In This Issue
From the President’s Desk: A Message from TICA President Vicki Jo Harrison | TICA Celebrates 2020 International Virtual Awards | Mark Your Calendar: TICA Spring Board Meeting | TICA Welcomes New Club into Our Family | TICA Issues Disclaimer and Warning to Breeders of Potential Advertising Scam | Photos Needed for FIP Guidelines You Can Help Educate Others About FIP | Meet Therapy Cat Sooshi and Learn How You and Your Feline Can Bring Smiles to Hospice Patients | TICA’s Book Corner: Schroedinger The Wonder Cat | EveryCat Health Foundation May 2021 Update | Check out TICA’s top social media posts you may have missed… | TICA April Breed of the Month: British Shorthair | TICA Regional Updates
From the President’s Desk:
A Message from TICA President Vicki Jo Harrison
I do hope everyone has had a chance to view the virtual awards presentation celebrating the 2020 TICA International Award Winners. If not, please check out the links below.
This project took many, many weeks and the work of many dedicated TICA members to complete. I would like to recognize the TICA Team for all their hard work in the planning and creation of this presentation: Danny Nevarez, Roeann Fulkerson, Chris Unangst, Beth Spencer, Christina Duffney-Carey, Frances Cardona, and Liz Brown.
Thank you to all the Board Members, past and present, and long-time TICA members for reading and “presenting” all the awards: Vickie Fisher, Fate Mayes, Liz Brown, Ellen Crockett, Katharina Krenn, Connie Webb, Steven Savant, Brenda Russo, Lisa Dickie, Liesbeth van Mullem, Luiz Paulo Faccioli, Steve Lawson, Elaine Hawksworth-Weitz, Canie Brooks, and Ralph Stadter. Thanks to each of you for your part in making this presentation.
Congratulations once again to the 2020 TICA International Award Winners!
Please enjoy the presentation!
Vicki Jo Harrison
TICA President
TICA Celebrates 2020 International Virtual Awards
Proving not even a pandemic can stop TICA members from celebrating the achievements of their fabulous felines, TICA held the 2020 International Virtual Awards on their Facebook page on April 29, 2021. For those who missed it, the power of the Internet allows you to view anytime and as often as desired. No packing, no plane ticket required, view at your own convenience or with a group of your friends.
Click below to watch TICA’s 2020 International Virtual Annual Awards:
TICA’s 2020 International Awards Introduction – Opening remarks by TICA President Vicki Jo Harrison and Immediate Past President Vickie Fisher. Recognition of TICA 2020 Junior Exhibitors, Judge Service Awards, TICA Treasures, TICA Judge of the Year, Catalogs of the Year, and 2020 Lifetime Achievements.
Best of Breed Championship Cats
25th-14th Best Longhair Championship Cats
25th-13th Best Shorthair Championship Cats
Mark Your Calendar: TICA Spring Board Meeting
The TICA Spring Board meeting will take place May 21-23, 2021 via Zoom. View the full agenda. Please note that for security reasons, only authenticated users can participate in the meeting. This means that you must log on to Zoom in order to be able to access the meeting. Log in here with meeting ID #834 3018 9815 and Passcode #590149.
TICA Welcomes New Club into Our Family
Please help us welcome Practicalcats (Caledonia, IL) from the TICA Great Lakes Region into our growing family of friends.
TICA Issues Disclaimer and Warning to Breeders of Potential Advertising Scam
TICA Breeders, please note, TICA does not share or distribute our member or client information. Be aware that any calls claiming they are from Facebook, a company named Relevant Media, or anyplace soliciting ads for a Breeder Highlight Kitten of the Month are not authorized by TICA. TICA does not sell member, release, or share member, breeder, or client list information to any sources outside TICA.
Photos Needed for FIP Guidelines You Can Help Educate Others About FIP
Photo images of FIP cases of effusive and non-effusive disease are needed for FIP Guidelines on diagnosis through the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and EveryCat Health Foundation. The Guidelines are primarily aimed at veterinarians to help them have tools to make a correct diagnosis, and hopefully fewer under or over diagnosing the disease. They will show veterinarians the different ways FIP expresses itself.
Photo credit will be given or can be withheld [photo submission need not be personally identified if you wish to remain anonymous] for those who participate in this very important publication. Everyone interested in participating must fill out the photo authorization form and send it with their images to Vicki Thayer at thayv@aol.com by June 15, 2021.
