MRS ANNE GREGORY :

A very enjoyable show that was so well organised and smooth running; I would like to thank Di Taylor, Mandy Symonds and their team for the kind invitation and warm hospitality. I had an excellent day in the capable hands of Val Anderson as my steward; she loves all the cats and is superb company too.

SUPERSTARS

What a fantastic start to a day's judging; I had Felicity McKenzie stewarding for me at this point and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting our four Superstars. The quality was, of course, exceptional and they were all presented to perfection; I had a very difficult time, but in the end decided to go for star quality and showmanship as the type, coat, pattern etc was a given tip top standard.

My first Superstar was ABBOTT'S GRAND CHAMPION & UK & IMPERIAL GRAND PREMIER BEAUMARIS ANGELICA, 63A, FN, 6.11.1997.
This senior lady was revelling in all the attention; she obviously enjoyed being at a show, basking in the admiration she received as her due. She really does epitomise a "show cat" – looking great in this, her thirteenth year with her beautiful sorrel coat groomed to the last hair and showing well defined ticking. She has a wonderful Somali smile and adored being judged; she purred and chirruped with her paws playing the piano! She did NOT want to go back in her pen but eventually agreed to do so, promptly rolling on her back with her paws in the air, still flexing as she smiled and purred!

The second Superstar was another Somali, BULLIVANTS' UK & IMPERIAL GRAND PREMIER BARANCHRI TICKETY BOO, 63, MN, 19.2.2002.
He was an excellent example of a top quality Usual with a rich golden coat that was gleaming with health and showing lovely contrast between the ticking and the ground. He had a wonderful smile and greeted us with a loud purr, walking out of his pen to be assessed. I thought he was so handsome and really very charming with a wonderful personality, showing off his quality and style. He assured us all was "Tickety Boo" in his world!

My third Superstar was ENSOR'S IMPERIAL GRAND PREMIER KHATIJEM LALIQUE, 13C4, MN, 8.5.2004.
Lalique had all the quality and style of the artist he was named after – his Birman type was exquisite and his silken coat groomed to perfection. His lilac points were a beautiful frosty pinkish grey and his magnolia body a clear contrast. He was dressed to impress with snowy gloves, socks and gauntlets! He had a soft, gentle expression in his deep but brilliant blue eyes. His manner was a little more reserved than the Somalis but he was a delight to judge.

The fourth Superstar in my line-up was a stunning Maine Coon; RABEY'S SUPREME UK & IMPERIAL GRAND PREMIER DAIRYMAINE SARNIA CHERIE, 64 20e, FN, 27.3.2004.
She has had a glittering show career and looked absolutely beautiful with such a bright tortie-tabby pattern and groomed to perfection. Her type is magnificent and she has the size, substance and muscle demanded of this breed. Sadly she seemed a little nervous and unwilling to come out and be judged on the day but nevertheless it was a great privilege to handle such a beautiful and dignified lady.

AV SLH GRAND CHAMPION, MALE

1 IGC BARLETTA 'S UK & IMPERIAL GRAND CHAMPION COONTASTIC LUIGI, 64 31 FTS , M, 23.5.2004
An extremely handsome male of exceptional type and quality who has such a wonderful "presence" and temperament; his head is of medium length with a firm, square muzzle and an excellent profile. His ears are large, well furnished and tufted; although he is a mature male with breadth of head, they are still set high giving him an alert look. The eyes were full and round with an oblique setting. His neck was fairly long, thick and muscular. His body was long with substantial legs and large, tufted paws. He had excellent breadth of chest and a square rump. His tail was long, wide at the base tapering towards the tip and was well furnished. His coat was of excellent quality with a frontal ruff, shorter fur on the head, neck and shoulders and shaggy at the breeches and belly. The undercoat has developed well and it was covered by a substantial glossy top coat. His pattern was a little diffuse but the cream was a good tone with a clear silver base. He was shown to perfection in excellent condition and had a superb temperament.

RES : GARDINOR'S GRAND CHAMPION PANJANDRUM FUEGO, 13C5, M, 13.8.2000
A very handsome and balanced Birman of excellent type and expression; his head was broad with strength of skull and rounded contours. His ears were medium in size and set well apart in the rounded contours. He had full cheeks and a well developed muzzle. The chin could be fuller for perfection. His eyes were large, almost round and a lovely shade of blue. His nose was of medium length with a slight bump. His body was of excellent length with a solid, muscular feel. He had excellent substance. The legs were strong and of medium length with short, strong paws. His tail was of medium length and bushy. His coat was presented in excellent condition; it was long and silky with an excellent ruff to frame the face. The points were a bright red with excellent contrast to the pale, creamy body. His gloves, socks and gauntlets were pristine and well shaped.

CHOCOLATE & LILAC BIRMAN NEUTER

1 PR + BOB BROTHERTON'S DEENLAY SHWEDAGON, 13C4, MN, 6.4.2009
A young male who was not particularly happy to be judged! He looked a little immature but had strong muscle tone, promising boning and pleasing type for his age. His head is developing well showing breadth to the skull and well placed ears of medium size. His cheeks were full and the muzzle reasonable. His eyes were very beautiful; large, almost round and really expressive. The colour was an excellent deep blue. He had an excellent profile showing a slight dip and there was depth to the chin. His body was long with good legs and a bushy tail that balanced well. His coat was beautifully prepared and presented; it was silken and a good length with a ruff to frame the face. His points were a good lilac tone with excellent contrast to the magnolia body. The gloves and gauntlets were well shaped and snowy. He was in excellent condition.

AC BI-COLOUR RAGDOLL NEUTER
I considered exhibit 98 for the BOB award but felt he was rather plump which made his head appear small in relation to his body, spoiling the overall balance.

1 PR + BOB FITTEN'S FINEARTE MYSTIC MERLIN, 66 31A, MN, 11.7.2008
A handsome and balanced cat of excellent type; his head was broad with width between the ears. His cheeks were well developed as was his rounded muzzle. The ears were medium in size and tilted forward slightly. The profile was good with a gentle dip and the chin was firm. His eyes were excellent; they were large, set slightly oblique, well apart and well opened. The blue was a brilliant tone and he had a lovely expression. His body was long and muscular with medium legs that were well boned and large, round, tufted paws. His neck was short and he had lovely breadth of chest. The tail was long and bushy; it balanced well. The coat was beautifully presented; it was silky and dense with a good ruff and knickerbockers. The markings were excellent too. He was presented in excellent condition and had a superb temperament.

USUAL SOMALI NEUTER, MALE

BOB STABLES' IMPERIAL GRAND PREMIER MERLIESIN CAISEAL BEAG, 63, MN, 26.10.2003
A very handsome and imposing Usual with exceptional type and a lovely smiling expression; his soft, fine coat was of excellent quality and his ticking well defined against the rich apricot ground.

USUAL SOMALI NEUTER, FEMALE

1 PR HACK'S CHAMPION & GRAND PREMIER SUPATOFT BRIOCHE, 63, FN, 7.10.2003
A very pretty female of excellent type who was so feminine and had such a sweet, smiling expression; her head formed a moderate wedge with gently curving contours and her large ears were broad at the base, well cupped and set well apart on the head. Her eyes were of almond shape, set slightly oblique and very expressive. She had a slight nose break and a reasonably firm chin. Her body was lithe and muscular, of medium length with a level back. Her legs were long with oval paws that were well tufted. She had a super tail, long and well furnished to form a full brush. She had a soft, fine, dense coat that lay smoothly along the spine. She had an attractive ruff and full apricot breeches above those long, black heels. Her facial markings were well defined and very attractive and the ticking very clearly defined. She was rather shy but very sweet natured and shown in excellent condition.

AOC SOMALI NEUTER, MALE
I did consider exhibit 172 for the BOB award, but he was not very happy to be handled and I thought his base colour was a little cool on his back. He had excellent type and was presented beautifully.

BOB MELIA'S CHAMPION & GRAND PREMIER ADMILSH ASTROKINI NEXUS, 63B, MN, 14.4.2000
This chocolate Somali has excellent type and was very handsome. He has a real Somali smile and a wonderful expression. His chocolate is rich and dark, contrasting well with the apricot base. Perhaps he could have had a little more preparation as his coat was beginning to separate?

AOC SOMALI NEUTER, FEMALE

1 PR STABLES' IMPERIAL GRAND CHAMPION & GRAND PREMIER CANONNA MERLIESIN MELODY, 63B, FN, 15.7.1999.
A very attractive and balanced female of exceptional type and quality; her head formed a medium wedge with breadth at the cheeks and a generous muzzle well defined with indentations. Her eyes were large, almond shape with a slight oblique setting and a wonderfully soft, gentle expression. There was a slight break in the profile and she had a good chin. Her ears were large, well cupped and set well apart. She had a muscular body with very good legs and tail. She had very good breeches but I would have liked a little more ruff. Her coat was soft and fine. It was a good apricot ticked and marked with rich dark chocolate. She was shown in excellent condition and had a wonderful temperament.

2 JONES' PREMIER ADTRESH HALI, 63C, FN, 9.6.2003
A pretty Somali with a lovely smiling expression; she had good type and her moderate wedge had gently curving contours with shallow indentations forming the muzzle. Her ears were large and well set; they were well cupped and had small tufts. Her eyes were large, almond shaped and set obliquely. There was a slight nose break but the chin could be stronger. She had a very good body, legs and tail. She was a little short on coat but it was soft and fine. The fur was a little sparse on the tail. The blue was a lovely tone and the ticking well defined but the base coat was cool in tone on her back. She was shown in excellent condition and had a lovely temperament.

I was privileged to select the Best Somali in Show:

My Best Adult was Emma Watts' IMPERIAL GRAND CHAMPION BRIZLINCOAT TOOMAI, 63, F, 4.9.2003

My Best Kitten was Barbara Pointing's BRIZLINCOAT BLUE CHANTRELL, 63C, F, 11.9.2009

My Best Neuter was Dot & Gordon Stables' IMPERIAL GRAND PREMIER MERLIESIN CAISEAL BEAG, 63, MN, 26.10.2003

Three wonderful Somalis reflecting all that is the best in our wonderful breed, but the Somali that stole my heart to become BEST SOMALI EXHIBIT 2010 was –

BARBARA POINTING'S BRIZLINCOAT BLUE CHANTRELL, 63C, F, 11.9.2009

Sire: Imperial Grand Champion Brizlincoat Beau Geste – Dam: Brizlincoat Sioux

Breeder – Mrs Di Taylor

Very many congratulations to her owner and her breeder – I think she is so beautiful and think she has a promising future.

JOYCE GREEN:

Such a friendly show very well run by Di and Mandy. A very good entry of lovely cats and I do thank you for the invitation to judge and also the most enjoyable gift. My excellent steward was Lesley Szwed who stepped in at the last minute; many thanks Lesley I hope you will steward for me again.

AC BIRMAN PREMIER: FEMALE

GR PR WARDLE's GR PR LUNABLEU CRÈME BRULEE 13c1
Well structured lass with nice muscle and substance, legs are thick-set, strong paws, bushy tail in proportion. Lovely pale silken coat has good length, showing golden hue, nice ruff frames her face, deep seal mask, all other points well defined, good markings to feet. Broad rounded head, ears are well set, medium nose with slight profile dip, well developed chin, expressive deep blue eyes. Lovely face and expression.

RES PLANT's PR MIDDLEMAY TALLULAH 13c12
Well muscled girl with long firm body on thick-set legs, paws are well shaped, proportionate bushy tail. Lovely pale bluish-white coat has very good length and fine silken texture, nice tabby markings on mask, legs have rings, faint thumb prints on ears. Gloves and gauntlets are well matched. Rounded head has medium ears well placed, chin full and slightly tapered, well defined profile line, almost round eyes are deep blue. She is a real sweetie.

I also liked very much the other girl in this class, such lovely seal tabby markings. A pity there are only two prizes making it difficult to choose.

BLUE POINT BIRMAN ADULT: FEMALE

1 CC GARDINOR's ATAKAD AKIND OFMAGIC
Well grown youngster of just ten months, long and muscular with very good substance, well boned legs, short paws, well proportioned tail. Lovely fine silken coat has good very length, nice ruff frames her face. Good markings to all feet. Well shaped head, medium nose has slight dip in profile, ears spaced well apart and she is still growing into them. Almost round eyes of very good colour, she has a lovely expression.

