Did you know you don't have to have a purebred cat in order to participate in a cat show? There are many shows held for household pets (the term used to describe a non-purebred cat, if you have a purebred without papers they can also be entered in this class). Plus the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) the second largest cat registry of purebred cats also has a household pet category, where your cat will win the same prizes as the purebreds. So if you have a cat you can compete in a cat show.
Getting Started
So you have a cat and you're ready to go to a show? Not quite, there are a few things you need to know to get you started. Getting ready for your first ACFA show starts several months before the actual show itself. First, your cat MUST be spayed or neutered. If this isn't already done you need to allow time for the cats recovery after the operation and if it's a female for the hair on her stomach to grow back in before the show. Second, while you don't have to, I recommend that you have your cat recorded (registered) with the ACFA. That way any points your cat may earn during the show will count toward title of merit and year-end awards (more about this later). Third, you have to have your entry form sent in at least 3 weeks before the show to allow time for the show catalogue to be printed.
Getting Prepared
Okay so your cat is spayed/neutered, recorded and entered. You're all set? Not yet my friend, now you have to get your cat prepared for the show. If you don't brush your cat regularly (and why not?) you should start at least a month before the show. I comb Pagan, my showgirl, at least once a week year round ,but when I'm getting her ready for a show I increase it to several times a week, even every day. This gives your cat a lovely, soft, shiny coat. You should also bathe your cat about a week before the show to allow the natural oils in the coat to return to normal. When you bathe your cat it's very important to make sure you rinse her well, so that there is no soapy residue left in her coat. Finally, cut your cat's nails. You can take her to the vet or groomer to do this, but it isn't difficult and you can do it yourself. It makes it alot easier though, if there are two people to do this, one to hold the cat and the other to cut the nails. Gently squeeze your cat's toe to reveal the nail, cut ONLY the clear, white part of the nail, avoiding the red part (the quick).
Necessary Baggage
Okay, so your paperwork is in order and your cat is gorgeous, here's what you'll need to take with you on show day. A cat carrier for your cat to travel in (I actually go with two carriers, one for travelling in the car, which is large, huge really, to allow room for a litter pan and a small one that I use to carry her into the show hall), something to cover the show cage with (most people have special curtains made for this, I made my own), something for the bottom of the cage (a towel, blanket etc.), litter pan, scoop and litter (the show usually provides cat litter but I take my own just in case), food and water (usually best to take your own water, rather than risk an upset stomach from the change), food and water dishes, toys (of course), plastic bags (if you need to clean the litter dish), paper towels (handy for a spill), and I've never needed them, but I always take proof of vaccination, spay, entry form and money order receipts (best to be prepared!)
Show Time!
Alright the big day has finally arrived, here's what to expect. Most shows usually start at 9 a.m., but you'll want to be there at least a half hour before that to have time to set up the cage curtains etc. and let your cat have some time to calm down from the drive.(I try to arrive 1 hour before judging begins). Some shows are vetted, some aren't. If it's a vetted show that means that before your cat is allowed in the show hall a vet will check your cat over to be sure that she's not showing any signs of a contagious disease, no fleas, earmites and that the nails are cut. When you enter the show hall you will be given a show catalogue and a paper with your cat's cage number. You take your cat and put her in the proper cage with the curtains, litter pan etc. and wait for the show to begin. There will be an announcement telling you what classes are ready to be shown. When your class (household pet) is announced go to the judging area and see if your cat's cage number is up. When it is you take your cat and put her in that cage and leave her. The judge will take each cat out and examine them. In the household pet category it's basically a beauty contest. They want a clean, healthy cat (it probably helps if your cat will interact with the judge) and the judges make their choices on their own particular favorites. When the judge is done with each cat they put them back in the cage. When the number is layed down on your cat's cage that means that you can take her back to her show cage. When the finals are announced, check to see if your cat's number is up, if so take her to the judging ring. She's going to win a rosette!
The Prizes
Now here's what your baby can win at a show. When your cat is first seen by each judge she will receive a silk ribbon. If she makes the finals she will receive a rosette, ranging from first to tenth place (a first place finish is worth 50 points,tenth place is 32 points). If she places in the top five she will also get a bag of food or cat litter (depending on the sponsor for that particular ring). If your cat is among the top five scorers for the day she will qualify for the best of the best awards. Here she will receive another larger rosette, food, toys and a trophy or plaque,depending on her placement. Under the rules of the ACFA your cat can earn titles of merit (similiar to being a champion in the purebred class). These titles are Royal household pet (Pagan earned that in one show), Supreme household pet and Supreme roll of Honor. The point totals needed for these awards range from 250 to 2000 points. You have to contact the ACFA to confirm this. Then at her next show she will be listed as Royal etc. in the show catalogue. The totals from her shows for the show season are then added up and if she has earned enough points she will qualify for the year-end awards. This is for the top scoring cats from all over Canada and the U.S. divided into different regions, depending on where you live. (I received notice on Fri. July 10, 1998 that Pagan is the best household pet in the Eastern Canada Region for the 1997-1998 show season!). A cat show is alot of fun so I hope that you'll think about taking your cat to a show. Just remember, even if your cat doesn't win, in your heart she's already number one!