Meet Therapy Cat Sooshi and Learn How You and Your Feline Can Bring Smiles to Hospice Patients
Meet Sooshi and Lorri Reynolds, the first Pet Partners therapy cat team in Northeast Florida who break the myth that felines aren’t typically seen as therapy animals.
Lorri adopted Sooshi at the Mega Pet Adoption in Jacksonville, Florida when she was only 1.9 lbs. and 6-weeks old. Found as a feral, and treated for feline panleukopenia (FPV), Sooshi becoming a therapy cat was not the first thought that entered Lori’s mind. However, Sooshi proves that most cats with just a little training and a clean bill of health from their vet make great therapy animals.
Sooshi and Lorri had to pass 21 exercises to get their complex rating as a Pet Partners registered therapy animal team. While 21 sounds like a lot, keep in mind that some of the exercises were to determine how much Sooshi didn’t react to different scenarios they might encounter on visits, such as a metal pan dropping on the ground behind her or wheelchairs coming toward her. Basically, Sooshi was tested on her ability to do nothing and she did an incredible job.
Lorri says the best part of volunteering with Sooshi is watching hospice patients’ faces light up when they see them both walk into their room. A primary focus of therapy animal is to pleasantly distract an individual who is going through a difficult illness or situation, even for just a few minutes. “There is no greater privilege for me than to be able to give someone in distress a few moments of peaceful interaction with both Sooshi and me, said Lorri.”
Read more about how Sooshi helps terminally ill patients and find out how you and your cat can make a difference in the lives of hospital patients and nursing home residents by joining TICA’s Therapy Cat Recognition Program or download the brochure on how to get started.
TICA’s Book Corner: Schroedinger The Wonder Cat
Schroendinger The Wonder Cat, is a book by Aaron Rosen that demonstrates the strength of the human-animal-bond and explains the path our felines take to become loved family members. The story is based on the 14-year relationship between Rosen and Schroendinger and tells the discoveries they made while getting to know each other. As Rosen writes, “He became my friend, my companion, and my family. He made my life less lonely and fuller and I hope he felt the same about me.”
A portion of the book takes place on the ranch Mr. Rosen occupied with Schroendinger. While TICA encourages people to keep their cats indoors only, Schroedinger The Wonder Cat is a good reminder of the love our cats show us and the joy and companionship they add to our lives.
The book is priced at $16.99 and can be purchased online at schroedingerthewondercat.com. TICA has arranged for $2 of the proceeds from each book to be donated to EveryCat Health Foundation when you enter “TICA” in the checkout.
EveryCat Health Foundation
May 2021 Update
EveryCat Health Foundation is “Springing into Action” in May – Nearly 400 million cats bring joy to their human companions across the world, and although cat ownership continues to grow, health research for cats remains underfunded compared to many other animals. Together we can change that.
Join us by springing into action this May and advancing feline health studies that benefits my cat, your cat, pedigree cats, shelter cats, community cats – every cat! Your financial contribution makes our vital work possible. And, thanks to the collective passion for cats and personal dedication of our EveryCat team, up to $100 of the gift you give today will be matched! Donate here.
May Webinars – EveryCat Health Foundation has two great webinars planned for May. Among them:
- Join us on May 20, 2021 at 1:00 pm EDT for “If You Have a Cat, Thank EveryCat: Always WINNing for Cats“. Members of the Board of Directors will be discussing who EveryCat Health Foundation is, where we’ve been and where we’re going in the name of advancing feline health. Speakers will include Dr. Drew Weigner, President of EveryCat, Jackie Ott Jaackola, Executive Director, Dr. Vicki Thayer, Director Emeritus, and Vickie Fisher, President-Elect, among others. Hear about the advances that have been made in FIP, genetics and HCM, for example, because of EveryCat funding. For more information or reserve your seat today!
- Join us on May 27, 2021 at 1:00 pm EDT for the webinar “Starting Strong: Nutrition for your Kitten” with Kara M. Burns, MS, M.Ed, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry), who will be speaking about kitten nutrition.The post weaning period through the first year of life is a critical time for development. This presentation will review the nutritional assessment, the key nutrients for a healthy kitten, and how to feed to achieve healthy growth, optimize trainability and immune function, and minimize obesity. For more information or reserve your seat today!
Miller Trust Grant Request for Proposals – Grant proposals are now being accepted for the Miller Trust grant cycle. For more information and grant guidelines, please visit https://everycat.org/the-latest/grants/open-grant-rfps/
In Case You Missed It…
Check out TICA’s top social media posts you may have missed…
On TICA’s Instagram:
See How TICA Celebrated the Bengal as Breed of the Month.
