Perhaps the most coveted title a cat can be awarded in CFA is that of Distinguished Merit or DM.
To be awarded the Distinguished Merit title in CFA, a male cat must sire a minimum of 15 cats who have earned at least one of three titles: Grand Champion, Grand Premier or Distinguished Merit. Effective April 30, 2021, the number of qualifying offspring was reduced from 15 to 10 for males.
A Female DM must have produced 5 or more offspring who earn at least one of these titles.
Regardless of how many titles it earns, an individual cat can count only once towards the DM title of each of its parents.
Often called the “Breeder’s” title, the DM represents how well a cat has contributed to the next generation of its breed… and it is the recognition of this impact on future generations that makes this award such a special accomplishment.
The first solid, non-white DM was earned in 1978, by a black male named GC, NW Surrey Hill Desi, DM. The first non-white female Persian DM wasn’t earned for another 5 years, when CH Babalong Holly Hobbit of Allaine, DM, a blue female, earned the title.
Solid, Non-White Persian Distinguished Merit Cats in CFA
Year | Name | Sex | Color | |
1977-78 | GC, NW Surrey Hill Desi, DM First Solid DM | M | Black | |
1980-81 | CH Prim-Pet’s Hanky Panky, DM | M | Blue | |
1982-83 | GC Willow Glen Baccarat, DM | M | Black | |
GC Misty Mornin’ Conquest, DM | M | Black | ||
CH Babalong Holly Hobbit of Allaine , DM First Solid Female DM | F | Blue | ||
1983-84 | Larks-Purr Bit-O-Honey, DM | F | Cream | |
GC Jo-Le’s Juno of Pegsden, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, NW Prim-Pet Yankee Doodle Dandy, DM | M | Red | ||
GC Shennen Desert Cloud of Prim-Pet, DM | M | Ceam | ||
1984-85 | GC Can-Do Morning Sun, DM | M | Cream | |
CH Currle Cats Caper, DM | F | Red | ||
GC Pegsden On Parade of Rambo, DM | M | Black | ||
1985-86 | GC Bar-B The Wiz of Mystichill, DM | M | Black | |
CH Fuzzy-Foot’s Brandy Alexander, DM | F | Cream | ||
GC Kohinoor Cynthia, DM | F | Cream | ||
GC Lullaby Abracadabra of Midas, DM | M | Black | ||
1986-87 | CH Agonistes Carrot Top of Village Inn, DM | F | Red | |
GC, NW Bar-B T.N.T., DM | M | Red | ||
CH Divees Baby Tarka of Goliada, DM | F | Blue | ||
GC Mystichill Miracle of Meadowood, DM | M | Red | ||
1987-88 | GC, NW Bar-B V.I.C. of Marhei, DM | M | Black | |
GC Charbob’s Chimney Sweep, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, NW Freis-Cream’s Celebration of Aziza, DM | M | Cream | ||
GC Lullaby About Face of Midas, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Midas Radabaugh of Mystichill, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Midas Ziegfield, DM | M | Red | ||
GC Mystichill Monique of Jovan, DM | F | Red | ||
GC Oakway Candlelight of Shali, DM | F | Cream | ||
CH Pegsden Periwinkle of Showum, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Prim-Pet Brandywine of Jama Kats, DM | M | Red | ||
GC, NW Ronlyn Yoda, DM | M | Black | ||
GC South Paw Gusto, DM | M | Black | ||
1988-89 | GC Ariane Ambrose of Goliada, DM | M | Blue | |
GC Cambria Mr. Peepers, DM | M | Red | ||
GC, GP Katrina’s Love Letter, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Palmetto’s Sunbird, DM | M | Red | ||
CH Simbelair Encore of Landmark, DM | F | Cream | ||
GC South Paw Golly Gee, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, NW South Paw Sunburst, DM | M | Red | ||
1989-90 | GC Bryn Mawr Benji of Oakway, DM | M | Cream | |
GC, NW Mystichill Houdini of Jovan, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Mystichill On The Marque of Marhei, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Preppypet Mirage of Kirk, DM | F | Cream | ||
GC Vistar’s Flaming Star, DM | F | Red | ||
1990-91 | GC Casimar’s Alakazam, DM | M | Black | |
Daydreamer Kaprice of Kueen, DM | F | Black | ||
Harwood Tangelo of Marhei, DM | F | Red | ||
GC Jovan Moosehead, DM | M | Black | ||
GC, NW Marhei’s Epitome, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Quin-Jo’s Midnight Lace, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Rambo’s Rebel Rouse of Traum, DM | M | Blue | ||
GC Reddell’s R2D2 of Brannaway, DM | M | Blue | ||
1991-92 | GC K’Jari’s Kachina of Myshadows, DM | F | Red | |
GC Katrina’s Tallahassee of Marsamis, DM | M | Black | ||
CH Mylin’s Gloryfire of Windborne, DM | F | Red | ||
GC Myshadows Miz Sun, DM | F | Red | ||
Pironti Funny Face, DM | F | Black | ||
South Paw Arpege of Marhei, DM | F | Black | ||
GC South Paw Sunlight, DM | F | Cream | ||
GC South Paw Sunny Daze, DM | F | Red | ||
GC, GP, NW Toshika’s Summer Delight, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Ziegfield’s Rock-N-Roll of Luvlypurr, DM | M | Black | ||
Ziegfield’s Roxy of Polcann, DM | F | Black | ||
1992-93 | Bolo’s Princess Diana of Vickits, DM | F | Cream | |
Connaught Mickey-D, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Copacats Marque O’Zorro of Cattrax, DM | M | Black | ||
CH Escada Red Sonja of Windpegs, DM | F | Red | ||
CH Jolee Scarlett O’Kelly of Myman, DM | F | Red | ||
GC Marhei’s Oh, Isaiah! of Aziza, DM | M | Black | ||
GC, GP, NW Q-T Cats O’Susannah, DM | F | Cream | ||
CH Quin-Jo’s Midnight Magic, DM | F | Black | ||
1993-94 | GC Budmar Jackie Oh!, DM | F | Cream | |
GC Casimar’s Gallager of Toshika, DM | M | Black | ||
CH Cattrax Chantilly Lace, DM | F | Black | ||
CH Cattrax Maybellene, DM | F | Black | ||
CH Cattrax Special Delivery of Bolo, DM | F | Black | ||
CH Cattrax Velvetine Lace of Pawprintz, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Comesee Showbiz, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Lauralas Carolina Blue of Jonala, DM | F | Blue | ||
Marhei’s Moonbeam, DM | F | Black | ||
CH Marhei’s Moonlight Becomes You, DM | F | Black | ||
Marsamis Pot Luck, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, RW Prideomine The Sting, DM | M | Black | ||
Ronlyn Stephanie of Rosepuff, DM | F | Black | ||
Saha Gabriel of Char-O, DM | F | Blue | ||
GC Skyhy Northern Dancer, DM | M | Black | ||
GC, NW South Paw Gizmo, DM | M | Black | ||
GC South Paw Heavens To Betsy, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, GP, NW South Paw Sun Beau of Trailwood, DM | M | Black | ||
1994-95 | CH Bolo’s One Hot Tamale of Cattrax, DM | F | Red | |
GC Bovon’s Southern Nights, DM | F | Black | ||
Cattrax Silhouette, DM | F | Black | ||
Connaught Bevin, DM | F | Black | ||
Escada Micaela Pavlova of Budmar, DM | F | Cream | ||
CH Jadon Fried Ice Cream, DM | F | Cream | ||
CH Macska Cookie Monster, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, GP Maison De Chat Sundancer, DM | M | Cream | ||
CH Purrkay’s Victoria, DM | F | Blue | ||
GC Shimea High Voltage, DM | M | Cream | ||
