Liz Watson’s Retirement
40 Years as CFA Judge
Rachel Anger
Is Liz Watson, retiring from the judging program? It just doesn’t seem possible, but it is true. As of May, 2025, Liz will be retiring.
Like all of the best judges, Liz was quite an exhibitor, under her cattery name of Casein. I first met Liz when she was Liz DeMercurio, showing beautiful Russian Blue cats. Her cats were as elegant as she was and is to this day, including the famous GC/NW Jontue Rhythm & Blues of Casein (10th Best Kitten 1980-1981 and 10th Best Cat 1981-1982), and National Winners GC/GP/NW Heartbeeps Pistol Pete of Casein (2004-2005 2nd Best Premiership Cat), GP/NW Trikourii Maurinho of Casein (2010-2011 8th Best Premiership Cat) and NW Trikourii Bowie of Casein (2012-2013 8th Best Kitten). She also showed Sphynx cats, including GP/NW Majikmoon Marissa Toupe of Casein (2005-2006 3rd Best Premiership Cat), and Kitten of the Year GC, NW Enchantdlair NWA Cornflake Girl. Here was quite an amazing exhibitor resume!
Liz was accepted into the judging program in 1984 and judged her first show in May 1985 in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Since then, she has judged in shows around the world, including Russia, Finland, Estonia, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Israel, Thailand, China, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Ukraine. She was also asked to judge the CFA International Show numerous times.
I had the honor of clerking for her, not realizing it was her first show. She was such a natural that it felt like she had always been a judge. I will never forget her Household Pet final because it was so touching. As Liz presented her Best Household Pet, she talked about her very first cat, and how that cat lit a fire in her heart for all cats. She developed her first love for cats as a little girl living in a rural area. Her mother said her dolls might be naked and the cats were the ones who had the clothes. She also had doll strollers, but it was the CATS who got pushed around in them! She loved animals then and she always will. Dolls, maybe not so much! Today, Liz has a Trikourii Russian Blue and two dogs – Fais Do Do, an Italian Greyhound, and Cosette, a Toy Poodle.
In addition to all of Liz’s responsibilities (caring for her family, animals and travel), she also served as a board member for 10 years, from 1998-2009.
Liz and her husband Mac moved from the Great Lakes Region to New Orleans in 2008. At home, Liz is very active with her needlepoint. She continues to serve CFA as judging program faculty with the associate judges and serves on the CFA Historical Foundation board. You never know what Liz will be doing next! Unfortunately for us, Liz will no longer be behind the judging table, but don’t count her out when you think of amazing adventures. Liz will be organizing the trip!
Thank you for your many years of outstanding service to CFA, Liz! You have been a good friend to us all, and we will miss your elegant handling and presentation, and now, for your appreciation and applause. Thank you Liz Watson!
