Carol Krzanowski, chair

The following clubs were accepted at the June 27, 2024 CFA Board meeting:

1. Baobei Cat, International Division - China; Zhengzhou, Henan, China

2. Cat Advocates & Troupers Society - International Division - Asia; Selangor, Malaysia

3. China Champion Cat, International Division - China; Qingdao, China

4. Fenix Cat Club, Region 9; Granada, Spain

5. Malaysia Cat Alliance Society (MCAS), International Division - Asia; Selangor, Malaysia

6. Sapphire Stars Feline Club, International Division - China; Chongqing, China

7. Southwest Sweet Cat, International Division - China; Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Vicki Nye, co-chair

From the JPC on Judging Program Acceptances, Advancements, Retirements & Judge Emeritus at the June 27, 2024 Board Meeting.  

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING APPLICANTS AND ADVANCING JUDGES!

Applicants: The following individuals were presented to the Board June 27, 2024

Accepted as Trainee – 1st Specialty

Allen Shi, China— Shorthair 

Eugene Jeong, South Korea—Shorthair 

Yukiyo Matsushita, Japan—Longhair

Advancements – Regular Judging Program: 

Lyn Knight-- Advanced from Approved LH and Apprentice SH to Approval Pending Allbreed

Emiko Misugi--Advanced from Approved LH/Trainee SH to Approved LH/Apprentice SH 

Elena Podprugina--Advanced from Approval Pending Allbreed to Approved Allbreed

Grace Cheung—Advanced from LH Trainee to LH Apprentice

Chate Ruengruglikt—Advanced from Apprentice LH to Approval Pending LH

Gavin Cao—Advanced from Approved SH/LH Trainee to Approved SH. Apprentice LH 

Laura Gregory—Advanced from Approval Pending LH to Approved Longhair

Cristiano Perillo-Marcone —Advanced from Associate Judge LH Trainee to Associate Judge LH

Judge Emeritus

Diana Rothermel-CFA Allbreed Judge Letter of retirement received from Diana Rothermel, effective June 10th, 2024. On June 27, 2024 the CFA Board elevated Diana Rothermel to Judge Emeritus.

Vicki Nye - Co-chair

Applicants for Consideration at the October 2024 Board Meeting:

Siim Koppel       

Longhair First Specialty       

Murfreesboro, TN USA

Chris Lee

Shorthair First Specialty

Shenyang, China

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 August 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 Judges' Association

Understanding CFA Show Formats

Wendy Heidt

The names for the various types of show formats can be confusing. What is “back to back”? What is “two day”? Both are over 2 days, but what is the difference? Let’s investigate that and why it is important to know.  

When inviting a judge to a show, the club sends a judging contract to them with the invitation. The form can be challenging as it has many boxes to select. This is important information to the judge and is critical that it be filled out correctly. Besides the date, location, and closest airport, there is also the number of rings the show will have, the number of entries, the ring format, and the show format.

Show rule 4.06 is long with many subsets of the various types of show formats that a club is allowed to license. There are different stipulations for the number of specialty rings depending on the location of the show and the total number of rings. There are also specific limits for the total number of entries depending on the type of format. 

The name “two day” show means all judges will be present in the show hall judging entries for both days. This usually means each judge will judge about half the total number of entries each day and judge all entries over the two days. This format has an entry limit of 450, with a judge doing no more than 250 entries in one day. A “back to back” show is also over 2 days, but typically half the judges will judge the first day and the other judges on the second day. This format is limited to a total of 225 entries.

It is important for judges to know what type of show they have been invited to so they can plan travel and time away from jobs or other responsibilities. Using the correct terms will help judges and clubs understand each other.  

CFA Junior Fanciers

Sherri Schaffer, co-chair

The 2023-2024 CFA show years brought a unique way of doing things for the CFA Junior Fanciers Program. CFA worked directly with county 4-H Programs in the state of Pennsylvania. The Junior Fanciers Program was able to bring in over twenty Juniors to our program and remain actively participating.

The CFA Junior Fanciers Program reached out to The Finicky Feline Society Club in December 2023, asking if the club would consider a discounted Junior Fanciers fee. Many of these families have five to six children involved in the Junior Fanciers Program, and the lower fee made it possible for them to exhibit their cats as a family. 

From December to April, our Juniors attended many shows up and down the East Coast and six clubs offered the Junior Fanciers’ fee of $30 per entry and a free half-cage. Over this past season, ten cats of the fifteen NAR Juniors are in the Regional Standings [nine Household Pets and one pedigreed RW], five cats have earned their Grand title, and four are close to Granding.

