Patron

H. H. Princess Victoria of Schleswig Holstein.

President

Her Grace the Duchess of Bedford.

Vice-Presidents

The Right Hon. the Countess of Warwick, The Viscountess Maitland, The Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava, The Countess of Aberdeen, The Lady Hothfield, Lady Willoughby, Lady Reid, The Hon. Mrs. McLaren Morrison, The Lady Granville Gordon, Lady Decies, The Hon. Mrs. Baillie, Madame Ronner, Mr. Isaac Woodiwiss, Mr. Sam Woodiwiss.

Committee

Louis Wain (President), Lady Decies, Lady Alexander, The Hon. Mrs. McLaren Morrison, Mrs. Vallance, Mrs. Balding, Miss Hamilton, Dr. Roper, Mrs. Herring, Mrs. Ransome, Mrs. G. H. Walker. Hon. Sec. and Treasurer. - Mrs. A. Stennard. Robinson, 13, Wyndham Place, Bryanstone Square, W. (Telegraphic address - "Bow-wow, London. ")

The National Cat Club was organised (1) to promote honesty in the breeding of Cats, so as to ensure purity in each distinct breed or variety; (2) to determine the classification required, and to encourage the adoption of such classification by breeders, exhibitors, judges, and the committees of all Cat Shows; (3) to maintain and keep the National Register of Cats; (4) to assist the Showing and Breeding of Cats, by holding Cat Shows under the best sanitary conditions, giving Championship and other prizes, and otherwise doing all in its power to protect and advance the interests of Cats and their owners. The National Cat Club. is also a Court of Inquiry and Appeal in all matters relating to Cats, or affecting the ownership of Cats, and so saves the expense to its Members of litigation.

The National Cat Club founded its Stud Book some twelve years ago, and it is the only reliable source of information concerning the pedigree of Cats. The Registration Fee is 1s. for the Register of Names, but for the Stud Book the fee is 5s. for Approved Cats exhibited under N. C. C. Rules.

Mr. Louis Wain (Photo: Lascelles & Co. )

The two principal shows of the National Cat Club are held annually at the Botanical Gardens in connection with the Ladies' Kennel Association in June, and at the Crystal Palace in October. In 1901 the total number of cats shown at the Palace was 601, and the entries numbered 1, 021. There were 106 classes provided for long- and short - haired cats. The following is the definition of the classes:

Definition Of Classes

Open Classes

Open to all Cats, Prize-winners or Novices.

Limit Classes

For Cats of any age that have not won Three First Prizes.

Novice Classes

For Cats of any age that have never won a First Prize at any Show.

Special Novice Cats

For Cats or Kittens over 6 months that have never won a Prize of any sort at a Crystal Palace Show.

Neuter Classes

For Gelded Cats.

Stud Classes

For Male Cats that have sired Kittens which are entered and on exhibition in this Show.

Broodqueen Class

For Queen Cats whose Kittens are entered in this Show.

Selling Class

For Cats of any colour or Sex to be sold at a price not exceeding 3 guineas in Long-haired or 2 guineas in Short-haired and Foreign.

Ring Class

ForCats shown in collar, and lead.

Kitten. Classes

Single entries to be over 3 months and under 8 months, unless otherwise stated.

Brace

For 2 Cats, age over 6 months.

Team

For three or more Cats, age over 6 months.

No Cats can be entered in brace or teams unless also entered in one other class.

The money prizes in each class are First, £1; Second, 10s.; Third, 5s. The list of special prizes, including Challenge Trophies and medals, numbered 262 at the last Crystal Palace Show in 1901.

In addition to the two regular fixtures of the N. C. C., other cat shows are held in different places in connection with the Club and under its rules.

The National Cat Club reigned alone until 1898, when Lady Marcus Beresford started and founded the Cat Club. This ardent cat lover has done more for pussy than anyone in the fancy. She is most lavish in her generosity and unwearying in her efforts to promote the welfare of the Club. It was Lady Marcus who first started the idea of holding cat shows in aid of charity. The Cat Club's first show, held at St. Stephen's Hall, Westminster, in 1899, was in aid of the Children's Guild of the Deptford Fund. In 1900 the families of the soldiers and sailors who had fallen in the Transvaal were benefited to a large extent by the proceeds of the show. In 1901 the Children's Hospital, Great Ormond Street, was the charity selected to receive a handsome donation of £100. The Westminster shows have always been splendidly managed, a noticeable feature being the wonderful array of beautiful special prizes offered for competition. The following is the list of officials connected with the Cat Club: