an interview with TICA Judge Nancy Nolen

By Jay Lehman

Jay: What made you decide to get your first cat and what kind was it?
Nancy:  I had cats all my life. I grew up on a farm and there were tons of barn cats and always one special cat of mine which came up to the house. The most memorable was a semi-Persian long-haired Tabby. We had registered cows and I vowed that if I ever grew up and had my own money I would buy a pedigreed cat. That happened in 1978.

Jay: When did you get your first pedigreed (show quality) cat and what breed was it?
Nancy: It was a white Persian and I bought her from Mary Hilts.

Jay: When did you become involved in breeding and why?
Nancy:  We bred the Persian right away. We adored the kittens; and when we went to a cat show in the area just for fun, we saw kittens in finals that looked "just like ours." So we found local shows in Cats Magazine and entered.

Jay: What breeds have you/do you breed, and why?
Nancy:  Persians, of course, they were my first love. I have also bred American Shorthairs; I loved their robust and hearty nature, their striking pattern, and their physical and personality strength. I have also bred Norwegians which I love because of their beautiful wild look and their unflappable nature.

Jay: When did you become involved in TICA and why?
Nancy:  I got in on the ground floor of TICA. I showed other associations for a few years, but decided that TICA was the place to be because of the fun, because of the innovative aspects, and mostly because of the wonderful people.

Jay: What other associations were you ever involved with?
Nancy:  I showed in ACFA a lot the first two years I showed partially because a kitten I had bought was bred by ACFA breeders and I showed him to AA Kitten of the Year. I also showed at several LARGE CFA shows; once I realized I could do some winning there, the fun part was the aspect that helped me make my choice.

Jay: When and why did you decide to become a judge?
Nancy:  After making wins with my Persians, I eventually developed a wider perspective and was able to actually look at the finals and say, "That IS a beautiful Siamese, Maine Coon, etc." At that point I thought I might be able to develop the eye, objectivity, and stamina to become a judge myself.

Jay: What is your fondest memory of TICA?
Nancy:  I have very vivid memories of my first Supreme being attained at a very hot Atlanta show with Larry Paul judging without his shirt. He is the one who supremed my beautiful boy. I also have fond memories of the Annual in Washington when I was awarded Judge of the Year. It truly IS a surprise each year, or at least I was surprised.

Jay: What advise would you give to Russian Blue exhibitors about showing this breed?
Nancy: I would certainly commend the Russian breeders and exhibitors on their lines which seem to be producing very beautiful cats with the most magnificent temperaments. That has not always been true. I do wish there were MORE of you.

Jay:  Do you have anything else to add?
Nancy: I guess now would be my chance to put a plug in for the yearbook. This will be my fourteenth edition. I hope everyone will participate by having those wonderful pictures on hand long before the June and July deadlines. Thanks for the opportunity.

copyright © 1999 Jay Lehman