The Junior Fanciers’ Program looks forward to working with other County 4-H Programs and increasing our impact in the lives of children and families and increasing interest and participation in CFA. 

CFA Legislative

Kelly Crouch, CFA Legislative Information Liaison

The European Union Considers EU-wide Animal Legislation

In Other News- New Hampshire HB 1102-FN is Officially Dead

European Union Animal Legislation

The Council of the European Union negotiated animal legislation impacting breeders, sellers, exporters, and shelters that could become the first EU-wide animal law. To improve the welfare of cats and dogs “placed in the market,” consumer protection, and fighting illegal trade, the legislation would impose extensive “minimum standards” and inspections. The standards address the “five domains” - nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state. Other components impacting breeders include traceability of commercially placed animals, pet buyer education, and animal caretaker training. 

Despite recognizing that smaller breeders would be disproportionately affected by the provisions, the proposal still sets a low authorization threshold of producing or intending “to produce more than five litters per calendar year or that keeps more than five bitches or queens at any given time” for breeding establishments requiring approval. This is an increase from the original three bitches or queens and two litters or less language due to the veterinarian shortage. Partially exempt breeding establishments producing at most two litters per calendar year remain subject to many restrictions. Breeding restrictions include limits on frequency, age of the females, c-sections, inbreeding, bans on breeding hybrids, and “excessive conformational traits”. The last restriction prohibits breeding establishments from using animals with excessive conformational traits leading to a high risk of detrimental effects on the welfare of these animals. It mandates that breeding strategies minimize “the risk of producing dogs or cats with genotypes or phenotypes associated with detrimental effects on their welfare.” Some stakeholders wanted a total ban on breeding these animals. The European Commission rejected that suggestion because many of these breeds are linked to specific Member State traditions, such as the French Bulldog and Brussels Griffon.

Breeding and selling establishments are prohibited from using animals with “excessive conformational traits” or mutilations (i.e., docked tails) in aesthetic shows, exhibitions, and competitions. Show organizers must also exclude these animals from their shows. 

The proposal requires EU-wide traceability of animals placed in the market via microchips and registration with a national database. Member States must ensure the interoperability of their databases with those of other Member States. Imports from outside the EU must also meet the traceability requirements and are subject to the same or equivalent standards contained in this legislation. 

Member States are responsible for enforcement but can have more restrictive laws if they desire.

According to the press release linked above, “Negotiations between the Council presidency and the European Parliament will start once the Parliament has agreed on its position. The outcome of the negotiations will determine the final shape of the legislation.” 

Fanciers can find more information on the legislation and the underlying research by following the links at the bottom of the press release.

New Hampshire Update 

House Bill 1102-FN, which would have made selling or breeding with the intent to sell two or more cats or dogs with a defect that causes suffering an act of animal cruelty, officially died with the adjournment of the state’s legislative session.

You are our eyes and ears! Is detrimental legislation happening in your area? Please let us know. Contact the CFA Legislative Group at legislation@cfa.org

CFA Breeders' Assistance Program

Ginger Meeker and Charlene Campbell for BAP

Cattery Enrichment

We get bored and so do our cats! This boredom can lead to abnormal behaviors and even ill health. A cat separated from a “normal” environment, i.e. removed from the whole home and placed in a smaller room or caged, presents a stressful situation for the cat. There are many valid reasons for these separations and many interventions we can take. Multiple cats in a smaller space than required or desired can be the precursor of stress and overcrowding can multiply those stress reactions.

All cage confined healthy cats need at least one hour outside their cage every day. To stretch and run, scratch a scratching post, keep muscles, claws and bones healthy. Try to locate their cage in an area with natural light and windows to see the outside world.

Environmental enrichment can be done in just about every situation and result in stress reduction. “The term environmental enrichment can be defined as any addition to an environment to increase the animal’s well-being.” Enclosures/room size cannot always be an option, so what else can be done?