GC Woodspirit’s Madd Hatter, DM | M | Red | ||
1995-96 | Bolo Little Cancan of Snooksy, DM | F | Red | |
Hollandia’s Gigi of Aja Blue, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, BW, NW Jadon Geoffrey Beene, DM | M | Black | ||
GC McPuddy Peg, DM | F | Cream | ||
Myshadows Mini of Spellbound, DM | F | Cream | ||
GC, NW Quin-Jo’s Bravo, DM | M | Red | ||
GC Sierra Beaujolais, DM | M | Blue | ||
CH Skipjack Misha of Shenelle, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Traum’s Regatta, DM | M | Blue | ||
CH Tailwynd Yesterday Once More, DM | F | Black | ||
1996-97 | GC, NW Bajonga’s Rusty Knockers, DM | M | Red | |
CH Belcats Walkin’ After Midnight, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, NW Candirands Lasting Impression, DM | M | Black | ||
CH Comesee Wiseguy of Budmar, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Lacelegacy’s Dax Demetrius, DM | M | Blue | ||
GC, NW Marcus Tiramisu, DM | F | Cream | ||
GC Polcann’s Night-Wind, DM | F | Black | ||
Q-T Cats Fara of Pironti, DM | F | Cream | ||
GC Ronlyn R2D2 of McPuddy, DM | M | Cream | ||
Softmagic’s Gabrielle of Araho, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, NW South Paw Gadzooks, DM | M | Black | ||
1997-98 | CH Elfhaven’s Angel Eyes of Aladar, DM | F | Black | |
Garbo Claim To Fame of Chancery, DM | F | Blue | ||
GC, NW Kitty Charm Fan The Fire of Araho, DM | M | Red | ||
CH McPuddy Mammy, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Myshadows Echo of Beaudee, DM | M | Red | ||
GC Perkins Gilda of Wenlock, DM | F | Red | ||
CH Playwickey’s Parfait, DM | F | Red | ||
GC Q-T Cats Sandstorm of Barmont, DM | M | Cream | ||
GC, GP Shelbie’s Sunshine Superman, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Tehy Honeysuckle Rose of Denans, DM | F | Red | ||
Trebar’s Miss Dior of Verlaine, DM | F | Blue | ||
GC Trebar’s My Sin, DM | F | Black | ||
1998-99 | Jimelene Tina Turner, DM | F | Black | |
Purrlamb Black Velvet of Belcats, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Quin-Jo Just Cause of Jadon, DM | M | Cream | ||
GC Vickits Allante’ of Lil’miracles, DM | M | Red | ||
1999-00 | CH Blueskyeyes Falcon of Boberan, DM | M | Black | |
Boberan’s Cherish, DM | F | Red | ||
GC Damikki’s Chip Off The Ole Block, DM | M | Black | ||
GC, RW Earlywinters Matinee, DM | F | Black | ||
CH Kelsha Gold Dust of Blenham, DM | F | Cream | ||
GC Kirisisha’s Ruddy Duck of Lake Hyco, DM | F | Red | ||
GC, RW PaJean’s Midnight Madness, DM | M | Black | ||
2000-01 | RW Bastis Blondein 1st Class of Kenkat, DM | F | Cream | |
CH Cattrax Blackmail of Laves, DM | M | Black | ||
GC, NW Jadon Potomac of Kenkat, DM | M | Blue | ||
GC, RW Jolee’s Dune of Boberan, DM | M | Cream | ||
GC Jonala’s Midnight Cowboy of Ebonez, DM | M | Black | ||
Mountcascade Midnite Illusion, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, RW Purteepaws Irad of Fancee That, DM | M | Black | ||
2001-02 | GC, GP, RW Bastis Halston of Earlywinters, DM | M | Black | |
CH Skyhy Jessica of Cobby-Corp, DM | F | Black | ||
CH Steeplechase Espirit of Fanci Fx, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Skyhy Desiree of Lewishof, DM | F | Black | ||
CH Artemis Tess, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Goliada Oh! Susanna, DM | F | Blue | ||
2002-03 | GC Lion House Jack Wears Black, DM | M | Black | |
