One of the oldest known breeds, the Abyssinian was thought to originate in Egypt. Geneticists now believe the true origins are in parts of S.E. Asia and along the coast of the Indian Ocean. The Abyssinian was named after the first cat that was exhibited in England which had come from Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia) in the nineteenth century. The Abyssinian is a well-balanced cat of foreign type, and medium build, regal in appearance, lithe, hard, and muscular with a well-ticked short coat. Should appear eager and active, shows a lively interest in its surroundings.

Princess Troubetskoy introduced the first Mau, a natural breed, into the United States in 1957 from Egypt. They are said to have typical Egyptian type.

The Arabian Mau is the native domesticated cat of the Arabian Peninsula and Arabian Gulf region. It is believed to have been present in the area for 1,000 years. Ms Petra- Khadija Mueller conducted a 5 year study of the breed in the UAE / Dubai and in 2008 the Arabian Mau received breed recognition by the World Cat Federation (WCF).

My name is Jess and I have been involved in the cat fancy for 10 years. I breed and show ragdolls and also own a Persian. In the past I have also bred Birmans. I am a recent law graduate, and in my spare time I enjoy travelling to see the quality of cats overseas.

I have been breeding for over 13 years, but my love for cats started long before that, I’ve grown up with them all my life. Ragdolls were the first breed to truly capture my heart, and when I bought my first pedigree Ragdoll it opened the door to a whole new world. That’s where my passion for the cat fancy began. In recent years I’ve also expanded into Australian Tiffanies, a breed I adore for their elegance and wonderful nature. Over time I found myself drawn not only to raising kittens but also to learning the standards behind each breed. That curiosity and love for cats inspired me to take the step into judging, and I feel incredibly lucky to now share that passion with others in the cat community.

The American Curl is a medium-built, well-balanced cat, semi-foreign in type. The American Curl is the result of a spontaneous ear mutation in the domestic cat population of the United States. The first such cat was found in Southern California in 1981 and named "Shulamith". The distinctive feature of the American Curl breed is their unique, attractive curled ears. American Curls are a well-balanced, moderately muscled, medium built cat. They are alert and active with gentle, even dispositions.

The Aphrodite's Giants are based on the oldest documented cat that lived tame with humans. Found in a Stone Age grave with a skeleton similar to the Aphrodite's Giants cats living today on the island of Cyprus. At the UC Davis laboratories in the USA; Dr Leslie Lyons worked on a Genetics research program that has produced a specific fingerprint for purebred cats. 30 Aphrodite's Giants were also investigated and shown genetically. From the basis of DNA scans, Dr. Lyons has agreed that the genetic fingerprint of the Aphrodite's Giants is very consistent and could be recognized on this basis as a breed.

The Australian Mist was the first breed to be developed exclusively in Australia from Burmese, Abyssinian and Domestic Shorthair ancestry. First recognised for championship status 1986 and is now recognised by all WCF affiliates. The Australian Mist is a well-balanced cat of moderate type, with no tendency to extremes in any characteristic. Facial expression is open and generous. Should feel firm with rounded contours.

The Australian Tiffanie breed was developed in Australia in the late nineties from the Burmilla Breeding Program. Enthusiasts decided to develop this breed separately from the Burmilla longhair by breeding back to the Chinchilla Persian. The Australian Tiffanie is a semi-longhair cat with a silky tipped or shaded coat in silver or golden, and their temperament is sweet and gentle. A medium sized cat, substantial in body and bone.

This breed is named after Balinese dancers because of their elegance and gracefulness. The ideal cat is a semi-longhair, beautifully balanced svelte and elegant animal with long tapering lines, supple and well muscled. These slender cats have a surprising weight eyes brilliant blue with an alert and inquisitive expression.

The goal of the Bengal breeding program is to create a domestic cat which has physical features distinctive to the small forest-dwelling wild cats, specifically the Asian Leopard Cat (Prionalurus Bengalensis) but with the loving, dependable temperament of the domestic cat. Keeping this goal in mind judges shall give special merit to those characteristics in the appearance of the Bengal, which are distinct from those found in other domestic breeds. The conformation gives the Bengal cat a basic feral appearance. Its luxurious coat has the distinct and special soft feel.

