Understanding Cat Shows and Responsible Cat Breeding, with Teresa Keiger
When most people think about cat shows, they picture beautiful, pampered cats competing for ribbons. But there is so much more to the world of pedigreed cats than meets the eye.
My guest, Teresa Keiger, wears many hats in the world of cats. She is a CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) Judge, A Russian Blue breeder, editor of Cat Talk magazine, owner of a graphics design business, providers of graphics for the CWA (Cat Writers Association). Wheww! Needless to say, Teresa stays very busy!
Teresa shares how she became involved in the world of pedigreed cats and discusses her work with the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). We also talk about traveling with show cats, what it's like to judge cats, and the many people who dedicate their lives to preserving and improving the breeds they love.
During the second half of our conversation, we tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in the cat world: responsible breeding. Did you know that only about 3% to 5% of domestic cats come from intentional, responsible breeding programs? We discuss why ethical breeding plays an important role in preserving healthy bloodlines, maintaining breed standards, and helping ensure that many beloved breeds continue to thrive for future generations.
Whether you've always wondered what happens at a cat show, are curious about pedigreed cats, or simply want a better understanding of responsible breeding, this episode offers an informative look into a fascinating part of the cat world.
Listen to Episode #168 Now:
BIO:
Teresa Keiger is a CFA Allbreed judge, joining the judging program in 2006. She has judged throughout all of CFA’s Regions and Divisions, including assignments in Europe, mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Kuwait, and Malaysia. She has judged for other associations in Australia and New Zealand.
Her original breed is the Russian Blue, which she is still breeding under the cattery name Platina Luna. Her wins with the breed include many Regional Winners, 3 National Winners, and 2 Distinguished Merit cats. The highlight of her breeding career was having Second Best Cat in CFA in 2009, a Russian Blue who had also won the prestigious Madison Square Garden show. During her judging training, she exhibited Siamese, Manx, Abysinnians, Javinese, Ocicats, Persians, Exotics, and Maine Coon Cats.
A graphic designer by trade, she is contracted by the Cat Fanciers’ Association as their graphic designer. She is editor and designer for the award-winning “Cat Talk” online (formerly print) magazine, CFA’s official magazine. Her work has earned her several Muse Medallions from the Cat Writers’ Association.
Transcript: