With capes, crowns, and plenty of cattitude, the Northern Cat Fanciers’ events turned ordinary pets into stars during a golden era for felines in Sault Ste. Marie

From the archives of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library:

Fabulous felines? Cat-sized capes and crowns? Trophies and ribbons? Yes, to all! The Sault Ste. Marie of the 1980s celebrated the cat in all its glory through cat shows, featuring dozens of our residents’ furry friends. One of Sault Ste. Marie’s cat clubs, The Northern Cat Fanciers, held one such show on November 2, 1980.  Inquiries about the cat show came from as far away as New Mexico, Nebraska, and Washington. One of the most popular categories in the show was Household Pet Cat, and it was a featured part of the Northern Cat Fanciers’ event.  

In the weeks leading up to the show, organizers warned the other furry hopefuls that “Morris, a polydactyl red tabby, will (once again) be in competition.” Morris was crowned king of the show at the previous cat show, much to the delight of his owner, Tina Duncan, and was expected to be furrrocious competition for the other felines at the November 2 show. Nine Lives Cat Foods donated the Morris Trophy for best household pet cat winner in memory of their famously finicky cat Morris, who was the star of their television commercials. The trophy was for the category of cats that did not conform to a registered breed.  

More than eighty cats registered for the cat show, some from as far away as Kentucky. One fancy cat that attended was from Winterburn, Alberta, although this worldly cat made its way to the show from Florida, where it preferred to winter. Judges for the show came from Ohio, Winnipeg, Michigan, and right here in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It cost a cool $12 to enter a cat in the championship classes and $5 for household pets. Spectators would pay no more than $1 for admission, with children and seniors able to watch the feline contenders for free.

The show took place at the union hall on Dennis Street and attracted entries in such breeds as Persian, Balinese, Manx, Abyssinian, and even an Ocicat kitten.  The coveted King of the Cats award ultimately went to a new furry face named Nemo. Nemo, a long-haired domestic cat, showed off his beautiful black fur, offset splendidly by his fancy white mustache and socks. Resplendent in his crown and cape, Nemo sat proudly to have his picture taken with his new trophy, presenting a dashing royal figure.  

The following year found the Northern Cat Fanciers’ third major cat show at the Rankin Arena on the summer solstice. Ribbons were given out to household cats judged to be the best in categories that included best colour and best condition. Registered ‘champion’ cats were awarded points from all four judges for a ‘best of the best’ winner. The 1982 show included a “rare chocolate point Sacred Cat of Burma kitten” as an entrant. Approximately 150 people attended the show, which featured 76 entries.  

However, the Northern Cat Fanciers’ show wasn’t just a competition, but a celebration of our beloved pets, most especially the fabulous feline variety. The Humane Society and the Sault Ste. Marie Kennel Club had displays set up at the show.  Perhaps most importantly, the Humane Society also had cats in attendance who were looking for their furrrever homes – available for adoption and perhaps future cat show contenders? The Northern Cat Fanciers also invited “other animal clubs…to put in a display in the show that would help to promote the welfare of all animals.”

The Northern Cat Fanciers’ shows allowed our Sault felines to be worshipped as any cat will tell you is its due! After all, aren’t all cats champions by simple virtue of their felineness? It isn’t called the cat’s meow for nothing!

Each week, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and its Archives provide SooToday readers with a glimpse of the city’s past.

Find out more about what the Public Library has to offer at www.ssmpl.ca and look for more “Remember This?” columns here.