A deep mystical tale is written about the original Birman and his master. The white paws are a symbol of purity. A gentle and affectionate cat, but also quiet and peaceful with a soft voice, this cat is a favorite and is very impressive with their brilliant blue eyes and white gloves.

This breed was originally a hybrid between Burmese and American Shorthair with an unmistakable look of its own, known as the miniature “black panther” of the cat world. In Australia the introduction of Black British was used in the breeding program in place of the American Shorthair. Friendly, alert, and an outgoing cat, muscular and with a surprising weight for its size.

The British Shorthair is the native cat of Britain that was seen in every street, taken from rags to riches through its development from the 19th century. British shorthairs are a compact, and well balanced, powerful cat, with an alert appearance and in perfect physical condition.

The origins of the Burmese may be questionable, but legend has it that Manuscripts from Ayutthaya, former capital of Siam, dating to the sixteen and seventeenth century depict cats that resemble today’s Burmese (extract from The Cat Encyclopedia). Burmese were first recognised in 1936 as a breed and today is a household name. The Burmese is an independent, gentle, fun loving and highly intelligent cat whose strength and endurance is a positive influence of the breed.

The Devon Rex originated in Devon, England in 1960 and was called Kirlee. A medium sized curly-coated cat with a lovely mischievous expression of his head and an elfin (pixie) look. The Devon is alert and active and shows a lively interest in its surroundings.

The Cheetoh is the newest blend of pedigree cat, utilizing very specific bloodlines of the Bengal and the Ocicat, by Carol Drymon of Wind Haven Exotics, U.S. the first litters arrived in 2003. The cheetoh has a super affectionate nature and real love for their human companions, they areintelligent with the ability to learn quickly. Their amazing coat pattern consists of lots of spots and a few stripes for good measure, replicating the look of their wild counterparts The head is slightly chiseled and the ears are more prominent than the Bengal. They walk with a lower front stance and higher at the back, a generous sized cat with males being more musclular with thick necks and solid bodies, 7kg fully grown. The female has a slightly smaller frame but is still a good size when compared to the average moggy.

This breed is very old. Its short woolly coat is said to have been sold as otter fur in ancient times. Bred by the Carthusian Monks in the monastery, the La Grand Chartreux.

The Elf is a hybrid breed developed by crossing the American Curl with the Sphynx. The resulting progeny are then taken back to the Sphynx to attain the baldness required of the breed. The distinctive feature of the Elf is their unique, attractive curled ears and nakedness. The Elf appears to be a hairless cat, although it is not truly hairless. The skin should have the texture of chamois. It may be covered with very fine down which is almost imperceptible to both the eye and the touch. On the ears, muzzle, tail, feet and scrotum, short, soft, fine hair is allowed. Lack of coat makes the cat quite warm to the touch. Whiskers may be present; either whole or broken, or may be totally absent. The cat should not be small or dainty. Males may be up to 25 percent larger so long as proper proportions are maintained. The Elf is sweet-tempered, lively, intelligent and above all amenable to handling.

The first Cornish Rex originated in Cornwall, England in 1950 on a farm and was called Kallibunker and the breed developed from there. The Cornish Rex is an elegant fine-boned medium sized cat with a curly coat without guard hairs. By nature the Cornish Rex is intelligent, alert and generally likes to be handled.

The Burmilla cat originated in the United Kingdom as a result of an accidental mating between a Chinchilla Persian and a Lilac Burmese. The Burmilla is an elegant Agouti silver cat of foreign type, in the shaded and tipped coat patterns.

The companion cat is an altered feline of unknown ancestry or of known or obvious pedigree, which is not eligible to be shown in pedigree classes. They are judged in the following groups: Domestic – any cat not looking like a purebred (your basic alley or moggy cat). Part pedigree – a pedigree cat that cannot be shown in the pedigree class because does not comply with the standard e.g. mismarked, wrong pattern.

An American variety produced in the 1950s by careful selective breeding using outstanding American Shorthairs and the best Persian cats. The Exotic is a solid balanced cat with a massive head in proportion to its body, which should be short and cobby with broad chest, short sturdy legs, large paws and a short full tail.