CH Aftabi California Gold of Kelsha, DM | M | Cream | ||
GC Dalu Esmeralda of Cacao, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Connaught Firecracker Flanagan, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, RW Earlywinters Little Black Dress, DM | F | Black | ||
CH Oakway Apricot Brandy of Cardinay, DM | F | Cream | ||
GC, NW Araho’s Tommy Flynn, DM | M | Cream | ||
GC, RW Sicilia Cesare Di Roma of Belcats, DM | M | Black | ||
GC, RW Tamborine’s Prairiesong of Suavere, DM | F | Black | ||
2003-04 | GC Session Cupid Doll of Exceed, DM | F | Black | |
CH Session Lavender Lace, DM | F | Blue | ||
GC Ebonez Sultry Persuasion, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, NW Boberan’s Dark Lady, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Young-Uns Prissy Witch, DM | F | Black | ||
CH Marhei Out-Of-The Blue of Fox Hara, DM | M | Blue | ||
GC, NW Pironti Muhammad Ali, DM | M | Black | ||
2004-05 | Kadji-Ki’s Carmel of Kitty Charm, DM | F | Cream | |
CH Lacey-Paws Lady In Red, DM | F | Red | ||
GC Boberan’s Wild Night, DM | M | Black | ||
GC, NW Artemis Star Shine of Catsafrats, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Cedar Valley’s Charismatic, DM | F | Blue | ||
GC, NW Jadon Flyin High of Goliada, DM | F | Blue | ||
2005-06 | GC, NW Tehy Rise ‘N Shine, DM | F | Red | |
GC, RW Trebar’s Baughnaby Jones of Session, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Chez Mana Bordelaise, DM | M | Blue | ||
GC, NW Barmont’s Breathless, DM | M | Cream | ||
GC, RW Scrimshaw Rumors, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Joleigh Moody Blues of Red Sky, DM | F | Blue | ||
2006-07 | GC, RW Marcus Mary Magdalene, DM | F | Black | |
GC, RW Boberan’s Nighttime Glamour, DM | F | Black | ||
2007-08 | GC Chez Mana Paquet Bleu, DM | M | Blue | |
Barbeedoll Tennessee Moonshine, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, RW Marcus Mallory, DM | F | Red | ||
GC, DW Digit Calandrina of Argentovivo, DM | F | Black | ||
2008-09 | GC, NW Goliada Godric Gryffindor of Jadon, DM | M | Blue | |
GC Pluperfect Raisin of Sha Yen, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Blueskyeyes Black Pearls, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Scrimshaw Ruckus of Kuorii, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Marcus M’Zrahi, DM | M | Black | ||
2009-10 | Kuorii Amo, DM | F | Blue | |
GC, DW Kuorii Privilege, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Boberan’s Midnight Escape, DM | M | Black | ||
2010-11 | GC Cacao Abercrombie, DM | M | Black | |
GC Barmont’s Mr. Sandman of Exceed, DM | M | Cream | ||
GC, NW Kelsha Great Bear, DM | M | Black | ||
Brannaway Consuming Love, DM | F | Black | ||
CH Catcharm Patsy Cline, DM | F | Cream | ||
GC Session Fairy Audrey of Zukadream, DM | F | Black | ||
CH Purr-Majik Blue Berry, DM | F | Blue | ||
CH Joleigh’s Fantasia of Red Sky, DM | F | Black | ||
2011-12 | GC, DW Pawsh Hope Floats of Alemars, DM | F | Black | |
GC Thai-Yves Serenade of Meow My, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, RW Scrimshaw Secrets, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, NW Scrimshaw Turbulence, DM | F | Black | ||
CH Marja’s Lights Up of Vareda, DM | F | Cream | ||
2012-13 | GC Cacao Sixth Sense, DM | F | Black | |
CH Kelsha Spirit Blessing, DM | F | Black | ||
GC Tehy Big Mac of Maradan, DM | M | Black | ||