BOB ENSOR's GR CH KITTAH THALIA
Well structured mature girl of very good type, lovely coat, strong head, she has deep blue eyes and a lovely face and expression.

AOC MAINE COON ADULT: MALE

1 CC BOB SAVILLE's COONTASTIC TANGERINE DREAM
Large well structured young male of just one year. Feeling solid and muscular, strong limbs, large paws have long tufts, lovely long furry tail. Super richly coloured coat with pure white bib, very well groomed, glossy topcoat, nice ruff around his neck. Well shaped head has square muzzle, very good profile line, strong chin, large tall ears well furnished and tufted. Wide-spaced expressive eyes are very well set. A super chap, relaxed and friendly.

2 GIBBONS's SHOOKATOO SOLDIER BLU
This lad is also just over a year old and at the adolescent stage. Long body with strong legs, large paws are well tufted, long furry tail. Pretty blue coat of medium shade, coat length is developing, showing ruff around his neck. Head has medium wedge, large tall ears set high and well apart, tufted at the tips and well furnished. Muzzle needs time to fill out, high cheekbones, slight curve at nasal bridge. Expressive eyes well set. Rather timid and did not show himself well.

AOC MAINE COON ADULT: FEMALE

1 CC SAVILLE's ISHCUS FANNIE MAE
Solid and muscular, rectangular body on strong legs, large well tufted feet, long furry tail. Very nice coat has good length, ruff around her neck, glossy topcoat. Medium head has square muzzle, strong chin, very good line in profile. Large tall ears, pointed at tips and showing nice tufts, also well furnished. Wide-spaced eyes are full and round, she has a lovely face and expression.

2 JOINER's STUKELIN ANGEL GABRIELLE
Well proportioned girl who is firm and muscular, very good boning to legs, large round paws have long tufts under toes, long furry tail. Her coat has nice texture and substantial glossy topcoat, ruff around her neck. Medium head, square muzzle; ears are large and wide at base, set high although she has a tendency to hold them at a low angle when she is relaxed, however she can hold them well when she wants. Wide-spaced full round eyes show lovely expression.

3 HANCOCK's LYNXELOT FLAME IN THE NIGHT
Sweet girl who is only just adult although her long body has very good muscle and substance. Long furry tail, firm legs, large well tufted paws. Very nice coat has good length, ruff developing, colours are a lovely mix of black and red making her a really bright tortoiseshell. Her head is shaping up well although she has to fill out in the muzzle, firm chin, nice line in profile. Large tall ears are well set, long tufts and streamers. Eyes well set, showing very nice expression.

TURKISH VAN ADULT: MALE
A Lovely well structured young boy of just ten months and showing very good type and substance, well boned limbs, he is overall well balanced. Very good coat of chalky white, auburn tail, auburn head markings. Well shaped head and ears, alert expressive eyes are pale blue which is unfortunately not as the colour he is registered. A pity, but I hope to meet him again when he is correctly registered.

TURKISH VAN ADULT: FEMALE

1 CC BOB LLOYD's CH SHADYCOMBE MADAM BUTTERFLY
Neat girl who is well proportioned. Good muscle and substance to body, well boned limbs, neat tufted paws. Soft silky chalk white coat has good length, nice ruff frames her face, auburn brush has colour extending over rump, head markings are very even and match, vertical blaze separates. Well shaped head, medium nose has barely perceptible dip, well feathered ears well set, large oval eyes, one amber and the other clear blue. She is a sweetie.

AOC SOMALI (EX SILVER) ADULT: MALE

1 CC BOB BULLIVANT's BARANCHRI HORUS 63b
Well grown young boy of just eleven months. Lithe and muscular body is well balanced by long legs and oval paws which are well tufted. Long well furnished tail. Lovely coat, very good texture, flat along spine, showing ruff and breeches; the base is pale oatmeal with well defined ticking, darker shading along spine and deeper colour on heels; his overall appearance is warm powdery fawn. Moderate wedge gently contoured, shallow indentation at muzzle, large tufted ears are well set, large almond eyes well set. Gentle boy with such a lovely temperament.

AOC SOMALI (EX SILVER) ADULT: FEMALE
All the girls must have got out of bed the wrong side today as they were all grumpy.

1 CC FRANCIS's VANGELRE TRUFFLE 63b
Well balanced, lithe and muscular, long legs with oval tufted paws, lovely well furnished tail. Soft fine coat texture, showing nice ruff and breeches; dark chocolate ticking on apricot base, shading along spine and tail, dark heels reach to hock. Head has moderate wedge gently contoured, slight nose break in profile, shallow indentation forms muzzle. Pricked ears set wide, well furnished and tufted, large green almond eyes set obliquely and well apart.

2 NATION's CH CAMPION TEAZLE 63c

Elegant young lady who has firm body which is lithe and muscular, long legs, tufted oval paws, tail in proportion. Her coat is soft and fine, lying flat along spine, showing ruff and breeches. Well defined blue ticking on light oatmeal base, her underparts are warm mushroom; her overall colour is very attractive. Head has moderate wedge, wide-set large pricked ears, tufts and good furnishings; shallow indentation forms muzzle, good chin. Large almond-shaped green eyes are well set. Pretty girl but a proper wriggler.

  MRS. PAT PERKINS:

 Two shows with some quality exhibits, my thanks to Di and Sheila and all the hard working teams for the invitation and warm welcome.  Pat Parrish was my very hardworking steward, as always she handles the cats with care, thanks Pat for all your efforts.

AOV SEMI -LH CHAMPION – FEMALE
A class of quality girls

GR CH . FISHLOCK-LOMAX's CH. ADATELO REINE LA CHATEAU – (15.4.08)
Tortie Silver Tabby & White Norwegian, very pretty girl with good bone and substance, length to body, thick high legs and big feet showing tufts. Strong triangular head with a lovely straight profile, bright green eyes set obliquely, firm chin. Very good textured coat, thick undercoat, glossy top coat, pristine white with tortie patches on a silvery ground, long bushy tail to balance, very shy lady.   

RES . DUNSTALL's CH. ELANESSE ANOUSHKA – (8.12.06)
Solid mature Colourpointed Ragdoll. Heavy set muscular body, substantial legs, round firm paws.  Breadth to head with flat plane between wide set ears, well furnished.  Oblique set to eyes of a lovely deep sound blue, firm chin, slight curve to nose. Coat dense, nice frill and full trousers, body a beige shading lighter to tummy, still contrasting well with dense seal mask and points, tail full and long reaching shoulders – rather shy lady.

AC COLOURPOINTED OR MITTED RAGDOLL NEUTER -  MALE

BOB . STACEY's UK & IMP GR. PR. CHEHAM CANTONA – (26.2.98)
Seal Colourpoint, at over 10 years in excellent show condition. Coat dense but soft, dark beige to back, paler sides, good ruff and shaggy trousers, dark seal to mask and points. Broad head with well set ears, flat plane to forehead, good blue to eyes, firm chin – quality boy good to handle.

1 ST & PC . PEARSON's ADMIOLO SEBASTION OSCAR – (27.9.07)
Blue Colourpointed, very well padded solid boy, strong thick legs and big feet. Mature head, flat plane between wide based ears, slightly forward tilted, large round eyes of a sound blue, oblique set, firm chin. Well groomed coat, back a bluish white shading lighter to sides and tummy, sound greyish blue to well developed mask and points, tail wide and full a mid greyish blue – laid back lad.

                                                     
2 ND . RYAN's SARAGGS MASONSPRIDEOFMINE – (10.8.08) Gentle Blue Tabby Colourpointed. Length to body and strong legs. Wide set ears, flat plane between, eyes quite obliquely set the colour a mid even blue, slight curve to nose, firm chin. Coat just starting to change a touch harsh on lower back, body a bluish white, Tabby M to head, eye lines and spectacles round eyes, slight tabby on legs, tail bushy unde rings just visible - well shown boy.

AOC MAINE COON NEUTER – MALE

1 ST & PC . TURNER's CAROLMAINE GENERAL LEE – (18.11.08)
Red Classic Tabby & White, long lean body with strength to high legs, rounded feet., breadth to chest and head, super ears very wide based and high set, tipped and well furnished, broad nose with a gentle concave curve, firm chin, eyes large a pleasing hazel, set slightly obliquely.  Coat glossy showing, good red tabby markings to sides, back breaking nicely, rings to legs, M to head, white paws, chest and tummy, long flowing tail just showing rings, frontal ruff and full trousers – lovely temperament.

2 ND . CHAMBER's HUGMETIGHT JINGLE BEAR – (6.9.08) 
Another Red Classic Tabby & White, well developed body, strong bone, big feet, well padded tummy. Strong skull, ears wide based and set high, large hazel eyes, gentle concave curve to broad nose, needing chin to strengthen. Thick glossy coat, nicely prepared, good tabby to head and legs, back rather solid, deep red markings on a warmer ground, white to chin, chest and tummy, log tail to shoulders showing rings – friendly lad.

3 RD. BARLETTA's COONTASTIC HUFFLEPUFF – (29.5.09)
Red Self the youngest of the class, just over 9 months, very long body, high legs, skull needing to broaden out, super high ears, well tipped, large oblique set to hazel eyes.  Very glossy coat at present still showing a lot a tabby markings, but they should fade with age, full bushy tail just past shoulders – promising gentle boy.   

AOC MAINE COON NEUTER –FEMALE
Super class of quality girls.

BOB, PC & BOB . BARLETTA's UK & IMP .GR. CH & Pr. COONTASTIC RAFAELLA  - (23.5.04) Stunning Tortie Tabby & White in super show condition, sitting in her pen surveying the world. Length to muscular body, strong legs with large feet,  Broad head, nose with concave curve, lovely ear set high and wide based, long tips and well feathered, chin, lips and nose in line, square muzzle, large oblique greenish eyes. Thick glossy coat, frontal ruff, full trousers, body and head showing rich tortie colours overlaid with good tabby markings, white to chest, tummy and paws, small white patch on nose, tail very long and well furnished showing rich tortie colours – a quality lady in every respect including temperament.

2 ND . TURNER's CAROLMAINE A-PATCHY QUEEN (18.11.08)
Tortie Classic Tabby & White, attractive youngster, super ear set, straight up on head, wide at base, long tips together with her bright oblique set green eyes gives her a wide awake expression. Curve to nose, chin just needs to firm up a little. Excellent bone, strong high legs, long bodied, tail long to shoulders.  Glossy coat showing just starting to go a little harsh on lower back, bright tortie colours with tabby to head and body, rings to legs, white to paws, chest and tummy – friendly lass.

 3 RD . HARDWICKS CH. & PR RUTTERKIN KISS ME KATE – (28.6.06)
another Classic Tortie Tabby & White, mature and very well padded, long body, high legs and big rounded feet. Wide based ears, nicely furnished, square muzzle, bright hazel eyes, set obliquely, good chin.  Thick coat again seasonally changing on back, frontal ruff and full trousers, tortie and tabby well distributed, rings to legs, white to chest, paws and tummy, tail flowing slightly ringed, reaching shoulders – gentle girl.

 

TURKISH VANKEDISIS ASSESSMENT A/K/N

 MERITS TO:

RICHARD's VANSUNAMOON LILY THE PINK – (27.3.09)
Promising odd eyed  youngster, head broadening out, well set ears sitting on top of head, bright eyes, the blue sound, soft hazel. Length to body, strong legs, rounded feet, tail full and in balance. Pristine chalk white coat of a good texture, ruff starting to develop – well shown but very shy young lady.

 LLOYD's TANSDALE INDIGO MOON – (22.4.05)
Mature Blue-Eyed boy in excellent condition.  Strong masculine head, wide based high ears, broad nose with just a slight dip, eyes large oval in shape an even sound blue. Muscular body, depth to chest, strong legs balanced off with a full bush tail.  Soft silky coat, slight frill, clear chalk white – friendly and well shown.