Originated in the United Kingdom in the early 60s when a white cat accidentally mated with a Siamese producing the beautiful, elegant Foreign White we know today. The ideal cat is a beautifully balanced svelte and elegant animal with long tapering lines, supple and well muscled. These slender cats have a surprising weight, eyes brilliant blue with an alert and inquisitive expression.

Known in the East since the 11th century, the Japanese Bobtail is a highly honored, venerated cat and symbol of luck and happiness in Japan. These cats are depicted with their front paw raised and have been portrayed by artists many times over the centuries. The Japanese bobtail should present the overall impression of a medium-sized cat with long clean lines and bone structure, well-muscled, but straight and slender rather than massive in build. Its short tail should resemble a bunny tail with the hair fanning out to create a pom-pom appearance, which effectively disguises the underlying bone structure of the tail. The cat can be shorthair or longhair.

The ideal cat is a semi-longhair, beautifully balanced svelte and elegant animal with long tapering lines, supple and well muscled. These slender cats have a surprising weight. Eyes brilliant green with an alert and inquisitive expression. Was obtained recently by crossing Oriental Shorthairs and Balinese.

The La Perm originated in Oregon in 1982 when a kitten born bald subsequently developed a unique curly coat. It is a naturally occurring autosomal dominant mutation. Because of its curly coat, high neck and smallish head it has been called the Alpaca Cat. The La Perm is a medium sized curly coated cat with a semi-foreign body. The La Perm Shorthair differs only in hair length. Coat texture is distinctly different from other rex mutations and will vary within the breed. All parts of the body are in harmonic proportions. There is surprising weight for size. La Perms are alert, walk tall and are renowned for their friendly personality.

The La Perm originated in Oregon in 1982 when a kitten born bald subsequently developed a unique curly coat. It is a naturally occurring autosomal dominant mutation. Because of its curly coat, high neck and smallish head it has been called the Alpaca Cat. The La Perm is a medium sized curly coated cat with a semi-foreign body. The La Perm Shorthair differs only in hair length. Coat texture is distinctly different from other rex mutations and will vary within the breed. All parts of the body are in harmonic proportions. There is surprising weight for size. La Perms are alert, walk tall and are renowned for their friendly personality.

The Maine Coon is a semi-longhaired cat that has evolved its unique appearance through its adaptation to the harsh winters and varied seasons of North America’s New England region. A working cat with a powerful rugged appearance Maine Coons are a large breed with substantial boning, and a long rectangular and muscular body. An overall appearance of balance with no exaggeration is desired. This breed has a characteristic smooth but shaggy coat that has been adapted to varied environments. The Maine Coon should display a pleasant disposition. Quality should never be sacrificed for size. The Maine Coon takes up to four to five years to fully mature and allowances should   be made for younger cats and adult females may be considerably smaller than males.

The Mandalay is a full colour expression Burmese cat and as such, type must conform in every way to the Burmese Standard, the only differences occurring in coat and eye colour. The relationship to Burmese is the same as Oriental and Siamese are to one another. The GCCF in England classifies the full expression Burmese as the Asian group. The Mandalay is an independent, gentle, fun loving and highly intelligent cat whose strength and endurance is a positive influence of the breed.

In 1983 Sandra Hochenedel of Louisiana discovered a short-leg cat she called Blackberry. The short legs are caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation which results in hypochondroplasty affecting the long bones only with the rest of the cat normal size. They are outgoing, friendly and intelligent, as agile as other breeds of cat and they respond well to being handled. The Munchkin is a small to small-medium, semi-foreign in type, with distinctive short legs. They are as varied in colour and pattern as the domestic and apart from the short legs exhibit no extremes as the breed has been established with augmentation by out crossing to domestic and appropriate pedigree cats. They exhibit shortening and may have slight bowing of the long bones; this does not hamper mobility. The spine is unaffected and similar in form and flexibility to other cat breeds.

A short legged, stocky cat with heavy boning, round head, and round eyes with a colourful coat. They can be long or shorthaired. They are fun, playful cats who are as agile as long legged cats and very intelligent. Litters can have both short-legged (standard) and long-legged (non-standard).

The breed originated as a natural outdoor hunter in the Norwegian forests who survived the harsh conditions. The appearance of this cat should reflect his natural heritage, and is a substantial but elegant semi-longhaired cat with an alert expression. The most important features are type and coat quality. Maturing slowly, full development of the cat can take up to four years to 6 years and kittens can take up to 6 months to develop guard hairs.

