By Jay Lehman

Jay:  What made you decide to get your first cat and what kind was it?
Ed:  I always loved cats and was not allowed to have cats as a child because my parents disliked cats. My first cat was totally blue with yellow eyes.. it was a kitten from a classmate of mine whose cat had kittens... Heinz 57 variety named Edie.

Jay:  When did you get your first pedigreed (show quality) cat and what breed was it?
Ed:  It must have been "83 or '84. It was a Russian Blue female.

Jay:  When did you become involved in breeding and why?
Ed:  I visited a local cat show and was hooked immediately.  I started breeding in '83 with Russian Blues because I loved the breed and all cats.

Jay:  What breeds have you/do you breed, and why?
Ed:   I have a Birman, a Maine Coon, an Aby, a Persian and an Egyptian Mau and I love them all . So great and they get along just fine. Its important to see and watch, and observe the distinct differences between the breeds and between longhair VS shorthair breeds.

Jay:  When did you become involved in CFA and why?
Ed:  it had to be 1983/84. I wanted to be part of a great association with great cats, and most importantly,, I wanted to learn...and expand my interest in all breeds of cats.

Jay:  What makes CFA stand out?
Ed:  There is no doubt, the QUALITY OF THEIR CATS AND PRESERVATION OF THEIR BREEDS.

Jay:  When and why did you decide to become a judge?
Ed:  I decided in 1995 because I felt that I had enough experience in the breeds, clerking, master clerking and teaching clerking schools and thought that I could give back something to the fancy that it had given me.

Jay:  What is your fondest memory in CFA?
Ed:  The great friends that I have made, and the great cats that I have seen and handled thus far in my judging career, and the things that I have learned about cats and the fancy.

Jay:  What advise would you give to Russian Blue exhibitors about showing this breed?
Ed:  Don't sacrifice coat. It is one of the most important link this breed has to its past. It should be like a silver tipped pelt. Temperament is just as important.

Jay:  What advise would you give Russian Blue breeders while developing this breed?
Ed:  Keep up the good work and do all you can to bring new fanciers into loving and working with Russian Blues

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copyright © 2000 Jay Lehman