Canadian Cat Association

By Nancy Kerr  

All three of these breeds are part of the natural working breeds. This category is for natural breeds of domestic cats (that have developed from cats that survived the local conditions and developed into formal recognized breeds by one or more cat organizations such as ACFA, CFA, or CCA).

The most popular and well-known purebred cats in this category are the Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coon Cats, which are often compared with the Siberian Cat. At first many find it difficult to distinguish between these three purebred cats.

Origins

Siberian Cat

Originated in Siberia and is the national cat of Russia. A longer name of the formal breed is Siberian Forest Cat, but it is usually referred to as the Siberian or the Siberian cat. The origin of this ancient breed predates written records, though the earliest references to them were made in 1000AD. Russian fanciers began keeping records of the breed in 1980 and it was officially recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1992. Nicknames: Moscow Semi-longhair, Hair Siberian Forest Cat

Maine Coon

Originated in the United States in Maine and is also known as the Maine Shag. It was first recognized as a specific breed in Maine where it was named the official cat of the state. It is cross of Angora cats brought to American by sailors from Europe and the Middle East and shorthair American farm cats. The breed is considered a natural breed in that it developed to survive the climate. It is one of the oldest North American natural breeds. Nicknames: Coon Cat, Maine Cat, Maine Shag, Snowshoe Cat, American Longhair, The Gentle Giants

Norwegian Forest Cat

Originated in Northern Europe. The breed adapted to a very cold climate, with top coat of glossy, long, water-shedding hairs and a woolly undercoat for insulation. Although this is uncertain, the breed's ancestors may have been locally adapted short-haired cats brought to Norway by the Vikings around 1000 AD. This beloved cat was even made the official cat of Norway by King Olaf in the 1970s. Nicknames: Skogkatt / Skaukatt, Norsk Skogkatt / Norsk Skaukatt, Weegie\Wegie

Personality

All of these breeds are outgoing and sociable, making them a good choice for first-time cat owners and self-professed “dog people.” The extroverted and brainy Maine Coon is fairly easy to train to a harness and leash, so you can take him along on walks. He also gets along with kids, other cats and dogs. Like the Maine Coon, Norwegian forest cats – or Wegies -- are smart, friendly and playful. Though he isn’t clingy, he will go looking for companionship if you leave him alone for too long. This is a very calm cat who is not particularly vocal. Siberians also are intelligent and good problem-solvers, and follow you around like puppy dogs.

Norwegian Forest Cat: Active, Agile, Curious, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Playful, and Social

Maine Coon: Gentle, Independent, and Intelligent

Siberian: Affectionate, Agile, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, and Social

Head Shape

The most noticeable physical difference among these breeds is head shape.

The Norwegian’s head is shaped kind of like an equilateral triangle, where the forehead is flat and the nose forms a straight line in profile.

The Maine Coon’s wedge-shaped head is framed by high cheek bones. There’s a gentle curve to the nose when seen in profile.

The Siberian has a modified wedge – the corners are more rounded than the Maine coon’s – and the nose is broad between the eyes and narrows at the tip, with a slight concave curve in profile.

Head Shape Comparison

Picture from http://mainecoon-world.ru/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=446

The difference between heads of SIBs, NFCs, and MCOs, is clearly seen in the above diagram. The head of a SIB lacks such extremities as exaggerate whisker pads and muzzle of MCO, and straight profile and overall triangle shape of NFC.

The second easiest way to tell these big hardy cats apart is in the face. The Maine Coons profile is closer in appearance to the Siberians, but is longer, and has a more defined drop from the forehead to muzzle.

The Norwegian, with its triangular head and straight profile that earned it the nick-name Wedgie, provides the most striking difference.

(Pictures from: https://thisbugslife.com/2016/11/11/the-difference-between-siberian-cat-norwegian-forest-cat-and-maine-coon/)

Coat and Ruff

While all of these breeds have lots of fur, the coats do differ a bit.

The Norwegian’s double coat has a silky, water-repellant overcoat, and has a frontal ruff round the neck. Moderately long to long on body; shorter on shoulders and on chest. Full ruff on adults. (Picture by Blue Skye: Redzone Gavin of Kerrisma)

The Siberian has a triple coat, and in the winter the ruff is extremely abundant, giving the look of a lion. The hair length on the body is medium-long, slightly shorter on shoulders and chest. Full ruff on adults. (Picture from: https://www.google.ca/search?q=siberian+cat+on+deck+pictures&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwir3bGrp4DaAhXFY98KHR9UC0gQ7AkIQA&biw=1421&bih=531#imgrc=l7shQxxxj4kkAM:&spf=1521734660596)

The Maine Coon’s coat is uneven and shorter around the shoulders, and only has a short undercoat. The coat generally is shaggier, with a smaller ruff than the other two breeds. Moderately long to long on body. Full ruff on adults. (Picture from: https://www.cca-afc.com/Breeds/Default)

All colors are accepted in all three breeds with the exception of pointed colors in the Norwegian Forest Cats and the Maine Coons.

Tail

These three breeds are particularly proud of their wide, fluffy tails.

The Norwegian’s tapers to a tip with full and flowing hair. It’s at least as long as the body from shoulders to the base of the tail. (Picture by Larry Johnston: Nordictale Dorothy of Kerrisma)

The Maine Coon’s also is as long as the body, but it tapers to a bushy end. (Picture from: https://www.cca-afc.com/Breeds/Default)

The Siberian’s is blunt at the tip and not as long as the other two breeds, but it makes up for this shorter length by draping gracefully down both sides. (Picture from: https://www.google.ca/search?q=pictures+of+siberian+forest+cats+by+helmi+flick&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjY_MbApIDaAhVyleAKHZwSCdcQ7AkIRA&biw=1421&bih=531#imgrc=WF5jTz81cKV1gM:&spf=1521733894860)

Ears

Siberian - Medium long, wide at base with rounded tip. Set 1 to 1 1/2 ear widths apart and tilting forward. Set almost as much on the sides as on the top of the head.

Maine Coon - Large, wide at base and tapered to a point. Set high and well apart.

Norwegian Forest Cat - Medium to large, slightly rounded at tip. Spaced wider and tilted more forward. Set as much on sides as on the top of head.

Eyes

Siberian - Large, almost oval. Wide set with outer corner slightly angled toward the lower base of ear.

Maine Coon - Large, wide set. Slight oblique angle.

Norwegian Forest Cat - Large, almond shaped. Set at slight angle.

Two ways to tell a Siberian from a Maine Coon and a Norwegian are by their ears and their eyes. A Siberians eyes are large, nearly round and set at a medium width apart. Their ears tend to be moderate in size. In contrast, a Maine Coons eyes are also large and round, but tend to be slight slanted and are set wide apart, and a Norwegians eyes are almond-shaped. Maine Coons and Norwegian also tend to have very large ears.

(Picture from: https://thisbugslife.com/2016/11/11/the-difference-between-siberian-cat-norwegian-forest-cat-and-maine-coon/)

Body

Siberian - Heavy, moderately long and substantial with rump slightly higher than withers. Back slightly arched. Convex muscular torso and compact belly with age.

Maine Coon - Large, long and muscular; rectangular.

Norwegian Forest Cat - Medium length with rump higher. Siberian cats are easily confused with Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats. However, a closer inspection reveals differences, and probably the most noticeable of these, is the body shape. The Siberian has a rounder, stockier body compared with the Maine Coon or Norwegian.

Legs

Siberian - Moderately long with heavy boning and musculature. Hind legs longer. Large round feet. Toe tufts desirable.

Maine Coon - Medium length. Substantial and wide set. Toe tufts.

Norwegian Forest Cat - Medium length with hind legs longer. Toe tufts. This is the only breed of cat that is allowed in the breed description to toe out.  

For a quick Reference chart, please click this link.

 (Chart is based on chart from: http://www.vanircats.com/difference.html)

This is our first installment of what will hopefully become a recurring column in the CCA Newsletter. We all know how photogenic our feline friends are. Some even fancy themselves photographers! Point in case… ADDY who lives with Carolyn Campbell!!! Carolyn left her phone in a room with Addy and came back to these up close and personal photos that Addy managed to take herself of herself.

By Louise Laliberte

Back in April 1968, in Saint-Hyacinthe:

Four young women will receive their diploma in Veterinary Medicine. One, Françoise Hébrard, is from France, and the three others are the first Quebecers to earn such a degree: Diane Gravel, Anne Bousquet and Louise Laliberté.

Can you imagine… for the first time since a man became a veterinarian in 1868, Quebec women will now also have the right to treat animals. It took exactly 100 years !

This evening, the Small animal veterinary Association (AMVQ) is happy to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the arrival in the profession of those three exceptional women.

In his presentation of Louise Laliberté, Dr. Michel Pepin, well known Quebec veterinarian, listed some highlights of Louise’s career:

The young Louise, already a provincial fencing champion, decided to register at the Veterinary School of Saint-Hyacinthe. Once graduated, she taught biology and microbiology at the Saint-Hyacinthe CEGEP.

She is then invited by Vanier College to set up a course in veterinary technology to be offered as an option during the third year of a more general curriculum. Thanks to her work, a new profession was born. Since then, thousands of veterinary technicians graduated from several Quebec colleges which changed the quality of care given to animals.

In 1975, she became the owner of Clinique Vétérinaire de Longueuil, then moved to Guelph to study for a Master of Science in veterinary virology and epidemiology. She also managed a family-run advertising company and for the last 10 last years of her career, she represented a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Markham.

She also did translations, became an international feline judge and bred purebred cats for several years. She is co-founder of Club félin de Montréal (1974) and has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Cat Association for more than 40 years.

Dr. Laliberté is at the source of many premières as a veterinary woman. Here is a brief list: •

• She was the first to publish books such as Manuel de travaux pratiques en microbiologie for student nurses with Dr Raymond Roy. We must not forget to mention the successful books about dogs and cats: Le Guide du chien et de son maître, Le guide du chat et de son maître, Toutes les races de chats et Mon chien champion ;
• She was the first freelance author of a weekly column in La Presse from 1974 to 1982;
• She was the first woman to insure a regular presence on radio and television with over hundred veterinary columns;
• First woman elected on the Board of les Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec (OMVQ);
• Co-founder and first director of Vétérinarius official magazine of OMVQ;
• First woman recipient of Médaille de St-Éloi, the highest recognition awarded by OMVQ;
• Recipient of Victor award from the Quebec veterinary historical society (SCPVQ);
• Recipient of Damase-Généreux Award from AMVQ.

Diane Gravel

In 1968, when she graduated, young Diane, a native of Saint-Georges-de-Beauce, was hired at the Montreal Veterinary Hospital in Montreal, where a big surprise awaited her.

Her boss, Dr. Lucien Desmarais announced that she will be leaving for six months in the United States. She does not speak a word of English and is parachuted to Pasadena, California in Dr. Stansbury's famous Cat Clinic – he is a veteran of the Korean War, veteran's son and brother and author of numerous books and articles on feline health.

Without knowing it, she became the first Quebec veterinarian to go to the United States to "improve". Upon her return, she joined the team at the Northern Veterinary Hospital where she worked until the 1980s before founding the Clinique vétérinaire d'Auteuil in Laval.

Anne Bousquet

Upon graduation in 1968, Anne Bousquet, a Valleyfield native, was offered the opportunity to temporarily replace a biology teacher at the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu high school. Where she stayed for 32 years!

This does not prevent her from working in the veterinary practice. In 1970, she founded the Veterinary Clinic Anne Bousquet. She is the first woman in Quebec to become the owner of her own veterinary establishment. While continuing her education, she receives clients and makes home visits.

In the early 80s, she gave herself a short break from the practice to take care of her daughter Isabeau and then took over the calling by opening the Veterinary Office Saint-Luc that she sold in 1990. She still continued to practice for many years.

Last fall, she did a good twenty hours a week at the Hôpital Ami-fidelite in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. To date, she holds the record for the mostvof years of practice for a female veterinarian in Quebec.

And, we have, tonight, the chance to have it with us! I invite you to warmly applaud Dr. Anne Bousquet who is accompanied for the occasion by her husband, Mr. Jacques Des Groseillers, as well as their daughter Isabeau Bousquet-Des Groseillers and her partner Yan Helstrom.

For the occasion, the president of the AMVQ, Dr. Jean Gauvin will give him a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

During the last 50 years, more than 2,000 young Quebecers have followed the three pioneers, Drs. Bousquet, Gravel and Laliberté, and have broken all the glass ceilings of our noble and beautiful profession.

Your passion, your devotion and your empathy coupled with your knowledge, your meticulousness and your determination have changed our approach to animals. Thanks to you, veterinary medicine is now full of humanity. For that and all your accomplishments, we are immensely thankful.