The Ocicat is a medium-large well-spotted agouti cat of moderate type. Although well-muscled and solid it is also graceful and lithe. Ocicat is a combination of the words “ocelot” (a spotted wild cat of the Americas) and “cat”.

The Oriental Shorthair originated in England from a cross between a Siamese and an unregistered black longhair. The ideal cat is a beautifully balanced svelte and elegant animal with long tapering lines, supple and well-muscled. These slender cats have a surprising weight, with eyes brilliant green with an alert and inquisitive expression.

The world’s most famous breed originating in Persia and imported to Italy in the 17th century. Balance and refinement are the essence of the breed where all parts come together in a harmonious whole the ideal Persian should present an impression of a heavily boned, well-balanced cat, with a sweet expression and soft round lines.

The Peterbald cat was developed in 1994 in Russia from a mating between a Donskoy cat to an Oriental Shorthair It was found to have a hair losing gene. The Peterbald is an elegant medium size cat. The important aspect of this cat is the coat, which may vary from being bald, to velour, to brush.

The Pixiebob is a relatively recent domestic breed that originated in the Northwestern United States. This is a medium to large-sized, muscular, brawny cat that was intentionally bred to closely resemble the wild Coastal Red Bobcat found in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Pixiebobs come in both long-haired and short-haired varieties, the short-haired Pixiebobs have a wooly thick double coat, giving them a pleasant padded feel when they are petted. The long-haired Pixiebobs have a long, silky coat with beautiful dark lines and spots throughout. The preferred Pixiebob is a spotted brown tabby ranging in shades from creamy to rich tawny to a deeper, more reddish brown. One of the more unusual characteristics of the Pixiebob is that polydactylism is common within the breed. Polydactylism means having up to seven toes

A group of breeders broke away from Ann Baker in 1993 so could no longer use the ‘Ragdoll’ name; they had been breeding all colours and patterns and chose the name RagaMuffin because they were descended from the urchin cats of Riverside.

The Russian may have derived its name from Russian merchants who travelled the seas trading with England in the late 19th century. This popular cat was shown extensively at the Crystal Palace Shows in the 1850s. Originally the Russian cats were blue cats. Now there are Russian Blue, Russian White or Russian Black cats. They are all elegant cats of foreign type with a distinctive double coat, only seen in this breed.

The breed was created in 1960s The overall impression of a cat relaxed in temperament, easy to handle, large, powerful, imposing, distinctively marked and of striking appearance. The ideal Ragdoll is a well-balanced cat with no extreme features. Ragdolls are slow maturing, reaching full coat and colour in approximately 3 years.

Developed during the breeding of Scottish Fold and British Shorthair, this breed has pert ears.

A fairly new breed, developed in 1987 in Wyoming USA. The Selkirk Rex is likened to a poodle or sheep and is known as being debonair though playful. The Selkirk Rex is different to the other Rexes in that its “rexing” is the result of a dominant gene affecting the guard, down and awn hairs and shows loose individual curls. As the original Selkirk Rex carried the longhair gene, the Selkirk Longhair is part of the breed group. As it takes up to 2 years for the coat to develop, kittens are mainly judged on head and body type.

Siamese were thought to have originated in Thailand in the 13th century. In Siam ownership of this beautiful cat was restricted to members of the Royal family. The ideal cat is a beautifully balanced svelte and elegant animal with long tapering lines, supple and well muscled. These slender cats have a surprising weight, with eyes a brilliant blue with an alert and inquisitive expression.

The Siberian is said to be Russia’s native forest cat with records dating back to the year 1000 but it was not until the 1980s that the Russian Cat Fancy decided to define the modern Siberian Cat. This is a cat that was born to survive the harsh Russian winters and has no extremes in type The Siberian is a medium to medium-large cat demonstrating overall strength, presence and alertness with a sweet facial expression. They are slow to mature taking as long as 5 years. Females are smaller than males and this should be considered when comparing the standard for young cats and females. Size is secondary to type. They give a general impression of roundness and circles rather than rectangles or triangles.