 LLOYD's TANSDALE ICE-ICE BABY (5.7.09)
Promising kitten, just needing to fill out a little, fair wedge shaped head, large ears set high, gentle dip to nose, large oval eyes of a bright blue, firm chin.  Length to body, silky soft coat, frill developing, pristine chalk white, tail in balance – lovely temperament.

AV. SEMI -LH SENIOR – ADULT

 1 ST . FRANCIS's VANGELRE TRUFFLE – (63b)
Lovely Chocolate Somali wearing a rich coat well ticked in chestnut brown on an apricot base, spine line down over tail, dark chocolate to heels and toe tufts. Head a moderate wedge shape with ears set wide apart, broad based and pricked, slight nose break in profile, eyes bright and almond shaped. Firm body and long legs, tail long and well furnished – well mannered lady.          

2 nd . GLEDSTONE's RAGGIPUSS DUDLEY –
Solid well developed Blue Colourpointed Ragdoll, very thick well groomed coat, body a bluish white, good mask and defined points, tail full and bushy. Strong broad head with flat plane between well set ears, lovely deep blue eyes, gentle curve to nose, good chin – lovely temperament.

 3 RD . LLOYD's CH. SHADYCOME MADAM BUTTERLY –
Mature Turkish lady.

 AV. SEMI -LH DEBUTANTE KITTEN

 1 ST . INGHAM's FOXDAWN GOLDEN RAIN –
Delightful Classic Tortie Tabby Maine coon  wearing a super glossy coat of bright tortie colours, good tabby to head, legs and body, long two colour ringed tail. Ears set high on head, long tips, big bright oblique eyes, firm chin, curve to nose. Length to body and developing good bone, long tail showing rings and tortie colours – friendly lively kitten.

2 ND . DAVIE's NORDVENGEN AUTUMN ANGEL –
Brown Tabby & White Norwegian girl, good straight profile, ears starting to fit into shape of triangular head. Coat still baby soft but showing clear classic tabby markings, tail long and ringed – gentle girl.

3 RD . HILLMAN's FILENSIO DELPHINIUM  -
Very pretty Blue Mitted Ragdoll little lady with lovely deep blue eyes.

 Ex. 3 rd . HARDWICK's LINNEL APACHE CLOUDS –
Attractive Silver Classic Tabby & White Maine Coon youngster with good length to body.

MISS IRENE ROOS:

I had a such a happy day at this very friendly show, with some lovely pets to judge. Many thanks to Di and Mandy for their very welcome invitation.

A.C. PEDIGREE PET GRAND MASTER CAT (IMPERIAL CLASS), MALE

IGMC PLANT's GMC SILVER SAM -
a large, very impressive looking fellow, ten years old. He had a superb, long, flowing snow-white coat with a touch of black tipping, beautifully prepared, and gorgeous green eyes. He was so happy to let me make a fuss of him and admire him while he was in his pen, then came out to see me and chatted to me, but he really wanted to go back into his pen.

S.H. SELF (SINGLE COLOUR) CAT, WITH OR WITHOUT WHITE, NON-PEDIGREE PET, MALE

BOB TAYLOR's MC SOOTY -
A large, handsome lad, five years old, with a lovely, dense black coat, sleek and glossy. He loved being stroked while he was in his pen, then enjoyed coming out for a cuddle. Very alert, he then stood on the trolley to have a good look round. A friendly and charming fellow.

S.H. A.O.C. OR PATTERN CAT, WITH OR WITHOUT WHITE, PEDIGREE PET, MALE
Two lovely boys

1 MC DUNSTALL's PICKWICK -
Such a handsome young fellow, nine months old, with very attractive seal markings and gorgeous blue eyes. Shown in excellent condition, his short, dense, soft coat was very well prepared with the white sparkling. An alert, happy, friendly and vocal boy, he enjoyed coming out to see me and to have a cuddle, then settled on the trolley to have a good look round. A charming lad.

2 POULTON's BARRACUDA -
A very handsome boy, thirteen months old, with his attractive brown ticked tabby markings, so alert and vocal. Shown in excellent condition, his short, sleek, glossy coat was very well prepared. He enjoyed letting me make a fuss of him when he was in his pen, but had a loud grumble about coming out, and said he wanted to be put back. .

S.H. A.O.C. OR PATTERN CAT, WITH OR WITHOUT WHITE, PEDIGREE PET, FEMALE
Two very attractive ladies

1 MC BOB RILEY's BLUE SKIES -
An adorable, large cuddly lass, one year ten months old, with very attractive blue tortie markings. Shown in excellent condition, her short, soft, dense coat had been very well prepared. Such a charming and gentle lass, she enjoyed standing on the trolley for me to admire her, then was very happy to be cuddled - she wanted me to stand and hold her all day.

2 THOMAS's SPRITZA -
A lively, alert and very vocal one year old lass, very beautiful with her ticked tabby markings. Shown in excellent condition, her soft, sleek, glossy coat was very well prepared. A delightful lady, who chatted happily to me. She was very keen to come out, and was very interested in all that was going on.

ROYAL CANIN NON-PEDIGREE STAKES - MIDLAND CHALLENGE - GINGER, GINGER AND WHITE, TORTIE OR TORTIE AND WHITE S.H.

1 WEBB's PURRCY -
What a charming and delightful boy, ten months old. Very handsome, with his rich ginger tabby and sparkling white markings, his coat was so sleek and glossy. He was very happy to come out, sitting on the trolley, purring quietly to me, while he had a good look round, so gentle, friendly and contended.

A.C. L.H. ADULT

1 BAXTER's NEMO -
A very handsome and attractive young man, thirteen months old, with gorgeous blue eyes. He had such a soft, long coat, with beautiful blue tabby markings, and spotless white feet. So calm and gentle, he was very happy to come out to let me make a fuss of him. A delightful, friendly boy.

2 SMITH's D'ARCY -
Such a stunning looking fellow, seven years old. He had a long, soft, flowing coat, so beautifully marked and lovely green eyes. Very gentle, he was so happy to let me talk to him and admire him when he was safely in his pen, but was a little shy when he came out.

3 SZWED's MC FLUFF -
A lovely ten year old fellow, he looked superb standing in his pen, with his long, soft, flowing coat with such attractive brown tabby markings, and wonderful green eyes. He was so happy and friendly in his pen, and loved having a fuss made of him and being admired, but unfortunately he decided he wasn't very keen about coming out.

RESCUE OR FORMER STRAY

1 WEBB's PURRCY.

2 TAYLOR's MC SOOTY.

LONGEST WHISKERS

1 WARWICK's MINI MINSTREL -
A lovely lass, her long white whiskers were beautifully shown off by her attractive tabby face.

BEST GROOMED L.H.

1 SKELDING's MURPHY -
A young lad whose long soft coat was beautifully prepared.

2 TALBOY'S ADORA -
A lovely lady with a soft coat very well groomed.

A.C. RADIUS

1 TALBOY's ADORA -
Just the right name for this smashing, adorable and delightful lady, eleven years four months old. A beautiful seal pointed girl, with sparkling white socks, and lovely blue eyes. So gentle, trusting and contented, she was very happy just to let me stand and cuddle her, I was sorry to have to put her back into her pen. She just had to have my ‘Judge's Favourite Rosette'.

2 TAYLOR's MC SOOTY

3 THOMAS's SPRITZA.

MARY KALAL:  

A very happy show with a great atmosphere, I thoroughly enjoyed my day in the good company of Sue Amor, who very kindly stepped in to steward for me when my original steward was unable to attend. Many thanks to Di Taylor, Mandy Symonds and the SLHCA and Sheila Heavens, Ketill Game and the SCC for the kind invitation and excellent hospitality and to Sue for her expert handling of the cats and efficient paperwork, she made my day run very smoothly and I look forward to the next time.

AV SLH Grand Champion Adult Female:

1 and IGC to WATTS' IMP GR CH BRIZLINCOAT TOOMAI (63) 4.9.03.
A lovely female with a typically smiling expression; firm lithe body, legs and paws in proportion, tail tapered balanced and fully furnished; ears large, tufted and wide set, broad head showing gentle contours, break to profile, full cheeks, rounded muzzle with indentation, firm chin and level bite; eyes of full almond shape, dark rimmed and green colour. Coat full dense and silky, giving an excellent impression of warm golden brown, well ticked in black on an apricot base with a darker dorsal line and tail tip, full black heels, good pigmentation markings on face, full ruff and breeches; excellent condition and beautifully presented.

RESERVE to MURRAY's IMP GR CH MCKITTYCREEK AURORA (64.41ew) 6.4.06.
A big female with a lovely expression; long heavy body (she needs to start watching her weight), strong legs with large tufted paws and balanced quite profuse tail; ears fairly large, well tufted and excellent set, balanced head longer than wide with a slight concave curve to profile, good broad muzzle, firm and level bite; eyes large, well set and hazel green colour. Coat well developed, silky and double with a full ruff and breeches, rich brown tabby pattern patched with shades of red and lovely pristine white; excellent condition and beautifully presented.

AC Bi-Colour Ragdoll Kitten, Male:

1 and BOB to GROUTAGE's LADYDOLL SOCRATES (66.31a) 29.8.09.
A handsome young male showing very good size and boning; long muscular body, strong legs with large tufted paws and long tapered bushy tail; ears of medium size, tufted wide set and forward tilted, broad head with a flat skull, dip in profile, full cheeks, rounded muzzle, good chin and level bite; eyes large, oval and vivid blue colour with an excellent expression. Silky coat with a good ruff and knickerbockers, balanced white inverted V on face, white bib and under-parts, pale body patched with white, blue ears, top of head and tail; excellent condition and presentation.

AC Bi-Colour Ragdoll Kitten, Female:

1 to EDWARD's MIDNIGHTSTAR ANGELINA (66.31a) 31.8.09.
A pretty female with a firm lithe body, legs and paws in proportion, tail long tapered and bushy; ears medium, tufted, forward tilted and well set, balanced head, dip in profile, full cheeks, rounded muzzle, good chin and level bite; eyes large, oval shape and bright blue. Coat silky and developing with ruff starting to form, balanced white inverted V on face, bib and under-parts, blue top of head and ears, cool tone to body, blue tail; excellent condition and beautifully presented.

2 to RYAN's SARAGGS BI-CURIOSITY (66.31g) 3.9.09.
Younger female of good weight for size with a firm body, legs and paws in proportion, tail balanced and bushy; ears large at present and she needs to grow into them, held a little high, medium length head, dip in profile, rounded muzzle, good chin and level bite; eyes well set and pale blue colour. Coat silky and developing, lacking ruff at present, balanced white inverted V, ears, top of head and tail of blue patched with shades of cream, cold tone to body patched with white; excellent condition and well presented.

AC Silver Tabby Series Maine Coon Neuter:

1 BOB and PC to HANCOCK's PR JULESCOON SMIRNOFF ICE (64.41as) 2.11.07.
A handsome cat, beautifully balanced and with an excellent coat; long muscular body, strong legs with large tufted paws, tail long and profuse; ears large, tufted furnished and of excellent high set, balanced head longer than wide, concave curve to nose of uniform width, full cheeks, broad muzzle, firm chin and level bite; eyes large, oblique set and green colour, dark rimmed and with an excellent expression. Coat silky and double, well developed with a full ruff and breeches showing a classic tabby pattern in dark blue and silver; excellent condition and beautifully presented.

AC Siberian Assessment Adult, Kitten or Neuter:

MERIT to BAXTER's ESAYA BWYTCHING-ELMARLAY (82.15) 6.6.09.
A very tense young female who preferred her pen but she was basically sweet natured. Head shows rounded contours with width across her cheekbones, ears of medium size and wide set with rounded tips, rounded whisker pads, good chin and level bite. Eyes of vivid green, oval and well set. Firm body, lithe and muscular, legs and feet strong and well boned, tail tapered, balanced and well furnished; coat double and developing well with a dense undercoat and a longer top coat coming through; glossy dense black with a white tip to her tail; shy but sweet temperament, excellent condition, a promising young female.

