Dear readers,

The opening of 2026 appears firmly shaped by the intimate and refined character of the CFA shows in our beloved Region. After a nearly at-home gathering in Orange, it was the Sherwood Manx Club that invited us to a most delightful feline interlude just outside Helsinki, Finland.

Admittedly, Finland in January may not be the first destination that comes to mind for some of our regulars: daylight is fleeting, darkness lingers, and snow reigns supreme. And yet, dear readers, curiosity proved stronger than the cold.

The famously warm Finnish welcome and the promise of a well-organized show intrigued us greatly. What a surprise it was to find ourselves so graciously received less than half an hour from Helsinki Airport, in an atmosphere both friendly and festive. Snow was certainly part of the scenery, but temperatures were entirely manageable—so much so that one of the clerks was rumored to be wearing shorts !

Four judges shared two impeccably arranged rings, offering our feline competitors particularly spacious cages—comfort that did not go unnoticed. An excellent spirit filled the show hall, where laughter and good cheer blended seamlessly. Exhibitors were remarkably disciplined and attentive, making microphones and repeated calls entirely unnecessary ; everyone was in place precisely when needed.

It was also a pleasure to see our dear Regional Director among the exhibitors, presenting her beloved Norwegian Forest Cats, fully engaged and clearly delighted to spend the day sharing in the experience alongside us all.

Our enjoyment was multiplied by the wide variety of breeds present: magnificent Manx, the welcome return of several splendid Korats, and delightfully expressive and talkative Siamese, Colorpoint Shorthairs, and graceful Orientals. Speaking of Orientals, it was a particular joy to see the return to the rings of a young calico female we had discovered in a previous season—still as entertaining as ever, with her lively personality and fine qualities.

And the awards, dear readers ? They were certainly not lacking, with three new Grands proudly earned by our Region. Let us therefore salute:

• GC Mythai Tydah Thong
• GC Deraza Risky Business
• GP Preciousice Woo Boom Doo

It is now undeniable, dear readers, that Finland’s shows are calling to us — and it will be most difficult to resist returning to these snow-kissed gatherings.

Respectfully yours,
Lord Whis(pur)down ✒️🐾

Dear Readers,
The year has barely dared to begin, and yet our minds still hum with Christmas carols, our eyes linger on the last sparkling lights of the season, and our taste buds reminisce—ever so fondly—about holiday feasts and the gentle thrill of a few champagne bubbles… And yet, we are already summoned back to the show halls, where true society gathers.

For this very first weekend of the season, Orange Cat Club and Universal Cats Club graciously invited us to Orange, France, for an event as surprising as it was refined. Picture this, dear readers: a show right at home—just two rings, an intimate hall, and that delightfully hushed yet lively atmosphere where calm and celebration mingle. What better way to begin the year with style? Even the sun seemed to have received its invitation, illuminating this enchanted interlude.
But wait… do you truly think our hosts would stop there? A carefully arranged dining area offered homemade dishes that could make any grand reception pale with envy. A delight, my dear readers, an absolute feast for the senses. Adding to the charm were the exquisite rosettes, as original as they were festive-chic, which captivated every exhibitor. It must be said: Orange Cat Club and Universal Cats Club know how to entertain—and with flair.

Our attentive eyes also witnessed the first steps of Adam Rogowski as a Clerk. A promising debut, assuring us that the next generation is indeed prepared to carry the torch in our region. Let him be warmly congratulated.

Admittedly, only the first 65 registrants were allowed to attend this select gathering. But what 65 cats they were, dear readers! True gems, presented with such elegance one might have thought they had just stepped out of a high-society ball. Two judges, wise arbiters of this distinguished assembly, had the delicate task of selecting the finest. And notably, four of them departed crowned with the prestigious title of Grand.

Our sincerest congratulations to:
• GC D’Eden Lover Senorita Prada
• GC Jantar Zodiac
• GP D’Eden Lover Pink Lady
• GP D’Eden Lover Samuel

Thus concluded this first rendezvous of the season: elegant, warm, and delightfully memorable. One thing is certain : if the year begins in such fashion, there is little doubt that this feline chronicle promises to be utterly delectable.

Respectfully yours,
Lord Whis(pur)down

Dear readers,

December opened with remarkable flair for our beloved Region 9, and it did so in the most dazzling fashion : the Vercelli Show finally opened its doors. Announced more than a year in advance, this long-awaited event had stirred great anticipation. A new club, a first edition… and what a first it was indeed!

Two splendid days of showing unfolded under the discerning eyes of distinguished judges who traveled all the way from the United States to evaluate and rank our most charming felines. The show hall itself was vast and majestic, arranged with exquisite taste and flawless practicality, all wrapped in an elegance beyond compare. Saturday shimmered in gold, while Sunday gleamed in silver — a true spectacle of refinement.

The rings, lavishly adorned with high-quality rosettes and an abundance of gifts, reflected a meticulous attention to every detail. Nothing was left to chance. Cakes bearing the club’s emblem proudly graced the tables — yet another testament to the extraordinary refinement that defined the entire weekend.

At the close of each day, the Best of the Best were rewarded with a generosity rarely seen: magnificent trophies, oversized rosettes, and valuable gifts crowned the most beautiful cats in the traditional categories.

Saturday’s highest honors went to :

• Best of the Best Championship: GC Snookums Keerati
• Best of the Best Kitten: Graffio Bonita
• Best of the Best Premiership: GP RW Callisto’s Ferrari

On Sunday, glory was bestowed upon:

• Best of the Best Championship: GC Snookums Keerati
• Best of the Best Kitten: Graffio Bonita
• Best of the Best Premiership: GP Siriuksen Vesper Curl of St Emilion

Our warmest congratulations also go to the newly crowned Grands, who brilliantly earned their titles during this enchanting weekend :

• GC Pyrampepe Luchino
• GC Welcome Golden Boy
• GC St Emilion Uther-Pendragon
• GP Re Desiderio Merlino
• GP Re Desiderio Jacaranda
• GP Songgwangsa Kabuki

This exceptional weekend was further immortalized by the distinguished presence of the renowned Chanan, who had the opportunity to celebrate his birthday in truly spectacular fashion, at the heart of an old world that remains as welcoming and generous as ever.

Our deepest thanks go to our gracious hosts, Vita Molotese and Vitaly Oreshkin, as well as the Dream Team of the Dolce Vita Cat Club, for this extraordinary welcome and a weekend filled with pure magic.

And now, dear readers, anticipation grows…

The next rendezvous awaits: Milan in March.

Mark your calendars — history is certain to be written in gold.

Respectfully yours,
Lord Whis(pur)down ✒️🐾

Dear Readers,

There are anniversaries one simply cannot let pass unnoticed. And among them, the ten dazzling years of the 44 Gatti Cat Club certainly deserve a place of honor in the most refined chronicles of our feline society.

At the dawn of November, as the mists of Malpensa slowly lifted over a shimmering scene—filled with exotic birds, carnivorous plants, and an excitement that even the social season could hardly rival—a most distinguished assembly gathered. Ten rings, yes ten, gleamed like promises bestowed by our Italian hosts, while a panel of judges from across the globe stepped forth like a parade of dukes and duchesses prepared to crown the rising stars of our catteries.

There, Giulia, Bruno, Domenico, Carlo, and Cristiano—masters of ceremony with unmatched generosity—curated a spectacle one could only describe as… magnificent. And magnificent it was, for thirteen titles—thirteen !—were awarded over a weekend in which every purr seemed to echo like applause.

Allow your humble chronicler to congratulate the worthy recipients :

GC Tommyland Louis Vuitton
GC Macladi Lucifer
GC Dolceamor Estrema Belleza
GC Kuorii Lapetite of Macladi
GC D’Eden Lover Virgo of Anni 80
GC Richson American Made of Vibrations
GC Lac Hong U Cocotte
GC Sri-Sawasdee Blue Lotus of Atzelhof
GC Re Desiderio Hildegard
GC Songgwangsa Bunny Bunny Run Run
GP D’Eden Lover Sandy
GP D’Eden Lover Ursa
GP Songgwangsa Bunnywan Kenobi

On Sunday, like the grand finale of a season’s closing ball, a splendid anniversary cake—accompanied by delightfully fizzy bubbles—was offered to the exhibitors. A final gesture, both tender and sumptuous, sealing a luminous decade spent with the club’s faithful friends.

Alas, dear readers, even the brightest stars must occasionally rest. The 44 Gatti Cat Club has announced a few months’ pause—news received with regret, yet full understanding. Still, let us hope this interlude is merely the prelude to an even more resplendent return, for none doubt that once renewed, these passionate organizers will bestow upon us further editions just as unforgettable.

Until then, we shall have the pleasure of seeing them throughout the season’s various events. For in the feline world—as in high society—legends never truly disappear… they merely prepare for their next entrance.

Yours faithfully,
Lord Whis(pur)down ✒️🐾

Dear Readers,

Pray allow your devoted chronicler to recount a most extraordinary gathering. On October 11th and 12th, in the spirited city of Cleveland, a small yet valiant contingent of Europeans crossed the vast ocean to attend none other than… The International.

But what, you may wonder, is The International? It is nothing less than the grandest spectacle organized each year by the CFA — a true pinnacle of the feline world, and an unmissable event for any soul who holds affection for our noble companions. This world-class celebration blends competition, community, and passion with an elegance that would make even the highest salons of society nod in approval. Breeders, exhibitors, cat lovers of every stripe — all find their place within its illustrious halls.