Singapura is the Malaysian name for Singapore Island and also designates a true common cat that walks the streets of the capital. In 1975 the breed was imported to California and developed from there. The Singapura is an alert medium to small-sized ticked tabby cat of foreign type with a striking face with noticeably large eyes and ears. The coat gives an impression of a refined and delicate colouring.

The Snowshoe is as individual as snowflakes, no two ever identical, the snowshoe breed is one of the rare cat breeds in the world. The breed originated in the late 1960s when Dorothy Hinds Daugherty of Kensing cattery (USA) had a chance litter between a siamese and an American shorthair that produced three pointed kittens with mittens and boots. Intrigued, she commenced work turning these charming cats into a breed. Her work was taken up by breeders in the 1970s and today there is an upsurge of interest in these magical cats as cat lovers discover their charm, human orientation, family friendliness, and high intelligence combined with unique beauty.

The name is fanciful as the breed was developed in the USA by the retention of long haired kittens produced by the Abyssinian. The Somali is a well-balanced cat of foreign type and medium build, regal in appearance, lithe, hard, and muscular with a well-ticked semi-longhair coat. Should appear eager and active, shows a lively interest in its surroundings.

The name is fanciful as the breed was developed in the USA by the retention of long haired kittens produced by the Abyssinian. The Somali is a well-balanced cat of foreign type and medium build, regal in appearance, lithe, hard, and muscular with a well-ticked semi-longhair coat. Should appear eager and active, shows a lively interest in its surroundings.

The Thai is intended to be both the living equivalent of the original “Wichien-maat” of ancient Siam and the “marten-faced” Siamese of early 20th century America and Europe the Thai is a medium-large pointed cat of foreign type reflecting its Thai origins. Thais are well balanced cats with no extremes and a unique head shape.

The Tonkinese is a modern revival of an ancient cat, derived from Siamese to Burmese breeding, relaxed, friendly and outgoing temperament. The ideal Tonkinese is not extreme in any aspect of its appearance and should be a beautifully balanced cat of intermediate type. It is elegant with a lithe and firmly muscled torso that is neither cobby nor svelte. It is medium in size; balance and proportion are of greater importance than type. Reach their peak around 2 years of age.

This breed is loving, glittered, medium-sized shorthair companion cat reminiscent of the big cats in pattern, type confidence and movement that came out of the Bengal breeding program. Toyger’s are uniquely beautiful cat willing and able to thrive in human-centered life. Companionability traits such as dependable, quiet temperament, laid-back personality, intelligent and easily trained and handled are all important and desirable and an integral part of the breed profile and standard.

The Turkish Angora is an ancient naturally occurring cat thought to originate from the mountainous regions of Turkey. The Turkish Angora was widely used in Persian breeding programs and was nearly lost as a pure breed until controlled breeding programs were introduced into Turkey. The Turkish Angora is a well balanced, graceful cat with a fine, silky coat that shimmers with movement. They have a long muscular body with fine bones. They are active, intelligent and outgoing cats.

The Turkish Van is a naturally occurring semi-longhaired breed from the rugged region of Turkey, centered on Lake Van where the climate varies in extremes. Known for its unique, distinct pattern, they are treasured in their homeland and not readily available for export. The Turkish Van is a solidly built semi –longhaired cat with a great breadth of chest, substantial body and legs demonstrating its strength and power. The breed takes three to five years to reach maturity; therefore allowances must be made for age and gender. Individual cats should convey an overall impression of balance and proportion and a strong appearance in which no one feature is exaggerated. They are an intelligent and alert cat; some may handle better with all four feet on a solid surface.

I have judged across Australia and the world. Apart from Australia the countries in which I have had the pleasure of judging include the UK, France, Belgium, Malaysia, USA, Japan Dubai and NZ. I am also a very active exhibitor and breeder at Bajimbi. I am involved in many TV shows with my cats. Along with Brian I was co founder of the Waratah State Cat Alliance in 1997, and proudly now ANCATS.

With a journey that began in 1995, my deep passion for breeding and showcasing cats has led me to numerous Best in Show and Supreme Exhibits, instilling immense pride and joy. Alongside my involvement as an ANCATS steward and attainment of the All Breeds Judge title, I have extended my commitment to animal welfare. As a director on the Animal Welfare League NSW board and a founding member of the Jervis Bay/Nowra branch, I actively promote and safeguard the well-being of animals.  Upholding excellence and welfare remains my unwavering dedication to the feline community.