MERIT to BAXTER's KOOLBLUE KLEVERKLOGS (82.31s) 15.11.08.
A big strong male, well boned and showing gentle curves; medium ears rounded and wide set, broad head with full rounded cheeks, rounded muzzle, good chin and level bite; eyes oval, green and wide set. Firm well muscled body, strong legs and large rounded paws, tail broad at base, balanced and well furnished; coat double and well developed with a fine dense base and coarser glossy topcoat. Dense black topcoat patched with white on a silvery base; excellent temperament and condition; a charming male of good type and balance.

AC Silver Somali Neuter Female:

1 BOB and PC to STABLES' GR CH & PR AMORES OPHELIA FIZKIN (63s) 14.2.03.
A shy female but she handled well; firm lithe body, legs and tufted paws in proportion, tail long, tapered and well furnished; ears large, tufted and wide set, broad head showing gentle contours with a gently rounded top of head, break to profile, full cheeks, rounded muzzle with indentation, good chin and level bite; eyes large, full almond shape and green colour with an excellent expression. Coat dense silky and well developed, full ruff and breeches, pattern well ticked in black on a silvery white base, full black heels, good pigmentation markings, darker dorsal line and tail tip, some slight tarnishing on her nose and muzzle, excellent condition and well presented.

2 to HACK's PRADSETSH BARWICK BLUE (63cs) 11.6.07.
Another very pretty female, a little nervous but she handled well; firm lithe body, long legs with oval paws and long tapering tail slightly thick at base; ears large, lightly tufted and wide set, balanced head with gentle contours, slight break and tiny bump on profile; full cheeks, rounded but slightly fine muzzle with indentation, good chin and level bite; expressive eyes large, full almond shape and hazel green colour. Coat well developed and silky with ticking dark blue on silvery blue on a silvery white base, touch of tarnishing on her nose and muzzle, darker dorsal line and tail tip, good heels, excellent condition and beautifully presented.

3 to HACK's PR ADCINSH BARBON BEAUTY (63 es) 26.4.05.
A young female with a worried expression who was sweet natured; firm lithe body, legs and paws in proportion, tail long tapering and well furnished; ears large, wide set, tufted and well furnished, broad head with gently rounded contours, break to profile, muzzle rather fine but rounded and with indentation, good chin and level bite; eyes large, full almond shape and green colour. Coat silky and developing well, fair ruff, body well ticked in cool silvery fawn on darker fawn with a silvery white base, good pigmentation markings, full heels; excellent condition and beautifully presented.

AV SLH Novice Adult:

1 to MORRISEY's TIMPASMAC MINNIE (13c13) 26.3.09.
A very pretty female with a sweet expression; firm well muscled body, strong legs and rounded paws, tail balanced and bushy; ears medium size wide set and showing clear thumbprints, balanced head with a dip in profile, full cheeks, tapered muzzle, good chin and level bite; eyes well set, almost round and bright but pale blue. Coat silky and well developed with chocolate tabby markings on points, clear body, feet markings tidy and well matched, excellent condition and beautifully presented.

2 to BAXTER's ESAYA SWYTCHING ELMARLAY (82.15) 6.6.09.

3 to GARDINOR's ATAKAD AKIND OFMAGIC (13c2) 21.5.09.

AC Somali Adult:

1 to FRANCIS' VANGELRE TRUFFLE (63b) 12.10.06.
A tense female who preferred her pen but is basically good natured; firm lithe body, long legs with oval tufted paws and long tapered well furnished tail; large ears tufted but held slightly high, medium length head with a slight break to profile, cheeks developing, good broad muzzle with indentation, good chin and level bite; eyes of almond shape and hazel colour. Coat silky and developing but lacking ruff at present, well ticked in chocolate on a warm base, darker dorsal line and tail tip, good pigmentation markings; excellent condition and well presented.

AV SLH Kitten not bred by Exhibitor, Male:

1 to GROUTAGE's LADYDOLL SOCRATES (66.31a) 29.8.09.

2 to HARTE's CHANDALINI NEON TIGER (64.41dw) 20.7.09.
A big male, well developed for his age with a long muscular body, strong legs with large tufted paws and long profuse tail; large tufted ears of excellent set, head longer than wide with a slight concave curve to broad nose of uniform width, good broad muzzle, firm chin and level bite; eyes large, oblique set and golden colour. Coat developing, lacking ruff at present, rich red tabby patched with white; excellent condition and well presented.

3 to FOWLER's FORESTSHADOW ERIK (67.18a) 19.7.09.

AV SLH Kitten not bred by Exhibitor, Female:

1 to WAIT's SHEERCLASS SQUISHY (64.41w) 27.9.09.
A pretty female with a firm body, strong legs and paws, long tail with lovely profuse furnishings; ears large, tufted, furnished and high set, balanced head, slight curve to profile, good broad muzzle, firm chin and level bite; eyes oblique set and hazel colour. Coat developing well, classic tabby pattern patched with white, beautifully presented.

2 to HANDY's NORMAGICKATT CAPRICE (67.31ats) 13.7.09.
A sweet natured female with a lovely expression; firm lithe body, legs and tufted paws in proportion, tail long tapered and bushy; ears large tufted and well set, triangular head, almost straight profile, good chin and level bite; eyes large, oblique set and green colour. Coat double and developing well, very attractive blue tabby and white markings.

3 to HILLMAN's FILENSIO DELPHINIUM (66aw) 10.8.09.

AV SLH Debutante Neuter:

1 to RICHARDS' VANSUNAMOON LILY THE PINK (13w od) 27.3.09.
A lovely female with a firm body, legs and paws in proportion, tail balanced and bushy; ears large and high set, balanced head, slight curve to profile, rounded muzzle, good chin and level bite; eyes of oval shape, one golden and one blue, excellent expression. Coat silky and chalk white; excellent condition and beautifully presented.

2 to TURNER's CAROLMAINE A-PATCHY QUEEN (64.41ew) 18.11.08.
A very pretty female with a firm well muscled body, strong legs and tufted paws and long profuse tail; large ears well tufted and high set, balanced head, slight curve to profile, good broad muzzle, firm chin and level bite; large eyes oblique set and hazel colour with an excellent expression. Coat double and well developed with ruff and breeches in brown tortie-tabby patched with white; excellent condition and beautifully presented.

3 to BARLETTA's COONTASTIC HUFFLEPUFF (64.15d) 29.5.09.

Prefix Pairs Winners (From 13 pairs)

MRS ELAINE CULF:  

My sincere thanks to Di Taylor, Mandy Symonds and all the SLHCA Show Committee for my invitation to judge once again at this very friendly show, the hospitality was second to none and I even managed to keep the Easter Egg gift intact, well at least until the next day!! My steward today was Saffi Rabey, the human slave of the fabulous multi-titled Dairymaine Sarnia Cherie, who was at the show today, looking as gorgeous as ever! Many thanks for your company today Saffi, and your expert handling across the breeds. It was a long and challenging day, which we both thoroughly enjoyed and I hope we can work together again soon!

CLASS 3 AV SLH GRAND PREMIER (IMP GR PR) MALE
Wow! What a way to start the day, nine fabulous boys all vying for the top spot today, and quite honestly I would have been happy to award any one of them the Imperial, the standard was so high. Thank you so much exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to handle and judge them all, and for presenting each and every one so superbly, it was probably the best class of neutered males I've ever seen!

IMP GR PR, BARLETTA'S IMP GR PR COONTASTIC DON GIOVANNI, 64 31t, BROWN TABBY & WHITE MAINE COON, 23.05.04
An exceedingly impressive boy, with wonderful star quality oozing from every pore. He just looks so regal and composed, showing himself off to absolute perfection. He is a splendid example of the breed, and I would defy anyone to look at him and not agree! Everything about him is straight out of the standard of points, wonderful head, ear size and set, vibrant green eyes, excellent square muzzle. He has a long rectangular body, substantial limbs and huge paws, flowing tail to balance. He is presented by his loving owner to the last hair, wearing a glamorous full coat, richly patterned and with sparkling white paws, bib, chest and underparts. Mr Personality, he's got the lot!! It's an understatement to say this was a strong class, but he still stood out for me today, so much so that in the afternoon, I had no hesitation in making him the best Maine Coon Neuter, and then best Maine Coon at the show. My hearty congratulations to the Barlettas.

RES IMP GR PR, CALDWELL'S UK GR PR CALLOUI ENRICO, 13c2, BLUE POINT BIRMAN, 30.04.06
I've judged this very handsome Birman several times before, he was so unlucky to meet the outstanding Maine Coon in this class today. Fabulous Birman type and size, very well proportioned and well balanced. Lovely strength to head, perfect ears for size and set, full cheeks tapering gently to firm chin. Wonderful expression, soft and smouldering as he looks at you through deep sapphire blue almost round eyes. Excellent size lad, big and strong, with proportionate thick set limbs, short paws and bushy tail to balance well. He too was presented perfectly, his soft and silky pale bluish white coat just shows a hint of surface shading but was beautifully groomed and shows soft contrast with his mid blue points colour. He too knows the effectiveness of feline poise, I wonder if they practice at home? The personalities and showmanship of both these boys contributed to my decision making, they both simply shone!

CLASS 17 TABBY & TORTIE TABBY POINT BIRMAN ADULT FEMALE

CC & BOB, MORRISSEY'S TIMPASMAC MINNIE, 13c13, CHOCOLATE TABBY POINT, 26.03.09
An adorable young lady, who I had the pleasure of judging at last year's Supreme show when she was still a kitten. She really is looking marvellous, and growing up so beautifully. She has lovely Birman type, her skull is broad, cheeks fairly full, good firm chin and level bite. Medium sized ears placed well apart and with delicate thumb marks. Medium length nose with slight dip to the profile. Deep blue sapphire eyes, her expression is just divine, enhanced by the pale spectacle markings and strong tabby facial markings. Very nicely grown girl, with long and weighty body, proportionate limbs and a bushy tail with soft rings on the underside. Very pleasing feet markings, sparkling white. Her coat condition is spectacular, so soft and silky, tick and long and palest ivory in colour and showing exquisite contrast with her chocolate tabby points. To top it all she has the most relaxed showbench temperament. A worthy winner. .

2 ND , RUSSELL'S BOSTIN BEAUTIFUL DREAMER, 13c12, BLUE TABBY POINT, 17.04.09
Another attractive tabby female, slightly younger than the winner and waiting in the wings for her time to come, she just needs her pale bluish white coat to thicken and grow, as at the moment the coat is really all that is lacking. Her feet markings are acceptable, albeit the inner right front foot has one toe that is a fraction low on white and her left gauntlet is not quite as generous as the right. She has very pleasing Birman type, lovely ear positioning, full cheeks and a slight dip in the profile. Her eye colour is exceptionally good, being a deep piercing blue, framed by light coloured spectacles and enhancing her expression perfectly. Very pleasing body size and weight, well structured and well balanced, good length tail to balance, could be slightly bushier. Another very friendly girl, enjoying her day out.

3 RD , THOMPSON'S FORMONA LOOBYLOU, 13c16, SEAL TORTIE TABBY POINT, 18.4.09
The young ladies were out in force today, just like debutantes attending a ball! This girl's most distinguishing feature is her wonderful coat colour and condition, looking so very striking against her seal tortie tabby points. Lovely Birman type, her skull is broad and rounded, fairly full cheeks tapering gently to a firm chin. Medium size ears placed apart, medium length nose with slight dip to the profile. Unfortunately for us, she did not seem to want to open her deep blue eyes fully, and when she did the haws appeared to come up which did spoil her look somewhat. Pristine chalk white front feet, her gauntlets are a little harder to distinguish as the points colours are still very pale, albeit there are varying shades of very light red and seal obvious, the white areas are not absolutely clear as yet. Lovely girl to handle, super temperament.

CLASS 29a NORWEGIAN FOREST KITTEN MALE

1 ST , MACPHERSON'S FORESTFRIEND LOUIE, 67 31ts, SILVER TABBY & WHITE MALE, 1.10.09
A handsome and relaxed young male, of pleasing Norwegian Forest type. His head is triangular in shape, not quite equally sided as yet, still a little long, his forehead is slightly rounded and his profile is long and straight, bite is level and chin is fairly strong, though a touch more depth would be perfect. His ears were in the correct position at all times, high and open with the lines of the ears following the head lines down to the chin, and the ears are large with good width at the base. Expressive large, well opened eyes, set obliquely and well opened. Well grown body and with solid bone structure, his limbs are already thick and ankles are strong. He stands high, with longer back legs than the fronts, though it was only when he went back into his pen and stretched that he could be persuaded to stand up, the rest of the time he wanted to be cuddled or just lay on the trolley!! Good length tail to balance with body length. Well presented coat, clear patterning and already wearing the makings of a ruff, the undercoat is developing with longer glossy guard hairs growing and beginning to cover the back and sides, nicely textured. Super ear tufts and furnishings, and tufts of fur on the paws. Promising lad.

