The Birmingham Feline Fanciers (BFF) hosted their 45th Annual Cat Show Saturday, January 28th and Sunday, January 29th at the Zamora Temple. According to Becki Vance, vice president of the BFF, an estimated one hundred seventy cats representing fifty different breeds competed in the eight ring contest.
Every cat is seen in each of four rings over two days. The cumulative points and rankings lead to the champions being announced on Sunday afternoon. In addition to purebred felines, there is a household pet division that usually hosts thirty to fifty individuals from local owners.
The 45th Annual Birmingham Feline Fanciers Cat Show, Zamora Temple
The main arena hosts row upon row of tidy cat tents and cages, with carefully tended occupants. Vendors offer all manner of cat-themed clothing and jewelry, cat furniture and toys. Nonprofits such as Greater Birmingham Humane Society, Hand-In-Paw, MomaKat Rescue, Animal League of Birmingham and Save Our Strays provide information on their organizations while raising money for their causes.
Kinky Boots and her owner, Celene Howard traveled from Acworth, Georgia to compete in Kinky’s first show. Howard has shown dogs for years and recently switched to cats.
Celene Howard and Kinky Boots, a Devon Rex.
She describes the competitions as “so fun and relaxing.” She and Kinky will be traveling to Pittsburgh for their next show in two weeks.
Isabel and Caysal Lackey with El Skipito Friskito, a blue point Siamese
Caysal Lackey purchased El Skipito Friskito (so named after the children’s book character in Skippyjon Jones) for her daughter, Isabel’s birthday. The blue point Siamese from the A. B. Chat Cattery is nine months old and also experiencing his first show. Between calls to the show rings, mother and daughter keep Skipito happy by alternating naps in his tent with pheasant feather playtime.
Judge Sharon McKeehen-Bounds with a Sphinx kitten. Purebred cats compete in the kitten division until eight months of age, then move on to the adult division. Judges compare each cat to the standards of its particular breed.
Jay Lozier and Yum-Yum, a Burmese
Jay Lozier, of Kennesaw, Georgia, shows Burmese cats. He and Yum-Yum enjoyed a snuggle between ring calls. Lozier explained that when his cats are handled and cuddled at the show, they are much more relaxed during the handling that occurs during judging.
Sharon Haynie and Jagger, a seal point Himalayan
Jagger, a Seal Point Himalayan, was entered by Sharon and William Haynie of Santee, South Carolina. Mr. Haynie, stating, “I’m just the driver,” dismissed the six-hour driving time, stating they are in a different state almost every weekend. Despite his stern appearance, Haynie asserts that Jagger is “a very happy kitty.”
