Cat shows: What are they all about?
Your cat is just too gorgeous NOT to show right? Or perhaps you haven't bought
a cat yet, but would like to get one that you can show.
There are some things you might want to know about showing your magnificent feline.
Q. Can only certain breeds enter shows?
A. It really depends upon the cat organization and its show's requirements.
Some shows are breed specific (i.e. the Siamese Cat Club Show), some are for a
variety of breeds (called an all breed shows).
Q. How can I get purebred registered cat to show?
A. First, do a little research on the cat and the breed standards (available from
the GCCF). Then look for breeders and specifically request a "show kitten." Be prepared, however, as show cats can sell for more than pet quality kittens.
Q. What are some of the more famous cat associations and shows?
A. The distinguished Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in England and
the Cat Fancier's Association (CFA) in America are at the top. Another well known
one is the International Cat Association (TICA). Cat shows are either Champion
(where cats compete for certificates to become Champions, Grand Champions, Premiers
and Grand Premiers), other shows are Exemption and Sanction.
Q. What are the shows like?
A. In England they are 1 day long, normally on a Saturday, while in American they
last for two days and are held over a weekend. Cats are separated by breed into
categories such as kittens, neuters, entire cats and household pets.
Q. How do I start?
A. Subscribing to a cat magazine can be helpful since they often have articles
about shows in them. Contact the GCCF (see button to their web site) and talk
to the breeder you purchased your cat from. All breeders of show quality cats
will be more than happy to help you get started showing your kitten.
Showing your cat is a lot of work, but can be a very rewarding experience, especially
if you win!
Understanding a cat show
A cat show is like a beauty pageant for felines. Every breed has unique characteristics
that set it apart from other breeds and established standards set the ideal for
perfection in these characteristics. A cat show seeks out the quality example
of each breed or class.
A cat show is an elimination tournament. No matter how many different breeds or
total cats begin, only one can reign as the best cat in he show.
The ultimate cat show is the 'Supreme'. The equivalent of Crufts for dogs, the
Supreme Cat Show is held every year in Birmingham in November. Cats must win an
'open' class to qualify for entry in the Supreme show.
Some classes for showing are
-champion class - cat must be nine months of age or older. The cats must
be registered and of a breed recognized for championship show.
-grand champion - a cat must have received three championship certificates
and be recognised as a champion to compete in the 'grand' class. Three 'grand'
certificates are required to hold the title of Grand Champion.
-premier class - cat must be nine months of age or older. It must be neutered,
registered, and a breed recognized for championship show.
-grand premier class - a cat must have received three premier certificates
and be recognised as a premier to compete in the 'grand' class. Three 'grand'
certificates are required to hold the title of Grand Premier.
-uk grand champion or uk grand premier - an existing champion or premier must
win its 'grand' class at the annual Supreme Cat Show for two years before it can
hold the title of UK Grand.
-kitten class - cats from four up to nine months who are registered and of
a breed recognized by championship shows, but they cannot earn championships.
-household pet class - are for unregistered cats of unrecognised breeds.