Being a cat show judge isn’t always as glamorous as it might seem. Cats, even those groomed for the spotlight, can be full of surprises, as Judge Larry Adkinson discovered during a recent Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) show. While evaluating a cat from the Exotic Short Hair category, he got more than he bargained for when Illice Simba of Elan decided to show him some unexpected affection.
Judge Larry has been following Illice Simba’s journey since the cat was just a kitten. He’s admired this feline since he first laid eyes on him, especially when he was judging him as Best Kitten. Although he doesn’t always rank Illice Simba as the top cat, he often does. The judge has commented on the cat’s distinct features, particularly his fur’s unique coloration and texture. It was during this assessment that Illice Simba decided to share some love with Judge Larry.
This adorable furball showered Judge Larry with kitty kisses and gentle hugs, leaving the judge momentarily speechless. The interaction was caught on camera, and Judge Larry’s reaction was priceless—he seemed unsure whether to reciprocate the affection or maintain his professional composure. Nonetheless, it was clear that he appreciated the sweet gesture.
Whether this unexpected show of love influenced the final judging results is anyone’s guess. It’s unlikely, even though Judge Larry had earlier confessed his soft spot for Illice Simba. In the longer clip of the judging session, he playfully remarks that the cat has “extremely good taste in judges.” He also quips, “After that kiss, I can’t say anything else,” just before crowning the little cream-colored kitty as Best Cat.
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Cat show judging is a solitary task, with each judge evaluating the cats individually. Every cat in the show is assessed by all the judges, and each judge may award different titles. The overall show results are then compiled from the awards given by each judge.
This story serves as a reminder that, even in the serious world of cat shows, there’s always room for a little unexpected charm and warmth from our feline friends.
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@newvisioncatclub . . Judge Larry Adkinson. !! #cfacatshow #exoticshorthair #exoticshorthaircat #persiancat #meow ♬ original sound – NewVisionCatClub