This year, twelve judging rings graced the show, including five allbreed and three specialty/HHP rings, giving each contestant a total of eight opportunities to shine. A vast exhibition space hosted hundreds of vendors and artisans: accessories fit for feline royalty, towering cat trees, delightful toys, gourmet specialties, and treasures of every kind.

But The International is far more than a competition — it is a true cultural fête. Educational booths from feline associations, adoption areas bustling with hopeful whiskered hearts, demonstrations, presentations on feline welfare, and abundant entertainment filled the air. Costume contests, feline agility courses, and interactive activities charmed both seasoned exhibitors and curious newcomers alike.

Once more, Region 9 stood proudly represented, sending nine cats to compete on this global stage! Every class was accounted for:

• Four kittens — a French-German Exotic Shorthair, two Italian Persians (one tabby, one bicolor), and an American-Spanish Cornish Rex.
• Four adults in Champion class — a Russian Siberian, a German Abyssinian, a German American Shorthair, and an Italian Chartreux.
• One adult in Premier class — a French-Finnish American Curl.

Our regional ambassadors performed splendidly — each cat reached the finals in both Specialty and Allbreed rings. A standing ovation to all! The excellence of our Region was once again made indisputably clear.

The crown jewel of the weekend was the Best of Best, where the top Longhairs — best kitten, best champion, and best premier — faced off against their Shorthair counterparts. These six extraordinary felines stood as the finest of the entire show, with the final verdict delivered by Larry Adkison.

We were also delighted to see one of our own esteemed judges, Peter Vanwonterghem, officiating on Ring 11. Sadly, Pam DelaBar, our Regional Director, was unable to attend, though Florent Fissot served with distinction as Clerk beside Rachel Anger on Ring 1.

An unforgettable event — singular, dazzling, overflowing with talent, passion, and camaraderie — one that continues to inspire dreams long after the curtains fall.

And so, dear readers, a question remains: why not join us next time? Crossing the ocean may require effort, yes… but The International is unquestionably worth the journey. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where our beloved companions stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s very best.

We shall be counting on you.

Respectfully yours,
Lord Whis(pur)down ✒️🐾

Dear Readers,

There are beginnings that feel very much like the first notes of a long-awaited ball. After months of anticipation, our noble Region finally opened the season’s festivities with the very first show in France—graced by the soft, golden light of September.

This milestone event also offered the perfect opportunity to honor the most distinguished cats of the past season, as well as the exhibitors whose dedication, perseverance, and triumphs have illuminated the year. And rest assured, the feline world rivals our own high society in ambition, elegance, and nobility.

The welcome we received in Orange from the Orange Cat Club and the Universal Cats Club was warm enough to make even the most seasoned hosts blush. Their flawless organization, a panel of judges worthy of the grandest salons, countless thoughtfully chosen gifts, and the stunning rosettes crafted by our talented Erika Timolina delighted every participant.

The rings themselves—impeccably arranged and adorned with a refinement that would have pleased even the most discerning duchess—impressed both long-time exhibitors and newcomers alike. There is no doubt: these two clubs have mastered the art of hosting with unmatched elegance and generosity. For this, we offer them our deepest thanks!

This weekend also saw several cats achieve the prestigious titles of Grand Champion and Grand Premier, with some earning this honor in a single show:

• GC RW D’Eden Lover Vador – One Show Grand
• GC Kis’Herbas Camaro of Queensbay
• GC Songgwangsa Nobunny but me
• GP Siriuksen Vesper Curl of St Emilion – One Show Grand
• GP Aristopoint Flor – One Show Grand
• GP Kalvorotados Goku – One Show Grand

Our warmest congratulations to all owners and breeders for these outstanding achievements!

Then came the moment everyone had been eagerly awaiting: the AWARDS!
The evening, organized by Region 9—and especially by Doerte and Pam—was nothing short of unforgettable. Every detail had been meticulously planned: the venue was magnificent, the dinner delicious and varied enough to please every palate, and the atmosphere positively radiant as it celebrated the cats and, through them, the entire 2024–2025 season.

A heartfelt thank-you and sincere congratulations to these two ladies for their dedication and exceptional event-planning talents.

We were also honored to recognize Corie Kleinendorst, named Clerk of the 2024–2025 Season, as well as Bruno Picasso and Frédéric Gaspard for their unwavering commitment to the CFA over many years. Their passion and steadfast service deserve nothing less than our deepest gratitude.

A splendid beginning—one most worthy of these chronicles.

Respectfully yours,
Lord Whis(pur)down ✒️🐾