2 ND , FOWLER'S FORESTSHADOW ERIK, 67 18a, BLUE SILVER TABBY MALE, 19.7.09
Attractive youngster, who is well grown for his age. Good triangular shape to the head, being very slightly longer just now, he has a slightly rounded forehead and long profile that is practically straight, firm and strong chin, level bite. His ears, though large and with good width at the base, do have very slightly rounded tips with delicate tufts and because he persisted in holding them back, it did spoil the lines of the triangular shape to the head somewhat. Once he was back in his pen and more relaxed, the positioning improved. He has large eyes, that are perhaps set a little too obliquely, which again can lessen the aristocratic expression the breed is known for. Very good body size and structure, long and muscular already, with solid feel to the limbs and with large round tufted paws. His tail is long and already bushy, easily reaching the shoulder blades. Well presented coat, the undercoat is developing, and his longer glossy guard hairs are starting to come through from the shoulders down towards the flanks, and his ruff is also coming through to frame the head. Easy to handle.

3 RD , HALL'S CATLICKS BURLINGTON BERTIE, 67 31d, RED & WHITE MALE, 31.8.09
I judged this young lad fairly recently at the Shropshire show, and he has certainly not lost any of his vim and vigour, he loves to show himself off! The head shape is triangular, his muzzle is strengthening and his bite is level. Lovely long profile, starting from his slightly rounded forehead down to the chin, it is fairly broad at the nose bridge, but not totally parallel. He does need to grow into his ears some more, they are looking rather large at the moment, though with good width at the base, set high and fairly well open, well tufted and furnished. I would have preferred his eyes to be slightly larger and set a little further apart, but they are oblique and he has a striking expression, as he is odd-eyed. Quite a long body and limbs, still filling out and his paws are fairly large and tufted, long bushy tail reaches the shoulders, is well furnished and has a quite blunt tip. Sadly, he does need much more attention to his coat which though showing distinct double qualities, of a woolly undercoat covered by a smoother overcoat, does have a rather wild and unkempt look and feel to the texture, and his white feet could be cleaner. Wonderful showbench temperament.

4 TH , EDWARDS' NORSKWOOD ODIN, 67 31dt, RED TABBY & WHITE MALE, 29.9.09
Almost six months old and quite a shy lad, who I did feel was a trifle small, both for his age and for this breed. The strong white markings on his head can create an optical illusion regarding the shape, which does show triangular lines, though you do need to move fur back towards the ears, although even then, his muzzle looks rather too square and boxy, chin is strong and bite is level. He had the best straight profile of all the males, from the slightly rounded forehead down to his very pink nose! Fairly large ears, with reasonable width at the base, high and open set with the lines of the ears just following the line of the head towards the muzzle and chin, some wispy tufts and inner furnishings. Initially, his eyes looked a little too small, though they are set slightly obliquely, but once he came out of the pen and we had his full attention, the eyes were much better shape and size, large and well opened. His body is a reasonable length, though he really needs more time to fill out and develop, particularly as his limbs still look a touch fine boned, ankles are not as strong as they could be. He has round paws with delicate tufts between the toes, tail is a very pleasing length, and is not bushy enough as yet. A very gentle lad, who really needs more time to develop. .

CLASS 29b NORWEGIAN FOREST KITTEN FEMALE

1 ST & BOB, HANDY'S NORMAGIKATT CAPRICE, 67 31ats, BLUE SILVER TABBY & WHITE FEMALE, 13.7.09
A truly sparkling and elegant looking young lady, so playful and alert, really enjoying being handled and showing herself off beautifully, no doubt her human namesake would have approved! Excellent triangular head shape already, slightly rounded forehead and long straight profile, firm chin, level bite. Her vivid green eyes are large, oval and well opened, set obliquely and her expression is wonderful. Her ears are large with good width at the base, lovely tufts and furnishings. The position of the ears is perfect, high and open set with the lines of the ears following the line of the head to the chin perfectly and she holds her ears correctly all the time, to create the typically alert and aristocratic look that is so desired. She stands well on her strong limbs, the back legs are longer than the front, paws are large and round with tufts of fur between the toes, body is long and muscular already and she looks well balanced, albeit the bushy tail is just long enough to reach the shoulder blades. She was beautifully groomed and presented in wonderful condition for the show, she has a ruff starting to frame the head magnificently and her coat is growing and thickening with undercoat developing and glossy guard hairs that are longer starting from the shoulder areas to go down the back and flanks, slightly fluffy knickerbockers! I was absolutely thrilled to see her chosen as the best Norwegian Forest in the show, and then become the overall best in show exhibit, what an accolade! My sincere congratulations to her very proud, if a little tearful, owner and her breeder, a highly promising start to her catwalk career!

2 ND , JOHNSTONE'S TUYET DEMELZA, 67 31s, BLACK SMOKE & WHITE FEMALE, 28.8.09
Miss Personality! Her head shape is triangular, slightly longer rather than equal sided at the moment, and still looking a touch narrow across the top of the head and cheeks, but she does really come alive out of her pen and look so much better. Her profile is long and practically straight, just a hint of a wavy line, chin is strong, bite is level. The sheer volume of wispy fur around ears does throw the ear size off balance a little, especially when viewed from behind when the ears look small, but from the front and once the fur is pushed away, there is good width at the base of the ears and they are high and open set. Initially, her eyes were a little bold and round in shape, probably because she was so excitable, but once she relaxed the eye shape improved, being oval and set slightly obliquely. Well grown and well proportioned, of good body length and weight, just needs to fill out some more to develop the breadth to the body, limbs are firm and muscular. She stands high on legs, with back legs being longer than the fronts, her paws are still a little delicate looking, some wispy tufts between the toes, tail is good length to balance and fairly bushy. Her black smoke coat is developing, with a smokey undercoat, glossy on top with guard hairs coming through on the shoulders and back, she has quite a wild look around the head and ruff, just needing a touch more grooming to this area. This delightful young lady seemed to know just the right moves to impress the judge, as she preened and posed in her pen, and when there was the slightest danger that we had stopped admiring her, she let out a loud miaow, threw herself upside down and demanded a tummy massage!! What a wonderful extrovert!

3 RD , DAVIES' NORDVEGEN AUTUMN ANGEL, 67 31t, 17.10.09
Quite an attractive young female, albeit she did seem very timid and shy, making her large, well opened eyes just a little too round and bold in shape until she was more relaxed. Nice triangular head shape already, albeit slightly longer than equal sided at the moment, she has a slightly rounded forehead and long straight profile that is quite broad at the nose bridge, bite is level and chin is reasonably strong, good muzzle. Her ears still appear a little too upright and close set, but they are large and have good width at the base so that the outer lines of the ears are following the head lines down to the chin, and again, once she relaxed in her pen, the ears dropped just a fraction to improve the balanced look. Lovely body size and weight for her age, already strong and firm muscular tones to the body and limbs, round paws with wispy tufts between the toes, long bushy tail to balance. Her coat is well presented and glossy on top, but lies a little flat at the moment, needing the undercoat to develop more, white areas are sparkling. Very demure but easy to handle, I hope she gains more confidence as she grows up.

CLASS 55 USUAL SOMALI KITTEN

BOB WITHHELD, 1 ST , MELIA'S SUPATOFT TIKA MASALA, FEMALE, 7.7.09
A beautifully grown and pretty female, her lovely facial markings enhance her attractiveness. The head shape is a moderate wedge, with a slight indentation to form the gently rounded contours of the muzzle, firm chin and her bite is level. Her profile shows a slight nose break. Her large ears are set wide apart, pricked and cupped, showing the desired crescent shape when viewed from behind. Wonderful gentle expression, her eyes are large and almond shaped, pale green in colour and she has pale spectacle markings encircling the eyes, short pencil lines at the edges. Well grown and well proportioned for her age, lithe and substantial frame, with muscular tones to her long legs, large oval paws with delicate tufts, with a long tail to balance well, full brush already is well furnished. Even making allowances for the heat of the hall and the time of day, I was disappointed with her coat quality, particularly along her back and flanks which was slightly greasy and needed more preparation to become soft and fine. Very good ticking already evident, with clear bands of black ticking on the pale apricot base coat, which could be deeper for perfection, black spine line developing. Her heels are jet black, as are her facial markings, ear and toe tufts. Unfortunately, her temperament let her down somewhat, as she was rather unhappy to be handled, nor was she any more relaxed when placed upon our trolley, not behaving like a smiling Somali at all, and this, combined with her disappointing preparation led me to withhold the best of breed today.

2 ND , BURNS' SOMANTIKKS IZZADORA-BELLE, FEMALE, 20.9.09
Another very attractive female. Her head shows a moderate wedge shape with a slight indentation to form the muzzle, I do feel that she needs more time for her cheeks to fill out some more to create the gently rounded look, and complete the picture for the desired smiling appearance. Her profile is lovely, showing a slight nose break, firm chin and level bite. She was quite a livewire, and tended to prick her large ears up just a fraction too much, but once she relaxed, they appeared well spaced apart and they have good breadth at the base, well cupped and delicately tufted, showing the desired crescent shape from behind. Very expressive, large oval and simply beautiful eyes, so sparklingly bright and accentuated by the darker surrounds and paler spectacle markings, with pencil lines at the edges. A well grown female, looking elegant and stylish with well proportioned long limbs, oval paws and a long tail. Her coat is soft and fine, laying flat along the spine and shorter over the shoulders. The coat colours are still a little pale and cool in tone, being soft apricot at the base with black ticking evident towards the top, soft black spine line reaches to the tip of the tail. Her heels appear almost completely black when you brush the fur towards her paws, and away from the hocks where the fur appears a little paler and almost grey black. Lovely personality, it was simply the lack of sufficient strength of her muzzle and paleness to the coat that moved her down the rankings today, but hopefully this will improve as she develops.

CLASS 65a AV SLH BREEDERS ADULT MALE,

1 ST , BARLETTA'S UK & IMP GR CH COONTASTIC LUIGI, 64 31fts, CREAM SILVER TABBY & WHITE MAINE COON, 23.05.04
An enormous lad, yet retaining his balance and poise beautifully. Excellent head shape, length to breadth ratio is perfect, he has a strong square muzzle and deep chin, that given the size of the head could be just a fraction broader for absolute perfection, but I am nitpicking! Expressive deep green eyes, full and round and set obliquely. Lovely ears for size and set. Long and massive body, a very substantial frame, yet still looking and feeling muscular, super long flowing tail to balance. His coat is expertly presented, tabby patterning is slightly diffused with the cream and silvery colours intermingling. A gentle giant.

2 ND , HANDY'S NORMYSTIC LORD BURR, 67 20, BROWN TABBY NORWEGIAN FOREST , 2.5.09
An extremely handsome and very relaxed young male, eleven months old and displaying many quality attributes of the breed. Excellent triangular and strong head shape already, slightly rounded forehead, lovely long and straight profile, strong chin. His ears are perfectly positioned, being high and open set so the lines of the ears follow the head line down to the chin. The ears are large, with good width at the base, well tufted and furnished. Vibrant green eyes are large and well opened, set slightly obliquely and he has such an alert, keen expression. Well grown and well balanced lad, the body is long and muscular, bushy long tail and he stands high on long back legs, front legs slightly shorter. His large round paws have wonderful snowshoes, which I can imagine would certainly protect him in the wild, though he was so relaxed and comfortable I'm equally as convinced he prefers the luxury of domesticity! Very good coat qualities, with a glossy overcoat covering the woolly undercoat with glossy guard hairs covering the back and sides, the required slightly harsh texture is very evident. Wonderful nature, a perfect gentleman.