Additional Awards That are Available to Win and Claim

By Jo Anne Lynch

International Grand Champion/Premier/Companion

If you cat has attained a Grand Championship status in two different countries you are entitled to claim this award. The form is available at International Titles Claim Forms

Double Crown and Triple Crown

For pedigreed cats, a Double Crown must be a National Winner in two classes e.g. Kitten and Championship; a Triple Crown must be a National Winner in all three classes e.g. Kitten, Championship and Premiership For Household Pets, to qualify for Double Crown you must be a National Winner for two years, but not necessarily consecutive. For a Triple Crown win you must be a National Winner for three years. The form to claim all is available at Double and Triple Crown Claim Form

Master Grand Champion/Premier/Companion and Supreme Master Grand Champion/Premier/Companion will automatically be awarded. Please note that a photo is required for the medallion award.

Grand Champion/Premier/Companion of Distinction Grands

The cat will have won 30 Finals, once it has achieved Grand status, in three separate show years, not necessarily consecutive. The form is available at Grand of Distinction Form

Elite Merit

This is an award that is available to claim for a Dam who produces three grand champions/premiers or a Sire who produces eight grand champions/premiers A claim must be sent to the office with copies of the offspring that became grands.

Photos of duplicate awards as well as the photo requirements for each award are  at this link

Please note that acrylic awards may be of a different style if suppliers no longer have the pictured style available.

Jo Anne Lynch

National Awards Chair Award 

By Dre. Louise Lalibert

Once again it is time to submit nominations for the prestigious Jerry Miller Award. Below you will find a brief description of the award, and the list of previous recipients from past years. The recipient for 2017/18 will be chosen by the Jerry Miller Awards Committee, chaired by Eleanor MacDonald, assisted by three precious recipients and will be presented to the winner at the 2017/18 National Awards Banquet..

Please submit your nomination, along with a detailed letter indicating why your nominee is deserving of this award to Eleanor MacDonald at minipurrl@hotmail.com immediately.

The Jerry-Miller Award The Jerry Miller Award has been created to honour outstanding services to the Canadian Cat Association as well as to a CCA clubs.

Jerry Miller passed away on May 16 1994, in the middle of his second year of his president mandate. The award was created by the CCA Board of director following year. Jerry Miller made an outstanding contribution to the CCA that he served with distinction as President, Treasurer and long time Director, as well as being a founding member of the Motor City Cat Club. This award honours a member of the CCA in his name and his memory.

PRIX JERRY- MILLER 2018 : Appel de candidatures

Voici le temps venu pour soumettre les noms de candidats pour le prestigieux prix Jerry- Miller Award. Vous trouverez ci-dessous une brève description du prix ainsi que la liste des récipiendaires au cours des années. Le ou la récipiendaire du prix 2018 sera choisi(e) par le Comité Prix Jerry-Miller présidé par Eleanor MacDonald, assistée de trois récipiendaires passés et le prix sera présenté au récipiendaire lors du Banquet en l’honneur des meilleurs chats canadiens 2017-2018, dont la date et le lieu restent à déterminer.

Veuillez SVP soumettre votre mise en candidature, accompagnée d’un texte présentant votre candidat ou candidate en expliquant pourquoi il ou elle mérite le prix, à Eleanor MacDonald `à minipurrl@hotmail.com maintenant.

Prix Jerry-Miller Le prix Jerry-Miller a été créé afin de souligner des services exemplaires rendus à l’Association féline canadienne et à ses clubs affiliés.

Jerry Miller est décédé le 16 mai 1994, au milieu de son deuxième mandat comme président de l’AFC. Le prix a été créé l’année suivante. Jerry a grandement contribué à l’AFC qu’il a servie à titre de président, trésorier et directeur pendant de nombreuses années, en plus d’avoir été un membre fondateur du Club Motor City Cat Club. Le prix Jerry-Miller honore un membre de l’AFC en son nom et à sa mémoire.

PAST RECIPIENTS OF THE JERRY MILLER AWARD LES RÉCIPIENDAIRES DU PRIX JERRY-MILLER

1995 : George Louch

1996 : Roger Boisselle

1997 : Madge and Bill Turner

1998 : Nicole Menweg

1999: Elaine and Bob Gleason

2000: Louise Laliberté

2001: Margaret Gadouas

2002:

2003 Gail & Tony Sellers

2004: Terry Farrell

2005: Eleanor MacDonald

2006: JoAnne & Jeff McGowan

2007: Claire Lamontagne

2008: Jean Morphee Barnard

2009: Maureen Needham

2010: JoAnne Prima

2011: Janet Baranik

2012: Leslie & Mike Chapman

2013 : Monique Beaudet

2014 : Ellie Smith Leighton

2015 : John Simon Smith

2016 : JoAnne Lynch

2017 : Jan Coburn & Linda Raines