CATS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Very little in known about the first domestic cats in North America, but there is evidence that they were brought by early missionaries to the Indians, and that they accompanied the Pilgrims on the Mayflower to New England and of course, as in Europe, played their part in the witch hysteria culminating in the Salem witch trials of 1682. As the early settlers moved across the country, it is only reasonable to assume that the cats and kittens went with them, and helped by protecting the food and keeping down the vermin. As in Canada, the farm or working cat today plays a very important part which is duly appreciated by the farmers, many of whom have their cats periodically inspected by veterinary surgeons.
It is roughly estimated that in the U.S.A., which now holds an annual ‘Cat Week’, there is a cat population in the region of 50,000,000, and there is a very large trade in all types of products having anything to do with cats.
The first American cat show of which there are actual records, was held in New York in 1884, as part of a large livestock and pet show, although the first separate cat show was not until 1895, and was organised by a Mr. Hyde, an Englishman, who ran it after visiting one of the Crystal Palace shows in England. Apparently it was a great success, and seems to have aroused public interest in pedigree cats.
The oldest cat organisation is the Beresford Cat Club of Chicago, which was founded in 1899, and named in honour of Lady Marcus Beresford of England, who had taken a great interest in the development of the pure-bred cat in America, and it was through her efforts that many of the finest cats in England were exported to America. Being such a large country, it has not proved practicable to have one governing body as in Britain, but there are several central Association and Federation combining the government of many clubs. By showing under the various organisations, it is possible for a cat to become a double champion or even a triple champion.
Among the first cats known were the short-haired Blues, which were called Maltese and were much valued for their good tempers and for being such excellent mousers.
Most of the pedigree cats are descended from British imported stock, with the exception of the Burmese, which came to North America from the East, and were in turn exported to England. Some of the American long-haired cats excel in type and length of coat, but the breeds were not as adversely affected as were British ones during the war years.
White cats have always been popular in the United States, and in Chicago at the beginning of the century there were many beautiful specimens. The Blue-eyed Whites in particular seem to be outstanding, although even with careful selected breeding it has not proved possible to eradicate the deafness from which this breed suffers.
Many outstanding British cats of all varieties are sold to the United States and do well when appearing at shows there.