Guide to Showing Cats
Did you know that you don't have to own a purebred cat to participate in show.
Yes, you will see a lot of pedigreed cats at a cat show, but in Australia we also have a class just for pet cats - the Companion Class - which is defined as any kitten over the age of 10 weeks or cat either from either registered stock but not shown as registered, part pedigree or domestic cat of undetermined heritage.
Companion cats over 6 months of age must be desexed to be eligible to be shown.
You will need to start to get your cat ready for a show a few of days before, or at least a day before the show.
Preparation includes bathing (longhairs), claw clipping, removal of fleas and flea dirt, cleaning of ears, and general grooming to make sure your cat is looking it's finest for judging.
It is also a good idea not to feed your cat on the morning of the cat show, to avoid 'accidents' in the car.
You can give your cat a few dry biscuits once you arrive at your destination.
Different cat clubs may have slightly different rules, so ensure you read the rule sheet that you receive with your registration form, to ensure you follow their rules.
Part of the preparation should also include packing your bag for the day with essentials and emergency items.
Things you may wish to take along are:
Once you have set your show cage up complete with your cat, you can find yourself a good position and get ready to enjoy the excitement of the day.
I hope you enjoy showing your cats as much as I do.
You may find that once you have been to a few shows, you want to get more involved, such as stewarding for the judges, clerking and keeping scores.
At every cat show, it is very much appreciated if you are able to help pack up at the end of the day.
This job is usually left for the same small bunch of devoted people, and their day would be made much easier if they could get some assistance.
Yes, you will see a lot of pedigreed cats at a cat show, but in Australia we also have a class just for pet cats - the Companion Class - which is defined as any kitten over the age of 10 weeks or cat either from either registered stock but not shown as registered, part pedigree or domestic cat of undetermined heritage.
Companion cats over 6 months of age must be desexed to be eligible to be shown.
You will need to start to get your cat ready for a show a few of days before, or at least a day before the show.
Preparation includes bathing (longhairs), claw clipping, removal of fleas and flea dirt, cleaning of ears, and general grooming to make sure your cat is looking it's finest for judging.
It is also a good idea not to feed your cat on the morning of the cat show, to avoid 'accidents' in the car.
You can give your cat a few dry biscuits once you arrive at your destination.
Different cat clubs may have slightly different rules, so ensure you read the rule sheet that you receive with your registration form, to ensure you follow their rules.
Part of the preparation should also include packing your bag for the day with essentials and emergency items.
Things you may wish to take along are:
- Food and water bowls
- Dry food
- Bottled water (in case none is readily available)
- Cage curtains and pillow
- Litter tray, litter and rubbish bags for disposal
- Secure cat carrier
- Grooming tools
- Pencil for keeping scores
- Camera
- Hot water bottle if the weather is very cool, or an ice brick if the weather is hot
Once you have set your show cage up complete with your cat, you can find yourself a good position and get ready to enjoy the excitement of the day.
I hope you enjoy showing your cats as much as I do.
You may find that once you have been to a few shows, you want to get more involved, such as stewarding for the judges, clerking and keeping scores.
At every cat show, it is very much appreciated if you are able to help pack up at the end of the day.
This job is usually left for the same small bunch of devoted people, and their day would be made much easier if they could get some assistance.
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