Cat Show Competitor
Insider Info
If you're a cat lover who lives for your feline friends, you may be interested
in becoming a cat show competitor.
At cat shows, you can show off your cats' impeccable bloodlines, good looks
and unflappable dispositions. Cat owners can compare cat stories, seek advice
from experts, and preview and purchase new products.
The annual cost of participating in cat shows can range from relatively
inexpensive to the cost of college tuition. It depends on the number of shows
you enter and how far your level of interest compels you and your cat.
Barb Belanger is the owner of the Grenouille and Agassiz Canadian Catteries.
She says it is wise to always purchase the best of everything when considering
competition. This includes the best food and diet, medical care, and grooming
services.
You also have to think about travel to and from various shows, entrance
fees (ranging from $35 to $50), space rental at the show, hotel accommodations,
and food.
There are no physical requirements for cat owners. Unlike dog shows, where
owners run around an arena accompanied by their pooches, cat owners can sit
back and wait for the judges.
There are, however, many physical requirements for the cat. Before actually
entering a cat show, Barbara French of the Tarantara Cattery suggests that
your cat be in excellent health. Your cat should have had the most recent
vaccinations for rabies. In addition, he should be tested for feline leukemia.
Good physical appearance is also important. The cat should have firm muscle
tone and not be overweight. Lots of fur is good, especially if the coat is
shiny, with no bald spots. Overall, the cat should look healthy and full of
vitality.
Next to good health and good looks, cleanliness is very important when
it comes to showing your cat at a show. Your cherished cat might have won
best in show, but she had waste in the corner of her eyes, a little grime
in her ears and a dirty bottom.
The husband and wife owners of the Meoti and Martinicki Cattery have participated
in cat shows for the last 10 years. They suggest you include the following
on your checklist of things to take with you when attending a cat show:
- A sturdy cat carrier
- Rabies certificate and proof of FeLV negativity
- Cat food and food dishes
- Litter pan and litter
- Litter scoop and supplies
- Grooming supplies
- Nail clippers
- A spray bottle
- Kitty treats
- Cat toys
- Pen, paper, business cards
- Pictures of your kitty
- An accurate watch
Cat shows are simple. Your cat, once officially entered, is assigned a
number and remains in his cage until it's time for him to be judged. This
could take a while.
There are four major categories in which your kitty may compete -- Kitten,
Premiere, Champion, and Household Pet. When it is time to be judged, your
number will be announced. At this time, you will move your cat into one of
the 10 to 15 ring cages lined up near the judges. The judging begins.
You shouldn't talk to the judges before or during the competition unless
they specifically ask you a question. The judges will take the cats out of
their cages and place them on an observation table. They will compare your
cat's demeanor and disposition with others in his class. Point ribbons or
rosettes are awarded. You can then take your cat back to its original cage.
If your cat is chosen to enter into the final ring competition, consider
it a great honor. Once all cats have been judged in general competition, the
10 most exceptional cats are chosen in each category to compete for prize
ribbons.
Each cat is held up to the audience while the judge describes what makes
each cat stand out. Each ribbon awarded is worth a certain number of points.
Points are combined from different show throughout the year. That's how you
win regional and national titles.
Getting Started
Before entering a cat show, you should attend a few shows as a spectator.
This way, you are free to walk up and down the aisles of the show, talk to
cat owners, professional breeders, and ask questions of the judges after the
competition. You can see how your kitty stacks up to the others in his category.
You can even purchase cats that are for sale.
If you still think that participating in a cat show is something that you
and your cat would enjoy, you should join at least one cat registry. A cat
registry is an organization committed to cats and cat shows. It typically
maintains records about breeds and bloodlines. Cat clubs that are affiliated
with cat registries hold all cat shows.
Once your cat is registered, you may enter him in any show affiliated with
the registry of which he is a member. You can visit the Cat Cabana Library
online, as well as local pet shops, to learn more about specific cat clubs
and the rules and bylaws governing competition.
Associations
The American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA)
Internet
:
http://www.acfacat.com
The Cat Fanciers' Association (TCFA)
Internet
:
http://www.cfainc.org
The International Cat Association (TICA)
Internet
:
http://www.tica.org
American Association of Cat Enthusiasts (AACE)
Internet
:
http://www.aaceinc.org
Links
How Cat Shows Work
Learn all about the process of showing cats from the folks at
HowStuffWorks
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