CFA CHAMPIONSHIP AND HOUSEHOLD PET CAT SHOW TO BE HELD AT VENTURA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Date: March 7-8, 1998

Time: Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: SEASIDE PARK (Ventura Co. Fairgrounds), 10 West Harbor Dr., Ventura

The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the world's largest and most prestigious feline registry brings a special benefit cat show to Ventura. The show will also be a tribute to the Maine Coon Cat, America's native breed. The show is hosted by the Maine Attraction Cat Fanciers, and will feature up to 225 of the world's finest pedigreed cats, and a special Household Pet competition.

The Maine Coon Cat is America's own breed of cat. Many myths surround the origin of this unique cat. One of the earliest stories surrounding its origins was that the cat was the result of matings between domestic cats and raccoons. These stories may have started from the observation that the tabby version of the Maine Coon has a bushy, ringed tail similar to a raccoon. [Although biologically impossible], this story gave the breed the name it carries to this day. Another story is that the cat is the descendant of long haired cats brought to the new world by Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution. Sent ahead when she was planning her escape from France, the cats were abandoned after her death and interbred with local short haired cats. Perhaps the most likely (although less romantic) origin is the interbreeding of local short haired cats with long haired cats brought to New England by sailors, either 18th century "Yankee" whalers or 11th century Vikings. The Viking connection is supported by the strong resemblance to the Norwegian Forest Cat, which is also said to be a descendant of the fierce warrior cats carried to sea by the Viking on their voyages.

Regardless of their origin, the breed thrived. Through nature's own breeding program, this breed has developed into a sturdy cat ideally suited to the harsh winters and varied seasons of the region. The Maine Coon Cat was recognized as a specific breed in Maine early in the 19th century, where the first cat shows in the United States were held. When the first "allbreed" cat show was held in Madison Square Garden in 1895, a Maine Coon Cat defeated all other breeds to be named the "Best Cat in Show."

America's native breed will be joined by up to 35 other breeds of cat from around the world. You will see felines with folded ears, little tails and curly hair; cats with long hair, short hair and breeds like Havana Brown, Egyptian Mao, Maine Coon, Tonkinese, Somali, Abyssinian, Balinese and Persian! Eight of CFA's top judges will be brought in for eight rings of judging action. This will assure no lulls for spectators or exhibitors!

Each pedigreed cat will be judged according to a written standard for it's breed. Such a standard is a blueprint which depicts the ideal specimen for a breed, in physical appearance and temperament. A breed standard is precise enough to allow officials to evaluate the cats accurately, yet flexible enough to leave room for differences in interpretation between judges of keen eye and good intention. The process will be repeated, until all cats in competition have been judged independently by each of the officiating judges.

The "vendor" area of the exhibition hall will feature vendors with specialty items for the cat lover, ranging from collectible novelties such as cat decorated T-shirts, personalized food and water bowls and exquisite hand-crafted cat theme jewelry. Pedigreed cats and kittens will be offered for sale, so visitors may go home with a new feline friend.

Your cat doesn't have to a Persian from the Shah's court, or the Pharaoh's Egyptian Mau to enter this show! In the Household Pet Class, any non-pedigreed cat that has been spayed or neutered is eligible. They will be judged on "purrsonality," health and beauty. The show committee is actively seeking local entries for this competition. A toll free number (1-800-400-CATS) has been set up for Household Pet entries. Enter today, and your special kitty could be the "Best Household Pet."

Join us March 7-8, 1998 for this feline extravaganza. All-day admission is $6.00 for adults, $4.00 for children, seniors and military personnel. Kids under 6 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Cat show hours are Saturday, 10:00 to 5:00; and Sunday 9:00 to 5:00.

(Any publicity relating to entry of Household Pet cats should note the entry deadline of March 2, 1998, and reference the hot line at 1-800-400-CATS for further information).