• Create additional horizontal or vertical surfaces to area use. An interesting way to do this is find old wood dining chairs or children’s chairs. Cut off the legs. Clean them up and perhaps paint them refinish them. Using braces from the hardware store, hang them on the wall, at varying heights, to create a way for cats to literally “go up the wall. Vertically placed scratching post offer variety. Floor rugs of different textures, especially hemp or sisal, will provide additional areas for the cat to scratch or roll.
• Toys are essential and not all toys need a human at the other end. Wand toys are great, laser pointers get lots of physical response. Cardboard boxes, toilet paper rolls, small, light balls, straws provide lots of entertainment. Restack the boxes the next day and you have created a whole new adventure.
• If your cat has become overweight from reduced space and increased eating, consider an interactive feeding system. These indoor cats might enjoy a Bonsai dish planted with a thin layer of bird seed. Cats enjoy the “cat greens/grasses” for their digestive systems, also have fun playing with the dirt).
• Put some ice cubes in a bowl full of water for a sensory change.
• Some companies produce complex wall units and cat condos. You can find these on-line.
• Consider hanging toys from the door knob of the rooms. Mobiles from the ceiling add stimulation.
• Lots of light helps and an outdoor view is always appreciated. Cats also require a place to go hide. A box, a cat bed ledge in the corner, can provide this need to get away and isolate.
• Music or a radio playing in the environment, can reduce stress from feeling isolated from humans. Shelters suggest classical music to reduce stress.
• Turn lights off and on according to the time of day. Constant lighting can produce disorientation.

By providing items that enhance the environment for our animals, we must also continue to spend human time with them. Our human-cat bond is important to both species for a healthy, less stressful life.

Resources: https://veteriankey.com/feline-enrichment/ and Catvets.com/education/conference/feline-enrichment-resources/

Our CFA Web Site Page: https://breedersassist-rescue.cfa.org/

EveryCat Health Foundation

submitted by Virginia Rud

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

EveryCat Symposium at the CFA Annual Meeting

Many thanks to everyone who helped make our Annual Board of Directors In-Person Meeting and our CFA Symposium in Coralville, Iowa last month a success. We appreciate the outstanding assistance provided by the CFA staff! 

Thank you also to CFA Board and Delegates who attended the Symposium and supported our fundraising efforts as well. 

Upcoming Webinars

EveryCat is pleased to present “Ticks Like Cats Too! An update on the threat of ticks and tick-borne pathogens for cats” with Kathryn Reif, Ph.D., M.S.PH. on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024, 1:00 pm EDT

Look here for more information and to register for your seat.

Volunteer with EveryCat

EveryCat is looking for cat lovers with a wide range of skills who are willing to share some of their time to help us grow!

Volunteers are essential to providing the level of program delivery necessary for EveryCat to achieve its mission and to grow its network. Training is provided! 

Whatever your skills and talents may be, it's a good bet that you can help us help every cat, every day, everywhere!

Learn more about our Volunteer Program and see where your gifts might fit!

Tax Tips with George Eigenhauser

A pet trust can help provide for the care and maintenance of your pets after your death. In the past, common law did not allow trusts for non-human beneficiaries, making pet trusts unenforceable. However, today all 50 states and the District of Columbia permit pet trusts in some form. When setting up a pet trust, there are several important decisions to make:

• Choose a caretaker to look after your pets day-to-day. It’s wise to name a backup caretaker or two in case your chosen person becomes unable or unwilling to perform the duties.
• Select a trustee who will manage the money or assets in the trust. Like with the caretaker, you should name a backup trustee.
• Create checks and balances: Since your pets can’t speak for themselves, it’s important to have measures to ensure your wishes are followed. It’s often best to have different people as the caretaker and trustee to keep an eye on each other.
• Clearly identify your pets and state which pets are included in the trust. Note that while you may provide for any pets living at the time of your death, you may not be able to provide for their unborn offspring.   
•  Specify the standard of living for your pets so your representatives know the kind of care and lifestyle you want.
• Estimate how much money or property will be needed to maintain your pets’ standard of living, cover veterinary care, burial expenses, and other foreseeable costs. Fund the trust with at least this amount. If your pet(s) die before using all the funds in the trust leftover money or assets can go to secondary beneficiaries, such as your heirs or a charity.
• Set time limits for the duration of your trust. Note that state laws vary regarding time limits on pet trusts which may be different than for human beneficiaries.
• Designate a remainder beneficiary who will receive any leftover assets after the trust ends. This could be a person or a charitable organization like the EveryCat Health Foundation.
• Ask your attorney to add a strong "no contest" clause in your estate planning documents to discourage your heirs from challenging the pet trust.
• Each state has its own laws about pet trusts, so it’s essential to consult an attorney who understands the legal requirements in your state. By planning ahead with a pet trust, you can ensure your pets are well cared for, even after you’re gone.

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

Traci Wittenberg, Regional Secretary

Hello from Region 3! As many of you know, the Gulf Coast was recently hit by Hurricane Beryl. Many are still without power, with no reports on how long restoration will take. If you would like to help, please consider making a donation to the Breeders Assistance Pragram (BAP). Not only will this aid those in the Gulf Coast area, but also our friends in need in other regions.

John Colilla, Regional Director

National Siamese Cat Show

By Virginia Wheeldon, Photo cred Larry Johnson

The National Siamese Cat Club show was held on July 6 & 7 in Brockport, New York. We had a wonderful Siamese entry - 4 kittens, 11 in championship and 5 in premiership. The quality was outstanding and the wins went around

Top 3 Siamese in the Kitten Class, Championship and Premiership were awarded, as well as Best of Best Siamese (as determined by a committee of three judges) 

Congratulations to the following:

Kittens

Best - Zelines Ashton Blue. Blue point male bred by Julie Zwemke and owned by Caroline Barta and Julie Zwemke.

Second Best - Nudawnz Love is A Battlefield. Blue point female bred by Lorna Friemoth-Gallion/Jean Clark and owned by Lorna & J.L.L. Gallion

Third Best -Blksandphnx Daci. Chocolate point female bred and owned by Everett G Carr and Gretchen T Carr

Championship

Best - Injoi Olympia of Shera Len. Blue point female bred by Beverly Frenzel and owned by Betsy Arnold

Second Best (tie) - Shera Len Ljubljana of Chai-Maew. Lilac point female bred by Betsy Arnold and owned by Christine D’Aviro, David Humphrey and Betsy Arnold

And

Sanura Belinay. Blue point female bred and owned by Mischa Taylor and Earle Brown

Third Best - Caru Toffee of Sanmaurs. Chocolate point female bred by Dale Russell and owned by Sandra Carlson-Davis

Premiership

Best - Kittkats Vero Blu of Chai-Maew. Blue point neuter bred by Cathy Cicerollo and owned by Christine D’Aviro and David Humphrey

Second Best - Zelines Purrfect Peace. Lilac point neuter bred by Julie Zwemke and owned by Caroline Barta and Julie Zwemke

Third Best - Lunabelle’s Lucien, seal point neuter bred by Dawn Gibson and Phyllis Pantone and owned by Dawn Gibson

Best of the Best (as determined by a committee of three judges - Kittkats Vero Blu of Chai-Maew

Howard Webster, Regional Director

Well I am back again, Howard Webster, as regional director. It was a great time at the Annual in Coralville, IA last month. There were many friends from all over the world there to celebrate the winners in CFA. 

Our Hawaiian members were here to celebrate their wins as well. We were pleased many of them came over to be at the Annual.

Hawaii has a great group of exhibitors, their team work and dedication is remarkable.

It is an example for all of CFA members.

This weekend we have our award banquet Hawaii's members are coming here to accept their Regional awards as well.

We will have pictures of the banquet to share this experience with everyone in CFA.

Allene Keating, Regional Secretary

REGION 6 started off the new CFA show year in Springfield, Missouri. The Show Me Cat Club hosted the regional show and awards located at the University Plaza & Convention Center. The exhibitors and spectators had a great time at the cat show!

As the spectators arrived they received cat ears and coloring books. Face painting was also available for the young and the young at heart. Many of the spectators came to see the cat costume contests and the cat agility. They were not disappointed. Both events were top notch ! Throughout the entire show hall you could hear laughter. Exhibitors were talking, visiting, and answering questions! That evening Region 6 had the awards dinner with a regional On The Road pictures and videos expertly prepared by Jim Charles!

Sadly, Region 6 said goodbye to our Regional Director, Cathy Dunham with a bouquet of pink roses. Cathy Dunham was Regional Director for 4 years; was an entry clerk for many of regional shows and she put on a number of shows each year. Region 6 will dearly miss Cathy in her many hats as she takes on new roles and new hats!

The following weekend, Region 6 Hosted CFA’s Annual in Coralville, Iowa at the Hyatt Regency. Jim and Susan Charles did a great job selecting teams to get the work done. Thursday evening a group of Region 6 workers stuffed delegate bags. Selma Kesler and her team did an outstanding job of decorating not only the beautiful wreaths but also the Saturday night dinner tables.

Janet Moyer was in charge of the food on Friday Night’s Hospitality. It was a huge success with trays and more trays of delicious hors d'oeuvres. What a fantastic time everyone had chatting at the different tables. After the awards dinner there was an AFTER PARTY! What a fun time for those who attended!

 REGION 6 Did it Right!

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