Expert: W - 6/11/2007

Question
I want to start showing.  Where do I start?

Answer
Hi Sarah
There are several cat organisations throughout the world who sponsor and hold cat shows so it really depends on where you live and what you want to show
I will list the main cat organisaitons with their websites so do have a look

What and Where
FiFE
Federation Internationale Feline
http://www.fifeweb.org/
Based throughout Europe

CFA
The Cat Fancier's Association
http://www.cfainc.org/
The largest reigstry based throughout the world except UK

TICA
The International Cat Association
http://www.tica.org/html/english/home/
Based throughout the world

GCCF
The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
http://www.gccfcats.org/
Mainly UK

All the sites will list the next show dates times and venues so it would be ideal if you went
along to a venue near you and watched a show
You can ask any exhibitor or judge questions about the event and in many cases they would be delighted to tell you more

So now you have an idea of where and when you just need to know what and how

Some organisations do not recognise every breed of cat so you will need to check what breed of cat you intend to exhibit and check to see if it is recognised by the organisation
You may be able to show your cat without any undue pressure to join the organsiation but you will
need to make sure that the animals vacinations are up to date and that the cat is fit and healthy

You should make sure it is clean, no fleas or mites, no runny eyes, or sore ears and is not pregnant
Also make sure you can groom her coat very well and of course clip her nails

Now you are ready to show but what do you need to show
Well you need the cat
Her up to date vaccination certificate
You will need to pay an entry fee for the show
You may need to register the cat with the organsiaiotn before you go
The previous owner/breeder may well advise you if the cat is of show quality. If the owner says she is not of show quality for her breed then do not be upset, you could consider showing her as a house hold pet. Check the sites for more information. Also some shows separate cats into kittens, certain age ranges apply so make sure you cat is old enough on the day of the show,
Adults males and females, entire that is they have not been spayed or neutered and they should meet the minimum breed standard, again check the web site
Altered, or neutered kittens and adults, that is they have been spayed. All house hold pets must be spayed before the show

On the day of the show you will need

The cat, but if you have several cats make sure you have picked up the correct one. You would be amazed how many exhibitors pick up and take the wrong cat to the show.
A cat carrier, clean dry and secure, with a blanket inside
Cat blankets for the pen, vet beds are ideal
Sterile wipes to clean the pen when you arrive
Grooming kit for the cat, brush comb nail clippers talc towel
Your favourite Cat food and a container
Fresh water and a bowl
A litter tray and some fresh litter

Perhaps a favourite toy to help calm the cat during the day
You are also advised to obtain a battery operated fan just in case the hall becomes very warm


Some organisations insist that the blankets and containers are white so as not to mark the pen and make it
identifable. You will need to check that before you purchase them. Also if you have forgotten something then don't panic, many shows have stalls there where you can buy spare litter trays, water bowls, food containers, blankets etc and there should abe a water supply nearby.

You should plan to arrive at least 45 minutes to one hour before the start as you have to have your cat checked by a vet before you can enter the show, make sure you have the vaccination certificate to hand for them

So if you do get this far then enjoy it can be worthwhile and a good time