Gloria Stephens

an interview with the Late TICA Judge Gloria Stephens

By Jay Lehman

Jay: What made you decide to get your first cat and what kind was it?
Gloria: I have always had cats. My mother loved them. The first cat I truly remember was a white Persian that belonged to her.

Jay: When did you get your first pedigreed (show quality) cat and what breed was it?
Gloria: In the 60s. He was a chocolate point Siamese.

Jay: When did you become involved in breeding and why?
Gloria: In the 60s. Unfortunately or fortunately for me, I went to a cat show and enjoyed it so much, that I wanted to be a part of the group. Then it became a challenge for me to see if I could produce more beautiful Siamese.

Jay: What breeds have you/do you breed, and why?
Gloria: Aby, American Shorthair, Burmese, Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats, Siamese, Oriental Shorthair, one Persian. Presently - Munchkins and Sphynx.
Why? I love cats. The AS, BU, OS, PE, MK, SX were given to me. The rest I bought.

Jay: When did you become involved in TICA and why?
Gloria: From the very inception of TICA. I wanted to be a part of an organization that was more gentle than my previous one, that my genetic knowledge could be used, and to help TICA grow and to become the best cat organization in the world.

Jay: What other associations were you ever involved with?
Gloria: I was an Allbreed Judge in ACFA and prior to being a judge, I showed in ACFA and CFA.

Jay: When and why did you decide to become a judge?
Gloria: When my lilac point Siamese went best cat for the umteenth time and the thrill was gone, I knew it was time to move on to another level. I am really not a competitive person, therefore the actual showing of cats is not important to me. Creating a beautiful work of art, which the cat is, is more important.

Jay: What is your fondest memory of TICA?
Gloria: I honestly think (and don't laugh) when our new Judging System went into effect. Up until that time, the Grand Champions had a pretty good shot at finals. I judged one of the first shows with this new system where we did not know if the cat was a Novice or a Grand Champion. There was a Himy breeder who had always won. This time, she didn't. I can still see her go by my ring - furious because not one single judge had finaled her cat (it was really not very good:)) Every vain in her neck stuck out and was beet red. Our judging system is wonderful, as the best cats can win and be awarded a final.

Jay: What advise would you give to Russian Blue exhibitors about showing this breed?
Gloria: I have never bred Russian Blues, so I have little advise for exhibitors. For breeders? Yes, please make sure you have a large enough gene pool to maintain a healthy breed. There are not as many Russian Blues as there use to be. I so seldom see even one at the shows any longer and this concerns me.