Hello, I am Freda Matthias. I live in Sheffield with my cats. Some people will know me, some will not. I am a breeder of British Shorthairs and a full time senior judge with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). The breeds I judge are British Shorthairs, Turkish Vans and Selkirk Rex.

My first pedigree cats were Siamese but I neither bred nor showed them. All five had wonderful long lives and were, I feel, much larger than the cats of this breed which I see on the show bench today.

I purchased my first pedigree breeding cat from my vet's mother. It was a Blue Birman. In those days there were only Birmans and Turkish Van Semi-Longhairs on the show bench and only two colours in the Birmans, Seals and Blues.

My Husband, who is now in the happy hunting ground, took a liking for the stocky British Shorthaired cats and he bought me my first two girls. They were an orange eyed White and her litter sister a Blue Cream from Mrs Roberts of Robwen fame in those days. We also took from the same litter a Cream boy who we kept as a neuter for many many years. The Blue Cream girl, Robwen Sweet Sue, became my first British Champion.

As I breed both cats and dogs my priority has always been that my kittens go to loving permanent homes and are not let out to roam etc.

I have been told that certain persons in the past would not approach me when I have finished judging at shows because they felt that I was aloof. I can assure persons who wish to speak to me at shows that they are most welcome. However I do not give opinions regards other judges decisions on the day. I always attempt to be fair when judging and ask exhibitors that if they can win with grace, then to lose with grace also as there can only be one winner in each class.