On TICA’s Facebook:
See How TICA Celebrated National Cat Lady Day.
On TICA’s Twitter:
Human Animal Bond Research Institute Released a New Survey About Cat Owners with Allergies.
TICA May Breed of the Month: British Shorthair
Known for their chubby face and easy-going demeanor, the British Shorthair bears the proud distinction of being one of the world’s oldest cat breeds. Experts think that the breed is a descendent from cats imported to Rome from ancient Egypt. Their warm and lovable personality combined with their independent nature makes them a top choice for many families. Read more about the British Shorthair and find out if it is right for you and your family.
TICA Regional Updates
TICA Great Lakes Regional Update
TICA Mid Atlantic Regional Update
TICA Northeast Regional Update
TICA Northwest Regional Update
TICA South Central Regional Update
TICA Southwest Regional Update
TICA Great Lakes Regional Director Liz Brown:
Spring 2021 Board Meeting – I will be posting individual proposals for the Spring 2021 Board Meeting on Facebook for discussion. Members are also, as always, welcome to reach out to me at drlizhansen@gmail.com with any questions and comments privately.
Join us for our First Post-Covid Show – The first show post-COVID will be in Wooster, Ohio, on July 17-18, 2021 hosted by Buckeye Ohio Rollers Cat Club. The show is open on TOES now for your entries and is offering an early bird special if paid by June 7! Please join your GL friends back in the show halls this summer. For more information, visit http://www.buckeyecatclub.com/BORCC.html.
GL Regional Update – The 2020 & 2021 GL Regional Show & Awards will be presented by Showcats! Columbus at the “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” show in Zanesville, OH, on Aug 14-15. The show is now open for entries on TOES and the club is offering a great Early Bird rate if paid by June 15. For more information, visit https://chemicoons.wixsite.com/showcatscolumbus.
Upcoming HCM Clinic – A HCM Clinic will be held on June 5 from 8am – 12 noon in the conference room at the La Quinta Inn & Suites (5217 East Terrace Drive) in Madison, WI. There is a non-refundable $10/cat fee to cover the cost of the conference room. After sign-up, this form will take you to the payment page for this part of the clinic. There will also be a screening with UW Cardiologist Dr. Heidi Kellihan for a $250/cat fee, payable directly to Dr. Kellihan at the clinic via cash, check, Paypal or Venmo. Specific times will be assigned in a few weeks (or let me know of early or late AM preference). ADVANCE SIGN-UP IS REQUIRED @ https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/t1jB8Pa9cMghbok7.
In Memoriam – The GL Region has lost member, and Siamese breeder (Charjanie cattery) Carole Young. Read her obituary to learn more about Carole.
TICA Mid Atlantic Regional Director Brenda Russo:
TICA Spring Board Meeting – The Spring Board meeting will be held electronically May 21-23, 2021. I have included the link for your reference and I will send future reminders closer to the date. View the full agenda. If you have any questions and or concerns, please contact me privately @regional.director.ma@tica.org. Your input is extremely important to me and our members welcome your thoughts. Log in here with meeting ID #834 3018 9815 and Passcode #590149.
MA Regional Show Update – The TICA MA Regional Show and Awards presentation will be held July 23-25, 2021 in Morgantown, PA. Our show is on TOES and all information is provided on the Karousel Kats website. Please enter early and often! We are currently working on the presentation/dinner segment and hope to have everything arranged within the following week.
Regional Awards – Yes, it is that time of year again! I am so looking forward to a marvelous MA regional where we can celebrate together and take pleasure in not only wins but relish in all the friendship and love! We truly have a wonderful TICA family! Our region was able to produce 8 shows, where in a normal year it would have been more. That being said, as a region, our members were able to have 25 top KITTENS, 25 CATS, 16 ALTERS, 6 HHP and 6 HHPK! Congratulations to everyone!
Many of the regional awards were handed out at the April shows. Since Covid restrictions had changed and many of you were able to attend shows, I waited until now to start mailing out awards. I will contact you individually one more time to see if you may be attending the July regional, as they will be available at the event. The Special Awards, Best of the Best Trophies and JE awards will be given at the regional show as I consider them quite special and need in person recognition.