2013-14 | CH Romppoppy Shion, DM | F | Black | |
GC, NW Kuorii Cinema’ of D’Eden Lover, DM | M | Black | ||
GC, RW Marcus Marlena of Goliada, DM | F | Blue | ||
GC Kuorii Scarlett Love of Scrimshaw, DM | F | Black | ||
2014-15 | GC, RW Lox-Nott BCBG, DM | F | Black | |
2015-16 | GC Catcharm Loretta Lynn, DM | F | Cream | |
CH Dreem Weever’s Kentucky Derby, DM | F | Blue | ||
GC Alizara Sistine of Genasaqua, DM | F | Black | ||
Tehy Fired Up, DM | M | Red | ||
GC Marcus Raise It Baby of Cacao, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, RW Scrimshaw Mouse In The House, DM | F | Blue | ||
** GC, NW Lox-Nott Forever Young, DM | M | Blue | ||
** GC, NW Polcann’s Harley-D of Laisee, DM | M | Black | ||
2016-17 | D’Eden Lover Aie Aie Aie, DM | F | Blue | |
GC, RW Magnicats Little Man, DM | M | Blue | ||
Maradan Gordis, DM | F | Cream | ||
GC, RW Suavere’s Little Black Dress, DM | F | Black | ||
CH, RW Topcattery Peaches of Pironti, DM | F | Red | ||
** GC, DW D’Eden Lover Boomerang of Zenithi, DM | M | Black | ||
2017-18 | GC Tehy Tyra Banks, DM | F | Black | |
GC Tehy’s Summer Time Blues of Topknot, DM | F | Blue | ||
GC, DW Boberan’s Sasha, DM | M | Black | ||
2018-19 | GC, RW Jovan Forever Love of Dark Diamond, DM | M | Red | |
CH, RW Mikkat Macy, DM | F | Blue | ||
** D’Eden Lover Nuage, DM | M | Blue | ||
** GC, RW Haendel’s Revolution of Windyvalley, DM | M | Blue | ||
2019-20 | CH I-Catchers Miranda of Woodspirit, DM | F | Black | |
GC, RW Scrimshaw Midnight Secrets, DM | F | Black | ||
** GC Goliada Biscotti of Just So, DM | M | Cream | ||
2020-21 | Validian Donnatella of Woodspirit, DM | F | Blue | |
** NOTE: Effective April 30, 2021, the number of qualifying offspring needed for a male cat to earn his DM title was reduced from 15 to 10. See our DM History article for more details. The cats receiving a retroactive DM award have been added to this list in the show season they would have been awarded their DM title. The cat’s name appears on a light gray background. | ||||
2021-22 | GC, RW Scrimshaw Ll Cool J, DM | M | Black | |
Jovan Sassy Squatch, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, RW Topknot’s Summer Games of Goliada, DM | M | Blue | ||
GC, DW Maradan Mucho, DM | M | Red | ||
GC, RW Goliada Sigourney, DM | F | Cream | ||
2022-23 | GC Jovan Pink Parasol of Meow My, DM | F | Cream | |
Double Take Molinard Habanita, DM | F | Black | ||
2023-24 | GC Digit Lucas of Tehy, DM | M | Black | |
GC Lox-Nott Desert Rain of Aliya, DM | F | Cream | ||
2024-25 | GC, DW Mo-Yem Bingo of OMC, DM | M | Cream | |
2025-26 | GC, RW Woodspirit’s Sizzle, DM | F | Red | |
GC, DW Steeplechase Jauhar of Ganswed, DM | M | Black | ||
Mikkat’s Sean Paul, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Royaldiamond Empire Strikes Back, DM | F | Black | ||
GC, RW Cacao Darque Shadeaux of Marjorose, DM | M | Black | ||
GC Xanderlaw’s En Vogue of Tambourine, DM | F | Black | ||
Yvarie Jubel, DM | F | Black | ||
Just So’s Understudy, DM | F | Cream | ||
Related Articles
- Solid Color Other Than White Persian Distinguished Merit Award in CFA
- Solid Color Other Than White Persian National Winners in CFA
- Solid Persian Breed Winners in CFA
- Solid Persian Grands of Distinction in CFA
- White Persian Distinguished Merit Award in CFA
- White Persian National Winners in CFA
