So you want to Show Your cat?

Showing your cat can be a lot of fun, as long as you remember that at the end of the day, everyone takes a best in show winner home with them, your own precious, beloved cat.  Showing is a great way to meet new people and socialise with like minded people. Cats are divided into groups for showing according to their breed, one of these groups includes domestics and companion cats. If you have a Pedigree cat or kitten then its best to make sure with your cats breeder that they are OK with the cat being shown. While you may think your kitten is gorgeous, love is often blind and it takes a trained eye and knowledge of your breed standard to determine if your kitten is competitive in the showring. Many people ask me what is involved in cat showing. Entering your cat starts many weeks before with sending the entry form and payment in and beginning to prepare your cat, especially if it is a long haired breed. Your cats breeder should be able to help you with this.  You will need a secure enclosed carrier to take your cat to the show in, nail clippers to have cut short the nails beforehand, a small clear or white litter tray and  show curtains. Some organisations require you to have your cat vetted in, this involves a quick vet check at the entrance to the show, the vet will check that your cat does not have fleas, ringworm, ear mite, or is generally unwell, he will open your cats mouth and look inside and check both testicles are there if an entire male. Cryptorchidism and Monorchidism are disqualifying faults in an entire show kitten/cat.   Your cat will be allocated a cage number, you will set up your curtains in the cage and put your cat in the cage, not forgetting to offer the cat the use of its litter tray, which is then placed underneath the table for quick retrieval later on if necessary. if you have any difficulties or need questions answered, ask a fellow exhibitor, most are happy to help or can direct your to someone who can. Once judging starts you will not be able to identify your cat as belonging to you, or go to your cat, until judging is finished, hopefully your precious feline will have a nice rosette or award to take home for the family to admire.  Your cat will be taken from its show cage and brought to the judge to examine. The judge is trained to compare your cat to a comprehensive standard of points, the cat that fits the standard the closest should be the winner. Temperament is also important in the show cat, some cats hate it and will hiss and growl, these cats whould be left at home, afterall they are not enjoying it, and the judge and stewards will certainly not enjoy being scratched or bitten by your cat if it is scared or nervous. Its usually best to start showing a kitten so that it adjusts to the show routine as it matures. Some shows are multi ring, that means your cat is judged by several different judges, and the result can be different for each ring, so more chances to do well (or not). At the end of the day you will be instructed that it is time to pack up and go home. Most show personel appreciate your assistance in helping to pack up the cages and show equipment after the show, the more to help the quicker everyone gets to go home. Remember, the show personel have been preparing for this show for months and have spent days of work in getting the venue ready, the cages, trestles and paperwork just don't happen by themselves. If you enjoy showing, join a club, get involved, you'll discover a whole new world.