John’s love of cats began on a dairy farm, where he cared for the farm cats and developed a lifelong appreciation for felines. Over many years of sharing his home with rescue cats from the RSPCA, he entered the world of pedigree cats in 1997 with his first breeding queen, a blue–point Birman, and joined the Birman Cat Fanciers of Queensland Inc.

Since then, John has been actively involved in the cat fancy, serving as a ring clerk, steward, show secretary, show manager, and exhibitor. Combining
his interest in technology with his involvement in the fancy, he developed specialised software to assist clubs with show management and catalogue
production.
John breeds and exhibits Birmans, with a particular fondness for red–point and tortie–point varieties. His dedication to breeding and exhibiting quality
cats have been recognised through a number of achievements, including being awarded FCCQ Longhair Breeder of the Year in 2023. In the same year,
his neuter show boy, Yurgen, was named FCCQ Longhair Kitten of the Year, while his show Spay, Red Arrow, was awarded Best Longhair Desexed
Exhibit in that year’s National Show.

As a judge, John values sound breed type, excellent condition, temperament, and presentation. He considers it a privilege to assess the quality
exhibits presented by exhibitors and remains committed to supporting the continued growth and success of the cat fancy throughout Australia.