Siamese ignited my passion for cats. Since, I have bred and owned various breeds - Orientals, Persians, Exotic Shorthair, Burmese and Abyssinian cats. In fact we were the first ones to breed chocolate and lilac Burmese in Tasmania. I should also mention our involvement with the Abyssinian. Our famous stud boy, Absin Howzat being a benchmark in Abyssininan cat in the 80’s. This began my involvement with judging, and now hold all breeds status and with my overseas judging appointments, have gained international judge status. I am licenced as a World Cat Federation judge. 

Of late we have combined our love of the Siamese/Oriental with our newest arrival, the Peterbald, with our importation bringing the first of this breed into Australia. We are enjoying the learning curve this breed has bought to our lives, and are breeding them in the bi colour pattern.

In 1977 I received approval from the RAS Cat Club of NSW (later NSWCFA)to develop Australia’s own breed of pedigree cat. (Spotted, later Australian Mist). Since that time I have pursued this dream to full realisation, with the 25th Anniversary of full register status being celebrated in 2011. Australian Mist are now recognised all round the world, with TICA the most recent to do so. I have been involved in Cat Politics, being on the Management Committee of the RASCC (later NSWCFA) for 9 years, and Editor of their Journal for 6. On relocating to Victoria in 2001 I joined FCCV, and was appointed to their Management Committee. In both States I represented my cat body on State advisory committees.

I trained as a Judge in NSW and Victoria, and have judged in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and SA.

I have written extensively on cat husbandry and breeding practice, culminating, with guidance from my vet and mentor Dr Karen Hedberg, in the publication of ‘Breeding Cats ….a practical guide’.

While I have been an active exhibitor and breeder of both Australian Mist and Maine Coon, I have in recent years downsized considerably, but continue to breed on a much smaller scale, to conform with new State regulations.

I simply love cats. Breeding and exhibiting British Shorthairs for more than twenty years and having the privilege of judging cats in Australia and overseas has been a dream come true for me.

Throughout my time in the cat fancy, I have served on many committees and taken on roles from secretary to webmaster to treasurer, including six years as registrar. I began my judging journey in 2010 when I qualified as a Group Three judge, later adding Group Two to cover All Shorthairs, and most recently achieving Allbreeds status after completing my Longhair training.

Judging has taken me across Australia for a wide variety of associations and internationally to wonderful events such as the NZCF National Show in Auckland, the GCCF Supreme Show in Birmingham, and a CFA show in Tokyo. I also enjoy travelling to cat shows around the world simply to see the incredible range of cats and kittens on display and to learn from the many
different judging styles.

I have been fortunate to serve as a trustee for the Feline Health Research Fund, supporting vital research into feline diseases and conditions here in Australia. Beyond the show hall I have combined my knowledge and experience into resources, training courses, and a club that supports new cat breeders from around the world. I am especially proud of the progress and achievements of my members and feel privileged to share in their journeys.

I believe the cat fancy is one community, bringing together people who share a love of cats no matter where they come from. Competition is part of what we do, but so is friendship, learning, and fun. I really value the role I play as a judge in celebrating both the cats and the people who love them.

I look forward to seeing you at a show soon.

I have been breeding for over 13 years, but my love for cats started long before that, I’ve grown up with them all my life. Ragdolls were the first breed to truly capture my heart, and when I bought my first pedigree Ragdoll it opened the door to a whole new world. That’s where my passion for the cat fancy began. In recent years I’ve also expanded into Australian Tiffanies, a breed I adore for their elegance and wonderful nature. Over time I found myself drawn not only to raising kittens but also to learning the standards behind each breed. That curiosity and love for cats inspired me to take the step into judging, and I feel incredibly lucky to now share that passion with others in the cat community.

I have had a lifelong passion for all cats, from rescues to pedigrees. Growing up surrounded by animals and with breeders in my family, I fell in love with Ragdolls after bringing home my very first one, and I have been proudly breeding them for several years. My love for every cat, regardless of their background, has inspired me to pursue judging, allowing me to share that passion with the wider cat-loving community.