3 RD , DAVIES' GR CH CARRISMOON REDADAIR, 13c5, RED POINT BIRMAN, 3.5.04

CLASS 65b AV SLH BREEDERS ADULT FEMALE

1 ST , SAVILLE'S ISHCUS FANNIE MAE, 64 41e, TORTIE TABBY MAINE COON, 20.1.08
An extremely attractive girl, wearing a coat that is a kaleidoscope of colours, with plenty of varying shades of red overlaying the black and warm copper agouti ground colours, and beautifully presented as well. Good head shape, being slightly longer than it is wide, high cheek bones and nice strength to the muzzle. Shallow concave curve to the profile, pencil straight line from nose leather to strong chin. Full, round green eyes, set obliquely. Tall, well placed and well tufted ears. Good body length and weight, substantial limbs and flowing tail, that could for absolute perfection, be a trifle longer for better balance with her body length. Friendly girl.

2 ND , HILLMAN'S VALLEYCAT MERRI-MELODY, 66, SEAL COLOURPOINTED RAGDOLL, 12.4.09
I judged this pretty female a few weeks ago, not quite a year old but already displaying many lovely qualities of the breed. Today, she is just suffering from a small dark patch of colour around her shoulders, which looks as if it could be from a recent vaccination? I love her head type and size, she has a broad head with a flat plane between ears that tilt forwards slightly. Cheeks are fairly full already, lovely rounded contours to the muzzle. Super nose length, with a gentle dip and the desired retrousse tip, which I have to say is not always seen these days! Good body size and weight, limbs and bushy tail in proportion. Very well presented soft and silky pale beige coat, velvety seal points colour contrasting well. Super nature, delightful to handle.

3 RD , FITTEN'S GR CH FINEARTE ZEPHYR ROSE, 66 31a, BLUE BI-COLOUR RAGDOLL, 17.08.06

4 TH , JOINER'S STUKELIN ANGEL GABRIELLE, 64 41ew, TORTIE TABBY & WHITE MAINE COON, 5.5.08

CLASS 79 AC MAINE COON ADULT

1 ST , SAVILLE'S COONTASTIC TANGERINE DREAM, 64 41dw, RED CLASSIC TABBY & WHITE MALE, 10.3.09
I had the pleasure of judging this boy quite recently at the Shropshire show, when I commented that it was hard to believe he was so young, as he looks incredibly mature, well balanced and composed. He has everything going for him, excellent Maine Coon look, from his head down to the tip of his long tail. Beautifully presented, rich red tabby markings stand out so well against his sparkling white areas. I really liked him, and when choosing the best Maine Coon in the show, had no doubt that he was my best Maine Coon adult, despite the fact that he had some stiff competition from the others I judged . He's a smashing example of the breed, and I suspect the has a glittering future ahead!

2 ND , BARLETTA 'S UK & IMP GR CH COONTASTIC LUIGI, SEE CLASS 65a

EXTRA 2 ND , KILMARTIN'S CH LADY MARMALADE OF COONCITY, 64 41esw, TORTIE SILVER TABBY & WHITE FEMALE, 5.8.07
A very pretty girl, with a super head shape, length to breadth ratio is perfect, she has a strong square muzzle, shallow concave curve to the profile, firm chin. Expressive full, round eyes. Well positioned tall and tufted ears. Very good body size and weight, everything in proportion. Lovely coat condition and expertly presented, very attractive mix of colours. Unlucky to come against two such splendid males in the class.

3 RD , HORTON'S RUTTERKIN FANNY BYGASLIGHT, 64 41ew, TORTIE TABBY & WHITE FEMALE, 29.3.09

EXTRA 3 RD , MURRAY'S IMP GR CH MCKITTYCREEK AURORA, 64 41ew, TORTIE TABBY & WHITE FEMALE, 6.4.06

CLASS 97 AC SOMALI KITTEN

1 ST , POINTING'S BRIZLINCOAT BLU CHANTRELL, 63c, BLUE FEMALE, 11.09.09
What an absolutely stunning looking baby, with the most gentile of expressions, so demure and feminine. Pleasing head shape, being broad and curving to a moderate wedge shape, slight rise from the nose bridge to the high forehead, shallow indentation forms the muzzle, firm chin and level bite. Good width already between her ears that are large and set apart, good breadth at the base, and lovely gentle crescent shape when viewed from behind, delicately tufted and furnished. Expressive eyes are almond shaped and bright, accentuated by her lighter coloured spectacles framing the dark surround, with soft darker pencil lines at the edges. Well grown and well proportioned, lovely lithe and muscular tones to the body and limbs, neat oval feet with toe tufts. Her tail is long and tapers slightly, full brush developing. For a kitten, she already has well defined ticking, with bands of blue clearly visible from the warm mushroom base coat to the tips of the fur. Her chest and belly is warm mushroom, blue heels and facial markings. Her spine line is coming through, just looking slightly ‘wobbly' at the moment! Beautifully and expertly presented, her coat is soft and fine, lying flat along the spine and slightly shorter over the shoulders, ruff and breeches coming through. A very relaxed and confident girl, a joy to handle.

2 ND , WATTS ' EMANAN CHOCOLATE SENSATION, 63b, CHOCOLATE FEMALE, 29.7.09
Another attractive girl, slightly older than my winner and just looking a little unbalanced at the moment, as her ears still look a little large, though she has plenty of time to grow into them. Her head is a moderate wedge shape, sitting on an elegant neck, cheeks and muzzle show gentle contours, rounded to produce the Somali smile, though she did tend to puff her whiskers out at times, as she was none too sure about some of the noise within the hall! She has a slight nose break, gentle profile lines. She has a level bite. Expressive eyes are large and almond shaped, set apart and slightly obliquely, encircled by lighter coloured spectacle markings, colour appears soft hazel, though the hall lighting was not conducive to determining eye colour today! Well grown girl, muscular tones to the body and long legs, oval lightly tufted feet and long tail to balance with the body. Her coat was a wonderful soft and fine texture, beautifully presented and already pretty dense and with lovely warmth to the colours, with an apricot base coat ticked with dark chocolate bands, creating an impression of rich warm chestnut. Her heels are dark chocolate, as are her ear tufts and tips, strong facial markings and heels, with the tip of the tail also being chocolate, with the spine line reaching along the back right to the tip. Another very promising baby.

3 RD , FRANCIS' NAINASUS HURRICANE, 63c, BLUE MALE, 9.11.09

CLUB CLASSES:

CLASS 141 MAINE COON KITTEN

1 ST , NEWMAN'S COONTASTIC ARTHURPENDRAGON, 64 41w, BROWN CLASSIC TABBY & WHITE MALE, 27.09.09

2 ND , MURRAY 'S ISADORYOU BUTTERFLY, 64 41ew, TORTIE CLASSIC TABBY & WHITE FEMALE, 19.07.09

3 RD , HORTON'S CAROLEMAINE LADYOFNAMRIB, 64 41d, RED CLASSIC TABBY FEMALE, 30.7.09

EXTRA 3 RD , HORTON'S NAMRIB CHEROKEE, 64 41dsw, RED SILVER CLASSIC TABBY & WHITE FEMALE, 31.10.09

CLASS 146 AC BIRMAN ADULT

1 ST , BAXTER'S ELMARLAY BABBLING BROOKE, 13c10, LILAC TORTIE POINT FEMALE, 3.2.09

CLASS 163 AC BIRMAN NEUTER

1 ST , BEAUMONT 'S PR JANDORA JUST -STARSNSTRIPES, 13c13, CHOCOLATE TABBY POINT MALE, 24.2.08

ALISON LYALL:

OPEN CLASSES:

BROWN OR BLUE TABBY (INC.BI-COLOUR) MAINE COON ADULT.

1 ST , CC W/H.WHITE'S SHEERCLASS BLUEMOON 64 41a F – 12.8.08.
A sweet natured female who was looking rather unfinished today. Head looking wedge shaped and exposed due to the small amount of ruff, high but narrow cheeks and muzzle which appeared rectangular rather than square. Ears large, well tufted and furnished, set high and wide at base, lovely large golden rounded eyes with slight oblique aperture, good profile of balanced length with gentle concave curve at the bridge, level bite and chin deep but narrow. Long heavy body with rectangular shape, strongly boned long limbs with large tufted paws and tail to balance. Classic blue tabby markings on cool beige agouti ground colour.

BROWN OR BLUE TABBY (INC. BI-COLOUR) MAINE COON NEUTER.

BOB.BARLETTA'S IMP.GR.PR.COONTASTIC DON GIOVANNI 64 31t MN – 23.5.04.
Beautifully presented lad in his prime showing lovely type and excellent head definition. Large but balanced and strong, an impressive example of his breed.

MISCELLANEOUS CLASSES:

AV SLH LIMIT ADULT.

1 ST .HERMON'S CLEASANTA IONA 67 31ets F – 11.6.09.
Very attractive female showing strength and maturity beyond her years. Very elegant with strongly boned long limbs, lovely long and muscular body and long bushy tail. Pretty triangular head with large ears emphasising the triangle, large and well opened obliquely set eyes, long straight profile with a pretty blaze on the nose, chin a fraction fine. Fully developed coat with firm top and deep woolly undercoat, shirtfront and knickerbockers.

2 ND .GARDINOR'S CARRISMOON ATAKAD ASTAR 13c5 F – 9.4.09.
Pretty red point female of good structure and with a lovely pale cream clear coat of excellent texture. Head shows nice breadth with full cheeks, pretty profile and firm sloping chin, the muzzle needing to develop further. Beautiful large dark blue and almost round eyes. Strong chunky limbs with firm tufted paws, well matched mittens and gloves and tapering gauntlets reaching almost to the hocks. Body shows good substance and length and bushy tail balances.

3 RD .HARTE'S RUSKITA CHANDALINI ELPHIE 64 41e F – 5.6.08.

AC SLH MAIDEN KITTEN.

1 ST .HANDY'S NORMGIKATT CAPRICE 67 31ats F – 13.7.09.
What a beauty, a kitten of lovely type and substance, very strongly boned yet balanced and elegant. Large ears, tufted and furnished, define the triangular head shape, large well opened eyes obliquely set, long straight profile and strong chin. Huge kitten coat with the firmer top developing over the shoulders, very full shirtfront and enormous knickerbockers. Long and solid body ending in very long bushy tail.

2 ND .BURN'S SOMANTIKKS IZZADORA-BELLE 63 F – 20.9.09.
Lovely purring and lively girl, very substantial and balanced. Beautiful head with generous curving contours, big ears tufted and furnished and set correctly with the crescent shaped rear profile, large dark almond shaped eyes, well outlined and obliquely set, gentle nose break, nice breadth to the muzzle and lovely smiling expression. Elegant slim limbs, paws tufted, body lithe and brush of tail to balance. Coat shows good black ticking on a warm apricot base, heels fully marked to the hocks.

3 RD .JAMES' BRIZLINCOAT CASSANDRA 63a F – 5.9.09.

AV SLH RADIUS NEUTER.

1 ST .CALDWELL'S UK GR.PR. CALLONI ENRICO 13c2 MN – 30.4.06.
Very handsome gentleman of impressive build with a lovely temperament. Broad and masculine head with full cheeks and well developed muzzle. Neat ears of medium size, well spaced, mid blue rounded eyes and just a hint of the Roman in the profile. Body very well structured with strong chunky limbs and balanced bushy tail. Paws well marked and matched, gauntlets taper to a point just below the hocks. Long silky coat of pale cool blue with full ruff and well matched points of bluish grey.

2 ND .HARDWICK'S CH. & PR. RUTTERKIN KISS ME KATE 64 31et FN – 28.6.06.
Very beautiful lady, glamorous and stylish and doesn't she know it! Lovely head definition, the top rectangular with large tufted and furnished ears set well and supported by high broad cheeks and with strong square muzzle. Eyes with slight oblique set could be a little more rounded in shape. Solid structure to rectangular body, legs strongly boned and tail long and flowing. Beautiful coat, very full with firm flow to top over shaggy undercoat, lavish mane and breeches. Gracious temperament.

3 RD .TURNER'S CAROLMAINE A-PATCHY QUEEN 64 41ew FN – 18.11.08.

AC RAGDOLL NEUTER.

