Wotan's Story and Album

Excerpts of this story reprinted with permission from the Cat Fanciers' Almanac, July 2000, "Top 25 Cats," p. 116. This is the monthly publication of CFA, The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. Permission also comes from the Author of the Story "Top 25 cats in Championship", Mandi Wooldridge.

A newcomer this year to the campaign circuit was Tom Odom exhibiting his glorious Maine Coon, GC,NW Verismo Wotan-of-Valhalla, CFA's Third Best Cat in Championship and Best of Breed. Wotan was named for the mythical Norse god of strength celebrated in four operas called "The Ring Cycle". As Tom is a huge opera fan, many of Tom's cats' names are inspired by operas.

Deciding to campaign was due to Tom's growing concerns about the miniaturization of the breed. He set out to prove that a Maine Coon could be both balanced and large. Tom hoped that a breeding trend would not come about in CFA of fixing extreme type but sacrificing the working-cat size and strength that this breed originated from and is known for even today. Apparently he was successful, as the most-often asked question was, "What does that beautiful cat weigh?" A cage sign soon read, "I weigh 21 LBS!" 

While a few judges thought that Wotan "pushed the envelope" for size, the majority of judges agreed with Tom - - that Wotan's exceptional balance and conformation met the standard perfectly. Some judges grew so affectionate towards this gorgeous big boy that they started calling him "Tiny!" Tom loved this, as he knew that he had won them over with his point that this breed was meant to be large and impressive.

Impressive is a great word for Tom and Wotan's accomplishments. Wotan is the highest placing championship Maine Coon in the history of CFA. Wotan's two litter brothers also did some serious winning. GP,RW Verismo Maximillian Maestoso was a contender for a national placement in Premiership right up to the last weekend, and may have achieved one if a vet tech had not shaved his leg. GC,NW Verismo Tannhauser of Zephyr Ridge, took the honors of placing Second Best of Breed and placement of Twenty-Second Best Cat nationally. What a litter! Rarely have littermates earned national awards in the same year, with an another littermate coming so close - - one more first for the Maine Coon breed.

Eldon Smith made it obvious to Tom that Wotan would have to fly in order to reach his fullest potential. Tom always said that he would never fly with a full-sized Maine Coon male. Tom flew on a direct jet destined for California. Wotan traveled very well in the cabin and enjoyed his show, gaining excellent points at Los Colores. Tom, fearing he might "blow the cat" by flying him, was terrified, taking Wotan to the rest rooms with him in the show hall, as well as on the plane. Hilariously, Tom will never live that down. Tom flew Wotan out west six times, and made very special new friends there. Wotan was invited by the pilot into the cockpit where he had his picture taken "flying the plane", "operating the instruments", and "touring the cabin".

Wotan at  9 weeks

Wotan at 6 months age

Wotan as an older kitten

Maine Coon Cats by Verismo - Maine Coon Cat pictures