Sincere Thanks! – As we all know, the TICA show season is behind us. We had a very challenging year that at times felt like the Wild Mouse Ride! TICA Mid-Atlantic was fortunate to have some superheroes that just couldn’t do enough to help and make this a stand out season. A huge thank you to United Cat Club and their members (Mike & Jessica) for getting the ball rolling and establishing a fantastic COVID-19 restriction set up for all to follow. You took lemons and made an incredible lemonade for all who could to enjoy! Central New Jersey Cat Club also stepped up as soon as Pennsylvania lifted some restrictions to give us a great show in early April. Plus, who could not forget the tremendous Virtual show Emily Greene and Renae Silver put together for all of us to participate in. It was hard work and a complicated event but Emily took the challenge and mastered it! And we cannot forget all the members who chipped in in various ways to help where they could! Special thanks to Julie Ball & Judith Bernbaum for all your support and COVID related advise and supplies through a medical perspective. And of course, to all our members and judges who supported the shows; whether it was by exhibiting, judging, sponsoring or giving emotional support. Without you, there would have been no shows! My sincere hope is that we can get back together as a region and enjoy this year like the good ole days!
Sponsorships! – Since our regional will be rather early this year, we need to start thinking of sponsorships. I would like to challenge everyone to completely sponsor everyone this year, and for the winners, consider sponsoring someone else in the amount of awards you have won. Please make someone happy with an acknowledgement of their accomplishments. Start or renew a friendship! We really need to step up this year and make it a wonderful commemoration, not only for the celebration of awards but also that we are able to be together once again! We will be posting the cats for sponsorship as soon as the EO can provide the names. However, the official standings are up so please take a look and send me an email with your choice to sponsor. We truly need all cats /breeds sponsored this year! Even though there was COVID-19, please don’t disappoint all the kitties out there, they need your support!
TICA Northeast Regional Director Tania Antenucci:
TICA Northeast Region’s 2019-2020 Regional Awards – As our current show season draws to a close, please join us once again congratulating last year’s Best of the Best! See the awards presentation online at https://www.ticane.com/regional-awards-presentation. All rosettes, plaques and trophies have been ordered for the 2019-2020 show season; we will keep everyone posted on next steps.
Our Inaugural Post-Covid Show! Catsachusetts Cat Club is proud to host this milestone event in Boston, MA on June 12th & 13th, 2021. The show is now OPEN and entries are climbing nicely! To enter, or for more information, please visit https://www.catsachusettsclub.com/general-info or TICA’s show calendar https://tica.org/events/show-calendar. The show theme: “CAT You Feel a Brand New Day,” how fitting!
TICA Northwest Regional Director Elaine Hawksworth-Weitz:
Congratulations to everyone in the Northwest Region who were able to participate in the person-to-person cat shows and earn titles and/or regional/international awards this past show season.
TICA NW Spring Virtual Cat Show – There is still time to enter the TICA NW Spring Virtual Cat Show. The show will remain open through May 15th, with judging taking place May 22-25, Best of the Best will be judged May 26-28, and awards announced on May 30, 2021.
In addition to the traditional show classes, people will be able to submit entries in the six fun classes: Tiny tots, Cat-In-A-Bag (or Box), Napping Cats, Best Buds, What is my Cat Saying? and Rainbow Bridge.
The show is open to anyone in the world that would like to participate! People can enter any or all of the competition classes as long as the entry meets the eligibility requirements of that specific class and the corresponding fees have been paid.
We are also seeking vendors and sponsors for the event. If you are interested in participating as a vendor or sponsor, send an email to vendors-sponsors@VirtualCatShowNW.com.
More information about this fun event can be found online or on our TICA NW Virtual Cat Shows Facebook page.
Save the Date – Upcoming In-Person NW Regional Cat Shows:
June 12-13, 2021 – Commencement Cat Club in Chehalis, WA
July 24-25, 2021 – It’s Reigning Cats in Longview, WA
August 7-8, 2021 – The Maine Event in Olympia, WA
For more information on these shows, please visit Show Calendar.
TICA South Central Regional Director Jim Armel:
Hello South Central!
Hopefully everyone had a wonderful last weekend of the show season no matter which show you attended! Congratulations to all our members and their kitties!!
Now let’s make sure we’ve renewed our memberships, and that clubs have renewed their charters. Any and all corrections need to be in to the EO by May 7th.
This month we have the one day show the last weekend in Mesquite, so a great way to kick off the new show season!
Enjoy a few days off and see everyone at a show soon!
TICA Southwest Regional Director Canie Brooks:
TICA Southwest Show News – SoCal ExoTICA Cat Club will be hosting a Welcome Back! show and the Southwest Regional July 24 & 25, 2021 in Arcadia, CA. For more information, please visit https://www.socalexotica.com/.
TICA Southwest 2019-2020 & 2020-2021 Regional Awards – Banquet details will be available after mid-June.