1 ST .STACEY'S UK & IMP.GR.PR. CHEHAM CANTONA 66 MN – 26.2.98.
A lovely chap with the typical Ragdoll temperament who was a pleasure to handle. Great substance to long body, limbs very strongly boned, enormous tufted paws and long bushy tail. Handsome and masculine head, the ears widely spaced on a flat plane with a slight forward tilt, large strong blue eyes set well apart over broad full cheeks, muzzle strong and rounded and nose of medium length with gentle dip and very slight retrousse tip. Beautiful coat in tip top condition, medium length, silky and dense with full mane framing the head and generous knickerbockers. Coat colour quite dark on the back but still showing excellent contrast with the matching greyish blue points. A most impressive exhibit, at twelve years old a credit to his owner.

2 ND .PEARSON'S ADNIOLO SEBASTIAN OSCAR 66a MN – 19.10.08.
Well balanced lad with lovely temperament and gentle demeanour. Body hefty, long and muscular with substantial limbs, feet large and tufted and bushy tail to balance. Handsome head showing broad flat planes to the top, ears set well apart, tilted and well furnished, cheeks full, eyes dark blue in colour, well opened and wide set, very slight retrousse profile, muzzle needs a little more breadth. Lovely soft dense coat with full mane and knickerbockers.

Mrs Val Anderson

Thanks to Di & Mandy for the invitation and the hospitality. I had a busy but enjoyable day with some lovely examples of the Semi Longhair breeds to judge. Many thanks to my hard-working steward Sue Jones for her gentle handling of the cats and good company. I had the honour of choosing the Best Norwegian and my choice was a gorgeous blue silver tabby & white kitten: Normagikatt Caprice. I was delighted to see her go on to win Overall Best in Show. Many congratulations to her owner and breeder!

OPEN CLASSES

AOV SLH PREMIER MALE
A splendid start to the day with a magnificent class of 10 neutered boys and some lovely cats had to go unplaced. Thanks to the exhibitors for the entry.

GPC BARLETTA'S IMP GR PR COONTASTIC DON GIOVANNI (64 31t) MN 23.05.04 Maine Coon
A mature brown tabby & white boy of 5½ years with lots of presence & a beautifully-groomed coat. Broad balanced head of medium length & slightly longer than wide with a well-placed nasal bridge. Uniform width to the nose & square muzzle. High cheek bones & cheeks fairly full. Shallow concave curve in profile, deep broad chin and level bite. Large tall ears with a broad base & tapering to tufted tips plus long inner feathering; set high but well apart. Large eyes, full & round in a slightly oblique aperture & set and very expressive. Long rectangular body, solid & muscular with a deep chest & square rump. Substantial limbs with strong bone & large round feet with tufted toes. Long flowing tail. Silky coat with a good undercoat, full ruff & shirt front and increasing in length down the body. Classic tabby pattern though brown rather than black markings on the body on a copper agouti base. Oyster & butterfly markings on the body, tabby “M” on the forehead, banded limbs and ringed tail with a dark tip. White on the feet, chest & tummy. Shown in excellent condition and easy to handle. He had that extra “something” needed to win a large class such as this. Congratulation on later progressing to Best Maine Coon Exhibit. A pleasure & a privilege to judge!

RGPC WATTS'S CH & IMP GR PR EMANAN BOOTSTRAP BILL (63c) MN Blue Somali
A mature boy of 4½ years shown in excellent condition. Excellent type, head a moderate wedge with width between the ears and rounded muzzle. Bite a little untidy but level. Large cupped ears set wide apart and lovely expressive eyes. Muscular body of a lovely weight for his size with elegant limbs and tapering tail to balance. Well-prepared coat with a fine silky texture; good length with a ruff & breeches. Warm overall colour with blue ticking on a pale mushroom base, warmer colour to the underparts. Darker spine line, blue tail tip and heels. A gentle boy who was easy to handle.

A splendid entry of Norwegians though they were all under 2 years and as this is a breed that is slow to mature it made the task of placing them more difficult.

NORWEGIAN FOREST ADULT MALE

1 ST CC & BOB HANDY'S NORMYSTIC LORD BURR (67 20) M 02.05.09
A young brown tabby boy of only 10 months but very well grown for his age & with a lovely dense coat. Triangular head, just slightly longer than wide at present. Rounded forehead and long straight profile. Level bite and deep chin that rounds off a fraction at the tip. Large tall ears set high & open and following the lines of his head, small tufts and inner furnishing. Large expressive oval eyes in an oblique setting. Strong muscular body carried high on long limbs with strong bone & large round feet with tufted toes. Excellent tail, long & bushy. Well-prepared coat with a dense woolly undercoat and coarser topcoat developing well. Good length to his coat with a ruff developing nicely. Excellent condition & temperament, a super boy & a pleasure to judge, a very handsome young man!

2 ND YOUNG'S NORDLYS MATTI MAAMTURK (67 31) M 09.06.09
A well-grown black & white boy of only 9 months with an elegant body. Triangular head with an almost straight profile though the white on his face doesn't help. Good chin and level bite. Tall ears set high and open but lacking tufts & little inner furnishing at present. Good shape & set to his eyes but they are a little small. Long elegant body carried high on strong limbs with large round feet & tufted toes. Bushy tail that could be a fraction longer for balance. Double coat length, the length developing and the beginnings of a coarser topcoat though he is only just adult and time is on his side. Shown in lovely condition, a sweet boy who was easy to handle.

3 RD HALL'S S JUST CAP NAPS MORGAN (67 31s) 31.03.09
Another young boy, a black smoke & white of 11 months. Very elegant but rather long & gangly at present & probably going through a teenage phase. His head needs to mature, triangular but slightly longer than wide at present. Straight profile, deep chin that could be a little stronger, level bite. Large, tall tufted ears, not rounded & set high & open. Large oval eyes set slightly obliquely. Long body carried high on long limbs with the back limbs higher. Large round paws. Long, quite bushy tail. Shorter coat at present and the topcoat is yet to develop. Unusual coat pattern, mainly white with patches of smoke and a black nose. Shown in lovely condition & easy to handle.

4 TH HANDY'S CONNER AV JOSTEDAL SBREEN (IMP) (67 31ts) M 05.02.09
An elegant black silver tabby & white boy of only 13 months. Broad triangular head with a straight profile. Level bite but his chin falls away a fraction at the tip. Large ears with a broad base, could be set a little higher. Large eyes of a slightly rounded oval shape in an oblique setting. Long body carried high on strong limbs with large round feet with tufted toes. Long bushy tail. His coat needs to develop & not much undercoat as yet. A gentle boy who was easy to handle. A nice lad but a little out of balance at present.

NORWEGIAN FOREST ADULT FEMALE

1 ST CC HERMON'S CLEASANTA IONA (67 31ets) F 11.06.09
A young girl of only 9 months with very attractive tortie silver tabby & white coat colouration. A well-grown girl of a good weight for her size. Triangular head with a rounded forehead and long straight profile. Level bite & deep chin that falls away a fraction at the tip. Large tall ears with a broad base & set high & open. Lovely large expressive eyes of oval shape in an oblique setting. Long muscular body with good boning and carried high on long limbs. Lovely long bushy tail. Well-prepared coat of a good length, double with a woolly undercoat. Topcoat silky as yet and needs to develop. Shown in super condition and easy to handle.

2 ND JOHNSTONE'S SCARLETT-SANDRA'S ATIS (IMP DK) (67 18) F 21.04.08
An older black silver tabby girl of not quite 2 years with lots of coat. An elegant girl though she could be a little heavier boned. Triangular head with a rounded forehead and long straight profile. Level bite but her chin falls away a little. Large ears with a broad base but they are set a little upright. Well-opened oval eyes in an oblique setting. Long body carried high on long limbs with a long bushy tail to balance. Dense double coat with a ruff, shirtfront and knickerbockers. Very sweet nature and shown in lovely condition.

3 RD HERMON'S CLEASANTA NIKITA (67 31dt) F 11.06.09
A young red tabby & white girl of only 9 months and litter sister to the winner. Nice elegant shape with strong bone development but she needs to fill out her frame. Triangular head with a straight profile plus an small nose bump. Level bite but her chin is shallow & could be a fraction stronger. Well-set ears, high & open but they could be a little larger. Expressive oval eyes in an oblique setting but they could be a little larger. Long elegant body carried high on long limbs. Very bushy tail but it could be a little longer for balance. Well-prepared coat of a good length & developing well for her age. A playful girl with a sweet nature.

4 TH FISHLOCK-LOMAX'S ADATELO PENNYPARFAITDAMOUR (67 31ets) F 15.04.08
An older tortie silver tabby & white girl of not quite two years with a strong muscular body. Unfortunately rather naughty when handled and may well have been placed higher if she had been better behaved. Triangular head with all sides equal though her muzzle is slightly square & a little pinched behind. Bite not checked. Tall well-set ears and oval eyes in an oblique setting though they are set a little deep. Long body carried high on long limbs & long bushy tail. Well-prepared coat with a silky topcoat.

ALSO CONSIDERED FOR BEST OF BREED

FISHLOCK-LOMAX'S CH ADATELO REINE LA CHATEAU (67 31ets) F 15.04.08
A well-grown girl of nearly 2 years with a well-prepared coat of very attractive tortie silver tabby & white colouration. Condescended to be handled but a little shy & preferred to be in her pen.

MAINE COON BROWN/BLUE TABBY (INC BI-COLOUR) KITTEN MALE

1 ST & BOB NEWMAN'S COONTASTIC ARTHURPENDRAGON (64 41w) M 27.09.09 Brown Tabby & White
A well-grown young man of 5 months with lovely strong bone. Attractive look to his face, his head is slightly longer than wide with uniform width to the nose & broad square muzzle. High cheek bones but his cheeks need to fill out. Shallow concave curve to the profile & deep chin that rounds off a little at the tip, level bite. Large tall ears with huge tufts, set high & reasonably wide apart as limited by the breadth of his head at present. Lovely expressive eyes, full & round in a slightly oblique aperture & set. Long rectangular body that is developing nicely with strong limbs to balance and large round feet. Reasonably long tail though the tip is a little swollen, flowing with profuse fur. Well-prepared dense coat, the length developing with a ruff coming. Classic tabby pattern developing with black markings on a copper agouti base. Oyster & butterfly markings visible on the body, good head markings but his tail is rather solid on top though showing under rings. White on his chest, feet and tummy. Shown in lovely condition.

MAINE COON BROWN/BLUE TABBY (INC BI-COLOUR) KITTEN FEMALE

1 ST KILMARTIN'S MABALAKAT STRIKE A POSE (64 41w) F 10.07.09 Brown Tabby & White
A very well-grown girl of 8 months with a strong muscular body. Broad head of medium length & slightly longer than wide. Uniform width to the nose, high cheek bones & square muzzle. Rather a deep concave curve to the profile & deep chin that rounds off a touch at the tip. Level bite. Huge ears set high but wide apart with a broad base & long tufts. Very large eyes, full & round in a slightly oblique aperture & set. Long rectangular body with strong limbs to balance & large round paws with tufted toes. Lovely long flowing tail. Well-prepared coat, silky & dense with a full ruff and increasing in length down the body. Classic tabby pattern with black markings on a copper agouti base and white on her feet, chest and tummy. A gentle girl who was easy to handle and shown in lovely condition.

2 ND WALT'S SHEERCLASS SQUISHY (64 41w) F 27.09.09 Brown Tabby & White
A well grown young girl of 5 months. Head longer than wide but a little out of balance at present & could be a little broader. Uniform width to the nose, high cheek bones & square muzzle. Shallow concave curve to the profile & level bite. Huge, high set & very tall ears with long tufts & good inner feathering. Large eyes, they could be a little rounder but set wide apart in a slightly oblique aperture and set. Long rectangular body with limbs to balance & reasonably long tail. Well-prepared coat, of a shorter length on the body at present but this emphasises the classic tabby pattern that is developing well with oyster & butterfly markings on the body. White on her feet, chest and tummy. A very gentle girl shown in lovely condition.

