. We were especially honored to have CFA Executive Director Allene Tartaglia assisting in the presentations and taking this opportunity to meet the breeders and exhibitors in Region 9.

Shows are back in France! La Revolution du Persan club conducted a successful first show for this new club. We were in the famous Bordeaux wine country and on Saturday evening after the show, the exhibitors and judges were treated to wine tasting conducted by a local vineyard. It was definitely appropriate to present these wines (we actually “sampled” 5 different varieties) and many of us are transporting some of these wines back home (otherwise I would not have checked my luggage!). Everyone made it to the show on Sunday. Many thanks for Georgy Aubere and Florent Fissot for holding this show. We are really looking forward to future endeavors by this club.

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