'BEST IN SHOW' NAMED AT CFA INTERNATIONAL CAT SHOW IN ATLANTA, NOVEMBER 1997

The fifth annual CFA International Show was held on November 21-23, 1997 at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atltanta, Georgia. This year's show attracted 1,245 entries from all seven continental U.S. regions, a large contingent from Japan and a good representation from the International Division. Along with the large entry there were also 64 vendors on hand, including Iams, the major show sponsor. All 33 of CFA's recognized breeds had entries in the show, with the largest total entry coming from the Maine Coon (106), closely followed by the Abyssinian (105). The absentee rate was remarkably low, making the competition keen.

This year's judges had their work cut out for them, as always. Most of the top cats, kittens and premiership cats in CFA were in attendance, making the choices in the finals very difficult. The format for determining the overall Best in Show was the same as in the previous two years: each judge awarded his or her final, with the scoring procedures the same as at any other show, then the Best of Breed Championship, Kitten and Premiership cats were brought back for the Best of the Best presentation. The highest scoring Longhair and Shorthair in Championship, highest scoring Longhair and Shorthair Kitten and highest scoring Longhair and Shorthair cat in Premiership then competed for the title of Best in Show.

The judges for the Best in Show judging were chosen by a random drawing from all the judges who had judged the show. All of the six cats that made it to the final presentation were top examples of their breed. There were three Persians, an Abyssinian and two Manx Longhairs (not bad for a "minority" breed!). The first judge handled each entry, then the cat was passed to the second judge, and then on to the third judge.

This year, the cats provided quite a show! When the first judge had completed her judging of the Abyssinian, GC Tinbats Morgan's Passing, the next judge simply wiggled a feather on the judging table and the cat raced to him, delighting the large audience. The third judge did the same, and as if he had been coached, "Morgan" sped to the end of the table for his final judging. The three judges then ranked the six cats independently, with the Aby coming out on top. Quite an ending for this stunning nine-month-old ruddy Abyssinian boy's show career as this was his last show. No better way to go out than on top!

	BEST IN SHOW Grand Champion Tinbats Morgan's Passing Ruddy Abyssinan Male

The CFA International Cat Show continues to grow in popularity with each passing year. Some people come to meet those breeders whom they have only heard or read about, or perhaps have met on the Internet. Many come to renew old friendships, and the spirit of camaraderie among exhibitors is apparent. If you have never attended one of these shows, you are missing something very special.

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