History of The Siamese Cat Society

Below is a copy of the original document regarding the foundation of the Siamese Cat Society in 1958…
(To view the Portable Document (PDF) document later edited by Sandra Sweetman click here and the actual original document pdf can be found here.)

IN THE BEGINNING

In 1958 the Siamese Cat Society founders were interested not only in the welfare of ALL cats but also to ensure that Siamese cats were bred, exhibited and judged to impeccable high standards. Later on in New South Wales other specialist clubs were formed but the Siamese Cat Society was the first specialists (One Breed) Club. At their first show held on 28 June 1958 the following Siamese cats were exhibited: 61 Seal Points, 5 blue points, 4 chocolate points; the only other cats were the renowned first Burmese import named Tomahawk, two of his hybrid progeny (CG Allen) and 4 experimental Red Points (M Finch) which were on exhibition. The Cat Show was a great novelty and delight to the general public.

Up until 1971 the Siamese Cat Society’s Championship Show remained a one-breed Siamese Specialists Show. After that it was realised that many members now owned shorthair cats of other breeds especially the ones derived from Siamese foundation stock, so classes were provided for all shorthair varieties.

THE FIRST MEETING

On 25th January 1958 The first Siamese Cat Society inaugural meeting was held with twenty-seven Siamese fanciers in attendance including: Mrs Finch, Mrs Paris and Mrs Outram who are still active in the Cat Fancy today. GG Allen and was elected foundation president, Mrs Outram the first treasurer, she later becoming President and Journal Editor. Mrs Helsham (later on President) was on the first committee. Mrs Hinde became the secretary shortly after the Society’s formation and was later a long-serving President and is still a staunch supporter of the Cat Fancy.

OUR QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

FELIS, The Society’s own special journal began in January 1960 and although over the years has undergone a number of changes in its format it’s has still held to its original goal as described by the 1st editor Geoff Allen who said “we needed a focus for the Siamese Cat Fancy…… providing factual reports…… experimental and clinical observations…… abstracts and reviews on relevant publications in other journals.”

This journal as well as The Society’s general meetings is a great fun way for breeders and exhibitors are like to keep in touch with what’s going on and for new owners of Siamese cats to pick up tips and advice that will take all the hassle and stress out of showing and breeding these exquisite cats. Club officials are more than happy to answer any of your questions and help solve problems any members might encounter.

MEMBERSHIP

If you have any queries regarding membership of the Siamese Cat Society or would like advice on Siamese cats or kittens, please feel free to phone the following club officials

Mrs M Wood    President     (02) 743 2905        Mrs M Sherwood         Secretary     (02) 487 1381

                                                             Mr F Pearson Treasurer (02) 9958 7556

OBJECTIVES

The Siamese Cat Society provides encouragement and advice for all its members and to the general public. The objective of the club is to promote responsible cat ownership and also the protection and preservation of the unique Siamese breed as well as the welfare of all other breeds of cat. The Siamese cat society offers FREE information and advice for all aspects of caring for your cat or kitten and will offer support and help in buying or where to purchase a brand new kitten.