3 RD HANCOCK'S JULESCOON COOL AS ICE (64 41aw) F 21.07.09 Blue Tabby & White
A well-grown girl of not quite 8 months. Broad head of medium length & slightly longer than wide with a well-placed nasal bridge but her muzzle could be a little squarer. Uniform width to the nose & high cheek bones. Shallow concave curve to the profile but her chin could be a little stronger and sadly her bite is undershot (confirmed by Duty Vet). Large tall ears with long tufts & set high but well apart. Large eyes, full & round in a slightly oblique aperture & set. Long rectangular body with strong limbs to balance and lovely long tail. Silky coat of an attractive blue colour but I felt it could have done with a little more preparation. Classic tabby pattern with blue markings on a cool beige agouti ground but a little solid down her back. White on her chest, tummy & feet as required.

4 TH ASHLEY'S ADNILO PIPA (64 41a) F 23.06.09 Blue Tabby
A gentle girl of 8 months and nearly adult. Not such at typical look, she has a broad head slightly longer than wide but her nose tapers a little and her muzzle could be fuller. High cheek bones but her cheeks need to fill out. Just a slight curve to the profile, level bite. Large tall ears set high & wide apart. Greeny coloured eyes that are more oval than round in a slightly oblique aperture & set. Long rectangular body with good bone development, substantial limbs with large feet & tufted toes and long flowing tail. Soft coat, blue classic tabby pattern rather diffused and solid down her back. A gentle girl who was easy to handle.

AOC COLOUR MAINE COON KITTEN, MALE

1 ST HARTE'S CHANDALINI NEON TIGER (64 41dw) MN 20.07.09 Red Tabby & White
A large well-grown boy of exactly 8 months with lovely strong bone. Head a fraction long at present but with a well-placed nasal bridge & square muzzle. Uniform width to the nose & high cheek bones, his cheeks need to fill out. Shallow concave curve to the profile & very strong chin, his bite just meets. Tall tapering ears with a broad base & set high but wide apart, good tufts but sparse inner feathering. Round eyes but they are set a little deep and could be fuller but spaced wide apart in a slightly oblique aperture and set. Long rectangular body with substantial limbs to balance and large feet with tufted toes. Long flowing tail. Shorter length to his coat on the body at present it emphasises the classic tabby pattern with rich red markings on a bright apricot agouti ground and nice overall colour. White on his feet, chest and tummy. Excellent condition and temperament.

2 ND JENKINS'S DAIRYMAINE GIFFORD (64 41dw) M 25.09.09 Red Tabby & White
A younger boy of 5½ months who was a little shy and not showing to his advantage but well-prepared with a lovely feel to his coat which has a rich overall colour. Head of medium length & slightly longer than wide with a well-placed nasal bridge. Good breadth between the ears but his muzzle could be a little fuller & squarer and his nose tapers a little. Shallow concave curve to the profile, shallow chin and level bite. Large tall tapering ears with a broad base & tapering to tufted tips with inner feathering, set high but wide apart. Wide-set eyes in a slightly oblique aperture and set but they could be more expressive though he was shutting his right eye which didn't help. Well-grown body of a good weight for his size, difficult to see the rectangular shape as he tended to hunch himself up. Strong bone with substantial limbs and large round paws. Long flowing tail. Silky coat, the length developing nicely. Classic tabby pattern with rich red markings on a bright apricot agouti base but a little solid down his back. Good head markings with tabby “M” on his forehead. White on his feet, chest & tummy.

AOC COLOUR MAINE COON KITTEN, FEMALE

1 ST & BOB MURRAY'S ISADORYOU BUTTERFLY (64 41ew) F 19.07.09 Tortie Tabby & White
A beautifully-prepared girl of 8 months with a lovely expressive face. Broad balanced head of medium length & slightly longer than wide. Uniform width to the nose, high cheek bones & square muzzle. Shallow concave curve to the profile, level bite and deep chin. Large tall ears with tufts & inner feathering; set high but well apart. Lovely expressive eyes, full and round in a slightly oblique aperture and set. Well-grown rectangular body with good bone development & strong limbs to balance with large round feet & tufted toes. Impressive tail, long & flowing with profuse fur. Coat developing well, lovely rich overall colour with classic tabby markings overlaid with shades of red. Attractive tail markings of alternating black & red rings. White chin & bib & on her tummy and feet. Shown in lovely condition and easy to handle, a super kitten!

2 ND HORTON'S CAROLEMAINE LADYOFNAMRIB (64 41d) F 30.07.09 Red Tabby
An elegant girl of 7½ months with a very gentle nature who likes to give kisses to the judge! Broad head of medium length & slightly longer than wide. Uniform width to the nose, high cheek bones with fairly full cheeks and a square muzzle. Shallow concave curve to the profile, good chin and level bite. Tall ears with a broad base, set wide apart but a fraction low. Wide-set eyes, full and round in a slightly oblique aperture and set. Long rectangular boy though she needs to fill out her frame. Strong limbs with large round paws & tufted toes. Lovely long flowing tail. Silky coat that increases in length down the body. Rich overall colour of bright red but not a lot of tabby markings on the body & she is rather solid down her back. OK head & leg markings, tail slightly ringed with a red tip. Shown in lovely condition.

3 RD INGRAM'S FOXDAWN GOLDEN RAIN (64 41e) F 12.10.09 Tortie Tabby
A younger girl of only 5 months & still very much a baby with lots of developing to do. Head longer than wide and a little narrow, her cheek bones could be more noticeable and her cheeks need to fill out more. Uniform width to the nose but her muzzle could be squarer, she is a little pinched behind at present though her gums were very red and I expect she was teething. Shallow concave curve to the profile & level bite. Very large, tall tufted ears set high on the head but rather close together as limited by the breadth of her head at present. Good eyes for shape & set. Long rectangular body but her limbs could be more substantial. Large round feet with tufted toes. Quite long tail though not very well furnished as yet. Shorter coat length at present with a soft silky texture. Classic tabby pattern overlaid with lots of red. Barred limbs but broken necklaces on the chest. A sweet gentle girl who was easy to handle.

USUAL SOMALI ADULT, FEMALE

1 ST CC & BOB WATTS'S IMP GR CH BRIZLINCOAT TOOMAI (63) F 04.09.03
A mature girl of 6 years with lovely type. Head a moderate wedge with good width between the ears tapering to a rounded muzzle. Large well-set ears and expressive eyes. Muscular & elegant body with limbs to balance, tapering tail that ideally could be a fraction longer. Dense silky coat clearly ticked with black on an apricot base & warm overall colour. A sweet girl shown in excellent condition. By the time I reached her she appeared to have already cleared the board at the Somali CC Show so a CC from me was just a cherry to go on top!

MISCELLANEOUS CLASSES

AV SLH ADULT

1 ST HANDY'S NORMYSTIC LORD BURR

2 ND GARDINER'S GR CH PANJANDRUM FUEGO (INT CH & TICA QGCH) (13c5) M Red Point Birman
A big strong boy of nearly 10 years with a very gentle nature & shown in excellent condition, especially for his age. Broad masculine head with a strong rounded skull & medium length nose. Well-set ears and almost round blue eyes. Strong well-grown body with limbs & tail to balance. Beautifully prepared silken coat with rich red points contrasting with pale body colour & pure white feet markings. Half asleep when I judged him and he didn't want to wake up!

3 RD RUSSELL'S BOSTIN BEAUTIFUL DREAMER (13c12) F Tabby Point Birman

AV SLH VISITORS ADULT

1 ST MURRAY'S IMP GR CH MCKITTYCREEK AURORA (CFA GR CH IMP) (64 41ew) F Maine Coon
A large mature lady of 4 years with excellent bone development and a beautifully prepared coat of a rich overall colour. Lovely broad head of medium length & slightly longer than wide. High cheek bones & full cheeks, uniform width to the nose & square muzzle. Shallow concave curve to the profile, level bite and deep strong chin. Large tall ears with a broad base narrowing to tufted tips plus inner feathering. Expressive eyes, full & round in a slightly oblique aperture and set. Strong heavy body of rectangular shape, a well-fed girl! Substantial limbs to balance & long tail, the fur not very profuse but still flowing. Double coat that increases in length down the body. Classic tabby pattern of black markings on a copper agouti ground overlaid with shades of red. White on her feet, chest and tummy as required. A super girl shown in excellent condition.

2 ND GLEDSTONE'S RAGGIPUSS DUDLEY (66a) M Blue Colourpointed Ragdoll
A very well-grown mature boy of 6 years with a lovely dense silky coat. Broad masculine head with an expressive face. Strong muscular body with excellent boning & limbs and tail to balance. Beautifully-prepared coat of a pale body colour with well-matched points of a lovely blue-grey colour. Shown in excellent condition with a lovely gentle nature. A gorgeous boy, unlucky to meet the winner!

3 RD HANDY'S NORMYSTIC LORD BURR

AV SLH LIMIT KITTEN

1 ST MACPHERSON'S NORMAGIKATT SAPPHIRE (67 31a) F Norwegian Forest Cat
A blue & white girl with lots of coat. Triangular head with a straight profile but her ears could be a little larger and her eyes are a touch rounded. Elegant body with reasonable bone. Bushy tail that could be a little longer for balance. Good length to the coat with a dense woolly undercoat, topcoat developing. At 10 months old she should have been in the adult class but she is still very kitten-like so I let it pass!

2 ND ASHLEY'S ADNILO PIPA (64 41a) F 23.06.09

AC MAINE COON KITTEN

1 ST MURRAY'S ISADORYOU BUTTERFLY

2 ND HORTON'S NAMRIB CHEROKEE (64 41dsw) F Red Silver Tabby & White
A well-grown girl of only 4½ months with lovely strong bone and an expressive face. Broad head of medium length and slightly longer than wide with a well-placed nasal bridge. Uniform width to the nose and a square muzzle. Shallow concave curve to the profile and good chin. Her teeth just about meet but she is probably teething. Large tall ears with a broad base and set high but well apart; large tufts & some inner furnishing. Her eyes could be a little larger but are full & round in a slightly oblique aperture and set. Strong body of rectangular shape with substantial limbs and large round feet. Her tail could be a little longer for balance and is quite well-furnished. Well-prepared coat with a lovely feel to the touch. Subtle classic tabby pattern, the red markings toned down by the presence of silver. Good head markings with a tabby “M” on the forehead. White on her face, chest, underparts & feet. Shown in super condition with a gentle nature though she preferred to be handled in her pen. A promising kitten.

3 RD HORTON'S CAROLEMAINE LADYOFNAMRIB

AV SLH NEUTER NOT BRED BY EXHIBITOR

1 ST FISHLOCK-LOMAX'S PR VIEUXTEMPS VANTAGE VROOM (67 31t) MN Norwegian Forest Cat
A large gentle brown tabby & white boy of 7 years. Expressive face, triangular head with all sides equal & a firm deep chin though his profile could be straighter. His bite appeared level but few incisors remaining. Large ears set high & open and following the lines of his head. Expressive well-opened eyes of oval shape in an oblique setting. Elegant body carried high on long legs & long bushy tail. Well-prepared double coat with a topcoat of coarser guard hairs though lacking a little in undercoat at present. A sweet-natured boy though he preferred the security of his pen.

2 ND NEWMAN'S GR PR DAIRYMAINE KASBIEN (64 19) MN Maine Coon
A large mature boy of 3½ years & very well-grown if a touch heavy, I wouldn't like him to put on any more weight. Broad masculine head slightly longer than wide of medium length. Uniform width to the nose & square muzzle. High cheek bones & fairly full cheeks. Shallow concave curve to the profile, good chin and level bite. Large tall ears with a broad base & tufted tips, set high and well apart. Wide-set eyes though he was reluctant to open them up. Long rectangular body with a deep chest & square rump. Substantial limbs to balance and large round feet with tufted toes. Long flowing tail showing tabby rings. Well-prepared full coat with a ruff and shirt front and increasing in length down the body, shaggy belly fur. Lovely rich overall colour, classic tabby pattern or red markings on a bright apricot agouti base. A gentle boy who was easy to handle and shown in lovely condition.

3 RD STABLES'S IMP GR CH & GR PR CANONNA MERLIESIN MELODY (63b) FN Chocolate Somali