All around the world, cat breeders are enthusiastic at the name of the GCCF yearly show. It is true that the Supreme Cat Show maintains the tradition of the first feline nation. Here is an interview of Gordon Butler, president of the GCCF, the organising body of the show.
The Supreme Show is important because it is the GCCF 'Showcase' Show, run by the GCCF for the benefit of exhibitors who wish to show a cat or kitten that has already qualified at a Championship show during the preceding year. In other words, all adult cats have at least one championship certificate, and all kittens have been placed 1st in an open class. As far as GCCF licensed shows are concerned, it is also unique in employing the continental ring judging system. This enables all exhibitors to both decorate their pen and display previous awards, while also remaining in the hall and enjoy the judging process. Today’s show was typical of the standard that has been achieved. The halls at the NEC are spacious, with large open spaces which allow a good layout and a good mix of show area and commercial and trade stands, which also add to the interest for the exhibitors.
The relationship between the GCCF and the other federations is in my opinion better now than it has been in the past. We have recently agreed to enter talks with the FIFé. We’ve also prepared a response to an approach from its CA. Now of course FIFé’s CA is no more in the UK, but I have no doubt that a replacement body will be proposed in the near future. The overwhelming priority in any further co-operation between the GCCF and any other registering body will be the preservation of the integrity of the GCCF’s register, and I will resist any activity which has the potential to put that integrity at risk; it is after all the result of years of dedicated work by those who have gone before.
I have recently been present at meetings with DEFRA (Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs) and the latest figures indicate that the popularity of the Pet Travel Scheme is growing. However, there has always been a steady interchange of pedigree cats, and I would expect that now some may find it easier than in the past. Certainly breeds that have a small gene pool may find the relaxed rules helpful. It will also add to the interest if we get an interchange of exhibitors at cat shows, as already happens at large dog shows.
I am continually amazed at the interest created by each introduction of a 'new' breed, indicating a widespread active interest. Perhaps our show entry numbers are not as high as they once were, but there are now many more shows each year. As I have already said, I consider it vital that the preservation of the integrity of the GCCF Register is maintained, so that origins and pedigrees are as reliable and accurate as it is possible to be. I believe that the future of the pure-bred cat in the UK, and I hope throughout Europe, is assured. The registering bodies must play their part by keeping a firm control while at the same time resisting too much bureaucracy, and also doing all they can to ensure that the breeding, showing and ownership of pure-bred cats continues to give as much pleasure.
Log in
