Cat shows are open to registered pedigree cats, and also moggies/domestic cats.
It’s important you let your breeder know if you are interested in showing, so the right kitten can be selected and the registration correct (kittens are registered for breeding, show neuter or pet).
Not every kitten is suitable for showing, they need to meet the written standard for their breed. This means the eye shape & placement, ear size & placement, correct body length, for patterned cats such as Ocicats the placement of the spots and their coat contrast is important.
Group 1 cats are mostly longhaired breeds, Group 2 is for Siamese & Oriental, Group 3 are mostly shorthaired breeds, Group 4 unpedigreed companion cats.
On the day of the show, it’s an early start and cats are checked by a vet on their way in. We bring our own show cages in SA, and they are set up with show curtains & a cushion base to compliment the cats coat or eye colour.
The cages are benched in a U shaped bay, all adult cats together, all desexed cats together and all kittens together. Once your cat is settled in the cage, take a seat to watch the judging.
Cats are judged in alphabetical order, for group 3 this starts with Abyssinians and ends with Sphynx.
A steward will remove the cat and present it to the judge stretched out to view the body & pattern or coat colour.
The judge will then place the cat on a table and thoroughly look over each exhibit, often playing with a teaser to view better angles.
Cats are judged against their own breed first, then against all the other breeds for a coveted Top 5 group placing.
Remember, no matter the awards on the day, we always take home the best cat!